Slow and steady ~ Sugar and Spice Quilt

Good Morning quilty Buds!  Spring has sprung in Podunk.  Everything is greening up and the flowers are starting to bloom.  It won't be long before we start harvesting our first crops of the year from our backyard gardens.  So the rush is on in the Studio to get as much done as I possibly can before that happens.  The past week I've worked on two different projects.  My daytime project is the Sugar and Spice quilt pattern.  You can read more about here on an early post.

The 240 yo-yo's are a great way to pass the time while I care for my mom everyday.  My goal was to make at least 20 yo-yo's a day.  Well time doesn't always allow me to meet my goal. 

To speed things up as much as possible I'm using a self threading needle.  It's much easier on my old eyes.  To thread it you just hold the thread taunt and pop it down into the eye.  If you look closely at this needle you'll see that it has to eyes.  The goal is to get the thread into the bottom eye.   This works great for most threads.  I also use this needle for burying my thread tales when quilting on the longarm.  A technique most longarmers don't use anymore.  They more often than not will tack stitch at the starts and stops.  I've tried it and don't like it, burying looks better and makes me feel more comfortable about how long that thread will stay in hidden.

  

In the evenings I've been working on another red white and blue quilt to use up those 48 nine patches.  You can read more about it here.  

Everything in the Studio is coming along at a much slower pace than  I like and to be honest it frustrates me at times.  But during this time of year I just can't help taking walks around the property to enjoy the glorious things that mother nature is doing.  There's so much beauty and inspiration.  So I encourage to take a few minutes everyday to get outside and enjoy the beauty(even if your on the other side of the world where it's cold and snowy).  

Thanks for stopping by my little spot in Podunk. 

Warm hugs and many blessings

~Lea Anne~

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Patriotic Picnic

Just popping in to share my quilt top "Patriotic Picnic".    

I designed this quilt so I could use up the 90 or so nine patch UFO blocks .  It's a large quilt, finishing at 90 inch square.

The low volume background was a real challenge since my go-to background is usually plain ole Kona White.  It takes a lot more planning and paying attention to detail when working with the many different background prints, but well worth the effort, don't you think?

Well I didn't use up all those nine patches.  48 more on the wall.  Another design challenge.  Make a quilt that uses exactly 48 nine patches.  It took a lot of trial and error but I came up with a plan using exactly 48.

How about a little peak at my design wall. Plenty of white space for applique or quilting, I'm leaning towards applique.

A close up of the border fabrics that were also leftover from the Patriotic Picnic quilt.  The navy blue is from my vintage stash and the red is brand spanking new.

Hope to see you in a few with another finished quilt top.

~ Lea Anne ~

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Keeping busy day and night

Happy Hump Day quilty friends!  Boy time just flies by these days.  I'm staying busy with a couple of projects.  During the day while taking care of mamma I've a handwork project that you can see in my previous post here.  In the evening it's UFO time.  I've been tackling the one below in the last week.

It's a pattern of my own design with huge 22.5" blocks.  This one was pushed aside when I realized I didn't have enough red fabric to make the borders.  The borders were a bit tricky to make, it was a learning experience that went really well, YEAH!  No miscuts, of course I bought extra fabric just in case.  My first row went together last night without a hitch...WHOOHOO!

Since the quilt is scrappy I had to find away to pull it all together.  The key to a successful scrappy quilts is to have at least one fabric that is repeated and consistent.   My first plan was to make this quilt without the fancy borders and NOT set on point.   But you gals no me by now, my plans always change.  Anyway I had lots of red gingham scraps that I wanted to use up and they worked well for my repeat fabric.  But then a brain storm hit and I decided to add a fancy border, which also has repeat fabric for consistency.  

 The gingham adds the sweetest little charm to this quilt.  The applique block is my twist on two different blocks.  The Rose of Sharon and The Pomegranate.  All machine appliqued of course.

Want a closer look at that invisible machine applique?  You can find a tutorial here on how I make it look like tuned edge handwork.

~ Lea Anne ~

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Behind the seams

Pardon me for being a little arrogant today, but isn't this a beautiful design wall?

Now let's get real, do you ever wonder what a quilter is hiding inside that quilt?  Did it come together as smoothly and easily as they make it look?

Probably not.

Well I'm here to tell you, mine  don't always never come together without troubles.  But I do my best to fix the issue and move on.

Like this handsome little devil below.  You'd think after about 20 yrs of making quilts this is one mistake I wouldn't make.  Oh but it happens.... regularly.  Then I cuss myself for shortening my stitches in order to keep the unraveling to a minimum. 

The blurry picture shows you I'm not perfect at photography either.

This baby has been through the photo editing and still looks like crap.

So I finally finished all the blocks and was starting my pressing marathon when this happened.  A twisted seam or two...or more.  First let me say, I'm doing a little experiment with pressing the seams open instead of to the side.  Just testing out the water on the last few quilts to see if it's all they claim it to be.  I'm not completely sold on this idea yet...we'll see if I'm a changed woman after the quilting process.

A quilter that is more dedicated to perfection would rip out this seam and restitch.  Eh...I'm not that dedicated.  Who's gonna know but me and you?

I'll just give her a little snip and tuck.

Press it open...

And TA-DA!  Perfect! No one is none the wiser!  You would have never known had I not told you.  Now I bet your wondering where I learned this handy little tip.  JO MORTON!  Yeppers she clips seams.  Seen it with my own eyes on the PBS Fon's and Porter's Love of Quilting.  Jo stated that if she has a seam that's too bulky she'll clip it to make it lay flatter.  So if JO can do it we can too!

A good quilter isn't defined by perfection but by how well they can hide the mistakes.

Linking up this post @ quiltingismorefunthanhousework for OH SCRAP!

~  Lea Anne ~

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Little by Little

My goodness it seems like forever since I last posted.  Life in Podunk is just a whirlwind of things to be done.  It occurred to me yesterday I'm in serious need of a slow down, regrouping, a day ahead plan.  In my efforts to accomplish so much I'm actually accomplishing less.  I'll add "list making" to the list of 

to-do's!  It's a big vicious circle isn't it!    

So here's the design wall.  The applique is finished, all that needs to be done is to finishing piecing the blocks.  The blocks on the wall are pieced....

...but I've a stack that's been waiting for what seems like forever. 

The plan for the quilt was a complicated border, but at this point I'm thinking of simplifying it just so I can call it done.  Last night I managed to sew a partial block before running out of bobbin thread.   

This little bobbin holding tree was full of bobbins with different colors and thread weights.  I've been using the partial bobbins for piecing quilts.  Well I've finally used up all the oddballs and need to wind more bobbins.  Yeah!  or so I thought.  THE BOBBIN WINDER  IS BROKEN!  GRRRRR!  This machine was serviced two months ago.  Oh it spins, then stops after about 3 or 4 rotations.  Filling these two white bobbins took about 15 minutes.   Most of that time was me trying to figure out how to make it work, and I did.  

Where there's a will, there's a way.  A little spring  needed a little help.  I'm sure my machine service man would cringe if he sees me doing this, but a gal's gotta do whatever gets the job done.  I know the lady at the shop reads my blog occasionally, lets hope she keeps this one to herself.  Now do I take it back in to the shop, or keep doing this,  or do I go buy another stand alone bobbin winder?  I had a stand alone winder, never used it because my machine winder worked so well.  So I gave it to a friend. 

Well it looks like this will need to be my standard operating procedure.   There's far more important things to worry about and get done.  A trip into town for servicing or a bobbin winder isn't on the top of my to-do list

 (that still needs to be made).

Linking up today's post with the following bloggers.  Hop on over, find some inspiration, and link up.  At most linky party's you don't need a blog to add a link to your pictures from Instagram and other picture posting social medias. 

Cooking up quilts

and

PatchworkTimes

and
Love Laugh Quilt

and
FreshlyPieced
and
FreeMotionByTheRiver
and
SewFreshQuilts

~ Lea Anne ~

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Invisible machine applique(not raw edge)

As most of you may remember I've an aunt that is new to quilting.  Unfortunately she doesn't live close, so we can only talk about quilting via the phone or email.  So far she's only pieced quilts but has expressed an interest in machine applique.  Today's post is a short tutorial with some helpful links about machine applique.  

The first thing is making the pieces.  I learned to make applique from Erin Russek's blog One Piece at a Time.  Here's a link to her applique lessons, and in my humble opinion they're the best applique tutorials on the internet.  

Erin is known for her amazing free BOM's, this years freebie is so cute!  You can find it here.  Of course I didn't come up with this method of machine applique all on my own.  Here's a link to where I learned some helpful tips on making the best invisible machine applique.

Okay after you get all your pieces made you need to stitch them down as quickly as possible before you loose your quilty mojo.  Here's what you'll need.

Let's go over these items. 

1.  Superior Mono Poly thread.  Great stuff!  It won't melt or discolor and it's invisible.  It comes in two different shades, smoke and clear.  I prefer clear because it blends best with my color palette.  You could use a matching thread if you wish but for me this works best because I don't need to change my thread several times for one project.  And should I make a mistake in stitching it's less likely to show because it's invisible.

2.  A thread net.  This may not be needed with your machine but for mine it a must because my thread holder lays on it side(picture below)  Without it the thread  tangles coming off the spool.  You can purchase them at Joann's or online shops.  But mine were free from the local florist. Yep FREE!  A lot of  flowers are shipped with thread nets around them.  Just ask your local florist if she'll save a few for you the next time you order fresh flowers.

3.  70/10 needle.  This is my go to needle and works best for me in almost all of my quilting.  I even piece with it.  When doing invisible applique it makes a tiny hole, that's all you need for this very fine hairlike thread.

4.  A pair of reading glasses, so you can see the tiny stitches as you make them.  Now not everyone is going to need these.  But my ole eyes need a little extra help.  My reading glasses aren't strong enough so I borrow Mr. Podunks when doing small machine stitches.

Below is my machine.  You can see the thread spool and net.  Before appliqueing your block make a test piece for testing your stitch tension and width.  Every machine is different, what you're looking for is the smallest stitch possible without making big puckers.   I'm using a tiny blanket stitch I programmed into my machine.   For some reason Brother thinks quilters don't need a stitch this tiny.  Thank goodness I had the option to design my own. Several different stitch styles will work for this type of applique. A blind hem stitch or a zigzag are good options.  

This project was started before my dad had surgery.  So I started hand appliqueing while in waiting rooms.  Well the waiting is over and I want it done.  Part of this is hand and part machine, see the difference?  It's minimal.

I'm going to bare it all today and show you my backside!  Amazing just how invisible it really is!

Okay let's take a look at the stitch in action.  First pull your bottom thread to the top. If you don't know how to do this here's a tutorial. Remember to do a tack stitch after you pull the bobbin thread to the top.  If your machine doesn't have a tack stitch do two or three back stitches to properly anchor your thread.   Don't cut your thread tails just yet, we'll need them later.    You'll want to start with your needle as close to the applique piece as possible.

Just how wide is the stitch?  About one or two threads into the applique, 3 or 4 at the most.  You can do this, I promise, just take it slow until you get the feel for the tiny stitch.  If your machine has a speed control this is a good time to try it out.  If you look a the picture of my machine above you'll see a slider button right next to the scissors button.  It's set to a fairly slow stitch.

Here's why I leave my thread tails, so I can see where I started!  They'll be clipped after I finish the circle and tack my ending stitch. 

 The completed circle.  Can you see the stitches?  Sure, but you're super close.  If any one is this close to your quilt they better be carrying a basket of ribbons and a big ole grand prize check.

Let's back up a little.

And a little more.... there's really no more distortion to the fabric than there is with hand applique.

It's so much quicker and the results are pretty darn close to handwork.  

Linking up with these fabulous bloggers, you can too!  Or hop on over and be inspired!

FreeMotionbytheriver
and
IHavetoSay
and
QuiltStory
and
ShowandTellMonday
and
Let'sBeeSocial


~ Lea Anne ~

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Excuse the mess

Good Monday Morning!  I'm so glad that you've stopped by, but let me warn you....it's a MESS in Podunk today.   So step over the sorted dirty laundry, don't look at the dishes in the kitchen sink,  and if you don't mind drinking from a styrofoam cup grab yourself a cuppa whatever you can find.  If your hungry there's some left over chicken in the fridge and a half eaten slice of watermelon with a fork still sticking out of it on the counter, help yourself while I go brush my teeth and try to get a brush through my grass entangled bedhead.  And if you want to sit down just toss that quilt and pillow off the couch, I'll fold it....eventually.

 Now that I'm halfway presentable I'll share with you what little progress has been made on my quilt.   To be honest I've not stepped foot in here since Thursday afternoon.  It feels good to be home and in my happy place even though I don't have time for quilting right now.... maybe tomorrow....we'll see.

 I know some of you are wondering where I'm going with these blocks.  Here's the EQ drawing.  Hopefully I'll get time to finish up the appliqued blocks tomorrow before I leave again.   I hadn't planned on hand appliqueing them but I think there will be plenty of time while I'm gone from Podunk.

Where am I going?  (sigh)  Well let me say this first.  I try to keep things upbeat and pleasant around Podunk Pretties.  Occasionally sharing the unpleasant  behind the scenes is necessary.   So....Dad is having triple(maybe five) bypass heart surgery on Wednesday.  Mom and I have been running back and forth from the hospital since last Thursday.  I'll be living with her and dad for as long as they need me.  It could be a week or months, it all depends on how well he bounces back.   He's home right now and doing fine, but isn't allowed to do anything but sit, eat and breathe.   That's why I've grass in my hair.  Me and my boys, their girlfriends and some aunt and uncles did mom and dads  yard work yesterday.  They've not been able to keep it up as well this year and refused to let anyone help.  Well he has no choice now!  Over 6 acres to mow, it took 4 riding lawn mowers, 2 chain saws and about 8 hrs total to get everything done. I was totally exhausted last night, physically and emotionally.  

 Since mom doesn't drive well or handle stress very well I'll be her chauffeur and emotional support until dad is released to drive again.   I don't have to tell you what the last few days have been like or what the next few months might bring.  I might become a little MIA from blogland.  But honestly I'm the type of person that likes to keep my mind and hands busy, it's my therapy.   I may not post as often or be able to respond to all emails but I'm sure gonna give it my best shot.  Also I had originally planned on  sharing the pattern for this quilt with you before the Fourth of July.  As you can see from the picture above the borders and insets triangles are a little complex.  I've not had time to make test pieces.  As soon as I can get those made I'll post them, but it could a few weeks.  

Well that's it, thanks for listening and caring enough to read through all my ramblings.  

~ Lea Anne ~

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Making progress

I've been working on a new quilt design for a couple of weeks.  There will be two alternating blocks set on point.   And of course some applique!  

The blocks are traditional with my own little twist.  Traditionally the Rose of Sharon quilt block has rose buds in the corners.  Mine will have the blue and red gingham Pomegranates instead.  They are easier to make and just looked better to me.

Of course this quilt will be scrappy, keeping the color placement the same in each block with different fabrics.  The only repeat will be the gingham.  Its in the same place in each block.  

The inspiration for this design was the gingham and nine patches.  One day a couple of weeks ago when doing a little Studio organizing I ran across a baggy full of red gingham scraps and about 90 blue nine patches.  The original idea for them was to make something quick and small.   Well...it grew one afternoon as I sat drinking my much need coffee and flipping through an old book.

The blocks in the book finish at 15", my blocks are bit over sized finishing in the quilt at 22.5.  The border in the book is nice but you know me, I gotta be different.  I'm still working on the details of the pieced inset borders.  Nothing set in stone just yet.

I started pulling fabrics, doing math, made a test block and realized that I'm going to need more fabric for this huge quilt(95 x 95).

No time for real shopping.  So with a few clicks on the computer ....and my dotty fabric is here!  Now I can finish the first applique block.  

Linking with Lets Bee Social@SewFreshQuilts

~ Lea Anne ~

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