Saturday, April 30, 2016

2016 Free Motion Quit Along - Part IX Finishing Steps

Greetings Fellow Quilters!
&
Welcome to Part IX of the
2016 Redbird Quilt Co.
Free Motion Quilt Along
using the whimsical 
Lewe's Balloons Growth Chart
by Susy Bleasby

Many thanks for your patience the last 2 weeks while I traveled from Eastern NY to Western NY sharing my love of quilting with Guilds and Shops along the way!
I'm pretty blessed to travel around sharing what I love with others -- sometimes I have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming.

In the final installment of our 2016 FMQ Along we're talking finishing steps for the World of Susybee
Lewe's Balloons Growth Chart Panel.


But FIRST !!

If and when you're done quilting the final border on Lewe's Balloons I REALLY want you to follow these instructions!!
  1. Take a step back
  2. Admire your work
  3. Really -- admire your work!   You Did It!!
  4. Now go to a mirror and give yourself a "high five" for walking through this beginner Free Motion Quilt Along and making it to the very end --- WOOHOO!!

If you've quilted along from the 1st to the last session you deserve a BIG pat on the back!   Great job! 

If you're just joining us be sure to checkout the previously published
Free Motion Quilt Along Posts:

Introduction => here
Sponsors =>  here
Supplies =>  here
Part I Pieced Borders =>  here
Part II Pin Basting ==>  here
How to Quilt That =>  here
Part III Tools, Setup + Practice => here
Part IV Let's FMQ => here
Part V More FMQ => here
Part VI Echo, Pebbles, Loops & Swirls Oh My! => here
Part VII Landscape & Background => here
Part VIII Borders ==> here

Also, do checkout our fabulous Sponsors and their generous Giveaways....
You can read all about that  ==> here

****

Finally -- lets talk finishing steps...
They include:

1. Squaring-Up the quilt top
2. Preparing a Hanging Sleeve
3. Prepare and attach the Quilt Binding
4. Prepare and attach a Quilt Label


In lieu of writing tutorials for each of the above steps I've decided to describe and/or refer you to some of my favorite tutorials that cover the finishing steps...

1. Squaring up the Quilt top -- the objectives of "squaring up" include:
  • determining the length and width that the quilt top can be trimmed such that you'll have the same width across the top, middle, and bottom of sections of the quilt and the same length to the left and right of center   
  • determining the length and width of the quilt that will allow roughly the same amount of final border showing around the perimeter of the quilt   
  • ensuring that your corners are cut at a 90 degree angle 
In my Lewe's Balloons Sample Growth Chart I was able to "square-up" to 51" tall by 27.75" wide and with appx 3.75" of the Green Dot border showing all the way around.
Use a large square ruler, a LONG ruler, and a good rotary cutter to "square-up" your quilt.   You may have to "fudge" the squaring along the way -- you'll want to be sure that your corners are at a 90 degree angle.   "Fudging" means you may have some corners or lengths that only have batting showing (and not top or back) -- but that is OK as long as the binding will cover that area.  The main thing is that your quilt is "square", that the corners are at a 90 degree angle and that the width and length measurements don't vary from top to bottom or side to side.
I normally start on a corner of the quilt -- and double check measurements and ruler placement to ensure that I'll end up with a 90 degree angle in each corner.    If you need detailed instruction for "squaring-up" a quilt top there are several different YouTube and written tutorials available online.  I also talk about it briefly in my Family Tree Quilted Envelope Pillow tutorial on the Moda Bake Shop.   You're also welcome to reach out to me via email for help -- I would be happy to help if I can.  My email address is available at the bottom of the post.

2. Preparing a Hanging Sleeve....  

NOTE:  The sleeve instructions below are not quilt show approved....  Preparation of an AQS Approved Quilt Sleeve can be found here.

Image shows the beginning of the sleeve process.  I cut a 8" tall by WOF piece to begin.
For quilts used at home or gifted... my standard way of preparing a quilt sleeve is:
  • Cut the sleeve fabric 8" tall by the width of the squared quilt minus 1 inch
  • Fold the short ends of the sleeve fabric over twice at .5" (each fold) and machine top stitch to make finished short edges
  • Fold the sleeve in half length (long) wise with wrong sides together.
  • Center and position the raw edges of the folded sleeve at the top of the quilt sandwich on the back and pin or baste in place -- be sure it is centered left to right.
  • The sleeve will be sewn to the quilt back when the binding is applied
  • Once the binding is complete, hand sew the bottom and sides of the sleeve to the quilt back -- leaving the outer layer of the short edge open for the rod.
For our Lewe's Balloons Growth Chart I suggest you start with a raw edge sleeve 8" tall by 27" wide -- once it's sewn into the binding it will finish to be 3.75" tall by 25" wide.  

3. Preparing and attaching a quilt binding...  

Oh there are so many ways to make and attach a quilt binding.   The most common method is detailed in this Moda Bake Shop Binding tutorial.

PLEASE NOTE:   We planned for binding strips 2.25" wide and sewn on with a 1/4" seam allowance.   The referenced Moda Bake Shop tutorial assumes the strips are 2.5" wide and sewn with a 3/8" seam allowance.   You can follow the Moda Bake Shop tutorial step by step -- except you'll cut your strips 2.25" wide and use a 1/4" seam allowance.   (If you have enough fabric to cut your strips 2.5" wide, you can follow the Moda Bake Shop tutorial exactly as written).

For our Lewe's Balloons Growth Chart Binding:
  • I cut (5) 2.25" strips by Width of Fabric
  • I sewed the 5 strips together (end to end) with a mitered connection - this reduces bulk when you're attaching your strips to the quilt top.  (See Moda Bake Shop tutorial above). 
  • Once your strips are sewn together end to end and the seams are pressed open, fold the binding in half lengthwise (wrong sides together) and press
  • Now align and pin the raw edge of the binding on the raw edge of your squared quilt on the front side of the quilt (machine stitch to the front and hand stitch on the back). 
  • See detailed instructions for the remaining steps in the Moda Bake Shop recipe.

Label -- it's really important to label you're work.  I normally include these items on my quilt label:

  • Name of Quilt
  • Name & Location of Person who made the Quilt
  • Name of Person who quilted the quilt (if different than the maker)
  • Date the Quilt was completed or gifted
  • Name of Person the Quilt was gifted to
I've tried many times to make a hand-written label and I never seem to be satisfied with them.  For quilts that won't require extensive washing and drying I use the computer to prepare and print the label on fabric.   I've written a tutorial for preparing a label with your computer, you can see it ==> here ==> Printed Quilt Label Tutorial -- sew fun!

Ok then -- once you've completed these steps you've made it to the end game.

In the next few days I'll be posting a recap of our Redbird Quilt Co 2016 FMQ Along AND having a Linky Party so you can submit entries for the Giveaway.   If you don't have a blog, Instagram or Facebook account you can submit your entries to me directly (email below) and I will post them for you so you are eligible for the giveaway drawings.
Great job everyone!! 

Take care now and Keep on Quilting!
Karen

****

More Info:

I'm booking Redbird Quilt Co. Lectures, Trunk Shows and Workshops for 2017.
If your Shop, Group or Guild is looking for programs or workshops I would love to hear from you.
Domestic Machine Quilting,  Wool & Needle turn Applique - Technique or Project oriented workshops are available.

Send email inquiries to karen at redbirdquiltco dot com
or redbirdquiltco at gmail dot com
*
Social Media:
*** Follow Me ***
Did you know you can visit me on
and/or
I post all sorts of fun things there!!
**
If you love to Free Motion Quilt consider joining my 
Facebook Community Group
*
Plus
I share quilting related
videos on my YouTube Channel
*
I'll soon be sharing live feed TV on my Periscope
*
I'm also on Pinterest and Twitter 
and I share other tutorials and patterns on
My Tutorials on my blog
*
I have a few patterns available in my Craftsy Store
Thanks again for stopping by...

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Weekend Workshop Warrier - Do you FMQ ?

Just back from a really great time with the Wiltwyck Quilter's Guild in Kingston, NY and I'm heading out the door for
an amazing Weekend of Workshops
in Arcade, NY.   

I'm looking forward to spending time with the lovely ladies at Creekside Fabrics, Quilts and Yarns and the 35+ patrons that have signed up for my Workshops -- Yippee!!  
Here's the lineup:

Friday Daytime -- We'll be learning FMQ Basics -- an Introductory class for those just learning to Free Motion Quilt on their home machines.
Friday Evening join us for a World of Susybee Trunk Show!

I've been busy quilting these lovely whimsical Play Mats and Growth Charts (some of which I'll be sharing at Spring Quilt Market in Salt Lake City -- can't wait) but....
 in addition to my collection of goodies we're teaming with Glynis from World of Susybee to see 30+ more samples.

Infant bedding, quilts, play mats, growth charts, animals, pillows, and
---- Inspiration Galore!
No Fee -- just donate a bag or box of diapers to a good cause.
Saturday - we're quilting the Lewe or Lal Play Mat by World of Susybee on our domestic machines. Panel play is an awesome way to hone your FMQ skills...


I'm really excited about the final Workshop of the Weekend.  On Sunday I'll be sharing Free Motion Quilting Basics using The QP Curve Templates by Linda Hrcka of The Quilted Pineapple.
I even created a new sample.
I used the #15 and #12 QP Curve Templates along side the brand new QP Edge to create this 18" x 25" table runner.   Sew much fun!
All Quilt Samples were quilted with
Aurifil Thread and
using Quilters Dream Batting... 
My Favorites
***
Will I see you this weekend ?

NO time for a "live" class
from a qualified professional?
Be sure to check out the
Craftsy Spring Class Sale
Top Classes at 50% off
through April 23rd...  

My collection of Craftsy
classes grows weekly.

The more we learn, the more we know!!  

Click the image for my link to the sale:

Finally -- For all those waiting on the next installment of our
2016 Free Motion Quilt Along...

Thank YOU for your patience.
We'll be sharing binding and sleeve information soon. 
Here's my version of the Lewe's Balloons Growth Chart.  
Many thanks to my sister Janet for adding the binding and hanging sleeve while I was in Kingston last weekend -  Love you!
OK - Time to get some rest -- I'll tie in with you soon.

Happy Quilting and have a blessed weekend.
Karen

***

More Info:
I'm booking Redbird Quilt Co. Lectures, Trunk Shows and Workshops for 2017.
If your Shop, Group or Guild is looking for programs or workshops I would love to hear from you.
Domestic Machine Quilting, Ruler Work {wink, wink},  Wool & Needle turn Applique - Technique or Project oriented workshops are available.

Send email inquiries to karen at redbirdquiltco dot com
or redbirdquiltco at gmail dot com
*
Social Media:
*** Follow Me ***
Did you know you can visit me on
and/or
I post all sorts of fun things there!!
**
If you love to Free Motion Quilt consider joining my 
Facebook Community Group
*
Plus
I share quilting related
videos on my YouTube Channel
*
I'll soon be sharing live feed TV on my Periscope
*
I'm also on Pinterest and Twitter 
and I share other tutorials and patterns on
My Tutorials on my blog
*
I have a few patterns available in my Craftsy Store
Thanks again for stopping by...

Note:  This post includes affiliate links and I may be compensated for purchases made using the links.  Rest assured I will only share sales and promotions for products I know and love myself.  Many thanks for your support of my very small business.

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Quilting with Rulers - Class Review and Discount Code

Greetings Fellow Quilters & Welcome!

Continuing with my Quilting Classes -- Class Review Series
I recently finished this Online Class
"Quilting with Rulers & Templates on a Home Machine"
by Amy Johnson
You may know Amy from her blog - Amy's Free Motion Quilting Adventures

Amy shares a wealth of information on her blog so if you're looking to expand your understanding of Free Motion Quilting you may want to add Amy's blog to your stop.

Now Let's Talk Class Review!!

Some History:

Ya'll know I've been working with acrylic templates on my home machine for a year or so...

I fell in love with
"The QP Curved Templates"
designed by Linda Hrcka of
The Quilted Pineapple
when she blogged about them early in 2015.
Linda is an award winning, professional long arm quilter and I wear a "I wanna quilt like Linda" sign on my forehead every day!!

So....
I jumped right into using
The QP Curve templates
on my home machine,
finished "Chevron with a Twist" for
the Moda Bake Shop with them,
and
continue to use and enjoy them every day.

I even published a few very beginner YouTube videos highlighting how to use them:

Using rulers and templates on a domestic machine is a natural progression once you've leaped into Free Motion Quilting at home.

Straight and curved templates open a WORLD of options for FMQ designs on your quilts.
Home Machine Quilted: Simply Spring Fleur - Redbird Quilt Co 2016
With this in mind, the quilting world is crazy about Acrylic Rulers and Templates and anxious to learn how to use them.

Amy's Class is a perfect way to go from basics to borders with Acrylic Rulers and Templates.

Although Amy's class is demonstrated on a home machine, many of the tips and designs she shares in the class apply to sit down and long arm machines as well.

Let's review the content...
This is a great line-up of Lessons....

It's everything you need to get started
and then some!
Image Courtesy Craftsy
I especially LOVE that Amy talks "process".
In my opinion,
no class is complete without it.
In the very first lesson she covers the following Key Elements:
Foot
Motion
Rulers
Details... details...details -- I love them!

Amy starts with Ruler Foot options,
jumps into how to position
your hands and templates
AND
shares details on a variety
of templates and rulers.
Image Courtesy Craftsy
In subsequent lessons
Amy discusses and stitches
Straight line designs
Image Courtesy Craftsy
Curved designs
Image Courtesy Craftsy
and shares how to integrate
Free Motion Quilting with Ruler designs...

But even more helpful.... 

Border designs with Rulers...!!!

This Lesson is FULL of
great information and images.
And on the Craftsy platform you can
repeat lessons over and over again!!
 

Summary:

It's a GO!


This class is well thought out, has great information and demonstrations and will get you on your way to quilting with rulers and templates on a home machine!

After watching the class myself (Yes - at 1.5x Speed),

I inquired about a DISCOUNT LINK so YOU can purchase the
class at 1/2 price -- $19.99
*
This link is valid through end of day 4/20/16 .
Please share with others that may be interested.

Class Sales can be found by clicking this link

If you can't watch the class or practice right away -- it's ok.
Once purchased you can watch it at anytime.

Also, on the Craftsy Platform you can:

  • ask Amy questions
  • repeat your lessons
  • download class materials
  • get inspired by what other quilters are creating
AND
Craftsy classes come with
a 100% Money Back Guarantee

Click here to checkout Quilting with Rulers

*
If you take Amy's class I would love to hear your feedback - I really enjoyed it.
Let's go make something!

***

More Info:
I'm booking Redbird Quilt Co. Lectures, Trunk Shows and Workshops for 2017.
If your Shop, Group or Guild is looking for programs or workshops I would love to hear from you.
Domestic Machine Quilting, Ruler Work {wink, wink},  Wool & Needle turn Applique - Technique or Project oriented workshops are available.

Send email inquiries to karen at redbirdquiltco dot com
or redbirdquiltco at gmail dot com
*
Social Media:
*** Follow Me ***
Did you know you can visit me on
and/or
I post all sorts of fun things there!!
**
If you love to Free Motion Quilt consider joining my 
Facebook Community Group
*
Plus
I share quilting related
videos on my YouTube Channel
*
I'll soon be sharing live feed TV on my Periscope
*
I'm also on Pinterest and Twitter 
and I share other tutorials and patterns on
My Tutorials on my blog
*
I have a few patterns available in my Craftsy Store
Thanks again for stopping by...

Note:  This post includes affiliate links and I may be compensated for purchases made using the links.  Rest assured I will only share sales and promotions for products I know and love myself.  Many thanks for your support of my very small business.

Sunday, April 10, 2016

2016 Free Motion Quilt Along - Part VIII Borders

Greetings Fellow Quilters!
&
Welcome to Part VIII of the
2016 Redbird Quilt Co.
Free Motion Quilt Along
using the whimsical 
Lewe's Balloons Growth Chart
by Susy Bleasby
for World of Susybee

If you're just joining us be sure to checkout the previously published
Free Motion Quilt Along Posts:

Introduction => here
Sponsors =>  here
Supplies =>  here
Part I Pieced Borders =>  here
Part II Pin Basting ==>  here
How to Quilt That =>  here
Part III Tools, Setup + Practice => here
Part IV Let's FMQ => here
Part V More FMQ => here
Part VI Echo, Pebbles, Loops & Swirls Oh My! => here
Part VII Landscape & Background => here

Also, do checkout our fabulous Sponsors and their generous Giveaways....
You can read all about it  ==> here

In Part VIII of the QAL
we're talking borders -- woot woot!
*
I'll share what I did for Border 2
and offer FMQ options & lessons
for YOU to quilt Border 2.
We'll also talk Border 3 ideas and FMQ.

Let's get started:
There is 1 video and a few still images to check out.

As always, be sure to watch the video first....
(Click image below)
Here are a few still images of my completed borders.

I decided to go with Aurifil 12Wt
for MY Border #2.
The 12Wt thread adds
sheen & beautiful dimension.
Color #2105 was perfect.
Tips for using Aurifil 12Wt
on your home machine:
  • Use a "walking" or "even-feed" foot
  • Use a 100/16 or 110/18 needle
  • Use 50Wt thread in the bobbin
  • Set your stitch length to a "top-stitch" setting (3.5) 
  • Set your top tension down (a lower number)
  • Stitch slowly
If you're needle is not the right size or it's just old, you may see skipped stitches.
I had a few in my quilting of Border 2.
It's not a disaster -- but it's always better if you can avoid "Skipped" stitches.
To begin and end stitching with 12Wt thread take very small stitches or make a backtrack to lock the stitches.  It's hard to stitch in in place with such a thick thread.

For those of you that want to Free Motion Quilt Border #2 -- please review the Part VIII video where we review and practice 4 different FMQ Motifs for this border.
*
I can't wait to see what you decide.

For Border #3 I went with varying size pebbles around the perimeter of the green dot fabric.
*
Don't worry too much about the uniformity of the pebbles...
Make them all sizes!
Don't even worry about making them all round.
It's a great opportunity to
Practice, Practice, Practice
your pebbles...
Some the pebbles in my border look to be overlapped.
It worked out just fine.
Great thing about pebbles for a border, you can just stitch a continuous design around any corner.
No need to stop or measure!
I love the way it worked out.
Stay tuned....

I'll be sure to talk a little about binding and hanging sleeve in our next blog post.
Now get that stitching done so we can have a giveaway!!

Are you excited ? 
How is your quilting coming along ?
Be sure to leave me a comment on the blog, any YouTube Video, or over on Facebook. 
I would love to see your progress and hear your woes (if you have them).

Happy Quilting!
Karen

More Info:

I'm booking Redbird Quilt Co. Lectures, Trunk Shows and Workshops for 2017.
If your Shop, Group or Guild is looking for programs or workshops I would love to hear from you.
Domestic Machine Quilting,  Wool & Needle turn Applique - Technique or Project oriented workshops are available.

Send email inquiries to karen at redbirdquiltco dot com
or redbirdquiltco at gmail dot com
*
Social Media:
*** Follow Me ***
Did you know you can visit me on
and/or
I post all sorts of fun things there!!
**
If you love to Free Motion Quilt consider joining my 
Facebook Community Group
*
Plus
I share quilting related
videos on my YouTube Channel
*
I'll soon be sharing live feed TV on my Periscope
*
I'm also on Pinterest and Twitter 
and I share other tutorials and patterns on
My Tutorials on my blog
*
I have a few patterns available in my Craftsy Store
Thanks again for stopping by...