Mom's Log Cabin Quilt

My mother has been a quiltmaker for as long as I can remember.

As she has aged, it has become more of a challenge

for her to hand quilt her projects. She pieced this lovely

log cabin quilt and I offered to machine quilt it for her.

Perhaps you may be interested in following the process.

In the past, I've always laid my quilts out on the carpet to

pin them together. I'm not sure about you, but it is a real

killer on the back and knees. This time I decided to try

basting on the top of a table. Since I have two tables,

I placed the tables side by side and draped each layer

over the tables, being careful to center the fabric.

To hold the fabric tight, I used several clamps from my

husband's toolbench. Using one clamp on each corner worked

better than I could have hoped! It held the fabric in place

and I was able to tighten or loosen the tension as desired.

Once a section was pinned,

the fabric could easily be repositioned.

(For anyone interested in purchasing a set of clamps, here is

a link to the brand I used.

The ones shown in my photo are

an older model.)

I have to admit, this method of pinning was a real time saver.

Machine quilting usually isn't one of my favorite steps of the

quiltmaking process. My perspective

is changing due to the larger throat space on my

new-to-me Singer 201.

Those extra inches make a

huge difference!

The extra space around the needle allowed my

hands to move freely.

I'm thinking Mom will like the finished product.

What method do you use to baste a quilt?

May you always Sew in Peace!

Sandra

Pick Me!

Postage Stamp Quilts are made of tiny squares of

fabric. This little doll quilt is made of 2 1/2" blocks

of various fabrics to match my sewing room. The top was

 made about a year ago and has hung on my design wall

waiting patiently to be completed.

Several weeks ago I purchased a Singer 201 and was

looking for the perfect project to test out it out. I glanced

around my sewing room and the little quilt top seemed to

scream "Pick me!" So using painters tape, I marked off

the rows and began quilting.

It didn't take long to finish the quilting and attach the binding.

Not sure why some projects go so quickly and others

you have to be in the mood to finish. If you are looking

for a little push to get you going, plan to join us

 May 21st for the Friday Night Sew-In.

Take a minute and listen to what is

screaming "Pick me!" at your house.

May you always Sew in Peace!

Sandra

How to Fix a Hole in Jeans

Do you have a pile of clothing like this at your house

in need of repair?

Let's face it. It isn't very fun to mend clothes,

but it is doable.

This sweater for instance simply needs a few stitches

sewn across the seem to repair it. It can

be mended in a few minutes.

Other projects like heming pants take a bit more time

but the results are worth it.

This however takes an entirely different approach.

While the "worn out" look is in style, sometimes holes

appear in the wrong places and need mended.

So let's get started!

First, insert a sharp scissors into the hole and cut

the fabric in four different directions to form an "x".

Cut a square several inches larger than the hole

of similar jean fabric, and hem the edges.

(I ran this through a serger, but if you do not

have a serger any type of edge stich will work.)

Next, place the square on the inside of the jeans

centering in over the hole. Pin the square in place.

On the outside of the jeans, carefully turn under the

edges of the hole to form a square.

When you finish turning under the edges it should

look like this.

Insert a jeans/denim needle into your sewing machine.

These needles are made of a heavier grade of metal and

can be purchased at your local fabric or discount store.

Using a zig-zag stich, sew around the perimeter of

the patch. I usually make two laps around the

edge to be sure it is secure.

For the final step, turn back to the inside of the jeans

and straight stich around the perimeter of the patch.

This will secure the entire patch and will be

more comfortable for the person who will wear them.

It will also help the patch to wear better,

especially if the jeans are worn while working.

The final result will look like this and is sure to bring a

smile to the owner of the jeans.

May you always Sew in Peace!

Sandra

May Goals

I've decided to join Jacquie's "Spring to Finish Challenge".

It's just the extra push I need to wrap up several UFO's.

So...here are my goals for the month of May:

1.  Machine quilt this queen-size log cabin for my mother.

2.  Finish this little wall hanging for my sewing room.

3. Treat myself to a new ironing board cover.
(Hope this doesn't gross you out!)

4.  Mend this pile of clothing....(I hate mending!)

5.  Turn this into a wedding veil.

I tend to be a realist, so the reality is...if I can

accomplish these five simple goals for the month of May

I will be pleased!

May you always Sew in Peace!

Sandra