What Are Quilters Blogging About Today?

In this WIP Wednesday episode Vanessa is answering presubmitted questions about:

– how to cut a lot of the same fabric pieces out without messing up
– how to mark your rulers so you know where to measure and cut
– how to work around different zipper feet
– zipper foot seam allowances

We also now carry Sew Hungry Hippie’s Soft Vinyl! We sell this buttery soft fabric in 10+ color ways and have sold out several times already. So, if you see something you like, order it while you can here: https://craftygemini.com/product-category/fabric/

This soft vinyl is heavier than ...

Let me get this out of the way from the start: I love my Bernina 790+ sewing machine. I often say that someone would have to pry it out of my cold, dead hands. However, it does have one disadvantage: it’s really heavy! In the past, I’ve opted not to participate in several sewing days with […]

When you get started quilting the amount of supplies you need can be overwhelming. So for today’s video I break down the nine supplies you absolutely need to get started, and the nine you don’t.

The catch is, the nine supplies are the same item, at different price points.

I go over what kind of sewing machine you need, and two upgrade price points that you don’t need to start, but can be nice if you decide you can’t live without quilting.

I also go over what you absolutely need for fabric, thread, rotary cutters, mats ...

stitched papers

There is an awful lot to see down here in the South Island, as we are traveling around.   We spent several days in Blackball, an old mining town.  The most famous building here is undoubtedly the pub which has an interesting story about it’s name,  called “Formerly the Blackball Hilton”.  Built in 1910 it was named The Dominion.  In the 1970s the owners changed the name to The Blackball Hilton, as the main street is called Hilton after one of the early mine managers.  However, a threat of legal action from the overseas Hilton Hotel chain caused the name ...

the potential of lace cloth

creating lace cloth on my sewing machine

I’ve had my eye on one of these “sewing chairs” for a while, and I’ve finally ordered and collected mine.  For as long as I’ve been sewing at the sewing machine I’ve used a dining chair.  Over the years things have slowly got more difficult, especially over the last year or so with my back problems.  So I thought it would be sensible to get a dedicated, adjustable sewing chair.  I’m still experimenting with the best height for me, and I’m pleased that I can move the chair, on castors, right up close to ...

I took my sewing machine in to the local quilt shop July 11th for a cleaning. My tension was also off and no matter where I set it, it wouldn't change the stitches. I like to support local businesses and they had been advertising their machine technicians so I dropped it off. They called and said they needed my embroidery foot and a hoop. So I took that in. Then they said they needed the manual.

lace cloth in progress

In today’s episode Vanessa will share tips for using all those decorative stitches on your sewing machine! Most of our sewing projects use the basic straight or zig zag stitches. But what do you do with all the other stitches that your sewing machine can do?! Watch this video to learn some important tips so you can use your sewing machine to it’s max capacity!

Products and projects mentioned & used:

• Order this sewing machine: https://craftygemini.com/shop/juki-hzl-lb5020-sewing-machine/

• Shop sewing machine accessories: https://craftygemini.com/product-category/machines/

• Clipper Thread Snips: https://craftygemini.com/shop/clipper-thread-snips/

• Martelli Round ...

It’s been fun knitting up another pair of socks out of the left over yarn from a previous pair.  I purchased the darker blue wool to eke out the pretty variegated left over yarn.  I knitted stripes in the top, blue heels and took a gamble on having enough of the variegated to complete the feet.  Yes, just made it, then knitted blue toes.  I spent today finishing sewing up the side seams, and here we go, another cozy pair of socks.  I’ll certainly be needing them soon, the evenings are starting to get a little chilly these ...

As I mentioned in my last post, I put my hand stitching aside in order to take a Pat Pauly virtual workshop. It was all about line, setting, composition and boy did she pack a lot into those two days. So much fun! I’m not a quilter. I just have to say that. I mean […]

It was an exciting morning today, when I drove the car down to an appointment, after not driving for several months because of my back problems.  Just a short drive, but very successful.  I had an appointment with my oncologist as a follow up on my breast cancer five years ago, all remaining well, I’m pleased to say.  And I’m forever grateful to the wonderful Dr Claire, as she was the one who ordered me an MRI which pin pointed my compressed spinal cord condition, and then referred me to the neurosurgical team.

The other first was a ...

Quilt Camp for our youngest grandchild began here this morning. Lynnleigh's been so eager to start her own quilt! At eight, having only just completed the second grade, she's the youngest Quilt Camper that I've had; but, probably, the most enthusiastic by a mile!  (And by no means does that imply that the others haven't been excited, not at all!) Lynnleigh is artistic by nature, she's all about

Quilt Camp for our youngest grandchild began here this morning. Lynnleigh's been so eager to start her own quilt! At eight, having only just completed the second grade, she's the youngest Quilt Camper that I've had; but, probably, the most enthusiastic by a mile!  (And by no means does that imply that the others haven't been excited, not at all!) Lynnleigh is artistic by nature, she's all about