Off my Rocker? Aurifil's 2015 Jan Mini-Quilt

Greetings fellow quilters and bloggers -- it's been a couple of weeks since I last blogged and I do apologize. I've been a little under the weather and moving at a snails pace. 

On one of my "good days" last weekend I had a hankering to make something that didn't require my creativity but still allowed me a bit of a challenge.   Turn to... something pieced. 

Ya'll know that piecing is NOT my forte'.  I'm an applique (wool or cotton) girl at heart.   However, when I saw this sweet little mini-quilt, Flurry, designed by Gudrun Erla for Aurifil, I couldn't take my eyes off it.  Isn't it just the cutest little mini?

Image Auribuzz.wordpress.com ~ Flurry by GEQuiltDesigns.com

Gudrun was interviewed by Pat Sloan for Aurifil Thread.  You can get to know her and find the link to the Flurry mini-quilt on the Auribuzz blog by clicking here. 

Now grab a cuppa and work through this sweet mini with me.  I'll share the tips that helped me out and approximate times it took to complete each step.  It really was fun! 

Don't forget... if you share your quilt top on the Aurifil Flickr group you're eligible to win a box of Auriful thread!!  Woohoo -- you can NEVER have enough Aurifil thread.

After downloading the pattern I spent an hour or so pressing and cutting my fabric per the pattern instructions.  Enter, this darling red print "Floral Gatherings" by Primitive Gatherings for Moda.  I've had this little pretty in my stash for a bit -- it was time to put it to good use.  Paired with that, I used "Indigo" by Moda and decided to reverse the colors as Gudrun originally designed.

Before we get too far, let's not forget to discuss the perfect thread.   I used Aurifil 50Wt Mako Cotton in color #2370 (Sandstone).  Aurifil 50Wt thread is fine, so it adds to the accuracy of your piecing... this applique girl could use all the help she could get!!

Here we go... now before you get started:

Here's a tip:  It's really important to know that you have OR test your scant 1/4" seam allowance.  I explained how to do this last year in the Redbird and Berries Mini Quilt recipe for the Moda Bake Shop -- you can see that recipe here.    Pat Sloan did a similar post earlier this year - you can see it here.    In summary, sew (3) 2-1/2" squares together side by side, set seams, press toward the outside, flip right side up, and measure your inside piece.  It should measure exactly 2" wide.   It's really important on this mini to have an accurate scant 1/4" seam allowance.

Image from Moda Bake Shop - Redbird and Berries Mini Quilt

Onto Step 1....   

Step 1 consisted of making 8 Half Square Triangles (HST) and trimming them to 1-1/2"... Feeling confident -- I can do this!!   HST's made... now to press them open.

Here's a tip:  The pattern calls for the HST to be pressed toward the red fabric.  Did you know if you position your sewn piece with the upside being the side you are suppose to press toward that it makes it easier to "set the seam" and then press it toward that direction?  Try it... for each step in the pattern, when you're suppose to press toward "xyz" make sure you lay the sewn piece with that side up.  Press once to "set the seam" then use your fingers to fold the seam back and press again.   It helps to remember that whatever side is showing is the side your seam will be pressed toward.   Does this help?

Here's the image before I opened them -- after I "set the seam":

Here is the image after I set the seam, opened the seam and pressed again.   The seams are all pressed toward the red and they didn't need to be moved again to accomplish this step.  Love that!

Now for the trimming to 1-1/2" square.   By now I'm already starting to curse Alex, Pat and Gudrun for not having an applique mini -- but keeping focused I continued on...   Ha ha ha ha...

Here's a tip:  If you have one, NOW is the time to use the mini rotating cutting mat to trim your HST's.  This way you don't have to reposition your fabric to trim all 4 sides.   My DH gave me one for Christmas 2013 -- finally -- a chance to use it (you see - I never piece). 

Step 1: Total time 23 minutes!! Includes boo-boo  (Can you believe I stitched ON THE LINE -- maybe it was the cough medicine -- ya - that was it!)

Onto Step 2.  Ok lets follow the pattern again -- sew the HST's to the solid pieces.  That wasn't too bad --  I'm back to the "I can do this" mode....

Step 2:  Total time  23 minutes 

Onto Step 3.  Ok here is where I read twice and took care to position the pieces exactly as the pattern calls for - thankfully I did it right the first time.

Having fun again!  Here is where I send an image to my sisters and say "Look, I'm piecing"... ha ha ha...

Step 3: Total time 15 minutes (no boo-boo's)

Onto Step 4:  I had pre-marked the diagonal line on my 1-1/2" squares after cutting them so I was ready to align and sew out of the gate.  (Yay!)

Here's a tip:  Consider chain piecing when you're making these 8 pieces -- it allows you to be more efficient at your sewing, saves time and thread and that means saving money!!  Here is an image after chain stitching 1/2 of this step.   I did cut my pieces apart before I sewed and chain stitched the other side.

OK - both sides sewn, trimmed, and pressed....  Whew...  I'm not sure they're square but I'm rolling with it by now (am I really making this pieced mini quilt ??)

Step 4: Total time 15 minutes (no boo-boo's)

Onto Step 5 - sewing WOF strips, cutting and making 4 patch units  -- I can do this ;)  Here we go....

Here's a tip: This is another opportunity to chain stitch -- feeding each 4 patch unit in one behind the other - FAST!!

Step 5: Total time 17 minutes (don't judge ;)   ha ha ha....

Onto Step 6...  be sure to follow the directions as written -- I had to rip twice on this step (how did I do that ??)   Anyhow... No pictures of this one.

Step 6: Total time 22 minutes (ripped twice ?? maybe to align my points ?? - I forget...)

Onto Step 7.... Now we're making some 9 patches...  Humh.... I guess I can do this piecing thing if I just take my time, enjoy the process and pay attention to details.   I'm not one to do a lot of pinning but:

Here's a tip:  If you're aiming to improve accuracy - be sure to nest your seams and pin there -- it does make a difference, especially if you're a novice like me.   Also, chain piece here too!

No pictures for Step 7 - I'm seeing the end in sight and getting excited -- way ahead of myself and forgot to take pictures :(

Step 7: Total time 30 minutes

Onto Step 8 - If you weren't sure of your seam allowance before, you'll be sure to find out with this step.  If you pre-cut your pieces before sewing then they'll fit a perfect 1/4 " seam allowance or be too big or small otherwise.   Fingers crossed...

Whew - worked out just fine...  Step 8 done.

Step 8: Total Time 12 Minutes

Onto Step 9 -- WOOHOO!!  Happy Dance... I still have hair left on my head...  Lets get this 3 x 3 sewn together now

Here's a tip:  Pin, Pin, Pin -- there are a few seams to align -- I pinned mine.  It only took a few minutes and was so worth it!!   Someday maybe I'll graduate to big girl piecing but for now,  pinning is my piece of mind.

Oh my gosh look -- I'm almost done -- I'm so happy and kinda proud that I could do this...

Step 9:  Total Time 27 minutes

Onto the final -- Step 10.  Adding those borders - here's another case where an inaccurate seam allowance will getcha....  I took a few minutes and squared my block before adding the borders.  A 1/16 trim here and there and the whole block squared up nicely.    Yay !

Step 10: Total Time with Squaring 18 minutes

Oh my goodness I'm completely thrilled to have made this cute mini -- many thanks to Aurifil, Pat Sloan and especially Gudrun Erla for the awesome pattern and instructions.  It was fun to make and total sewing, fussing, pressing time was under 3.5 hours!!

Now to contemplate the quilting -- we'll save that for another day.

Be sure to get your mini quilt made -- and follow the directions on the Auribuzz blog for entering your mini into the Aurifil thread giveaway.  There is no better thread for piecing, needle turn applique and dense quilting.

Happy Sewing and thanks for stopping by!
Karen

Wool Lovers Tips, Tricks, and a Winner!

Hello everyone - I hope you had a wonderful weekend!  As promised today I will announce the winner of the Wool Lovers Blog Hop Giveaway!

Thanks again to all those that visited, offered the most gracious comments, and decided to follow my blog!  Your kind words are very much appreciated and it's exciting to read so much positive feedback for wool.

Several of you asked basic questions about working with wool.  Using this cute little wall hanging (appx 9" x 3") that I designed and made for a friend, I would like to share a few wool applique basics.  Feel free to duplicate this pattern for your personal use or a gift if you like -- it is FUN to make and can be done in a range of colors!

 Wool RULES!

1. When you first start out:
• Choose a small project
• Acquire wool at your local 2nd hand shop.  Look for 100% wool sweaters, coats, scarves, hats and other wool items.
• Don't worry about stitch perfection -- wool is often used in primitive projects -- and perfection is not the goal -- it's hand made!
• My favorite thread for wool applique is Aurifil 12wt/2ply in either cotton or wool.  No 12wt on hand, 2 strands of Aurifil 28wt works wonderfully too.  Use a Bohin Crewel/Embroidery Needle Size 5 or a Clover Gold Eye Chenille Needle (No 22).
  
2. To felt (or "full") your 2nd hand wool pieces, wash in hot water and dry on high heat.
3. Once woven wool is felted/fulled properly it should cut without fraying - making wool quick and easy to applique.  No need to turn the edge under and you can get by without using glue or fusible products.
4. To cut a design out of wool -- use freezer paper!
• Trace your design or template onto the dull (paper) side of your freezer paper (no need to reverse the design)
• Cut the freezer paper template out, adding no more than a 1/4 inch allowance around the outside of the traced design. 
• Iron the freezer paper onto the right side of your felted wool (use a medium heat dry iron).  
• Cut through the wool and the freezer paper along the traced design.
• Peel the freezer paper away from the wool.
5. To attach your newly cut wool piece to the background (cotton, wool, flannel or any other type of background), try a wool felting needle (thanks Doreen and Janet).  This will hold the wool piece in place while you blanket or overhand stitch the wool to the background.   You may choose to glue it in place -- but personally I try to avoid using glue or fusible products on my wool projects.
6. Ready to stitch ?  I flip flop between an overhand stitch and a blanket stitch.  If the wool edge is showing any signs of fraying I will opt to use a blanket stitch, as it reduces the chance that the wool will continue to fray.  Otherwise, a simple overhand stitch will work.    
7. If you are layering wool pieces (like the flower below), consider layering it from the top piece down before attaching the layered piece
   
   
   
   to the background -- then you won't have to stitch through layers and layers of wool.  Once all the layers are placed, stitch it to the background fabric.
8. More on stitches -- because the edge of wool shouldn't fray -- consider attaching some of your wool pieces with a decorative stitch -- avoiding any stitch along the outside edge.  See the berries? It's OK!
   
9. Even more on stitches -- Thread -- I use a variety of threads when I am stitching and choose a color that best compliments my wool.  Some choices are:  Aurifil Mako 12Wt Cotton, Aurifil 12wt Lana Wool, a few strands of Aurifil Cotton Floss or 2 strands of Aurifil 28Wt Cotton. As you become more experienced with wool applique you will invest in more colors and more high quality threads like #Aurifil or #Valdani Perle Cotton in Size 8 or 1.
10. Wool does not always need a center batting - think about how it will be used.  If you want a warm snugly piece add batting.  For a wall hanging or a small gift, batting may not be required.  Also consider the quilting method you are going to use.  Batting will certainly add to the dimension of your piece as well as the thickness that needs to fit under your machine.

For more of my Wool Applique Tips, Tricks and Tutorials visit these links:

• Family Tree Pillow Recipe on the Moda Bake Shop
• Little Blue Bird Tutorial on the Blog
• Introduction to Wool Applique 1. Working with and Cutting Wool
• Introduction to Wool Applique 2. Thread, Needle, Knot
• Introduction to Wool Applique 3. Blanket Stitch

Do these tips help ?

Would you like a more detailed tutorial for this project ?

Leave me a comment letting me know.

Now, onto the WINNER !!   As of 9:30pm there were 105 comments on the original post!  Woohoo!

Using Mr. Random Number Generator with a range of 1 to 105...  Lucky 16 is the winner!!

Counting 16 comments down from the top (where the 1st person to comment on the post was #1):

Congratulations "Wendy B" !  You've won wool roving to make for Mr. Redbird along with 5 swatches of fall wool pieces.   Please send me your mailing information and I'll get your package shipped out right away!

I hope you've all enjoyed today's post -- special thanks to my friend and mentor Debbie Wick for teaching me to work with wool.

Keep an eye out on the Winter issue of Primitive Quilts and Projects Magazine -- Debbie's "Pomegranate Holiday" Wool/Cotton table mat is featured !  It is just beautiful!  If you have access to Facebook you can see it here!   Congratulations Debbie!

Have a wonderful week all -- I'll be back later this week with some exciting news!

Hugs,
Karen

Little Wristlet Purse Practice and Lessons Learned

DGD Angelina's birthday is coming up this week -- when asked what she would like for her birthday she says "A little purse Gramma -- one that sparkles and is pretty -- with flowers!"

Well... here are the results of my trial runs at working with zippers and making small purses with a wrist band vs a shoulder handle.

The batik was my first trial -- and the bird pattern my 2nd attempt.   I'm learning:

1.  You CAN sew the fabric too close to the opening / closing of the zipper (ouch -- this makes it harder to open and close - duh !)

2.  You should angle the placement of the wrist band so that when the piece is finished, it angles up toward the zipper opening (for less wear and tear on the wrist band).

3.  You can sew over those poly/nylon zippers without breaking a needle (YAY!)

4.  It doesn't matter if the zipper is invisible or not -- not for this piece.

Next up - making some trial run flowers and purchasing some satin for "The Real Thing".  Birthday party for Angie is a week from today!

Many thanks to SecretLifeOfABioNerd for her YouTube Tutorial -- I made revisions to her design but her Tutorial Inspired me !!  Thank You!

On the sideline is my Pumpkin Table Topper and my Kim Diehl "Penny Garland" piece -- I have yet to share with you that I attended a Trunk Show and Class with Kim Diehl -- I'm hooked !!

Karen's Start at Penny Garland

Here is my start on her pattern -- placing wool pennies on a cotton backing with a cotton vine.

The picture below is Kim's finished piece -- as you can see -- mine will be slightly different with a "touch of Karen" included (special thanks to my sissa Michele for her feedback and design insights -- Love You!)

Kim Diehl Pattern - "Penny Garland"

Happy Days

Have a blessed week !

Hugs,

Karen



PS -- I've finished Angelina's "Sparkly Little Purse with Flowers" 

Linking up to Lee here:

Woohoo Wool Baskets & More Lessons Learned

Don't you LOVE to celebrate when you finish one of your favorite pieces?

The pattern is "Flower Basket"  By Wooden Spool Designs.  

I hate to say how long ago I started this little gem {wink}.

My sister Janet and I took this class together -- our instructor is a friend and mentor, Debbie Wick.   
See a sampling of Debbie's beautiful work here.

Needless to say, Janet finished her piece MONTHS ago.  But I seem to be a bit slower than the average bear.

Working with wool is SO MUCH FUN !! It works up fast and easy.  There is no turning of edges.

Just trace your pattern on freezer paper, iron onto the wool piece, cut it on the line, and blanket (or overcast) stitch it to the backing.

It's really that easy !!  {and so much fun to choose from all the beautiful hand dyed wools that are available}.

On this piece, I did all the handwork, and the quilting (on my DSM).

A few Lessons Learned:

1.  Using a flannel sashing was probably NOT the best thing to do.  It gives more than cotton fabric and made it a bit of a challenge to piece with the wool blocks.

2.  When quilting, be sure to outline stitch the blocks first... to secure the blocks before doing any other stitching.  (Especially important if your sashing is flannel and it  s-t-r-e-c-h-e-s)

3.  Once that outline stitch is done -- get the sashing stitched.  In this piece, I did the outline and echo quilting around the baskets first.  I saved the sashing for last...ouch -- I have alot of folds in the quilting of my sashing. 

4.  Plan, Plan, Plan before you Quilt -- I sketched several ideas for my the quilting on the sashing -- and didn't really like any of them -- I went ahead and just started quilting.   Boooo !!   Next time I will sketch a design on paper before I quilt.  The design wasn't consistent from sash to sash -- and sides and top even more different. 

I still love it and I had a blast making it...

If you haven't tried wool applique -- you really should.

Thanks for stopping by.

Linking up to Ester's Blog, Applique Thursday with Angie and Freshly Pieced.

Hugs,

Karen

Machine Applique - Lessons Learned - WOW

Eight Grandkids -- One Quilt!

It's been on my list for the last few summers.... replacing the black, floral, hand-me-down, store-bought quilt at the lake with something that "Gramma Made".  So when our little slumber pack is resting by the water... they're on a "hand made" quilt and I have a better background for pictures!  I wanted to use materials from items that we've given to the kids and have a beautiful scrappy applique quilt - with texture and familiar things (for the little ones).... and made with love !

I'm on a roll.

I'm using several "New to Me" techniques on this large quilt - which means lots of Lessons Learned !

Heat-n-Bond Fusible Interfacing "Lite" - Draw shape onto either side of product, place over fabric with "dots" to right side of fabric

So far, I am very pleased with this product - only one side is fusible -it's very "lite" so you don't have that flat feeling after you've ironed it.

Stitch 1/4 inch allowance - Clip Corners/Curves - Slit Interfacing

Turn right side out - Now the dots are ready to be ironed and stitched down

Before I stitched the applique to the background, I layered a piece of batting to the back to achieve a "trapunto" effect on the front - then I stitched the applique piece with invisible thread and a zig-zag stitch to secure it on the front and cut away the excess batting on the back!

Lesson Learned -- instead of doing the Trapunto on the back of the background fabric, integrate it into your initial sewing of the shape.  Fabric and interfacing right sides together, and a layer of batting behind them.  Might be easier ?

Click the pic to see the invisible zig-zag and machine blanket stitch - you can also see the stitch in the ditch around both

Lesson Learned -- I did the blanket stitch AFTER the star was stitched -- feed dogs caught on the invisible thread and broke it... not good... be careful to not make this mistake!!

Each DGC gets their own "Star" and initials... two kids on each quadrant - - sew much fun! 

I stitched in the ditch on each applique and then stitched at least one row of echo.

Emily's flannel snoopy pillow case scraps -- and throw pillow fabric for the Caleb and Benjamin

Quilting on my DSM has been a Joy - well sorta...

Lesson Learned - don't layer 100% poly med loft with 1 layer of 100% Cotton Warm and Natural -- way too hard to quilt...but....  it will be the standard until I finish 3 more quadrants : )

I'm making 4 quadrants, quilting each (on my DSM) as I go and I will use Leah's great tutorial to piece them together!

Lesson Learned - Top Thread Breaks - (Using Signature 100 Cotton) - I put my spool in the freezer overnight and the next time I quilted I had LESS Breaks !!   YAY !

I'm nearly done with this quadrant -- lets see - only 20 days to finish 3 more and stitch them together...   It might be a two quadrant quilt for this Memorial Day.

I hope you enjoyed this "Lessons Learned" session - more to come !

Have a wonderful day -- hugs -- Karen

Linking up to Lee and Esther's WIP Wednesdays!!