Over ten years ago (?) I saw a Threads article in the library about strip piece quilting…I am not sure that was the exact title. Later I went back to take notes and it was cut out. Went to our regional library archives and it was cut out of that magazine. Apparently lots of interest.
It showed a way to quilt with irregular scraps of fabric. A base fabric is used. Irregular pieces are added one at a time to the base fabric with curved stitching lines. If I remember correctly the finished product was a silk evening bag.
I am not a quilter. Did anyone remember this? If it sounds familiar, is there a book I could buy about it?
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Replies
That is called crazy quilting. Try this site. I hope this is the right site. http://www.geocities.com/soho/lofts/6531/
Edited 12/1/2008 10:37 pm ET by rodezzy2
That does sound like crazy quilting and there are a lot of books about crazy quilting especially when embellished with threads, beads and things. It is a great way to use up bits and pieces of lovely (or not so lovely) fabric to go with a special outfit.
Gailete,
Go to the HGTV message boards, and click on Quilting and Needlework. Click on any of the threads that have to do with Crazy Quilting. The ladies there are a great resource for Crazy Quilting. They have instructions and chats and they will have answers to many of the questions you may have. There are also pictures of their work. You'll enjoy it.
summer
Hi Summer, I think your reply should have gone to the original poster as I was answering her question. Although I don't do much crazy quilting, I have shelves of quilting books for reference for many types of quilting although I prefer scrap quilts/log cabins.
Since you mentioned that the strips of fabric were sewn onto a base fabric, I wonder if it's an application of "foundation quilting" - you might search on that term.
Here's foundation quilting:http://www.quilt.com/HowTo/FoundationHowToPage.htmlI've used it to make some cute little cell phone bags out of silk tie remnants.
That's a very clear instruction sheet. Thank you for the link. So, from this discussion, it appears that the difference between foundation quilting and strip piece quilting is that though both methods use a foundation or base piece of fabric, the foundation quilting uses a paper pattern attached to the base fabric, and requires specific shapes and sizes of fabrics, while the strip piecing uses any-shape strip as long as it's wide enough to cover the base fabric, and the strips don't have to have parallel edges. Is that correct?I like the use to which you've put your silk tie remnants, too. I bet those cell phone bags are very attractive.
The definitions of foundation and strip quilting seem pretty flexible. In the version that I used, there was no paper shape, and in fact, I suspect that the little central pentagon was employed only because it offered a choice of five sides to stitch fabric to.The little cell phone bags are from Vogue 8407, which I reviewed at pr, and one view of the orange patchwork shows that central pentagon pretty well:http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/readreview.pl?readreview=1&reviewnum=34814
Here is a strip pieced quilt I made.
Gorgeous quilt - so well done, and I love the colors. I really respect you quilt-makers and your skill.
That's gorgeous, Rodezzy! I love the bright colours! Great job!
Gloria
Thanks sweet lady, I made a monocramtic one in dark and light linen/cotton for my son, but I can't seem to find the pictures.
You'll eventually find them &, hopefully, you'll post them for all of us to enjoy & compliment you! I'm working on a quilt-as-you-go table runner right not. Hopefully, it'll turn out fine, as it's a first for me. I know what you mean, though, about quilting a full-sized quilt in a home machine - it's a big job! I'll let you know how this table runner turns out. As for larger quilts, I'll have a go at them - we don't know if we don't try, eh? I have a few books on quilt-as-you-go, & am willing to try a few, as there are several quilts I want to make. I can certainly see the sense in doing it this way, but then, Annie does her big quilts on a home machine, so it obvioudly can be done, so I'll have a go at that method, too. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Gloria
I'm signed up for a Betty Cotton/Cotton Theory quilt as you go class in February. I've always wanted to try it. Hope your table runner turns out well and you will share photos! Mary
Is that on-line on at a quilt shop?
No, it's at the shop that took over my favorite Viking dealer. (Now they sell Pfaff). I will have to drive a long way to find a new Viking dealer and to go to the classes to learn digitizing embroidery designs. The three closest to me all closed! Hopefully they will teach both of her methods. One is like you described stripping....did I say that? he he he I'll share what I learn next month. Mary
yes you did...giggle
Good luck with your class. If you receive the MacPhee Workshop newsletter, you'll notice that Linda is doing a class in Denver soon on sewing with Slinky, in case you're interested. She says it's guaranteed to make you look 10 lbs. thinner :) (the Slinky outfit, that is, not just the course) :)
I haven't been able to get back to working on my table runner since Christmas, but hope to soon. I'll post pics if it turns out OK.
Gloria
Thanks for letting me know about her class. There are so many that I'd like to take, lots of good ones at the Denver Expo this year. I'm still trying to decide. Mary
That's the trouble with some expos - you spend all your time taking classes & have no time for shopping :(. You'll squeeze in as much as you can on both the classes & shopping, no doubt, as it's a fun day or two.
Gloria
I'm really looking forward to it. I've had some unexpected expenses so don't know if I'll be taking any classes. I sure want to but will have to decide this week or they might be full. Wish I could go to Pullyup this year, so many great artists/teachers there that I'd love to meet and learn their techniques! This one is smaller but still has a great line up.
If you can obtain the program sheet for Puyallup, you might be able to save enough to attend just that one, depending upon what classes/teachers they have. There's always a way, even if time & money are short, it seems - you have to limit your priorities (which is always hard), because these expos are always like a second Christmas; you just can't wait to go & see all that is offered (& try to resist most of it, unfortunately). Or is boils down to 'maybe next year' :(.
Gloria
I'm daydreamin'!
Daydreaming doesn't cost a penny! Go for it - it's a pleasant pastime. :)
Gloria
What quilt as you go process are you using on the table runner?
I don't know which process I'm doing, Rodezzy - it's similar to the quilt you made. I do each square (my runner is reversible, so different colours on each side) &, when they're all done, I abut the squares (& triangles) & sew them together with the sashing strips. Are there several ways to quilt-as-you-go? This is the first time I'm trying it, so I hope it turns out OK.
Gloria
Oh yes, there are a few. I like the sashing strip idea, must try it. My son came over and assisted me with getting some more stuff out of my apartment. I am actually close to being able to sew again. But not close enough to getting this job I've given myself to completion, but every step helps. I'm tired tonight from the work, but I am happy to be able to see my sewing room floor again. Some of it anyway. I found a pair of brand new boots I'd been looking for all week. They were on my sewing table, still in the box,,,,giggle,,,ha ha ha! What a world, what a world.
So those new boots were playing hide and seek with you, huh? It's so exhausting sorting through everything and purging. The thing I really hate is going through all the old paperwork I've put into boxes to sort "later". I have to look at every piece because I tend to write quick instructions, notes, drawings, and poems on envelopes and scraps of paper. This year they shall be purged!!! I've already found two checks to me from several years ago that I never cashed so I had to void them. (They were from my elderly mother and it would just confuse her if I cashed them now.)
I've found my New Years' resolutions: no more scrappy notes!!! have the urge to purge and no putting things in boxes or drawers to go through later!!! One in box one out box and no "round tuit box(s)!!!
Oh, Mary, I know what you mean about storing stuff in boxes! Yikes! I have 3 to go through, but I have dividers between a lot of it, so it just has to be put into binders now (hopefully, I can throw away another bunch when I go through it again). I'm embarrased to say I also have a pile of filing to do, as well (most of it is in my 'round tuit' box), so, you're right - that is a super resolution to not do this anymore, eh? Good luck with clearing up yours. (You probably wouldn't have been able to cash those cheques, anyway, as they usually expire after 6 mos.).
Gloria
Yeah, I found another one last night, oh well, it gave her a good feeling to think she sent a gift and that's what's important. She will never know that I didn't cash them.
I have several about 5 of the 3 ring binders and a hole puncher that will keep me busy organizing all those pages I tore out of magazines, instructions for techniques, paper copies of embroidery designs, etc. Guess I should buy a scrapbook or 10 for all the cards and letters or let them go....I'm determined to "just do it"! (or light a match to it and send it all on it's way to the great beyond!)
My mother sent Christmas cheques just before she passed away (she was almost completely blind & suffering from dementia by then), but she wrote on them, "Lots of love, but no money.' & it was so sweet, don't you think? I saved it.
I'm running out of room for the binders! So, I'd better weed through them & discard what I know I'll never do. The papers just keep piling up faster than we can get rid of them, it seems. I did discard cards a few years ago - it became just too much. I do tear off the nice covers of Christmas cards, if they haven't been written on, cut the edges with fancy craft scissors, & use them as gift cards on packages. Also, some kindergarten, lower elementary schools & disabled workshops use them for making crafts, so they can be sent there. How's that for recycling? :)
Gloria
Oh what a sweet heartfelt gift! Now that's what I call a real precious heirloom! Maybe you could photocopy it to fabric and make a little wallquilt or pillow of it?
I skipped out this afternoon and went out to lunch with my son and daughter in law. It was so great to spend time with them and hear about their first RV adventure up north with all the snow and slippery roads. One hill was so steep and pointed they thought they would get stuck at the top and rock on the undercarriage with the wheels off the ground, a bridge said 12' and they wondered how high the RV was. It's fun to hear their memories and they got to visit my mom and her grandma in Illinois and Iowa. They had a great time! I'm going in the spring.
I was just going to frame it, but I like your ideas.
What a nice afternoon you had! Good for you to get out of the house for awhile & away from the sewing. You'll go back refreshed.
Gloria
Yea this has been a real chore. I've done nothing this evening. Tired from first week back at work. Busy, so busy, and then coming home to the "mess." giggle
It saps your energy just to think about it, let alone look at it and not be able to sew because of it. You've already accomplished so much, the rest will get done in good time and you'll have that wonderful feeling you had when you finished the bedroom! .
I've been working most of this day on that room and all of the drawers are filled and I still have "stuff" and containers. ugggggghhhhhh
It's amazing how the "stuff" seems to multiply just when you think you are getting a handle on it! You'll get there, sounds like it's time to let it go for today and have some R & R!
Yea, it just keep on coming. I stopped and looked at TV for a while, now it's back to washing and whatever I can do.
You will WIN! You will! You will! You have the POWER! Have you found any more hidden gems, like your new boots?
I can't create right now, too much going on. I haven't found a couple things that I saw yesterday. I have a sweater dry rack, can't find it today. Saw it Saturday.
I think I remember buying a package of those space bags, can't find them, haven't seen them at all. Maybe I didn't buy them...,giggle. Oh well, going to say a prayer and go to bed, worked late today.
My sister likes those space bags, I haven't tried them though. Oh, I know how you feel about not being able to create for awhile. It's okay, your special creative space will all come together in good time. You aren't super woman, ya know? On second thought, sometimes I think you are!
Hey there lady, I'm not even looking for them now. I am stopping work to party for my birthday. Tomorrow dinner w/Frances. Thursday Lunch with a couple co-workers and Friday a small group of friends and my son for dinner, a free comedy show and on to the club. he he
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
May your week be filled with joy and laughter and happy times shared with friends. hugs, Mary
Thanks for the wonderful birthday wishes, wish your were at dinner with me too. I described what I had in my reply to Threadkoe. Spring will be here soon, and maybe we can meet up at some wonderful place and "chew the fat." he he...oh and I had a Corona. yum!
Pheww! Glad to hear that I am not the only one with the thought I had it, sure I put it somewhere syndrome! tee hee Maybe it is just the January post-holiday 'round up the mess syndrome! Seems like everyone is into cleaning up and clearing out right now. You seem to have a good handle on your stuff. Bravo!!!! If it makes you feel better, I still have all my Christmas stuff up, tee hee, and there it will stay to enjoy until I am able, or have help to take it down. :) Cathy
I just took my tree down off the mantle this past Sunday, and I haven't taken it all down, but whatever, my birthday is Friday and it will still be a little festive in here. Lots of activities this week. Fun, fun fun. No more work for now. I hope you get the help you deserve.
Edited 1/13/2009 11:40 pm ET by rodezzy2
It's Your Birthday Week! YaY! YaY! YaY! Good enough reason to celebrate you being you! Many many good wishes to You! So that is a good reason enough to let things be for the week. Have fun and my Birthday Present to you is to let you be selfish and do one thing totally for yourself on your Birthday, guilt free! ;) Cathy
Just got home from a wonderful dinner and conversation with a wonderful, thoughtful friend. It was a good time and good food. This was her first time there (my find this time) and she loved it. I was very pleased. I wish you were there too. Tomorrow, it's men only at lunch with Sam and Mark from work. One of my managers and a great co-worker. We're going to an Italian restaurant "Father & Sons".
Tonight I had a deep fried, whole, red snapper stuffed with shrimp and a little tomatoe sautee' over it, rice, roasted potatoes and veggies. It was wonderful. We had fried smelts w/lemon for an appetizer. Francis had the deep fried red snapper with with tomatoe sauce, garlic, veggies and rice. Neither one of us could eat our whole meal. So, leftovers for dinner tomorrow. giggle, thanks for the good birthday wishes.
I am still working on details for that get together in the spring, so keep your fingers crossed! Have been trying to research possibilities for places, when I am feeling able, and have had time. I have not forgotten. We may get a gigglefest in yet Girl. That sounded like one yummy meal, I love seafood and fish! Cathy
Today, Sam called in sick, he was so apologetic ... I'm like please.....don't think of it. So Mark and I went out and I had Chicken Parmesan sandwich with double baked potatoe and coleslaw. It was good. The dish I wanted would take too long and Mark had to work in someone else's place. It was great. Tomorrow will be great too! Looking forward to our gigglefest.
Edited 1/15/2009 7:38 pm ET by rodezzy2
Enjoy your week of celebration.
Happy Birthday!!!!!!!
The dinner sounds great and you ad a good time.
Thanks, I'm having a warm and great time. Warm because of the people who are around me, and great because of the people spending time with me. Here and on this site. love and hugs, thanks for all the good wishes.
It sounds like your sewing area is nicely taking shape. Did you get the armoires for storage? Finding your new boots amongst the sewing stuff is like Christmas all over again :).
Gloria
I got three very nice dressers. $150 is all. Check em' out.
Way to go - a very successful hunting trip!
Those are all beautiful, and look very spacious, too. I especially love the birds! :) Kharmin
That dresser is 6 ft long. Each piece has full drawers, I mean the fronts and the inside of the drawers are equal in depth; that I love. I don't know when they began manufacturing shallow drawers, but I hate them. That's why I love old furniture. I have pretty much filled them up and still have a lot of "stuff".
Wow, Rodezzy - you did extremely well! Those are lovely - & look to be very good quality. Good for you! They all look like new, or were you able to get them second hand? If so, they are in exceptional condition. The price was excellent! Now you can put away your stash - you're doing really well in your decluttering.
Gloria
I'm hardly unique--Diane Gaudynski, Harriet Hargraves and a score of other quilters regularly win awards for machine quilting and they all use home-use machines. It takes practice and perseverance but it can be done. In fact, it's been done a long time. One of the first attachments invented for the sewing machine was the quilting guide. I believe that everyday quilts were regularly machine quilted, but haven't survived because they were used until they wore out. Many of the quilts that have survived are "best" quilts, which were handquilted because they were special. So far, I haven't found a longarm machine that tempts me away from my current method. I have major shoulder problems and the longarmers that I talk to all agree that it's hard on your shoulders, plus I'm short and have low back issues, so I definitely wouldn't want to stand at one for hours either. I've tried them and really just don't like them. Then there's the cost----OUCH! I have less than $100 invested in my quilting head and table--and most of that was the plywood to build it. Even when the other four heads that are mounted in the table are added, my total cost is less than $500. One friend who has a longarm business says that the next machine she gets will have another cost factored in--the cost to add a room onto the house to put it in! She had to give up her bedroom in order to move the machine from a rented storefront to her home and she and her DH have been sleeping in the living room ever since. I can't believe that's been good for their marriage!
You're right, Annie - the longarm machines are very expensive & need a lot of room, not to mention it's difficult to stand at them for hours - it would definitely affect your shoulders & back (or, in my case, my knees, as well). I would hate to give up my bedroom for the machine, then have to sleep in the living room, as your friend has done - definitely not good for a marriage - or even when you're sick & want to go to your bed & close the door.
I will do my quilting on my own sewing machine. As you said, practise makes perfect :). If you can do such a wonderful job, anyone can, with lots of practice :). I'll see how this affects my neck & shoulders &, if it does, I'll just do a bit every day, between sewing other items.
Gloria
That's the way I do it, inch by inch, row by row (oh, like the Pete Seager song). I started quilting in 2006 and discovered a new love with so many options for creativity. I've only finished 2 quilts in that time, but it is such a feeling of accomplishment for me! I work on other things and keep going back to the quilt until it's done. Love love love it!
I know how it is - it just keeps calling you (like a jigsaw or crossword puzzle - you just have to finish it). A bit at a time still eventually accomplishes your goal. It's so wonderful to be able to do what we love, eh?
Gloria
Ohhh, that is just beautiful. The tiny pieces you put together! I can't wait to get my hands on some pretty ties. My DH has some I just adore, but I want him to keep wearing those.Thank you for showing me. I didn't read your entire review, cuz I'm short of time right now, but I plan to go back to it to read fully. The tassle you sewed onto the bottom was nice. Did you make it, also, or were you able to find tassles like that somewhere?
Glad you like those little bags!I couldn't find tassels to match, so I just made some using embroidery floss. They're not difficult; basically, you just wind thread over something like a 3X5 card and wrap and tie the upper end of the loop really tightly. I think there are lots of tassel instructions on the internet.
Yes, I'm keeping your bags in mind for a similar project I want to start soon. The tassels were a nice addition, and the use of embroidery floss must make matching a cinch.I just love the inspiration I get from projects shared on this site. Thanks.
This quilt was made from 2.5 inch strips. No tiny pieces. They were sewn on a 13.5 x 13.5 square foundation of muslin and batting, starting at the center you sew fabric strips on the diagonal. Then you sew and flip out covering each side. After sewing on the strips you turn it over and square each square up to a 12 x 12 square. It's called "quilt as you go" and then you the squares together with a stip of folded fabric on to top. When you finish a row of the desired number of squares, you fold the strip over the raw edges and hand sew them over the raw seams. Continue make rows until the desired number of rows are completed to make the size quilt you need. Then sew the rows together with the same strip, repeat the process for covering the seams, put on a binding and you are done with the quilt. It is pieced and quilted all in one process.
When I first saw your quilt, I couldn't figure out how it could be a strip quilt. I kept going back and looking at it. Thank you for explaining your clever technique! Now it makes sense to me, I love it! It's really an attractive quilt that looks much more complicated to make. I can't wait to try it!
I'm piecing the crazy quilt in 12x12 squares, I'm considering cutting the batting into squares instead of using one large piece of batting. Which way do you think would be easier?
Or should I leave the batting in one piece and start at the center and work my way out from there with each square? Instead of making the top all one piece first?
I'm not using a pattern, just willy nilly and a hope and a prayer! I read techniques and study them, then try them out instead of using patterns usually.
Thanks for sharing your instructions, your quilt is so pretty! Mary
Either way would be O.K., depending on the size of the quilt. The purpose of my taking on the process that I did is because I don't like trying to quilt large quilts on the small sewing machine. It was easier to handle the quilt in sections of straight line sewing of finished quilted strips than to try quilting a large quilt design. It was time consuming to hand sew down the strips afterwards, but much easier to manage for me. I've sewn the strip down too, it depended more on the design on the front side of the quilt in my mind. I would say to cut four 8 inch squares of fabric, backing and batting, quilt them together with just three of four lines of straight stitching and putting them together to see how you like it.
Loved your strip example! very cheering!
Rodezzy, thanks so much for those quilt-as-you-go instructions. The folded-strip of fabric to cover the raw edges on the back is clever. One question: I understand that the folded strip is sewn on as the squares and rows are sewn together. But do you press the seam allowances open, then fold the strip around the flattened seam allowances and sew it down by hand, or do you fold the strip over the two s.a. edges, treating them as one? Is my question clear?Another question - do you ever use a patterned fabric for the backing of the squares, instead of plain muslin?Edited after reading Annie's post below - I may not have visualized your method correctly. When you say to use a folded strip, I at first assumed you meant folded in half, with the raw edges machine-stitched along with the raw edges of the blocks you're joining, but now I'm not sure - did you mean instead, with the edges folded in toward the center, like bias tape is folded? Sorry if I'm dense about this...
Edited 1/1/2009 2:17 pm ET by Josefly
Here's a link to a site with instructions for joining blocks that have been quilted that requires NO hand sewing. http://www.treadleon.net/quiltshop/joiningblocks/joining.html
Thank you, Annie. I just read through the instructions on that site, as well as the ones on a link provided there, which also included instructions for applying the borders. These tutorials are pretty clear.
I just finished reading the articles on joining blocks and and borders. I have been trying to figure something easier than all the hand stitching in Georgia Bonesteel's Lap Quilting. I want to make a King of Queen size quilt for my son and would rather not have to handle all that material.
I am going to go back and check out the Treadle On site. Thanks.
I made ONE quilt using Georgia's method and then gave up, knowing there had to be a better way. Mine was to just teach myself machine quilting full quilts, which works for me. The method on the Treadle On site was developed by Dick Wightman, who, as a man, didn't really bother with the "rules" of quilting which means that he wasn't afraid to innovate. I've seen his method demonstrated and it really is pretty slick.
Meant to ask--does Joyful Needles refer to sewing or knitting needles? I love the name!
Thanks for asking. I knit, crochet, sew, learning quilting, used to cross-stitch and I was an LPN for 26 years.
So ALL the needles! Me too, except for the nursing thing--does giving horses shots count?
I like that joining method, and will try it on my next large quilt. Thanks! I have lots to do.
The strip that is sewn on is a folded strip of fabric, 2.5 in width. the strip is sewn on with the raw edges alighned with the raw edges of the squares. After sewing, you fold the strip over the raw edges and blind stitch the piece down, or whip stitch. This is only one techinique for joining the squares. It is the one I used for this quilt. It was my first attempt with a quilt as you go technique.
Part Two: You may use whatever fabric you want for the back. You can create a whole new design with the fabric used for the backing. Checkerboard placement with contrasting colors, make pieced squares and use them for the backing. A variegated or monofiliment thread would give interest and/or just the quilting lines. You could just take two pieced squares quilting together and complete the last steps. There are other quilt as you go methods where you don't have to use the strips. I believe a link has been provided in another post on this subject.
What I love about the techniques is not having to struggle trying to quilt a large project under the home sewing machines. As far as I'm concerned, its too hard on the hands and wrist, back and mind. I'm just not up to it. I don't enjoy quilting large projects at all. Now if someone wants to donate to me one of those big fancy quilting machines I might be happier, it looks easier, I've never tried one. I'd like to.
I don't think there's any way I could manage a large quilt with my sewing machine, so the method you've described is probably the only way I'll ever do a large project. Thanks for the description - I'm beginning to think I could do it, and maybe not even mind the handwork.
I'm so happy to be of help, because I feel ya' on that...giggle!
I'd love to try one of those longarm quilters myself! Some are made to stand at, some to sit at. I wonder how they would work for different heights of people because the line of sight is so important in quilting. I saw one that you just program in the quilting design, wonder what those cost! The quilting frame seems like a dreamy idea but I'd have to get rid of the kitchen table because there's no room left in the studio. lol
Your summary is correct; in strip piece quilting, the edges don't have to be parallel if you're going for a more random look. Parallel strips allow for the elaborate and more regular designs such as the beautiful one already posted.
Here is a strip piece quilt my sister and her teenage son made. (At this point, a deep breath and short prayer that I remember how to post photos to this site!)
Oh, it's huge..sorry! Will have to reread those posts on how to get reasonable-size photos posted.
Edited 12/27/2008 3:17 pm by Teaf5
That was a very big picture, but here at home on my new laptop, I could handle it.
Loved the strip quilt, very nice.
That's a gorgeous quilt. I want to remember to show that photo to my grandson next time he visits. He sewed a pieced place-mat with me last summer. It's a little difficult at his age to interest him in a long-term project like your sister's and nephew's, but that photo might interest him - it certainly does me! Thanks for posting it, and also for the clarification re strip quilting.After reading rodezzy's instructions for quilting-as-you-go, I wondered if your sister used a similar technique. Obviously she didn't make squares like the ones used in rodezzy's quilt, but did she instead make long strips of sandwiched backing/batting/pieced strips, sewing the long strips together in the as-you-go technique, covering the raw edges on the back with folded strips as described?
Edited 1/1/2009 11:44 am ET by Josefly
My sister didn't use the sandwich method to make her pieced quilt; she did the top separately and then added the backing and batting in the traditional comforter way. It's a very large quilt, so the modular method would have been problematic--maneuvering all that heavy batting and backing while stitching.I don't think the quilt took very much time; my sister is a busy technical professional who commutes and works 50-60 hours per week, and she sets up her portable sewing machine on the kitchen table. They used a rotary cutter and a large cutting mat to prepare the panels and strips; all the stitching is straight lines, so they chained the panels (going from one to the other without cutting the thread).The vibrancy of the colors and the wild patterns (pirates, dinosaurs, camo, etc.) came from items her son had picked out over the years for other projects, so his participation recalled fond memories for both of them. If I get a chance, I'll post a picture of a strip-pieced silky throw I made for my daughter in the same way, from dressy fabrics from our past projects, plus a few from her grandmother's stash.
Thank you for further description of your sister's and nephew's quilt. It is very attractive, and it'll mean a lot to your nephew. I look forward to seeing the silky throw you made for your daughter. I had fun piecing together some fancy fabric scraps for a Christmas stocking for my daughter a few years ago - pieces from formal and semi-formal dresses I had either made for her or re-fashioned from consignment shop purchases. She still uses the stocking. It's lots of fun to pick out the bits of fabric and recall the style of the dress and the events to which she wore them.
Honestly, how easy was it to manage under a table top sewing machine. I can't see it, that's why there's different methods for different people. The only hand sewing was one side of the strips. And that is a queen size quilt. I made two.
It's just like quilting, there are those that would die standing up before they would machine quilt a quilt - hand quilting is their thing. Then there are those (like me) that would rather eat snakes than struggle with a large quilt under a machine, but will do some (and I say that lightly) "some" hand quilting (small projects only).
To be totally honest, I don't like the quilting part at all, I like designing, piecing and giving it to someone else to quilt the sandwich. That is the most perfect way for me, unfortunately, I don't always have the means to send them out, so I have to do it myself. So, I do what's easiest for me to cope with. I can't quilt designs in the quilt, so I admire those that can and lean on their talents.
SNAKES???? Oh no! no! no!
Yea, snakes....I don't like to quilt the sandwich. I don't like it.
I love creating the top, figuring out the design, shopping for the fabric, fussing over the colors for it, cutting out the pieces and sewing the top together, after that.......I'm through!
I've done many quilts in many different ways. I've tried hand quilting, machine quilting and the quilt as you go methods. I don't even like quilting one measly square. But I love the finished product.
But to make quilts is to quilt the sandwich, so I do it as simply as possible, or send it to someone else to do. Different strokes for different folks.
Wouldn't it be great to have a group of sewing friends and each of us were able to work together so we could each only do the parts we like best? I don't care much for laying out the fabric "just right" and cutting out is a pain in the butt chore to me. I love the planning, shopping, redesigning, anything at the sewing machine, embroidery machine, and serger, especially embellishing. Sometimes I lay everything out before I go to bed and dream that the faeries cut it all out while I sleep!
I'll have to speak to the faeries about it and leave them out a present!
That would be great. I've been looking for a group that could be like that, haven't found one yet. Yea, you talk to those fairies. Maybe they could sprinkle some dust or something.
I left a bag of paper trash on the floor and Zoey "sprinkled" shredded paper throughout the house! Guess I'll remember to shut the sewing room door now.
Thanks for that link. I printed it out for my 'cheater file'. One thing I do want to mention. When I worked in the printing industry, we would get complaints from time to time regarding the layout of the form. Many times we discovered the original copy had been photocopied, and that photocopy copied, and that one copied, etc. I DO NOT KNOW if it still holds true with new state of the art copiers, but what we found to be true was that the copying process slightly (minutely) expanded the dimensions. So each time you photocopy a photocopy, you get further off from the original. That probably doesn't matter anywhere except in printing and in quilting, but it is something to be aware of. All I'm saying is if you photocopy, be sure to use the same generation of copies for your project. Don't copy your copies, or the lines may not match up exactly.P.S. It may be the newer copiers don't do this, but just be sure to test. And I hope this all makes sense to you.
Edited 12/21/2008 1:37 pm by JunkQueen
Strip quilting is a type of crazy quilting, but it is much faster and slightly different. It's a historical technique that makes use of thin and small pieces of fabric.
Briefly, you take a length of base fabric anywhere from 4" to 12" wide, and start at one end. The first piece of top fabric (a strip) is stitched onto the base. The strips can be rectangular or any shape, as long as they cover the base strip from side to side.
The second strip is sewn right sides together to cover the bottom of the first strip, and then is flipped down and pressed. The third piece, sewn in the same way, covers the bottom of the second, and so on. In this way, each layer has a clean, hemmed top edge that covers the preceding raw edge, but there's no fitting or measuring necessary.
The completed lengths can be combined as-is in horizontal and vertical rows or can be cut into segments and then stitched into elaborate patterns. Any combination of colors or patterns of fabric can be used, but it's especially effective with a variety of contrasting lights and darks. When you need to substantially reduce your stash of remnants and scraps, strip quilting really works.
I keep a box in my sewing room specifically for leftovers for strip piecing. Prior to getting tossed in that box, leftover fabric is rotary cut into 2 1/2", 2", 1 1/2" strips if possible and the rest go into the box. Now I have a good collection of strips for 'regular' quilting projects like log cabin and rail fences blocks and strip piece pieces for truly scrap quilts. I've lost track of how many strip pieced quilts I've made.
Now that those Jelly roll bundles are in fashion so to spreak, I'm seeing lots of quilting ideas for using my 2 1/2" strips that I have stashed away. If only my body would keep up with my head full of ideas!
Gail
I hear you! Unfortunately, we all have more ideas than energy, time & money allows, eh? That's a great idea of yours of cutting your scraps into strips, ready to go when needed. A lot cheaper than those Jelly rolls, too.
Gloria
I have been precutting strips for years now and it comes in very handy when you want to sew but not cut! I also have a favorite block that is easy but looks difficult that I precut pieces for- 2 1/2" square, 4 1/2" square, and a 2 1/2 x 4 1/2" rectangle. I've found that those shapes are also great for lots of simple blocks. I made several Project Linus quilts this way, after starting out with leftover kids fabric cut into those size blocks for a nephews quilt.
I love scrap quilts and I think I would be bored silly trying to make an entire quilt all with the same block and fabric. It is more fun, to me, to coordinate scraps for each block if I am doing that. I actually head to my precut strips or bit and pieces block when starting a quilt although I have a huge stash of uncut fabric. Somehow it seems like 'cheating' to start out with all fabric purchased just for one quilt. I did it last year for a quilt for my BIL grandson and it was fun, but the look on hubby's face when he saw the odd assortment of fabrics I was getting, he couldn't comprehend what I was going to do as he is so used to me buying a yard here or there because I thought it was pretty. But when you are making a quilt for a 7 year old (for pay no less) you have to find fabrics that would appeal to the boy and I didn't think my excellent selection of florals would do the trick.
Gail
No, florals aren't a big turn-on for little boys! :). I have so many scraps (that now must all be ironed :( ) - but I love your idea of precutting them in different sizes; then, you're ready to go when inspiration or need strikes. I must get organized like that, otherwise the pile of scraps is daunting. I, too, have 1 or 2 metre pieces of different colours & prints that I've been collecting, but those are washed & ironed & ready to go. I like the herringbone/French braid strips, too, along with several other strip-piecing 'patterns' I've saved - all beautiful quilts. I want to make at least 1 crazy quilt, as well. Those should get rid of a whole bunch of scraps. After Christmas, as I'll be itching to get at them by then.
Gloria
I am so bad as I never pre-wash my quilting fabric. I have however started prewashing fashion fabric and that certainly helps with shrinkage after making.
I've never been one to wash the life out of quilts. Then I made one for my MIL. Brand new quilt and she ran it through the washer upon getting it. Apparently it is one of her quirks that no fabric or garments, right down to packaged socks gets used until it is washed. Brand new clothes were always so special to me that I tried to preserve the newness as much and for as long as possible.
Gail
I wash everything as soon as it comes into the house too. I'm not that fussy really, the whole family is just very sensitive to some of those dyes and chemicals and dustmites from the factories.
I aggressively prewash all quilting fabrics before they are allowed upstairs into my studio. I've seen too many quilts bleed from unwashed fabrics to ever skip this step. Mine go into my white enamel sink and hot water with ORVUS soap and they are washed and re-washed until no more color shows in the water. This way I know that my quilts are safe. I put way too much time into a quilt to risk a laundry disaster later.
I agree that is so important, also because each fabric seems to shrink in varying amounts. Even a small project made with love and less time involved is heartbreaking if it's ruined by skipping a step.
I bought pink longjohns for a Christmas gift for a friend. I want to put some embroidery and appliques on them so they had to be washed and dried first too.
I think it is all how a person grows up. At first I was offended that she thought that something I made her was dirty and then I realized she is the queen of laundry and washes and washes and washes. And watch out for the bleach bottle. When I was really sick several years ago, she took my laundry home to wash and then she told me how she had bleached the crotch of all my panties! I was horrified that anyone would be inspecting my dirty undies so thoroughly. These weren't even cotton undies that should be bleached. Many of my clothes had bleach spots even though she insisted that she hadn't got bleach anywhere near them. Anyhow, I never have let her do my laundry again, it doesn't matter how sick I get.
But back to prewashing quilting fabrics. I've tried and ended up with gobs of snarled up fabrics that I could never iton the creases out of them. And then I ask myself that if they are selling these jelly rolls, charm squares, etc. how does one go about washing these things without them ending up in a mess? I love the feel of crisp new fabric. I've only ever had problems with color running on one quilt and that was my scrappy lap quilt that I use a lot and it was just one square where the bright red went a bit wild. But with boxes of strips already precut, I think I would have more problems with starting to prewash fabric now as I would have to be sure that I wasn't mixing it in with those that weren't prewashed.
I started my first quilt in 1969 when i was in 8th grade. I was inspired by the Little House books and wanted a quilt, so with no instructions, I proceeded on my way. I loved that quilt but it eventually fell apart and no wonder--many of the blocks had been sewn with a basting stitch! I had no template for the squares I was making and so just put one square on top of the next piece of fabric and cut around them. In later years I found some of the left over blocks and some of the squares were over 1/2" bigger than the other ones. Seams didn't match and I used all sorts of fabric from upholstry to lightweight polyester blends. but it was bright and happy and I finished it in time to take it with me to college. Eventually I got a hold of some quilting books and learned some more about what to do, but I have always avoided the prewash part.
Gail
I admire your tenacity and perseverance making your first quilt on your own with no instructions at such a young age. Way to go, lady!
I would have been mortified with the laundery episode too. My mother always soaked undies in something like Borax or Biz (can't remember the name, but it wasn't bleach), and handwashed them. About the only thing I handwash is delicate laces and a few expensive bras, the rest goes in the washer or I don't buy it, unless it's a leather coat.
Mary, I've put expensive bras in a mesh laundry bag & washed them with my regular laundry, but I always hang them to dry (all my bras & panti-girdles, actually), so they never go into the dryer. They do last longer that way. (I always feel like I haven't washed them well if I hand-wash them, for some reason).
Gloria
I used to think that too. Victoria Secret's apex full coverage bras are my current favorite though very expensive. They say not to machine wash them, I put one in the washer for just the beginning of the cycle and then hand rinsed it, the underwire poked through the next time I wore it. So now I don't want to risk it again. I soak them well, change the water, rinse well and hang them to dry. This has worked well for over a year they still look brand new.
I love these bras because they cover completely, even the sides, and no muffin top, finally a bra that's comfortable.
That's surprising that the wire poked through so quickly, but the manufacturers don't use very sturdy material to cover it - usually just a strip of bias. I usually have to reinforce mine at the tips of the wire, then they last for ages. Did you have it in a lingerie bag? Obviously, you're washing it the correct way now, if it's lasted this long. You're lucky to have found one that fits so well. Unfortunately, we don't have Victoria's Secret here.
Gloria
It's so funny, I went in there thinking I would just have them fit me for a bra but not likely to buy one there. I thought that store was for "sexy younger women" and expected it to be about cleavage and sex appeal. I was thrilled to find that I was wrong. They have a website too but I don't know where they ship or if it's reasonable fees.
I was ready to use duct tape on those wires!
It sure makes a difference getting a well-fit bra. I only have 1, which I keep for 'good' wear, as I won't be in an area to get another for awhile. All the others, I've altered to fit better, but still leave a bit to be desired. They do cost more, but are worth it. Mary, duct tape on the wires isn't the answer. haha Do sew on little reinforcing patches if you need to - the bras do last way longer.
Gloria
How about spray on foam? ha ha, it seems that the manufacturers could address this better doesn't it?
Spray on foam? Haha! Yes, the manufacturers could certainly address the poking wires better, as the covering always seems so think & flimsy. Of course, if the bras lasted longer, they wouldn't sell as many.
Gloria
I think that hits the nail on the head, as it were! Everything *must* be disposable these days, for the benefit of the almighty Bottom Line! Grrrrrrr!
Well, as our dollars keep shrinking, so will theirs. Eventually they will have to make more "durable" goods to stay in business I think. Now if we could just convince them that this "disposable society" thing needs to become a thing of the past!!!
No, Mary, the way these businesses operate, they'll just raise their prices, as they obviously don't care about quality - they just want the quick buck, as you said. Sad!
Gloria
True! I hate all this disposble stuff & do try to recycle as much as I can. There is way too much plastic packaging, as well. Unfortunately, many can't afford to buy the good, well-made items, so they 'settle' for what they can afford & it just is so shoddy, & isn't worth what they paid for it.
Gloria
too true!
I pre-wash everything that comes into my house, too; otherwise, I suffer through weeks of itching and sneezing, even if someone else is wearing it! And since quilts often become unexpected legacies, I make sure that future owners can wash them without damaging them.
I machine wash my VS Ipex bras, too, and they come through fine. I fasten the hooks together, put them in a lingerie bag, and wash them with other knits on a cold, gentle cycle. Hang dry, of course.
Not-affiliated commentary: VS has excellent mail-order service; they even include a return bag and label to make adjustments easier. Although it is best to be fitted by them in the store (and they were VERY helpful to this mature customer!) their sizes run very close to standard, so that I wear the same size but am much more comfortable. They offer significant discounts very frequently, and since I don't have to replace their bras very often, I end up saving in the long run. Best of all, using the same size as a guide, my sweet hubby can buy indulgent gifts for me!
I was in a VS store once looking for a bra. When the lady asked my size, she said they didn't carry it, try Lane Bryant. I about dropped my teeth as I had seen so many commercials for VS and all the model seemed to have something inside those bras, I couldn't believe that they didn't carry anything in D or DD! I finally found a bra elsewhere I like that fits and found a site on line to order them, so no going to the store that carries them and hoping they have at least one in my size, much less a couple.
I had an underwire bra once and wore it to my wedding 7 years ago and never again. It was the most uncomfortable thing. I'm not sure why you ladies put yourselves through that pain plus those wires poking you.
Gail
I haven't bought any of the jelly rolls (yeah - I'd have a problem washing them, too), but, when I buy charm squares or fat quarters, I put them in a mesh laundry bag & throw them in with my regular wash. They don't unravel as badly. I sure know what you mean about longer pieces of fabric fraying terribly at the ends & getting all twisted up. I read a tip once about pinning the ends of those pieces together (some people even sew them with a long stitch) & it does work - they don't unravel as badly or twist as much, either.
Gloria
I wash everything before use! I never wear purchased clothing until it's first washed, either, just like your MIL, even socks. All the fabrics I sew are washable, as well.
Gloria
I think it might be under "channel quilting".
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