Loopy HSTs

Pregnancy is making me loopy!

It turns everything inside out and backwards.

Yesterday I cut out and sewed together 80-some HSTs (half square triangles) and they are now hanging on my wall as I contemplate their layout.

That isn't backwards in, and of, itself.  What's backwards is that it is all shop-bought, new fabric.

 
*SHOCK & HORROR*


I have gone off the reservation (and my blogging brief) and started creating a quilt with all new fabric.  I was like a machine.  No deliberation about meaning or practical use (although I do have a specific use in mind for this one) just assembly line triangle creation.

This wasn't even the project I planned to start next.  It's a complete anomaly.

I did make a token gesture of going through my stash of old clothes and textiles in a half-hearted attempt to stick to my brief.  I knew it was futile.  These prints were calling to me and there was nothing for it.

I blame my unemployment, really.  If I was on actual maternity leave I would inevitably have a list of projects and books and chores and TV shows I had been waiting to catch-up with in the weeks leading up to 'the arrival.'  As it is, all such 'catch-up' activities have been done for weeks, months, maybe even years, as I have been unemployed for 2+ years now.  I have very little to fill my days as I wait for Pruin to make an entrance.

In these last few weeks, when every twinge or tightening sends me into 'this is it' mode, I need distractions.  I have already re-read every book in the house and re-watched every TV series and movie in our collection.

Why not start a quilt?  I don't have the stuff I need for the backing or the wadding or the binding.  All three of which will probably end up also being store-bought and new.  And at the rate I'm going with this thing I will probably have the top done in a day or two, as long as my machine holds out.  It's been a bit sputtery as of late.

What's the next step?  Do I start ordering the supplies for the rest or do I leave it until the top is finished   If the top is finished and I still have a week to go before Pruin arrives what will fill my days?  How do I redeem this anomaly in terms of my 're-use it' brief?


Loopy still, but loopy and distracted.
 

Everyone's Else's Awesome Projects!

I've been in a quilting funk lately.  Despite my do.Good blocks, I've really been focusing more on garment sewing lately, and I hate to say it--but I love it!  I really haven't felt the pull toward patchwork, perhaps because the beginning of the year (and last year, really) was so chock-full of quarter-inch seams and half-square triangles.

However, it hasn't been completely off my mind!  I signed up for a Sewing Buddy through Deborah's blog at the beginning of the year.  The purpose of the Sewing Buddy is to have someone to challenge you, motivate you, and commiserate with you...who also cares about sewing and doesn't have to listen (such as a spouse or parent).  I was paired with Elizabeth, who has been a great sewing buddy!  We've been exchanging emails for a couple months and have done one swap, but I see more in our future!  She's a really great gal, and, as you'll see, a talented sewist!

For our first swap, we sent each other pouches (inadvertently both using the Noodlehead Open Wide Pouch tutorial) and fun little things inside!

I needed a new pincushion, and this is a great example of patchwork outside of quilting.  It could be a mini-block if you just look at the top, but added rick-rack, a bottom piece and stuffing makes it very practical!

I also looked at this picture and realized my cat had stolen one of the giant "beehive" pins you see here, so I had to look for that before I could blog more!

The pouch itself has some awesome patchwork details, including the use of hexagons!  I've never made hexies but I think they're adorable, and the "beehive" pattern Elizabeth incorporated is so modern!  I recognized a lot of the fabrics she used, but I don't own any, so it was great to see them in a new way: instead of fat quarters, focusing on an inch or so at a time!

April, as I mentioned, was my do.Good Stitches design month, and the blocks are starting to roll in!  These two are from Jenny at DowntoSew--they're the first to arrive!  I asked everyone to use a white background regardless, but black and white for one block and gender-neutral colors for the other block.  Here's what she sent:

I hadn't originally thought of using white coordinates as the background, but I think it's really neat to see!  I still need to make my blocks.  I should get on that!

What do you do to regain your quilting mojo?  I think this breather is much-needed, but I miss having projects to show you!  In the meantime, I'll make another shirt!

As a reminder, Ariel will be on maternity leave soon!  Yay!!  If you're interested in writing a guest post for us, contact us at the links in the sidebar, or on Twitter at @squaringup.  We'd love to have you!

Dino Might

After finishing Pruin's quilt I was at a loss on what to do next.  I mentioned a while ago that I had become obsessed with Log Cabin quilts and patterns and that obsession might shape my next project.  However, I'm not sure whether to start that up since my midwife insisted I get my birthing pool THIS WEEK because WoW! that baby is snug down there in the pelvis. However, it is all guess work and I could be in this inflated state for another six days or another six weeks.  Baby comes when it comes.

While I contemplate the possible immediacy of Pruin, I went with a smaller one-day project.  I had been eyeballing these round-bottomed fabric bins from Film in the Fridge as the perfect solution to catch random Pruin stuff around the house. The little one isn't even here yet and there is already stuff everywhere.  On my trip to Liberty I bought some generic patterned fabric to use whenever and I still have that bag of remnants from my local upholstery shop.  While rummaging for options in the remnant bag I found a strip of dino fabric that just so happens to be the textile equivalent of the wallpaper in Pruin's room.  It seemed 'meant to be.'

Being that it was a remnant, the dino fabric isn't exactly the right size laid out in the tutorial, nor is it cut in a way that highlights the pattern.  Improvisation was the order of the day.

 

First improvisation was a rectangle shape.  Not the sturdiest of design choices as I later found out. 

As I worked through the process, I realized my inner and outer boxes were not the same size and attaching them in the manner presented in the tutorial was no longer an option.  

It was at this point I told Emily I was going rogue.  Strong words for a simple fabric bin construction, but I was throwing caution to the wind and forging a new path.  

'Going Rogue' turned into a relatively mild solution of some top-stitched binding around the top seam to match the bottom fabric.  

Once finished, it sat relatively nicely.  The construction seemed to hold up.  We had some dinner, spent two and a half hours assembling Pruin's pram and just before bed, I moved the box into Pruin's room.  

It seems to wilt a bit more each day.  The bottom isn't quite wide enough for the height of the sides.  It seems to have found it's equilibrium now and I'm sure once 'stuff' goes in, you'll hardly notice the slouchiness.  

It's not quilting, I know, but I did use my newly found binding prowess so I feel completely justified sharing this project with you here in this quilting space.  

Speaking of sharing in the quilting space...

We're still looking for some guest writers to cover a bit of maternity leave when Pruin does decide to arrive.  

Are you working on something and want to share?

Are you contemplating working on something and need to work through the 'should I, shouldn't I?'

Do you have a quilt story in you somewhere? 

A memory of skill or fabric being passed down?

A general fascination with pieced fabric?

Whatever it is, we want it.  We need it.  We would love to have you over.

Think it over and get in touch.  

Scrappy Runner

It is done.

I admit I didn't touch this after the New Year's Day measuring lesson.  In the passing time my sewing/office stuff shifted out of the small spare room to make room for Pruin.  The writing and sewing materials and tools are now distributed around the house in a somewhat slap dash manner.  It is a relief actually.  When we agreed the purchase of this house I had a lot of fantasies about that little room and all the work I would get done.  By the time we actually got in the house I was pregnant and that room was bookmarked for Pruin.  The interim office never really felt comfortable or right.  Plus the view is not very inspiring.  The view from the dining room table is much better.  In the past two weeks I've witnessed the courting and battling and pairing-off of foxes.  Much better than a school building roof.

That's not the story of today.  Today, I show you the runner made completely from scraps or found material.  Everything, from thread to wadding to binding is re-used.  I ran out of thread three times so the quilting resembles the carpet in my house (a different shade/texture of off-white in every room) but I don't think it is too noticeable.

the last 2 inches and no thread to spare

 There were also some mysterious machine issues which ate up valuable thread.  I left it.  It's character, right?

 
The quilting itself was quite a lesson.  This was my first attempt at machine quilting and it was a bit cramped and awkward.  My sewing machine doesn't allow for a huge range of motion on the sewing deck (is that the right term? I don't know.) so there was a lot of tugging and rolling and folding and manipulating of fabric to get everything in the right position.  The needle threatened to snap numerous times as I shifted the fabric sandwich here and there, but it worked.  Sort of.

I have a sneaking suspicion that there are different kinds of feet and needles I could use to make this all a bit easier or at least run a bit smoother.  I might have to investigate.

However, I think it a decent achievement to create two quilted items with nothing more than the kit that came with the sewing machine.  No need for fancy schmancy (expensive) tools.  Just get stuck in.

Another reason for the delay of finishing this project, beyond my increasing girth getting in the way, was the question of binding.  It's the enduring question always, I find.  How to finish?

While digging through my scrap/discarded clothing/scarves, etc. stash for Pruin's quilt, I found a bit of fabric procured in a clothes swap.  The previous owner used it as a scarf.  I grabbed it that night because of its pattern with no idea if it would actually ever see the light of day.  Today was that day.

I do not recommend binding in this way. In fact, I have no advice on binding. 

The smaller print of the scarf was just wide enough to supply two lengths for binding.  To highlight the stamp or not?  I went back and forth with this for a bit.  Did I want to highlight the remnant aspect of this project or attempt to make it look more purposeful.  I went for purposeful.

And there we have it.  Done.

Made to measure

How did you spend your New Year's Day?

We spent it measuring.

Measuring our bathroom for an upcoming remodel.
Measuring our box room for an upcoming nursery.
Measuring our kitchen for a new shelf.
And finally, eyeballing some fabric for an almost finished project.

I just don't learn, do I? Measuring was in the air, the rattle of a retracting tape was the soundtrack of the day, yet I still 'winged it' when it came to my sewing project that afternoon.  Old habits and all that...

After a little fiddling, I decided to turn those remnants into a quilted table runner.  Or maybe a cushion for a shelf or a wall hanging.  Whatever it will end up, it is currently a long run of triangles.  In the quilting world this is called Flying Geese I believe.  Funny, when I was first laying it out I thought it looked like fish scales, but that could be my psuedo-maritime heritage coming through.

So New Year's afternoon found my husband putting up a shelf in the kitchen and myself sewing at the dining room table.  Each mumbling and grumbling to ourselves and at our tools.  He broke a wall anchor, I broke a needle.  He was temporarily stumped by the wall, I was baffled by my inability to sew a straight line.  

The beauty of a Victorian terrace house is in its charming (read: period) features, however this also means no wall is perfectly straight or square after 200 years of 'renovation.'  The *gorgeous* 70s vinyl on the wall in our kitchen hides a multitude of bumpy sins while doing a little sinning of its own.  The beauty of remnants is also in its charm and history and wonkiness.  Who else chose this fabric? What is it currently adorning across this borough? Why is it seemingly impossible for me to manage a straight or square cut with these pieces?

So while my husband cursed the hidden menace of wonky walls, I tried to make him feel better by explaining that I had done a bit of miscalculation of my own.  Somehow I had managed to make six out of the seven sections uneven.

It didn't really work. As he said, you can't un-stitch a wall.


But we both persevered and the shelf is up and holding and my fish scales came along nicely, if I do say so myself.

Here's to a year of measuring up and making it work.

Scrappy Squares

What to sew, what to sew?

To be honest, when we started this venture I didn't think beyond the t-shirt quilt.  I had been wanting to attempt it for so long and was so sure it would take me ages that I didn't think there was a need to think beyond the jersey adventure.

But then I was done.  What to do next?

I am planning a baby/cot quilt made out of Pete's old work shirts for our little one, but I'm not ready to attempt that just yet.  I want that one to follow a more traditional quilting pattern but, as the fabric might be a bit more dear or delicate, I'm not up for using it for experimentation.

Enter a remnant sale at my local fabric/upholstery shop.  Actually, it's more upholstery.  I came home with all kinds of remnants perfect for cushions or window treatments.

I specifically pulled a collection of very small remnants (actually the remains of a sample book) to experiment with some triangles.

Not the most alluring of colours or design.  After relieving each piece of its paper backing I started pairing them up purely on size.  Which squares were of similar size?  Then without much forethought, I ran the seams down the middle of the squares resulting in two squares made up of two triangles.

Well now what?

Because I didn't put a lot of pre-thought into the project I'm stuck trying to create some patterns out of a bit of colour chaos.  I'm thinking of making these into slipcovers for the pillows on our couch.  Pete won't be thrilled as he likes things simple but those cushions need a bit of liven up and I need to practice.  Of course this means I shall have to learn to sew either zippers or button holes.

Perhaps I could try to pass them off as seasonal decor.  If I arrange them just right perhaps I can create a 'Christmassy' look or 'spring renewal' pattern.

Let's not hold our breath.

My First Hand-Quilting Experience

Two weeks ago Ariel and I both mentioned hand-quilting, without any prior conversation.  This is why we have this blog: sometimes we share a brain over two continents.  Freaky.

While I was home due to Hurricane Sandy last week, I started my hand-quilting adventure.  Please note that I did this without following a tutorial or taking a class, so I'm sure what I'm doing is wrong.  Please also don't hold that against me.  I promise I try to follow the rules and am a nice person overall.

I sandwiched and basted the mini quilt as I would have done for machine quilting.  I also grabbed a large hoop (I think it was 12", but it may have been 16") and tried to get that set up.  Well, that took forever, and once it was secure in the hoop, I found that really got in my way more than anything.  Off that went.  Above, you can see the quilt squared up after stitching.

I used DMC embroidery floss, all six strands, for my quilting.  I didn't draw lines or use a ruler; I just kind of went with it while I sat on the couch.  The floss was a pain to get through the needle, so I need to buy beeswax before I ever attempt this again.

All four leaves, all four colors of floss

I backed the quilt with some Lotta Jansdotter I previously used for a blouse.  I love the outline of the leaves on the back.

Unfortunately, I had a smidge of backing that wasn't big enough after I squared up, and even after basting, you could see my batting.  I decided to stick one of my tags over it and call it a day.

I bound with some other Lotta Jansdotter I've used for a blouse.  I have realized I'm terrible at binding.  I don't know why, but I don't get it.  My corners aren't mitered, my ends are a mess, and the stitches aren't straight.  I'm someone who learns by doing, so I'm hoping once I get settled in Charlotte I can take a class somewhere.

Oh, that's right!  We're moving to Charlotte by the end of the month.  Nick and I are starting new jobs in the Queen City.  They do have a few fabric stores in the area, as well as a large Modern Quilt Guild (whom I've already contacted, woohoo!), so I'm excited to get involved in the movement down there.  Maybe someone can teach me binding then!

Have you hand-quilted?  I will say, I didn't hate the process.  I thought I would, because I hate hand-sewing, but I found it a bit meditative and fun.  It got a little clunky holding the quilt in some angles, but I think that's why more serious quilters have a standing hoop.  I won't rule it out in the future, that's for sure.

Small Patchwork Projects

After finishing my quilt top last week, I immediately wanted to get started on another quilt, but I'm lacking some of the materials to get going.  Don't get me wrong, I have plenty of fabric (too much), but I never buy solids for background and I don't have a lot that "goes" together.  I like to make things from the same lines, too, and the easiest way to do that is buy bundles or precuts.  None of which I have!

I didn't want to get behind on patchwork though, so I made a couple small projects.  The first was this drawstring bag from Pretty in Patchwork Holidays.  The tutorial was made available on Sew Mama Sew! last holiday season, but I found the book at Barnes and Noble last week and it won me over!  There are a ton of really cute projects in here, and most are small enough to finish in a weekend.

Again, I never buy solids, so the red and white Swiss Cross bag, as much as I loved it, was not an option!  But last month I won six yards of Denyse Schmidt's Chicopee line from Pink Chalk Fabrics, so I thought I'd use some of that to make a log cabin/cross patchwork design.  I love that design and think it's one of the best mixes of traditional and modern when done in contemporary fabrics.

The bag was so simple and I used three of the prints from the line, though I had a ton of fabric left over (I received six one-yard cuts).  I stuffed my finished quilt top inside to keep it safe from flying cat hair...not that Eleanor ever joins me at the sewing machine.

Right.

I also had a chance to work on our Christmas stockings.  For these, I used Creative Thursday's Santa Claus is Coming to Town and Thimble Blossom's "Merry" pattern.  I bought fat quarters and had pretty sizable scraps!

While using the same line, I didn't want matching stockings, so Nicholas chose the four fabrics he wanted and I chose my four.  Mine are blue; his are the green and red.

Nicholas chose the chevron design for his stocking and I chose the pinwheel, but both gave me the chance to try my hand at half-square triangles.  At first glance, this technique was way over my head, but I did some Googling and looked for tutorials and it made sense.  The hardest thing for me was ensuring all squares were exactly the same size.  Which, of course, they were not.  I should've made a template!

I was able to cut, piece and sew Nick's stocking front yesterday.  I guess I should have paid more attention to the direction of the design?!  Oh well, Nick likes it and I kind of like how crazy it is too.  While the pattern says to use a print and a neutral, I liked the look of two prints.  The chevron isn't lost in the faux-ric-rac or the trees.  There are definitely some mess-ups and my points aren't perfect!  But once it's quilted I'm sure it'll be fine.

I'm trying to only focus on quilting and patchwork during the week, as I mentioned in an earlier post, so over the weekend I like to shift back to clothing.  I'll admit, though, the shift is a little difficult!  Since learning these basic patchwork skills, I've noticed I'm not as drawn to buying yardage of quilting cottons or using them for garments, though I've always used them.  Maybe I'm starting to realize there are different ways to use different fabrics?  I wouldn't call it off completely, but my thought process is different than it was even a month ago.  

Did you work on anything over the weekend?  Next week I hope to have two stockings for you!