December 29, 2008 - Star Student Quilt Kit

I am so excited to finally get started on my Star Student quilt. Fat Quarter Shop had a kit with Recess charm packs and Miss Rosie's Quilt Company Schnibbles Pattern, Plan C. (top row, third pattern)

I am a fabric pre-washer, yes, I admit it. Big mistake when it comes to charm packs. The fabric does shrink. Not a good thing when you need 5" strips and the charm squares now measure 4-3/4 inches.

So I ordered a layer cake to be sure I had enough fabric. I got it all washed and ironed yesterday, and today I started cutting! I can't wait to get this quilt together. It will hang in the big empty space above my dresser in our bedroom.

Happy New Year to all of you.

Karen

December 18, 2008 - Never enough bags

My local quilt shop had kits made up for small, medium and large shopping bags. It includes the pattern, 2 pieces of fabric, 5/8 yard of each, and 3 yards of webbing for the handles for the medium size.

As if I don't already have enough shopping bags, I took the bait and bought a kit. It went together in less than 90 minutes. I'm thinking it will make a nice bag to take to the beach. A nice thing to think about with over a foot of snow on the ground and 7 degrees this morning...

December 12, 2008 - Sewing tips with Karen

I bet you didn't know a lint roller was a sewing tool. Neither did I, until today. I had to rip out a row of stitching and wondered if the lint roller could take out the cut up stitching.

Yes, indeed it does! Works like a dream. Cut every second or third stitch, then pull out the uncut thread from the back side. Run the lint roller over the stitching schnibbles on both sides of the fabric.

That's two dreamy sewing tips for the week!

December 10, 2008 - I finished!

I finished! The Ohio Star quilt for my husband will be hung tonight. I am really pleased with how it turned out. It's long and skinny because it will cover the filled-in doorway in my husband's office.

I had forgotten how satisfying it is to do the hand sewing of the binding. I have to say, it's my favorite part of the quilting process.

On to the next project, another Very Hungry Caterpillar bag for a special someone.

I wonder when I will ever make something for myself? I have Recess, American Primer and Wildflower Serenade fabrics just waiting for a place to live in my home.

December 8, 2008 - You learn something new every day

So I have been threading needles for at least 45 years. I was reading a book called Better Homes and Gardens Complete Guide to Quilting. Here is a new way to thread the needle and it works like a dream.

Instead of wetting the end of the thread, wet the eye of the needle. Hold the thread near the wet eye and it just slips in by capillary action.

Who knew?

December 7, 2008 - Light at the End of the Tunnel

I've been able to dedicate most of yesterday and today to the Ohio Star wall hanging for my husband. All that is left is hand sewing the binding to the back, and adding a sleeve for the dowel. I am very happy with how it has turned out!