NPRINS

Dear readers,          After my khaki/black jeans fiasco - and since my sew-jo was back - I needed a quick fix.  And, satisfied that itch by making roll-up pillowcases, a technique expounded by my friend (unfortunately a non-blogger) Francine.  Please ignore the fact - these are indeed Christmas themed (and it's the end of January); we're not going to worry about that right now:)   After perfecting the technique - the pillowcases took less than 15 minutes each (the first took 20 - the second 10 minutes (if that).  I found this 7 minute You Tube video to be the best tutorial for my learning style: Ridiculously easy with finished seams.   So, much easier than the pillowcases I used with other tutorials.  The Kerries do like them.  I bought new pillows to show off the cases as well. I got my quick fix and am now hungry for other quick fixes:  Pencil cases, little Kindle cases - oh the anticipation. I finally washed my quilt a...

Dear readers, Final modern quilt square challenge, second try. A few weeks ago I attended a meeting of the Ventura Modern Quilt Guild.  When I asked why I joined -  I replied that I wanted to be excited and enthusiastic about quilting.  If you remember, I felt that while doing the actual quilting - rather than piecing - I literally felt that I was working in a sweatshop.  I discussed my concerns of my previous quilting experiences with the group. Photo courtesy of Chicago Historical Society,  Link Here. (they don't exactly looked thrilled, do they?) A few members thoughtfully offered that my issue with boredom is hat I was using a pattern, rather than my own design.  And, they shared that they felt the same issues with quilting patterns. But then I began to reflect on the experience.  Perhaps this is true as well with making commercial patterns.  I did very much enjoy making my own designs from my slopers (or basic blocks).  Of course with co...

Dear readers, I am an impatient quilter and am happy to be finished.  It was a beautiful day today (but cool) down at Emma Wood State Beach in Ventura.  Since I have the day off - I headed down to take some pictures:  The quilt is just sewn and remains unwashed.  Of course I did sew it using steam pressing (against my local quilt shop owner's wishes).  It should look even better when washed!  I could have designed some abstract design on the back - but was simply too lazy:)  If it was a bit warmer I could have stayed out all day.  Wonderful breeze.  Our little bridge connected the two beach state parks in Ventura.  Close up of the straight line stitching.  Not perfect.  But I enjoy the imperfections. The Bernina 430 is really as good as they say for quilting - a beautiful stitch.  I think the all metal insides make a big difference - especially in the bobbin. Wow!  I wish I were in the water.  I'm a bit fatigued ...

Dear readers, I've been halfway through finishing the quilt for about a week - overloaded with work concerns right now. I'm ready to finish and engage on more clothing related work (and perhaps some bicycle accessories) . . . Here are the pictures of where I'm at - as you can see I'm using the straight line quilting method to retain the modern geometry of the quilt: Hope all is well for you!  I hope to finish today or no later than the end of the week! Happy April 1st!

Dear readers, I've finished piecing my quilt top - I hope to assemble it for quilting today. Well, I didn't really follow the directions - which were fairly simple.  I also made this lap quilt a bit longer for sitting on the couch  - it always seems that lap quilts are too short. One item I didn't do well (and it's not in the directions) - is that I should have "trued" my 14" quilt squares.  I didn't think to do it - I'm a quilting luddite, apparently.  This made some of my seams on the quilt top not quite matching.  Once it's quilted I don't think it will be noticeable - except by me. I realized it on block 7 of 15.  I could have opened the quilt up - but I'm a lazy quilter. In my mind, perfection is the enemy of good.  This affects my entire life I think.  Perfect people are really irritating.  I delay many projects and writing because I am afflicted by this need for perfection.  I'm certainly not perfect myself in my personal li...

Dear Readers, Yes, I said it!  I'm doing it.  A quilt.  It was on my New Year's Resolutions list.  I never thought I'd make one again but somehow I've become roped in with the wonderful fabric from Moda, Big Apples and eyes toward a modern quilt pattern. I've spent a week sorting Jelly Rolls, Charm Squares and cutting pieces.   I forgot how long this portion takes to finish.  Below is the backing: This is the quilt pattern I've downloaded from the  Fat Quarter Shop  - I'm only making a longer lap quilt - mostly due to laziness, I think . . . . plus any quilt on the bed will suffer depreciation from both our Kerries.   This is a modern quilt and I am dying to making something really fun and newish.  I am starting with a pattern but want to make one of my own soon. One cool tip - I received my ASG Los Angeles newsletter and it has a link to  The Scientific Seamstress' Blog and Template Download.  Look what I downloaded for f...