27th August
From Vanessa (and Mike)
Midsomer Quilting has an exhibition on this month (ending on Monday 31st) which is devoted exclusively to quilts made by men. Vanessa's husband mike has a quilt in the show, it's the white and blue Churn Dash one in the right hand corner.
Here are three more quilts made by Mike. All beautiful!
When Mike's not quiting he's woodworking take a look at this wonderful Ark he has made for Vanessa's knitted animals.
It consists of 36 knitted animals plus Mr and Mrs Noah and a rainbow.
The ark was built from scratch in wood and can house all the animals for safe keeping
Mike
Evelyn has a Moose in the Hoose!
.......He's called Hamish
.......He's called Hamish
So here is Hamish the Moose . I couldn't decide whether he was a stag or a moose so opted for moose and gave him a Scottish name. This is a really fun design which came from a Jan Patek booklet called "Upon the Rooftop". The antlers were made by drawing around one of my husband's hands, making a template and then reversing for the second side. Wouldn't it make a great family project???
I hand quilted Hamish and was pleased with the end result as he looks as if he's moving. Also I should add that originally his eyes were white, much too bright, so I borrowed the group's Inktense pencils so that I could shade them to match the beige and turquoise background plaid fabric.
Evelyn
25th August
From June
Hi all,
I have again been busy stitching two more of the Love and Hugs Friends Australia Christmas stitch-a-long (only 4 left now) I like this way of working because if I saw all the blocks and instructions I don't think I would start a project like this.
I have also joined the 'Spellbound Mystery sew-a-long' via facebook and have completed one block and started on the second (it's into the 4th week so I have some catching up to do)
I have attached a Bingo card if any one fancies joining in! Wonder who will be first to shout Full House (when their cards full!)
I have watched a few of the 'Lisa Walton' interview with designers and especially enjoyed - QUILT STORIES - Lisa Walton talks to Margaret Solomon Gunn about her amazing quilt - Value of Violet on YouTube
June
From Anne
Here are three You Tube videos for you this week. I couldn't choose between them so you get them all ....... Enjoy!
|
|
|
25th August
Evelyn's Designer(s) of the Week
Well, I really had intended to move on from the Designer of the Week series but then came across a surprise. Three very well-known quilt designers live in close proximity in Oregon USA - could there be something about living in that area which encourages artistic skills? These three are Mckenna Ryan, Elizabeth Hartman and Violet Craft. Mcenna and Elizabeth live in Portland and Violet is situated nearby to the west in Beaverton. Each has a very distinct style.
So here is a quick introduction to each of the above...
So here is a quick introduction to each of the above...
McKenna Ryan
Mckenna Ryan's company is called Pine Needles (what a wonderful name!). She has a showroom and shop which is of course temporarily closed due to the covid situation but has a wonderful range of kits and patterns together with accessories and gifts which are available from her online shop.
|
Mostly Mckenna's designs are pictorial using fusible applique techniques and make delightful wall-hangings. You will see that her style is closely linked with nature and I feel she has a calm style with much gentle blending of colours.
You will also see on her website that the patterns are listed by difficulty , i.e. Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced so something for everyone. Recently she has added some pieced quilt patterns which are downloadable. The fabrics Mckenna uses are either designed by herself, Robert Kaufman or Hoffman California Fabrics. |
Elizabeth Hartman
Elizabeth Hartman designs a wide variety of quilt patterns many of which focus on the repetition of a theme.
Our members may be familiar with her Dogs in Sweaters, and Hazel Hedgehog for example. Her patterns are increasing in number a wide variety of themes from cacti to flamingoes, feathers to whales.
Our members may be familiar with her Dogs in Sweaters, and Hazel Hedgehog for example. Her patterns are increasing in number a wide variety of themes from cacti to flamingoes, feathers to whales.
Online we can order either from her direct online shop or from UK companies such as Sew Hot, Poppy Patch.
UK stockists of Elizabeth Hartman Fabrics include Emma's Fabric Studio, Elizabeth's website provides fabric guides together with layout information for her patterns.
UK stockists of Elizabeth Hartman Fabrics include Emma's Fabric Studio, Elizabeth's website provides fabric guides together with layout information for her patterns.
Violet Craft
Violet Craft specialises in English Paper Pieced and Foundation Paper Pieced designs. As Violet began her career in software development it will come as no surprise that many of her patterns are available from her site as downloads which is of course particularly useful during this period in time. Again we are able in the UK to purchase a wide range of her patterns at Sew Hot.
It comes as no surprise that Violet now also produces her own fabric range. |
I wonder, have any of the MQ members produced quilts using patterns from any of the above designers? If so it would be wonderful to see photographs!
From Anne
I'm quite a fan of Elizabeth Hartman I have a couple of her books.
The quilt below right was made by MQ's 'Kaleidoscope Group' and was exhibited in the Festival of Quilts' virtual competion this year. It was made from blocks form Elizabeth's book Patchwork City.
August 18th
From Elaine
|
15th August
From Evelyn
Evelyn is taking a break from her 'Designer column' she has sent in this link for a new free pattern from Lynette Anderson.
And here's a link to a very cute Christmas Mouse
|
From Anne
This week I have spoken to Vanessa who has serious internet problems but is otherwise well and to Margaret B who is now able to see Louise (daughter) and who is enjoying the cricket! I also had a long doorstep chat with June who is enjoying cycling, work and sewing.
It's always good to hear from people.
It's always good to hear from people.
I recently watched a Youtube video on the subject of sewing machine needles. It was originally a webinar from Bernina Education and has now been published for all. It's quite long at 56 minutes but if you're interested in the technicalities it's a good way to spend an hour (there are bits of chit chat that can be easily skipped). Give it a try, I thoroughly recommend it
My Bloomfield Quilt - Be Thankful
I made a little quilt (30" square) in February 2019 as part of a challenge from Quilters' Guild, each of the Guild's specialist groups was invited to make quilts inspired by The Bloomfield Coverlet which is in the Guilds collection.
My quilt was exhibited along with lots of others at the Festival of Quilts in July 2019. You can see the original coverlet and my interpretaion on the right and if you are interested to learn more click on the pdf icon. The original Bloomfield coverlet was made in 1850 and has quite a lot of embroidered writing on it, mainly religious text, it is apparent that the maker lost more than one child to illness, my thoughts were 'thank goodness that doesn't happen now, we have much to be thankful for'. So I called my quilt 'Be Thankful'; there are eight blocks with writing, each highlights an aspect of modern healthcare that we are grateful to have. One is about vaccines, how thankful we shall be when medical science had successfully deveoloped on to get us all back to our usual lives. I sent it off to the coordinator in April 2019 and didn't see it again until yesterday! It's been on tour and then in virus isolation in Scotland. I'm not sure where it toured, it was in Bristol at the West Country show last August and it went to Glasgow just before we all went into lockdown, in between I'm not sure.... Anyhow it's good to have it home again looking well. I thought you might like to see it. It's the jigsaw this week. |
|
I've been sewing with invisible thread today, it's very difficult because you can't see it! The machine threader doesn't like it - it doesn't seem to be able to see it either. I had lots of thread breaks, changed feet and needles quite a few times until I found the right combination, I learned a lot, the most important thing was - never, ever, ever think 'Oh good, this is going well!' ....
Quilt Carrier
Oakshott fabrics used to sell quilt carriers, I am fortunate to have one, it is wonderful for carrying medium and large size quilts. Julia says she is happy for me to write instructions for how to make the carrier.
It's really quick and easy, it packs flat and is so useful. So here goes:
The Oakshott version is made from very strong furnishing fabric, you could manage with curtain weight, quilting fabric won’t do. Curtain weight at minimum, the stronger the better
It's really quick and easy, it packs flat and is so useful. So here goes:
The Oakshott version is made from very strong furnishing fabric, you could manage with curtain weight, quilting fabric won’t do. Curtain weight at minimum, the stronger the better
Requirements
You can alter the size as you wish but as I think the Oakshott one is perfect I will give you dimensions for an exact copy.
Strong fabric 52" x 37"
Strap 2" x 120" or make from a piece of strong fabric 6" x120"
Cord 80"
4 Magnetic snaps
Strong fabric 52" x 37"
Strap 2" x 120" or make from a piece of strong fabric 6" x120"
Cord 80"
4 Magnetic snaps
|
One side hem snaps should look like this
|
Method
Short Sides and Magnetic Snaps
On one short (37") side turn under 4" and press, fold the edge of the fabric to the crease and press again forming a 2" double hem. To position the snaps fold the fabric in half lengthiwse and mark the halfway point on each short side, then mark 3¼" either side of the centre. Next place marks 6.5" out from each of these. On these 4 marks and 3" in from the edge of the fabric install the positive halves of the snaps. Refold the hem, enclosing the inside part of the snaps and sew in place. The snaps should be on the inside of the carrier. Repeat for the other side but this time install the negative halves of the snaps 5" from the edge of the fabric. These snaps should be on the outside of the carrier. You may wish to reinforce the snaps with a 2" square of interfacing. Long Side hems and Cord |
The other side hem should look like this
|
Decorative Tabs
|
On each long side turn under 2" fold and press, fold the edge of the fabric to the crease and press again forming a double 1" hem. Sew in place leaving the ends open for the cord.
Thread the cord through the channels, leaving about 6" excess on each end. Make a decorative end tab to prevent the cord from disappearing into the channel. |
Handle
Overlap and join the ends of the 120" strap.
If you are using 6" wide fabric to make your straps, fold and press in half lengthwise and then press a further 1" turn; unfold and join the short ends and then re-fold along length and sew to form a 2" wide strap.
The strap is sewn on parallel to the long sides 8" from the edge. Measure and mark 9" in from the short sides and then within these marks draw lines 8" from each long side, pin the strap edge along this line and sew as shown on diagram. Position the join in the strap within the part of the handle that is sewn to the bag. In this way you will not have any stress on this seam when there is weight in the carrier.
If you are using 6" wide fabric to make your straps, fold and press in half lengthwise and then press a further 1" turn; unfold and join the short ends and then re-fold along length and sew to form a 2" wide strap.
The strap is sewn on parallel to the long sides 8" from the edge. Measure and mark 9" in from the short sides and then within these marks draw lines 8" from each long side, pin the strap edge along this line and sew as shown on diagram. Position the join in the strap within the part of the handle that is sewn to the bag. In this way you will not have any stress on this seam when there is weight in the carrier.
To Finish
In some way label your carrier with your name and some details of how to find you, just in case you leave it behind somewhere.
I have put a printable pdf copy of these instructions on our Projects page.
In some way label your carrier with your name and some details of how to find you, just in case you leave it behind somewhere.
I have put a printable pdf copy of these instructions on our Projects page.
June
June borrowed my carrier last week and had one of her own all sewn up within a day....See below 9th August.
June borrowed my carrier last week and had one of her own all sewn up within a day....See below 9th August.
9th August
From June
Here's this weeks' round-up. |
In lieu of World Quilt New England and the Pennsylvania National Quilt Extravaganza, Mancuso Show Management is proud to present our 2nd in a series of Online Quilt Festivals...
OLQF will be around the clock from start to finish no matter what your time zone. For our 2nd ever Online Quilt Festival, virtual show-goers will be able to view two quilt galleries, shop the vendors online, and take virtual interactive workshops from the comfort of home. NEW for our August event, quilters will be able to enter into the "Visuals #1" Quilt Competition - Online for show-goers and participants to see! Whether it be your desktop computer, tablet, laptop, or smart phone you can enjoy a great festival no matter where you are! Join us for #OLQF August 12-15, 2020 right here on Quiltfest.com! Stay tuned for more details!
|
This film was mentioned in the papers last week released in March 2020 (only 15 mins long) called 'Quilt Fever'
From Carolyn
.t may be of interest to our members that Lisa Walton has been recording lots of interviews with quilters on You Tube free to view. Also details of her zoom workshops, one of which is the workshop the group booked her for in June
Carolyn
From Evelyn
Evelyn has forwarded an email from Liberty of London there of course are some beautiful things to buy and to inspire us all. Click on the cacti.
|
This reminded me of the really enjoyable day some of us had two or three years ago when we visited Alice Caroline in Kemerton.
Here's a link to their website. I think this shop is what I would choose as my luxury item for Desert Island Discs! Anne |
There is a new sew-a-long, this from America and is called the Spellbound Mystery Sew--Long. Here's a link to the Facebook page for registration |
From Anne
Our Jigsaw this week is pages from Jane's concertina book.
DIY Walker Caddy - A free sewing pattern from Sew Can She
5th August
Evelyn's Designer of the Week
Jinny Beyer
However in early June this year she sadly announced that this will not re-open following the Covid 19 closure and instead she will be transferring all to her online business.
|
Jinny's quilts and wall-hangings have a very distinctive style which are achieved in many cases by the use of her renowned border fabrics many of which use strong colours and intricate designs , which can be achieved with either hand or machine quilting techniques. They are very adaptable when cut at various angles producing wonderfully striking patterns. Of course they can also be used to enhance designs other than her own as well.
|
Her website is fascinating with a great range of patterns (some of which are free) and kits for sale together with several extremely useful video tips and lessons and is well worth a visit.
|
I have yet to find a stockist in the UK for Jinny's border fabrics, but I do have a kit upstairs.... Many of Jinny's books are available and easy to track down online. I have a copy of "Quilting by Hand" which I am happy to lend to any interested members once this Covid period is over.
August 4th
From Carolyn
I thought this may be of interest to Montpellier Quilters. Lisa Walton is running a live Zoom workshop of her fantastic fusion quilt, which is I think what the group booked her to do in June. Its Friday 21 August 9am to 3pm our time (late evening for Lisa). I've just booked on it and I think it works out about £46 for us |
Click on the photos on the right to take you to Lisa's website
This is the quilt that June has been making.... see June's 'Gallery |
I had a very interesting conversation with Carolyn at the picnic about Zoom workshops. She attended a very successful one last month when the tuition was excellent and the virtual company was good too. If you think this might be for you but have questions let me know and I'll put you in touch with Carolyn.
Anne.
Anne.
From June
It was nice to see a few members and get some more ideas for the postcard challenge. Planning to have a go at this and complete some more of my bird book which got off to a 'flying start', this week as have some extra time available. I look forward to the next meet.
I'm still busy with my hand quilting - going to take a while..... Also completing the weekly Australian Love & Hugs for Christmas.
Been inspired to tidy my sewing room. I started with my embroidery threads, then catalogued my books and sorted my magazines. I saw a list on one of the other links so planning to work through the Ideas.
From Anne
Sonia Spense Fabric and Flowers
Last week I took another look at Sonia Spense's website Fabric and Flowers. Those of us who went on the group's outing to The Patchwork Basket in Newent last year met Sonia who was very generous in giving us tuorials and demonstrations. One of the things she demonstrated was her Drunkards Wheel Template. Alison bought one for the group although I don't think anyone has borrowed/used it yet. Click on each of the images below to take you to a page where you can see all the interesting projects you can make using the template.
Contact MQ email if you would like have a try....
Contact MQ email if you would like have a try....
Sonia has recently revised her Mini Stash'n'Go Drawstring bag. She has written a tutorial which is available, free if you don't mind adverts, or for just £2.65 if you prefer an ad-free pdf.
|
Have a look at all Sonia's patterns and tutorials while you are there, she is very talented and has beautiful things
Kathleen Ware Quilter 1979
Here is a wonderful video from an organisation that collects and preserves Americam folklore films.
It is a 30 minute film of a quilt maker, Kathleen Ware in Oregon, it was made in 1979 although it could have been made decades before that because apart from a simple electric sewing machine Kathleen uses very traditional, timeless methods of piecing and quilting.It is amazing what wonderful quilts this woman could make without all our 21st century equipment. She says in the film that the Lone Star quilt she has agreed to make for a customer will cost 150 US dollars, I looked it up - adjusted for inflation, $150.00 in 1979 is equal to $569.37 in 2020! Sit down with a cuppa and enjoy |