The Joy of Sewing...and Quilting, Too!

Home Dec Round to Its

2012-01-31T19:19:00.000-08:00

Last week, my "Round to Its" focused on the Home Dec projects on my list--and I'm proud to say, I've crossed most of those off the list. The majority centered around repairing items in the family room.
By the way, making a list and keeping it on the computer has been helpful. As I complete something, I highlight it in color—that way when I look at my list, I can see how much I've accomplished. It feels good to knock a few projects off the list each week. My list is divided into categories, such as Home Dec, Creative, Work, etc.

Here's what I knocked off the list last week.

Six years ago, I ordered two custom-made couches in a fabulous Jay Lang floral print. They each came with two feather-stuffed accent pillows, trimmed in piping. I got to choose the fabrics for all three, so the couches are just what I wanted. However, I was never really crazy about the red fabric for the pillows—it was too much toward the orange side for my taste, even though it definitely matches one of the other reds in the floral print. Because my area rug is really red, as are the lap quilts I use in the family room, the orangey red has always bothered my sense of aesthetics.

Shortly after we moved into our house, I purchased a redder red fabric to replace the pillows—that was five years ago! Finally, I got around to making new covers for the pillows on the couch in the family room. (Last year I made covers for the pillows on the sofa in the living room, using fabric that matches the sofas.)

Because the new fabric was a smooth satin weave, I decided to add a bit more texture on the front of the pillow. I drew a 2"-wide grid of diagonal lines on the square using dressmaker's chalk, and then layered it with thin cotton batting, and stitched on the lines. Notice the handle on my rotary cutter--and read about it at the end of this post.

I'm much happier with the color and love the quilted fronts—which will probably look more textured after the covers are washed the first time. The photo shows how much different the two colors are. The darker red is also in the floral print, but the furniture store just didn't have anything like it when I ordered the sofas.

Since these pillows belong in the family room, and will be washed (not dry-cleaned), I did preshrink the fabric, which removed the stain-repellent finish. After completing the pillows, I restored the finish with a spray-on repellant—I'll do that each time I wash the pillow covers.

To refresh pillows between cover washings, I toss them into the dryer for 5 minutes. That fluffs them and refreshes them beautifully.

I made new piping, using the same fabric as that on the sofas. Shortly after I purchased the sofas, I found the same fabric at Calico Corners and bought 20 yards—just in case I needed it for repairs, or seat cushions, or valances, or whatever! As it turned out, I used some of it to make a floor-length tablecloth for the small table in our eat-in kitchen that is open to the family room.

I learned something while making the piping that had never occurred to me before. First of all, piping fabric needs to be cut on the bias in order to fit smoothly around square corners. When applying it, you need to stop at the corner and clip the piping seam allowance to make it fit around the point. I've always just clipped it in several places in the area that will go around the corner--and things usually work out fine, but often the corners are a bit "rounder" than I would like.

Clip the piping seam allowance at

the precise point where you will

turn the corner.

To remedy this, I tried something I had never seen in a sewing book. I clipped the piping seam only once, precisely in line with the 3/4"-wide seam allowance I was using to sew the piping in place. This results in a rounded corner that is more toward the "square" side. Unfortunately, I didn't try this on my pillow covers. It dawned on me after the fact so I did the samples you see here.

When I made the floor-length tablecloth for the eat-in kitchen, I didn't think to preshrink the fabric first—and a big spill made it necessary to wash it—bad idea. That made the tablecloth 2-1/2" shy of the floor all around. To remedy that, I used some of the same fabric to make a 2-1/2"-wide finished band to sew to the lower edge.

First I removed the original 1/2"-wide finished hem and then used a 1/2"-wide seam allowance to join the band to the lower edge of the tablecloth. I cut the band on the bias in order to maneuver around the curves and was very careful not to stretch or distort it while I stitched so there would be no wrinkles in the finished band. I cut it twice the required finished width plus two 1/2" seam allowances, so, in this case, the bias strips were cut 6" wide. I used rotary cutting tools to make quick work of it. I also serge-finished one long edge. Matching raw edges, I pinned and stitched the band to the lower edge of the tablecloth.

To join the ends of the band where they met, I followed my own good advice in my book, The Quilting Answer Book, so the join is on the bias and less bulky and noticeable than if I had used a straight seam. This method is a bit tricky, but worked like a charm.

After pressing and turning the band to the inside, measuring carefully to make sure the band was 2-1/2"-wide on the right side, I pinned it in place with the serged edge extending beyond the stitching line, and then stitched-in-the-ditch to secure it. I also topstitched through all layers 1/4" from the seamline. I'm so much happier with how it looks. This photo is very true to color, and you can see both the true red and orange red colors in the print.

I had also made a red-and-white-checked table topper, and like the tablecloth it shrank in the wash. I had purchased 15 yards of this fabric to complement the sofa/tablecloth fabric, again, not knowing how much I would need. I started with a 48" square, but it shrank more in length than width so it was no longer square. It was driving me crazy. Since I also had extra fabric, I made a new topper, this time preshrinking the fabric first. If it shrinks again, I may add ball fringe to the outer edges!

When we moved into this house, I made pleated valances using the checked fabric as the predominant fabric, with the sofa fabric peeking out of the pleats and as the casing along the top. For the lower half of the window, I purchased pale yellow sheers and added a yellow print casing. I've never seen anything like these two treatments and am happy with the results—they garner lots of compliments. However, because I didn't preshrink the yellow print, the casings are now too short—and the outside of them has faded from the sun.

If you look at the right end of the rod, you can see that
the bands shrank a good inch, leaving the tension rod
exposed--not very pretty!

You can see how damaging

the sun can be by comparing

the top and bottom halves of

the casing band I removed.

That meant replacing the headers on the sheers. They've been driving me crazy—and even Stan noticed they were "too short." I've been going to get around to it for at least two years; I wasn't looking forward to unstitching, but it really only took an afternoon to cut new casings, remove the old ones, and replace them. It was worth it! I'm going to invest in spray-on sun protector for the back of the casings, too.

I also made a valance for the kitchen window—it's been "naked" since we moved here; I ran out of steam after finishing the valances at the windows in the family room and eat-in-kitchen area. Instead of multiple pleats like those in the family room, this valance has only one pleat at the center and rests on a tension rod between the two cabinets. Sorry about the bad angle on this shot--I should have stood on a chair, but I think you get the idea.

At Christmas time, I will remove the valance to expose the ribbon-wrapped rod where I hang many of my favorite Santa ornaments. (My dear husband has dubbed this "the Santa gallows." Shame on him!)

Before I put away the fabrics, I also made a tissue holder so my beautiful room wouldn't be marred by an ugly tissue box. Stan just laughs at me but it makes me happy! And, it's so Victorian, in keeping with the house!

Grip It!
The sales personnel at my local quilt shop use a handle with rubber grippers on their rotary cutting rulers. It always looked pretty handy, but somehow, I just couldn't cough up the price (and purple doesn't go with my sewing room colors), so I've never had one. Last week, I was wandering the aisles at Harbor Freight when I spotted a suction gripper for the bathroom—and it works on my rotary ruler just like the one I saw at the quilt shop—it's just a different color. The good news? It was under $7.00, more in line with my budget. I bought one and put it to use right away as you saw earlier in this post. Boy, is it a help when cutting through multiple layers of home dec fabric! It made it much easier to cut the wide bias bands for my tablecloth.

Let me know what you're sewing and send any sewing or quilting questions you may have and I'll try to answer them! Don't forget to check out my "Answer Books." Both of them are now also available as e-books at Amazon.com.

Until next time, keep sewing and smiling,
Barbara

Pierrot Perfected

2012-01-25T16:36:00.000-08:00

There was just something about my Pierrot doll that wasn't quite right. After looking at him next to his mate, I decided he needed a shirt with some of the same fabric that I used in Pierrette's skirt.

For the shirt, I actually constructed a gathered skirt made with a piece of fabric that was twice Pierrot's circumference at the underarm--where the arm/sleeve units join the body--underneath the ruffle. After turning the pieced fabric panel into a tube and hemming the upper edge, I added gathers, slid the shirt on and decided it was too short. Off it came so I could add a bottom band of the same camel/burgundy print that I used for the contrast panels in his shirt.

After adjusting the gathers so the "skirt-shirt" fit under Pierot's arms, I hand sewed the shirt to his body.

Shirtless

With his shirt

I'm much happier now that Pierrot has a shirt. How about you?
Keep sewing and smiling,
Barbara

One More "Round-to-it" Bites the Dust

2012-01-22T21:17:00.000-08:00

Open another closet and find another project! That's how you finish up all those "round-to-its. This time, I dug out my Pierrette doll that I finished in 1990, because recently her underarm tore as she was too tightly stuffed.

I took a class with elinor peace bailey (she uses no capital letters in her name) at Daisy Kingdom in Portland, OR, not too long after I moved there from Portland, Maine. During the class, we could make a doll of our choice using one of her patterns. I chose Pierrot and Pierrette.

To repair Pierrette, I needed the same print fabric I had used for her body so many years ago so I could add an underarm patch. I was lucky, though. I knew just where to find that fabric, along with the pieces to her companion, that I had cut out and left in pieces oh those many years ago.

As a demonstration, elinor was kind enough to help paint the faces for both of my dolls. Actually, I had embroidered Pierrette's face (the nose line, eyes, and mouth following the pattern directions before I arrived at class. Then elinor added the special details with pens and a sticky, iridescent gel-like medium. I hadn't yet embroidered Pierrot's face, so it is strictly elinor's work. My faces would never have been as beautiful as those elinor did.

I finished Pierrette shortly after the class was over and I have enjoyed her over the years. Making her was a stretch for me as I used fabric and colors that I wouldn't normally choose—part of elinor's challenge!

With Pierrot's head finished and all the other parts cut and some in stages of construction, I was ready to finish him. I started yesterday afternoon—and just finished him this afternoon. I'm pleased with the results and glad to remove one more project from my list of "round-to-its." I was able to use up more bits and pieces of trim from my stash and buttons from my button box, in lieu of Pierrot's typical pompoms. One more thing I'm doing this year is trying to use up things I have rather than running to the fabric store for some little finishing bit. It's been fun digging into my storage tubs and finding things I'd forgotten I had.

Now, aren't they a wonderful pair?

Here are some additional shots so you can see some of the details a bit closer.

Now, to find the perfect place to display these companion dolls—maybe on the wall in my sewing room—I'll have to add loops to their backs in order to do that though.
'Til next time, keep on sewing and smiling.
Barbara

Printing My Own Quilt Labels

2012-01-10T18:34:00.000-08:00

I've declared 2012 the year to finish up unfinished projects and all those little things that I call my "I'll get around to its." Shortened, that's "round to-its."

One of the things on the "round to-its" list—make labels for the quilts I made last year, based on designs I created in Electric Quilt 7. Patterns for all of them are available for purchase as PDF downloads on my website, www.joyofsewing.com.

In this post, I'll show you the quilt labels I designed and attached to quilts this week—along with photos of the quilts to which they belong. One more "round to-it" is crossed off my list!

To make the labels, I used the Microsoft Publisher program and fabric pretreated for inkjet printing. You can purchase my favorite fabric for this purpose at www.electricquilt.com. After printing each one and treating the fabric as directed to set the ink, I trimmed the excess fabric away 1/2" from the outer edge of the printed design to allow for a turn-under allowance. Then I slipstitched each label to the backing of its quilt.

There are lots of ways to make labels. I love finding a way to incorporate photos relative to the quilt design or the quilt recipient in mine. Sometimes I make an extra block and use that as the label, but that means I have to hand-write the details on the block using a permanent ink pen. Designing my own labels and printing them on fabric makes it possible to use interesting fonts, import photos, incorporate colors, and proofread the label before it goes to the printer.

Let's Be Friends…A Friendship Sampler Quilt

Let's Be Friends© is a colorful friendship quilt, featuring twelve blocks, set with sashing rectangles and multiple borders. Use it for a lap quilt or a wall hanging. Each block features a light-colored strip so that you can have friends sign the blocks like an autograph album. Use the design to create a keepsake quilt for yourself or for a special friend. Commemorate a birthday, a special occasion, or simply friendship. Simple rotary cutting and machine piecing techniques make it easy to create the blocks for your sampler. Two of the blocks require a simple template for the signature strip. Several blocks also feature foundation-paper-pieced sections, a great technique for ensuring accuracy without making time-consuming templates before you even begin to sew! The pattern includes fully illustrated directions for each of the 12 blocks, including full-size templates for the required foundations, plus complete directions for assembling the blocks into the finished quilt. Tips for paper-piecing are also included. The pattern has everything you need to create a truly special quilt. Perfect for a block-of-the-month project, too. Organize your friends and get stitching!
Finished Size: 56 1/2" x 66 1/2"

I used a Publisher label template for this design, changed the default color scheme to match the fabrics in my quilt, and imported Electric Quilt Jpgs of three of the blocks in the quilt.

Peony Garden

Cheerful “Peony Bouquets” surround a bed of “Peonies in Bloom” in this design to use as a lap quilt or wall hanging. Choose prints in two shades of pink for the peonies. You’ll also need a yellow print for the flower centers and three green prints in related shades for the stems and leaves. All floral pieces are set against a light background solid or print. The corners on the pieced setting triangles form a “garden fence” around the pretty bed of flowers. The “Peony Bouquet” block features appliquéd leaves and stems; directions are included for fusible as well as traditional methods.

The “Peony in Bloom” block is an adaptation of Nancy Cabot’s “Peony and Forget-Me-Nots” block. This new version eliminates corner intersections that were in the original piecing to make block assembly easier. I imported jpgs of both blocks into the label I made, using the same label template as for the "Let's Be Friends" quilt.
Finished Block Size: 12" square
Finished Quilt Size: Approximately 63" square in a diagonal setting

Hearts Entwined

This special quilt was designed as a gift for my newest grand niece, Abigail Marie Glennon. She lives in Beijing with her big brother, Han Thomas (you can read about his quilt in a previous post). She was born in late November to nephew Tom and his wife Cindy, who is from Beijing. Tom teaches Chinese children how to speak English.

For this quilt, choose two prints in coordinating values or two complementary colors. Pay careful attention to the color placement of the patches in each block and when they are joined, two large hearts entwine on the surface of your quilt. Choose prints of equal value if you want both hearts to pop, but if you want one to stand out more than the other, use prints in two values--Dark and Medium against a Light background. It's but it's pretty in pink, too, for a baby quilt, or it makes a wonderful Christmas quilt in red and green. Try two red prints against white or pink for your special Valentine. Make it for a bride in her wedding colors--or try it in cream and tans for a wedding keepsake quilt.

Foundation paper piecing makes it easy to create accurately pieced Diamond blocks without making templates. It’s also easier to accurately piece the Small Economy Patch blocks using paper foundations. The pattern includes full-size templates to copy for the paper-piecing foundations and tips on paper-piecing.

Abby's quilt label includes the national flags of her parents' homelands, just as Tommy's quilt does, along with photos taken just after her birth. I think Tommy loves his Mai Mai (Chinese for "Little Sister").

'Tis the Season…A Holiday Wall Hanging

'Tis the Season…to decorate your home for the holidays with a pretty quilted project. You'll have this colorful wall hanging done in no time with quick-and-easy fusible appliqué and simple piecing to join the blocks and sashing and finish the quilt top. For added fun, deck the tree with an assortment of buttons, gems, sequins, and trims after you’ve completed the quilting. All appliqué patterns are given full size for easy tracing and application with your favorite lightweight fusible web. Choose assorted scraps and fat eighths from your stash for the appliqués. Finished Size: 31-1/2" x 36-3/4"

The label for this quilt is pretty straightforward.

I made one more quilt in 2012, but it's under wraps for now. It's being quilted by my long-arm quilter and will be photographed for a catalog, due out in March. More about that one, including a photo and its label in March when it debuts.

The Santa Chronicles: Part Six

2012-01-08T16:42:00.000-08:00

Santa is finallydressed. We're down to the nitty gritty finishing details.

The biggest remainingchallenge was deciding how to finish the bottom of Santa's body and how tostabilize his body in his sitting position. Thanks to my handy husband, I havea custom-made platform with a dowel that he made to fit inside the tube inSanta's body. The dowel is securely bolted to the platform, which I paintedwith black acrylic paint and finished with a coat of Dull-Cote Lacquer. It fitsinside the cardboard tube in Santa's body with just a bit of "wiggleroom."

The bottom of theplatform was left unfinished so I could use a permanent marking pen to"sign" my work.

As for the bottom of the body, I had to find away to encase the fiberfill. I cut a piece of lightweight faux suede and sewedit to the seamline around the bottom edge of the body, encasing the seamallowance and the upper edge of the gathered legs. That covered the hole in thetube. I felt for the tube edges and marked them with chalk. Then working fromthe center of the circle out, I carefully cut pie-shaped wedges, ending at thechalk mark. To hide the wedges, I put glue in between the fiberfill and theoutside of the tube and then tucked the wedges into the glue and allowed todry. The suede is nonwoven so it won't ravel. Another problem solved!

My husband suggested Iglue the dowel inside the tube, but instead, I used push pins through the upperlegs and into the wooden base to secure Santa. I may decide to go the glueroute later.

After I signed the base, I realized that Iforgot to add the name of my finished Santa, so I designed a fabric label tosew to Santa's body under his jacket. I adapted a Christmas card design from myMicrosoft Publisher program and inserted a photo of Santa's head. I addedpertinent details, including his name, "Santa in Toyland." I printedthe label on my inkjet printer, on specially treated fabric for the purpose.

You can order this fabric for inkjet printing from www.electricquilt.com.

Aftertrimming the label, leaving 1/4"-wide turn-under allowances on all fouredges, I turned the edges and slipstitched the label to Santa's back underneath his jacket. In retrospect, it would have been easier to do this before sewing Santa's jacket to his body--but I hadn't named him yet. Usually names come easily, but this one didn't come to me until after I added the bag of toys (see below), so I couldn't have made the label anyway. I think it's a nice touch. How I love what the electronic age has made possible when it comes to creativity.

To finish up, I added a fewembellishments to Santa—silver star buttons on his boots and little plasticwreaths from my button box on his mittens. I also tacked the mitten in place atthe thumb joint to keep it in place.

Santa also needed a sack full of toys, so I cut one from black silk scrap and stitched it up, adding aplaid flannel casing with ribbon at the top. I stuffed the bag with a little polyfil fiber and drew up the ribbon drawsting. Then Itucked in a vintage toy soldier, a little tin toy locomotive, and a small teddybear, all of which I had purchased in Missoula when I learned to sculpt my Santa head in 1999. After adjusting the ribbon to secure the toys (I didn't glue them), I tied it in a bow. Itacked I brought Santa's left arm forward and tacked his sleeve to his jacket. The bag of toys sits just in front of it.

I also used a few discreet stitches to secure Santa'sright arm to his jacket in the desired position with a and thentucked a small bisque doll, a Swiss miss, into the crook of that arm. (Her feet are tucked behind his arm in this shot (they slipped out for some of the photos I've used). Ipurchased the little doll in Switzerland in 2006 as a memento from my Bernina trip. She is securedto Santa's jacket with several small safety pins inside her clothing.

And now, my completedSanta is ready for his big "reveal." Drum roll please!

First, here's acloseup of his sweet face!

And, here he is in a casualmood! His soft legs can be "posed." I've also placed his left mitten on his leg. Note his spiffy belt made from a scrap of Ultrasuede and a silver buckle I found in my button box. It's been such fun to use up treasures and leftovers in my collection. Also note that I put a little polyfil fiber in his hat to give it a bit of "oomph," making it easy to put in the desired position.

And here he is in all his finery, my finished "Santa in Toyland!"

I am so pleased with mySanta, and so proud of myself for figuring out how to finish him,all on my own, step-by-step, even it did take 13 years to do so. All things intheir time, right? It took about 3 weeks for the problem-solving and executionto finish Santa, but it was well worth it, don't you think? I don't know ifI'll ever sculpt another Santa head, but I certainly learned a lot and havegreat respect for the Santa and doll sculptors out there and appreciation ofhow much love and energy goes into a project like this one! Whatever theycharge isn't enough. My Santa is a priceless heirloom to hand down in myfamily.

In some ways, I'm sorry to get to the end of this story--I had such a good time with this project. It was one of my "round to its." My goal this year is to get around to finishing my "round to its." There are several on my list and is this one has been checked off the list!

The End

The Santa Chronicles: Part Five

2012-01-08T12:47:00.000-08:00

Santa is ready for a bright red, fur-trimmed jacket andmatching hat. The fabric choicerevealed itself quickly. Several years ago I bought a boiled wool jacket at myfavorite outlet for $20. It fit pretty well and was trimmed with loopy red yarnaround the neckline, down the front, and around the cuffs. I couldn't pass itup because the fabric was worth more than the price. However, every time I putit on, I felt like a clown. Removing the trim didn't help—I just don't weartrue reds very well. I took the jacket apart by cutting along the seamlines—no need totake time removing the stitches—and thought I might fashion Christmas stockingsfrom the pieces. That didn't happen.

While searching my stash for red velvet, it dawned on me that the jacket pieces were the perfect choice for Santa's costume! First I had to draft a pattern for the jacket. The only way I knew to draft a jacket pattern was to placeSanta on paper and trace around his general torso shape, then draw oversizeshapes for the jacket front and back, based on my tracing and my knowledge of basic pattern shapes. I drew the shapes onmy favorite pattern-fitting tissue, gridded Perfect Pattern Paper by PatiPalmer and available at www.palmerpletsch.com.I also backed the paper with her Perfect Fuse sheer white knit fusibleinterfacing to make the paper more like fabric so I could pin-fit it to Santa'sshape.

These are the shapes I used for the first pin fitting. Notice how theshoulder and side seams are pinned with the pins parallel to the stitching linefor fitting.

I tried the pinned jacket/front back on Santa and then moved the pinsuntil the pattern was a pretty good fit. As I worked, I trimmed away excess tissuearound the neckline. Because I was using boiled wool, which doesn't ravel, andbecause there would be fur trim and Santa's hair and beard would cover theneckline, there was no need for a neckline or front edge seam allowance on the pieces. I allowed for an overlap atthe center front, plus 1/4"-wide seam allowances at the shoulders, side seams, and center back and the cut away any excess tissue in those areas. I also adjusted the pattern so the pieceswere 3/4" longer than Santa's body because by that time, my husband hadmade a platform for Santa from 3/4" plywood. You'll see that later. There was no need for a hem allowance at the bottom because the fabric doesn't ravel.

Using the adjusted pattern pieces, I cut twofronts and two backs. ThenI machine-basted the pieces together, ready for the fitting.

I tried the jacket on Santa wrong side out , so I could pin in any necessary adjustments.

Because my Santa has sloping shoulders, I fashionedmulti-layered shoulder pads from scraps of the boiled wool and fit them insidetemporarily.

After finalizing the shoulder and side seams, I permanentlystitched the shoulders and center back seams and trimmed them to 1/4" wherever necessary. They were pressed open. I marked the side seam stitching line, trimmed the seam allowances to 1/4" and then removed the basting so Icould use the armhole as a guide for drafting a sleeve pattern. I madethe pattern plenty large and then cut it from the boiled wool.

After severalattempts at fitting the sleeve cap into the armhole, cutting the cap flatterand flatter until it fit the armhole curve, I set the sleeve into the openarmhole, like you do for a man's shirt. Then it was a simple matter to stitchthe sleeve underarm and side seam in one step. Next, I tacked the littleshoulder pads in place.

As I did for the boots, I cut strips of fake fur, stitchedthem into tubes and then sewed them to the neckline, the wrist edge of eachsleeve, and the left front edge of the jacket. I also made little patch pocketsfor the jacket and stitched them in place.

When I tried the finished jacket on Santa, the back was justtoo big, so I pinned in and then stitched darts to get rid of some of theexcess fabric. Also note that Santa has a belt—made from a scrap of Ultrasuedeand a silver buckle from my button box.

To complete the jacket, I sewed the right front edge toSanta's body, followed by the overlapping left front.

Before I could fashion Santa's hat, his wig had to be glued inplace. I used the Fast Grab Tacky glue and coated his head and the inside ofthe wig with it. Once positioned, I pressed down firmly to make sure it was adhered all over and set Santa to drywhile I worked on his hat. It was the easiest part of the process. I cut two largetriangles from the remaining boiled wool, basted them together, and turned up awide hem that allowed for a turned-up brim. I adjusted the fit, thenpermanently stitched the seams and the hem and trimmed it with a fur tube—on theturned-up brim. Next, I fashioned a ball of fur for the tip of the hat and sewed itin place.

Keeping the hat in place posed a challenge as I didn't want to glue itonto the mohair wig. Instead, I used small safety pins in several locationsunderneath the brim to keep it in place by catching some of the mohair.

Now that Santa was completely clothed, I could attach hisbeard with the tacky white glue. I positioned and glued only the section on thechin area and allowed it to dry thoroughly, then attached the sides in the samemanner. The Fast Grab glue was a lifesaver through the entire process ofassembling Santa.

I'll keep the completely dressed and finished Santa a secretuntil the final post, which is about the finishing touches, toys, stand, andlabel.

To be continued…..

The Santa Chronicles: Part Four

2012-01-08T11:25:00.000-08:00

A quick note: I just noticed that in the previous Santa Chronicles posts, I said I decided to finish both of my Santas—the little one from a kit, and the head I sculpted in 1999--in 2010. That was a typo. I really just did the work on both Santas in 2011 and finished the large one on January 4, 2012!

Now Santa needs legs and boots! As indicated in an earlier post, I had removed the legs from the muslin doll skin and set them aside. After stuffing the foot and leg with polyfil, the next step was to create a pattern for his boots. First, I traced around the foot on paper, then added generous seam allowances all around and made the boot fairly tall so there would be plenty of room to adjust the fit and the final length later.

I used the rough pattern to cut two boot pieces from scrap fabric, then pin-fit the boot around the foot.After pin fitting, I drew stitching lines along the pins, removed the pins and then machine-basted the pieces together.

Then I tried the boot on the foot (inside out) to check and adjust the fit. When I was happy with the results, I trimmed the seam allowances to an even 1/4" all around and took the trial boot apart to use as my pattern.

I cut the boot pieces from the same soft black knit I used for the mittens. After stitching the seams and clipping the curve in the front of each boot for easier turning and smooth shaping, the boots were ready to turn right side out, but not yet ready to slip on Santa's feet.

The stuffed foot actually has a flat bottom, making it three-dimensional, but my boot was only 2-dimensional, requiring a firm shape inside the boot so the bottom of the boot would be firm and flat on the bottom. Using the bottom shape of the stuffed foot as a guide, I cut boot inserts from scrap mat board in my craft supply stash, shaping them like the bottom of the foot. These were tucked into the boots before putting the boots on the legs. The shaping took a bit of experimentation—I cut the pieces oversize and then trimmed as needed after trying them on the feet. It helped that the boot fabric was knit, making it easier to shape the boot to the insert too. This idea worked like a charm to create a smooth, flat-bottomed, more realistic-looking boot and foot.

Then for a touch of realism, I cut soles from scrap leather in my stash and glued one to the bottom of each booth with the tacky glue.

At this point, I decided how tall I wanted the boots, and cut off the excess boot and muslin leg as I had decided to make the upper portion of the leg/pant section the way it was constructed for Nicholas Little—with fabric and just a bit of stuffing. See how well the boots stand all by themselves?

In order to attach the boots to the upper legs, I had to create a "knob." This was accomplished by hand basting 1/2" below the cut edge of each boot and drawing up the gathers. After securing with stitches, I was ready for the pants/legs.

Because the legs would be soft, with a minimum of stuffing, I needed a soft fabric. Out came the box of flannel scraps. The black-and-red lumberjack check called to me. To make the legs, I cut a rectangle of a length that would finish off to the desired length of the leg and the desired fullness--just a visual guess. I included 1/4"-wide seam allowances all around the rectangle. I sewed each rectangle into a long tube, pressed the seam open, and then hand-basted around one end, 1/4" from the raw edge so I could draw up the gathers around the "boot knob" with right sides together, and sew it in place. I was careful to position the seam in the leg at the back of the boot.

Next came the addition of the white fake fur. I made "tubes" of the fur, turned them right side out and stitched them to the boots along both edges. A handful of polyfil was placed inside each leg for a little added dimension.

Finally, I placed the upper raw edges of each leg together with the seam in the center back and hand-basted through both layers so I could gather the legs before attaching them to the seam allowance along the front of Santa's body. I pinned them in place, adjusting the gathers as desired, and then stitched them in place. Isn't he just the cutest little guy? I think I'm falling in love!

Now Santa just needs his hat and jacket—and a bag of toys.

To be continued….

The Santa Chronicles: Part Three

2012-01-07T20:48:00.000-08:00

Whew! Santa has a mustache, eyebrows, and a body with armsattached. His mittens are done, so what's next?

While I continued to ponder how he would be attached to abase, I decided to attempt wig making, using the curly mohair I had used foreyebrows and mustache. But, I didn't know where to start so I looked online forsome basic directions—and then modified them as I went along. First, I watched a video tutorial online at http://www.dollmakersdream.com/Doll-wig-video-tutorial.html.It was quite good. This site has lots of free tutorials on dollmaking. Anothersite with excellent wig making visuals is http://www.fantasydollsbyd.com/New_page_72.htm.I didn't find this until after I made my wig, but the directions are quitesimilar to those I found first. In a nutshell, this is what I did:

1. Covered the head with plastic wrap and secured with arubber band under Santa's chin.

2. Wrapped the head with a lightweightmesh-like fabric and secured it with a rubber band.

3. Drew the desired hairline on the fabric.

4. Coated the fabric with Tacky white fabric glue, using asmall sponge paintbrush and allowed it to dry thoroughly overnight. The resultsfeel a little rubbery and have a slightly opaque white appearance.

5. Peeled the wig away and checked to make sure it wastotally dry. It was and felt a bit "rubbery." (If still damp, allowto dry thoroughly.)

6. Trimmed away the excess glue-coated fabric along thedrawn hairline and then replaced the wig cap on Santa's head, over the plasticwrap. Since it didn't fit snugly, I pinned in a couple of "darts," then removed the cap and stitched them on the sewing machine before replacing it

7. Beginning in the back at the lower edge of the cap, I addedsmall clumps of mohair and glued them in place with the tacky glue. I continuedadding clumps in rows around the head from the center back to the sides. Thetop and front of the wig were tricky—I had to play with the positioning and theinfo on the video tutorial was particularly helpful. You just have to play withthe clump positioning until you get it right. Allow to dry thoroutly and the wig is done! All in all, I was really pleasedwith the results. The first photo is shot from the inside of the finished wig, the second is a closeup of the interior, and the third is the finished wig from the right side.

For step 7, I actually grasped small clumps of mohair, whichhad been shorn from the goat, looked for the cut end and fluffed the strands abit from the cut end down. Then I grouped several small clumps together andstitched them together just below the cut ends, backstitching twice (see thephoto). Then I glued the stitched end to the wig cap, beginning at the back andworking to the sides, following the hairline.

Next, for the beard. I couldn't find any online help, buthaving made a beard for the small Santa discussed in Part One, I improvised. I simplycut a piece of the same fabric I used for the wig cap, shaping it to fit under Santa'smouth over his chin and then up to the bottom of his ears. (You may need to shape it with a dart so it will fit smoothly, as I did.) It wasn't very wide—maybe an inch atmost, but there was room for attaching 2 or 3 rows of mohair clumps. I was ableto position and stitch the clumps in place since the fabric wasn't covered withglue like the wig cap was. I started with clumps at the lower edge of thefabric shape. For the uppermost row, I allowed about 1/2" of the mohair toextend above the edge, then flipped it to the back and glued the ends in place.

Here's Santa with his finished wig—but it's not yetattached. I waited to attach both the wig and the beard until the clothes weremade and attached. Otherwise, it would have been in the way of my work!

And here's a close-up so you can see his eyelashes.

To be continued!

The Santa Chronicles: Part Two

2012-01-07T17:03:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately when I started the design and assembly of my very own Santa with his sculpted clay head (see Part One), I didn't think to take a "Before" photo as well as many of the process steps that I now wish I had. Midway through Santa's design and assembly, I decided I should blog about Santa, if for no other reason than to document the process--in case I might want to do it again.
Therefore, what you see here is a photo of the Santa head/breastplate unit after painting his face and adding his eyebrows and mustache (which I didn't do until the body was attached; see below).

I do have a shot of the back of the head, where I wrote my name and date in the clay before the sculpted clay head went into the oven to cure.

The next step was figuring out how to make a body of the right proportions. Using the standard of 8 head lengths, my finished Santa would be 36" tall. (My Santa head measured about 4-1/2" from top of head to bottom of chin.) But, when I did a "mock-up" of that height with his head, it seemed too tall for the proportions of the finished head. And I wanted a shorter Santa anyway.

Not long after returning from Montana, I had purchased three muslin "doll skins" for 32" dolls. I found those in one of my two tubs of Santa "accoutrement's," along with a set of sturdy cardboard tubes designed as leg inserts for the skins so the finished doll would stand. I started with one of the doll skins, and cut off most of the muslin head, leaving a few inches so I could use that to glue the muslin body to the interior of the neck/breastplate portion of the Santa head.

How to adhere the heavy clay head and support the body which would be filled with polyfil fiber was the next challenge. Since I had already decided my Santa would sit rather than stand, I commandeered one of the cardboard tubes and reshaped one end so it would fit snugly inside the breastplate cavity. My husband got out the Gorilla Glue for the task of attaching the tube. I put glue into the cavity, then snugged the tube inside and set Santa on his head to dry, propped in a wastebasket. The tube was too long, but I left it that way, to be shortened later. While the glue dried, I tackled the design of the body using the muslin skin.

First I removed the muslin legs and set them aside. They were too long so I knew I would need to cut them down and attach them later. Then I reshaped the muslin skin front and back, giving the front a bit of a belly. ( I used a Santa Elf pattern by Nancy Brenan Daniels as a guide for the tummy and back reshaping.) I also shortened the body a bit after comparing it to head and body proportions of other Santas in my collection, leaving an extra 1/2" allowance at the lower edge for the finishing seam around the bottom of the body, which would sit on a small platform.

Once the tube was dry and secure, I tucked the muslin body with the doll-head section that I had left attached inside the breastplate (but no glue yet). With the head in my lap, I stuffed the muslin body, keeping the tube as centered as possible, but not obsessing about that. I also temporarily stuffed the upper portion of each arm (not shown though in the photo). Once I was happy with the body shape and firmness, I slipped it down the tube, swabbed glue inside the breastplate and smoothed the muslin into the glue, making sure the shoulders of the arms would come up to the edge of the breastplate. Drying time again! Patience was a virtue with this project but it gave me time to think about the next steps and experiment with ideas. I was determined to use what I had in my stash of fabrics and findings rather than buy anything and I succeeded--for the most part. This project truly was an exercise in problem solving and stash searching! I found things I forgot I had!

Throughout the project, I used Aleene's Fast Grab Tacky Glue. It was the perfect adhesive.

Next, I re-stuffed the arms after checking the proportion of the arms to the body. They seemed to be the right length so I stuffed the hands and arms completely, only to discover they stuck out from the body—far too rigid. To fix that problem, I removed stuffing so that the hand was nicely filled but not too firm. I left only a little stuffing in the wrist area so they would bend a bit. I also stuffed the upper arm and stitched through the muslin to create a bend at the elbow so I could bend the arms into a more natural position. After stuffing the section from elbow to wrist, I whipstitched the arm opening closed. Note: The hands of the muslin doll skin had stitching for the fingers--I took it all out before stuffing the hands as the fingers wouldn't show inside Santa's mittenss--and they were very difficult to stuff!

To glue the upper section of the arms in place, I put more glue inside the shoulder area of the breastplate, pushed the stuffed section into the glue and "tied" the unstuffed arms on top of Santa's head. I sure wish I had a photo of that! Again, Santa went into the wastebasket, upside down, to dry.

To make Santa's mittens, I traced around the stuffed hand to make a pattern, then cut four pieces from a fuzzy black knit. I basted two together to check the fit, refined it as needed and then stitched permanently the pair before tucking Santa's hands inside. To secure the gloves, I stitched them to the arms through the wrist area.
At this point, I couldn't wait to add Santa's eyebrows, mustache, and eyelashes. I purchased a set of fake eyelashes and cut them down before applying them. Getting them in place without getting glue everywhere was a real trick! The eyebrows and the mustache are tufts of curly mohair that I glued in place. I had purchased several packages of this for future Santa-making projects from Kris Crawford at Fireside Basics Doll Hair Co., 7847 Double Tree Lane, Missoula, MT 59804; 406-549-9665. Our class visited her and shopped for supplies one afternoon during our time at the workshop with Judith. I was happy to find the mohair in my "Santa" supply box, since I had forgotten all about it! At this point, I also cut off the excess tube using an X-acto Knife.

To be continued....

The Santa Chronicles: Part One

2012-01-07T11:29:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas! Anyone who knows me well, knows that! If you visit my house during the holidays, you'll see a collection of Santas on the mantle, another in the kitchen window, more in the bookcases—and certainly on the Christmas trees. They are everywhere. Every year I waited anxiously for the Better Homes and Gardens Santa magazine and was sad when they discontinued it. One of the artists whose work was featured was Judith Klawitter, then of Missoula, MT, now residing in Idaho. I loved the realism of her sculpted heads and the clothing and accessories she made.

In 1998, when I returned to Portland, OR, after an 8-month sojourn in Williamstown, MA, recovering from major back surgery, I found an ad in the magazine for workshops with Judith. On a whim, I put myself on the waiting list and then secured a spot in the very next workshop. Off I flew to Missoula in January 1999 to take a 6-day class with 9 other students, all Santa lovers like me.

Under Judith's direction, we each sculpted a Santa head in clay, complete with sparkling glass eyes. Working in clay was a struggle for me—a foreign substance to this accomplished seamstress, but I muddled my way through with Judith's guidance and returned home with a completed head—about 5" tall.

Most of the time during the week was spent with the clay, but Judith shared lots of resources and bare bones instructions for completing the body and clothes too. She also took us shopping on the last day to her favorite spots for picking up old toys, fabric, etc., to complete our Santas.

My intention was to finish my Santa as soon as got home, but I was intimidated by the concept of creating his body. Ultimately, I tucked my Santa head away in box and until mid December 2010, that's where he was rolling around! He's always been on my mind, but finishing him just seemed too daunting.

As I was searching through my Christmas closet, where I stash gifts that I pick up during the year, I came across a kit and paints for making a small Santa designed by Julia Rueger. This Santa, named Nicholas Little by the designer, had been in his box ever since 2003. I purchased the supplies at Quilt Market in Houston, Texas that year. Of course, I also spied the box with my Santa head. "MMM, maybe if I start small, I'll get one of these done in 2010," I thought to myself. And I did! The paint kit for the resin head, boot, and gloves included good directions. I was happy with my first attempt at painting on such a small face, so I was encouraged, especially since there was plenty of paint for my larger Santa head.

I finished my small Santa, following the hand-written directions that came with the pieces and was so pleased with the results. Here's a photo of my finished Nicholas Little.

If you like him and want to make one yourself, you can order a kit and paints and other supplies from http://www.katzdollhouse.com/

To be continued!

It's About Time!

2011-10-27T17:59:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's over a year since I last wrote a post. No excuses other than busy with life. Since March, I've been working exclusively on my pattern line. Since I learned to design in Electric Quilt 7, I've been playing a lot with quilt designs and have developed a few new patterns. The very latest one is 'Tis the Season...A Holiday Wall Hanging. I've done it in my favorite colors--pink and green--but think it would be wonderful in a two-color theme, too, such as shades of blue and silver.. Or for a more modern twist, try teal and coral! It's quick to make because it's all done with fusible applique. I stitched around each applique after fusing using the blanket stitch on my wonderful Bernina artista 730. I've loved using it for quiltmaking this year, but embroidery is fun, too, and it does a superb job at that!

Since I last posted, I added a shopping cart to my website (www.joyofsewing.com) so you can purchase my patterns with ease. I've updated all of my older patterns and added new ones. You'll find patterns for tote bags, quilts, and placemats. Many of them are no longer available at quilt shops but they're really wonderful (at least I think so). And almost all of them are available as PDF downloads so you don't pay shipping and you can have your copy in a matter of minutes. Technology sure makes life easier! I hope you'll visit the website and go to my online store for a look at the twenty patterns that are available there!
More to come!

Quilts for Han Thomas and Hunter

2010-05-27T14:09:00.000-07:00

My latest quilt project turned into two baby quilts, almost overnight. With the birth of my grand nephew, Han Thomas in Beijing, China, just before Christmas came the desire to make a special quilt to honor his dual heritage. And, we soon discovered another baby--grandson Hunter--would be born in May of this year. He made his debut last night at a whopping 9 pounds 11 ounces. I can't wait to see the little (big) guy! But I digress.

The inspiration for Han's quilt came from a sweet little doll quilt I bought years ago in an antique shop. The block is a simple one--somewhere I think I saw it named as Mr. Lincoln's Platform--but I'm not completely sure that it's accurate. Need to check it out.

It's really easy to make lots of these blocks in any size--just cut and piece two light or white strips to opposite sides of a colored strip and then crosscut into blocks. I used 2"-wide strips for my block and cut them from fat quarters of blue prints that I had in my stash. After stitching the 3 strips together with 1/4" seams. I cut the strip units into 5" squares that finish to 4 1/2" in the quilt.

I chose blue prints for the quilts--blue for boys, after all. For Han's quilt, I wanted to honor his bicultural heritage. His mom, Cindy, is Chinese and his dad, my nephew Tom, met her when he moved to China to teach English to toddlers. So, I used red sashing and to border Han's quilt, I chose a yellow-background juvenile print so that the red, white, and blue of the American flag and the red and yellow of the Chinese quilt would be represented in the finished quilt.

For the backing on Han's quilt, I used a blue-and-white ticking stripe, also from my stash, and then made a really special label for the back with my favorite baby pictures of Han, plus an American and a Chinese flag. I arranged all of these photos in a Word document on my computer and then printed the page onto a piece of fabric prepared for Inkjet printing. Just follow the package directions to print and set the inks before using the printed fabric in your quilt. You can find lots of inkjet printing supplies at http://store.quilting-warehouse.com/phototransfer-fabric.html

When I finished Han's quilt, I wrapped it inside out with the label showing so that it was the first thing Tom and Cindy would see when they opened the gift. When I machine-quilted the quilt, I stitched in the ditch of all of the seams and did a serpentine stitch in the sashing and borders. Even though I was careful to prepare the quilt for machine quilting, I had a few unwanted "tucks" in the lining. I covered up the worst of them with the large page-size label! Clever me! I didn't take time to "fix" the others. They just weren't that noticeable.

I had good intentions of finishing Han's quilt after Christmas, but with work on our house taking priority, I didn't get back to it until early April. Han's quilt has a hanging sleeve on the back so that it can be used as a wall hanging.

Finishing Han's quilt and sending it off was just the encouragement I needed to make Hunter's quilt so it would be ready to welcome him when he was born. I had many blue-and-white strip units left over from making Han's quilt--more than enough to make an "all-American red-white-and-blue quilt for Hunter. (It was easy to get carried away sewing my blue strips to the white-on-white prints I had in my stash when I started Han's quilt, so most of the work was already done!)

Although the blocks were the same, I used a blue print for the sashing. I varied the border treatment and quilting.

I made a special label for Hunter's quilt, too, using clipart for the visuals since I couldn't incorporate any photos. I'm pretty pleased with the way it turned out.

Here's a shot of both quilts together. I used the same fabric for the binding on both quilts but I cut it on the bias for Han's quilt and on the straight grain for Hunter's. Hunter's doesn't show well in this shot, but it looks just like the red-white-and-blue inner border that you see in the photo.

I'm happy to report that with the exception of the yellow print on Han's quilt and the backing for Hunter's quilt, I used only fabrics already in my stash!

I hope you're enjoying a sewing project today. If you are looking for other quilt patterns appropriate for a baby, check out my quilt patterns at http://www.shop.joyofsewing.com/

Keep smiling and sewing!

Barbara

A Dirty Iron—On No!

2010-05-17T15:01:00.000-07:00

I love my Velocity Iron with built-in steam generator—but not when the soleplate is gunked up with black residue from fusibles and leaves it behind on my latest project!

Dritz Iron Off Hot Iron Cleaner to the rescue. It's been my #1 favorite notions item for over 30 years—and remains so to this day—that and fusible web.They do go hand in hand--fusible web speeds up my sewing, but it often leaves behind invisible residue that eventually turns black and ends up on my project.

I'm getting ready to pack my bags for Quilt Market in Minneapolis and need to press the hems on a brand new pair of pants. When I opened the drawer where my supply of this fabulous cream should be—alas it wasn't there. Off to the store I went. I couldn't find Iron Off on the notions wall without some help—the packaging has changed since I last stocked up. Now it's in a nice soft plastic tube—easier to use! And, the price has gone up a bit, like everything else. But, no price is too high when there's a brand new pair of white pants waiting for a press!

I use a sponge to apply Iron Off to the soleplate—not too close to any smoke alarm (ask me how I know) and when the gunk is gone, I run the iron over a stack of paper towels and shoot some steam through the vents to make sure there is no residue—before I use the iron on something else. Works like a charm!! Give it a try! I buy several tubes at a time--when there's a good sale on notions or I have a coupon to use.

I'm off to Quilt Market tomorrow. I'll keep you posted on anything exciting that I find as I walk the aisles (my feet hurt already!).
Keep Sewing and Smiling!
Barbara

Let's Go Shopping--The Store is Open!

2010-05-16T21:46:00.000-07:00

Great news! Now you can shop online for all of my patterns for tote bags and quilts. (No more snail mail orders means you'll have your patterns faster.)You'll find all of my patterns at www.shop.joyofsewing.com.

Included are a few quilt patterns and placemat patterns that are only availble at my online store as PDF downloads. Make your purchase, download, and you're ready to sew--well maybe you'll need to go fabric shopping first. OH JOY!

Perhaps you'll choose my popular

Quilted Traveler's Tote.

Quilt your own fabrics to make this great self-lined, zip-top carry-on. It features pockets inside and out--two are zipped to keep your travel documents secure. It fits easily in the plane's overhead compartment and it's the perfect tote to load to the limit with your fabric finds from any shopping expedition. Use it to carry supplies for sewing or quilting class.

I hope you'll check out my brand new, very hip Sew 'n' Go Hip Bag. It's a wonderful alternative to a handbag and very chic-looking in prints or solids, quilter's cottons or fashion fabrics.

Any way you cut it, you'll probably want a whole wardrobe of these little bags to mix and match with all your outfits. The Best News? You can make one in two hours or less--I can finish one in an hour if I have everything on hand!

And, if you are looking for a special quilt to stitch up for a sweet baby, Barnyard Babies is just the ticket.

Applique the "babies" using your favorite method and set them with assorted pastel sashing and cornerstones for a sweet crib quilt that makes a wonderful wall hanging for baby's room.

Altogether, there are 16 patterns on my online shop, so have fun shopping!

Keep Sewing and Smiling,
Barbara

Introducing TWO New Patterns!

2010-05-16T08:59:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy to introduce the two newest patterns from Jo-Lydia's Attic, making their debut at International Quilt Market next week. I've spent the past two weeks finalizing the patterns and opening my online shop so now you can order and pay for my patterns online--no more snail mail required. Visit www.shop.joyofsewing.com to see all of my current offerings, including some fun quilt and placemat patterns.

The Sew ’N’ Go Hip Bag...For Safe Travel & Shopping!

It’s a hip little bag on an adjustable belt, designed for safe travel and shopping and it's a great alternative to a handbag; wear as a small shoulder sling, too.

Tuck in your eyeglasses, ID, money, and other small items for hands-free comfort and safety.
Stitch up a wardrobe of these bags in your favorite prints. The bag works great in fashion fabrics, too. Think silk, suede--even velvet! It’s lovely in solid colors too for a more sophisticated look!

I love my pink one in pink silk duppioni, but the printed one will work great with all the pink and black outfits in my combination. I can't wait to use them at Quilt Market in Minneapolis next week.

FEATURES include:
* Pleated front expands for your necessities.
* Flat back hugs the body.

* Hidden zipper closure keeps everything safe inside.

* Ten-page pattern includes full-size pattern pieces to trace.

* Illustrated assembly directions are easy to follow.

* Make a Hip Bag in two hours or less.

The Quilted Workbag...
was inspired by a vintage sewing bag. It’s a roomy shoulder tote, perfect for your embroidery, quilting, sewing, knitting, or crochet projects. It's a wonderful soft bag that you can use for your everyday purse or tote, too.

* Inside hanging pockets for eyeglasses, cell phone, cosmetics, and more!

* How to quilt your own double-sided fabric for the bag shown

* Instructions for making a soft lined bag, too.

* Use quilting cottons or decorator fabrics.

* For a dress-up bag, choose silks or other fashion fabrics.

Retail: $10.00

Be sure to visit www.shop.joyofsewing.com to see my other popular patterns for tote bags and travel accessories.

Retail: $10.00

There's Still Crafting Time Before Christmas!

2009-12-19T14:08:00.000-08:00

There's still time to make these darling cupcake ornaments for Christmas—or for a Valentine's party! The photos on the free tutorial (see below for web address) are much better than mine!

I'm so amazed at how much free and wonderful information is available on the web—particularly the tutorials for sewing, quilting, and crafts projects. This one really caught my eye—enough to run out to buy the supplies and whip some right up for pretty little Christmas gifts for friends and family—not to mention to hang on my own Christmas tree. They don't take long and the free tutorial is well done. Visit the site below.
http://www.bakeitpretty.com/blog/?p=511

I'll add my two cents to the designer's directions to make the process even easier!
1. Buy a 2-ounce bag of the iridescent fake snowflakes (about $1.99) and a large bag of the plain and mix together in a sturdy paper plate bowl. I did about half and half. I used the entire 2-ounces of iridescent flakes with a similar amount of the plain snowflakes for 18 cupcakes.

2. Look for the quick-drying crafts glue (Alene). A 4-ounce bottle is enough for 12-18 ornaments, depending on how much glue you use on each one.

4. After "skewering" the balls as directed in the tutorial, hold each one over another paper plate bowl and drizzle a healthy amount of glue on the top of the ball, first. Then use the sponge brush to spread it. You really need a "healthy" coating of glue for good snowflake coverage.

5. Place the snow-covered balls in a tall drinking glass rather than a coffee cup if your skewers are long. Six skewered balls should fit in one glass without touching.

6. Now that my cupcakes are finished, I wish I had cut a circle of thin cardboard to glue into the bottom of each cupcake liner—they would be sturdier, easier to handle and to store. Do this step while you are waiting for the snow and glue to dry completely so they're ready when you're set to finish the cupcakes.

7. Use cool-melt "hot glue" for the safest application of glue just inside the upper edge all around the cupcake liner. Then insert the snowball and carefully press the liner to the ball all the way around.

8. Adding the hangers and cherries turned out to take the most time in the entire process. I used narrow ribbon loops—about a 5" length makes a good hanger. I also used fine straight pins from the sewing room to secure them in the glue. Then I added another "shot" of hot glue and pressed the cherry in place, stem up. It was too difficult to push the stem through the ribbon. Before the glue cooled, I sprinkled more snow over the cherry to make sure that it wouldn't show. Voila! The cutest little cupcake ornaments I've ever seen!

9. I think the cost for these ornaments turned out to be $1.00 or less! They are pretty cool and make an inexpensive project for a great little gift!

These would be too cute arranged on a cake stand for a party—give one to each guest as a favor. They would also be cute, with or without the hanging loop, for place settings.

Merry Christmas! A special offer for my readers!
If you are following my blog, for a limited time, you can order any of my patterns at my website http://www.joyofsewing.com/ for the list price, with totally FREE shipping or handling charges. That applies whether you order a single pattern or several. It's my Christmas gift to my readers. Print off the order form and send with your check or money order (US funds), postmarked by January 15, 2010, and the shipping is FREE!

Merry Christmas! Barbara
And, here's my favorite fudge recipe--I just whipped up a batch for Christmas nibbling!

Fabulous Fudge

I think this recipe came from my Grandma Weiland, who loved sweets, particularly at Christmas time!

2¼ cups sugar
¾ cup evaporated milk
16 large marshmallows
¼ cup butter
¼ teaspoon salt
6 ounces (1 cup) semi-sweet chocolate pieces
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Optional: Instant coffee granules--see note below.

Butter an 8" square cake pan.

1. Mix the sugar, milk, marshmallows, butter, and salt together in a heavy 2-quart saucepan and cook over medium heat. Stir constantly and bring to a boil--until just bubbling all over the top of the mixture.

2. Boil and stir just 5 minutes more and remove from the heat.

3. Stir in the chocolate pieces; stir until melted.

4. Stir in the vanilla and the nuts.

5. Spread in the buttered pan and allow to cool.

6. Cut into pieces of the desired size.

I add a teaspoon of instant coffee when I stir in the chocolate for a richer flavor. For Butterscotch Fudge, substitute butterscotch chips for the chocolate chips.

Christmas Vest Revisted

2009-12-11T11:42:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe this year has flown by with only one new post from me. Maybe now that my books are done--The Sewing Answer Book is in the editing stages now and is due to be released in July of 2010--I will actually have some time to sew and work on new patterns and post more often.

Merry Christmas to anyone who is following me and hasn't given up on my blog! I really do hope to post more often in the months ahead.

I'm generally not one to leave a project unfinished, but I must admit there are a few things hiding in my workroom that I haven't quite completed. One was a Christmas patchwork vest that I made in the early 90s as a work-in-progress sample for one of Judy Murrah's wearable art books (while was Editor-in-Chief at That Patchwork Place). It has been tucked away to finish for a special holiday ever since. Now that I have more time to sew, I've decided to finish, give away, or toss that have languished long enough.

When I brought out this pretty Christmas vest to finish, I basted the side seams and tried it on. Oh Dear! Something happened to my figure in the intervening years and it didn't fit me anymore!

And it was shorter than I like to wear these days—no tummy-hiding with this shorter, classic vest design! Not wanting to toss the vest and knowing no one it would fit if I did finish it, I decided to cut it apart and use parts of it to make a special Christmas stocking for my granddaughter, Kendall. She will be 21 months at Christmas time and I can't wait to see her reaction to Grammy's Christmas decorations. I've had to put things up high to keep the amount of temptation to a minimum.

It was fun to use some of the patchwork parts of my never-finished Christmas vest to make this little stocking for her.

I cut the stocking front from the patchwork made for the vest back. I rescued the cute little "baby block" packages from one front and fused them to the stocking front. Next I cut a back and the cuff from fabric leftovers that I still had in my box of green scraps and fat quarters. A short length of wire-edged ribbon for the loop was the finishing touch. I hope Kendall will keep this stocking forever, as a remembrance of her "bonus" Grammy.

Note: I didn't have a stocking pattern of the right size, so I photocopied a stocking shape I liked from an old catalog clipping, then enlarged it in several steps on my copier until it was a size that would fit across the back of the vest on the patchwork. I traced it onto tissue paper so I could see the patchwork for positioing purposes and then cut it out of the patchwork. I cut the toe and heel from patchwork pieces leftover after cutting the stocking front.

Sew Excited!!

2009-05-03T17:19:00.000-07:00

Yes, I'm so excited! I just opened the box containing my very own copies of my very own book! The Quilting Answer Book has landed and is available at bookstores, quilt shops, and online. To order online, go to http://www.storey.com/subcategory_listing.php?cat=Crafts&subcat=Sewing&sort=date&p=0

It's so much fun to see such a big project come to such lovely fruition. Working with the folks at Storey Publishing was a stellar experience for me as an author--on the other side of my usual place on the editor's fence!

Signing Books in Colorado
I'll be traveling to Colorado this month to help my mom following wrist surgery--and I'll be visiting the Great American Quilt Factory on May 23rd from 10:00am to Noon to visit with quilters and autograph copies of my book. If you live there or know a quilter who does, let them know! While in Colorado, I'm looking forward to reconnecting with a colleague from days gone by. I haven't seen Carol Ann Waugh, now an art quilter, with whom I worked at Butterick Publishing in the early 1970s. Check out her website to see her wonderful art quilts!www.carolannwaugh.com

Save Our Planet
After watching Oprah's recent "green" show and witnessing the disastrous heap of garbage floating between our West Coast and Japan (90 miles deep at places), it became even more obvious to me how important it is for all of us to do our part to save our planet and all who inhabit it. Plastic bags are one of the worst offenders, trapping, encasing, and strangling our wildlife.

Add to the impact of that show, my first-ever trip to a local dump--my husband and I took rotting lumber from an old shed to a local transfer station for transport to the landfill. Midway through our dump, a large garbage dumpster backed up on the opposite side of the container truck into which we were disposing of the rotted wood--which will decompose. As we stepped back to avoid the stench, I watched with dismay at the amount of garbage just one truck holds--and at the things that rolled out that could have been placed in home recylcing bins.

I felt bad for all the times I took the easy way out in the past and just put things in the garbage rather than keeping a recycling bin on my porch. I do recycle now. When I looked to my right, I saw one of the container trucks in the yard with a big sign that read, " Half of the contents could have been recycled." It should say "should have been recycled." As a result of that sobering trip to the dump, I came home and made a set of 5 cotton canvas tote bags to keep in my car, using my Magic Tuck Market Tote pattern. Of course, plain Jane canvas has no place in my life. I embroidered the pocket for each tote with a favorite fruit or vegetable motif. My Bernina artista 730 made it so easy!! Here are the finished totes.

FYI: I'm working on a "tote-torial" that shows you how to adapt the Magic Tuck Market Tote to a canvas tote with embroidered (or not) pockets. You will find it at www.joyofsewing.com

What makes this a magic tote, you ask? Well, it has a special tuck in the bottom that allows for a flat bottom when you stand it up to load it with your shopping goodies, but when you're not using it lies flat with the bottom tucked up inside as shown in these two photos.

I hope you'll consider making lots of these totes to keep in your car for your shopping trips. A set of four or six would make a great gift for each of your friends and encourage them to recycle.

Here are closeups of four of the embroideries on the totes:

Until next time,
Keep sewing and smiling!
Barbara

The Very Best Reason to Make a Quilt!

2009-02-09T14:01:00.000-08:00

A Beautiful Granddaughter!!
It's been two months since my last post--Christmas, very cold and snowy weather, and a major battle with a respiratory problem zapped my energy and time, not to mention trying to work on my newest book (The Sewing Answer Book) to be published next year and loving this beautiful baby whenever we get to have her with us for a few hours each week. Kendall is 10 1/2 months now and almost walking on her own. I love rocking her and singing her to sleep--she's a good cuddler.

Another Baby Coming Soon!

My "baby" will be "born" soon! I love the cover of my new book, The Quilting Answer Book (Storey Publishing, www.storey.com). It's at the printer now and will be available sometime in April. The price is great!! Just $14.95 for a 436-page handbook to keep by your machine and to tuck into your workbag to take along for quilting classes! It's chock-a-block full of all the info you need to make a quilt from choosing fabric, to cutting and sewing the quilt top, adding borders, quilting, binding and labeling! I hope you will ask for it at your local quilt shop and consider giving it as a gift to friends who quilt, especially the newbies. It's a great little reference, even if I do say so myself!

That's it for this post. My sewing book is due at the end of March--and I want to send it in early. I'm close to finishing the first draft so I will easily make my deadline.
In the meantime, keep sewing and smiling!! And check out my new tote patterns at www.joyofsewing.com. They're available at many quilt shops around the country!
Barbara

When Is a Sweater Not a Sweater?

2008-12-07T17:05:00.000-08:00

Imagine my delight to find this lovely Christmas sweater, complete with felted poinsettia, on a sale rack for only $15—

and then my horror to find a cut in the lower back. The sweater was too pretty to leave behind so I bought it anyway. Then, what to do with it?

I thought I could fuse a piece of interfacing under the slit and wear it anyway—but the sweater proved a bit too small so into a box it went.

This year, I unearthed the sweater in my search for some other set-aside project and decided to do something with it or send it off to Goodwill. I'm in a "use it or be done with it" mode. A Christmas pillow for my couch was the wonderful result.

Here's how I did it--you can use this general procedure to rescue a sweater with a stain, mothhole, etc., or one you find on sale that doesn't fit or one that you discover in a thrift store.

Step 1: Steam press the sweater to remove wrinkles, then button it up, make sure the lower edges are even, and then use rotary tools to cut it apart just under the armholes.

Step 2: Remove the top button to get it out of the way of the seam placement at the cut edge. Whipstitch the buttonhole lips together.

Step 3: Cut out the lovely flower to reapply to the pillow. I trimmed as much of the underlying sweater away under the felted petals.

Step 4: Unbutton the sweater and apply lightweight knit fusible interfacing to the underside where the flower will be restitched—for added support and easier machine stitching.

Step 5. Apply small strips of fusible web to the underside of the flower center and petals. (Flower in position on sweater with white press cloth shown in photo.)

Remove the protective paper on the fusible web and position the flower on the pillow front, keeping it out of the way of where the upper raw edges will be seamed together (1/4"-wide seam). Cover with a press cloth and fuse in place.

For added durability, stitch in place after fusing. I machine-stitched along the existing embroidered details wherever possible and close to raw edges when there was no embroidery.

Step 6: Salvage a piece of the sweater from the cutaway to "mend" the hole with fusible web. Apply the web to each side of the slit on the wrong side with the iron and them remove the protective paper to expose the web.

Step 7. Force the cut edges together and cover with the sweater scrap. Fuse in place. Trim the edges and round the corners of the patch--it doesn't have to be "pretty" since it won't show. This will be the back of the pillow, so even if the "mend" is not perfect on the right side, it won't matter that much. I did a zigzag stitch over the edges from the right side after fusing the patch in place on the wrong side.

Step 8: Button the buttons, pin the front edge in place, and slipstitch in place.

Step 9. With right sides facing, stitch the upper raw edges together where you cut the "pillow" section away from the upper part of the sweater. Stitch again, close to the first stitching. Trim excess, leaving a 1/4"-wide seam allowance. Turn right side out and steam press as needed.

Step 10. Pin and edgestitch the lower rib knit edges together, leaving a long opening for inserting a pillow form.

Step 11. Measure the finished pillow cover and make a pillow form that is an inch larger all around so the pillow will really fill out the cover. Use muslin or other fabric leftovers to make the cover and fill with polyester fiberfill to the desired firmness. See Tip below. Remember that the sweater has "give" so it will snug up over a firm pillow. Tuck the pillow form inside and hand or machine-stitch the opening closed (you may need to use your zipper foot for this).

Tip: Make the pillow form larger than than the outside measurements of the sweater cover—at least an inch. It will fill out the cover better.

This was an easy project but did take a bit longer than I anticipated—but then that's usually the way it works out!

Rather than a sweater lying unworn at the bottom of a project box, now I have a lovely pillow to grace my couch for the holidays! Plus, I have sweater leftovers to use for trim on other projects—or cute little mitten ornaments for my Christmas tree!

Speaking of Christmas Trees

Here's mine--and just in case I don't find time to do another blog this month, Merry Christmas to all of you!

Until next time, keep sewing and smiling!

Barbara

Three New Patterns—They're Ready!

2008-11-09T18:11:00.000-08:00

Where did the month of October go? I wasn't blogging because I was busy proofreading my newest book—see below—and finalizing the three new patterns in my pattern line (Jo-Lydia's Attic at http://www.joyofsewing.com/) so they'd be ready for Quilt Market. Working on the directions, reviewing the illustrations, and taking photos for the cover sheets took lots of time, but I'm pleased with the results and hope you will like them as much as I do. (We also celebrated our second anniversary and our birthdays--October is a busy and happy month for Stan and me.)

Without further ado, here are the new patterns with descriptions and price. As a special offer to my blog readers, you can order any of these for $1.00 off the retail price listed for each one, plus FREE shipping and handling. Send a personal check or money order (US funds only) to the address provided below and I'll send them right out!

Make checks to: Barbara W. Talbert
Send to: 10410 NE 33rd Ave., Vancouver, WA 98686

The Quilted Traveler's Tote

The perfect carry-on or tote for class supplies

Quilt your own fabric—complete directions included for quilting each tote section before assembly; or use already quilted fabric

Zipped security pockets inside and out

Zip-top panel drops down inside when you just want an open-top tote

Retail: $12.00 (special to readers, $11.00 plus free shipping and handling--see ordering info above)

Sew 'N' Go Sewer's Wallet

Neck wallet with multiple pockets on both sides for travel docs

and/or sewing tools

Great for travel or for sewing classes

Retail: $8.00 (special to readers, $7.00, plus free shipping and handling; see ordering info above)

The Magic Tuck Market Tote

Stitch-and-flip, stand-up, fold flat tote; packs flat to take along in your suitcase

Completely lined inside finish

Zipped inside pocket, plus cell phone pocket and one pocket on outside

Easy stitch-and-flip construction

Jelly-roll friendly (2½" pre-cut strips)

Quick and easy to make in multiples for grocery totes—what a great gift!

Retail: $12.00 ($11.00 to readers, plus free shipping and handling (see ordering info above)

The Quilting Answer Book--It's coming in the spring!
The last week of October found me winging my way to Hartford, CT, to join my husband on a business trip—first his, then mine. After his meetings in Waterbury, we drove north to North Adams, MA, to visit Storey Publishing. They are publishing my new book, The Quilting Answer Book, in April, 2009. I've seen the first page proofs of this 436-page handbook and am so pleased with the results.

While at Storey, I met with the Editorial Director, sales staff, and the publicity department. Exciting news—the book will be the featured selection in an upcoming book club catalog! I reviewed the cover idea and can't wait to see it in its final form! Stay tuned for more information on the release date for this nifty handbook that is jam-packed with quilting how-tos, but small enough to tuck in your handbag or your sewing tote! I'll post the final cover design as soon a I have it so you'll know what to watch for in your local quilt shop.

Now I'm busy at work on the manuscript for a companion volume--The Sewing Answer Book!

After a lovely lunch with the folks from Storey, http://www.storey.com/, Stan and I headed north to Vermont and then east across the Hogback Mountains into New Hampshire and then on to Portland, ME, where I once lived. Stan knocked off four New England states he hadn't yet seen in just one day. It was a bright, sunny late fall day and there was plenty of "color" along the way—not as bright as it would have been if we had been a week earlier, but beautiful just the same—as evidenced by these photos. I love these fall color combos, don't you?

It was great to see my dear friends there (Beth and David, Gene and Anita, and Sue and Dana) and introduce Stan to all of them since they were not able to come for our wedding two years ago. We both caught colds, which put a damper on sightseeing, but we did take a little drive out to Portland Headlight (see photos) in Cape Elizabeth—one of my favorite places when I lived in Portland during the 70s and 80s.

That's it for now! Until next time,

Keep sewing and smiling!
Barbara

When is a Walnut Not a Walnut?

2008-10-01T19:23:00.000-07:00

When it's a thimble holder! There are two walnuts in my collection of vintage sewing tools. I found the first one in an antique shop in Flemington, New Jersey, years ago. It is a thoroughly Victorian notion—to make a little red silk drawstring pouch, drill holes in a perfect walnut shell, connect the pieces with a little silk cord, and then tuck a thimble inside! It's such a dear little thing! I have a vague notion that I saw this same little thimble holder described in a Victorian publication, sometime after I purchased it.

The second walnut is brass--hinged and designed with loops to wear on a chain—I'm guessing. It's felt-lined with a loop for the thimble and a leaf for pins and needles. I have no idea how old it is but I’m sure it dates well after the "real" one.

A Sneak Peek
I've been busy this week, trying to take good photos for two of my three new patterns to be introduced in time for International Quilt Market in Houston this Fall (how can it be already?). Since I'm not a professional photographer, I've had to experiment with my Sony point and shoot. I'm pretty happy with the results. Outdoor lighting on my porch did the trick to get rid of unwanted shadows. Plus, my pattern illustrator, Missy Shepler, gave me some great pointers. If you need illustration and design help, she is a treasure (www.sheplerstudios.com). She did all the illustrations for my book, The Quilting Answer Book, to be published in the spring by Storey Publishing. And, I'm hoping she'll be on board for the next one—the one I'm working on now—The Sewing Answer Book.

Anyway, back to my patterns. Here they are—The Quilted Traveler's Tote and The Magic Tuck Market Tote.

The Quilted Traveler's Tote is a roomy bag with a zip top that drops down inside when the tote isn't too full, but expands above the tote when you fill it with goodies from your travels. It fits in the overhead, has an inside zipped pocket, plus divided pockets on the outside. The pattern includes directions for quilting your own tote fabric because already-quilted, double-sided fabric selection is usually quite limited. You cut the pieces for the tote first and then do the machine quilting to make it easy to handle the work at the machine.

The Magic Tuck Market Tote looks a lot like a regular flat-bottom tote, but the tuck that creates the bag bottom allows you to fold the bag flat for packing in your suitcase. It's also perfect for groceries—make up a bunch of these to keep stacked in your car for your market trips--no more plastic or paper bags to clutter the environment!

Missy did the illustration for my third pattern, The Sew 'N' Go Sewer's Wallet. The two-sided wallet has a neck strap and pockets on both sides to hold travel documents, eyeglasses, and small sewing tools. A vinyl pocket on Side one side holds your ID or your name badge when attending sewing and quilting classes. On Side Two, you can tuck your boarding pass, passport, driver's license, business cards, or a credit card. Or, you can fill those same pockets with your sewing tools so you can do handwork on the plane or in your rocking chair.

Watch for these new patterns to appear on my website (http://www.joyofsewing.com/) soon. You can order them there or ask for them in your favorite shops in early November. All of them would make great gifts!

A Favorite New Book
I haven't bought many new sewing books lately, but I just couldn't leave Sew Pretty Homestyle by Tone Finnanger in the store! It is chock-a-block full of sweet sewing projects in all of my favorite pastel colors. It has a bit of a Victorian feel with a "cottage modern" look too. I may never make any of the projects, but they are great inspiration and just fun to look at. Sweet little angels, embroidered hearts, and sweet quilts are included. It was published by David & Charles—you can find it at amazon.com if it's not available at your local fabric or book store. The author has also done two Christmas project books with projects in her signature style.

Garden Party

Each year my friend, Linda Wisner, hosts several informal get-togethers in her glorious garden on Sauvie Island, an idyllic spot about 12 miles from downtown Portland, OR. She invites friends to drop by in the late afternoon to share her garden bounty as well as delicious treats from her kitchen--she's a fabulous cook. We were finally able to partake in her hospitality this year and Sunday proved to be a glorious sunny fall day--perfect for the event! Linda served up homemade Pizza Rustica, making a new one with different toppings, as each one disappeared from the table.

I wandered through Linda's garden before we left and took a few photos. I love examining these for color combinations--nature is such a good teacher. Really looking at how colors work in nature gives us lots of clues for wardrobe colors and quilt fabric combinations--if only we take the time to really look!

Enjoy these crisp days of Fall. They will be gone before we know it.

Until next time,

Keep sewing and smiling!

Barbara

Miscellaneous Musings

2008-09-21T11:47:00.000-07:00

Something from my Sewing Room

Here are two more little tape measures from my vintage sewing tools collection. The one on the right is much older--made of bone (the white spindle) and kokui (sp.?) nut, I think.

Lovely Linen
Linen is a favorite fabric of mine, despite its inherent wrinkling. It's easy to cut, sew, and press and comfortable to wear. Recently I spotted an interesting linen apron in a magazine I was reading and decided to enter the name of the company that produced it in Google to see if the company offered other similar products. Libeco was indeed online. The company is located in Belgium, near Bruges where I have visited (a lovely city where lacemaking still reigns supreme). The Libeco website offers a lovely, photo-illustrated discussion of how linen fibers are produced as well as some helpful care information. Visit http://www.libeco.com/en/about-linen/from-flax%20to-linen.aspx

Armchair Adventures
I love how searching on the Internet leads you to forks in the road—like the Walt Whitman poem, The Road Less Traveled. Every time I visit a new website or blog, I find myself clicking on links and landing in new and unexpected places; I can while away an hour or more on these armchair journeys, but the creativity I see on screen is usually worth it. And sometimes I try to back-click my way to the original fork in the road, so to speak, so that I can take the other road and see where it leads! Talk about an easy armchair trip around the world! The Internet surely offers that if you're willing to exercise your clicking finger.

Here are some new interesting spots I found on my latest armchair adventures that you might want to check out if art quilts/quilting are of interest. Lots of inspiration in these spots!

http://twelveby12.blogspot.com/
http://www.twelveby12.org/water/index.html Check out the galleries on this site for inspiration.
http://candiedfabrics.wordpress.com/
http://www.quiltart.com/apc.html
http://nicquiltz.blogspot.com/
http://quiltspluscolor.blogspot.com/

Questions, I've Got Questions
I haven't done any sewing for the past few weeks—vacation in Colorado to visit my Mom and sister and catching up after vacation have eaten into my time. But, I have been sorting through the pile of magazines that arrived while I was away and in one of them I found an interesting set of questions posed to a current designer--one I'm not tuned into by the way. I thought I'd share those questions, plus a few I added, along with my answers. It was an interesting exercise, one you might like to try. Here are the questions and my answers. What might yours be?

Who is your favorite designer?
I don't have one. When I was younger, I loved to sew with Jeanne Muir patterns from Vogue.

If you could come back as a dress, what would it be?
A little black dress—always chic, always in fashion.

What's your favorite color?
Any shade of pink. It's so flattering to the complexion.

What's your favorite junk food?
Pringle's potato chips--I can't eat just one. Usually, the whole can disappears in a day--so I don't buy them very often, and then they are a real treat.

What are you most vain about?
I can't think of anything, other than trying to always look my best when I'm out in public.

What are you most shy about?
Entering a room where I don't know a soul.

If you could have somebody else's body, whose would it be?
Raquel Welch or Catherine Zeta-Jones; no actually, mine, just 20# slimmer!

Who are your fantasy dinner guests?
Oprah Winfrey, Louisa May Alcott, Barack and Michelle Obama, James Michener, Robert Redford, Coco Chanel, Paul Poiret, Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, Leonarda DaVinci, Beverly Sills, Annie LaMott

Who do you most admire?
My mother

What's your favorite non-alcoholic beverage?
Starbucks Mocha (nonfat, no-whip, 2 pumps, extra hot)

What's your favorite soft drink?
Coca-Cola

Favorite alcoholic beverage?
A glass of Merlot—one's enough

Underwear of choice?
Sexy and comfortable, with a bit of lycra for support.

What can't you travel without?
My cosmetic kit—simple though it is.

Last book you read?
Plum Wine

What's the one thing you should be doing more of?

Exercise!!!!!

What's the one thing you want to do more of?

Sing and take singing lessons again

Any pets?
None

What's for breakfast?
Kashi cereal with 1% milk

What did you want to be at age 7?
A Catholic nun

Do you have any superstitions?
None

What's your biggest self indulgence?
Having my nails done every two weeks

Favorite place to shop
Wherever I can find what I want at a bargain price

If you were an inventor, what would you invent?
A sewing machine that could cook! No, seriously, a very low-cost efficient method of transportation that would be available to everyone at no cost to the environment

What's your favorite car?
Anything that looks presentable, runs well, gets decent mileage, and gets me where I need to go.

What was your childhood nickname(s)?
Bar-b-que, Spider Legs, Bibsie

When and where are you happiest?
Snuggling, talking, and laughing with my sweetie—my husband.

What was the best day of your life--so far?

The day I met my wonderful husband, followed by the day we married in 2006.

What is your most cherished accomplishment?

Setting and completing the goal to give a personal vocal recital before my 55th birthday!

Who's you best friend?
My sweet husband

Who's your worst enemy?
Don't have one

What piece of art would you like to own?
Anything by Monet or Mary Cassatt

What’s your favorite vacation spot?
Wherever I am at the time--being in the moment

Who's your favorite fictional character?
Jo of Little Women

What is your favorite poem?

Barter by Sara Teasdale...Life has lovliness to sell, All beautiful and splendid things....

What's your most treasured possession?
My life and my US citizenship

Who's your favorite musician?
No one favorite—too many to name

If you weren't a writer, who would you be?
A famous world-traveling photo journalist

What's your biggest fashion regret?
Looking back, wearing the absolute wrong thing for a job interview—but I got the job anyway
Favorite trend of all time?
Loved large loose sweaters over skinny-legged pants or leggings

Worst trend of all time?
Football pad shoulder pads and "big hair." The Afro do wasn't very becoming either--at least not on me!

How would you describe yourself in five words or less?

A creative, practical romantic

Always…
Brush and floss your teeth—and pay yourself first.

Never…
Put yourself down.

Until next time,

Keep sewing and smiling!

Barbara

"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other."

Mother Teresa

Connecting Threads…Connecting Hearts!

2008-09-07T19:03:00.000-07:00

I recently sent out an announcement to a very long list of sewers who had responded to me at the e-letter I wrote when I was the editor of Sewing Savvy magazine. Thank you to those who have responded to my recent e-mail and visited this blog and/or my website—http://www.joyofsewing.com/. I have had some lovely e-mail and guest book responses at my website from several of you and it's nice to know I've been missed.

Unlike that e-letter, which was sent automatically from the company that published the magazine, I post this blog personally—when I feel I have something to say about sewing, life, or just whatever. My goal is to write something at least once a week, but you know how life can sometimes get in the way of the best-laid plans! So, if you really want to read my blog when it's fresh, be sure to subscribe to an RSS feed—look to the right, just under my photo and copyright for your options for subscribing to the blog posts and/or comments. Once you sign up, you'll get an e-mail each time I post something new. Otherwise, you'll need to remember to check back every week or so to find out what's new!

Comments and Questions?
Have a comment or a question? I encourage you to click on "comments" (in pink) that is at the end of every post. I'll try to respond if you take the time to communicate with me this way. I loved hearing from my readers with responses, questions, and suggestions and I'd like to keep that going here if possible!! You can also e-mail me at barbara.weiland@yahoo.com if you wish.

Start Them Sewing Young
I've written about teaching young ones to sew in my previous e-letter and have had great responses from readers. "Each one teach one" is a great motto for any month of the year, but particularly during National Sewing Month. I was tickled pink to hear from my friend, Elfrieda Snow, last week about her granddaughter's prize-winning quilt.

I met Elfreida and Reg when they lived in Newfoundland and owned a fabric shop there. I visited several times as a Palmer/Pletsh instructor to deliver sewing seminars in the shop in the early 80s. Elfrieda and Reg were great hosts! Now they live outside of Toronto, close to their children and grandchildren, and I hope Stan and I can visit them sometime when retirement means we can travel more. I caught up with them through another reader, whom I had met at one of those seminars—this internet is such a wonderful tool for reconnecting broken threads of friendship.

Anyway, back to Mia and her first quilt! Here's what Elfrieda wrote:
"Mia learned to use the sewing machine at the age of 3. She began by sewing squares together. Once that was completed we went to a local Quilt Shop, Andjareena's in Trenton, where she chose the background and border fabrics. Mia completed her quilt just after her 6th birthday and then entered it in the Belleville Fair. At the Fair she was awarded 1st prize in the Junior Quilting category and she also received the 'Judge's Choice' award.

Mia's smile says it all, don't you think? It's truly priceless! Way to go Mia! Keep up the good work!! I can't wait to see what you stitch up next!

Special Offer for National Sewing Month
This is a repeat from an earlier post as I want to make sure readers don't miss it this month while we're celebrating sewing all month long:
Check out my patterns at www.joyofsewing.com
There, you'll find my popular totes, a few quilts, a great little jacket, and some fun placemats to sew for Halloween and Thanksgiving. Send an order with your personal check or money order (US funds only), between now and September 30th, and the shipping is FREE . Yes, you'll need to use snail mail to order. Print the order form, or just write one out on your own. Offer is valid for orders with postmarks through the end of September 2008!

Something From My Sewing Room
In the last post, I shared a photo of a display box featuring the vintage sewing tools in my collection and I promised to include close-ups in future posts. Here's the first one—I call it WHOOOOO Sews? It's a dear little tape measure.

Word Games

My life is all about sewing and writing about it. As a writer,I'm always intrigued by the way other writers put words together. While we were on our boating vacation in August (see August posts for more details and photos), an article in the Sunday paper caught my eye and I decided to give writing poetry by crossing out the words in newspaper articles a try. If you like word play and word games, you might find this section interesting. If not, see you in the next post!

Here are the poems I came up with by following the directions to cross out all text except the words I wanted to make my poems. This article appeared in the August 24, 2008 issue of The News Tribune (Tacoma, WA).

Late to the Game
sticking out your tongue
saying "ahhh."
a dog-eared file…
your medical chart
a quaint remnant!
"The Doctor Goes Digital"
a painful struggle.
(written from article: "The Doctor Goes Digital")

The Next Big Deal
Peddling something…
A more healthful alternative
Stop smoking
Career changes
Turkish coffee
sure has worked…
Drink more often
Grounds into brew...
Natural...
Flavorful...
Healthful...
Social
(written from article about an internet business built around selling accoutrements for Turkish coffee as a more healthful alternative to smoking, overeating, and stress)

Theroux Retraces Steps
Escape the music of metropolitan life...
enthusiastic traveler with feet on the ground.
First-ever trip…thinking about the past
Looking back…catching up.
Self-discovery...
a somewhat grumpy ride.
Anything possible on a train...
an intrigue,
strangers' monologues,
exile from life,
wanderlust in the soul and
places no tourist would think of going

(written from "Theroux Retraces Steps He Took to Travel Classic")

Big Island Small Surprises
Such a "wow" factor…
big vistas,
mountain ranges,
wild expanse,
island-studded,
hidden gems!

(written from article about Vancouver Island)

Until next time,
Keep sewing and smiling!

"If you want to make peace, you don't talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies."
Moshe Dayan

September is National Sewing Month…

2008-09-01T09:55:00.000-07:00

What will you sew today? That's always the question, isn't it? Some days I don't sew at all—but I usually think about it. Today, as I entered my sewing room, I thought about all the happy hours I've spent in my life sewing. I've been using a needle and thread for almost as long as I can remember. Mom sewed for us (six little girls) and then taught me how to do more than the crooked little straight stitches I sewed on my doll's clothes. She made the dresses in this photo—each a different pastel shade of organdy with tiny rosebuds embroidered at the point of each scallop around the neckline and hem. How she managed to do this and take care of six children, ages one to six, and do all of her farmer's wife duties is still beyond me—but I'm sure glad she did! We were lined up for this photo, stair step-style, at my dear Aunt Judy's wedding. Can you pick me out in the photo? (Two boys followed this gaggle of girls, much to Dad's delight.)

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity-Jog!
That's something my mother would say when we would arrive home from wherever we'd been and I often think it or say it to myself for the same reason. It's part of poem about a dog from The Better Homes and Gardens Storybook—a book she read to us frequently when I was a child. How I wish that book hadn't disappeared from her bookshelf—I'd like to read to my granddaughter from it. I have such fond memories of storytime with that book. One of my favorites was The Little Red Hen—perhaps someday, I'll make a little chicken quilt in tribute to that story!

Anyway, we returned home from our boating trip on Saturday. The weather proved cold, rainy, and windy while we were away, so Victoria BC will have to wait for sunnier days. Gas is too dear to cruise to a pretty place and then sit in the rain! It's unseasonably cool here at home—more like November than August/September! Below are two more photos to share from our trip...a tall ship was under sail as we made our way home after stopping at the city dock (free!) in Gig Harbor for the night.

It was raining, so some of my shots were taken through the window in the salon of our boat. I love this one of the boat fender through the rain-spattered window. The 3-D quality of the raindrops is so "real."

Something from my Sewing Room
I'm back in the sewing room/office today, trying to decide which project to tackle first. Since I've been working on new patterns for the past few months, the pattern for "The Magic Tuck Market Tote" is at the top of my list to finish up today. I want it to be available soon, along with my new Sew 'N' Go patterns that are in the illustration stage—a wonderful quilted travel tote and a quilted travel wallet for sewers and quilters on the go! Watch for them and the Market Tote to appear on my website, http://www.joyofsewing.com/ sometime in late September or early October. I'll let you know here when they are available there.

As a long-time sewer, I've also become a collector of vintage sewing tools, bits of lace, and other sewing related ephemera. Most of my antique sewing tools are on display in my sewing room in an old type box that I lined with wallpaper and refinished. I took a photo so you can see my collection. I'll take and post close-ups of the items shown in future blog posts.

A New Book to Consider for Your Bookshelf
Here's a new book I just heard about that I plan to buy: Digital Essentials: The Quilt Maker’s Must-Have Guide to Images, Files, and More by Gloria Hansen. It's touted as a learning guide for designing using software programs like Photoshop Elements and Paint Shop Pro. I have Photoshop but have never taken a class and so didn't know what I could do with it other than resize my digital photos—which I've done a lot. But organizing them and storing them is a daunting task.
I just read Gloria's two-part series on manipulating image files in Quilting Arts—one of my most favorite magazines. You'll find her excellent articles in the June/July and August/September issue of the magazine. Even if you don't quilt, this magazine is a feast for the eyes and full of techniques and inspiration. When I retire, if not before, I hope to go back through my issues and try some of them. Even though I didn't have the article with me when I was in Hawaii in June, I remembered a bit of what I'd read. After taking photos of the orchids in the Orchid House and a lotus in the Japanese Garden at Koele Lodge in Lanai, I was brave enough to explore some of the tools in my Photoshop program and came up with some really interesting results. Here are two of the photos I played with and an interesting new image for each one. When you use the drop-down menu for "Filter" in Photoshop, you'll find interesting options. These photos were adjusted with "posterize" and "poster edges." First the original and then the adjusted image; I wish I could put them side by side, but when I do, the text flows strangely so here they are, one after the other.

I think these photos--both versions of each--will make nice notecards.

I have yet to get out Gloria's articles and follow along step-by-step to create and print an image for an art quilt but I'm not so afraid to play with the tools on Photoshop now, and I think I'll be able to make an art quilt with Gloria's well-written instructions. I'm sure her book will be enlightening and encouraging! Ask for it at your local quilt shop. It's published by

www.electricquilt.com

Wordles

You can sign up to get a Thought for the Day at Wordles. I love today's: "Dreaming permits each and every one of us to be quietly and safely insane every night of our lives." William Dement

I have made up my own version of Dement's great quote: Sewing permits each and every one of us to be quietly and safely and insanely creative every day of our lives!!

Let Me Know What You're Sewing
...and share your thoughts and questions about your quilting and sewing projects. At the end of every post in this blog there is a place to post your comments. Click on "comments" and a window will appear for you to leave your comments, suggestions, and questions.

Until next time…
Keep on sewing and smiling!
Barbara

"One little person, giving all of her time to peace, makes news.Many people, giving some of their time, can make history." Peace Pilgrim

National Thread the Needle Day…We Missed It!

2008-08-27T12:36:00.000-07:00

July 25th was day! Of course, if you sew, any day is a "thread the needle day." But, do you know the second meaning? According to www.holidayinsights.com the phrase means to "either walk a fine or difficult line between two issues or things, or to do something difficult. M-m-m! I guess we do that every day in the search for world peace!

Sewing Tip of the Day
I've been working on my sewing book—writing about threading the needle, actually, and I just found a neat new tip in one of the sewing books that's long been on my bookshelves. When you must sew with a doubled thread in the needle, I've found that a good tug can break the thread right off the eye, or prolonged sewing causes the thread to shred and break there. When you must use doubled thread, as for attaching buttons by hand, try this neat trick to prevent the wear—cut two equal lengths of thread and thread them together as one through the eye—as if you were sewing with a single thread. Knot the ends together. Oh, and don't forget to wax those threads to help them adhere to each other. After waxing them together, place between two layers of paper towel and press with a warm iron to melt the wax into the thread.

National Sewing Month is Soon Upon Us!
September will soon arrive—a month to celebrate our love for sewing! What will you do to celebrate? I have two suggestions: you can start now to create an apron for the apron challenge at www.apronicity.com and you can join all those "lazies" at www.lazygirldesigns.com by joining the challenge to Make 2 Give 2! Check out these two creative options for expressing your love for sewing!

Apron Memories
My first sewing project for 4-H was a little printed gingham apron—completely made by hand. I learned to do the slipstitch to perfection on the the two side hems and the top and bottom hems. It was just a simple hemmed rectangle with a casing for the ribbon tie—but in my untrained, little-girl fingers, it seemed to take forever. With all the renewed interest in apron sewing these days, I've been thinking a lot of my grandmothers, who always wore aprons. Do you have any fond memories of your mother's or grandmothers' aprons—or any bits of wisdom that they dispensed? I'd love to hear your comments on this topic. At the end of the post, click on "Comments" to open a window and share your thoughts.

Special Offer for National Sewing Month...Free Shipping

Check out my patterns at www.joyofsewing.com
You'll find my popular totes, a few quilts, a great little jacket, and some fun placemats to sew for Halloween and Thanksgiving. Send an order with your personal check or money order (US funds only), and the shipping is free. Yes, you'll need to use snail mail to order. Print the order form on the website and fill it out, or just write one out on your own. Offer is valid for orders with postmarks through the end of September 2008 only!

Rockin' and a Rollin' with the Waves!
As I post this, we're tied up dockside at Kingston, WA, harbor, just inside the breakwater. We spent a long night in a heavy rainstorm and woke in the middle of the night to a windstorm rocking the boat and whistling overhead. It's been a long time since I've heard the wind whistling like that. We were glad to be in our cozy "stateroom" on the boat, instead of in a tent somewhere. We're staying here another night as more "weather" is due. Then we'll decide if it's time to work our way homeward. In my last post, I shared that a rainbow appeared over Poulsbo Bay—this is the best shot from that day.

Today Is "Just Because Day"
What will you do today, "just because?" Take a nap, go for walk somewhere new, clean up the sewing room? So many options!

It's also the anniversary of Mother Teresa's birth in 1910.

Tomorrow is Dream Day—in honor of Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech given in 1963. What do you dream of? Dreams can't come true if you don't first birth them and speak them to give them a life.

Until next time,
Keep sewing and smiling!
"Peace is not something you wish for; it's something you make, something you do, something you are, and something you give away." Robert Fulghum

Glass, Glass Everywhere...and Not a Drop to Drink!

2008-08-25T11:59:00.000-07:00

No, you cannot drink from the glass at the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, WA, but you can drink in vibrant color and inspiration with every step through the galleries and gift shop and along the Chihuly Bridge of Glass!

The Beckoning Cone
Just above our slip at the Dock Street Marina, the giant metal cone that marks the Museum of Glass beckoned us to the world's largest Hot Shop amphitheater—a unique space where you can sit, stadium-style, to watch artists at work, creating new glass pieces before your very eyes. A large screen above the work area, which houses several glory holes—furnaces roaring at over 2300˚F—provides a birdseye view of the process as glassworkers withdraw molten glass on a rod to be worked into shape before returning to the oven—again and again. One false move—and they must begin again! A commentator with mic in hand also keeps the audience apprised of what's happening. We entered the amphitheater to watch the last 30 minutes of work on a piece by the glass artist of the day and the crew in the pit. We stayed to watch as they broke it from the rod and carefully laid it to rest in one of the annealing ovens that gradually lower the temperature of the finished pieces over a period of days so that they slowly cool and avoid cracking into a million little pieces. Fascinating!

Even if glass is not your thing, I recommend a stop at this relatively new art museum (6 years old), just for the walk along the Dale Chihuly Bridge of Glass. The colorful work of Chihuly, a Tacoma native, is showcased along this bridge connecting downtown Tacoma with the waterfront where we were docked.

Two large stacks of irregular glass cubes invite you to travel further. The day was gloriously clear. Up close and personal, the glass looked like big chunks of aquamarine ice tossed and stacked on a whim.

Whether coming or going from the docks, you'll find yourself beneath a ceiling canopy of glass—multiple panels full of organic glass shapes in striking color and pattern. Look up! You don't want to miss any of it! Lots of inspiration here for works in fiber—an art quilt perhaps?

Once beyond the glass canopy, walk through another display of organic glass pieces by international artist's before arriving at the cone where I took this photo series. I love shots that are not centered or not what you might except—a different perspective. The results with the museum roof intersecting the cone created interesting juxtapositions, don't you think?

We took a tour of the three galleries in the museum with an excellent docent and were glad we chose Saturday because the current large exhibit there closed today. We were treated to a tour of "Lino Tagliapietra in Retrospect: A Modern Renaissance in Italian Glass." As I write, the exhibit is being dismantled to travel to six American locations. Watch for it, as it is a fascinating look at the transformation in one artist's work over a lifetime, an artist who is said to have changed the face of art glass in America and around the world.

The next exhibit, "Dante Marioni: Form, Color, Pattern" was also interesting, but I especially enjoyed "Contrasts: A Glass Primer," which shows through October 12, 2009. When you enter this gallery, you are confronted with a question: "I like it; I don't like it. Is there another way to view art?'' or something akin to those words. The exhibit contains work by many artists, pieces placed side by side that show contrasts: consider a large, lacy glass fly in juxtaposition to a green glass "cinder block" that took two men to lift into place—both glass but oh so different!

If you love museums, take a walk back along the bridge to the Washington State History Museum to your left, and the Tacoma Art Museum, a few blocks to the right. We left both of those for another visit. As you walk that way, savor all the shapes—the giant cone, the museum roofline, the glass stacks and the old Union Station, now the United States Courthouse to the right.

A note for boaters: The Dock Street Marina is convenient to the museums and downtown restaurants, but we found this large port far too noisy for our liking. With the Tacoma Dome and I-5 in view in one direction and a very busy railway running parallel to dockside, we won't choose to overnight there again. Hanging out and swinging on our anchor is more to our liking—private and quiet with just the sound of water lapping at the bow and a few gulls over head—that's what we both love.

Ice Cream, Chocolate, and Quilts

It's Monday as I finish this post and we are, indeed, swinging at anchor in the harbor at Poulsbo, WA, hoping for sunshine. There was a hint of it, but as we sat down to lunch in Poulsbo, the next deluge began. After lunch, we made our annual pilgrimage (twice now in almost two years of marriage) to Boehm's Chocolates for an ice cream bar, freshly dipped in chocolate and nuts. The proof is in the pictures! It's a must-stop location if you find yourself in this little Norwegian-style town, just north of Bremerton and west of Seattle. After all, chocolate is one of the main food groups, along with ice cream—right?

There's a nice quilt shop in Poulsbo, too—Heirloom Quilts and Fabrics. Unfortunately, I could only peek in the windows as the shop was closed so the staff could attend a memorial service. Lots of "eye candy" inside, though!

Depending on what the weather brings, we'll head out tomorrow for Port Townsend and then Victoria, BC, for a few days. As I post this, it's not looking particularly favorable, although we did see a complete rainbow over Poulsbo after the last squall--perhaps a good omen? Until next time,

Keep sewing and smiling!

Barbara

And, remember that peace begins at home. When every home is at peace, then we will truly have peace in the whole world.

Barbara

Blue Skies and Sunshine

2008-08-23T17:57:00.000-07:00

...and we're on our way. The smile on Stan's face as we set off this morning was priceless—he loves boating and I'm so glad it makes him happy. His great smile is one of his many main attractions. Today he was beaming!

Actually, as I write this entry, we have already docked in Tacoma (on Friday afternoon) and just above our moorage is Museum of Glass—an interesting structure that we'll explore tomorrow. The photo at left is of the large sky-reaching cone that houses the furnaces where demos on glassmaking are done each day.

As we cruised in the fresh air and bright sunshine, Mount Ranier shone forth in all its glory—one big ice cream cone in the sky with a little puff of cloud to it's left and a bit of a cloud "bonnet" on top. We had glimpses of the Olympics, too, but Ranier was the piece de resistance.

I remember the first time I saw Mount Ranier—a hot, clear day in late June or early July of 1969. I'd graduated from college (Colorado State University) with a degree in Textiles and Clothing on June 10th. With Mom and Dad along for the ride (I'd only just bought my first car and gotten my driver's license) and my very few belongings stashed in the trunk, we drove to Seattle for my first job, arriving in time for me to start work on the 16th. That was the year that Perry Como's "The Bluest Skies You've Ever Seen Are in Seattle" was popular and it was my theme song as I waited to hear after my interview for Department Assistant at Unique Zipper Company. To my great joy, the call came, I was hired, and I was on my way. My journey in the home sewing business had begun. I'd had only two job interviews and had landed the one I most wanted--for a whopping salary of $5,000 a year!

I found an apartment with another home ec graduate who had been hired by Unique, too. One morning, on the way to work, we rounded the bend under an overpass—and there it was in all its glory—the most beautiful mountain I had ever seen! Mount Ranier! When I left Seattle in late July for a new position with Unique in the Bay Area as Educational Representative, I vowed I would return to Seattle one day. I did, for six weeks in 1971, before packing my growing collection of belongings for the next company move to the NYC area. I said farewell to my mountain, and again I said I'd be back! And here I am enjoying the sights and sounds and smells of Puget Sound on a cruiser with my soulmate and Mount Ranier looking down on me. I am truly blessed!

Lines… Inches…Millimeters
Perhaps you've wondered why these measurements are often printed on button cards. I've been working on my next sewing book this week and have been writing about closures, specifically, buttons. Since I knew my editor would want to know what the term "line" on a button card means, I did a little research—on-line, of course! Line (or ligne in French) is an old measurement for button size, according to one source. A 1"-diameter button has 40 lines—but just exactly how lines are measured I have yet to learn. If anyone knows, I hope you will share in a comment.

Until next time--when I'll share photos from the Museum of Glass in Tacoma...
Keep sewing and smiling!
Barbara

"Peace and war begin at home. If we truly want peace in the world, let us begin by loving one another in our own families. If we want to spread joy, we need for every family to have joy." Mother Teresa

I did it!

2008-08-21T17:37:00.000-07:00

I started my blog--after months of thinking about it. What spurred me to action? My dear friend, Susan Foster (http://www.smartpacking.com/) pointed me to The Rough Guide to Blogging. After reading a few chapters, I decided to take action instead of reading the entire book first--and Blogger.com made it easy--far easier than I had anticipated! By the way, I really found this book much easier to read and follow than any of those geared and titled to those of us who think we don't know much--I'm sure you know what I mean.

I did lose my first draft of this post due to technical errors created by a computer gremlin that has now been banished--so I get to write this one again. Ah, the joys and frustrations of the computer age! But, I wouldn't be able to do my many jobs without one

By the way, if you are traveling and worried about how to pack in these days of tightening restrictions, visit Susan's site, sign up for her e-letter, and order her book, Smart Packing for Today's Traveler. I edited it and it is full of fabulous information. Susan travels a lot and has a lot to say about how to pack for safe, easy, and happy traveling in comfort and in style.

Another thing Susan reminded me of was a favorite directive from Annie LaMott, author of Bird by Bird, my favorite book on writing. To paraphrase, in order to write (or in this case to blog), you must first put your butt in the chair--and if you don't have a good chair, go out and buy one so you have no excuses. Now that I've done that (put my butt in a chair, on our boat in Puget Sound), I think I will enjoy the process. I've been missing my bimonthly communication with other sewing and quilting enthusiasts via my old e-letter as the former editor of Sewing Savvy magazine, so I hope my readers will find me here, along with many new ones!

Vacation Stall
I'm sitting on our boat, writing this first post, because we didn't leave as planned for our two-week vacation cruise on Puget Sound. The weather interfered as is oft the case here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. We'll leave tomorrow as the weather is due to be nice (it's sunny and cool as I write) and head from our Olympia moorage to Tacoma. We plan to visit the Glass Museum there, which friends say is well worth the stop. If the weather continues to cooperate, we'll make it all the way to Victoria, BC, before turning to head for home after Labor Day. If not, we'll take it one day at a time and enjoy the scenery and the peaceful rocking of the boat at night. Sort of like camping out, but cozier, warmer and much drier!

Boating is a new adventure for me, with my sweet husband of nearly two years. Our 38-foot SeaRay cruiser is comfortable for two--now Stan is trying to convince me we could live on it and that I could have my sewing machine (and all the stuff that goes with it?) onboard, too. I'm not so sure he will be able to convince me of that! We'll see what retirement brings on Pier Pleasure--which we may rename, since it came with the boat. Sea for Two is one of our favorite choices for renaming it.

A New Website
Since I left my post of Editor at Sewing Savvy last spring, I've been plenty busy! Stan's work as a project manager has required multiple trips to Maui over the past 18 months and I've been able to tag along with him for several weeks at a time in the past year. The best trips were the ones I took this winter and spring. Sunshine in Maui is a great substitute for the gray, cold, and rainy days that always come in the winter and early spring months in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. I spent time in the sun on all my visits while Stan worked with the County of Maui on a safety radio project, but I also worked.

First, I worked on my website, http://www.joyofsewing.com/ It took a lot of work to figure out how to do it myself on GoDaddy.com and I'm not sure I'd recommend it to anyone less experienced than I am--but it's done and functioning--one more goal off the list. My graphic designer, Missy Shepler, did a great job with my logo. Visit her lovely blog at http://www.missystitches.com/ At my website, you can read about my sewing career, my writing and editing services (All the Write Words), and my pattern line (Jo-Lydia's Attic). You can order my patterns there--by snail mail until I add PayPal--soon I hope. My tote bag patterns are ever-popular, plus there are a few quilt patterns and a garment pattern, too. Unless I'm traveling, orders go out within 24 hours.

Birthing a New Book
October to April found me at the computer nonstop, writing The Quilting Answer Book for Storey Publishing, where I worked briefly in 1998 before returning to the Portland area. Funny how things happen! The book is a 400-page handbook answering all the questions that might come up when making a quilt. With over 230 illustrations, it's jam-packed with info in a small size that will be easy to keep at your fingertips by your sewing machine! I've had a peek at the edited text and illustrations and look forward to seeing it in page layouts in October. It will be published in late spring 2009--I'll keep you posted on the pub date and post a photo of the cover after it's been finalized. I've had a few months off from the book-writing process, but am now working on the next one for Storey--this one on sewing. More about that as the work progresses.

I did end up with tendinitis and a sore shoulder during the writing--too much time at the computer for long periods--I don't recommend it. A great massage therapist, plus a fabulous stretching exercise program--The Egoscue Method--has provided much relief. I can't recommend the Egoscue DVDs enough. After years of making a rounded, forward-shoulder adjustment when sewing blouses and jackets, that's no longer necessary as the exercises have corrected the problem, improved my balance and posture in general and improved my leg and arm strength. I'll post the name of the program in my reading list--when I find the whole thing.

Working Part-time
I'm also working one day a week at The Fabric Shop Network, the only trade association for quilt and fabric store owners and offering lots of benefits, programs, and a great magazine. Visit http://www.fabshopnet.com/ for more info if you're a store owner.

Fabshopnet is also the originator of the popular on-line shopping adventure--fabshophop-- --for consumers. You can shop in jammies at well over 100 sites during each of the hops scheduled during the year. There's one starting on September 1st, so hope on over there and register at http://www.fabshophop/ so you don't miss a day of hopping and shopping for fabrics and other great stuff. Watch for sales items and make sure you register at each site so you're in the drawing for some really great door prizes, including a sewing machine!

And, their new consumer website, http://www.apronicity.com/ is up and running, too. I helped with that. You can go to the site to see what's happening in the world of apron sewing, join an apron challenge, find shops that will be participating in National Tie One On Day (an apron that is), and look for shops that will be offering Apron-icity classes or events in their stores.

Break Time
Back from a break. We took a lovely walk in the sunshine just now and I was struck at how quickly the summer is beginning to fade. All it takes is a little rain after a long, dry summer to remind one that the warm days are waning! I've been reading a wonderful book, Plum Wine, set in Japan. It featured several pieces of haiku (Japanese poetry). As we walked, these words came to mind--not haiku, but similar.

Leaves crisped by summer sun...
click and tumble
across rain-washed sidewalks
and windswept pathways...
sure signs of autumn's imminence.

Lovely Lanai
My last trip to Maui with Stan was in June. We spent a week in Maui, then took the ferry to Lanai for 5 days, where we stayed at the Koele Lodge, a 5-star Four Seasons Lodge. It was to die for--I felt like a princess and was treated like one. Stan had to work during the days while I used the spa, wandered the grounds, and sat on the lanai, working on the next book. The grounds are exquisite and so is the service and the food. My favorite spot was the orchid house, a glass structure imported from Europe and filled to overflowing with beautiful orchids.

Lanai isn't a particularly beautiful or lush island, but Koele Lodge is a lovely oasis there. The temps in June were in the high 70s and not too humid. Not what I expected--more like being in Colorado in the spring than Hawaii in the summer. There is red dirt all over the island--another reminder of home in Colorado.

Next we puddle-jumped to Molokai--quite a contrast to Lanai--the old Hawaii, Stan says. We stayed in a condo with ocean views and had our own brood of feral chicks that made the rounds with "Mom" several times a day. Moloai Kitty (our name), came to visit each night. I re-read Michener's Hawaii on this trip and it made much more sense since I was there! We went to the lookout where we could see the leper colony that figured in the story. We said farewell to Molokai and returned to Maui to a regular hotel--another big contrast from the Lodge--before returning home.

New Patterns Coming
I've spent the last two months on home dec painting projects and in my studio developing new patterns for Jo-Lydia's Attic. A wonderful new quilted travel tote and a special travel wallet for sewers and quilters are in the illustration phase and will be ready to post on the website. Watch for them there and ask for them at your local shop or order online.

A Granddaughter to Love
We were blessed with the birth of our beautiful granddaughter in March (Stan's daughter and son-in-law are the parents) and I am loving being "grammy" to Kendall. She's had her first ride on Grandpa's boat--he's in love with the "punkin" as he calls her. She is a happy girl, always smiling and giggling now at 5 months. She has her first grammy quilt and of course I'm dreaming of the day when she can sit in my lap and sew with me like I did with my grandmothers when I was little. Oh what fun we will have!

I've babbled along long enough for a first post and so will wrap this up, hoping to see you here often for my news, plus sewing tidbits. I hope to add some tutorials on sewing and quilting as time permits and share other sewing and quilting news as it develops.

Until next time,
Keep on sewing and smiling!!

Barbara