29th September
From Margaret D
I saw this on Facebook. Thought it might cause a few giggles as we face further restrictions.
The Masked Singer.
Now for my own take.
Hi Ho Silver - The Lone Sewer stitches again.
That’s clearly showing my age - who else remembers the Masked Horseman on the Silver Horse.? Anyone got any other silly ideas !
From June
Top show on TV this week - The Great British Bake Off
Link of the week
Memories of a Montpellier Quilter
Learning to Sew
I enjoyed reading the couple of articles about other members experience of needlework at school - I had a look at some of my project folder I completed for my CSE Needlework at school - It was exploring needlecraft and using the skills I had to make items for children. These are some of my project pages (see pictures) I had a very supportive teacher who encouraged me to do both CSE in Needlework and O-level in Fabric and Fashion as the course work and exams were very different. For the O-level I remember making a dress with padded shoulders and epaulettes in white fabric for the top half and a blue denim looking cotton for the skirt (very late 80's fashion) - sorry no photo and I grew out of the dress so think it got cut up and probably made into something else. My mum taught me all sorts of crafts and my Nan taught me to crochet. I think that's why I have always got a craft on the go! I taught myself to do lace making on a pillow from a book as well. Always kept occupied busy making something as a child. |
September 28th
From Evelyn
Hi all, |
25th September
From Anne
Dolce and Gabbana 2021 Spring Collection Sicilian Patchwork
Take a look at D&G's 2021 Spring/Summer collection- patchwork meets couture!
Such exquisite clothes, so beautifully made..... If only I were size 5, 5 inces taller and 50 years younger. Oh, and I need to win the lottery too! |
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From Evelyn
Well that seems to be Summer over for 2020! It's cooler today and pretty damp outside although the rain is more like a light drizzle. (always look for the bright side of life!) |
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This is great, would make ideal Xmas/birthday gifts.. |
23rd September
From June
Hi All, |
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From Evelyn
You may recall that I forwarded information some time ago about the Sister's Quilt Show in Oregon on thewest coast of Amereica ( pre-covid my husband and I were due to visit) . Well today I checked out The Stitchin' Post quilt shop at Sisters and read that "if the smoke dictates we may close early". How frightening for the folk living near but also what a disaster for all the people who have lost everything as the forest fires sweep through.
I have this evening now come across Pat Sloane's blog and see that quilters are collecting items to help those who are desperate. This also reminds me of when the Tsunami hit Japan and quilts were collected and posted from the UK. I wonder what if anything we can do to help?
I can't think of any way to help, if anyone has suggestions let me know.
In the meantime do take a look at Pat Sloan's blog, she's very generous in sharing ideas, links, projects, tutorials etc. Also, the 2020 Sisiters Outdoor Quilt Show video is now on YouTube, It looks wonderful, maybe you'll get there in 2022 Evelyn! Anne |
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From Carolyn
I wonder if this will be of interest to Montpellier Quilters. This new online course is the workshop you had Lisa booked to do in June. I’ve bought it and it’s pretty good.
Carolyn
Memories of a Montpellier Quilter
Memories of School Sewing
'That isn't straight', 'undo it and start again' were the comments from the teacher when I started to sew a straight line of back stitch freehand at the beginning of the autumn term. We were not allowed to draw a pencil line on the fabric, simply to do it by eye. Well I know that I've got astigmatism but really! I was completely disheartened, and had to undo the stitching which really did look a mess) and didn't have any time to start the stitching again. No doubt you have had similar experiences?
I took the offending item home and ran the seams up on mother's machine at home in no time at all. I can't really remember the teacher's comments when I presented the skirt to her at the next class a fortnight later, perhaps she had forgotten all about the wonky seams though I hadn't (as you can read)
The next item that we made was a needle and embroidery threads case in dark beige linen. Individually we had to design a pattern for the front using chain stitch, satin stitch the dreaded back stitch and french knots.. I seem to remember that everybody in the class was disgruntled at the challenge, after all who kept embroidery threads?. Why couldn't we be doing woodwork like the boys? We persevered and about 5 lessons later had completed the task. Most of the items went into the rubbish bin once the term had ended but I kept my item. (Was this the start of my fabric stash collection?) Living in Wales we had an Eistethfod in March – St David's Day and all that, for which we made fabric leeks and wore them with pride, but I digress. There were many categories but one was art or something along those lines and so I entered my needle case in that category for first year students, No year 7 in those days, Well, I got a prize, I had come first!!!!, There were no second and third places as I was the only student to have entered the category. All I thought about was that I had gained a number of points for the House to which I belonged – Caradoc. Obviously my sewing teacher was not the judge of the competition because my wonky back stitch would not have passed her requirements. Unfortunately I have looked for the item but it must have been relegated to the rubbish bin too, and my backstitch has not improved .
I took the offending item home and ran the seams up on mother's machine at home in no time at all. I can't really remember the teacher's comments when I presented the skirt to her at the next class a fortnight later, perhaps she had forgotten all about the wonky seams though I hadn't (as you can read)
The next item that we made was a needle and embroidery threads case in dark beige linen. Individually we had to design a pattern for the front using chain stitch, satin stitch the dreaded back stitch and french knots.. I seem to remember that everybody in the class was disgruntled at the challenge, after all who kept embroidery threads?. Why couldn't we be doing woodwork like the boys? We persevered and about 5 lessons later had completed the task. Most of the items went into the rubbish bin once the term had ended but I kept my item. (Was this the start of my fabric stash collection?) Living in Wales we had an Eistethfod in March – St David's Day and all that, for which we made fabric leeks and wore them with pride, but I digress. There were many categories but one was art or something along those lines and so I entered my needle case in that category for first year students, No year 7 in those days, Well, I got a prize, I had come first!!!!, There were no second and third places as I was the only student to have entered the category. All I thought about was that I had gained a number of points for the House to which I belonged – Caradoc. Obviously my sewing teacher was not the judge of the competition because my wonky back stitch would not have passed her requirements. Unfortunately I have looked for the item but it must have been relegated to the rubbish bin too, and my backstitch has not improved .
From Anne
There's not much news this week, it's gone very quiet...
The Kaleidoscope House Group that I belong to is planning our next project. Now we have the 'Rule of Six' we can't all meet together (there are nine of us) so six met last Wednesday and a slightly different six will meet again this afternoon. Last week we were blessed with warm, sunny weather, I think an extra layer or two will be required today. Anyhow I saw Alison, Jo, Julia, Lis and Maggie. We had a lovely afternnon and we're all looking forward to making our quilt. Watch this space for news of progress.....
The Kaleidoscope House Group that I belong to is planning our next project. Now we have the 'Rule of Six' we can't all meet together (there are nine of us) so six met last Wednesday and a slightly different six will meet again this afternoon. Last week we were blessed with warm, sunny weather, I think an extra layer or two will be required today. Anyhow I saw Alison, Jo, Julia, Lis and Maggie. We had a lovely afternnon and we're all looking forward to making our quilt. Watch this space for news of progress.....
This is a simple but clever way to 'bind' something fiddly and small like coasters.
I think I have recommended Geta's Quiting Studio before. She has great ideas and patterns. |
Have you ever wondered how fabric is printed? Robert Kaufman CEO Ken Kaufman provided a video to give all quilters and fabric enthusiasts a behind-the-scenes look at the printing process. Enjoy
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A few years ago I made a quilt with a very light background, it took a year to finish and inevitable had several little areas that were no longer 'clean', you know, finger prick blood., specks of somehow sticky dust.... In my search to find a way to remove the marks I discovered Tide Pens. Now I always keep one on hand, not just for sewing stains but also for when i've just put on a clean white top and then slurped coffee on it! I have yet to find a mark that a Tide pen can't remove, and they are so neat to use. Take a look, not cheap, but really, really useful when disaster strikes.
Click on photo. |
And finally a Jigsaw.
This embroidered hare was sewn by Gloria, it is exquisite!
This embroidered hare was sewn by Gloria, it is exquisite!
14th September
From Vanessa
As promised a few more photos for the website. My staycation postcard and another one made for the world map which was our trip to Porto a few years ago. I bought the cork fabric when we were there, long before it reached the UK but hadn’t done anything with it until now.
I made the large sampler quilt a few years ago from a jelly roll that came free with a magazine subscription. Those who know me will know that these are not my colours or my style. I called the quilt ‘Oh no! Now look what I’ve done’. I gave the quilt to my next door neighbour as a thank you for looking after the quilts whenever we had to clear them off the spare bed. Now my neighbour of 37 years is moving away so while quarantined I used the remnants of the fabrics to make the charm star wallhanging to go with the quilt. I called it Charm Star but Mike renamed it ‘Oh no! She’s done it again’. With the leftover half square triangles I made a cushion cover as well so finally all the fabric has gone and I don’t have to look at it again. Sorry to everyone who loves French General fabrics
11th September 2020
Memories of a Montpellier Quilter
With 2020 being for MQ members "The Year of the Book" I know that many of us would be reading more than usual and that this would no doubt renew memories from our youth. In particular we might recall our early sewing memories - did you sit at your mother's or grandmother's side and learn to make simple items, i.e. dolls clothes etc? Several of our past speakers have told their tales, but ...not me! My mother was always so busy working full time but did manage to knit in the evenings, wonderful cardigans and pullovers for each of us in turn. So mostly for me the memories relate to expeditions to a local wool shop on a Saturday morning to select the colour of wool for my turn. Perhaps this is where I developed my love of colour? I still recall the packs of vivid double knit wools sitting on shelves waiting for me to select my favourite.
Looking back my "Quilting journey" began all those years ago when at eleven I passed the 11+ examination. No doubt this came as a surprise to my dear mother as she was so delighted that she went straight out and bought me a reconditioned Singer sewing machine. Already feeling absolutely spoilt my mother then took me by bus to a local Singer shop where I was allowed to select several coloured Silko threads, four tape measures (why?) and a pair of Singer scissors (which I still possess!). Such luxury - it felt as if my Christmas had arrived early and allowed me a day of sheer happiness with my Mum!!!
Oh how I miss that wonderful machine, so simple to use with only one straight stitch but it enabled me to make dresses, curtains and clothes for my sons when they were very young. I can still hear the sound in my mind as I turned the handle and the needle moved slowly up and down catching the thread from the bobbin hidden away beneath the needle plate. I can also remember its weight as I had to slip my arm beneath its throat in order to lift and move it before setting it aside with its grey plastic cover, so chic!
Needless to say I hadn't a clue how to use it but slowly, slowly and with the aid of Simplicity dress patterns and school sewing lessons my confidence grew.
Many years later I am now fortunate in owning two electric Janome sewing machines which have many stitch possibilities, a top loading bobbin etc etc. They are great and I enjoy using them but no modern machine could ever compare with that wonderful gift and the love which my mother had for me. The memory of that day will, I am sure live with me for ever.
Occasionally whilst watching a TV antiques programme I catch sight of an old Singer machine and catch my breath hoping that it could be mine, but no - not yet!!!
Looking back my "Quilting journey" began all those years ago when at eleven I passed the 11+ examination. No doubt this came as a surprise to my dear mother as she was so delighted that she went straight out and bought me a reconditioned Singer sewing machine. Already feeling absolutely spoilt my mother then took me by bus to a local Singer shop where I was allowed to select several coloured Silko threads, four tape measures (why?) and a pair of Singer scissors (which I still possess!). Such luxury - it felt as if my Christmas had arrived early and allowed me a day of sheer happiness with my Mum!!!
Oh how I miss that wonderful machine, so simple to use with only one straight stitch but it enabled me to make dresses, curtains and clothes for my sons when they were very young. I can still hear the sound in my mind as I turned the handle and the needle moved slowly up and down catching the thread from the bobbin hidden away beneath the needle plate. I can also remember its weight as I had to slip my arm beneath its throat in order to lift and move it before setting it aside with its grey plastic cover, so chic!
Needless to say I hadn't a clue how to use it but slowly, slowly and with the aid of Simplicity dress patterns and school sewing lessons my confidence grew.
Many years later I am now fortunate in owning two electric Janome sewing machines which have many stitch possibilities, a top loading bobbin etc etc. They are great and I enjoy using them but no modern machine could ever compare with that wonderful gift and the love which my mother had for me. The memory of that day will, I am sure live with me for ever.
Occasionally whilst watching a TV antiques programme I catch sight of an old Singer machine and catch my breath hoping that it could be mine, but no - not yet!!!
From Anne
I've looked for ages for an interesting video of a Singer sewing machine circa 1950 (I guess the girl above recieved her second hand machine in the sixties); there are lots and lots of Singer sewing Machine YouTube videos, but they are mainly awful. Either too long or made by nerdy men who talk very very slowly. These were the best I could find, but do look for yourself if you are interested.
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The Missouri Star Quilt Company are currently producing a tutorial video series called 'Final Stitch'.
There are two videos so far, the first on Pieced Backings, the next on choosing wadding (Batting Basics), I think they are worth watching.
There are two videos so far, the first on Pieced Backings, the next on choosing wadding (Batting Basics), I think they are worth watching.
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And speaking of final stitch, I have finished my latest quilt, the pattern, 'X-Effect' was taken from Kaffe Fassett's 'Shots and Stripes' although mine is smaller at one metre square.
I have been gathering together Oakshot stripes for a long time and was pleased to find this pattern. The non stripey fabric is also Oakshott. l quilted it using Bernina's hand look quilting stitch which uses invisible thread in the top and a thick thread (I used wool!) in the bobbin. The top tension is very high so that the bobbin thread is pulled to the front. It has given the quilt a lovely texture.
I have been gathering together Oakshot stripes for a long time and was pleased to find this pattern. The non stripey fabric is also Oakshott. l quilted it using Bernina's hand look quilting stitch which uses invisible thread in the top and a thick thread (I used wool!) in the bobbin. The top tension is very high so that the bobbin thread is pulled to the front. It has given the quilt a lovely texture.
I always find that the sewing machine manufacturers' USA websites are much better than the UK ones, maybe it's because they have more customers. I always go to Bernina.com and choose to 'stay on this page' rather 'go to my own country'
Janome seems to be the same. If you want to try a hand look quiting stitch on your Janome click the button for advice.
Janome seems to be the same. If you want to try a hand look quiting stitch on your Janome click the button for advice.
If anyone is ready to start sewing for Christmas Quiltmania still have a lovely 2018 Christmas project for downloading from their website, take a look soon just in case it gets replaced by this year's. It's an Advent calendar, but it needn't be...
September 7th
From Elaine
Well I haven't achieved much in sewing terms for a while, as we brought my mum down from Yorkshire to spend a week with us. So hand sewing, where we could sit together, was the order of the day. |
September 2nd
Hi all just thought I'd send the inside front and back covers of my
book. Not done much patchwork or quilting at the moment been doing more
dressmaking. The whole book will be finished soon I hope.From June
September 1st
From Jane
1 st September
Hello Everyone Jane F here with my September musings.
I hope you are all well and have enjoyed the summer. It has certainly been different! But
hopefully inspiring. Where are all those concertina books? We haven’t seen nearly enough
yet.
Our speaker for September 3rd would have the wonderful Anne Hellyer, probably best
Known for her wonderful “Painting The Town” town and country landscapes.
She was due to give her talk ‘How did I get here?’. This is her personal talk where she
speaks about her work, how it has developed over the years and looks at what continues to
inspire her. Hopefully we will have this talk in 2021, before her scheduled workshop on the
20 th March, but we cannot make any promises right now. Fingers crossed!
In the meantime, please do check out her website:
Our other September meeting would have been a sit and sew/show and tell, an exhibition
update and the summer challenge reveal. So please send in those staycation postcards
everyone.
Whilst the exhibition has sadly been postponed, we still need you to keep making. Let’s
make next year’s sales table the best ever. It would be lovely to see what we have in store –
so pictures, details and any associated stories for the Q-in-Q page will be gratefully received.
Well that’s all for this month. Stay well everyone and Keep Quilting.
Jane
September 1st
From June
I have again been busy in the evenings this week. Finished a cushion with camper vans applique. Also previously made Love & Hugs cushion - both for family birthday gifts. |
From Carolyn
From Evelyn
This is the quickest quilt top I've ever made - well it would have been if I'd not already been in the middle of three other projects!!! Just take one layer cake, add a flange and border and there you are. I followed a brilliant u-tube from the Sewing Studio.
...Of course it has yet to be quilted.
Evelyn