TICKET?.... check ; SHOPPING LIST? .... check ; NEW BAG? ....

check!

Of course I had to make a new bag to take to the Craft Show next week.....

GEAR UP BAG, pattern by Sweetwater (link) two outside
pockets and one inside pocket.  11" x 11" x 3"

Outside fabric - Trefle created by Kokka, made in Japan,
sorry I don't know the maker of the pink spot fabric.

Beautiful fabric flower brooch made by my very clever sister...... love the antique button!

Inside the bag.  I only added one pocket (for the new iPhone), plenty of room for purse,keys and a bottle of water! plus
some rolled up tote bags for all of those purchases!!!

I love the inside fabric - A Stitch in Time - Allover by Nutex N.Z.

This bag went together very quickly.  Easy pattern and instructions.  I decided to make it out of some sewing theme fabric I had as I  already own so many 'handbags' so this bag will become a project bag for craft.

I love the fabric on the inside of the bag.  It was quite funny when I was making the bag, I kept trying to pick off the threads until I realised that they were printed on the fabric!

In other sewing news.....  I finished off a Teddy quilt top that I have had stashed away waiting for the time I needed a gift quilt.

The Beary Bunch, pattern by Toni Alexander - The Red Boot Quilt Company
just washed and out of the dryer!

Triangle label.
I usually do my labels like THIS but this time I tried this method where you cut a square, fold into a triangle and stitch the edges down when you add the binding. I wrote on it after I stitched it into the quilt, using a Pigma pen, then I hand stitched the diagonal fold down to the quilt back. Quick and easy! HERE are a few other label ideas

Pieced backing.  I used up some fabrics that I have had
in my stash for a few years..... great way to use up large
chunks of fabric! Stitch in the Ditch quilting although that often takes longer than doing a free-motion meander all over the quilt top. It gets a bit tricky when you have Appliqué blocks.

I always include a book or two with a quilt and this time
I also put in a little car

The Aiming for Accuracy quilt-along is drawing to an end, we are up to the borders this week.  Here is my quilt top minus borders...

Photo taken outside, quilt pegged to the clothes-line - bit breezy!

I'm a little behind with my Batik version of this quilt.  I'll work on it over the weekend I hope.

I was able to use another June Tailor ruler recently.  We had to make the ticker-tape block (that long skinny brown and orange squares block) and I found that the June Tailor Shape Cut Plus ruler worked perfectly to square up and trim the strips.  You won't be surprised to hear that June Tailor rulers are on my shopping list for the Craft Show !

We are experiencing an extremely hot day today, so not much sewing going on right now.  I'm sitting under the fan playing on my computer and watching Midsomer Murders.  Time for a cup of tea I think.....

Happy Sewing,

Cheers from Helen

SEVEN

Block # 7 that is!   Here is my A4A #7 block...

# 7  Aiming For Accuracy quilt-along

Batik # 7

We were given a much easier block this week !  still Quarter Square Triangles involved but now we pretty much have those down pat!  especially with our wonderful ruler!

All sewn on my Singer 201K but the first block (blue/brown) was pieced using the recently purchased 1/4" foot and the Batik block was sewn using the old Singer foot with the screw on seam guide.

I had a few issues with my points on the blue/brown block but the Batik block went together perfectly first time!  I think I prefer the old foot and guide as it seems to be much easier to keep the scant 1/4" seam straight and I can see what I'm doing much better.  

I was going to make these blocks last night but the machine was sewing a bit weird so I oiled her and cleaned out the shuttle area and then let her soak everything up overnight.  Today she was sewing like a dream!  These old machines require fairly frequent oiling, something I will have to remember!

I tried out the Coles Iron-Aid (not starch)  today - using it instead of Crisp - and I think I prefer it.  I sprayed the fabrics prior to cutting and then again when I was joining the units and then again at the end once the block was made.  My blocks did not finish up all stiff like they have been when I used Crisp.  I'll be adding a bottle of Best Press (like they use in the U.S.A.) to my Craft Show shopping list as I really want to try it.  It goes without saying that all of June Tailor's rulers will also be on that list :-)

Other sewing ....    I managed to get all of the rows together for the baby quilt I'm making, now adding the borders.  The Aussie Log Cabin has its first border on, just waiting on the last border.

Suddenly our Winter has disappeared and it feels like Summer!  quite hot today and same expected for tomorrow so Fred and I will head off down to the Gold Coast for a swim and a coffee:-)   and don't think there will be no sewing for me tomorrow....... I always take my embroidery bag with me everywhere!

Happy Sewing!!

Helen

FABRICS USED IN THIS BLOCK:-

BROWN CONTRAST FABRIC -  "MONOCHROMATIX" BY PATRICK LOSE FOR ROBERT KAUFMAN

ORANGE - RAINFOREST COLLECTION BY  CORAL TREE FABRICS "SUMMER RAIN"

YELLOW -   PEBBLES YELLOW, BROOK BY CP DESIGNS FOR STUDIOFABRICS.COM

BLUE/BROWN/MUSTARD SWIRL - NANCY MIMS FOR MODGREENPOD   ROBERT KAUFMAN

Note: I'm not listing the Batik fabrics as most are unknown  (been in the stash for a very long time)

SPRAY STARCH IS MY FRIEND...

Batik Lesson 6

One of the best lessons I have learnt during this quilt-along....  use SPRAY STARCH !   I'm using CRISP.  Using starch allows you to join blocks with less pins and it keeps your individual units nice and flat and then the whole block sits nicely when all sewn together.  Spray starch keeps edges neater too!

This block did not give me any trouble apart from the purple fabric wanting to pucker when ironed!  It's 100% cotton so I have no idea why this would happen.  Batik fabrics are a very tight weave so maybe that has something to do with it!

I did a test today using the 45mm rotary cutter and then the 60mm rotary cutter with the June Tailor ruler and I must say I still prefer the 60mm cutter.  

Now we have one week to wait until the next block so I might re-make Blocks 1,2 and 3 in my Batik fabrics.  I was using another contrast fabric but I was running out of it so switched to the new contrast fabric.  I'll use the 'old' blocks for something else.

Happy Sewing!!

Helen

IT'S ALL ABOUT TRIANGLES.....

Lesson 6 AFA quilt-along

Triangles..... AGAIN!   I'm telling you, everyone participating in the quilt-along will be an expert at making HST's and QUARTERSQT's and I guess that's what this project is aiming for!   I have introduced another fabric with this block.  It's the green spot paired with the orange spot.  I've used the yellow spot previously but not the green.  In the photo it is hard to tell the difference.

Now I don't want to bore you yet again with the old "I love my new ruler" but really.... I LOVE MY NEW RULER!  That would be the June Tailor Perfect Half Square and Quarter Square Triangle Ruler!  Today I used my 60mm rotary cutter with the ruler and I did find it much easier to slot that cutter into the ruler.  I used my 45mm cutter yesterday and found it a little difficult to insert into the ruler.  Both cutters have new blades so that's not the issue.  I just found that the larger cutter worked better!

I've updated my virtual quilt in the sidebar.......   now on to cut and piece my Batik version of this block......

Happy Sewing!!

Helen

FABRICS USED IN THIS BLOCK:-

BROWN CONTRAST FABRIC -  "MONOCHROMATIX" BY PATRICK LOSE FOR ROBERT KAUFMAN

A1 - BLUE TRIANGLES -  RAINBOO ZOO BY AMY BLAY FOR RED ROOSTER FABRICS
A1 - ORANGE TRIANGLES - RAINFOREST COLLECTION BY  CORAL TREE FABRICS "SUMMER RAIN"

GREEN TRIANGLES -  SUNSHINE DOTS GREEN, BROOK BY CP DESIGNS FOR STUDIOFABRICS.COM

AND THEN THERE WERE TWO.....

BATIK BLOCK # 4
USING THE NEW CONTRAST FABRIC

I have had an enjoyable day in the sewing room, only surfacing for cups of tea and some quick grocery shopping!  Today I decided to use the 1/4" foot that I purchased recently for the Singer 201K.  It has the little black guide on it which results in a true 1/4" seam but I needed a 'scant' seam allowance, so I figured it out and I was quite pleased with the results.

Plus I found a new way to square up the quarter square triangle blocks ....   my 'strip tube' ruler...

I found a great tutorial on how to do this.....   HERE    Julie used the Quilt In A Day’s Triangle Square-up Ruler  but I found the Strip Tube ruler did the same job.   The quarter square triangle blocks came out very well using this cutting method.

I'm still waiting to order the June Tailor ruler (stock due next week apparently) but I was happy to find a substitute in my Aladdin's Cave of stuff!

As I have used the new 'contrast' fabric in this block, I will re-do blocks 1,2 and 3 as well.  I only have a little bit left of the 'contrast' fabric I used in the original Batik blocks so I'll choose one or two more blocks that will fit well with the ones I already have and turn it into a mini quilt or maybe a table runner.  I have heaps of batik fabrics to use up and I now have 3 metres of the new 'contrast' fabric!

I'm getting through those 'odd' reels of thread too.  I love how you can wind a bobbin on the Singer on the side and not have to re-thread the machine every time.  She winds a beautiful bobbin too - so 'even' if you know what I mean.  I think I've used up about 6 reels of odd amounts of weird colours!  great - now I can buy more thread:-)

Sadly no further ahead on my Aussie Log Cabin quilt.  Tomorrow! 

Happy Sewing!

Helen

SEWING SATURDAY

BLOCK # 4   A4A QUILT-ALONG

My fabric choices for this block made it a little tricky to construct - I just had to have everything running the same direction!  but I'm very happy with the end result.   I spent all Saturday afternoon making this one!

This is the last of the 'very large' blocks!  I don't think I've ever made blocks 20" or more so it's been a good challenge.  I'm learning something every day.

I now have two tins of spray starch at the ready (I'm using Crisp) and once again, I used heaps of it on this block - but it does make it easier to match everything up.  Many many pins help too:-)

Today I will get the Batik version of this block done.  I have to decide what to do about the Batik quilt as I don't have enough of the current Contrast fabric I'm using to finish off the whole quilt so I might just make up a mini quilt and use up what I have and then start another Batik version using a new Contrast fabric I purchased this week.  I have lots of Batik fabrics to use up.

I'm going to try and get the sashing on my Aussie Log Cabin quilt today too - poor thing has been booted off the design wall and is waiting patiently beside the machine...  really must get it done!

Have a lovely day!

and Happy Sewing,

Cheers from Helen

FABRICS USED IN THIS BLOCK:-

BROWN CONTRAST FABRIC -  "MONOCHROMATIX" BY PATRICK LOSE FOR ROBERT KAUFMAN

BLUE TRIANGLES -  RAINBOO ZOO BY AMY BLAY FOR RED ROOSTER FABRICS

GREEN -  "FUNKY FLOWERS" BY LINDA LUM DEBONO FOR HENRY GLASS FABRICS

ORANGE - RAINFOREST COLLECTION BY  CORAL TREE FABRICS "SUMMER RAIN"

BROWN/BLUE/GREEN FLECK -    SEI Playday Rectangles and Dots / spring ROBERT KAUFMAN

WHITE FLORAL CORNER TRIANGLES - BROOK  BY CP DESIGNS FOR STUDIO e  FLORAL TURQUOISE

BATIK BLUES.....

BLOCK 3 - BATIK VERSION

Okay, two things..... First thing.....ignore everything I said in the last post 'Spinning Pinwheels' -  DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT press your seams to one side anywhere in this block - trust me!   I know.....  you would think it would work just as well as pressing them OPEN but noooooooo.   Believe me, I have a number of brumby blocks to prove this point!   Pressing the seams open all the way definitely gives you much more precise blocks and they go together so well in the end.  Plus....  even when I made pinwheel blocks in the Civil War quilt-along, I DID press the final seams open anyway!  so I was still able to use my 'stab' method which made me happy!

Second thing....  go out and buy copious amounts of spray starch.... you're going to need it!  Honestly, I probably used half a can on just this block but look how FLAT it is!!!  crispy too :-)

So if you are just joining in on the quilt-along, follow Michele's instructions and advice!

I'm trying to purchase the ruler that is recommended for this quilt-along.  It's the June Tailor Perfect Half Square and Quarter Square Triangle Ruler.  One online supplier carries it here in Australia but they are out of stock.  I'm off on a little shop hop tomorrow to see if I can find it!

One more day and Block # 4 will be posted....  can't wait!   I'm really enjoying working on this project and I'm loving sewing on my Singer 201K.    Oh ....  I've made a space in my room to bring the Singer 201K Treadle upstairs so I can get her sewing as well!   This machine belonged to my MIL and hasn't been used for probably 10 years so I'll be getting a new belt for sure.  I'm looking forward to treadling again!  haven't sewn on one since my school days!

Happy Sewing!!
Helen

SPINNING PINWHEELS.....

BLOCK # 3 - AFA QUILT-ALONG

This block certainly tested the old Singer 201K.  I took it slowly and in the end I'm pretty happy with how this block has turned out.

I did learn one thing about sewing on the Singer.  I need to check my scant 1/4" frequently, as the seam guide 'shifts' a little without you noticing it.  I purchased a little tool to help me with the scant 1/4" .....

it's called the Perfect Piecing Seam Guide by Perkins Dry Goods.  So every now and then, I place this little guide under the sewing foot, lower the needle into the tiny little hole in the guide and then screw my Singer seam guide in place butting it up against the Perfect Piecing little tool.  I then remove the little ruler and away I go again, sewing with a true 'scant' 1/4" seam.

Now I'm making my Batik version of Block # 3.  

This time I will press my seams to one side.  Up until now, all seams have been pressed open.  I just want to see what difference it might make to this block in particular.  I like to 'stab pin' my triangle points together so I get a nice crisp centre to my pinwheel and you just can't do that using the open seams.  Well, I can't anyway!  I have referred to this method before (Civil War Quilt) - this method is from Rodale's Perfect Piecing - a book I go back to time and again.

I've updated my virtual quilt in my sidebar, it's coming together nicely.

Happy Sewing,

Helen

FABRICS USED IN THIS BLOCK:-
BROWN CONTRAST FABRIC -  "MONOCHROMATIX" BY PATRICK LOSE FOR ROBERT KAUFMAN
ORANGE - RAINFOREST COLLECTION BY  CORAL TREE FABRICS "SUMMER RAIN"

FAWN/BLUE/BROWN/GREEN -  Brook Turquoise Pebbles by CP Designs for Studio e