Class 130:Accurate Sewing

The nitty gritty that isn't necessarily the fun part, but it's what makes the quilt fit together right.  And, this is where I went wrong in my previous quilting, so despite my urge to skim this lesson, I'm going to pay attention.

Lesson 1: Threads and Needles:
I'm working with the standard 75/11 needle, and ordered some 100% 50/3 cotton thread online that came with pre-wound bobbins. Should make things a little easier.

Lesson 2: Measuring seam guide accuracy (aka seam allowance)
Yes, I used graph paper and checked my 1/4" presser foot, and sewed along that paper and found that I needed to move my needle over 1. Now, they say this is not recommended, however, it does not create an off-center needle, nor is it affected by my throat plate. So, I'm going to have to remember every time I turn on my machine that the needle needs to move over 1 press of my button. Otherwise, I do not have 1/4" between edge and needle.

Lesson 3: I tested my settings out on a real piece of fabric, and wa-la!  Amazing how perfect the measurements make perfect pieces.

Lesson 4: Pressing:
Blah. I hate to iron. I can see that that attitude has also affected my finished blocks because when I actually work with the starch and press like the instructions, WOW! What a nice flat square I get! Ok, this is another area that was not emphasized and will make a huge difference as I go along.

Lesson 5-6: Lets sew a Sampler square!

This is using fabric from my stash.  Thankfully, I have some fabric that should be able to accomodate all the sampler squares throughout this volume.   I can see that these lessons have made a huge difference in the finished product, but I still need to slow down and pay attention. Quilt in a Day, anyone?  HAHAHAHA. Not this way.

Next up is my First Quilt Project

Class 120: All About Fabric

Next class on the list is fabric basics.  This is where the info is so much easier for me to process in a book than it is in a class.  I don't remember ANY of this being taught in the class.  There is just not enough time to get all the details with so many people and so much to learn in such a short time. Or, maybe I was just ready to get to the fun stuff.  Anyway, I like having the colored pictures and clear descriptions for me to refer back to.

• I'm going to attempt to tear my fabric from now on to find the straight grain line. 
• I do not prewash my fabric. 
• I bought a small spray bottle for water and a can of starch (I find starch comes in handy for  chapel shirt too!)
• I will need to get a 2.5x12.5 ruler.

Class 110: Setting up the Sewing Area

When we chose this new house, I planned on this room being a combination guest room and quilting room, so we had a wood floor installed. It works perfect for keeping it allergy free for my visitors and makes finding pins and sharp objects easier.

For 4 years, it has been an empty room.  I use a blow up mattress for the guests, but I had no sewing tools established. My sewing machine was encased and stored in the closet!

My first lesson required a sewing area to be set up.  This is very exciting, since I've never had a real room for this. Previous quilting was done on the dining room table.  I bought a table at Costco that folds down and hoped I could put the machine on there, and then also use it for cutting, but when I finished reading my lesson, I realized that would not be very comfortable and efficient. So, the internet hunt began, and I found a great little table at Amazon for $100. It's nothing fancy, but it is at the right height and fits my machine. Its an Arrow, Gidget I.

According to the table requirements, I was to have the cutting table at a height where I did not have to raise my hand above my elbow and shouldn't have to stoop or stretch forward. After measuring, I found that if Dave added those handy pieces of wood underneath, it would be just about right. Of course, he had to stain them so they no longer looked like a chunk of wood from the woodpile. Actually, I got the wood from the construction guy down the street. These were left overs. Of course  I should also be able to access the table from all 4 sides, but that isn't happening.

The ironing board is custom made. I did my internet homework and had a good idea of what I wanted and then put the task to Dave. Dave made it for me.  We went to Lowe's and got this nice piece of plywood and then Dave cut it to the measurement I wanted and added 3 boards underneath that fit the edges of my regular ironing board. This prevents it from sliding around. I purchased a Bo-Nash Ironslide cover that I could cut and mold to the new top.

I already owned all the other quilting items needed: Presser Feet, Rotary Cutter and mats, and 1 ruler.

Even though I have this room set up just about perfect for getting things done nicely, it also all folds down and is removable to make space for bed and people :)  I like it!  What do you think?

The New Start with an Old Blog

My Quilting History 

I took a quilting class WAY back.  Maybe 1995?  I quickly proceeded to take on some ambitious projects.  I never seem to learn how to start small and work my way up.

I made Zach a train quilt to fit his twin bed. Then made Josh a twin airplane quilt that I designed myself. Zach's quilt is long gone now, worn to threads. Josh still has his, under his comforter for extra warmth. 

I next moved on to start a queen size patriotic quilt for our bed and got all the squares done, but not put together. Life got too busy and it got put away, stored, and moved in 2007. 

I also started a fall colored Thimbleberries quilt kit and got as far as 2 squares and had to quit as my skills were not quite far enough to make this quilt look the way it should. It also got moved with us.

In 2012 I found my started "projects" and decided I was going to get them finished.  So, after having to refer to my class notes often, I got the top finished for the patriotic, but it was clear that I was going to need some refreshing on my piecing and quilting skills. I sent out the top to be quilted by a professional just so it would be a finished project.  (excuse the smudge on the camera lens!)

Since classes are sometimes difficult to get to, make time for, and pay for, I decided to go the route of a true homeschool mom.  I bought a book and decided it was a perfect way to work my way through at my own speed. I chose this one because it is detailed and project oriented. Just my style.

I hope to document my way through the series as well as our outdoor journeys exploring our home state of Idaho.

The End

Well, I've made up my mind. I'm done with Blogging.

We've been here in Boise for over a year. We're settled. We love it here but the good ole days with boys at home and field trips when ever we wanted and free time to go places is over. Times have changed. So, this is a farewell to blogging about our move and adventures. How about a phone call? Or, join facebook and send me a wall message!

Now on Facebook

For those who are more Facebook fans, I've joined the club. You can access my blog from there, or simply get there more direct by just coming to Blogger, here. Anyway, I've been friended, and now I'm there. Don't expect much activity :) I have enough trouble keeping up a weekly post here.

Yes, We Made it Back!

It was a whirl wind trip, with a long drive on both sides. But, the reward was getting to see and spend time with some family and get our teeth cleaned! Aaahh.. slimy smooth teeth again. We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. I didn't bother sending out cards this year so don't think I must have missed you. I missed everyone and feel really guilty too, but aint doin nothin bout it, ok?

Apparantly we missed all the big snow here while we were gone. Everyone told us how jealous they were that we weren't shoveling our driveway everyday. We came back to just the remains of snow piles that hadn't yet melted. I wish it would have been warmer down south to make us feel like we were priveleged.

We brought back a neice with us. She wanted to learn to snowboard over the second half of vacation then fly back home.
Snowboarding has been good this season, since there is plenty of great snow pack. I got some padding for all of us so that this year there would be no broken tailbones. Wow, what an invention. They work great. Way better than stuffing pillows in the pants. :) I'm actually getting to the point where I can stand up and turn too! I think I'll wear these nifty pants motorcycling too, since I seem to manage bruises falling off my bike.

I'd like to report that we're back to our usual schedule by now. Although the boys are back in school I have yet to figure out a schedule. Dave is home all day most days and things don't get done the same with both of us here at the same time! It's not like he has a room/office he sits in all day doing his own thing. However, I'm happy to report that TODAY he is working! It's the first day since one day last month when he hung some Christmas lights for a neighbor. It's actually been nice to have him around but there is such guilt in spending time enjoying one another's company when at least one of us should be working. Maybe?