Week 17

Well, the weeks are rolling right along, and I am rolling with them. Sometimes, it feels like there is never enough time to do all the things that I want to do but I seem to be productive. If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I do daily projects (on my days off).
For this weeks project, I did another paper piecing project. It was very involved but I wanted to show everyone that once you learn how to paper piece, you can do any pattern. This pattern is by Fandom In Stitches and like I have said before, there are thousands of free patterns out there. I chose this pattern because of the difficulty and for the soft spot in my heart for this Disney character. Goofy, in all his glory.

This shows the back so you can see the difficulty level.

Goofy in all his glory. 

My plan is to put him on the front of a messenger bag. I think he will fit nicely and look great. That project is for another week.
 So for the rest of the week, I finished my show quilt with the beer caps. (once it gets accepted into the traveling show, I'll share pictures), I started back on an art quilt that hopefully will be done by November and will get put into a SAQA show, made more bags, figured out an embroidery program that had been giving me trouble and made a birthday present or two.  Seems like I'm headed in the right direction. I try to make my sewing / quilting decisions by asking myself "Is it heading me in the direction of my goal". I get sidetracked frequently but this does tend to keep me more on track.
So remember to check the website for classes ( I will put them up tonight) and since May is my birthday month, I'm going to give people a discount. If you sign up for one class, your second class is 1/2 off. You could bring a friend and that could be your second class. This doesn't apply to the Learning Longarm class or for the class kit fees but you could save a few dollars. Hope to see you there and keep on quilting.

                                                                      Week 16
For this week's project I did something completely different. Well, it did involve sewing, but that was pretty much a given. I needed to have a cushion for my new couch in the studio, and I couldn't find one anywhere that I liked or that fit. So, being the person that I am, I decided to make my own. First, I found out that foam rubber is expensive, especially locally, so I ordered what I wanted online. Second I had to measure the exact shape of the couch that I wanted to cover and make a paper pattern so I could cut my foam. Now, I am a firm believer that you can google anything and find an answer, so I googled the best way to cut my foam. So, armed with an electric carving knife, I cut that foam like butter. Really, it was way too easy. I then went in search of upholstery fabric and needed supplies (aka zipper, piping or whatever else I thought I might need). Again, everything that was beautiful was very expensive so I checked out the sale table and lo and behold I found fabric in the exact colors that I needed and for about 1/4 of the price. Geez, I wanted to sit on the cushion, not marry it.

The final steps

I then proceeded to make a pattern and take many measurements. I opted for just a zipper and no the piping,( make it easy on myself.) For the life of me, I could not get the zipper pulls on the zipper that I was supposed to be able to attach so I bought a zipper already put together. It really wasn't difficult, I didn't use too many swear words and of course it's not perfect......You will have to judge it on your own when you visit the studio. At least you will have somewhere to sit.

The zipper in place

The end result. Makes you want to come and sit for a while, doesn't it?

So, come on out to the studio sometime soon. There will be lots of classes, lots to learn and lots to talk about. Remember that you will always be welcome but don't forget to call first to make sure that I will be there to greet you. Have a great week and keep on quilting.

We had an awesome class on Saturday learning how to paper piece.. The ladies learned new techniques and they did a really good job. 

Here are the blocks that we made. It was amazing to see how fabric placement can change the look of  the  same block.New classes for May will be up on the website by the end of this week, hopefully. I hope to see some of you for these classes. We are going to be doing great things and if there is anything that you want to learn, please leave me a message or comment. Thanks ladies for your enthusiasm and for the laughs.

                                                                       Week 15
For this week's project I made a wide zippered pouch thanks to the awesome tutorial by noodlehead.com. this was an awesome tutorial and it was free. The bag is wider at the top so that once you unzip it, you can see everything inside. I used some of the new cotton and steel fabrics and I think it turned out fabulously.

I have been really busy. I finished my bottle cap quilt. I'm going to enter it in the Houston show and will give you more information when I can. I upholstered a cushion for the love seat in the studio- that's next week's project. I finished a quilt (including binding)  in memory of a dear friend of mine, that I'm giving to his mother and finished several more bags. I have lots to share and not a lot of time to do that in. I am teaching a class on paper piecing in the studio over the weekend and will share week 16's project when that is done. All and all, it's been a great week. The weather is awesome here  in Southern California and people are getting out and about. There never seems to be enough time in the day to accomplish all the things that we want to do but sometimes we just need to stop and smell the flowers. Life is going fast and hopefully you won't let it pass you by. Live it to the fullest....and remember.....Keep on quilting.

Week 12

Again, I am behind. I have actually done many projects but just haven't spent the time posting. I think I need to work on my time management skills.

For this week's project, I honed my paper piecing skills. Since I will be teaching this class in a couple of weeks, I thought I had better brush up. I love to paper piece.  I just forgot how much. Let me introduce you to Hello Kitty, times two.

This is a free pattern that I got off the internet at liljabs.com (I think, there are so many out there, it's hard to remember)...... I think I'm going to make them into bags or pillows, but that is for another week.  If you are interested in paper piecing, there are a lot of free patterns and tutorials out them in cyberspace. You are going to love it.

If you're in the San Diego area (specifically Oceanside), my paper piecing class runs on April 16th and April 18th.  (Click the links to view more information and then sign up!)

Week 13

For this week I did a really wonderful "one hour fabric basket".  It's been going around on Instagram and I had to join in.  The pattern is by kelbysews, and it's an awesome pattern. Easy to read and easy to make. You could tweak the pattern and make it any size that you want. I say don't just stop at one. I plan to make a few more.

Week 14

For this week's project, I have been experimenting with tote bags and leather.  I am working on a new pattern and needed to play with dimensions.  Here is the first prototype.  Made with canvas and webbing. The second one is make with flowered denim and leather. They are pretty fast and easy. I have lots of ideas for embellishments. I'm working on some silkscreen designs and a new embroidery program that would allow me to import pictures of anything. It is going to be awesome....as soon as I have time to play with it.

This brings me up to date, for the moment. I'm giving classes in the studio several times a week, working on show quilts and many other things. Life is pretty busy around here. If you are in the area, feel free to come on by the studio. I'm sure that I can teach you a few quilty things. Until then, keep on quilting!