Archive for February, 2010

Not your Grandma’s quilts

February 26, 2010 · Filed under I make things., I sew.

Quilts have been an art form that have captured my imagination for years.  I was that girl in art school who was trying to do each and every assignment on fabric – printing, drawing, mixed media.  I wanted so badly to like quilts – they seemed a brilliant way to organize all of the fabric I was making marks on, the perfect vehicle to unite a collection of my pieces.  Quilts are loaded with such historical connection to the past, and so much commentary on domesticity that I found fascinating and wanted to explore.  But it was like trying to express myself in a language that didn’t have the words I needed to use; I couldn’t articulate my point of view.  I raided the library for inspiration. Old quilts, new quilts…they were all too quilty for my tastes.  Too precise and fussy.  Too busy with pattern.  Too much for me.  I carefully boxed up my notions of The Quilt and filed it away in the recesses of my mind.  Then came the quilts of Gees Bend and my mind exploded.  The color, the design, the asymmetry, the wonky lines….all spoke (loudly!) to my own design aesthetic.  I added this heaping-full file to my mind’s Quilt collection.

By this time I’d also filed away the notion of being An Artist.  I was slowly embracing Craft, joining a small army of like-minded young women who embodied the resurgence of Handmade.  Being “crafty” was a way for me to let out some of that pent up creative energy that hadn’t found an outlet under the auspices of Fine Art.  Slowly, piece by piece, I regained a familiarity with my sewing machine.  We moved.  I made things for the house.  I started that business, made more things.  I soon found friends who were also “crafty.”

And then I found this book. Denyse Schmidt Quilts.  And I realized for the first time, “Oh!  I DO like quilts!”  A lot.  And I know I was not alone in that sentiment.

I’ve been wanting to assemble some quilt designs for a long time now.  As I was choreographing and piecing together this quilt, it all finally came together.  What I really wanted to do was put together quilt kits, assembled from thrifted scraps and upcycled fabrics, blending together fabrics traditionally not used in quiltmaking in a visually stunning way.  Those women of Gees Bend had left quite a mark on me; those pieces of theirs that still remain etched in my memory were the ones that were pieced here and there from scraps of everyday fabric that had no further utility.  Blue jeans, clothing, linens.  They speak volumes, lend such depth, in a way fresh-off-the-bolt-fabric can’t.  And using fabric that formerly served as a shirt, pants, or blanket opens up the design possibilities infinitely.  Imagine the colors, the textures – and in a quilt, a medium you can wrap yourself in completely.

With that, I’d like to introduce a new concept in the world of Handmade:  one of a kind pre-cut quilt top kits.  They’re die-cut from all manner of upcycled fabrics, marrying colors and textures that rarely meet face to face.  With the preliminary design and cutting work out of the way, it allows you to mix and match the pieces to lay out your own blocks, piece them together, and whip out your very own lap-size quilt at breakneck speed.  Awesome, right? At this very moment, I’ve created two kits, each unique.  Many, many more will join them in the days and weeks to come, but each will be unique and will be sold as such – first come, first served.  They are being offered now as a preorder, delayed a few weeks by the arrival of my custom dies.  Subscribe to the RSS feed of my etsy shoppe and you can stay up-to-date on the latest additions available.

And I’m off to raid my stash.  De-lish.

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Tools of the Trade: Bias Tape Makers

February 23, 2010 · Filed under I sew., I think you should know.

I’m wrapping up the series with a tool that’s probably the least obscure of all I’ve highlighted.  Likely you’ve already heard about this handy device that takes your strips of fabric, folds them nicely, then spits them out to be ironed flat into bias or binding tape.  Do you have one?  You should.

The concept is almost gimmicky, almost too good to be true – does it actually work?  (I’m reminded of my lesson in gimmicks after I got sucked into that ‘Learn to Speed Read’ infomercial nonsense.  I so desperately wanted it to be true – anyone else get sucked into that? ) But this tool does work, every single time.

Yes, you can buy bias tape already made.  But not in this fabric.  Or in that great fabric you have on hand, which will no doubt be the finishing touch on that project in the works.  And, if that project happens to be a quilt, you’ll want to make your own binding anyway.  This is the tool for you.

If I may step up onto my soapbox for a moment, I would like to direct your attention to this tutorial, for making your own bias tape in one continuous piece.  I had come upon the tutorial a while ago, bookmarked it, then pulled it up while in the throes of various projects needing binding.  Each time my eyes glazed over as I scanned the diagrams, the pages of info, and I opted for what I thought was the easier route, cutting strips of my fabric on the grain, sewing them together, running them through the bias tape maker.  But this last project, this quilt, prompted me to revisit the tutorial, actually try to follow the directions….  And then.  It has totally rocked my world.  I actually took the time to read the instructions, follow them, and found, much to my surprise, that she offered a method that created a better result (read why bias tape is better than straight-grain) AND was much faster, without sewing a pile of strips together.

I offer this to all of you, because I know I’m not the only one to shirk away from a process that looks too involved or looks like it might contain math.  Be brave!  Take it slow.  Have faith.  Her directions are simple and clear.  You’re smart!

Get ready to live.

(I should add that I am in no way connected with any organization that sells these.  I’m just passionate and have a bit of a missionary tendency.)

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Tools of the Trade: From the Doctor’s Bag

February 22, 2010 · Filed under I sew., I think you should know.

Another favorite class of tools, besides ‘those which already live in my junk drawer’ and ‘those I can make myself’ are ‘Those Which are more Commonly Used in Other Professions.’

Hemostats are one such tool.  You may remember them from such tv shows as Grey’s Anatomy or E.R. or from such life experiences as When I Got Stitches or That Surgery I Had.  (Forgive me – my knowledge of the tool does not extend beyond its sewing applications; this is not a medical blog.)  What’s important to note are the blunt ends, the teeth-like grips at these ends, and the stay-put teeth to clamp it shut at the handle end.  Put together, all of these attributes make the Hemostats the perfect tool for turning.  That is, turning something from inside-out to right-side-out by inserting this tool into a small opening, grabbing the innards, and pulling gently.

It works perfectly for turning things like bags, most anything with a lining, and short straps.  They do come in different lengths, and I think I’ll keep my eyes peeled for a longer-nosed model for turning longer straps.  They also come in a slightly angled orientation; I can not speak to their efficacy.  Drop everything and run right out to your local Hobby Shop to pick up your own pair and then wonder why you wasted all that time with that chintzy ‘bodkin’ tool nonsense.  You’ll never look back, I promise.

Another studio must-have for me that came straight from my Doctor’s Office (not literally – I don’t advocate stealing) is exam table paper.  This lightweight tissue paper comes in either 18″ or 21″ widths, on a roll of way-more-yards-than-you’ll-use-in-a-long-time length and makes the perfect pattern tracing paper.  It’s cheap, stores nicely on the roll when you’re not busy whipping out patterns, and has one smooth side and one rough side.  I picked up the hot tip somewhere out there in sewing cyberland and had to look high and low for a place to buy it.  I ended up buying a box of 12 from a medical supplier, because that’s just how I roll, and sold the rolls I didn’t need.  Then I discovered that I could have bought it from Nancy’s Notions, practically a neighbor.  That Nancy is a sewing goddess, I swear. Check it out.

I think I’ll wrap up this series tomorrow with my Favorite Tool Ever, the one that caused me to drop everything, pack up my kids, and drive 30 miles to retrieve a bigger size.

Get ready to live.

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Tools of the Trade: Pattern Weights

February 17, 2010 · Filed under I make things., I sew., I think you should know., I'll show you how!

I’m an absolute stickler for pinning when at the sewing machine, and confidently assert that it’s not negotiable if you value good craftsmanship and your time.  But pinning patterns to fabric when cutting out the pattern pieces?  Waste of time.  Because I’ve got pattern weights.  And now you can, too.

They’re really nothing more than (pretty) pyramidal bean bags.  Place them atop gossamer-tissued pattern pieces laid out for cutting on your fabric and give the pins a rest.  Take the time you save to give yourself a wink in the mirror for being so clever.  Mild disclaimer:   I do all of my cutting with a rotary cutter and self-healing mat, so I can’t speak to the weights’ usefulness when cutting out with scissors.  Might not work so well.

Here’s how you make your own.  While you’re at it, you might as well make something to store them in, right?

Assemble the following materials:

+  scrap of fabric cut to  5 1/2″ x 15″  (makes 5 weights)

+  filler material: dried rice, beans, etc.  I had lots of split peas on hand.

+  a lovely teacup and saucer, if you desire

+  glue for teacup – E6000 or Quick Grip should work well

Directions:

1. Fold the fabric in half the long way, right sides together.  Your piece is roughly now 2 1/2″ by 15.”  Sew each of the 3 open sides closed with a 1/4″ seam allowance.

2. Cut into 5 equal pieces by measuring every 3.” Each piece will be roughly 2 1/2 by 3.”

3.  The first and last piece will already be sewn shut on one end.  Set aside and sew the remaining 3 pieces shut on one end also.

4.  Turn right side out and fill with the rice, beans, etc.

5.  Fold the open ends inside 1/4″ and pin the seam closed, making sure that the seam runs perpendicular to the bottom seam.  You’re not trying to make a rectangular pillow, but rather a sort of pyramid that’s easier to grab.

6.  Sew shut, either by hand or by machine.  If you go the machine route, you might have to remove some of the filling to fit it under your presser foot flatly.  I chose to practice my blanket stitch and did them by hand pretty quickly.

7.  Glue the teacup to the saucer, creating a lovely platform to house your weights.

Wouldn’t this make a lovely gift for a sewing friend?  If tea’s not your thing, sew a pouch with complimentary fabric, put them in a pretty bowl….

+++  If all this is too much work for you, go raid the junk drawer or hardware store for some heavy-duty nuts.  I’ve been using these, taped together, with much success, though I look forward to upgrading to the lovely tea set.

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Tools of the Trade: Add a Seam Allowance

February 16, 2010 · Filed under I make things., I sew., I think you should know., I'll show you how!

What better way to start off this series than with a tool that you already have lying in your desk drawer?  Clever AND frugal…I like it.

It just so happens that, in their infinite wisdom, the creators of The Pencil engineered the distance between two pencil tips held side-by-side to equal 1/4.”  As they were no doubt good friends with the engineer of the standard sewing machine foot, the two parties concurred that 1/4″ was indeed the divine proportion, forever marrying the utility of pencils to the needs of sewing.

So you have a pattern that does not include a seam allowance?  Problem solved.  Two pencils and a few pieces of tape are all you need to add 1/4″ to the pattern before cutting your fabric.  Simply trace the innermost lead along the perimeter of the pattern and the other lead will add an adjacent line 1/4″ from the pattern’s edge.  You could trace directly on to the fabric or on to a larger sheet of paper, making a new pattern piece.

This is also useful for making your own patterns, as long as you roll with a 1/4″ seam allowance.  If not, dig deep into your school pencil bag and pull out the compass you haven’t used since geometry class and measure and mark your desired seam allowance width.  I’ve just added “compass” to the shopping list myself; emptying my cupboards for bowls to trace for various-sized circles is no longer working for me.

Elevate the status of your pencils!

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I made this quilt from scraps in my stash.

February 15, 2010 · Filed under I sew., I thrift. A lot.

I had initially set out to make the Icepops design from the Denyse Schmidt Quilts book.  After a printer snafu, I decided I couldn’t be bothered to enlarge and cut out the actual pattern pieces, so I drew my own.  They’re actually nothing like the pattern, but are a loose variation on the overall shape of the Icepops block, a riff of a Log Cabin block.  The quilt is being packed up in the smallest package possible, wrapped in 20 hugs and will be mailed off to London, where a dear soul is studying, and where it is quite cold, we hear.

But the very best part is that I made this quilt from a thrifted mini skirt, (the floral pattern pieces) a tee shirt, scraps from a big haul of garage sale fabric that sat in the garage for a month, some generously donated cotton yardage, and some vintage bed linens.  And the binding was made from a thrifted piece of orange found while the quilt was in progress. Damn if that isn’t satisfying!

Among my favorite parts are the spots here and there where the vintage bed sheet was showing some wear and needed darning and a patch.

So here’s the good news:  if you like the look of this quilt, you’re in luck.  I’m at this very minute working out the details for some pre-cut quilt top kits. Whoopeee! You can expect more details as they are hashed out.  Meanwhile, while I’m hunched in a dark corner of my studio with a pencil behind my ear and a calculator at hand, I shall keep you all entertained with a series of blog entries featuring my favorite, can’t-live-without tools and best-kept sewing secrets. It’s shaping up to be a fantastic week; stay tuned!

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For the weekend

February 12, 2010 · Filed under I'm Momma; this is my family.

May your weekend be filled with abundant love and unexpected beauty.

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I see sheep in our future.

February 8, 2010 · Filed under We have sheep.

Have you ever witnessed yourself teetering on the edge of SOMETHING BIG? Paused for a split second, maybe, to give a nod to the importance of the moment, then skipped on ahead to officially venture past the point of No Return?  I distinctly remember being there before, while opening up my crisp new copy of Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver while (conveniently) in the midst of a new home search.  (that had at least something to do with landing us here on these Five Green Acres)  And here I am again.

And wouldn’t you, too, want to tuck one of these little sweeties in your purse and bring it home?  Can lambs really be any sweeter? Yes, they can, I venture.  They must be even sweeter when they live in my back yard.

All of this is a roundabout way of saying we went on the most lovely farm field trip last week.  It began innocently enough, with the burning desire to make some Waldorf-style dolls.  Waldorf-style dolls require luscious wool stuffing, buttery-soft cotton knit fabric for the body, and wildly-beautiful wool yarn hair.  I conjured up the fabric and yarn hair in a hurry, but the wool stuffing stumped me a bit, until I remembered having a tie to a wool farm.  (Remember the Camp Hat? Refresh your memory here.)  When I spied the newborn lambs on the Circle M Farm blog, I knew that sending a check in the mail and waiting patiently for my wool to arrive would not suffice.  A field trip was in order.

What I didn’t realize until we drove up was that the farm was home to all kinds of lovely animals.  Grazing together in biodynamic bliss were sheep, goats (DAIRY GOATS!!!! Also on the wish list), chickens, and a goose or two.  I knew I was in big trouble before the seatbelts were unfastened.

Isadora and Errol were completely enchanted with all that we saw.

But as exciting as sheep, goats, chickens, geese, dogs, horses, cows, and a pig were, it was the barn cats that most captured this little girl’s heart.  And I spied a wee little loophole in the ABSOLUTELY NO CATS IN OUR HOUSE EVER EVER EVER EVER decree imposed by those of us with cat allergies. (the voting majority)

This wool.  I am unequivocally, head-over-heels smitten with this wool.  And its sheep.  I’ve traipsed waaaaaaay past that point of No Return, wandering into Craigslist-land, feverishly looking for sheep for sale.  I could build a fence out of the number of instructional books just added to my hold list through the library.  Good thing, too – sheep need a fence, right?  And some kind of shelter, I’d guess.  Lots of practical things stand in the way of running out this very minute to collect my sheep.  Lots of things, yet that all fades into the periphery as I walk into my studio, am faced with the bags of this wool, and immediately experience heart palpitations.  Every time.

So, how long till we can get some sheep?

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Peek-a-boo

February 1, 2010 · Filed under I sew.

So much going on now.  Must take a moment to make my head stop spinning.  Until then, sneak a peek at these lovely things on the horizon…

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