Relax and Doodle, Machine Quilting Tips From John Flynn

As most of you know, I have recently become a machine quilter so I am always looking for tips and hints to help me develop my skills.  At the AQS show in Paducah I met, John Flynn.  He is a quilter, author, teacher, and is famous for his no basting quilting frames that work with all machines.  So I had to get his advice to those new to machine quilting!

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After the interview we also discussed that the use of the Bernina Stitch Regulator(BSR) is another way to eliminate a variable.

john-flynn I realize that not all readers of this blog are quilters, but I really encourage you to read John’s,  “Confessions of a Non-Traditional Quilter”.  You may just be encouraged to look into quilting once you get a different view point!  John also has a blog, laser cut kits, and a gallery of quilts on his website that you may want to explore while you are there.

Machine Quilting Tips From Pat Sloan

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You probably recognize the name, may be even the face, but until you meet her, the thing you remember the most is her bubbly enthusiasmPat Sloan is a noted author, teacher, and designer of both patterns and fabrics.  She has a great blog, and hosts a Creative Talk Radio Show

I was fortunate enough to catch up with her at the AQS show in Paducah and asked her what recommendation she would have for those just beginning to machine quilt.

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Enjoying myself at AQS, Linda B.

P.S.  I also found out that she uses a Bernina Aurora 440 QE to create her quilts and projects!

On the Road, to the International Quilt Festival

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Sherri and I were able to attend the International Quilt Festival 2010 in Chicago!  You could spend hours enjoying the workmanship and the imagination that went into each piece.  I always come back ready to dig into my stash and create my own masterpiece.

We were fortunate to be able to interview Rosalie Baker of Davenport, Iowa who received the Best of Show Award in the Celebrate Spring category.

I really appreciated what inspired her to make the quilt, and her advice to new quilters was excellent!

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Motivated to Quilt, Linda B.

Getting to the Point, Sewing Machine Needles

Why you should change your sewing machine needles often?  Watch my interview with Rhonda from Schmetz Needles as she gets to the point!

Here at Zede’s Sewing Studio we go directly to the best source as we strive to get you the most accurate information available!

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Still on the road, Linda B.

Don’t Miss Out!

Can you believe that our next Lock-In is this Friday, March 26, 2010?  Time does fly when you are having fun! In fact, to help me get ready I enlisted the help of my young friend, Brooke, to test sew our next Lock-In project.

Brooke describes herself as being an inexperienced sewer, but has gained a lot of confidence after completing the Smart Bag with me.  Those of you who attended club saw what a wonderful job she did!  Her bag is on display at the studio.  She is letting us keep her bag until the Lock-in is over to inspire all who attend to use different embellishment methods to the cover. I think she did a fabulous job, and it is hard to believe that she is inexperienced when you see her work.

The Lock -In Project, the Julie Smart Bag, is a basic vinyl bag, that you can create mulitple, reversible covers for.  This is a great bag for those who work in secure locations that allow only see through bags in, or for those of us who carry things in our bags that tend to spill.  With the reverisble cover option, you can match your bag to any occasion.

In this Lock-In we will help you:

  • learn some basic bag making techniques
  • give hints and suggestions for working with vinyl
  • examine different embellishment opportunities for the cover
  • and give you directions for a bonus inside pocket!

Of course, since this is a Lock-in there will be a pot luck that you can bring a guest to before we get started.  If you have never been to a Lock-In before come ready to learn and have a great time!  Who knows, you may end up on facebook or YouTube!

You will need to sign up quicklycontact the shop to secure your place and get your supply list!

See you on Friday!

Linda B.

Just a Reminder. . .

This Saturday, will be our second session of Serge Ahead!  Just ask anyone who attended the first session how beneficial it was! I have noticed that several are already putting their cord covers to good use.  In fact, we even have our technicians questioning about them!

The next project will be the rice bag.  Who couldn’t use one of these to ease our muscles after a long day of creating at our sewing machines?  Be sure to sign up quickly, space is running out, and we want to make sure there is a kit available for you.  Also remember, you will need the book, Ready, Set, Serge by Georgie Melot.

Why not make it a goal this year to learn more about your serger, and have a great time doing it.

See you then, Linda B.

What a Great Start to 2010!

I can’t believe that January is already over!  But it is amazing what we accomplished in January.  We got back in the swing of things after the holidays with a super club.  It was full of great prizes, fun games, a ton of opportunities to sharpen your sewing skills, and of course an outstanding show and tell!  But we were just getting started!

We rolled right into our first lock-in of the year.  Several took the opportunity to create a Simply Chic Carry-All to help organize our sewing equipment or to use when traveling.  It was exciting to see the different fabrics and embellishments that were chosen.  I can’t wait to see these at the next club.

Then we kicked off our new group, Serge Ahead!  Many of you showed up to learn more about your sergers.  We started out by making cord covers to help organize our sewing areas.  As was presented in club, we will work our way through the projects in Georgie Melot’s Book, Ready, Set, Serge. But don’t feel bad if you couldn’t make the first session,  in March we will complete a new project.  So check the classes section to sign up.

Several got wrapped up in making fabric wrapped bowls with Pat F.  I was fortunate to see some of the completed projects at the shop.  Some were even motivated to create other items!

Then we were excited to have a great group for the Meandering Method of Quilting class.  I was excited to see how quickly the students were replicating fun machine quilting patterns on their class samples.  I can’t wait to see how they use this skill on their projects in the future!

In the mean time, we kept busy with a wide variety of guide classes.  Many got to know their new Bernina Artista Software under the guidance of Joanne, and their BabyLock machines better with the help of Jane and Linda T.

Of course Rocci kept our next generation of students busy, and those of you that participated in Embellisher Enthusiasts know what fun Pat and Jane had planned for you.

It seems like there is always something happening at Zede’s Sewing Studio.  If you haven’t checked us out lately, please feel welcome to come in and see what is happening.  Or better yet, why not join us for club this week, or sign up for the Jelly Rolls into Coins class and find out what you have been missing!

Always on the look out for sewing fun, Linda B.

Quick and Easy Sewing Gifts To Make

We all love giving handmade gifts to family and friends.  Unfortunately, I find that I am constantly on the “go”!  So I was really excited when Zede let me help her with her 5 Quick Gifts class.  She helped us to realize that with just a few simple techniques, wonderful handmade gifts were a reality.

Imagine a business/gift card holder created with two simple seams.  A scarf with a slit to insert the other end, the secret being knowing how to match the right sides correctly.  A 5 step bag that introduced some to zippers.  A wine bottle gift bag in less than 5 minutes.  And a  fully lined stocking–the secret being in how it is layered.

The best part of the class was hearing the reactions of the class participants as they accomplished each project or learned a new skill.  Check out the photos to see the results.

Zede also brainstormed a list of quick gifts.  So for those of you that are puzzled as to what to make, be sure and check it out below!

Remember not everyone has sewing skills.  Even if the gift is easy to make, it may become a treasured present because of you taking the time and effort to create it for them.  Have fun creating!

Zede’s Quick and Easy to Make Gift List:

  • 5 Step Bag
  • Credit/Business/Gift Card Holder
  • Scarf with a Slit
  • Quick Stocking
  • Circle Jewelry Bag
  • Back Pillow
  • Neck Rest Pillow
  • Sleep Mask
  • Coasters
  • Napkins
  • Travel Pillow
  • Laundry Bag
  • Shoe Bag
  • Head Band
  • Travel Document Bag
  • Gym Towel with a Zippered Pocket
  • Tie Holder
  • Tool Pouch
  • Pincushion
  • Needle Case
  • Kitchen Towel Apron(see Linda T’s Blog)
  • Grocery Bag
  • Cosmetic Bag
  • Cosmetic Cape
  • Bottle Bag

Have any other quick-and-easy sewing gifts to add to the list? Create your own in the comment section.

Happy holidays to all and all a good night! Happy sewing!

Mini Pin Cushion

Ease around your sewing room or while you’re traveling, making a mini pin cushion is super simple.

Have any super simple projects to share? Add them to the comment section below…

PS – these make great Christmas gifts!

Glamming It Up Again!

lumiere-paints-2_edited-1-picknic I hope you are still looking for a fun and easy way to create a dazzling wardrobe! This idea was used in my mixed media class as a way to use the LUMIERE paints. I really enjoyed this project because the paints did all the work.  Each paint contains a variety of colors, so they provide a range of dimension and sparkle with minimal effort from you.  If you enjoyed coloring books–this project is for you!

  • First select an item that needs to be spruced up, then wash it to remove any sizing or finishes. I used a T-shirt that I made based on Zede’s T-shirt workshop.
  • Next select a red work or open embroidery design that will leave you plenty of space to fill in your desired color.  I used Bonnie Lyn MacCaffery’s DigiBobbE Collection 2 Woodland Swirls.
  • Stabilize your garment properly.  If you are not sure check out Mallory’s blogs about stabilizers!
  • Stitch out your designs.
  • Secure the design to a flat surface.  I used a clipboard with bulldog clips to grip the fabric.  Use only one layer of the fabric so you won’t be painting the back of your t-shirt.
  • I found that using a small brush and painting just inside the stitch line helped to keep the paint and the embroidery separate.
  • Let it dry, then heat set the paints according to the manufacturer’s directions.

I’m sure that you noticed I had to add a few hot fix crystals, but I guess that is the diva in me.  I’ll continue to look for new inspiration!