Longarm Projects Completed in May

Although it's been a busy month for me with a week spent in Portland for Lauren's graduation...

I've managed to quilt three tops...two Petite Prisms (Cece's Moda made from my stash at the February retreat and Maria's bright floral bought on a whim while in Spokane last year). The third top was a beautiful scrappy quilt that Sandy made from Laurel Burch fabrics for a dear friend in Sutter Creek, who is in rapid decline from Alzheimers. Quilts are a wonderful way of saying "I love you!"


Here's what Cece had to say about her first quilt: I have made a lot of neat things in my life, but I don't think I've ever been as excited or proud of any like I am this quilt. 

Majestic Fir Placemat

Here's another idea for the Majestic Fir table ensemble (our June project)...I took the fir tree pattern and made it a bit taller by adding another row of branches so that it fits perfectly on a 12"x16" placemat. Here's a pic of the result.

If you don't use table runners or prefer to make something a bit smaller, this might be the perfect option. 


NOTE: By clicking on the label below each entry (Stix Retreat 2012, in this case) you will be able to see all posts with that same label. Saves time as you don't have to scroll to find a particular entry.

Act of Courage (Perfect Accountability)

By the title (and considering it is Memorial Day), you must think this story will include talk of danger, bravery, and heroic courage...well, it will...just not in the context you might expect! I will be the first to admit I'm a coward. My mind works overtime "creating" and up until recently the creations go no further than beautiful visions in my head. Why? Because fear of failure turned me into a coward years ago! That all changed a few months ago when several things occurred: I took a class and was inspired as much by the women teaching the class as the techniques I learned; Verne set up this blog and I decided it would be a great way to stay in touch with the StixChix (all of you); I began moving my supplies, both art and quilting, to the cabin and committed to spend a few hours each day working on projects. One thing led to another: the women at Quilters Corner (I gave them each a dozen farm-fresh eggs the day of my class) committed to buying eggs from me on a bi-monthly basis (this has turned into weekly with greater demand than I can supply!), so I see them each Tuesday as they sit around and work on their projects and I, of course, take in my completed projects to share. Perfect Accountability!!! As for the blog, I have come to love it. Now, I know that only a few read it and only on occasion, but that isn't the point...I love to document what I'm doing with words and pictures. It's my journal. When I feel I'm a bit of a slug and need inspiration...I just get on-line and read my blog! Perfect Accountability!!! Now, to the cabin. Actually, to the Studio! Yes, it has become a Studio over the past few months. I'm there for about 8 hours each day (weekends, too), except Tuesdays when Verne and I drive to Sac, take in a movie, and run errands. I can't get enough of the Studio! It's magical! It is my "happy" place with a candle burning, music playing, sewing machine humming, and a husband who stops by throughout the day and admires everything I do! What could be better than that? Even the walk to and from is a delight (especially since Verne built a little earth bridge over the drain ditch -- I like to think of it as a dry creek). People (artist-type) would give their right arm or their first child for such a place (and such a man). Those are stupid sayings, but you get my point...how could a person (aspiring artist) have such a place and not use it? Again, Perfect Accountability!!!


This brings me to the point of today's blog...last Tuesday I committed to hand-painting fabric for Ellen Garner, one of my new friends at Quilters Corner. She's beginning a new applique project and needed a multi-colored orange fabric for flowers in it. "No problem," I said, I'll have it for you next Tuesday. I dabbled with fabric paints over ten years ago in a class with Sherill Kahn, but never on my own. Yikes! I managed to work myself into quite a frenzy before getting out the PFD (prepared for dying) fabric, paints and brushes, and other paraphernalia yesterday. Finally, I took a leap of faith and began throwing paint at the white fabric. It was wet and runny, much like watercolor, and began dripping all over the table. I ran and got another piece of white fabric and placed it underneath the one on the frame and continued applying yellow, reds, and orange paint. It was left to dry overnight (next time I'll do it outside in the sun so it will dry faster). This is what I found this morning (the piece in the picture is the drop cloth I placed underneath the framed fabric...what a happy accident!):

To sum up this babble...accountability is a good thing! It's one of the things I love most about Stix and our Retreats (show and tell), as well as our weekly chats and updates on our quilt projects -- Perfect Accountability!!! Accountability to my quilting friends and family, my incredible husband, and to myself has helped me set aside the fear of failure I've carried with me most of my life and Just Do It! 

Just an Idea

In my unending attempt to lighten my load (stash) and get rid of those pesky scraps (too big to trash), and larger pieces of fabric leftover from projects (where I way overbought), and fabrics I just had to have, but now question my sanity in buying them in the first place...I have an idea!!! Make a donation quilt for the pedi/chemo kids at Cottage Hospital! Everyone (all ages) loves the flannel rag quilts, but flannel prices have gone through the roof and we'll soon run out of our stockpile. (That reminds me...if you have flannel scraps, please bring them to the next Retreat. I'll combine them to make more kits.) Anyway, since our February Retreat I've made two "kid-size" 30's quilts -- all from leftover scraps too big to trash! (I did buy the backing, which is adorable...red and white polka dot with little black Scotties.) 

Here are the directions:
Cut 63 4" squares and sew together (9 in each row, 7 rows total)
Cut inner border 1 3/4" wide
Cut outer border 3" wide
Sew together and then quilt on the diagonal or in the ditch crosswise and lengthwise.
Bind. 
Stand back and admire your scrappy creation! Now, just think of the stash-busting possibilities... 

Sorbet Sunrise Risen

I finished piecing Sorbet Sunrise this past week and it's ready to be quilted. The colors I chose are much brighter than those used in the original quilt by Jean Wells, so a more appropriate name might be Sherbet Sunrise (Sherbet is brighter than Sorbet)...I'll keep thinking about it until I come up with the perfect name. Techniques used in the piecing included those I learned at the classes I took over the past few months, foundation piecing and starched-edge applique, as well as stitch 'n flip, which is random pieces of fabric sewn to a foundation (see the long narrow strip along the right edge of the quilt). I'll be finishing the hanging (after it's quilted) with a larger-than-typical medium purple binding, which will "frame" the piece and help "hold" the design together...for me, anyway. :)

Tug at My Heartstrings

Remember those rag quilts we made at our Stix Retreat in February and donated to the Cottage Hospital? Here's a picture of one that will make you want to make more! 


Dianna writes: Very happy pedi patient!

Fabric Depot (Portland)

Once, twice, three time's a charm...it took three trips to Fabric Depot to satisfy our fabric shopping urge! I'm writing this in Portland at the end of a week-long visit to attend and celebrate Lauren's graduation from Lewis and Clark Law School. It's been a wonderful week with great weather (a warm and sunny day for the ceremony on Saturday), we've dined at our favorite restaurants and grad dinner at a new one, the Portland City Grill (fantastic food and view of the city), and had a fun weekend with Jana flying in for the event and Scott and Maria driving down for the day! All in all, it's been perfect and, as far as Lauren and I are concerned, it's been made more perfect by three trips to Fabric Depot. Most of you don't know the store...just let me say it is by far the largest (1 1/2 acres) and most incredible fabric store I've ever shopped with every manufacturer and complete lines of every designer represented. Same is true for notions and textile art/craft products. And, did I mention...they have a large section of the store devoted to yarn! It's a "happy" place and one trip this past week was just not enough! Here are a few pics to give you an idea of just how much happiness can be found at Fabric Depot.

Yes, we each have a cart FULL of fabric! 

June's Project

I've been busily working on our project for the June Stix Retreat. I had a bit of time and decided to make one of the foundation pieced trees. Had so much fun I made a second. Finished the blocks and decided to do the applique portion. And so it went...here's a picture of the finished runner.

Stix Retreat - June 2012

Okay, the date is official. Our next Stix Retreat will be held June 29, 30 and July 1st. The main project will be Majestic Firs. I've selected this project, because it incorporates applique, foundation piecing, and piping all in one project (wallhanging 30"x32",  table runner 12"x51", or pillow 14x14").

The first technique we'll be learning is called Starch Method Applique. I call it "Big Girl Applique", because it is not the quick and dirty raw-edge applique we've all done, nor is it the tedious needle-turned applique. It is the latest in applique techniques and renders perfect results, but I warn you...it should not be attempted by the faint of heart. 


The second technique we'll learn (or review, for some of you) is Foundation Piecing. You'll remember that I took a class in March on this technique. I'm hooked! Love it! And, can't wait to teach you how to do it on this simple 10-piece tree design.


The final technique, which really isn't a technique at all but does add a nice touch to any quilt, is piping. It's not piping as I know it (a piece of cording enclosed in fabric and used to delineate the edge of cushions and the like). Essentially, it's a very narrow border. Look closely at the picture and you'll see it surrounding the tree block.


You'll need to bring your sewing machines and typical accoutrement (I love this word, because it always makes me think of a series of books we (Moser Fam) have read and loved about a female archeologist/sleuth, Amelia Peobody. Back to the Retreat...as the date draws closer I'll let you know what else you should bring. Originally, I was going to focus on applique and have you bring all of the tools and supplies necessary to complete a large applique project. However, since this project is using mixed techniques, we should be able to share and get by with only my tools/supplies. If you are certain that you want to do applique work beyond our class, below is a list of supplies that you will eventually need to accumulate.


1. Applique Pressing Tool (this is a mini iron with a triangular tip, pictured below)
2. Ironing Mat (the one shown below is the best as it has extra cushion on the ironing side)
3. Stiletto (a pointy tool that is used to manipulate the fabric as you iron)
4. Stencil brush (just needs to be a small, stiff-bristled brush for applying starch)
5. Fabric scissors
6. Fiskars small curved scissors (to be used on paper) 
7. 1/4" Clover bias maker
8. Roxanne's Glue Baste It
9. Aleene's OK to Wash It Glue
10. Ultimate Applique Template Paper (this isn't the thick template paper we've occasionally used)
11. Spray starch and small container with resealable lid
12. Black Identa pen or fine-point Sharpie 
13. P3 Designs Petite Needle Threader
14. P3 Designs Straw Needles #11
15. Assorted colors, 50wt DMC fine machine embroidery thread, or your favorite thread


The most expensive item is the Applique Pressing Tool, which runs $32-$40 at Joann's, but is occasionally on sale for 50% off or may be purchased using a 40% or 50% coupon.

Santa Barbara Annex

Sandy writes: "Attached is a photo just to let you know that your Santa Barbara (Stix) Annex that now meets on Wednesdays is moving right along.  If Sally would quit giving stuff away at a fast pace the picture would have been REALLY full.  More placemats and coasters than I want to count." 

Thanks for this hilarious photo, Sandy. I LOVE it!!! Keep up the good work...both quilting and documenting it with your great photos. 


P.S. I keep looking at this amazing picture. It reminds me of those picture/puzzles with hidden pictures within the main picture. Remember? Well, I've been zooming in to get a closer look and can't believe the stuff I'm now seeing. And those great designer clothespins...blue? I've got to get some. The two of you deserve Mega Kudos for staging this fantastic picture. I will never tire of looking at it!

Donation Quilts

Below is a picture of Sally's daughter, Dianna Keough, who is a nurse in the Outpatient Surgery unit of Cottage Hospital, where we donated our quilts made in March for the chemo kids.


Diana writes: Thank you from our kids here at OPS! You're the best! 

Season's Beauty

It's called "Season's Beauty"...table runner and placemats designed for use with large patterned fabrics. Fun and quick to make!

Back to Quilting

Hello, my fellow Stixers!

I unofficially finished law school (graduation is on May 19, which will make it official) last Thursday and now have some freedom - something I haven't had in years (at least since I started law school three years ago if not 21 years ago when I began first grade). To celebrate my new found freedom I have been working on a To Do list of items I've needed to take care of around my house for months (this really has been a crazy semester), with a few happy things on it, such as quilting and knitting. Well, today I finally started working on my quilt again, which  I began a few months ago and now I have all the center pinwheels put together. Woohoo!

Up next, I have to cut the rest of my green strips and then sew them around the pinwheels. It feels amazing to be back at my machine, which purrs with happiness at its use (and it's nice to have something at my house purring with happiness since Ernest sure doesn't. In fact, Ernest looks more than mildly terrified by the sight and sounds of the quilting process.).

I'll keep you all updated as my project progresses!

Starched-Edge Applique Class

What fun! My second class this year and I learned another technique...starched-edge applique. Although I love hand work, I've never been interested in needle-turned applique and the extent of my applique work has been limited to raw-edge welcome signs that you've all seen hanging next to our front door. If you're interested in applique, this is the way to do it! We worked on a small project in class (shown below) that included most of the challenges found in larger works...circles, points, and vines. I loved it! Well, I'm not ready to stop piecing and turn all my attentions to applique, but I will definitely keep a small project going at all times. I'll be sharing my newly learned skills at the next Stix Retreat in late June!