The Tardis quilt, what a great learning journey

The Tardis quilt is complete. It is my first finish for the finish along challenge. You can see my list of many projects by following this link https://kathyskwiltsandmore.blogspot.com/2017/07/2017-quarter-3-finishalong.html?m=1.   This was a fun quilt to do, and full of challenges.  But what a great learning experience.  I love challenges, because they can help us grow.

Read on to see how this quilt came about.

I had never heard of or seen a tardis quilt. Well, that is until one day I just happened to look at pinterest, and there on my pinterest was a quilt that my daughter had pinned for me. Her hubby is a Dr. Who fan, and she thought he would like this. Well, this happened in December. I was trying to get Christmas gifts made, and I thought wouldn't it be fun to try to make this quilt for my son in law. Well, I searched for patterns and found a drawing and measurements. I sent it to my daughter and she said, yep, that is perfect, so I printed the information from www.quiltsofafeather.com and started cutting and putting it together. I wasn't sure it would be ready for Christmas, so I opted to try for his January birthday. Putting the quilt together wasn't bad. I took the lettering for police box over to a copy store and they enlarged it and played with it until I liked it. Then I appliqued the letters on. I chose to do 3 of the windows in yellow so that they looked like lights were on.

When I asked my daughter about this quilt, she said that in the show this police box (phone booth) comes down through the sky. So, I thought a nighttime type of sky. I chose a wide backing that was a dark mottled blue, and then I thought, wouldn't it be cool to use a glow in the dark thread? Right, at $40.00 a cone, not. The lady at the quilt shop suggested that I try an embroidery thread. I started looking through what I had and found some coats metallic thread. Oh, boy. That was hard to work with. I struggled with it like you would not believe. I got to the point that I didn't want to quilt it, because I didn't want to be yelling.  I finally found a video on youtube using superior threads metallic thread. The lady doing the quilting said to loosen the tension, almost all the way loose. Guess what? It worked!!!! I actually enjoyed working on this quilt after that. I chose to do a loopy star design, free handed, and I love the way it looks.

For the windows, I tried my hand at doing a wood grain look. Didn't turn out quite the way I expected it to, but I think it looks alright. I do know that I do need to practice. I used maxi-lock polyester thread for this in blueberry cob. It is a variegated thread and I love the look. One of the things I should have done is used my bobbin the same color because sometimes I see the white bobbin showing through. I guess we live and learn, don't we.

www.wThen on the area around the windows I did a back and forth design. I used the same maxi-lock thread that I used for the wood grain.  The back and forth design and wood grain, I learned from a book called "Free Motion quilting with Angela Walters" of www.quiltingismytherapy.com

I loved doing this quilt, there are some things I learned. Make sure my batting is totally flat. Use a color of bobbin that matches the thread I am using on the top. On the metallic thread I used white in the bobbin, which was okay. All in all, I am really proud of this quilt and I think my son in law will like it, even with the imperfections that are in there.
I love to hear from my readers. What challenges have made you a better quilter?

Linking up with whooping it up Friday at www.confessionsofafabricaddict.blogspot.com

2017 quarter 3 finishalong

Over the last few days, I have been trying to clean and organize my sewing room. It had become a place to put things I wasn't sure where to put. In cleaning, I ran across a bunch of ufo's.  Ufo's are unfinished projects or objrcts. I really am tired of moving them, so I decided I needed to just finish them. Some have deadlines and some don't. Some are very close to being done, like finishing the binding. So, I decided I should get them done. But, if I link to the #finishalongq3 link at a hostesses blog, then I can be entered into a drawing to win some cool stuff. So, why not?

These projects are in no particular order.

1. These 2 stacks of Christmas fabrics are going to be used in a project for a 12 days of Christmas blog hop that I will be joining in on July 22nd. So, come back then and see what was created. Best part, you get a free pattern or two, depending what I decide to do.

2.  This stack of Christmas fabrics is for a Christmas row along blog hop I am doing. Keep an eye out for this project. I believe this is a September one.

3.  This one is for my son. I started it and got it to.the binding stage and never finished it. It is almost done. It will be great for football season. It is a throw size quilt. Would also be great for he and his wife for picnics.

4.  This is going to be a nice fleece jacket for my son. Aiming to get it done before football season.

5.  This one is for my hubby. It will be a throw or twin size, but will be nice and cozy for game days. Aiming to get it done before football season starts.

6.  This is a quilt for a blog hop for a friend's new book. The book is called "Piece and quilt with precuts" by Christa Watson.  The book releases in August. You can pre-order from her for a signed copy by visiting her website www.christaquilts.com
Check back on August 18th to see my finished quilt.

7.  This one is for 1 of my daughters. I have just the binding to do.

8.  This is for 1 of my grandsons. I just have a little bit on the bottom to quilt and then bind. This is backed with fleece, nice and cozy.

9.  Not sure who this quilt will be for. It would be a cute quilt to hang in or near a kitchen, or put over a couch that is near a kitchen.

10.  I started this Christmas quilt a few years ago after seeing a friends. Need to get it quilted and bound.

11.  This is another one that just needs binding.

12.  This is a quilt for one of my daughters.  I actually tried to get it done for her wedding. It will be 3 years this October.

13.  Another quilt for a daughter.

14.  July Island Batik challenge. Baby quilt.

15.  This one is for my September challenge for Island Batik. This will be for a September blog hop

16.  This one is for our bed.

17.  This is for my son in law. He loves Dr. Who. This is another that just needs binding.

18.  This one is my May Island Batik challenge. I just need to get it quilted and bound.

19.  This is for my son and his wife. They got married in December of last year. I need to get it done.

20.  A friend's quilt.

21.  I think this will be for one of my granddaughters

 22.  Another one that just needs binding.

 23.  My flamingo quilt. Need to get the other side finished.

24.  My June challenge for Island Batik.

25.  My peacock quilt. This one has quite a bit of work done on it, but I can't remember where I put it. I will add a picture as soon as I locate it.


Yes, this is quite a bit that needs done. The ones with just needing binding should be done this weekend.

I know what I need to do, and that is when I go down to work on things, just focus on what I am working on. I am aiming to get as much of my list as possible done this quarter.

summer block party

I am sew excited to be joining the sew much fun blog hop with Jen at faithandfabricdesign.com. I am fairly new at pattern design. I have so many ideas constantly going through my mind.

 I designed this block for a monthly challenge as an Island Batik Ambassador. That project used 6" blocks, so I made this into a 12" block. This is a paper piecing block and you can find the pattern  here. You will follow this tutorial, which you can find at https://kathyskwiltsandmore.blogspot.com/2017/06/tutorial-foundation-paper-piecing.html?m=1. You will make 4 of these blocks and put 2 on top and 2 on bottom.

Your will need 2 fat quarters each of 3 colors and 1/4 yards of white or cream.

Your finished block will look like this:

It is going to measure only about 12" unfinished.  I goofed up and have not had a chance to fix it.


 Would you like to win a stash builder roll of beautiful Batik fabrics? All you have to do, is leave a comment about the tutorial and for a 2nd chance, leave another comment about how you follow me. I am on facebook at Kathy's Kwilts and More
IG @kathyskwiltsandmore
And of course here on my blog.
The contest will close at Midnight mountain standard time on Sunday, June 25th. Good luck. Open to U.S. residents only.

Be sure to visit the other bloggers today.
Jen @ faithandfabricdesign.com
Michelle @ michellebartholomew.com/2017/06/new-block-tutorial-summer-block
Leanne @ devotedquilter.blogspot.com/2017/06/layered-star-free-12-block.html
Laura @ sliceofpiquilts.com/2017/06/fun-in-sun-quilt-block-tutorial.html
Amanda @ wordpress.com/post/amandajanetextiles.com/154198
Jen S. @ patternsbyjen.blogspot.com/2017/06/here-square-there-square-neeblock.html
Rachel @ rachelrossi.design/blog-hop-day-and-a-free-quilt-block

tutorial: foundation paper piecing

I wanted to learn paper piecing.  So, I looked up some tutorials, and ended up confused. So, I played and came up with the easiest way to do it, at least for me, so I wanted to share.  I hope it helps some of my readers.

The first thing I do is copy my patterns. Then I trace them with a sharpie, so I can see through on the opposite side.  So, your pattern looks like this:

Now I flip the paper over and trace with a pencil.  Now I can see my lines on both sides of the paper.

One of the best things about a paper pieced block is it doesn't take a lot of fabric. These can be great stash busters. So, let's get started. 

You will notice on the pattern, that you can find here, that there are numbers. You piece in this order. Let's call this sewing by number, like we used to paint by number.   Take a piece of fabric and lay the wrong side of fabric against the wrong side of the paper, so that the right side of fabric is facing you. I also mark this side telling me it is the fabric side. Because it is mirror image, I put my numbers on this side as well. So, for this pattern, 1 is the center, then 2 will be where 3 is on the front, and 3 is where the 2 is. I don't worry about 4 - 7 as they are just in white and each corner has a triangle. 

   Lay against spot that has the number 1 and make sure it extends 1/4 inch. It can be a bit bigger, but no smaller. Now you will lay fabric number 2 on top of number 1, still matching your numbers, and having right sides together. At this point, I stick a pin in there, and fold over where the seam is, just to make sure I have it right.

Pieces for 1 and 2 laid on top of each other. 

Now, I turn the paper over, and stitch with the fabric against the feeddogs. So, just make sure you have your fabric very flat.  Yes, you can ask me how I know.  Stitch with a smaller stitch length than you normally would, as this will aid in tearing the paper away.

Stitching numbers 1 and 2

Now it is time for trimming that seam you just sewed. Fold the paper backing on the seam you just stitched and trim at a 1/4". I just use a small ruler for this. 

Now, you will repeat the same steps, going in numerical order.  When you are finished, your block should look like this: 

Now, go ahead and trim around the block. Your block should measure 6".  You are done. How easy was that?

SOME ADDITIONAL HINTS THAT HAVE HELPED ME:

Make a master showing what colors you want where. 

Make one complete block to make sure you know what the layout will be. Put it close to where you are working so you know where your colors are going to be. 

I like to do a good amount  first if I need several blocks before trimming. So, pin pieces already sewn, so they are out of the way. 

Some patterns will have more numbers than this, just go in  numerical order.  Some will also have "A1" "B1" etc. Start with "a" first and then continue on. 

I hope this tutorial has been helpful for you. Please let me know if you have tried it. I have to apologize for the pictures with spots on. I have dropped my phone a few times, and that is the only camera I have right now. 

Tutorial : Hand applique

I love to do hand work. For one thing it is very portable. Today's tutorial is hand applique.  Every one has a different techniques they prefer to use. I will be sharing how I like to do hand applique  and what works best for me.


SUPPLIES:

Hand sewing needles. I use the embroidery size. I use as small as needle as I can.
Embroidery Floss:
I use DMC floss, mostly because I can get it easily and I have a bunch that was given to me.
Fusible Web: I usually use wonder under. It is what works best for me.  I have not had good luck with heat n bond.


PREPARING THE FABRIC :
I always prewash my fabric.  All fabric has a sizing on it. Your fusible Web won't bond well if you don't prewash. Also, don't use fabric softener.

I cut at piece of fabric, bigger than the applique. Only about an inch bigger. Especially on my small pieces. Then I cut my fusible Web the same size as the fabric.  Then I fuse the two together. Your fusible Web is going to have a paper backing. Make sure the side that does not have the paper backing is next to the fabric. You want the paper backing next to the iron. Otherwise, you might have a big mess on your iron. Ask me how I know. Once the fabric and fusible webbing are fused, then you can cut your pattern out. To do this, I pin the pattern piece on and just cut around it.

HOW TO DO THE APPLIQUE :
To start I separate my floss and use 2 strands. I thread a needle and tie a knot in one end. I take my applique and choose a starting point. I come up through my background fabric very close to the edge of my applique. Then I stick my needle through the top of the applique, about a 1/4" from the edge, then I go down at the edge of the applique. ALWAYS keep the floss under the needle and it should fall to the right of the needle. I space my stitches about 1/4" apart.

To end my stitching, because I have finished a section, or need more floss, I put my needle down through the fabric at the top of my last stitch and flip my work over and tie it off.

What color floss do I want to use:
It depends what look you want. I usually use matching floss.

Sometimes I will use a contrasting thread:

OR sometimes I will use a shade or two darker.

I hope you will give hand applique a try. I love it. It is something that is easy to take no matter where you go.

May challenge Island Batik Ambassador part 1

The Challenge for May for the Island Batik Ambassadors is really a challenge for me. It is Modern May.

I am more of a traditional quilter, so this has been interesting for me. I started by researching the elements of modern quilts. One of those elements is negative space.

Once I researched the elements of modern quilting, I started looking for patterns. In all honesty, I am still confused.  But, I may be overthinking it. So, I turned to a magazine I had picked up called Modern Patchwork.  I figured if it said modern, it would be helpful.  I found a few patterns that I liked, but I choose this one called "Yellow on a Gray Day".

Instead of using yellows and grays, I have chosen to use some purples from the Drizzle collection, Daffodil from the basics, the gray is from the Merry and Bright collection and the white is from the neutrals collection.

Okay, now we can get started cutting. But, wait. I don't have the right size ruler. This pattern uses a ruler called the "recs tool". I have the right ruler, but not the right size. So, I figure it is just 2" smaller, I can make it work. This ruler makes 1/2 rectangles.

With my ruler being small I know I will have smaller blocks, but that is okay. I can make a smaller quilt or add more blocks. That is the best thing about quilting, you can change the size.

After I get the pieces all cut, then I chain piece. I love chain piecing as it goes really fast.

Then, when I  get quite a few done, I start laying them out. I try to make sure that I don't have 2 of the same fabrics touching.  So I take a picture to double check everything. Then I find that I may end up playing switcheroo with my blocks. Once they are all laid out, then I can start sewing the rows together.

I have a few of the colors touching where they don't need to be. 

This has been a very fun quilt to work on. I can't wait to get it all together and start the quilting.

I will be back with part 2 soon, and share the quilting I am doing with you all.

Thanks for reading.