Solved a Problem with the Right Tool

I started working on a new project yesterday that will turn into a pattern in the near future. I had my fabric ready to go. Cut everything out. Then I realized that I didn't have my sewing bag with my 1/4" foot. How can I sew without it?

Problem solved. I have a Prep Tool and Seam Guides.

Here's how I used these to get my 1/4" seam allowance so I could work on this project.

The Prep Tool is 1/4" wide. I placed it under my presser foot in one of the open areas. Put the presser foot down to hold it in place. Then I peeled off the backing on the Seam Guide. I placed the Seam Guide right up against the Prep Tool.

I removed the Prep Tool and the Seam Guide is in place. It is thicker than a piece of tape so there is a definite edge for the fabric to butt up against when sewing. With a piece of tape it is easy to go on top of the tape which makes the seam allowance less accurate.

Now I can sew my strips with an accurate 1/4" seam without my 1/4" foot. Problem solved!

The Seam Guide can be re-positioned so if you want to sew a different size seam, you can move it. When it is time to start quilting, just take it off until you're ready to use it again.

In quilting it is often all about having the right tools for the right project. It is also about how to improvise so we can do what we want to do when we want to. This is the perfect example of this.

Completed Quilt Top

Just finished putting the rows together. I can't wait to quilt it with some beautiful variegated thread. That will have to wait for awhile though. There is another project to do right after the show.


The quilt top will hang in our booth at the Rocky Mountain Sew Expo this weekend. The show is July 12 - 14 at the Denver Merchandise Mart. We are in Booth 217 - 219 at the show. 

I can totally see this as a great baby or toddler quilt too. It goes together easily. I did the whole top in a weekend and didn't spend all day every day on it. These are 6" blocks so my version measures roughly 30" x 42" without quilting and binding. That is an ideal size for a baby quilt.

Carol

Tessellating Windmills under Construction

I have all of the rows sewn for my Tessellating Windmills quilt. I can't believe how easily it went together. Every piece fit and the blocks all matched perfectly. I love when that happens! Here's the template that made it all possible.

From Marti Michell Tessellating Windmill Tool 

I chose the Tropical Rainbow  color way and black. I wanted a dramatic look and I think I have achieved that. Here's a picture of what it looks like so far.

I hope to get the rows sewn together tonight. If I manage to get it done, I'll hang the top in our booth this weekend at the Rocky Mountain Sew Expo in Denver, CO. We are in Booth 217 - 219 at the show. Stop by and see it in person.

I have cut out the pieces for my next project. It is the From Marti Michell Tessellating Windmills. I got the pieces cut and stacked very easily. Now they are ready to sew.

One tool cuts 8 different size blocks. I'm doing 6" finished blocks.

I haven't had a lot of time to quilt or stitch. My youngest daughter got married on June 30th. The wedding is over. They are on their honeymoon and I have a few days before we leave for a show in Denver. So I've had some time to finish up a couple projects. These are the two I just completed.

Nativity Pageant Stocking

Robin Kingsley of Bird Brain Designs did the stitching on this. I just finished it up. There are five compatible ornaments to go with it.

This is one of two pillowcases in the "Bee Humble Bee Kind" pattern.

Now it's on to the next project, From Marti Michell's Tessellating Windmill. This is Marti's sample.  I'm making it in hand dyes and black. I think it is going to be stunning when it's done. Stay tuned for progress pictures.