Stitchin' Mission #17 - Third Lesson

At St. Luke's Episcopal Church, last evening we made lots of sandwiches! Of course, they were of the low-cal variety.

Quilt sandwiches covered every available table space as 25 new and experienced quilters buddied-up to layer each backing, batting (100 percent cotton, or low-loft poly) and top, and then tie the layers together with colorful yarns.  

Lucy and Deb

Tammie and Brenda

Dorthea and Charlotte

Newbies also listened-in on an overview of straight-stitch and free-motion machine quilting, and learned about a variety of ways to mark quilting designs, and the marking tools for doing so.

Rotary Cutting Fun

At Monday's Stitchin' Mission #17, newbies learned rotary cutting.

Looks like they, and the Rebekahs, enjoyed themselves. 

Jennifer

Gaby and Andrea

Brenda and Michelle

Charlotte, Hollie and Lucy

Julie and Audrey

Walking Foot Question

For Stitchin' Mission lessons, how important is it to have a walking foot? Brenda

You don't need a walking foot for Stitchin' Mission lessons. You'll be able to get along without one, but after machine-sewing binding to a quilt, and knowing it's easier with a walking foot, you'll probably want one. 

If you intend to continue making quilts after Stitchin' Mission lessons, a walking foot is a necessity. You'll also use it for straight-stitch machine quilting, and piecing more intricate blocks. I use my walking foot quite frequently and wouldn't be a happy quilter without it. That's why I encourage anyone shopping for a sewing machine, whether new or second-hand, to purchase a walking foot, or a machine with a built-in dual feed/even feed option. Negotiate a walking foot into the price and you won't be sorry.

Pickin' a Pattern and Fabric, and Washin' and Pressin'

For all you SM17 newbies, I hope you've had a good week, preparing your supplies and tools for quiltmaking. 

By Monday (May 11) you should pick a pattern - preferably two! - choose and/or purchase your fabrics (don't forget to select fabric for binding), and then wash and press all of it.

A pressing tip: If you wish, use a little spray sizing to restore body to your fabric. You'll find that as you're learning to rotary cut, and sew your scant quarter-inch seam allowance, that little bit of sizing will add stability to the fabric, making it easier to handle.

Here's the "Noah's Ark" quilt I have begun for Mission Build West Virginia. 

Please send me your fabric and quilt pictures!

Stitchin' Mission #17

It all begins Monday! Another Stitchin' Mission (#17) starts May 4 and for the next six weeks - with one week off for Memorial Day - new, and a few experienced quilters, from in and around the Des Moines area will set their sewing machines to hummin'.

A heads-up for new quilters... if you haven't taken your sewing machine out of the closet since I-can't-remember-when, then it's time to dust off that machine, brush out lint under the feed dogs, oil a few places, and put in a new needle. (For piecing a quilt I recommend a Sharp #80, a Jeans #80, or a Universal #80). Then read your owner's manual to remind yourself how to wind a bobbin and thread the machine. Properly taking care of and using your sewing machine plays a big role in your success - and happiness! - with quiltmaking. 

As we progress through lessons, I'll post your questions and answers, so everyone can learn. You won't hear me say, "My way is the right way..." or "... the only way." Rather, I will share with you my 33 years of experience finding techniques that work. Then I encourage you to find your own "sweet spot" as you enjoy the creative process.

I sincerely hope you will enjoy quiltmaking as much as I do. 

Happenin's! Stringing Colors and SM #17

Calling all quilters! If you'd like to learn a new block-making technique, join us in the project "Stringing Colors." We'll each learn and work from home to make string-pieced blocks that will be sewn together to make adult-sized quilts. The quilts will be completed and donated to a yet-to-be selected mission.

Because this is the first time such an effort has been attempted, we'll wait until your blocks are turned in, by July 31, to set a date and time for making the quilt tops. However, West Des Moines United Methodist Church (8th and Grand, WDM) has graciously offered to be the drop-off point for blocks, as well as host our sewing day.

Here's an example of what can be done with string-pieced blocks.

To participate, just go to the Stitchin' Mission website, click on NEW Stringing Colors and follow the tutorial. Let me know what you think! 

Also, Stitchin' Mission #17 (Can you believe it!?) begins next week! More than 30 newbies are registered thus far for the Monday evening classes, and Rebekahs are needed. If you are available, please register on the website. Just jot in "Comments" that you can help. Thanks so much!

I'm so excited about these fun, community-building, joint efforts. Together, we're better!

Rotary Cutter Blades

At one of the Stitchin' Mission lessons you stressed making sure that your rotary cutter had a sharp blade. I decided I should change the one I had and bought a five-pack at my local fabric store. When I got home, I took the cutter apart and opened the package of blades. The blades are all greased and stuck together. How do I get them apart without losing a finger?! Janelle

I get mine apart apart by using two fingers to slide them. It's kinda like spreading out a deck of cards in one hand. Put your fingertips in the middle of the stack, then make a twist motion. When one blade edge is exposed, use just two fingers to pull it away from the others. To be safe you could slip on a pair of garden gloves, but I've never gotten a nick doing it this way. Linda