On my last day of freedom when the crew was gone I went to my LQS for a free-choice class. Christine, the teacher, had shown her interpretation of Kaffe's Cups at the workshop in January and her finished quilt now hangs at the store. I really like the changes she made to the pattern from the book, and while I don't intend to make exactly the same quilt, mine will be closer to hers than the book's version.
Applique and decorative stitching were mysteries to me, so I was happy to get some pointers for this first foray. It was a treat to examine the quilt with her and talk one on one about the choices she made to give it more movement and pop. I rarely take classes, but this was relaxing and rewarding. I left the store for a long lunch with an old friend who just happened to be driving through town that day, so I didn't get loads done, but I'm happy to work on my own now.
There are a variety of ways to transfer the pattern from the book to the applique sheet. Because I'm insanely frugal when it comes to this kind of thing (more $ for fabric), I can't just run the Steam-A-Seam through a copier. Instead I traced each piece onto the sheet using the space as efficiently as possible - you get three times the pieces to a page this way. I followed Christine's instructions to cut each piece out, then stick it to the back of the fabric and cut again. Fiddly work, but so much like collage and paper piecing from my stamping and scrapbooking side that I fell right into that trance - kind of relaxing actually. There's just one thing I will definitely do differently on the remaining cups: I'll rough-cut each piece, stick it to the fabric, then fine cut it just once. It will save time, and more importantly, I hope it will reduce fraying at the edges, which I've found doesn't get completely fixed by the embroidery.
I've always thought the blanket stitch look cool, but didn't know how easy it is. Like knitting, the trick is not in making the stitch but getting it even. Here's my first, slightly wonky attempt:
Here's my second one in progress:
So much better. Going to retire that first one from the quilt and make it into a tea cozy or something.
Found embroidery is excellent pool-side handwork. It's been too hot and sticky for knitting with this air blowing up from Baja, but this was light and portable. Just load up four or five needles with floss and go. Rowan's River in Kidsilk Haze is five rows from finished, but I can't bring myself to handle mohair when it's over 80 degrees.
Ta DA! My first sewn clothing ... The Twirl Skirt:
Took a break from quilting to whip up this skirt. The little imp would not let me get a good still photo, but she wore it all day, so I know she likes it.
Followed the instructions originally posted by 3 Peas (now blogless, but you can find photos on Flickr) and now on Kuky Idea's blog. I went looking for them and found the old link broken. Was so happy to find that Kuky had gotten permission to post them. Got smart and printed them this time!
I followed the instructions, but next time I will do a better job with making the gathers and finishing the inside seams. Looks good from the outside, so I'm happy this time. Should have thought to look at my resources first, before I got frustrated. Found these books used and they're great. Not a thing wrong with the tutorial, but I'm so new to clothes sewing that the more detailed info in the books helped a lot.
Started cutting a new quilt for Ems yesterday. This pattern has nice written text, but I'm so visual it's better for me to work off a diagram. I colored it in to show which fabric cuts match, not to indicate color.
The fabric shelf got a good straightening yesterday so I could pull this pastel fabric and some dark colors for a gift quilt. Timing was perfect because Sew Mama Sew's blog asked people to comment on how they organize their sewing spaces. Like most people I make use of plastic tubs, but I thought I'd show my recent additions. This over the door shoe organizer is the cheap one from Target. PERFECT. I love it - I open the door and can find things in an instant! The front room across from the living room is my craft room, so I claimed the coat closet as mine too. Because it's the first room you see when you walk in the house I try to keep it somewhat organized.
This 12-year-old cheap shelf from Crate and Barrel keeps my fabric in sight, but in a corner and out of sunlight. I found that when I stored it in bins I didn't create as often, fast or fully (always missed options and half the time didn't feel like dragging it all out). Last month I brought home groceries from Costco in these very strong trays and realized they were great for holding projects and large scraps. I do my cutting and layouts in the dining room, so I have to carry works in progress back and forth and these make it easy to transport. Since it's out of sight of the doorway I usually just shove em on top of the fabric, but they can be tucked away if needed.
Finally. another reason to eat your oatmeal. My favorite new storage ... a cutting can. Don't know why this took me so long, but now I love it. The can's sturdy, wide-mouthed enough to hold the blades and shallow enough to see what's what.
My family knows upon threat of death that no tool in this can may be used without permission and never on paper. This segregation is necessary because everyone goes to my craft room when they need a tool. Mom's the man.
As usual, so much to comment on, Nancy. LOVE the cups! Everything about them...the blanket stitch looks great against the bright KF fabrics..very graphic. I always liked that original bowl design. The cups are a fun variation.
The skirt is very sweet. I've seen them all over the blogs and know Molly would've loved one at that age.
Finally, the over-the-door organizer is a winner idea. We may be in temporary housing for a while and this looks like it may be the perfect way to separate my *necessities* from what will have to go into storage for a while. Off to Target later!
Posted by: Jan | July 30, 2007 at 02:45 AM
Love the cups. You are doing a great job. I so long for a craft room. In our new house, which we move in august. I have to share the computer room with my craft stuff...but it will be more space than I have now. :) You have some great ideas to implement to help with the sharing. :) Thanks.
Posted by: Natalie | July 30, 2007 at 06:23 AM
Wow! Must have been a wonderful but strange sensation to get used to having all that time then have it some to an end. Clever solving of cutting for the quilt - love it! You saved the best for last - a good chuckle was had re: "My family knows upon threat of death that no tool in this can may be used without permission and never on paper" - I think all needleworkers (me esp.)are the same about their tools.
Posted by: Terry | July 30, 2007 at 07:25 AM
Wow! I dug out the three blocks of my teacups this morning as I was hunting for some beads (a new hobby but I have to hide it under knitting as otherwise people here will know I have been spending...). I had started blanket stitching around as I couldn't figure any other way to finish it and also done the cut, stick to fabric, cut again method (again out of ignorance). Must pull the rest of the bits out and at least show them some daylight - I was kind of put off by the original quilt lay-out (it doesn't appeal to me either), so must have a rethink. Your work room looks fabulous - no wonder you are so productive, most of my sewing is in the window seat under the hamster (and I need written permission to move her from Miss12), my yarn is in various wardrobes and I hate to think where my favourite scissors are (despite no one being allowed to use them, they "wander" - if they put them back I wouldn't know, apart from the gradual bluntness), the plastic pockets on the door is a stroke of genious. I love the skirt - but as it is obviously a twirly kind of skirt I can't imagine how you imagined Little Miss could actually stay still for a photo anyway!
Posted by: juliet | July 30, 2007 at 12:05 PM
I don't know what you were worried about. That skirt is adorable! And it looks like a perfect fit. I have been wanting to make one like that, each tier different for Abby, but my stash is too wierd. I can't find 3 that work together - in that way, ya know? Anyway, outstanding. Of course, you won't be able to stop at one. Oh, and the cowboy boots totally make the outfit! Now, I gotta go get a clear plastic shoe holder. Brilliant.
Posted by: Julia | July 30, 2007 at 01:17 PM
Seeing your little one in her new twirly skirt and boots reminded me of when my little one at age 3 (now 27)got a pair of shiny blue snow boots lined with shearling. She wore them everywhere and with everything (picture bathing suits and snow boots) for 2 years. No, they didn't fit. Yes, I got a lot of disapproving looks from folks at the grocery. Still makes me smile!
Posted by: Vicki | July 31, 2007 at 08:50 AM
Wow! You have been super crafty. The skirt is really adorable as is the recipient:) What a great idea to keep fabric on a shelf. I have ALL mine in bins and I really dread going through all of them to find just the fabric I need. It is a problem because I have about 12 big bins (I used to work at a quilt shop:)). I think I will be doing some reorganizing in the near future.....
Posted by: Jeanie | July 31, 2007 at 06:35 PM
Thanks for the skirt link! -- my girls will dance too.
I love those oatmeal tins -- wonderful graphics and so perfect for storage.
And the quilt is gorgeous!
Posted by: Jeanne | August 09, 2007 at 08:32 AM
Fun to see the detail of your tea cups. The colors you've selected are beautiful. I started a rice bowl quilt over a year ago now. It's all sitting in a big plastic bag just waiting and pleading to be worked on. I was really attracted to both of these patterns. I'm doing the rice bowls with needle turn appliqué which I don't really know how to do which makes it easy to ignore. Seeing your project is giving me inspiration to start work on it again.
As a side note, I made 3 of those skirts for Leil using that same pattern. Gathering the tiers on the final one nearly killed me! Good thing she wears them every other day.
Posted by: kathy | August 09, 2007 at 10:06 PM
These craft blogs have saved my sanity, Hurt my back 3 months ago and cannot do my own stuff yet - with powerplate and exercise I am getting there. It is sooo great that a younger generation is reviving all the crafts and hope to be joining all my likeminded friends soon.
Posted by: Elsa Valentine | October 02, 2007 at 04:21 AM
We, the rustling leaves, have a voice that answers the storms,but who are you so silent?I am a mere flower. Do you like it?
Posted by: new balance | August 07, 2010 at 01:51 AM