Best Sewing Pins for Quilting

Are you a pinner like me? I find that when I pin, I get better results and have fewer
seams to rip out. And I like really good quality pins, since cheaper ones are often dull 
and not as smooth. Since many of you are pinners like me, I thought you might like
a comparison of some of the most popular pins for quilt-piecing.

Below are four different pins - three Clover brand, and one Tulip.  Here are the pros
and cons of each:  

CLOVER GLASS HEAD PINS #2509

These pins are thin and strong; great for quilt-piecing

Stats: .5mm thick (fine)  X 48mm (1⅞”) long  

Pros: Long, thin and sharp; can be ironed over

Cons: Hard to spot when dropped on the floor

CLOVER GLASS HEAD PINS #2507
These pins are super thin and strong; great for quilt-piecing

Stats: .4mm thick (extra fine) x 36mm (1⅜”) long

Pros: Very thin and sharp; can be ironed over

Cons: Hard to spot when dropped on the floor  

 

CLOVER FLAT HEAD PINS #2506
These pins are long, and strong enough to hold thicker fabrics 

Stats: .7mm thick x 54mm (2⅛”) long

Pros: Strong, long and sharp; easy to find when dropped

Cons: Not as thin as others; can't be ironed over

TULIP CELLULOSE-HEAD PINS
My personal favorite; strong and thin, and glide through fabric

Stats: .45mm thick x 48mm (1⅞”) long 

Pros: Thin, long and sharp; easy to see when dropped

Cons: Pricey; can’t be ironed over

There you have it. What are your favorite pins for quilt-piecing?

Each of these pins is available in my shop, just click on any of the photos. 

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How I Make Time to Sew

When my kids were young, it seemed like I had more time to sew.  When they took naps, I would hurry to the sewing machine; while I waited in school parking lots, I'd do some hand sewing.  I basically squeezed in sewing whenever I could.

Life seems busier now, and even though most of my kids have grown up and moved out, I have trouble finding time to sew.  Maybe it's because I'm more in charge of my time now, I just keep putting other things ahead of my sewing projects.  

I needed to try something different.  I decided to try sewing 15 minutes a day - consistently.  And you know - it has really helped!  I'm kind of amazed at what I can get done in that short amount of time.  For example, while working on a sample for the shop recently, I found that in 15 minutes I could do one of the following:

• Clear off my work area and thread my machine
• Cut thirty 5" squares
• Slice 36 sewn half-square triangle units and press open
• Trim 36 half-square triangle units
• Rip out a wonky seam, then pin and sew back together
• Pin and sew 2 rows together

You get the idea.  And the time really adds up - 15 minutes per day x 6 per week = 1 1/2 hours!  Even if you just sew 4 times a week, that add up to an hour. 

Some tips to make this method successful:

• Leave your sewing machine set up.  If you can't do this, then make it as easy as possible to get to (like keeping it in the room you'll be using it)
• Keep your project and supplies out and together, preferably near your sewing machine.  If you have to put them away, clear storage boxes or those clear bedding bags work great
• Think ahead.  When your 15 minutes is done, think about what you'll need for the next step and try to have the supplies ready to go (ironing board, seam ripper, full bobbin, etc)
• Leave yourself a note as to what the next step is
• Consistency is key; put a reminder on your phone is you need to 

If you're having a hard time getting to your projects, try sewing for 15 minutes a day.  I think you'll be surprised at how much you get done.

xoxo Stacy 

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My 3 Favorite Tips from The Ultimate Guide to Machine Quilting

Is is hot where you are?  We've had temps around 110 for days.  Ugh.  The heat does provide a great excuse for staying inside and sewing though - and maybe doing some machine quilting (and a little book-reading).  Today I'm going to give my favorite tips from Angela Walters' and Christa Watson's awesome book The Ultimate Guide to Machine Quilting.   

Favorite Tip #1:  When you're quilting across a border and get to the corner, it's perfectly OK to fill in with a different design.  Your border design may not work rounding the corner, so why not switch to a complimentary design and then continue the first design in the next border.  Genius. 

Favorite Tip #2:  Use a highly patterned fabric to practice your machine quilting.  Why go to the trouble of drawing a design onto a practice quilt sandwich (fabric/batting/fabric) if you don't have to?  You can use up those "What was I thinking" fabrics for this one.  Perfect.

Favorite Tip #3:  Close is good enough.  When you first look at Angela's and Christa's quilts, they look perfect.  But if you look closely, you'll see they're not; each design element isn't exactly like the one next to it, and it doesn't need to be. With enough practice, which both Angela and Christa strongly suggest, you'll get your quilting to a place where it's pleasing to you. 

This book is packed with tips and techniques to take your machine quilting up a notch, no matter whether you're a beginner or advanced quilter.  It's available here.

 

Fabric Panel Project Ideas

Have you ever bought a panel because you loved it, but didn't know what to do with it when you got it home?  Today I'm going to show you three projects I made with panel parts, and share some other ideas.   Here's the panel I used in my projects:

Moonlight Manor panel by Deb Strain/Moda

I chose three of the motifs and made a place mat, snack mat and kitchen towel.  Each of them were simple, easy projects.

For the kitchen towel, I chose a square motif with a black background, then purchased a very inexpensive black kitchen towel ($1.50) at my local big box store.  (It's hard to see the motif background in the photo, which is kind of the point).  I adhered Heat-n-Bond Lite to the back of the motif, ironed it onto the towel, and used a narrow zigzag stitch to finish.  I added a band of fabric at the bottom by cutting a 2 1/2" strip, pressing it in half lengthwise, stitching the raw edges approx. 1/2" from the bottom, flipping it downward and stitching it down.  So easy and I really like how it turned out. I did pre-wash both the fabric and towel before I began, so the fusible film would adhere properly.

In making the place mat and snack mat, I chose motifs and then just kind of built around them.  I did have an idea (from Pinterest) on what sizes I wanted them to be.  I layered them with cotton batting and backing, and did some simple quilting.  Then applied binding which I finished by machine.  Each one didn't take long at all.  I plan on giving them to my grandkiddos.  

8 1/2" x 11 1/2" finished size

9" x 13 1/2" finished size

As I cut the individual motifs apart and started playing around with them, I could see the possibilities were endless: 

• For the kitchen - snack mats, place mats, potholders, embellished towels, table runners
• For the home - small and large pillows, banners, quilts, wall hangings
• For kids - treat sacks, small treat bags, baby bibs, appliqued t-shirts
• For you - gift bags, tote bags, zipper bags, aprons

 All of these items would make great gifts too, especially with all the great holiday panels available. 

Individual pieces

I applied fusible web to this one, before cutting, so it can be used as an applique

The panel used for these projects is available in my Etsy store for 25% off, if you'd like to make any of these projects for your own little goblins (or yourself).

Linking to Quilt Story Fabric Tuesday
                My Quilt Infatuation Needle & Thread Thursday 
                Crazy Mom Quilts Finish It Up Friday

Winner! And Some Advice About Quilting Large Quilts

Rebecca you are the winner of the Machine Quilting With Style e-book!  (Sorry I'm a little late.)  Send me your email address and I'll forward it to the publisher, who will in turn send you your copy.   To pick the winner, I numbered the comments and chose a number using the Random Generator.  (You can see it in the lower right-hand corner.)  

OK, speaking of comments, thank you for a great response!  It seems that quilters are really interested in improving their quilting skills.  I started replying to each one and I just couldn't keep up.  So if I didn't answer yours, know that I read and appreciated every one. 

In reading the comments, I noticed a common theme.  Most of you are willing to quilt your own smaller quilts, but send out anything larger than a twin size (me included).  Christa offers suggestions in her book that will help us quilt those larger tops:

• Make sure your machine is at the same level as the work surface around it
• Support your quilt well on the back and left sides of your machine
• Use gloves made for machine-quilting to help with grip (I've even resorted to kitchen gloves which worked well in a pinch, kind of hot though)
• Use good body and hand positioning (more about these in the book).  

When I asked her if she had any other large quilt advice, Christa reminded me to "Just take it nice and slow".   Sounds like great advice Christa.  For more great info, get your own copy of Christa's book here or here.  

Machine Quilting With Style Blog Hop & Giveaway

Hello there!  Welcome to day #7 of the Machine Quilting With Style blog hop.

It's my turn to show you my version of a quilt from Christa Watson's great new book. But first, the original from the book:

Modern with a nod to traditional.  Love it!  OK, here's mine:

As you can see, my little twist on this quilt is a subtle Halloween theme.  I am loving the trendy combo of aqua and orange right now, and it fits right in.  The style of quilting I chose is called "Gentle Wavy Lines" in the book and it's one of my favorites.  It's quick, easy and gives a nice texture.  I quilted the lines vertically from top to bottom, approx. 1" apart.  I just marked a few straight lines to guide my quilting.  In the book, the name of the quilt is "Square in a Square". 

In her book, Christa shows you that YOU CAN quilt your own quilt on your domestic machine.  This book shows lots of designs, from easy (like gentle waves) to the more complex (swirls, pebbles, etc.).  And she gives instructions for 12 modern quilts to use those designs on.  Machine Quilting with Style is a great resource for every quilter who has even thought about quilting her own quilt.

For as long as I've known Christa (since our 15-year-old sons were babies!), she's been a cheerleader of quilting your own quilt.  She's devoted much time to sharing and teaching her awesome skills, and loves to see you succeed with your quilt.  She'll be leading a quilt-along in January and is encouraging everyone to vote for their favorite (here).  The winner will be the object of the quilt along.  How fun!

 

More good news -- I've been given permission to give an e-copy to one lucky reader.  Leave me a comment saying whether or not you've ever quilted your own quilt (with your domestic machine).  I'll choose a winner on Sept. 28. 

If you don't win (or just can't wait), get yours here 0r a signed copy from Christa.    Right now it's the #1 new release in patchwork on Amazon.  Woohoo!

Hop on over to these blogs to check out their versions:

• 9/14 Start at ChristaQuilts
• 9/14 Color Crystals – Vicki Reubel from Orchid Owl Quilts
• 9/14 Technicolor Backing – Ida Ewing from Ida Rather Be Quilting
• 9/15 Pearl Gray – Alyce Blyth from  Blossom Heart Quilts
• 9/16 Broken V – Sharon McConnell from  Color Girl Quilts
• 9/17 Candy Pop – Linda Hungerford from Flourishing Palms
• 9/18 Ripples – Melissa Corry from Happy Quilting
• 9/19 Little Man’s Fancy – Tina Guthmann from Mod Geometry
• 9/22 Static – Lee Heinrich from Freshly Pieced
• 9/23 Rain – Cheryl Brickey from Meadow Mist Designs
• 9/24 Lightning – Leanne Chahley from She Can Quilt
• 9/25 Facets – Kristy Daum from  St. Louis Folk Victorian
• 9/26 Focal Point – Amy Garro from 13 Spools

Plus, there will be additional stops on the hop from the awesome people listed below. They will be sharing their insights including book reviews, interviews, sample blocks, and other interesting content you won’t want to miss.

• 9/15 Andover Fabrics
• 9/16 Amy’s Free Motion Quilting Adventures and Leah Day’s Free Motion Quilting Project
• 9/17 Do You EQ? from Electric Quilt and Darlene from Quilt Shop Gal
• 9/18 Jacquelynne Steves’ The Art of Home and Scott Hansen from Blue Nickel Studios
• 9/19 Moda Fabrics – The Cutting Table
• 9/21 Katy Cameron from The Littlest Thistle
  
• 9/22 Debbie Grifka of Esch House Quilts and Generation Q Magazine
• 9/23 Rebecca Bryan of Bryan House Quilts
• 9/24 Stitch This – The Martingale Blog and Riley Blake Fabrics
• 9/25 Michele Foster of The Quilting Gallery and Teri Lucas from TerifiCreations
• 9/26 Pellon Projects and Amy Ellis from Amy’s Creative Side

Linking to:  Crazy Mom Quilts' Finish It Up Friday

   

Summer Sewing

Is it hot where you are?  Summer is in full-swing here; most days hovering around 110°. At this time of year, the most we can hope for is it doesn't get any hotter.  : /

Anyway, I've been inside (when I'm not out in my garden picking endless tomatoes) working on some small projects.  First a little potholder for the patriotic holidays.  I used two layers of cotton batting and  a stretch zigzag stitch (I think that's what it's called) about 1/2" apart to quilt it.  This combo gives it a nice texture. 

Next is a little lettuce drying/storage bag that I've been wanting to make for a while.  If you haven't heard of this, you just put your freshly washed greens in the bag. pull the drawstring, go outside (very important) and start doing arm circles.  You'll be surprised at how well this works to dry your lettuce. 

According to what I read, you can also store your greens in there too.  I'll be trying that with the next batch of lettuce I get. 

I've also been working on organizing my sewing space.  Here's a snapshot of part of my little corner.

I'm using the chalkboard to remind me of my current projects.  I get distracted.  : )   The chevron blocks are made of Farmhouse by Fig Tree & Co. (coming soon).  They'll be going into a table runner shortly.

I've also been working on some secret sewing.  Here's a sneak-peak:

I'm loving the teal and orange combo right now.  I'll be able to share more on this project real soon. 

Come see me on Instagram! 

Linking to:  Quilt Story: Fabric Tuesday!
                         My Quilt Infatuation: Needle and Thread Thursday 
                         Crazy Mom Quilts: Finish It Up Friday

Product Demo: The Angler 2

I recently needed to make some triangle corners for my Holiday Lane Pillow, so I got out my Angler 2 to make the job easier.  The Angler 2 is a cool little tool that makes half-square triangle units, like Flying Geese and Snowball blocks, much simpler to sew.

So, I thought it might be a good time to do a little demo for you.  You'll need the tool, a sharp pair of scissors and some tape.  Cut out the key on the tool according to the package instructions.

Place the key under the presser foot, and place your needle down in the marked dot.

Make sure the key is parallel with the side of your presser foot, then lower your foot to hold the key in place.  Get the The Angler 2 and fit it around the key.  Make sure everything looks straight and tape it down.  (Sorry, I forgot to take a picture of taping it; I taped the front and sides.)  Remove the key, but keep for later use.

And you're ready to go!  For sewing a seam right down the middle of a square (to make a triangle corner), just line up the nearest corner with the center line.  I like to sew just a teeny bit off to the right, so I adjusted for that. 

Flip, press and trim your block.  It's personal preference whether to trim those background triangles or not.  I do, just to eliminate bulk. 

If you have lots of triangles to sew, this method is a real time-saver compared to marking a line down the middle of all those squares, and is much more precise than eye-balling it.  Can't wait to get my pillow done and share it as part of the blog hop.   My debut date is November 28.  

holiday lane pillow blocks

I've also been working on my Sunflower Rail Fence Quilt.  Yippee!  I finished quilting it and am sewing the binding on.  I should have it finished right after Fall is over.  : /  Oh well, it will be ready for next year.  So I'm a year early.  Right?

quilting curvy lines on my sunflower rail fence quilt

The Angler 2 is available in the store.

Linking to: Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop
                  Sunny Simple Sundays