I've been incredibly sick. My tummy hurt so bad I actually told my husband what my last wish was. Yeah, I'm not kidding, I just cannot deal with pain. It's been a week and I haven't been able to do anything crafty. Just taking care of baby was exhausting. I am getting better, though, slowly, and have an appointment with a specialist around the end of this month. I hope I can get back to creating soon!
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Hand vs Machine piecing - thoughts
I have been hand piecing my parallelograms for my pillow with the intention of being more accurate in my 1/4 inch seam. After days and days of struggling, considering I sew an hour a day at the most, I managed to get an acceptable result:
Couple of tips:
- Starch is your best friend. Without starch I have struggled with slippery points that would not submit to my will no matter how much I cussed.
- Do not, I repeat, do NOT double your thread when hand piecing. Double thread makes unsightly puckers if you are not careful, and your scant 1/4 in becomes much less scant. Don't double your work, use a single thread.
Couple of tips:
- Starch is your best friend. Without starch I have struggled with slippery points that would not submit to my will no matter how much I cussed.
- Do not, I repeat, do NOT double your thread when hand piecing. Double thread makes unsightly puckers if you are not careful, and your scant 1/4 in becomes much less scant. Don't double your work, use a single thread.
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Hand piecing is hard work.
Yes, I know the title of this post is an understatement. Hand piecing parallelograms is so very tedious, but there's something so soothing that I really want to do more. I am looking at you, english paper piecing. I think somewhere down the line I will definitely work on a hexie project, but all that is on hold until I finish a few UFOs. You know, unfinished objects. Hehe.
I'm making my version of Elizabeth Hartman's Aviatrix Pillow. Working with Kona Solids in a bright color palette, and hand piecing each piece is a real labor of love. The pattern does not call for it, but I had absolutely no time to sit in the sewing room, so hand sewing while hanging out with the family is a good enough alternative. I just love this pillow.
I'm making my version of Elizabeth Hartman's Aviatrix Pillow. Working with Kona Solids in a bright color palette, and hand piecing each piece is a real labor of love. The pattern does not call for it, but I had absolutely no time to sit in the sewing room, so hand sewing while hanging out with the family is a good enough alternative. I just love this pillow.
Saturday, August 2, 2014
I made FEATHERS!
I can't believe it! I followed Angela's class, as well as a wonderful video on youtube for longarm quilters that I just stumbled upon - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vu1KV-3TnLA It's brilliant. I didn't make my feathers like her, but something she taught clicked with me. Thanks, Kim! My feathers are rough, but for my first try at feathers I rocked. And please forgive the quilting over another bit of quilting, I was so pumped to put my new knowledge to the test that I didn't make a new quilt sandwich and change thread color to show the details better.
