Maine Sewing Adventures

Natasha's Fans

 
Who is Natasha?  This was asked in the class on Saturday the 5th, and the answer is "I don't know!"  The qulit was in an older issue of Quilters' Home and templates were downloaded from the internet.  We don't really know who Natasha is, but we like her quilt! 

We began with 32 strips of fabric and sewed them into 8 sets of 4 strips each. Kathleen is sewing her lucious groups together.

 

After sewing the strips, we pressed and then cut them into 60 degree triangles.

 
Andrea is mastering the 40 degree angles in her 60 degree ruler.  Don't let it slip!

Once all the strips are cut into triangles, the triangles are sewn into sets of 2 or 3.
Fran and Cindy are arranging their triangles.  You need 8 sets of 3 triangles and 15 sets of 2 triangles.

Thenyou are ready to assemble the fans into rows.
Everyone got theirs laid out on the design board (flannel backed table cloth) so they could assemble or at least roll up and take home.  How great they all looked!
 

 

Friendship Star with Beginning Quilters

   Eight new and experienced quilters came together Friday night and Saturday to create wall/lap quilts using the Friendship Star block (also called Spinning Stars, Ribbon Quilt, etc.)  This is a basic 9-patch that uses half-square triangles to create the block.  To make the piecing easier for the beginners, we used the Accucut to cut the triangles and the squares.  Everyone had stacks of triangles to match and stitch.  These were easy to chain stitch together - 96 total sets. Shannon has quite a pile of triangle squares here!
Once quarter inch seams were established, everyone stitched along merrily with only the occassional sewing machine jam or a set sewn wrong sides together.  Seam rippers did not gather dust!
Once the triangles were assembled, blocks were laid out in a 9-patch arangement.  Rows were sewn together and the blocks assembled.  Now comes the "wow" factor as everyone sees how their chosen fabrics work together.
 
At one point, Michelle realizes that she is now a quilter; she arrived in the morning as an ordinary person, and by afternoon was a quilter.  She needs the T-shirt! And she needs to add her borders!  Be sure to measure across the middle to square it all up.
Once the borders were added, we pin-basted so the quilts could be quilted by machine.  No one opted for hand quilting this time!  Linda decided she would try free motion quilting and did quite a nice job on her Pfaff! Gardening gloves and all!

Cindy also chose free motion quilting (first time), broken needles and stress.  She remembered to breathe, but still tightened up the  muscles across her shoulders.  Would a glass of wine before stitching help?  Maybe we'll try that next time!
 
Others followed lines drawn onto the fabric. 
We ended with the binding, mitering corners and all!  Hand sewing the binding is a job for at home, but what a day!  Everyone deserves a T-shirt!  Click on the photo album for more photos!

Quilt Raffles

I I recently had the pleasure of attending the Area 5 Spring Meeting of the Pine Tree Quilt Guild as a guest of Mary Ann O'Brien of the St. Criox Quilters. We had a delicious meal of mostly salads and desserts and a nice talk by Evelyn Caruso of the Cotton Cupboard.  Show and Tell was a highlight of the evening.  Several of the guilds have made raffle quilts to raise money for various projects.  I especially was taken by the quilt made by a group of ladies from Corea, Maine.   It is a queen size quilt and can be seen at the Corea town hall.  Tickets can be obtained from ruland64@myfairpoint.net.

Other raffle quilts were made by the St. Croix International Guild and by the Hancock County Quilters.  All will be on display at their upcoming shows: Hancock's is in Ellsworth in August and St. Croix's is in Calais in September.

 

       
  
  

 

Cranberry Adventures

February 13, 2010 was one of those rare, glorious days in the winter when the sun reminds us that there is hope for warm weather, the wind takes a day off, and the snow, for a change, falls in the southern part of the country. It was that day that I ventured to Great Cranberry Island to have a sewing adventure with the Ladies of the Ladies Aid Society.

A generous benefactor provided funds for a Ladies Aid Building dubbed "The Barn." Leftover funds were used to purchase three Pfaff machines and sewing supplies for the Barn so that the Ladies could continue their winter work for the Summer Fair in grand style. I was invited to The Barn to instruct a class to help them get used to their new machines. (Generally, when giving the "sew and go" lessons for new owners, I require them to come to me, so this was a sacrificial exception for me to go to them.)

I drove to Northeast Harbor to catch the mail boat over. (I photographed this license plate on the way down the dock – a nice piece of trivia for us to learn.) It was an uneventful ride, but on the way out, I enjoyed the company of Sous (another Pfaff owner from the smaller island) and the vibrant scenery on this clear, crisp day.

Mary Wallace, my hostess with the mostest, met me at the dock. From the dock, we could see her "summer home" by the boat yard. We got into a red pickup that belonged to someone other than her (I assume she had permission to use it, but heck, this was Cranberry, - as long as it gets returned unharmed). She chauffeured me around to take in some of the sights. The navigating that day was a bit difficult since Blair was trimming trees and leaving piles of branches all over the island. However, it kept us from racing in that red truck that belonged to someone else. Mary pointed out many homes of folks I know, many homes of folks I don't know, and many homes of folks I would like to get to know so that they could invite me to come stay with them. I got out and took a few pictures of places I don't remember the names of. I did enjoy the chat with the sheep, but they were a bit skiddish themselves.

We arrived at the Community Building (which I have used for our Lobster Cruises before) where a group of ladies were waiting with our lunch. We had tea and crudities and soup and cornbread and for dessert, very "melt in your mouth" cookies that Barbara had made.

The Barn sits behind and to the right of the Community Building. So, after our meal, we went there to sew. What a delightful room: lots of windows, light wood floors and walls, large draws with supplies, and ample tables. The kits were all cut, so sewing them up was a snap. (Well, maybe a rip or two also). We made it all the way to the binding before Mary had to run me back down to catch the 4:15 boat back to Northeast Harbor.

It was a most delightful day and hope that I will be called a back!

P.S. The wall quilts will be for sale at the Cranberry Island Ladies Aid Summer Sale!

Sewing at Lily's and More

  What a glorious day!  After a month of rain, it was so good to see the sun.  Our friend Brigitte from Houston told me she brought the sun with her.  She arrived late Wednesday night, but was too tired to unload the car.  So, she got up Thursday morning and opened the trunk and let out the sun!  Thank you Brigitte!

On Saturday, nine of us ventured out for a sewing class.  We crossed the Deer Isle-Stonington Bridge to go to Lily’s Café where we were met by Chef Kyra Stonington and fellow quilter, Carol, who summers on the island.

   We unloaded the cars, claimed our spaces in the dining room, and visited for about half an hour.  Just when we were about ready to start some serious sewing, Kathleen arrived with purchases from an enticing yard sale down by the bridge.  (I would have stopped myself but I was riding with Deanna and she was not about to be late!)  Kathleen’s finest buy was a white ceramic peacock with all its marbles!  We plugged it in and all the marbles lit.  I regret that I did not get a photo of this $3 treasure.

   We settled again and went to work on our Tidal Tote, a design by Poorhouse Quilts.  Some ladies were already cut, so they started right in sewing the 4 patches for the front and the back of the tote.  Pat was sewing an especially lovely green batik one.

  After sewing the 4 patches, we quilted the pieces for the outside of the bag. 

Nancy was the only one who did not use batiks.  She chose some watery looking blues.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then we appliqued.  Isn't Vivian's starfish charming?

 

  

   When everyone completed the cutting, we recessed for Kyra’s lunch extraordinaire: polenta lasagna, coconut chicken, some deep fried Indian cauliflower that was amazing, salads and sides, and enchanting desserts!

 We ate on the upstairs deck, enjoying the company, the food, and the sun! (And quite a bit of wind!) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After dinner we continued to work on the tote.  Deanna made piping for the sides of the bag and inserted it into the seams.  Kathleen pointed out that her work was technically perfect.  Don’t you agree?

 

 

 

 

 As our sewing day was finished, the bags weren’t. This photo of a finished bag is of my sample.  (You’ll note that instead of the appliqué I embroidered a shell from Anita Goodesign.)  However, a good time was had by all!

(Click onthe photo album to see more pictures.)

Fall Retreat - September 25 - 27 East Machias

View of the outside of the house	Swimming and picnic area
Kitchen, as seen from Living Room	Dining Room
Living Room, with Dining room in the background	First Floor Bedroom
Living Room as seen from Dining Room	Upstairs Lounge
Master Bedroom	Bedroom 7
Swimming area.	The back deck.

Sewing Cafe

  Sewing Cafe meets 2 to 3 Monday evenings per month in the Portland store.  The main course is sewing but it is garnished with laughter and fun.  There is a small group of loyal participants and a steady stream of "one-nighters."  On any given night, I might be providing instruction in quilting, mending, decorating, and dress making.  Everyone learns from each other and I learn from my "students." I haven't yet written this up with photos because it is not really an event or a party, but a basic class.  However, Sewing Cafe is offering something special for those who are serious about learning to sew or want to further develop their skills.  To see examples of what happens at Sewing Cafe, click on the photo album for photos taken June 15, 2009.  If you'd like to join us,  check ou the website for dates and call Sew Portland (797-6700) to register for class.  If you need a sewing machine, let us know in advance and we will gladly provide one.

The Young and the Restless Pattern Makers

I have been working on items for classes and have selected some of the patterns from these new young designers. Their fabrics are wonderfully delicious and very popular.  So, to sell their fabrics, they are all coming up with patterns to use them.  And, the designs are terrific!  However, I am getting more and more impatient with their pattern making skills (or should I say "lack thereof").  Apparently, some of these young gals have never read traditional patterns, so they are "re-inventing the wheel" making up their own terminology and methods.  For example, one has redefined the word "midriff" to mean below the waist and another thinks a circle or dot is the same thing as a dart,  and seam allowance! .. just guess!  Imagine if my daughter the architect decided to redefine words for the carpenters that use her plans ..."Oh, I'd like to call the window sill a sash, and strut is a funny word, let's call it a molding..."  I guess that's why she has 5 years of intensive training and has to intern for 3 and then pass a whole battery of exams to become licensed ... no such regulation in the clothing industry .. if you can afford to print it, it can be sold without disclaimer!  My biggest concern with these patterns is that the gals who they appeal to the most are beginners and when they can't figure it out, they think it is something they are doing wrong.  Some just go for it and "make it work" which is not what a pattern is supposed to do (and I've seen some of the workmanship on those), but they are happy, so all is well in la-la land. Maybe I just expect more from someone who is selling a product.

Oh, I should add that I have found some gals who do a great job ... I have put together several of Melly and Me patterns, and except for the language barrier in a few places (I don't read Australian), their bags go together very well.  Pink Sand Beach does a nice job, but she is closer to my age, and I have heard that Penny Sturges's patterns are very good. So, I will continue to sample and pass on the info to my customers and contact the offenders and offer suggestions for improvement ... if I could only rule the world of sewing!

China Lake Retreat

  What a weekend!  Seventeen lovely ladies joined me for a weekend of quilting and fun at China Lake Conference Center in China, Maine.  The weather was perfect, the scenery breathtaking, and the food ample and sumptuous!  We quilted and laughed and ate and laughed and quilted and ate.  No phones to answer, no meals to prepare, no floors to sweep ... a true "Ladies weekend out!"  Our unofficial greeter, Barbara, and friend Gail kept us all in line and provided sweets and treats for everyone.  [Barbara left early on Sunday (her birthday) to go to  meet a client with her husband, but we found out that she was really heading to a huge surprise party at her summer home!  Happy Birthday, Barbara.]

  Most attendees had projects of their own to work on, but I did several demonstrations and many made small projects.  The striped table runner was a hit and lots of striped fabric was sliced and diced.  We made origami bags from an internet pattern and I demonstrated the filmstrip technique.  That one pretty much requires Lisa Moore's "Alaska Photo Album" pattern to do, so some were excited about doing that project later.  We made wallets and Amy Butler's Birdie Sling bag.  Terrie modeled her Myake shirt and another vest by Lois Erickson.  Some ladies worked on charity quilts, including coloring one for Terry Hodskins and her Wrap-a-Smile project.  (Click on the link to read about Wrap-a-Smile: http://www.rotaplast.org/partners/wrapasmile.php).

Teri Tea-Dye

   I am making Teri for our October Retreat.  Our theme this year is "Rustic and Ragged."  Attendees may choose from rugs, rag dolls, Christmas quilt, raggedy purse, and more.  In order to teach all these items at once, I need to make samples and troubleshoot the patterns or the ideas.  Well, I have the rugs all made (see "Rug Twining"), but the others are works in progress. 

   Teri is a typical rag doll made from muslin.  I got inspiration from a Christmas doll in one of the Austrailian  magazines.  I easily made Teri from muslin and then decided she would look more rustic and natural if she were tea dyed.  The proper method would have been to tea dye the muslin first, but then, that would be easy and not much of an adventure. So, when I realized that Teri needed a tea bath, I got out my trusty camera to photograph her along the way --- sort of a "photojournal of Teri's transformation." Maybe you and a friend can do it this way, too.  (Of course, I could have finished Teri and loaned her to a 2 year old for a week or so and the "muddied" effect would have been done for me!) Just click on Teri's photo album and follow the sequence.