comfort quilt

About 6 years ago many of you sent me 6 inch comfort blocks when DH had two heart attacks. Now with this new Blog, I can now post a picture of the quilt I made for us with them and the challenge blocks I won at guild that year. The large blocks are guild blocks and the smaller blocks are from you.

We have really enjoyed having this gift and think of your kindness whenever we use the quilt. Again from both of us "thank you"

It is the bedspread on the bed right now with a dust ruffle.

Marge in Louisiana

Think of a Non-Conventional Use For That Pesky Denim

Doris, I have read of an artist who makes painted area rugs ..... sometimes they are in designs that are "quilterly" and sometimes they are covered with painted flowers or other objects. The final step of creating these rugs involves coating the fabric with many layers of varnish or shellac or some other kind of sealant. That might be a way to use your denim.

Or perhaps you could come up with a humorous wallhanging commemorating this misadventure and somehow use some of the denim on the front (so it won't crock on to the wall).

Judy

Thanks everyone for your input

re: the bamboo denim --- Normally three washes is my limit, but since I have over $100 invested in 3 yds of this fabric, I was hoping to salvage it.

I do plan on telling the fabric store about this dye problem. I doubt they'll give me a refund on it, since it's an independent fabric store. They sold out the rest of the bolt the next day, from what I heard, to one customer. I feel sorry for the woman who bought the REST of the bolt!

There is no way the store owners could have known about this and they probably don't even remember who or where they bought it from. Next time I buy something made from a 'new' fiber, I think I'll only buy 1/2 yard and test it. Ugh!

I also need to learn to carry some white muslin scraps and rub expensive fabrics with it before I buy to check for crocking. Aaargh!

Thanks again for your responses.

Fusing advice

Thanks for the tips on fusing...Sara. I will look for the book you recommend and I'm sorry that your sinuses are acting up, I can sympathize with that. I've just starting taking allergy shots (for molds, etc) recently and while I don't know whether they are doing any good, I can certainly say that for several days afterwards, my sinuses are clearer than before. I have a deviated septum...in my next life I'll put in for good sinuses.

Pat, that wallhanging is absolutely gorgeous. But you said a BAD word...machine stitching. Truly, if you knew the lengths to which I go to avoid my sewing machine, you'd understand when I say that I will stitch as invisibly as I can...by hand. I'm the one who looks at a pieced pattern and tries to figure out how I can convert as much of it to applique as I can.

Doris, wonder if it is the actual material that is not taking the dye well. I see that there are now towels, etc. made of bamboo.

Heather, I've made a note of your advice but I'd have to import Maggie down here for a private lesson now wouldn't I. Remember to let me know when you'll be down our way with the collection of Yorkies and Andy.

Rosey

Fusing Fun

If any of you want to do more fusing pick up the "Fusing Fun" book by Laura Wasilowski. She invented the term "The Chicago School of Fusing" and goes over a lot of detail in her book. It's mostly Art quiting, but the teniques would apply to any type of fusing.
I'm still under the weather with the sinus crud, so looking at the books is all I'm doing today.
Sara in Fla.

Doris

I would take it back; I'm sure the store would like to know this.
One of the most difficult fabrics I had was a medium gold that never stopped running. I called the quilt shop and they marked the end of the bold for other quilters. I wish you luck. Vi

question about dye fixatives

Help, please. I purchased a lovely denim fabric made of bamboo for a jacket. I've washed this stuff six times and the blue dye continues to run. It actually crocks off onto my hands and whatever rubs against it. I paid a small fortune for it and would really like to save it.

I've soaked it in cold water with vinegar and that didn't help.

Would I need Synthrapol or Retayne to set this dye? Or should I just burn this !@#$ fabric.

Thanks!
Doris W. in TN

Applique

Rosey, I did this little wall hanging in the late 1990s using Wonder Under and the blind hem stitch on the Pfaff 1475 CD machine that I had at the time. I think it turned out rather nicely. The patterns for the blocks were in Patricia Campbell's book. I made them smaller than she suggested, they're about 7" square. My Mom has this little quilt now, hanging over her bed.

Pat in Rockport, TX

Machine Applique & Fusible Stuff

I mostly use Heat n Bond Lite and occasionally Steam a Seam II for wallhangings . I prefer the H&B but do like the fact that S/S is bit more flexible for repositioning if I goof the first time after pressing...I usually get a second chance...There is also something out there called Misty Fuse, but you have to trace onto freezer paper first so I figure why not just use the H&Bond.

Maggie Meadow Mouse has introduced me to machine applique beyond just doing the satin stitch or itsy bitsy zigzag. For a look that is so close to hand applique try using the blind stitch hem feature of your sewing machine...with a little bit of practice you have a wonderful look. (After I figured out that I didn't have to use the blind stich foot it was easy!)....

Rosey you should contact her and ask about appliqueing this way using liteweight interfacing and even used dryer sheets.

Advice sought

I have been living under a rock with all the fusible web stuff...Steam-a-seam 2, I'm told is better to use for applique work, softer and more pliable. But I'd like to ask what opinions people have of fusible web material...and advice. Also, I have some very lovely hand-dyed velvets that I would like to use in a wallhanging, any suggestions of what to put behind this? It's stretchy material. Also, once fused to the background what kind of stitches are best to use. I don't like zig zag stitching on the machine and want my stitches holding the material down to be non-invasive visually and by hand.
Thanks,
Rosey

dating fool's puzzle

judy,
thanx very much... it is indeed the curved piecing one and i'm anxious to get started. it is supposed to be made in fabric of the era so i haven't been able to do anything without this information.

also... this morning when i woke up, dh and i were looking at his retirement quilt of six years ago and talking about it. i had made it in secret and called upon the bb to help me gather the different fabrics for sashing to illustrate his various (MANY) hobbies. i was remembering how someone in MI sent hockey players in flannel; a fabric with bullets came from amish country!; a canadian friend send a straight shooter cowboy with gun; a newfound friend from texas sent helicopters, etc. now that we have the capability to post pictures, i'm going to take it off the rack and get a good picture to share. you guys are the greatest!
dutchrose ---{-@

Dating Fool's Puzzle

The Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns by Barbara Brackman has two blocks labeled Fool's Puzzle. One block has curved piecing in the manner of Drunkard's Path or Rob Peter and that pattern was published by Ladies Art Company prior to 1895. The second block called Fool's Puzzle uses trianglar pieces and was published by a magazine called Comfort and has a gloriously vague dating period of 1888 to 1942. dutchrose, I hope your block is the one with the curved piecing ... looks like a very pretty block even though it'll be tricky to piece. Good luck.

Judy

fool's puzzle

i don't have barbara brackman's encyclopedia or the program block base (which i think might have what i need), so i'm hoping someone here will be able to help me.

i'm committed to making the block "fool's puzzle" and need to know the date it originally came out. can anyone help me with this? thanx so much!
dutchrose ---{-@

Joe Cunningham

Many years ago, Mr. Cunningham was in a twosome with a quilter in Michigan, Gwen Marsden. She has written several books. They used to have quilting retreats at her place on Beaver Island, in Lake Michigan. I understand he's now in California, married, with a couple of kids.

sore underfingers

HQing is my favorite, but my wrist sure does get tired, not to mention the pain in developing the callous on my under finger after not quilting for awhile.
posted by mamita's treadle @ 5:23 PM

i used to have very sore underfingers until i was given a thimble-it to try. if you google thimble-it you will probably find a picture of the packaging so you know what to look for. it is a thin heavy plastic oval with adhesive on one side. i cut them in half because my fingers are so small, so they also last twice as long. you can reuse them too, until the adhesive wears off.

i have to be able to feel the needle come thru the backside of the quilt, so many of the protective devices don't work well for me. this allows me to 'feel' it without it hurting the skin. i haven't had to worry about making a callous in almost 10 years now, i first used it on my daughter's graduation quilt which i never would have finished in time without this great product. NAYY.

it runs around $5 a package and there are several discs in each package. i carry them with me all the time and give them away to hand quilters to try. that's how i found out about them, and i'm just passing along the favor. hope you can find them in your area.
dutchrose ---{-@

Vermont

Oh, TerTer, if you're going to Keepsake Quilting, I want to meet there! I've been trying to get DH to take me over there for several weeks. I've only been there once, but it is incredible. Best quilt shop you can imagine, and yes, they have a yarn store too I believe. Marty, we talked once about meeting to go to KQ. Are you still game? And Jill, certainly, come on up to Vermont! I plan to attend the Vermont Quilt Festival. It's the weekend of June 29. Let me know if you seriously can come.

Not much quilty going on here lately, so I really look forward to a trip to Keepsake, and the VQF. Summer can't come soon enough for me. We've begun mud season up here, and that is definitely not pretty. I should be making a pretty spring quilt to distract me from the mud outside, but it seems that all I do is work lately. I hope that will change soon too! Look forward to seeing you TerTer!

Jean in VT

Sneaking a Peek

If you go to The Quilt Show's website at www.thequiltshow.com you can click on their "Watch a Show" link in the purple bar and it will automatically take you to a sort of "preview". Well, not really a preview. It's a "sneak peek".

It's a taping of Alex Anderson and Ricky Tims' chatter after their first show was recorded with their first guest, someone I had never heard of, Joe Cunningham. Ricky was presented with a birthday cake and this test broadcast lasts about five or ten minutes. My audio and video portions were not perfectly "matched" at first but the sound was clear and the video was good .... just not "meshed" very well until later on. However, many comments have been posted saying others saw a flawless broadcast.

Looks like Alex and Ricky have come up with a winner of a replacement for Simply Quilts.

Judy

MARGE I'M FROM N.CA

I live behind the Redwood Curtain, one road n/s and 3 roads east...not much goes west but a boat. lol

Thanks for the info on Keepsake, hoping their yarn store is near by?? Like Marty, I'm not into quilting as much as when I first joined this board back in 98'...that long...??? But will always have a quilts in progress that is till my stash is gone or I am.

Friend went to Scotland and sent me a sprig of heather. I put it on a scrap and tule over and held the small blossoms in..cute and a nice reminder of someplace I'll never get to.

Fran and Mary from Or will be meeting up soon, down under. Other people are in Mary's group not sure if they are quilters?

hugs
ter

Trip to Vermont

Good Morning, Terter I was reading your message about your upcoming trip. Sounds like a great time. Where are you from. I have been to Keepsake Quilting a few times and it is mind boggling. Better have a plan in mind for fabric or you won't know where to start. There is also a lovely quilt shop in New Hampshire called Sunshine Carousel Quilt Shop. The quilt shop in Vermont at Rutland is a nice one too, but the name escapes me. I think it is Norton House. So you should have a great time. Marge in Pa.

Aunt Becky

Mon. 3/16/07

I remember some time ago there was discussion about the Aunt Becky quilting tool, do any of you remember? I didn't pay too much attention then because it didn't appeal to me at the time, now it does.

This last week, I happened on the QNN and the woman who invented (??) the technique was on and demonstrating it but I only caught the last part of the segment. Since then, it seems like that's my next mind-set--to figure out and learn how to use the tool. Didn't someone do the same thing with a spoon? I wish I remembered more about the discussion, it was several years ago, I think.

What's the thought out there? Have any of you learned the technique and how to use the tool? HQing is my favorite, but my wrist sure does get tired, not to mention the pain in developing the callous on my under finger after not quilting for awhile.

I just called my LQS and they don't carry it, so I'll have to order it on-line. After I get input from all you first, huh?

I am so enjoying looking at all your quilts, one day, I'll learn how to upload pics from the digital too.

HOPE TO MEET UP WITH

Marty and Jean, won't that be fun.. not together but that's ok. Vermont trip is starting to get full with fun things to do and visit. I'm hoping to get to N.H. and Keepsake Quilting, oh my that would be frosting on the cake. lol

Bulldog is now doing undercover work. Has pierced his ear and dresses like he is from the Hood, oh what happened to my son. lol

ok, doing some work around the house,
hugs
terter

I'm curious.

Back in 1998 someone started a swap of state blocks. Half way through it fell apart and no one got all the states. I put it to one side and then got determined not to waste the blocks and turned to the WWB for help. I asked for "siggies" from the missing states and put them in the center of Court House Steps which I put around the edges and in the corner blocks. I finished the quilt in the year 2000 so it's my Y2K quilt.

Is there anyone out there who suffered through this with me?

Milli in MA

Socks

Thea, it's nice to hear from you, I think about you often, you being a new nurse and me being an old one, LOL. The socks should be colorfast--I used Procion Dye and all-cotton socks. I posted on the other board about the undies I've dyed now, such fun.

Pat in Rockport, TX

Summer came back!

Hi girls, I've been catching upon the posts- nice to be back among friends!
Cheryl in Alberta thank you for the lovely blocks and the neat puzzle letter, and photos of your bundle of joy. We just love that cheecky smile!
Pat I love those socks. Are they colourfast in the wash?

Life is hetic here. DH just helped bale the neighvbors last 20acre paddock of hay this weekend. Now he is paying the price for it with his good leg, but the crop is in! We were told more heavy rain was on the way, hence the ruch, but it has diverted out to sea and we are having glorious sunny, calm days of early autumn. So good for the soul.

I have been stretched to tears at times, with the demands of the farm, work and family plus the traveling I do. So I have phoned for an application to work as a prison nurse locally. Not my dream job but closer, saving me 1hr 20mins travelling a day, and the shifts will be easier- no nights except on calls between 8pm and 7am. So now I will wait for a vacency, but I have heard via the grapevine someone is leaving soon. I really like my job where I am and will be sad to leave, but I am getting abdo pains from the stress, and need to look after me.

Unfortunately DH thinks my time off my job is his time to get me to do things for him as well so we have to negotiate some boundaries on that I think! We have been busy feeding out, and the bull is sold and going this week. He was very unhappy about being separated from his girls yesterday. Although not tall he is as sold as a battleship and not someone you want to upset! We have sold 25 of our own cows and they go in the next few weeks too, leaving us with about 20 for raising calves on ( guess who is going to be doing that....)

Plans are well under way for the school trip, which will be to Vietnam. We have raised $15,000 of the $45,000 needed so far thanks to sponsorship, which is very encouraging. I have to make a decision about going (and saving) and I think it is too good an oppourtunity to miss!

I have booked my airfares to visit my mum in Chch at the end of May for a week, and I am taking my hand quilting and the heart blocks with me to do. This really will be a holiday, not attending courses or anything. DD2 will be going with me as well, so it will be turns of keeping a 3yr old busy and quilting!
well, time to get ready for work again. Happy stitchingto you all,
Cheers from the Mountain Thea

Summer came back!

Hi girls, I've been catching upon the posts- nice to be back among friends!
Cheryl in Alberta thank you for the lovely blocks and the neat puzzle letter, and photos of your bundle of joy. We just love that cheecky smile!
Pat I love those socks. Are they colourfast in the wash?

Life is hetic here. DH just helped bale the neighvbors last 20acre paddock of hay this weekend. Now he is paying the price for it with his good leg, but the crop is in! We were told more heavy rain was on the way, hence the ruch, but it has diverted out to sea and we are having glorious sunny, calm days of early autumn. So good for the soul.

I have been stretched to tears at times, with the demands of the farm, work and family plus the traveling I do. So I have phoned for an application to work as a prison nurse locally. Not my dream job but closer, saving me 1hr 20mins travelling a day, and the shifts will be easier- no nights except on calls between 8pm and 7am. So now I will wait for a vacency, but I have heard via the grapevine someone is leaving soon. I really like my job where I am and will be sad to leave, but I am getting abdo pains from the stress, and need to look after me.

Unfortunately DH thinks my time off my job is his time to get me to do things for him as well so we have to negotiate some boundaries on that I think! We have been busy feeding out, and the bull is sold and going this week. He was very unhappy about being separated from his girls yesterday. Although not tall he is as sold as a battleship and not someone you want to upset! We have sold 25 of our own cows and they go in the next few weeks too, leaving us with about 20 for raising calves on ( guess who is going to be doing that....)

Plans are well under way for the school trip, which will be to Vietnam. We have raised $15,000 of the $45,000 needed so far thanks to sponsorship, which is very encouraging. I have to make a decision about going (and saving) and I think it is too good an oppourtunity to miss!

I have booked my airfares to visit my mum in Chch at the end of May for a week, and I am taking my hand quilting and the heart blocks with me to do. This really will be a holiday, not attending courses or anything. DD2 will be going with me as well, so it will be turns of keeping a 3yr old busy and quilting!
well, time to get ready for work again. Happy stitchingto you all,
Cheers from the Mountain

Pardon My Cynical Response

National Quilting Day has come and gone (it is the third Saturday of March and has been endorsed for years by the National Quilting Association). Many guilds across the USA use National Quilting Day either as an educational day (holding quilt-ins, etc.) or as a day for quilting for charitable groups.

This thing promoted by author Judy Howard as "Charity Quilt Day" seems to be her gimmick to sell her books on Amazon.com.

Judy

copy/paste from the former chat page

Date: 3/23/07
Time: 10:14 AM
Subject: Charity Quilt Day March 29
Name: Judy Howard @ Heavenly Patchwork & Buckboard Quilts

“Charity Quilt Day” March 29 Wraps Up “National Quilt Month”

To wrap up “National Quilt Month,” Judy Howard is designating March 29 as “Charity Quilt Day.” This campaign raises awareness and funding for the sacrificial volunteer work of quilters like you who provide comforters for sick babies, orphans, soldiers and homeless—all those most in need of the touch of God’s love and comfort that quilts represent.

On March 29, Judy is donating the net proceeds of Amazon sales of her books, “Heavenly Patchwork I and II” and “Centennial Stitches” to non-profit groups like The Hugs Project, Binky Patrol, Project Linus, Quilts for Injured Soldiers, Wrap Them in Love, Newborns in Need, Quilts for Kids, Gig Harbor Quilt Festival for the Tacoma Women’s Breast Cancer Resource Center, Harmony Hill Retreat and Casting for Recovery, My Brother’s Keeper that provide charity quilts. You may even designate your local guild or favorite charity quilting non-profit as beneficiary.

Besides donating to worthy charities, those who purchase Judy’s award-winning gift books on Amazon on March 29 will receive bonus gifts of free quilt patterns, quilting tips and book excerpts by renowned celebrity quilt artists and historians like Kaye Wood, Darcy Ashton, Nancy Kirk, Ruth Harris, Jennie Rayment, Judy Anne Breneman, M.J. Van Deventer, Lucille Ralston, Dorcas Publishing, My Brother’s Keeper, etc. Buy all three books and get one free.

Please join Judy on “National Charity Quilt Day” in honoring charity quilters and their tireless work by helping “Wrap those in need with quilts of love” through your purchase of “Heavenly Patchwork” gift books on Amazon March 29 or today. Thanks for sharing this info in quilt newsletters, websites, yahoo groups, blogs, chat rooms, and with all your quilting buddies. Check for details on www.HeavenlyPatchwork.com.

Wrong board, sorry

oh Good Grief I have posted on the wrong board. Mea culpa x 3. Lavinia

Weight, quilts, etc

Gosh I wish 20 lbs was all I need to lose! I might as well have gained the other 16 you were giving away, it feels like it at the moment!

JANE, I have no quilts on beds either, and only two wallhangings on the walls. One was made by me and the other was purchased from a quilting friend who did beautiful work and at the time was just starting out her marvelous career. Before this marriage, I made myself a quilt one time, started hand quilting, got a job and had to send it to a friend who quilted like me to finish, just got it back and sent it to the show in Coral Gables. Took a notion to put a price on it and a friend suggested a wartime price I thought no one would ever pay. It was the first thing sold, so I never even got a picture of it. So life goes on, and I have never made myself another one.

DORIS please enjoy Ireland for me. The only thing in my lifetime I have not been able to do, a trip to Northern Ireland to see where my forebears lived etc. I used to have a neighbor from Dublin who had tickets to go home, too, and her son would not go with her -- I should have volunteered, huh? Could have gone up to Ulster from there and at least would have had someone who knew the territory to guide me.

Well I'll quit bending everyone's ears...hugs to all. Lavinia-TN

Too good not to post

Judy in Ohio & I have corresponded somewhat infrequently but enjoyably so over the years; she being someone who watches gliders soar past her summer garden & I being one who has watched my husband soar over the fields of Ontario. Thus, when her email came in overnight & with her permission, which given the fact that she is likely still catching her beauty sleep in Ohio, may have slipped past her, I'm still chuckling over her response to my posting below. In part, it is:
"After reading your posting on the BB about your relationship with your sewing machine & how it makes you want to speed I just have to ask if you are allowed to take an auto on the highways and byways of Ontario? :-)I just got the giggles thinking about Sewing Machine Speed Demon Rosey driving along the country lanes in her peaceful part of the province terrorizing the local humans & native wildlife in her auto of choice. Meanwhile, until you correct me, I will have a mental image of you perhaps driving like Mr. Toad of Toad Hall"..& I am here to tell you that I do drive faster than the person who taught me when I was fifteen years old & he still complains that I drive too fast. But he is the one with whom I live now; he is the one whom we have had to call CAA to dig him out of three snowbanks this past month for he drives one speed, not fast, but on the straight & around corners. In the country, the backroads are gravel, thus I have great respect for what this can do to a car & Mrs. Toad retires her speed here on our country roads.

As Judy has pointed out, she like me, has problems with dexterity in her hands & in handling pins, needles thus, without her sewing machine & mine, neither of us would be able to enjoy making quilts as we used to. Judy, however, is greatly skilled with her machine; I still look at it with a love/hate relationship that appears permanent. I am the one who drove a 3 inch screw into my husband's aircraft radio because the handle came off & I knew he would be upset when he came home to find it broken. He was apoplectic when he saw the screw, later telling me it was the most expensive 'screw' he'd had in his life...cost him over $300.00 to repair. First time I'd ever seen him at a loss for words. So, as Judy has pointed out, without my sewing machine in my life, I would not be able to still enjoy making quilts. I'm here to say: you are right, Judy. But I'm dumb as a doornob with machinery & that will never change.

Rosey or Mrs. Toad of Toad Hall