Friday, August 12, 2011

HERE WE GO


We talked in the meeting about changing the big star to one Jane had found. We put the block in there to see how it looked and did not like it. So, we keep it as is unless someone wants to suggest a different one.

The finished size of the sampler is 24 inches wide by 27 inches long.
You can add borders to make this as big or as little as you want.
to make a 60 inch lap quilt, you will add 18 inch borders.


BASIC QUILTING TOOLS


sewing machine-clean, oil and be sure it is stitching great
presser foot and cord-easy to forget these when taking machine to class
quarter inch presser foot-a great investment for consistent piecing
tweezers-to pull threads when machine jams
screw driver-for machine repair
post-it notes-to use as 1/4" guide on base of machine if needed
sewing machine manual-keep w/machine always (most manuals are on the internet)



thread- 100% cotton, I like Gutterman(long staple fibers) same color or darker than fabric
bobbins-make at least 3 before starting a project-invest in lots of extra bobbins



rotary cutter-a larger one doesn't dull as quickly-have extra blades on hand; store up high
scissors-(large and small with a pointy tip-use only for fabric
seam ripper-I like Clover



marking pencils-(light and dark) sliver of soap works too
pencil sharpener-with lg. and small openings
blue marking pen-disappears w/ water (white pen is fine tip, blue is larger)



pins-flat flower head are great, glass head clover are good also
extra sewing machine needles (size 14)
pin cushion-magnetic are very handy--do not put on or in front of computer machines



cutting mat-24"x 36" is ideal ***keep out of sun and heat and store flat***
rulers-5" x 24" w/ a lip; 6" x 12"



cutting mat ironing board combo-the combo cutting mat and ironing board that folds is handy
not necessary, just fyi


iron-all pieces get pressed as you sew



tissue paper-handy to pin block pieces on if have to store before finishing block



template plastic-for applique




fabric- 1 1/2 - 2 yards background; 6-10 fat quarters (you can start with just 3)
100% cotton broadcloth




GOOD print choices for the beginner:

All-Over Prints:
  • which ever way it is turned, it looks right side up
  • when 2 LIKE pieces are sewn next to each other, the block's appearance isn't distorted



POOR print choices for the beginner:
  • stripes, plaids, checks, directional prints

Next month: We will be cutting out and sewing our first block. We will learn strip piecing.



2 comments:

  1. Looks great! Good point about directional fabric... I have used cardboard (comic boards) or thick plastic packaging (think Nike container) for template plastic too. I'll send some comic boards with jayme and you can pass them out.

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  2. Way to go Amber! That was fast! I'm excited for this!!

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