Best of Fons & Porter: Star Quilts

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Quilts in this book from the editors of Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting magazine and its special editions include a spectacular Mariner's Compass, a beloved Lone Star, a unique slanted star, and a variety of other traditional Star patterns for all skill levels. Each quilt is shown in a lifestyle photograph and an assembly diagram, accompanied by a complete materials list and step-by-step instructions.

Surface Treatment Workshop: Explore 45 Mixed-Media Techniques

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Pondering how to begin a new piece of art? "Surface Treatment Workshop" has the answer! The authors of "Image Transfer Workshop" are back to show you 45 stepped-out mixed-media techniques that will add depth and texture to your artwork. These techniques are the perfect jump-off point for creating art you will love to look at, and, in some cases, touch!
In this comprehensive guide, you?ll find: 45 techniques. Exciting new applications such as the use of WonderUnder, pulled paper and plaster-dipped gauze will provide you with fresh ideas--many previously unpublished. Multiple variations. Each technique features swatches and descriptions to take the techniques in multiple directions with multiple mixed-media products. Inspirational style. Fully stepped-out projects from two artists will show you how to combine the techniques into finished works of art that can go in any artistic style. Take "Surface Treatment Workshop" with you on your artistic journey for beautiful beginnings.

Rachel Nelson-Smith's Bead Riffs: Jewelry Projects in Peyote & Right Angle Weave

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The newest installment in the top-selling "Beadweaving Master Class" series features popular jewelry and beading superstar Rachel Nelson-Smith. Rachel approaches beading like a jazz musician approaches a song: she improvises freely and creatively, playing unexpected variations on basic themes. Here, Rachel reveals her techniques for combining right-angle weave, tubular peyote stitch, and exquisite embellishments. Rachel's beautiful jazz-inspired pieces for beaders range from the Rondo necklace with repeated patterns to the Five Piece Band stackable ring. There are 23 inventive and fun jewelry projects in the book. "Riff It" sidebars offer suggestions for personalizing each design. Rachel Nelson-Smith is a featured artist in the book "Masters: Beadweaving."

Santa's Loading Dock Quilt

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Recreate this masterpiece or any of its parts to celebrate the holiday season! Use Mary's original patterns to make your own version of this charming, humorous, award-winning quilt. 90 patterns are included in the book, many at full size. Copy sizes are given for ease of hand and machine appliqu construction. Follow Mary's advice on quilting designs or strike out on your own. Even beginning quilters can make this stunning quilt come to life with Mary's clear instructions and the numerous detailed photographs. These darling patterns can be used separately to decorate stockings, tote bags, sweaters-the possibilities are endless!

Our New Baby

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Things have been pretty busy around here now that the new baby showed up. I haven’t talked about her much but thought I should introduce her. Kennedy is a new mom! This is Cinderella Baby.

If Cinderella Baby is an indicator of things to come I will be one busy Grandma some day. I asked Kennedy if she wanted a diaper for her new baby since it didn’t come with one. A trip through my fabric and several requests later and this is what we have-

A new super soft sleeping bag with built in pillow, a silky blanket, a cute blanket, pajamas with matching diaper and hat, a ballerina skirt and pink shirt, a church dress and ruffly diaper, and 6 wipes. She asked for 10 but mom had to say no some time. Plus wipes aren’t as cute to sew ;o).

I think she’s set for a while.

Being a mom is the best.

 

I used this pattern for the diapers (but lined them and made with cotton and flannel), this pattern for the dresses/shirt, and came up with my own sleeping bag and wipes.

 

Have a great weekend!

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Nearly a new year

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I am enjoying the time between semesters, having my daughter at home, and just doing a lot of not much. Unfortunately, I have a pile of marking that I have made very little progress on, and with every passing hour that monkey on my back gets bigger and bigger. (It started off as a spider monkey when term had just ended, but if I don't get cracking soon that pile of marking is going to become a full-blown gorilla!)  But here's what I really want to show you!

I have managed to get a bit of sewing done, and I want to show you my latest project because it's something I'm very proud of.  This block is called Chinese Gongs.  I found a drawing of it on the internet here, where it appears gridded but with no other dimensions or instructions.  So this was my first attempt at drafting a quilting block that had any degree of difficulty at all.  And to be truthful, it wasn't very difficult at all - the hardest part was finding a compass that would expand beyond six inches.  I think it's a stunning block - I think it would make a spectacular two-colour quilt.

The block is 14" square, and the finished quilt will be a 5 x 5 layout, finishing at 70" x 70".  I cut a set of templates that allowed me to mark the curves on the fabric.  Directional fabric means that you can't really get more than one block per FQ and there is a fair amount of waste as a result.  (I should say scrap rather than waste.)  One option is to draft it down a bit smaller so that one could get two blocks per FQ, but that would make for awkward size measurements.  The current block is based on a 14 x 14 one-inch grid.  It is the most tedious thing in the world to trace the templates and cut out each one - six per block - so I am cutting and piecing five blocks per sitting.

For this one I am proud to say that I have shopped entirely from stash.  I am using the FQ set of Heather Ross' Far Far Away III that I bought way back when, and I had a four-yard length of this Kona cotton brown that I wanted to use up.  This is not my typical colour scheme, but I think the brown goes nicely with all the prints in the set, and it provides the contrast to make this block work.  Alas, the weather is making these blocks look pretty pale and washed out.  They aren't nearly so insipid in real life!

I have also made, over the past six weeks or so, a fleet of little zipper bags.  I bought Oh Fransson's pattern for zipper pouches and just went to town on them.  Her instructions are very clear and thorough, a pleasure to use.  I gave some of them away to my TAs at the end of the term and a couple to my daughter, one to my secretary, etc.  Somehow they found homes before I got my camera out.  But I did manage to snap a photo of these two. I made them out of Amy Butler laminated cotton.  It was my first time using this material and I was a bit apprehensive but everything went fine.  I employed Pink Chalk's tip about using a glue stick to hold the zipper instead of pins or (my usual) basting, since these methods will put holes in the fabric.  I found some cute zipper pulls at Michaels.

As the year draws to a close, I'm been thinking about my personal quilting goals for next year.  I've been reading posts about similar topics, and I find a lot of inspiration in the goals that people set for themselves.  That will be a topic for my next post!  Signing off for now - I hope you are all still enjoying some relaxation and family time, like I am!

She's a (New York) Beauty!

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I finished up this 20" mini for the Doll Quilt Swap round 12 on Flickr. And just under the wire, since mailing deadline for international parcels is tomorrow.  I had the top finished for a couple of weeks, but just managed to figure out how to quilt it this weekend.  Nothing like time pressure to crystallize one's thinking!

Here are a couple of close views of the quilting. This is easily the most ornate FMQ I've ever done.  It was actually quite fun!



This little gem finishes at 20" square.  I'm sending it off into the ether, and hoping for the best.  My partner had practically zero presence on the discussion board and in the comment threads, so I really don't know what she'll think of it.  Never mind, I'm hoping for the best.

A new arrival at Mottl and Tzeitel's!

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Who remembers Fiddler on the Roof, where there is a big ruckus in the square with all kinds of excited chatter about the "new arrival" at the home of young Mottl the tailor and his new bride?  Watch the first few minutes of this clip to refresh your memory:

So you won't be surprised when I show you my new arrival - a 1939 Featherweight! She's in prime condition - the gold decals around the edges are intact, hardly any scratches, beautiful scrollwork engraving on the face plate and chrome wheel.  The serial number begins with AF, which signals a 1939 date of manufacture.  She came in her original case (that doesn't smell, which I gather is a problem with some of them), with bobbins, a handful of feet that look like medieval instruments of torture, the original instruction manual, and a zipper foot attachment with cams and an "automatic zigzagger".

I had to take a trip to Toronto for a meeting, and on a whim I checked Toronto Kijiji listings to see if there were any Featherweights on offer.  I saw three listed, but this one was the only one I went to see.  It was reasonably priced, easily accessible by public transit, and was being sold by a retired lady who was "decluttering" and reported that the machine had been in her family since its purchase.  It had clearly been well taken care of.  And now she's mine!  I am beyond thrilled and very happy to be able to give this little darling a good home!

Simply Charming Mini's Book Tour

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Konda's done it again, and has published another amazing book.  This one, I have to admit is one of my favorites.  I love mini quilts. In fact I have several hanging on my dinning room wall.

When I was first introduced to Moose on The Porch's pattern books I fell in love with the each of Konda's instructions and the color combinations that she uses.  Creating mini quilts from charm packs allows you to get those same color combinations yourself...not to mention that you can create these little beauties out of your scraps as well.
Be sure to check out the Mini Quilt Along starting September 11th.  They will be making a quilt every two weeks from Simply Charming mini's and giving away some awesome prizes.
Speaking of awesome prizes, Konda is offering a free copy of her new book to one of you. Just leave a comment here and I will choose a winner by Tuesday.

Hop on over to Spun Sugar Quilts tomorrow for another chance to win!

Phoebe's Quilt

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Some quilts take longer than others to finish.  This was one of those quilts for me.  It wasn't difficult or uninspired, quite the opposite.  This one sat around while I tried to figure out how to quilt it and what to back it with.

Pink, purple or even black fabric kept catching my eye, but nothing seemed to fit. Then I found this crazy flannel.  The price was right and an impulse purchase followed.  (You know how it is).  The drive home was filled with doubts and second guessing myself.

When I got home and put it up to the other fabrics, I remembered to always go with your gut.  I couldn't be happier :)

A little swirly quilting with pink thread (I was feeling brave after my success with the crazy backing) and I was finally finished with the Moose on the Porch Layer Cake Quilt Along, which I just noticed was way back in 2010.  Oh well, here's to finishing project!

What are you working on today?

The worst?

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I am the worst - blogger, that is.  I haven't posted a word since 2011, so apologies for that.  I was embroiled in obligations for my day job plus enjoying having my daughter home from university over the winter break and nary a word was written nor photo taken.  But with 2012 well under way, I'm back with renewed vigour!

Now comes the reason for this post's title and question mark.  I've been working on a little quilt for my daughter's friend; I finished the top awhile ago and posted photos here.  In the mood for a quick piecing project, I grabbed a handful of FQs from The Workroom on one of my trips to Toronto and used my new Marti Michell ruler to cut them into triangles.  When I had finished piecing the top, I was seriously underwhelmed.  But I have down this road too many times not to recognize the jadedness that comes from spending too much time with a quilt top jammed up against my nose while wrestling with it under the needle.  I have infinite faith in the restorative power of the wash/dry cycle that turns a homely project into a quilt that one feels proud of.  But this time it didn't work.


Shall I enumerate all the failings of this little critter?  First, it's too small.  Finishing at 57" square, it is neither fish nor fowl: too big for a baby quilt and not big enough for a lap quilt.  Second, the points are all ahoo, which leads to the third flaw: the method I used for quilting it - straight lines - only accentuates the wonky - in a bad way - seams.  Fourth, I don't think the mix of warm and cool colours works all that well, and I think there are too many different prints.  What I do think works well is the voile binding; it's lovely and soft.  And this is the first time I've worked with shot cotton, and it is truly lovely, although a royal pain to work with since it stretches all to hell.

I even debated sharing the evidence with you all, but in the interest of honesty, I loaded all the photos of this quilt into a Flickr set called The Worst.  So I was gobsmacked when I started getting comments about how much people liked it.  It's gotten loads of pins on Pinterest.  Of course, the madcap points aren't really obvious from the distance most of the photos are taken from, but the clashing warm/cool colours and the haphazard prints are glaring.  The positive feedback is making me take another, more careful look at it.  I can't bring myself to love it, but maybe it isn't The Worst.

Starlets

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I'm overwhelmed by all the love I got in the comments on my post about The Worst Quilt I Ever Made.  I am taking a break from obsessing over it, and when I look at it again, I may feel it isn't so bad.  Many people reminded me how we are our own worst critics.  And, after all, it is finished, and that is worth celebrating, since "finished is way better than perfect" when it comes to quilts!

I also wanted to show you my new hand project.  After completing this EPP stars top, I found myself in withdrawal from hand piecing.  I love having a project I can work on in the evening while I watch TV.  I started a scrappy EPP hexagon project, and it was fine, but I couldn't help but feel it was somewhat lacklustre.

Then I read about this QAL.  I was hooked.

I started out using this tutorial by Summerfete.  But in the Flickr group, one of the members posted a drafted template that I have been using.  Each block has 31 pieces, but there are only three different shapes.  In my block, the centre hexagon is 3" across.  I understand that it is possible to make this block using only one piece - a kite - but that would nearly double the number of pieces per block.  Life is long, but not that long. I'm happy with the more limited options that the fewer pieces gives me.

As they are, they do not tesselate, so another step will be required to join them all together.  I can see at least three possible options.  One is to applique each block to a background.  The other two options both require additional pieces fit to each block.  In one case, it would result in stars that are look closely interlocked, as in the photos here. The last option builds out around each star so that the star is enclosed in a hexagon.  It looks like this was the approach taken in Jazz Hands, a quilt in one of the Modern Obsession books.  I like this option best, as I can use different backgrounds for each block and it will give a kind of millefiori effect.  It will also be different from the effect of my other EPP project, where all the stars are surrounded by a same-seeming light background.

Self-satisfied!

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Just to prove that I'm not a person who can't be satisfied with my own work, let me tell you how thrilled I am with the way this Chinese Gongs quilt top has worked out.

To recap details from a previous blog post, the block here is called Chinese Gongs. It is a traditional block that appears in Jinny Beyers's encyclopedia and in Barbara Brackman's big book of quilt blocks.  I found it online here. It says it was featured in Nancy Cabot's column in the Chicago Tribune in 1937.  I love this block to death, and I plan to make many more of them.

Partly I think I'm so happy because it's the first time I have drafted my own pattern with a compass and a ruler.  I've worked out how to make traditional blocks without an actual pattern or cutting directions before, but they have always been pretty easy to figure out, mathwise, and the curves in this one added a bit of a twist.  I also managed to get the directionality of the print oriented the right way (on all except one block - rats).  And amazingly, I had enough of the brown solid to make 99.9% of the blocks, and was able to use a brown FQ from this bundle of Heather Ross Far Far Away III to supplement, and you can't even really tell it is a different fabric.

I'm going to use some more of the FFA for the back.  If I have some batting in the basement, I'll put it all together and get started quilting it tomorrow.  I can't wait to make a finish out of this!

She's a (New York) Beauty!

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I finished up this 20" mini for the Doll Quilt Swap round 12 on Flickr. And just under the wire, since mailing deadline for international parcels is tomorrow.  I had the top finished for a couple of weeks, but just managed to figure out how to quilt it this weekend.  Nothing like time pressure to crystallize one's thinking!

Here are a couple of close views of the quilting. This is easily the most ornate FMQ I've ever done.  It was actually quite fun!



This little gem finishes at 20" square.  I'm sending it off into the ether, and hoping for the best.  My partner had practically zero presence on the discussion board and in the comment threads, so I really don't know what she'll think of it.  Never mind, I'm hoping for the best.

A new arrival at Mottl and Tzeitel's!

To contact us Click HERE
Who remembers Fiddler on the Roof, where there is a big ruckus in the square with all kinds of excited chatter about the "new arrival" at the home of young Mottl the tailor and his new bride?  Watch the first few minutes of this clip to refresh your memory:

So you won't be surprised when I show you my new arrival - a 1939 Featherweight! She's in prime condition - the gold decals around the edges are intact, hardly any scratches, beautiful scrollwork engraving on the face plate and chrome wheel.  The serial number begins with AF, which signals a 1939 date of manufacture.  She came in her original case (that doesn't smell, which I gather is a problem with some of them), with bobbins, a handful of feet that look like medieval instruments of torture, the original instruction manual, and a zipper foot attachment with cams and an "automatic zigzagger".

I had to take a trip to Toronto for a meeting, and on a whim I checked Toronto Kijiji listings to see if there were any Featherweights on offer.  I saw three listed, but this one was the only one I went to see.  It was reasonably priced, easily accessible by public transit, and was being sold by a retired lady who was "decluttering" and reported that the machine had been in her family since its purchase.  It had clearly been well taken care of.  And now she's mine!  I am beyond thrilled and very happy to be able to give this little darling a good home!

The Sketchbook Challenge: Techniques, Prompts, and Inspiration for Achieving Your Creative Goals

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Have you ever bought a new sketchbook, opened to the first page, and thought, "Now what do I do?" Sue Bleiweiss and the talented minds behind "The Sketchbook Challenge" are here to help.
Imagine a supportive community of artists sharing the innermost pages of their sketchbooks and offering you tips and techniques for overcoming creative blocks. That's what "The Sketchbook Challenge" is all about, and the popular blog of the same name has already inspired thousands. Inside this book, you'll find:
- Themes that will motivate you to start your sketchbook--and, more important, keep at it
- Tutorials spotlighting such mixed-media techniques as thread sketching, painted papers for collage, digital printing, and much more
- Strategies to get off the sketchbook page and start creating inspired art--whether you're into painting, collage, fiber art, or beyond.
- In-depth profiles of artists who have taken the Sketchbook Challenge and used it as a launching pad for their own meaningful artwork.

The Pocket Paper Engineer: How to Make Pop-Ups Step-By-Step

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Elegant and accessible, this interactive handbook teaches crafters of all ages how to create kinetic paper art. The projects are complete with examples, formulas, and the essential instruction that allows them to be constructed directly from the book with simple materials on hand: paper, scissors, and glue. Pop-ups are grouped by type--box or triangle--and as the chapters progress, the techniques are combined and layered for more dramatic effects. With its thorough explanations and inspiring ideas, this book will bring color and motion to crafters' cards, scrapbooks, and invitations.

Rachel Nelson-Smith's Bead Riffs: Jewelry Projects in Peyote & Right Angle Weave

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The newest installment in the top-selling "Beadweaving Master Class" series features popular jewelry and beading superstar Rachel Nelson-Smith. Rachel approaches beading like a jazz musician approaches a song: she improvises freely and creatively, playing unexpected variations on basic themes. Here, Rachel reveals her techniques for combining right-angle weave, tubular peyote stitch, and exquisite embellishments. Rachel's beautiful jazz-inspired pieces for beaders range from the Rondo necklace with repeated patterns to the Five Piece Band stackable ring. There are 23 inventive and fun jewelry projects in the book. "Riff It" sidebars offer suggestions for personalizing each design. Rachel Nelson-Smith is a featured artist in the book "Masters: Beadweaving."

Santa's Loading Dock Quilt

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Recreate this masterpiece or any of its parts to celebrate the holiday season! Use Mary's original patterns to make your own version of this charming, humorous, award-winning quilt. 90 patterns are included in the book, many at full size. Copy sizes are given for ease of hand and machine appliqu construction. Follow Mary's advice on quilting designs or strike out on your own. Even beginning quilters can make this stunning quilt come to life with Mary's clear instructions and the numerous detailed photographs. These darling patterns can be used separately to decorate stockings, tote bags, sweaters-the possibilities are endless!

100 Snowflakes to Crochet: Make Your Own Snowdrift - To Give or to Keep

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Create a gorgeous collection of crocheted snowflakes.
Bring the lacy beauty of a snowfall into your home with "100 Snowflakes to Crochet." Crafters of all levels can easily crochet up a storm--or just make a simple snowflake or two. The designs range from simple ones requiring only a few rows to large intricate ones for more advanced stitchers. Starting with a review of crochet basics, a discussion of materials and finishings, the structure of snowflakes, and methods of blocking and starching your finished flakes, anyone can easily learn to craft one of these gossamer creations. Then onto the Snowflake Selector to browse for a pattern that matches your skill level. However, as you work through the book, you will improve your skills as you go along! These lovely flakes--intricate, delicate, and symmetrical--can be used as appliques, to hang in windows, or to adorn your Christmas tree. With full patterns and lots of project ideas for your finished snowflakes, you're certain to find hours of enjoyment and inspiration from the next book in our bestselling series.

Halloween ePatterns for Inspiration!

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Holiday season’s coming up, and I always like to have an appropriately holiday-themed project to work on for each occasion. With Halloween on the horizon, I thought I’d take another look at some of my favorite ePatterns from our website to cross stitch, crochet, stitch on plastic canvas, sew and paint…Cross Stitch...
Happy Halloween! Cross Stitch ePattern—Any of these little designs would be fun on a Halloween shirt to wear to work!Halloween Wear Applique ePattern—Black cats for my sweatshirt!Crochet...
I just love this Halloween Bear Crochet ePattern! He’s got such a sweet face.Spiderweb Doily Thread Crochet ePattern—This quick little doily will make a nice addition to your Halloween décor.Plastic Canvas...
Halloween Hobgoblins Plastic Canvas ePattern—These magnets are fun on the fridge, or you can add a pin back for a simple wardrobe accent.Halloween Treats Plastic Canvas ePattern—If you follow this blog at all, you already know I’m a fan of the black cats.Miscellaneous…
Punkin the Sock Monkey ePattern—How could you resist a sock monkey in a pumpkin costume?Spookie Ghost Ivy Bowl Paint ePattern—I may need to paint an ivy bowl this year as a Halloween treat for a friend!What’s your project for Halloween this year? Need more inspiration? Check out all of our Halloween-themed publications and patterns!