Weave Your Next Quilt
This weekend I made a point to finish a project that I showed during April’s Sewtopia Club on the topic of “Curves”. Along with showing bias binding, double wedding ring techniques, bias stem applique, curved appliqué, and a fun way to cut bias binding ON A SERGER (who would have guessed), I also demonstrated a fun technique, weaving rotary cut curved strips together to form pieced-look woven quilts.
This fun and intriguing technique is found in the new book “Simply Stunning Woven Quilts” by Anna Faustino. And when she says SIMPLE, it is as easy as Cut, Weave, Fuse and Quilt! There are no seams, no corners and no points to match!
I will confess that my first attempt, though correct in execution, lacked color definition. I was left with a very subtle woven piece without any contrast. But now I am hooked! After realizing how simple this technique is, the possibilities are endless!
Start out with two high contrast fabrics. The book explains ways to mark the fabric to create semi symmetrical patterns. Fuse paper-backed fusible web to the back side of each fabric and remove the paper. Use a small rotary cutter and begin free-form cutting the curves. On fabric #1, cut the curves running up and down. On fabric #2, cut the curves running left and right. Do not cut through the final edge.
Begin weaving each of the fabrics together. Nudge the stripes close to one another and align all the curves so they nest tightly together. Pin the ends to each other. Move the piece onto a piece of batting or other foundation. Press in place.
There are a variety of easy ways to finish the raw edges of the woven piece, from stitching the edges with a small zig-zag, or couching with yarn, to placing tulle over the entire piece and quilting on the weaving lines.
At this point, the woven piece could be used for just about anything – a background for an applique, a bag pocket or flap, or cut into its own applique shape to use in another project.
If you want to be a little more daring in your sewing projects, experiment with something simple. You never know where it might lead you!
Click here to read an excerpt.
© 2008 SewSara, Sioux Falls, SD. All Rights Reserved.
How Do You Know So Much About Thread?
From my earliest sewing days I had a fascination for thread. I was introduced at an early age to the world of decorative threads and began collecting and using as many different kinds as I could find. Carrying so many types of threads here at Heirloom Creations has been “thread heaven” for me.
Having lots of thread choices can raise some problems for our shoppers. Some people have a hard time making a decision from such a large assortment, or they get confused with too many options. But who would only want one or two types of thread to choose from?
Beginning May 1, 2008, heaven will become a little more heavenly! We will have even more choices! Bob (and Mother Superior, Bob’s wife) from Superior Threads are personally sending in more threads for us to use and have available at the special thread workshops and seminar. Space is filling up fast in the five, hands-on thread classes we have scheduled May 1-3 with Superior Thread’s educator Kathy Ward.
How would you like to sit with your own sewing machine and try over 15 different types of thread and a host of different sewing techniques? You can! There are five 3-hour “Open Thread Bar” sessions which begin with a one-hour discussion on the dynamics of specialty threads, working with machine tensions, and needle selection. The workshop provides students with instruction and hands-on experimentation with specialty threads, and provides the threads for you to use. This is a rare opportunity to try many different threads types, and have the guidance and assistance of a professional teacher. Fee: $30
If you can not join us for the hands-on workshops, there is also a lecture “Thread Facts & Fiction” on Thursday, May 1, 2008.This is the absolute best and easy-to-understand information-packed seminar you’ll ever attend. Learn to distinguish quality of all types of threads including regular and decorative. Know what to look for and learn what the labels really mean. We will help you solve and avoid problems sometimes encountered using specialty threads. Learn the pros and cons of all major thread types, thread characteristics, the importance of correct needle selection, and properly setting the tension for your sewing success. Learn how to use specialty threads successfully, regardless of the type of sewing machine you use. Fee: $10
So back to the original question, “How much do you know about thread?” Find out at any one of the seminars. Call 605-332-4435 today to reserve your space!
Session #1: Thursday, May 1 – 9 – 12pm
Session #2: Friday, May 2 – 9 – 12pm
Session #3: Friday, May 2 – 6:30 – 9:30pm
Session #4: Saturday May 3 – 9 – 12pm
Session #5: Saturday, May 3 – 1 – 4pm
Lecture: Thursday, May 1 – 7pm
Dresden Plate Reinvented
The Dresden Plate quilt pattern was one of the most popular quilts made during the 1920s and 30s. It was first published in the 20s and showed up through the years with other names such as Grandmother’s Sunburst, Friendship Ring, Aster, Dahlia and Sunflower.
The 1930s version is usually easy to date because of the typical floral prints of the period. Some were made with flour sacks, old aprons, shirts and dresses.
This quilt is made of blocks with fabric appliquéd in a series of radiating “petals” with flat sides. Usually they radiate from a central circle which is more representative of a flower than a plate, thus the flower names seen for this pattern.
A few Dresden Plate quilt blocks are made with a smooth outer circle. More often the ends of the “petals” are rounded or pointed. Occasionally the pointed and curved forms are combined.
If you love the look of the classic 1930’s blocks, but can’t bear the hand appliqué often associated with this style, then you will love how the 21st century Dresden Plate block has been reinvented!
The key to machine sewing this block is using a 22.5 degree wedge ruler. Designed by Kaye England, Nifty Notions “Cut for the Cure” Rulers are accurate, easy to read and versatile. They are very proud to be involved with The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and continue their support with a donation for each Nifty Notions® ruler sold.
Dresden Plate Raffle Quilt for Project Linus
We are requesting the help of our local quilters to help sew blue and white Dresden plate quilt blocks. Two of our customers have volunteered to help complete the quilt and have it ready to raffle at the Quilts & Vines outdoor quilt show for Project Linus. Heirloom Creations is also offering a hands-on Dresden Plate class on Wednesday, May 28th.
Here is how you can help make a block for this special quilt:
- Purchase one Kaye England 22.5 Degree Wedge Ruler at Heirloom Creations.
- Select any combination of pre-washed quilt shop quality blue fabric.
- Create one (or more!) Dresden plate blocks using the 4” line on the ruler. Follow directions included with the ruler.
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Press all seams open.
- Be sure the Dresden plate block lays completely flat!
- Stitch segments together from the outside edge toward the center. This will insure that the slightly bias edges do not stretch out.
- VERY IMPORTANT: Position the Dresden plate blocks with the points at the north, east, south and west positions, on an 18” square white or white on white background cotton fabric.
- Stitch each blue Dresden plate to the background block using invisible thread. Leave the center exposed – Amy Johnson & Jan Martin will complete the centers as they complete the quilt.
- We also need extra 4” Dresden plate blocks NOT stitched to a background, and again without finished centers.
- Bring all finished blocks to Heirloom Creations by Tuesday, June 10, 2008.
- Come out to the Quilts & Vines outdoor quilt show and wine tasting event on Saturday, August 9, 2008 to see the finished quilt, participate in the raffle, and enjoy all the quilts and wines.
If you have other questions regarding sewing blocks for this special raffle quilt, please call Heirloom Creations at 605-332-4435 or e-mail us at info@heirloomcreations.net.
“Xtreme Quilts” Quilt Art Exhibit
For the month of April, you can step into the minds of many of the area’s art quilters. Cleo and Sara Snuggerud, Darlene Kihne as well as other Heirloom Creations customers and employees have art quilts on exhibit at the Sioux Falls Horse Barn. With permission from some of the artists, I have included a few pictures of what you will see when you visit this special showing of quilts.
“Xtreme Quilts” Quilt Art Exhibit
April 1 – 27, 2008
Sioux Empire Arts Council presents an invitational show of area quilt artists. Come in and admire unique, original artwork done not by painting, but by stitching.
Horse Barn Arts Center, 309 E Falls Park Drive (north end of Falls Park), 977-2002
Open Monday – Saturday – 10am to 5pm and Sunday – Noon – 5pm
Nancy Swanson
“Lily”
This piece was inspired by a photo taken while touring the Sioux Falls garden show. The method used to piece it together is from Ruth McDowell. It is machine pieced with a small amount of applique and thread play. Nancy is now one of Heirloom Creations’ professional long arm machine quilters.
Darlene Kihne
“Koi Pond”
Constructed of hand died fabrics, hand painted fabrics, commercial fabrics and Japanese coins. The three dimensional water lily floats on the aquatic landscape oblivious of the koi swimming in the ponds depth. A ripple breaks the serene surface. Fine gage wire was sewn into the lily pedals to create the the sculpted effect. Darlene has worked and taught for Heirloom Creations for over 15 years.
Cheryl Olson
“If It Has To Be Autumn, Let There Be Color”
Sara Snuggerud
“Kickin it Early (Private Collection), Kickin’ it Early #4 & Kickin’ it Early #6”
These mini quilts are machine pieced and machine appliquéd with a touch of Swarovski crystals.
Priority: Alzheimer’s Quilts is an ongoing mini quilt auction designed to help raise money for Alzheimer’s research. Priority quilts are made to fit into a USPS Priority Mail envelope, hence their name. Quilters around the world have made over 1,000 mini quilts for this special organization to sell via online auctions. To date, over $125,000 has been raised through www.alzquilts.org.
Since the Alzheimer’s disease runs in my husband’s family, I decided it was my duty as a quilter to join the cause. I designed my first miniature quilt “Kickin’ It Early #1” with a fancy black shoe and Swarovski crystals and it sold for $75! I have since continued my “shoe fetish” with a different design on each quilt. To follow my Priority Quilt journey, please visit my website www.sewsara.com to see other quilts I have made. If you would like to purchase one of these quilts, you would be helping me reach my “$1,000 Promise” I have pledged to this organization.
Also check out Cleo’s “Falls on the Big Sioux” masterpiece while you are there!
LOCATION:
Horse Barn Arts Center
309 E Falls Park Drive (north end of Falls Park)
977-2002
Open Wednesday – Sunday – NOON to 4pm
A big thanks goes to the Horse Barn Arts Center and the Sioux Empire Arts Council for promoting art quilting in the area!