Class 140: Patriotic Log Cabin Project

So this is where I admit that learning to read the Table of Contents helps one to be an efficient student.
Lessons 1, 2 and 3 are all more info about sewing tables, cutting and ironing areas, lighting, and useful gadgets.  I read these lessons after the first class "110" because I did not want to fix an area that I already planned out. So, at this point, I got to move right into lesson 4, which is a Project Quilt!

The first quilt project: Harriet's Triple Rail Fence Quilt.

The second quilt project: Carrie's Patriotic Log Cabin Quilt.

 

Because the first project was a choice between the 2, I made the assumption that I could choose between these two projects. I chose the Patriotic Log Cabin. I've always wanted to do a log cabin. This one was made with 3 shades of blue, and only 1 white color for the other side making it a bit more simple. I had all the fabric except the white, so off to Joann's I went.

Fabrics chosen and cut

Block completed

 

Aligned on the project board ready to sew together

I had problems with my measurements. I forgot to move my needle over 1, so my inner square was small and  I was having to cut my edges to accommodate the shortfall.  I really like the project board, it is so much easier to get everything lined up correctly. I used to use the floor, but it is harder to notice if blocks are incorrectly turned.

And here is the finished top.  There are no instructions for borders for this quilt, so this one is done. Again, I'll put this away and wait till the lesson on putting it all together.

Class 130 Quilt Project

Lesson 7: First Quilt Project
It says I get to choose between Harriet's Woodland Winter Quilt, or Carrie's Cowboy Corral.  They both use strips, but are each very different in the way they are done. Since this is not really my "first" project, I'm going with the Cowboy Corral. It requires Fussy Cutting, something I've never done before. 

I searched the quilt store, and the fabric is $10+/yard.  I want to make as many projects as possible, without spending a fortune, so I'm hunting JoAnn's. With coupons, I was able to buy all the fabric for the top for about $15.  Since I'm documenting all this well after I finished, I only have the picture of the finished piecing.

Instead of a cowboy theme, it's a bird theme.  It's really the only fabric I found with the right sized motif I could use. After about 20 of these fussy cuts, I was feeling like there MUST be an easier way.  I think the cutting out the birds from the fabric took longer than the entire piecing of the quilt.

As with all the projects, we only get instructions for the piecing of the squares.  The borders and quilting I see is a lesson all of it's own at the end of the book. I'm choosing to do all the classes/lessons in order, so I will be putting this unfinished top away for now, and move on.

BTW, in the photo, you see the 2 squares I started from the Thimbleberries kit I referred to in my first post. I LOVE the fabrics, but my accuracy needed some fine tuning, hence, this "class".  I'll come back to it after we work on vol. 3 with triangles.

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!