tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22783291799753279992024-03-12T18:20:31.190-07:00The Domestic Quilter: Machine Quilting & BindingSharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11397287633266744727noreply@blogger.comBlogger146125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278329179975327999.post-20384667497088527932015-01-29T06:48:00.001-08:002015-01-29T06:48:41.801-08:00Wool Brick Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is a beautiful wool quilt pieced by Denise. She used wool samples to create a variegated brick wall quilt.<br />
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The length of each row varied, so I thought it would be an artsy idea to incorporate some of the excess trim into the binding--a few strips of wool pieced to some of the gray flannel used for the backing. I gave it a go but the wool proved to be too thick to wrap around. I used the gray flannel exclusively and it was a good contrast and frame to the bright colors of the wool. <br />
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After stitching in the ditch, I quilted 1/4" on both sides of the seam line. I color matched the thread for each row so the thread would blend and not detract the eye from the overall color of the quilt.<br />
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The backing is a medium gray Shadowplay by Maywood Fabrics. By stitching-in-the-ditch, the backing looks like a gray brick wall.<br />
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Denise plans to give this quilt to family members living overseas. It will be a treasured heirloom!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12px;">Copyright ©2015, Sharon Baggs</span>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11397287633266744727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278329179975327999.post-5809911203168228462014-08-14T22:39:00.000-07:002014-08-14T22:46:02.170-07:00Row Quilting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just finished quilting this baby quilt that was pieced by my friend, Renee, for her new granddaughter, Stella.</div>
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Row quilts, such as this one featuring 5 sewn strips, can be quilted with an overall design or treated individually. I chose to quilt the three fabrics with 3 different designs. I used a practice patch to audition potential designs.<br />
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I also used Superior's King Tut 40 wt. cotton thread in Lemongrass, a neutral thread that blended well with all the fabrics, including the red fabric which was used to back the quilt.<br />
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The center panel by Cloud 9 Fabric features whimsical wheat, flowers, and critters. Since it's such a busy pattern, I chose a simple clamshell design and incorporated a spray of wheat between each of them.<br />
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The red sections were quilted with a feathered stencil that nicely filled the area.</div>
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The gray fabric reads as a solid even though it has a swirly design that recedes into the background. It was a good choice to show off some quilting and incorporate the creatures in the center panel. I looked at the fabric and searched online for sketches of a cat, mouse, and bird.</div>
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After some really lame attempts to draw them...</div>
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I just went for it and stitched them out. Time and again I realize that my quilting is better than my artwork! Be brave and soldier on...<br />
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Renee plans to sew on a 2" satin blanket binding so I quilted to within 1.5 inches of the edges. Overall, I was really happy with the way this quilt turned out!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12px;">Copyright ©2014, Sharon Baggs</span></div>
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Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11397287633266744727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278329179975327999.post-10237866293392506402014-07-28T10:00:00.000-07:002014-07-28T10:00:01.517-07:00Prairie Points on Jazzy Trip Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My daughter, Becca, made this quilt many, many years ago. It's a Trip Around the World design she named "Jazzy Trip" and she hand quilted it with pink and green pearl cotton.<br />
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She always wanted to finish it off with a prairie point binding. This type of inserted edge binding, secured between the top and the backing, would definitely add an interesting visual dimension. I procrastinated on it because I didn't really know how to make prairie points. Cluelessness kept this quilt in the unfinished pile for awhile.<br />
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So finally I devoted an entire Saturday poring over books and instructions on the internet to figure out the "how to" on making prairie points. Typically prairie points are added before layering and quilting the quilt but it's possible to do it after. Here's how: I began by pulling the backing out of the way and trimming the top and batting even. Then with the backing smoothed behind the top/batting, I trimmed a 1/2" edge allowance.<br />
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Looking through my collection of pinks and greens, I found fabrics originally used in the quilt. I added some additional fabrics that blended in with the originals ones used so there would be enough points to cover the edges. I cut 3-1/2" squares, pressed them diagonally in half and in half again. This creates a folded side and an open side. In the corner here, two points are placed folded sides together with the open sides out. This allows the next point to be inserted about 1/4" inside the corner point. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X9G-t1geuF4/U9GAsCjEaxI/AAAAAAAABjw/Pa-Vc3d9mHY/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X9G-t1geuF4/U9GAsCjEaxI/AAAAAAAABjw/Pa-Vc3d9mHY/s1600/026.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a>Continue placing the points along the edge, pinning in place and making adjustments so they all fit along the edge. Keep the backing fabric out of the way and machine sew a 1/4" seam which includes 3 layers: the prairie point, top fabric and batting. Once the points are sewn along the entire perimeter of the quilt, fold the backing fabric so it is even with the top and press into place. Flip the prairie points up so they are pointing away from the quilt top and toward the edge. Bring the backing fabric even with the seam line and pin in place. If the fabric puckers on the back, remove the pins, refold the backing and press until it is flat and even with the edge. Pin in place, thread a hand sewing needle and you're now ready to hand sew the backing fabric to the seam line.</div>
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Use a diagonal slip stitch to sew the backing fabric to the seam line, the same stitch used when sewing double fold binding in place.</div>
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When you are finished hand sewing, the prairie points will be secure between the folded backing fabric and the sewn front edge. This turned out beautifully and adds great interest to the quilt!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12px;">Copyright ©2014, Sharon Baggs</span></div>
Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11397287633266744727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278329179975327999.post-21799013967548468762014-07-26T08:00:00.000-07:002014-07-26T08:00:01.261-07:00Sisters Quilt Show 2014<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-st1Zra4AwC0/U88XIUPiATI/AAAAAAAABhY/LUsmg7nGcpw/s1600/184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-st1Zra4AwC0/U88XIUPiATI/AAAAAAAABhY/LUsmg7nGcpw/s1600/184.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a>Two weeks ago, we day-tripped to Sisters, Oregon for the annual outdoor quilt show, always the second Saturday in July. Luckily it was the day before the World Cup final match or Martin would have been staying home to watch that! We realized it was our first day out together since our kids all returned home for the summer, so it was a much-needed, fun date.<br />
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Once again, we thoroughly enjoyed the featured exhibit of the ladies from Santa Barbara who returned to Sisters for their third straight year. I remembered from last year the work of these four women--Debra Blake, Patty Six, Lou Ann Smith, and Maren Johnston--and was immediately drawn back in. Everything from their style of abstract design work with hand dyed fabrics to their quilting lines reflecting an organic modern style, it's all so aesthetically pleasing. The postcard they handed me last year has been on my design wall and gave me inspiration as I quilted Diana's Red Square quilt. From their current exhibit, they springboard into designing a new collection the following year. Stunning!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12px;">Copyright ©2014, Sharon Baggs</span>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-by-D_YRqAaM%2FU88Xxz86d4I%2FAAAAAAAABho%2F1A25kf-22V4%2Fs1600%2F068.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-by-D_YRqAaM/U88Xxz86d4I/AAAAAAAABho/1A25kf-22V4/s1600/068.JPG" -->Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11397287633266744727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278329179975327999.post-3119724872728708822014-07-24T08:00:00.000-07:002014-07-24T08:00:01.438-07:00Aerial View Denim Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here is another quilt pieced by Diana, quilted by me. This was originally for Robert but Diana fell in love with it while piecing it and couldn't part with it. Hence the earlier post of the Red Square denim quilt was the gift for him and I did quilt that one before tackling this.<br />
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This quilt was designed from a picture Diana took while she was in an airplane. The upper right corner features agricultural circles where I quilted a concentric design with an "arm" that intersects the diameter of each circle. I believe it is the watering apparatus that covers the field.<br />
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Lots of stitching in the ditch on this one and often additional stitching right on top of the edge to secure the seams and edges.<br />
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This is the waterway where I used a free-motion foot to complete the flowing lines and create some movement. Note the beige piece at the lower right corner where Diana pleated the fabric. I echo quilted lines to enhance her work and I love the technique she used to add texture here.</div>
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More examples of that here:</div>
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Railroad tracks feature straight-line quilting:</div>
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This is not a completely square quilt but a hanging sleeve was added by measuring the longest straight width across the top of the quilt and sewing the sleeve near the edge of the binding. A denim sleeve was used to match the lightweight denim backing and binding.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12px;">Copyright ©2014, Sharon Baggs</span>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11397287633266744727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278329179975327999.post-46542068856274390792014-07-22T12:35:00.001-07:002014-07-22T13:46:47.073-07:00Modern Denim QuiltThis quilt was pieced in 3 days by my friend, Diana, who hired me to quilt it for her. It will be used as a wall hanging and she wanted the design of a square to be used throughout the quilting designs. The name of the quilt is Red Square and it is a gift for her friend, Robert.<br />
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I used a variety of line designs and was able to complete the quilting with just the use of the walking foot on my machine. Here I chalked line segments on triangles in the dark denim areas on the top and bottom of the quilt.<br />
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Blue painter's tape makes an easy to apply and remove guide for walking foot quilting.<br />
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Much of the quilting was not marked at all, especially where random quilting lines were used.<br />
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A few close-ups of the quilting:<br />
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The finished quilt features a muslin backing and a muslin hanging sleeve.<br />
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Binding was made with lightweight denim fabric. I used mostly Superior's Omni thread to complete the quilting.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12px;">Copyright ©2014, Sharon Baggs</span>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11397287633266744727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278329179975327999.post-15263881971349167592014-05-07T09:42:00.000-07:002014-07-22T12:03:14.259-07:00Christmas Color Block Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So excited to get this quilt completed. To celebrate, I entered it in the Sisters Quilt Show, which will be held on July 12. If you go, look for this among the many entries!<br />
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The quilt is made entirely of Christmas flannel prints. I had cut large panels of fabric for another quilt and decided to slice into those to make this fun log cabin quilt. I used Quilter's Dream polyester black batting. Polyester traps heat so this quilt is a warmer. Polyester batting is also a good choice if you plan to hang a quilt; it doesn't stretch like cotton or wool batting. Polyester is often added to cotton and wool batting just to give those natural fibers some added stability.<br />
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Each block was pieced improvisational, meaning I did not follow a pattern or give much forethought to color placement in construction. I started with a center poinsettia and began to add "logs" to the cabin, making decisions as I went along. The blocks varied in size, but were roughly 12" square. I added wide black strips to each block and squared the final block to 16". When sewn together, the black strips created the solid background that the blocks "float" on.<br />
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For the quilting, I used Superior Thread's Masterpiece 50/3 cotton thread for the top and bottom threads for stitching-in-the-ditch between the logs. For surface quilting, I used the King Tut 40/3 cotton for the top thread and kept the Masterpiece 50/3 (Color #135--DaVinci) in the bobbin. I used this same green thread in the bobbin for all the quilting, even when I switched the top thread. I also used a 90/14 topstitch needle.<br />
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Stitching-in-the-ditch with a walking foot (feed dogs are up) and Masterpiece thread in the top and bobbin:<br />
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For surface quilting on top of the blocks, I switched the top thread to King Tut's #1002 Holly & Ivy.<br />
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For free motion quilting the background swirl design, I switched the top thread to King Tut's #977 Ebony and used a free motion foot (Bernina's open toe foot #24) and lowered the feed dogs to allow full range of motion to quilt in any direction. See previous post for how I quilt in the ditch and along the edge of the quilt.<br />
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The backing was pieced with several panels, bordered with a forest green fabric. </div>
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Another view of the back after quilting and binding the quilt:<br />
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And the front:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12px;">Copyright ©2014,Sharon Baggs</span></div>
<br />Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11397287633266744727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278329179975327999.post-65303304487387617852014-05-02T10:45:00.001-07:002014-05-03T09:53:16.061-07:00Quilting to the Edge of a QuiltHow close to the edge of a quilt should your quilting stitches get? My gauge is no closer than 1/4". You need a little bit of space to trim, if necessary, when squaring up the quilt after quilting is completed and before putting the binding on.<br />
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Getting too close to the edge with your quilting stitches will cause you to cut through the stitching when you trim your quilt. If this does happen, and it did to me, here's what you can do to secure those loose ends.<br />
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There was a 10" area on one side of the quilt where I had nicked the quilting stitches. I noticed this when I was working on the binding. I always machine sew the open edge of the binding to the quilt, then hand sew the folded edge to the back of the quilt. So, before hand sewing the binding in place, I went back over this area with my walking foot, using a short stitch length and back-stitching where the thread ends were. This really helped "lock down" those thread ends and gave added stability to the one seam where the binding is stitched to the quilt. Without this security, the thread ends would eventually pull up to the quilt surface and the quilt stitches would come undone.<br />
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If you take your quilt to a long arm quilter, ask how they quilt the edge of a quilt. Some begin their stitching off the quilt (on the batting/backing area) to check their tension, then move onto the border to begin quilting; likewise, when they finish a quilting line they stitch back off the edge. I've seen this several times when a client brings a quilt for binding. To avoid cutting through the stitches when you trim the quilt edges, you will want to pick some of those early stitches and get a length of thread tail that you can knot off and bury into the quilt batting.<br />
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I generally start my quilting inside the surface of the quilt, and use one of the "ditches" to begin my stitching so there are no starts/stops close to the edge. My threads are on the top of the quilt where I can see them. After I am done with a line of quilting, I thread both threads into a hand sewing needle, poke it through to the back of the quilt, knot the thread a couple of times close to the stitches, bury them into the batting and cut the thread ends.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12px;">Copyright ©2014, Sharon Baggs</span>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11397287633266744727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278329179975327999.post-71543754274823820892014-04-18T09:15:00.000-07:002014-04-18T09:18:20.970-07:00My sewing/quilting spaceWhen I tell people I quilt my own quilts on a domestic sewing machine, they often think this is a very difficult, nearly impossible task. "You need a long arm!" they cry. Sixteen years ago when I started to learn the process of making quilts, there were not many long arm quilters out there. So the natural next step, after piecing my first quilt top, was to learn how to quilt on my home machine. And so I did.<br />
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My first quilt was a monochromatic blue quilt with a pop of gold border, that saved it from boredom. I did some stitch-in-the-ditch (stitching into the seam line) around the perimeter of the quilt, added some diagonal lines and stitched a cable design in the outside border.<br />
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The center block design I choose was a bit small for the space, but learning to enlarge designs came later. I used my walking foot to painstakingly stitch the lines as carefully as possible. Today I could stitch this design quickly and easily with the use of a free motion foot, but this was my first step with quilting and I only used the walking foot on this quilt. I also used blue thread to "show off" my work.<br />
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The quilting on my first quilt is something I will always be proud of. I don't apologize for it. Sure, skills and techiques have changed since then and that's all part of the evolution of learning. The important thing is I got started, believed I could do it and kept at it.When I say, "I love to QUILT" this is the part of the process that I'm talking about.<br />
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Having a good set-up is the key to continued learning and success, so I've made some changes along the way: I started with a New Home machine and then switched to a Bernina 153 which I still use for quilting. My machine had a small table attachment and I added a larger plexi glass surround table to support the quilt. All of that sat atop my dining room table where I did all my sewing and quilting for the first half of my quilting career.<br />
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Several years ago I bought a sewing cabinet which I could put my machine into. Now the machine sits flush with a large table support to the left of my machine. I can sit comfortably and don't have to reach my arms too high, which was an issue when I used the dining room table. Placing the cabinet in the left-hand corner of the room allows for a closed space so the quilt remains supported and doesn't fall off the edges of the cabinet.<br />
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A good task light above the machine is a helpful addition and a cushioned chair that allows height adjustment. I have a metal thread holder for cones of thread. I also keep a small plastic box to the right of my machine to hold my scissors and safety pins.<br />
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Quilting your own quilts on your home sewing machine is possible! It's fun, affordable, and you can say with pride, "I quilted it myself!"<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12px;">Copyright ©2014,Sharon Baggs</span>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11397287633266744727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278329179975327999.post-21344511165890455032014-03-17T10:47:00.000-07:002014-03-17T10:54:40.696-07:00Hemming jeans<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hemming a pair of jeans/pants is a type of alteration that isn't difficult, but procrastination usually sets in. I bought these pre-Christmas, so yeah, 3 months sitting on the mending pile qualifies as loafing.<br />
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These jeans (Kut brand: Nicole--high rise bootcut) are 77% polyester, 21% cotton, and 2% spandex--that little spandex provides plenty of stretch to accommodate the waistline and also hugs the legs just right.<br />
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First, I took out the original hem by removing all the stitches. I measured it and saw the fabric edge was turned up 1/2", folded another 1/2" and sewn. That equals 1" of fabric in the hem. I pressed the fabric flat to remove the fold lines and tried them on. I put on my highest-rise shoes, which are my Dankso clogs, and used a safety pin to mark the desired length. I pinned up about 2 inches, so I needed to trim 1" off the fabric edge before folding & sewing a new hem.<br />
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When altering, I err on the side of a longer length. For example, if my measurements vary from 2" - 2-1/4" or 2-1/2", I will go with the 2" and start from there. In this case, it was perfect. If I went any shorter, the length would be too short. Better a bit long than a bit short. I find this is true with other alterations. Start with a slight taking-in and increase it as you go, if necessary. Leave yourself a little room to work with.<br />
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I used a white chalk marker to draw a line 1/2" from the bottom edge of the right side of the fabric. I turned the edge to the wrong side of the fabric and pressed in place. Then I folded 1/2" again and pressed in place. The spandex provides a nice crease so pinning might not be necessary. Just hold carefully as you sew because the spandex also stretches along the fabric here. Don't pull as you sew or the hem will look wonky.<br />
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I used a 90/14 topstitch needle (a size 100 would be better) to accommodate the Dual Duty XP Heavy style thread. I set the stitch length to the longest setting (on my Bernina that is 5.0). The long stitch helps ease in the stretch and also mimics the original stitch design on the jeans. All the stitching is triple stitched so I stitched around the hem 3 times. In these photos, the thread looks more purple than it actually is.The photo above (taken without flash), shows a more accurate match--it does blend well with the dark denim.<br />
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Use the cut off piece to test thread tension. Generally, the bobbin needs to be a bit looser and the top thread slightly tighter than normal, but you might find the exact opposite is true using your own machine, needle, and thread. Test it and then you'll know how to make adjustments.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12px;">Copyright ©2014, Sharon Baggs</span><br />
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<br />Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11397287633266744727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278329179975327999.post-61883101952724329642014-03-03T14:22:00.002-08:002014-03-04T09:26:02.061-08:00Thread Color Cards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
It's time to give a little perspective on threads and the value of color cards. There are three brands--Superior, Presencia, and Aurifil--which I have color cards for so I will speak to those here. I have pieced, quilted and serged with many brands over the years, for what it's worth. To me, it's invaluable!</div>
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My motivation came after ordering this small stack of color cards from Superior Threads <a href="http://www.superiorthreads.com/product/group/color-cards/">http://www.superiorthreads.com/product/group/color-cards/</a> Represented here is what I use for serging: <em>Omni</em> & <em>ProLock</em>; piecing/bobbin thread: <em>Masterpiece</em>; quilting: <em>King Tut</em>; and bobbin thread when using decorative threads: <em>The Bottom Line</em>. <br />
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For polyester and decorative threads, I thread the top of the machine and use a top stitch needle. This 60-wt. polyester thread is perfect for the bobbin.<br />
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The value of having color cards is they are made with a small sample of the actual thread so you can accurately color match. Printed sheets of color are helpful but slightly different than reality. I have a printed sheet of Masterpiece thread and the actual color card. Both lovely, but they are not the same. For accuracy, consult a color card.<br />
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Masterpiece is a 50 wt., 3-ply cotton thread. It used to be a 2-ply thread and the spools I have are representative of that. I realized after using it and other 2-ply brands that I prefer the strength of 3-ply for piecing & quilting. Now that Masterpiece is 3-ply, I'm looking at the color availability to compliment another brand I use for piecing and quilting: Presencia.<br />
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Presencia cotton threads are available in both 60 wt., 50 wt., and 40 wt. I use the 60 wt./ 3-ply to piece with and it's also great for small design quilting. The 50 wt./ 3-ply cotton thread I use for some piecing, but mainly quilting, comes in 180 colors, in a variety of spool/cone sizes. <a href="http://www.presenciaamerica.com/Quilting-Sewing-Thread/">http://www.presenciaamerica.com/Quilting-Sewing-Thread/</a><br />
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Whereas Superior and Presencia threads are the 3-ply threads I prefer for piecing and quilting, Aurifil thread is a 2-ply cotton thread. I use it for satin stitching, machine applique, hand applique, and micro stippling a small area on a quilt. Because it is available in 252 colors (216 solids + 36 variegated) the selection is a big draw for quilters. We do love color! I'm tempted myself when I see an alluring collection endorsed by a big name quilter. It's kind of like eating a box of chocolates. I regret it later...</div>
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Beside the 50 wt. cotton, Aurifil offers a variety of threads (all 2-ply) available in 12-wt. for Sashiko and embellishment; 28 wt, for hand quilting, and 40 wt. for machine quilting. They are housed on different colored spindles according to their weight. They also offer Aurifloss, a 6-strand cotton floss wrapped on quaint wooden spools. <br />
<a href="http://www.aurifil.com/SiteAurifil/COTTON.html">http://www.aurifil.com/SiteAurifil/COTTON.html</a><br />
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Back to Superior Threads! After quilting a <a href="http://www.quiltbaggs.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2009-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&updated-max=2010-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&max-results=16" target="_blank">denim quilt</a> with an entire cone of Olde Golde (Color #976) King Tut 40 wt., cotton, I really appreciated the quality and look of this thread. The color cards include needle recommendations to use with this thread. Some of Superior's color cards, such as these, are 3-hole punched so you can store them in a notebook. Bonus!<br />
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Superior produces color cards at their own cost, so the purchase price is the same whether you are buying them retail or wholesale. I spent between $3-$14 for each card or booklet. This booklet for Omni thread has 172 color thread samples. This poly-wrapped poly core thread, available on 6,000 yd. cones, will keep me serging for days.<br />
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I have yet to try the Prolock thread for the serger, but I bought the color card so I can see what is available. Superior offers many "try me specials" which is a perfect way to make a small investment in a few spools of thread and see how they work for you. Check out the deals here: <a href="http://www.superiorthreads.com/shop/category/thread/try-me-specials/">http://www.superiorthreads.com/shop/category/thread/try-me-specials/</a><br />
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The best way to learn about a thread is to get some and try it out! Any thread company worth their salt will give you information about thread weight, ply, needle recommendation, etc. You will soon get a feel for what you prefer to use. Happy quilting!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12px;">Copyright ©2014, Sharon Baggs</span>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11397287633266744727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278329179975327999.post-28173831147077487692014-02-19T14:36:00.000-08:002014-02-19T14:43:09.575-08:00SuperFan 5K CostumeJust survived a major snowstorm in Portland and simultaneous illness, but I'm getting back into a routine. <br />
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Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to participate in the first annual Fellowship of Christian Athletes SuperFan 5k Run, held at Mary S. Young Park in West Linn, Oregon. There was a costume contest and I'm excited to say that I won a free pair of running shoes!<br />
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About 100 runners/walkers were encouraged to don their best duds to support a high school, college, or professional sports team. There were plenty of Beavers, Ducks, Seahawks, and Broncos to honor the state schools and the Superbowl contenders.<br />
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Although I'm a Duck and I have a son at the school, I chose to show support for my daughter's college in Helena, Montana: Carroll College. The school's colors are purple and white, with a touch of gold. I was dressed with my Carroll College Mom t-shirt, which I layered over a black long-sleeved sports shirt. I wore purple leggings. <br />
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I made three accessories to complete my outfit. One was a tutu. I used 1 yd. of 1.5 inch wide elastic for the waistband. I added 3" x LOF strips of white tulle with a few 2.5 inch x LOF strips of purple tulle. I put the center fold of the fabric over the top edge of the waistband and sewed the tulle together just below the elastic band. I sewed 2 strips of white, then 1 strip of purple, until the band was full. I also made a few bowties of purple tulle and tied those on some of the white strips. I added a daisy chain waistband of white and gold flowers, just tacking down the white centers every few inches so the elastic would remain stretchy. <br />
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I used the rest of the white and gold flower lace to make a headband. I sewed on a short piece of elastic to join the two ends, which provided a little needed stretch to keep it in place. I wore another plain, sweat-absorbing headband underneath the flower band.<br />
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The other accessory was a really fun jet pack that I wore on my back. I took 2 empty 50-oz. Smart Water bottles and spray painted them purple. I used duct tape to attach the bottles to a banker box lid. In retrospect, I would add 2 thin strips of duct tape at the top and bottom, rather than one wide strip at the bottom, because the bottles flopped around when I was racing.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sdzmzZJU0ug/UwUxM8gtc_I/AAAAAAAABUM/MvLq1TQwXbY/s1600/SuperFan+5k+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sdzmzZJU0ug/UwUxM8gtc_I/AAAAAAAABUM/MvLq1TQwXbY/s1600/SuperFan+5k+3.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>I cut a curve along the long sides of the banker box lid, which had slits to string the yellow webbing. I used 1 yard of webbing for each strap and secured them with safety pins. I colored the lid with a black pen, added some stick-on black felt and a bit of black and white duct tape. Next, I used red and yellow felt to make some "flames" and glued those in the bottle openings with Super Glue. The final touch was adding the stick-on block letters I picked up at a scrapbook store. "GO SAINTS!"<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12px;">Copyright ©2014, SharonBaggs</span><br />
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<br />Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11397287633266744727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278329179975327999.post-11349508878891160562014-01-08T06:58:00.000-08:002014-01-10T13:01:37.073-08:00Pillowcases for the "three bears"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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First project of the new year: pillowcases for David and two of his friends who collectively identify themselves as Grizzly Bear, Polar Bear and Koala Bear.<br />
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Before Christmas, we purchased the novelty bear fabrics. I pulled some coordinating fabrics from my stash and, in one post-holiday afternoon, we split sewing/pressing tasks to complete these three pillowcases.<br />
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David did a fantastic job of carefully sewing straight seams. I put the blue painter's tape down for an easy seam gauge/guide.</div>
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I'm excited for what 2014 has in store! I'm currently cleaning/organizing my dining room/sewing space for all that is ahead. Happy New Year!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12px;">Copyright ©2014, Sharon Baggs</span></div>
Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11397287633266744727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278329179975327999.post-5400990343700532042013-11-04T15:22:00.000-08:002013-11-05T08:31:35.315-08:00Outline Quilting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This rail fence quilt features a quilted grid on the main layout and a wavy line in the 1" accent sashing. I was temporarily stumped on how to quilt the outer border until I realized it would be a perfect candidate for outline quilting. For busy prints such as this, outline quilting is good practice for learning to quilt in different directions and double-stitching on your domestic machine. I also outline quilt applique shapes to get them to lay flat and reinforce the applique stitches, but there's no applique on this quilt!<br />
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Using the same orange thread throughout (Presencia's 50/3 100% cotton), I stitched around the outer edge of this flower. Sometimes I would stitch the inner parts of the flower and other times I would elect to travel to an adjacent flower to continue quilting.<br />
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Filling in open spaces with loops and meandering lines is a means to travel and bridge the quilting design from one flower or leaf to the next. I also stitched-in-the-ditch along the sashing/border to move up the edge, then continued stitching out into the open area to outline quilt additional prints.<br />
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By outline quilting the flowers and some leaves, the quilting density is a bit heavier. This gives the outer border more stability than quilting loops alone. Also, the orange thread both blends into the background and highlights the flowers. I'm very pleased with the final result!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12px;">Copyright ©2013, Sharon Baggs</span>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11397287633266744727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278329179975327999.post-26372248112850667852013-10-28T08:44:00.000-07:002014-01-03T08:28:28.603-08:00My New Serger! Bernina 1300<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here she is, my new baby! She makes alterations and finished edges so much faster and easier than my regular sewing machine, which I keep set up for piecing and quilting.<br />
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I chose this particular machine, Bernina 1300, because it also converts to cover stitch for an all-in-one machine. Sometimes a separate cover stitch machine is preferred to compliment a separate serger but I decided to go with this singular model.<br />
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My three guide classes were expertly taught by Jackie at <a href="http://www.acommonthreadsewing.com/">A Common Thread</a> in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Uh...do read your manual and attempt to thread the machine beforehand. Using different colored threads will help you see what each thread is doing as it stitches out. I took none of these steps before the first class so it took me awhile to get going. Now I'm flying and love sewing on this serger!<br />
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I also purchased the Serger Technique Reference Book by Bernina. Lots of helpful photos and clear step-by-step instructions. It always takes a bit of patience, trial and error, and determination to learn something but the effort is worth it!<br />
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My first alteration on this machine was making Hannah's trail run t-shirt (from last post) a little bit smaller. Even a women's small is too big for her so I took in the sides with a 4-thread overlock stitch and hemmed the sleeves and bottom edge with a coverstitch.<br />
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I used small spools of Dual Duty XP thread, which worked well and color matched. My favorite thread to use is <a href="http://www.superiorthreads.com/">Superior's</a> Omni Thread.<br />
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Hannah is going to costume design for The Young Professional show at <a href="http://www.octc.org/onstage/ypco">Oregon Children's Theatre</a>, A WWII Radio Christmas, 1943 edition. This machine will be great for her to use!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12px;">Copyright ©2013, Sharon Baggs</span>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11397287633266744727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278329179975327999.post-19361593775313295342013-10-04T11:45:00.000-07:002013-10-04T12:03:14.512-07:00Wonder Woman & Bat Girl Costumes<br />
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Hannah and I ran the Multnomah Falls Trail Run this past Sunday, despite the wacky weather. We started at Wahkeena Falls, ran past the visitors center and climbed uphill for 1.5 miles to the top of Multnomah Falls. The original plan was to make a 5.2 mile loop, but because of fallen trees blocking the path, we turned around at the top and went back to the start to finish the race. Total distance was a good 4+ miles.<br />
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An added incentive was a costume contest, superhero style. I went as Bat Girl and Hannah was Wonder Woman--the cutest version yet! For the Bat Girl look, I scored a costume from Goodwill. Took the bat logo off the dress and attached it to a moisture-wicking running shirt. Used the belt, cape, and arm covers from the kit. Wore my black running tights and added a pair of yellow socks from Target--cut off the toes/heels so I could pull them up as leg warmers and they worked great!<br />
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Though there were a few bat outfits, there was only one Wonder Woman. Found a Curves red athletic shirt at Goodwill, made a WW logo out of yellow felt and permanent black marker and sewed that to the shirt. Made the skirt from blue spandex by making a 1.5 inch casing at the top to insert the elastic and a seam at the back--no need to hem. Added a strip of gold stiff ribbon with a 4" elastic band at the back for the waistband, not sewn to the skirt, just positioned over it. Gold lame was wonder-undered to stiff interfacing + elastic at the back for the crown, along with a red star fused to the front (use a pressing cloth with such delicate fabrics.) Made a red cape out of waterproof nylon. Used sticky Velcro to attach the cape to the shirt. I recommend the sewn-on Velcro but sticky was all I had on hand. Used an old graduation honor gold cord to attach a lasso to the skirt. Sewed through the three loops at the top to hold it in place. Silver spandex was used to make armbands. For each rectangle, I sewed a tapered seam, wide at the top of the forearm and a bit more narrow at the wrist. Finished off with black running tights and Nike red running socks.<br />
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Believe me, you really do believe you have super powers while in costume. I had to walk a majority of the uphill but on the downhill, I descended with strength and was able to overcome at least one person who had passed me earlier. Sweet victory.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12px;">Copyright ©2013, Sharon Baggs</span>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11397287633266744727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278329179975327999.post-57021077217490918972013-09-18T15:49:00.004-07:002013-09-18T16:04:47.136-07:00Modern Log Cabin Blocks for Christmas!Taking some blocks from another quilt I was working on, I decided to slice and dice them and add additional strips to make them into a modern version of Log Cabin blocks. These are flannel fabrics spanning the last decade of my stash.<br />
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The centers have a focus fabric of either red or white poinsettias, framed by green, red, and white prints. And to add interest, I have a red polka-dot on black fabric. The strips of varying width are sewn around like a picture frame/color story block. I considered going all red on one side and green on the other to create a Sunshine & Shadow block but I chose modern over traditional this time.<br />
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I love the red and white candy-stripe fabric shown in the block below, right. There's just a small amount to work with so trying to stretch it as far as possible!<br />
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I'm hoping to end up with at least 12 blocks, which I will float against a solid colored background, perhaps with a slightly wonky on-point setting. Who knows, but Christmas is coming and I'd like to get this one finished!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12px;">Copyright ©2013, Sharon Baggs</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> </span>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11397287633266744727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278329179975327999.post-4212493985322235652013-09-07T20:00:00.000-07:002013-09-07T20:04:45.105-07:00Joy's Bridesmaid DressThis bridesmaid's dress of deep turquoise dupioni silk was originally worn in a wedding 5 years ago. The dress was given to Joy, who needed a solid colored bridesmaid's dress. But the bride wanted each attendant to add some color. That's where I came in.<br />
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As a quilter, alterations are rare but I don't mind taking a stab at it. I have tons more confidence with quilt making, that's for sure! I procrastinate when I lack confidence so I had to mull this over and visualize how it was going to go down before I started ripping seams. I took lots of photos to remember the original look!<br />
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I removed 2" from the length of the bodice and took out the zipper.<br />
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After reattaching the bodice to the skirt and removing some of the fullness near the top of the skirt, I shortened the zipper and sewed it back into place. Then I prepared a ruffled strip of raspberry organza, which was layered on top of a black organza strip to frame the bright color.<br />
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The fabric has a nice shimmer that adds a touch of elegance and class to the already fine fabric this dress is made of. </div>
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The most time consuming aspect of this project was gathering the ruffle and adjusting it to the skirt of the dress.<br />
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Here's the result, with just a bit of color showing at the hem. When Joy tried it on, she was delighted with her "party dress".<br />
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12px;">Copyright ©2013, Sharon Baggs</span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><br />
<br />Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11397287633266744727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278329179975327999.post-21654591172185630222013-09-04T10:30:00.000-07:002013-09-04T10:38:32.210-07:00Summer Highlights: Weddings & the Sisters Quilt ShowAs the first day of school today marks a rapid transition into fall, there are summer events worth highlighting and remembering. <br />
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We were delighted to welcome Sarah home in June from Indonesia so she could fulfill bridesmaid duties at the union of her friends, Charis & Josh.</div>
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The second weekend in July marked the 38th annual Sisters Quilt Show, the fourth time I've gone round the mountain to attend. Lots of beautiful quilts with a strong modern influence among the traditional. We spent 3.5 hours walking, snapping photos, and enjoyed every bit of it!</div>
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We had a double treat in Sisters: the quilt show on Saturday and Kaitlyn & Elliot's wedding on Sunday at a local ranch. <br />
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Martin had the privilege to conduct the ceremony and it was one of the most beautiful events we have ever witnessed. We were able to meet up with three of our kids and enjoy the day together celebrating!<br />
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12px;">Copyright ©2013, Sharon Baggs</span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> </span> </div>
Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11397287633266744727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278329179975327999.post-82302873931633809192013-08-24T14:18:00.000-07:002013-08-24T14:18:34.142-07:00Quilts & washing machinesEarlier this summer, the washing machine went on the blink! Ironic and inconvenient at the same time. Ironic because I last posted on removing renegade dyes from quilts and recently on washing quilts. Inconvenient because all four of my kids had returned home with piles of dirty laundry. We revisited our local Laundromat, surviving until things got resolved. First world problems.<br />
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Long story short, I eventually fixed the KitchenAid washer I've owned since August 1989. It's been so great for washing fabric, quilts, and soaking batting. I like that I can manipulate the dials and not have to override a lid lock or a locked-in wash cycle. </div>
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While you can still buy a new traditional style washer without a lot of bells and whistles, the quality of both low-end and high-end equipment isn't long-lasting. One technician said today's appliances will last 5-10 years. I'd be more inclined to take a chance with a good used machine. No guarantees.<br />
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Thanks to the University of YouTube and Robert at DeWhitt's Appliances, I learned much about basic troubleshooting a washer's ills--faulty lid switch, timer, broken coupler, etc. We tested the lid switch with a meter and it tested in good working order. Then we tested the timer which appeared to be dead, so we pulled it and I took it with me on my tour of appliance shops that have used parts.<br />
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When I took off the machine's front casing, I realized the problem--burned out wiring. I called to get a replacement that is no longer available, but called Robert and he gave me a connector with newer wiring that my husband joined to the washer. A free fix! And it's been working for several weeks now.<br />
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It's important to keep your inner and outer wash baskets clean. The outer basket tends to collect dirt along its walls. This greasy, grimy dirt can transfer back onto clothing and quilts and it's not easy to remove. There are machine cleaners on the market, but you can also fill the washer with hot water, add a cup of bleach and let it sit for a bit. I use a soft brush to scrub out the wash basket holes before spinning the water out. Run water through once more before putting in a load of laundry. For the zealous cleaner, a complete dismantle of the inner/outer washers is really recommended for a thorough clean.<br />
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12px;">Copyright ©2013, Sharon Baggs</span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> </span>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11397287633266744727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278329179975327999.post-11208907990659540112013-05-30T09:00:00.000-07:002013-05-31T11:15:22.965-07:00How to remove renegade fabric dyes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After I washed and dried the batik quilt to remove a few marking lines, there were some pink streaks of dye on the blue batik. Ugh! I popped the quilt into the washing machine for a rinse cycle only, added a Color Catcher by Shout--looks like a white dryer sheet--and it picked up the renegade dyes the second time around.<br />
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Lesson learned...it's always wise (the first time around) to use a dye catcher when washing batik or any other fabric that might be a "bleeder". With treatment, the problem usually corrects itself.<br />
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Two other products, Synthrapol and Retayne, are also used to treat these types of fabric. I use Synthrapol when I know there is excess dye in a fabric. I usually wash those fabrics before cutting them for a quilt. When I suspect a fabric in a quilt might bleed but I did not prewash or pre-treat the fabric, I will use Retayne. This product keeps the dye from transferring to another fabric.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12px;">Copyright ©2013, Sharon Baggs</span>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11397287633266744727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278329179975327999.post-82019517330299297272013-05-27T07:00:00.000-07:002013-05-27T07:00:06.618-07:00Quilting Batiks--Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The batik quilt I've been quilting on for-e-v-e-r is finally finished. It's the pattern Yellow Brick Road (Atkinson Designs) and is my resume of stitches, the ultimate sampler of designs I've used in my own quilts and to teach others. Every fabric is quilted with a different design.<br />
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I used Presencia's 50 wt. cotton thread--color #106 to quilt a very organic version of Dianeshiko I learned from Diane Gaudynski herself. She uses silk thread and wool batting to show off her perfect form and technique that is so incredibly lovely. <br />
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Mine is more funky to say the least! I drew a 1/2" grid in this space and quilted continuous curves on either side of the line, working vertically and finishing with the horizontal lines. I use the ditch seam line to travel to any unfinished lines to complete the quilting.<br />
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When it's completed, it looks like cathedral windows, little pumpkin seeds, a nice background fill design.<br />
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The blue patches featured some sort of feather design...here I quilted a shell template with pebbles added to fill the background.<br />
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I took a basic template outline and redesigned it for continuous quilting...filled in the detail to make a modern flower design and added some additional echoing. Really like this one!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12px;">Copyright ©2013, Sharon Baggs</span>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11397287633266744727noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278329179975327999.post-18045774623049493642013-05-24T20:04:00.003-07:002013-05-25T19:54:33.812-07:00Matchstick Quilting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Matchstick quilting is a simple, no-mark free form design that is beginner friendly and quick to quilt. (Click on the photo for a closer view). </div>
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Stitching horizontal lines of varying widths gives a nice surface texture to this orange batik that looks like a sunset sky.<br />
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Top Thread: Superior Thread's King Tut (Color 912--St. George) <br />
Bobbin Thread: Isacord (Color: Wine)<br />
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Matchstick quilting can be completed using a walking foot. The walking foot provides some control with the feed dogs up. The foot has openings on either side that serve as a guide to see previously quilted lines.<br />
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Finish a line of quilting by stopping the needle in the "ditch"--the sewn seam joining two pieces of fabric. <br />
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Pivot and stitch in the ditch for 2-5 stitches, depending on the spacing width desired for each line.<br />
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With needle down in the ditch, pivot the needle and reposition the quilt to begin another line of quilting.<br />
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Continue in this manner, varying the width of the lines. Sometimes it's easier to backstitch in the ditch rather than turn the quilt around completely.<br />
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The final line here is quilted about 1/8" away from the outside seam (the ditch). Take a few small stitches at the end and leave thread ends to knot off and bury in the batting.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12px;">Copyright ©2013, Sharon Baggs</span>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11397287633266744727noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278329179975327999.post-55186420653734326612013-05-18T11:00:00.000-07:002013-05-24T07:10:09.217-07:00Quilt Market meets Portlandia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.such-designs.com/">www.such-designs.com</a> by carrie bloomston</div>
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Quilt Market: It's a trade show for shop owners but includes teachers, designers, and the creative crew who are trying to find their place in this world. Spring market rotates to 5 different cities so 2008 was the last time all were gathered in my hometown.<br />
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The event kicks off with Schoolhouse...8 hours of 15 short classes featuring current trends in the market. So much has changed...technology, online shops, modern, youthful designers barely out of high school and the entire state of Utah presenting.<br />
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There's no logical strategy for visiting all 975 booths, but I knew to sprint to Gen Q Mag's booth to claim a free gift...an awesome charm pack of Moda's Simply Style by Vanessa Christenson (modern, youthful designer...also from Utah). <br />
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I stopped by the booths of those I saw at Schoolhouse, including this girl:<br />
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Amanda Murphy, author of <em>Modern Holiday</em> (C&T Publishing)...a graphic designer who breathes fresh energy into the look of modern/tradition. Definitely knows her stuff about visually aesthetic pleasures to sew up and I bet she got good grades in school too.<br />
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Because my last name is Baggs, people wonder whether I make bags for a living. I do not, but Nicole Mallalieu of You Sew Girl! taught me to avoid a "saggy" bottom in a bag by inserting template plastic into the base. That's the trick and it really makes a good bag design into something great! That and a bit o' classy hardware like O-rings set them apart from the rest.<br />
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This Australian designer <a href="http://www.nicolemdesign.com.au/">www.nicolemdesign.com.au</a> offers computer-aided drafted (CAD) full-size heavier paper patterns and industry construction tips with helpful, descriptive photos. Get that information into your head when you see her patterns are priced a bit higher to simply cover her production costs on another continent. Bags, hats, dresses, skirts--her finished work is the most professional I have seen. Plus she's super friendly, patient, and happy to answer how-to questions.<br />
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Finally, I got to meet local designer, Violet Craft <a href="http://www.violetcraft.com/">www.violetcraft.com</a>. That's her real name, not her stage name. She has a marvelous fabric line "Waterfront Park" by Michael Miller featuring a print of the Portland bridges so shops can take a bit of the city home with them. <br />
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Yesterday ended with Hannah's performance at Curious Comedy Theatre's <em>Friday Night Fights </em><a href="http://www.curiouscomedy.org/">www.curiouscomedy.org</a> We called the phone book and here's who showed up to support our girl and the six other cool teenagers who punished another team of wise-cracking adults to WIN AGAIN!<br />
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A great hour of entertainment for only 5 bucks. Catch their next show on Friday, June 7 at 10 p.m.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12px;">Copyright ©2013, Sharon Baggs</span>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11397287633266744727noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278329179975327999.post-34206854876995213182013-04-26T23:00:00.000-07:002013-05-06T11:58:20.795-07:00Quilting batiks<div style="text-align: left;">
I have just a few squares to quilt on a batik quilt featuring many of the free motion designs I've used over the years. Each print features a different design:</div>
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<strong>Meandering Triangles</strong></div>
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<strong>Echoed Swirls</strong></div>
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<strong>Wiggle Worms (thanks be Diane Gaudynski)</strong></div>
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<strong>Molten Lava</strong></div>
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<strong>Shamrocks</strong> </div>
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<strong>Leaf Print Outlined + Meandering Leaves</strong></div>
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<strong>Leaf Print Outlined + Echoed</strong></div>
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<strong>Teardrops (L) + Flower (R)</strong></div>
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<strong>Clamshells (above) Meandering Starbursts (below)</strong></div>
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<strong>Echoed Freeform Feather</strong></div>
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<strong>Wavy Grid</strong></div>
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<strong>Icicles</strong></div>
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<strong>Curly Swirls</strong></div>
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<strong>View of the backing fabric and feather stencil design</strong></div>
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<strong>Backing laid over front border & binding</strong></div>
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Sarah will have this on her bed when she comes home from Indonesia next month, where she has seen the men print batik fabric. She also taught me the proper way to pronounce "batik". The k is silent and there is a heavy accent I can't quite emulate. Lots of her clothes have been made from batik this past year and she's bringing home some remnants! Yes, I'm excited!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12px;">Copyright ©2013, Sharon Baggs</span></div>
Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11397287633266744727noreply@blogger.com0