A bit of a problem

I have often posted pictures here of the longarm quilting that I do for customers and myself.  I usually take the pictures when all the work is done and a wonderful design has been stitched to complement the blocks and design of the quilt top.

What doesn't often get shared is the stumbling blocks along the way to that great outcome.  Today I am going to share 2 examples of problems that can be encountered.  Believe me, there are many more than these 2!  This happens to be a quilt of my own, and if it had been a customer's quilt I probably would have done things differently.  Anyway, here goes!

First, the problem of skipped stitches as shown in the picture below.  The cause of those skipped stitches can be several things.  In this case, I think it was because I had stretched the quilt too tightly on the frame.  There always has to be some slack.  If the quilt is too tight, it effects the stitch formation when the needle drops down to the bobbin.  I was using a pantograph for this design, and unfortunately, that means that a problem like this is often not noticed until I have quilted far beyond.  Sometimes I don't even notice it until I have reached the bottom of the quilt and I look back over everything.  Some skips are minor, maybe a stitch or 2, but this one was major.

To fix something like this, I have to rip out some stitches.  The stitches have to be removed aways preceding and following the problem spot and the thread tails have to be kept intact, unlike ripping out a seam and just clipping all the threads.  After removing a few inches of stitching, I have to re-quilt the same stitching from each one end to the other.  The distance to be ripped out and re-quilted varies depending on the design.  The stitching has to be very very accurate at the beginning and end spots to meet up with what was originally sewn.  

Then I locate the thread tails at each end of the re-quilted section.  I pull the bobbin threads to the top, and I need about 2" (or more) of thread tails to make it possible to tie off a square knot of all 4 thread ends.

Here I have tied the know that connects the old stitching with the new.

 Next, I thread those 4 tails on a needle.  I insert the point of the needle into a hole occupied by one of the joining stitches right where the tails appear.

The point of the needle is manipulated so it goes into the batting but not out the back, and then pops out of the top again about an inch or so away.  

When you pull those threads through the batting and out to the quilt top, you can usually feel a little "pop" as the knot gets pulled through and buried into the batting.  Trim off the tails snug to the surface of the quilt.  (Without snipping the quilt, because then you have another problem on your hands!)

And voila!  The fix is nearly invisible!  If you're lucky!

These are the needles that I use for this kind of work because they thread through the side of the eye and I don't have to work to get all 4 thread tails into the eye of a regular needle.  And it lets me work with a much shorter thread tail if need be.  Look for them at senchneedles.com.

Now on to the next problem!

When I started quilting this quilt, I didn't have a good plan of what I wanted to do.  I had an idea to do sort of a squared off spiral into each of the rectangles.  In theory, that worked.  In actuality, it didn't.  At least it didn't look attractive to me!  At that point, I took the quilt off the frame because I needed to get something else done and take some time to reconsider what to do.

I would have liked to pursue that idea but alter it some way so I would like it.  But that was going to take me a lot more time to plan and execute than what I wanted to invest into this particular quilt.  So I decided to keep it simple, and use a basic pantogram instead.  

I had done the stylized spiral quilting in the first row of blocks before changing plans.  So I ripped out those stitches and put it back on the frame.  The majority of the fabrics that I used in this quilt are from Art Gallery, and they are wonderful.  They also have a very smooth finish and relatively high thread count.  I use a large needle on my longarm to get good stitch quality, usually an 18 or 20.  For comparison, most of my sewing is done with a size 12 needle.  That larger needle leaves a little trail of holes in this fabric when the stitching is removed.  It's pretty obvious in this picture--

 To get rid of those holes, I have a couple of options.  Sometimes, just rubbing them with a finger or fingernail is enough to smooth the fibers.  Sometimes rubbing an eraser over the holes will help.  In this case, that wasn't working.

The next option that I know of is to dampen the fabric and let the fibers swell just a little and fill in the holes.  That's worked for me many times.  So I did it again, and had mediocre results.  And a new big problem---

The areas circled above show that some of the fabrics bled color onto the white sashing when it was wet.  Not a pretty picture!  And not a happy camper!  After a glass of wine to help me calm down, I used some of this---

It's something I picked once in the laundry aisle at WalMart when I was searching for something else.   Not my favorite place to go, but it can have its positive aspect like finding this!   It's a powder, so I mix a little with some water and dab it with a q-tip onto the stained area.  Then I walk a way so it can dry and I have another glass of wine!  Eventually, I work up enough courage to go back and peek at it.  It did help remove some of the stain, not all.  But it's something I can live with.

So there you go!  You have learned a couple of the little techniques that I use for these problems, and maybe they will help you someday when you are faced with a similar dilemma.  And don't forget the wine!

thread gone wild!

Here's something a little different for your Monday!


Black Books - Favorite Place from DaBrainkilla on Vimeo.

it's all about MN

The past 2 weeks (or so) have been all about Minnesota as far as my work and sewing and quilting go. August 2nd is the kick off for the statewide quilt shop hop.  This is a coordinated effort by many (~90?) quilt shops to promote the idea for customers to get out and visit old fave stores and new treasures.  There is an official passport that is stamped at each store, and depending on the extent of your travels you are eligible for prizes and gifts.  At Bear Patch, we invest a lot of time and effort into making it a special event for the 17 days.  We give out little freebies to each person, prizes to qualifying quilters, and treats!  Debbie has a direct link to the Pearson's candy factory, and buys cases of their mints and mini salted nut rolls to give away.

We also have cases and cases of the special edition Minnesota fabrics on hand, and we create as many samples of neat projects for inspiration as our little fingers can manage!  I have 2 new patterns designed and 1 makeover of a previous pattern in the works.  I really thought I was way ahead of my planning and would not feel rushed and hurried to get them finished on time.  That was about a month ago, and then life happened!  I was gone for a family trip followed immediately by back surgery (planned) for Bob, which really required a lot more from both of us than I had ever anticipated.  No, I didn't have to go under the knife myself, but being the helpmate is a job of its own.  Bob's limitations continue for several more weeks--no lifting (over 5 lbs), no bending, no twisting, no housework, no yardwork, etc.  So I am trying to cram a lot into my days.

Out of the cramming has emerged this--

Slug Bug

 and this--

Wound Around

The first quilt is not nearly as yellow as it looks in the picture, I still have to put on the binding and then I will take a "real" picture to show you.  It feels good to get this far!  I have been putting up frequent posts on the Bear Patch Blog highlighting the Minnesota projects at the store, so hop on over there if you have an interest.

On a side note, I tried out a new thread (new to me) on the Slug Bug quilt for my longarm machine quilting.  This was a polyester 40 wt. variegated thread from Aurifil.  When I was at the Portland Quilt Market we (Debbie and I) did a little shopping and visiting in their booth.  We love their 40 and 50 wt. cotton threads and have a big supply at the store.  I am always interested in new threads that are appropriate for my quilting so I have what my customers want.  This turned out to be just the right color combo for my Slug Bug quilt.  I photographed it in a lovely natural surrounding to capture a great still life!  Other longarm quilters will appreciate the beauty, I am sure.  It ran pretty well in my machine, it did get a little twisty a couple times but that could have been partially due to the fact that I was running faster than usual.  It has a nice bit of sheen to the fibers.  Now I just have to figure out how to get more of it!

Aurifil 40 wt. polyester thread color 5512

Now it's off to work at the store, a day of moving and sorting and lifting and pulling to get merchandise ready for the 3 day annual summer sale that starts tomorrow!  It will be an ibuprofen cocktail at bedtime tonight!

hello again

A week and a few days ago, I showed you what was happening on the retreat I attended and helped host.  Initially, the plan would have required much of my attention to help with the meals, preparing, serving, and clean-up.  Well, I was liberated from the role of scullery maid thanks to Debbie's very wise decision to employ a local caterer to help with most of that--wonderful!  So a few of my own desires were fulfilled and I really enjoyed my time.

I put most of my new hexie blocks up on the design wall to get an idea of how it was shaping up.  

This is such a contrast to my Civil War version:

These are all the same block designs, just a whole different world of fabrics.  I am using a different design for putting them all together, also.  In the second picture, you can see a traditional setting style with equilateral triangles inserted all around the hexagon blocks.  Well, actually, that picture mostly shows blank spaces, but you can get the idea.  For my newer version, I am using little rectangles of white as spacers between blocks, and a little bitty triangle at the corner intersections to get the spacing right.  Took me awhile to figure that one out, I didn't have any pattern to follow.  It was one of those puzzlers we all encounter, when you can picture what you want but don't know how to make it happen!  And it was one of those "Ah ha!" moments when I should have been sleeping, when it dawned on me what shapes needed to be where.  Some of the blocks in the middle of the red and blue have borders sewn on, and there are quite a few more to go.

Now on the reverse side of the sewing spectrum, I turn from tedious handwork to the marvels of computerized sewing:

 A closeup of one fourth of the block below, showing a little detail.  The block is built with applique and thread in different combinations.  The sorta light blue areas aren't fabric, it's a variegated thread on the cream background.  The light brown points with pale grey circles is another fabric.  The quilting design on the cream background is all computerized from designs by Sharon Schamber, an outstanding professional quilter whose work I have seen in shows and classes.  I've always wished I could quilt like her, and now I can!  Here's the 4 pieces laid together:

They will be joined together but I am waiting for my next class to learn the correct way to do that.

Here's a little pillow top design that I put together as a pattern and distributed at our recent Bear Patch Sew Creative Event:

Tumble Rumble by Emmaline Design

I made it with the One-derful One-Patch Tumbler Template by Marti Michel.  A very neat tool.

And here is a new pattern I have written:

Spring Fling by Emmaline Design

A computer (EQ6) rendition of it, until I get the real thing quilted and ready for a picture.  It uses the Creative Grids 2 Peaks in 1 ruler or the Tri-Recs tools.  

Our big lifetime achievement last week was the first birthday of our first grandson!  We had a little family birthday party, and were pleased that my mom and dad could join us, too.  Wonderful that Ian knows his great grands.  Poor guy wasn't quite at full steam for a couple days, because he got pinkeye for his birthday and he was kinda irritable with that.

 But itchy eyes don't stop the birthday cake!  He was fascinated by the candles, and then happy to dig into the cake and frosting!   Since he wasn't his usual smiley self, our picture below looks kind of funny, but makes a good memory of the day--

He looks kind of skeptical of Gramps, don't you think?  Well, it might be good to keep an eye on him, he has tricks up his sleeve!

Enjoy today!

finally finished

This quilt has been stalled on my frame for longer than I had expected, a combination of life's happenings and a low ebb in my creative enthusiasm.  Quilter's block?

I'm not sure of the name of the pattern, I will try to find out from Joyce, the maker.  Now I hope I can pick up the pace again and get some more customer quilts completed.  Right now I am going to run out to Joann's, the nearest one is about 10 miles away, to match a thread color for the next quilt.  I have the desired green isacord thread to be used on the quilt top, but would like to match that color in a cotton thread for the bobbin.  Isacord is a slippery polyester thread and works best with a less slippery thread on the bobbin.  Helps with knotting off ends and setting tension.  Might just have to cruise the yarn aisles, too!  Then later tonight it is a trip downtown to watch the Timberwolves play, they have been pretty hot lately so I hope tonight is a barnburner!

and sew it begins

Just getting going on Jan's quilt, this is her own design and an exercise in colorplay. It took me awhile to get it all loaded up on the frame, mostly because I realized that I needed white batting instead of my usual natural unbleached shade. So I had to track that down, of course, it was right there at Bear Patch but I had a few days off from the store so I don't drive the 55 miles to go there unnecessarily without a bigger reason than to pick up one package of batting. And finally I have it all together and a chance to start stitching this morning. Threads are all picked out and lined up--

I am putting complementary colors on each color block, so there is a bit of color juggling going on. I actually got to use my color wheel for this, to make sure I had it right. So the colors are paired up--

red and green

blue and orange

purple and yellow

All of the white outside area will be stitched in white. I have done one of the red areas with green thread--

Without the benefit of natural lighting this is as good as the photo gets! My longarm is in the basement without windows, which doesn't really bother me unless I want a better photo! Funny, though, that I just realized how much I love my upstairs sewing room because of the great windows and views, but I also love going down to the basement for the other part of my quilting. Must be a split personality!

Prior to quilting this red block I had started with the orange thread on the blue block, and really liked that color combo. But I encountered technical difficulties so it had to be ripped out. It is a brand of thread that I have not used before, and I just couldn't get the tension adjustments balanced and the stitches were nasty. I will be changing to another thread, I think.

Lots of talk around here about how cold it is again, no big surprise, it is winter, after all! I luckily don't have a job that requires me to be outdoors a lot, and on a day like today I am very lucky to be working at home, fire burning, machine humming, sun shining, it's 10:00 in the morning and already warmed up to 4 degrees (that's above zero!). And day after tomorrow I will be flying off to Phoenix for a vacation, yahoo!! So no complaints from here.

The key to successful aging is to pay as little attention to it as possible. --Judith Regan

merry monday

I'm indulging in a little "me" time for the moment after about 2 hours in the dentist's chair this morning. Seems like I had 4 hands and at least a dozen instruments crammed in my mouth at once! Glad to have that over with, and the procedure itself was nearly painless, but my jaw doesn't accommodate this stuff very well and even though I pre-medicate I feel the headache coming on. So much for a fun Monday morning!

Last week I read about this new pen on another blog and I can't remember which blog, but I have tried it out for myself.

It disappears with heat (or enough friction to generate heat) and can be used on fabric. They cost about $2 each at the office supply stores, slightly more on the Pilot website. The results of my preliminary testing:

I drew 2 scribbles in blue on white fabric, ironed one of them and it immediately disappeared! I did wash the sample, and the doodle seemed to faintly show up when it was damp, but was gone again when it was dry. It doesn't work on real dark fabrics. I guess I would continue to use it cautiously until I have tried it out in more situations. But it could come in really handy now and then, and isn't costly.

What's on my frame:

I don't know the name of this block, it was put together by Deb L. and is going to be one fine quilt when it's all done.

In the queue:

I call it the colorblock quilt, put together by Little Sis. I have been playing with threads to find the right colors, even resorting to using the colorwheel so I canput the complimentary colors on the solids.

One great Christmas present was a new pair of socks from Keen. Not your ordinary socks, these are made in a left/right pair, they are even labelled so I can be sure I have them in the right place. They are quite comfortable.

So that's the update from the frozen tundra!

tiny stitches

Hard at work once again, in the film making studio! This time, I talked to my mom about the work she has in progress: