The Sewing Room Redo is Shaping Up

Thanks to some online shopping and Mr. Fabulous, the sewing room is shaping up quickly. He installed a couple surge protector extension cords with USB ports and purchased a new ironing board cover (with fancy velcro holders underneath---no more loose string to tighten!!) and another new iron. He and the kids have been most patient with this little project of mine, collecting numerous packages from the mail carrier without complaint. 

I used to have to climb a step ladder and still stand on my tippy toes to reach the dryer plug to warm my lovely new Rowenta so my oldest has been helping me sans step ladder, of course---oh to be tall---but now I can reach the plug easily. It truly is the little things in life that make all the difference.

I've enjoyed folding my fabrics for the cube storage and feel like they're really starting to come together. The Heather Ross 20th anniversary fabrics are just starting to arrive. I'm anxiously awaiting the big box and can hardly contain my excitement.

Happy Sewing,

Heather

Pincushion II Completed

The second pincushion came together quickly. It's a little wider than the first version but I think those initial dimensions work best (and BONUS, uses considerably less fill). It was definitely worth a try, though. This navy & creamy yellow one is going to a friend who sews that also plans to join in the applique lessons on the blog.

I threw a few more fabrics together to think about the combinations a day or two to make a third version or maybe five...they're fun to make, come together quickly and are so cute, I just can't help myself.

I hope you're planning to join us for some melon making. If you're planning to order from the Missouri Star Quilt Co., please do so soon. Delays are to be expected with the COVID restrictions and quilters are ordering in bulk while sheltering in lengthening those delays. If you'd like the fastest delivery possible, be sure to order precuts if you decide to order any fabrics. Yardage will cause a longer delay due to the additional time prepping, cutting, and folding before sending on for shipping.

Piece,
Heather

It's All About the Melons

Freezer paper (butcher paper), pencil, melon cutting template and
actual size template, scissors & charm fabrics.

NOT Pictured: Craft iron or standard iron, needles and thread

I'm gathering supplies for some upcoming hand applique tutorials. A few friends saw my FB updates and we started talking about the blog which led to some updates and A LOT of fabric purchases...then a couple more were looking for a hand sewing project so I thought why not try some basic melons to keep us learning and virtually connected over this quarantine? I know a friend in London will be joining us but I have readers from all over the world and as always, the more the merrier.

I'd love for you to join in the fun! If you're interested in purchasing the same template we'll be using, you can find it here: Missouri Star "small orange peel". You are welcome to use a different template, if you'd prefer. This one is designed specifically for 5" charm packs to make cutting simpler for beginners with no sewing or quilting experience. From the purchased template, I cut my own actual size templates, which I highly recommend. While you can buy template plastic that can be ironed, I don't. The least expensive option is perfect and will last a lifetime if stored properly. If you would prefer not to purchase template plastics at all, cardboard and heavy card stock both work quite well. In fact, I use heavy card stock myself when making a bunch of circles for a project.

We'll be looking at the freezer paper (butcher paper) method first. A large roll will last for years if you're careful to nest your shapes together, maximizing the surface area. If you do not have any 5" charms (5" x 5" squares), no worries, you can certainly use one large continuous piece of fabric or even scraps. Just be careful to use the bias regardless of fabric size to allow smooth seam tucking.

There are various methods for each type of applique but I'm planning to show what has worked best for me in the past based on some serious trial and error. Feel free to test out other techniques as we go and please, feel free to share your experience group. I had no idea how to applique when I took on Dear Jane and would have benefitted from a few practice sessions, to say the least. My handwork evolved over the course of the blocks fairly quickly but other quilters take considerably longer. Don't compare your progress to other people, it's pointless; you'll get there with time and practice.

Full disclosure: I only hand sewed for decades and tried machine sewing some curtains and a few machine pieced blocks before taking on that DJ project. I truly enjoy handwork and find it relaxes me---getting back to it is good for my soul. I'm no purist though, if you want to machine applique and join us, please do. If you're feeling anxious these days, give handwork a chance to see if helps you unwind and find some inner peace.

All my best,
Heather

🦊 Foxglove is Here! 🦊

The Aneela Hoey Foxglove fabric line arrived and it is stunning!  Photos do not do it justice, truly. I cannot wait to place these lovelies in several upcoming projects.

The shop owner that sent the Foxglove line reminded me that I love people who are passionate about textiles and all things quilting. There was phenomenal conversation, immediate shipping and the fabrics were each lovingly folded identically demonstrating such wonderful care and attention to detail. Great service in this day and age needs to be celebrated.

Another package arrived, fabrics folded all willy nilly and a fat quarter pack still wrapped in shrink wrap plastic...more on that later. The sharp contrast between the two prompted this post. Please help support your favorite local and distant quilt shops. They're struggling to survive most of the time and COVID closures are the final nail in many of these small businesses. The quilting community will undoubtedly feel the losses soon as we're directed to a couple big box situations that won't meet our collective needs. I've gone so far as to call shops to purchase from them despite a lack of online presence. Every little bit really does help right now and owners are usually thrilled to take those orders temporarily.

All my best,
Heather

Pincushion Fun

I whipped up a pincushion for the sewing room refresh and managed to pick up a big bag of crushed walnuts at PetCo for $2.10 USD on clearance. Those of you lucky enough to have one nearby, make sure you go into the store because order online and curbside pick up listed it at $12.99, still less than some of the other pet supply shops nearby. I'll gladly keep $11 to wait in line a couple of minutes, wouldn't you? Crushed walnut bags are sold as reptile bedding if you aren't lucky enough to have one in your neighborhood.

I had bits of mask scraps in cute polka dot fabrics and didn't want to throw them in the scraps bin just yet. The teal came from an online scrap set and I've been eyeing it for a couple of days. Additionally, some of the Wonder Clips needed a home but I didn't want them flopping around from the weight. This appears to keep them in check. All in all, it was a quick whip up considering I had no pattern/directions.

The new phone takes some pretty good quality photos. Thank you for the terrific and unexpected gift!! ♡

Piece,

Heather