Various & Sundry #6- Mid May

Books, Patterns, Magazines & Projects
I am blowing through Marie Bostwick’s Second Sister. This is her most recent release and not part of the Cobbled Court series. I thought I would be resentful, because I really want to know what happens in new Bern. I was pleased to find that I really like the characters, the premise and the story in Second Sister. I was kind of annoyed at myself for not giving this new book a chance right off the bat, but I am over it. As soon as I started reading, I was all in. This is a well written, modern book that I think many women who work at demanding jobs and have family life intervene can relate to.

I found a leaders and enders Linky party over at A Quilting Chick. I don’t really think of my leaders and enders in the same way she does, but I added my most recent O9P post to the Linky party to 1) get more traffic and 2) acknowledge that the progress I am making is all because of leaders and enders. I wonder what my life would be like if I only worked on one project at a time?

I have always been interested in casserole carriers and other things like that. I thought they would be good gifts, especially for a shower. “The Casserole Carrier measures 9-1/2″W x 14-1/2″L x 4″H and transports a standard 9″ x 13″ casserole dish. Zippered pockets on top and bottom will hold utensils, napkins, a cutting board, and more. There’s even an inner mesh slip pocket for a hot/cold pack. Measuring 11-1/2″D x 3″H, the Pie Carrier is perfect for pies (even deep dish!) or cupcakes.” My only concern is whether the casserole would get on the inside top of the carrier. I saw an interesting pattern in the May 1 ByAnnie newsletter. You might also need a shower gift or a room parent gift.

In the same newsletter, I also saw a baby travel accessories pattern that would make great baby shower gifts. I especially like the pacifier carrier.

The Lindy Petal Skirt is a free pattern from Itch to Stitch. I love the petal look and the designers says you should be able to sew it in an hour. (Not me, but you)

Other Artists

During Ricky Tims’ concert at the Paducah show, he got on FaceTime with Libby Lehman and the brief conversation was projected on the screen for the whole audience to see. Libby was also able to interact with the audience. She has come such a long way from the aneurysm and stroke she suffered a few years ago.

Nancy Zieman is a giant in the world of sewing. In recent years, she has also jumped into the quilt world and produced some great projects and products. Now she has been diagnosed with cancer and it is time for us to give back. All of us have  cancer somewhere in our families. Some of us, sadly, know better than others the day to day worries and emotions that engulf a patient and a family. I saw an article recently about Emily McDowell, an artist and cancer survivor, who has produced a line of cards to send to someone with cancer. I am not saying to go buy one of these cards, but go read the blog post about why she produced this line before you write to Nancy or anyone else you know who has cancer. It will change the way you phrase your words. At least it did for me.

Weeks Ringle posted on her blog about this and Nancy also has a video posted explaining what is going on. You may not be a fan of Nancy Zieman, but she has, no doubt, worked hard in this profession and contributed.

Websites, Articles and Information

Mandy Applebee of Yellow House Quilts wrote a great blog post about encouraging others and not breaking them down. One quote was “I am instead asking that we take a moment to BUILD OTHERS UP, speak up, stand up and ENCOURAGE others to create their best work right now, encourage them to TRY, practice and create whatever makes their hearts happy.  Support others, it doesn’t take anymore time to build another person up instead of breaking them down.  ENCOURAGE, ENCOURAGE, ENCOURAGE and help build others up!!  This industry is big enough for everyone no matter their level of skills and training, so help and support others whenever you are able.  Be a builder and take a stand against the bullies!!  PLEASE!!”

I am not diminished in my own process or projects if you sew up a storm. I find joy and inspiration in what you do. I want everyone to share the excitement and challenge I feel in quiltmaking. Why are there quilt bullies? What is the point? Is it the same reasoning as for other bullies? Thanks to Ms. Lottie for sharing.

Gretchen was kind enough to point out an article on pre-washing in a recent blog post. What was interesting was the shrinkage. I would have thought bleeding would be the issue, but shrinkage was much more noticeable. I was surprised to see that one fabric shrank 1/2″ on the weft side. The article is well organized by fabric manufacturer. (As an FYI: I wash all of my fabrics in hot water with Retayne and dry them on low).

12 revealing facts about rulers (not the Queen Elizabeth kind) is an informative and entertaining look at rulers. It mostly has history, but a few bits about quiltmaking rulers as well and the history gives an interesting foundation to the tasks we perform with our rulers.

I have wanted to make a Feathered Star blocks since I first saw what Marsha McCloskey was doing. She has a number of books out and I own a few. Now with the Triangle Technique, it is a lot less daunting. Still, I have not done it, but it is on the list. Marsha McCloskey finally has her blog up and running. Take a look at: https://featheredstar.wordpress.com/

Fabric, Tools, Supplies, Shops & Embellishments

Rock Baby Scissors has an interesting Etsy shop full of bags. If you need some quick gifts for Comicon fans, this is your shop.

Exhibits, Tutorials and Events

“Kevin Kosbab, who wrote the popular book, Quilter’s Appliqué  Workshop, is dedicated to helping other quilt artists use appliqué easily and creatively, using his tips, tricks, and techniques.

Here are some of his suggestions for success:

1. In general, for both hand and machine appliqué, start sewing an appliqué along a straight or gently curved edge rather than a corner or point. The corners look neater this way.

2. To reduce stiffness from fusible web, cut the center away from your fusible shape, leaving a border of about 1/4″ inside the traced outline.

3. Try different types, sizes, and brands of hand needles to find the best one for you. I use a size 11 sharps for hand appliqué, but you might find it easier to manipulate fabric edges with a longer milliners needle. Ask for recommendations from friends or quilt shops, but ultimately it’s a personal decision.

4. Cross-wound spools of thread generally feed better on your machine’s horizontal spool pin, while stacked (parallel-wound) spools work best on a vertical pin. If your machine doesn’t have a vertical spool pin, try a thread stand-also a good idea if you find monofilament thread tangling when sewing invisible appliqué.

5. When combining piecing with appliqué, press the pieced seams in the direction that makes sense pictorially-that is, press seams away from whichever fabric is supposed to be the “background.” When pre-piecing fabrics to sew down as a single appliqué shape, press the seam allowances open to reduce bulk in the turned edges.

Kevin has many more tips, techniques, and patterns for creative, stress-free quilt appliqué, and he shares them all with you in Quilter’s Appliqué Workshop.”