Aug6

Adventures in Free-Motion Quilting

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Adventures in Free-Motion Quilting
Adventures in Free-Motion Quilting
Yesterday was my birthday. All I asked for was time to play in my craft stuff. I decided to try my hand at free-motion quilting.

 I had tried once before and was extremely disappointed. Since then, I’ve read about it and watched videos and bought gadgets.

I bought a darning foot, a “Supreme Slider” and “The Fabulous Fabric Glide.” I used the first two. That’s not to say I won’t use the glider. I just didn’t yesterday. It was almost too much to keep up with. I also have a pair of rubber tipped gloves somewhere, but I just used my hands.

All the instructions say make yourself some fabric/batting sandwiches to practice on. I found these, instead:

See the price: 50 cents!!!!! There are 4 of these pre-stitched quilt squares in each pack!!!! I found them when my friend, Laura, and I visited a fabric and crafts outlet in Fancy Gap, VA. We both bought several packs, but I wished we’d bought all they had.

I tried to write. That was funny. It was also obvious that I had the bobbin tension off because little loops of the bobbin thread came up. When I took the bobbin case out to adjust it, I thought I went “lefty-loosey,” but I must of had it upside down. I got this on the back: 

I kinda like it. It reminds me of blanket stitch embroidery, but that’s not what I was going for. I adjusted the bobbin tension, again, and did a little better:
I understand why some quilters listen to music. You’ve got to get just the right rhythm between the speed of your machine and the movement of your hands and the fabric. It reminds me of calligraphy in a way, so I’ll try to write again…
and practice a whole lot more!
Jul18

Painted Cushions

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Painted Cushions
Painted Cushions
I paid a lot for these terribly faded cushions, so I couldn’t bring myself to toss them. I had bought a couple of bandanas to sew together for a cover, but wasn’t crazy about that idea.
Then I thought, “fabric paint!” and wished somebody made spray fabric paint. I found this at Walmart (I love that Rice Freeman-Zachery calls it the Dreaded Walmart!)  It came in a pack of three colors (black and gold, too) and was $14.97. Not cheap, but I have a use for the black, and maybe the gold, too.
I sprayed and used a foam brush to even it out.
Not a bad “before and after,” huh?
I got on the company’s website to see if they sold bottles of single colors and they DO! Check them out at http://www.simplyspray.com/
AND!!!, the paint is made in America!!!!
Jul8

Dover had a Sale!

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Dover had a Sale!
Dover had a Sale!

In fact, they’re having another one right now. I bought these books in the spring. I’ll be glad when the Dover Pictura site is up and running. I hope I’ll be able to buy the images I want without buying a whole book. I already have a flash drive with a “Dover Images” file so I’m ready when they are.


 
Of course, I had to round out my order to get free shipping. I added a few items for my grandson, Peter James:

Jun29

How about UNpacking?

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How about UNpacking?
How about UNpacking?

Nope. I didn’t think so. Though I did find a crafts-oriented sort of way to reward myself as I get things done. The Interweave Store has been having a great sale, first on Quilting Arts video downloads ($1.59,) now on Beads, Baubles and Jewels. I set myself a task, like sort Box A. When I’m done, I pick out a video I want and download it. Simple, and so far, effective!