Vacation Fun

Vacation Fun

August 9, 2014 by · Leave a Comment
Navaho Rose Quilt Pattern - By Cynthia Rang

Navaho Rose Quilt Pattern – By Cynthia Rang

I spent the last 3 days in quilting heaven. My friend Cindi owns The Fabric Patch in Ephrata, Washington. She also recently opened a retreat house, and I was fortunate enough to get to stay there this visit. (When I get back I will have a review of this wonderful quilting retreat).

I also got to spend time with my friend and long arm quilter Charisma, she is such a gifted quilter, and wonderful friend.  I’m like the older brother she never wanted, and she is the sister I always wanted.

We all hunkered down at the retreat house and worked on various projects. Cindi’s daughter Brianna, Sabrina, Donna, Faith and Roger (from Portland )also came over for a visit. I decided to make a quilt that’s exclusive to the shop called Navaho Rose.  I ended up getting all of the blocks completed and shipped it back home.  So when I get done with vacation I will be ready to get the sashing and borders on it.

Brianna and her fiance Robert, and his friend Alex took me out shooting. Which was fun, I’m gonna be all ready for the zombie apocalypse.  I shot a 22, 9 mil, and a shot gun.  It was really interesting and something I had always wondered about.  So I can scratch it off my bucket list.

It was great! And while I’m sad to leave, I’m excited to see Karl again tomorrow!!

More pictures to come, also forgive any strange wording or phrasing, as doing this on my phone is awkward.

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized
Let’s Tidy Up the Quilt Room – And Vacation

Let’s Tidy Up the Quilt Room – And Vacation

August 6, 2014 by · Leave a Comment
Quilt Room - My Station

Quilt Room – My Station

If you recall a few weeks back I had received some new sewing cabinets from Arrow Sewing Cabinets that were an incredible deal.  They were moving their facilities and had some available at a STEAL!

Well this weekend I finally got around to un-boxing them and setting them up.  It will be great for my mom and my friend Joann to have a specific spot to come over and sew (which is not as often as I would like, that darn thing called life always seems to get in the way)

Quilt Room - Computer Setup

Quilt Room – Computer Setup

Anyway I now have a dedicated desk for the computer, as well as a blank spot for…well I’m sure it will collect things, but it’s nice to have a blank spot to sort, etc.

While I was arranging everything, I came to the conclusion that I needed more things on the wall.  I want to make my own design wall, and then…even though for years I’ve said how much I hate them…I want to get….a wall hanging!!!  There I said it!  For years I’ve been saying how much I hate them in a house….but in this particular instance, in a quilt room setting it seems appropriate.  🙂

Quilt Room - Joann's Station

Quilt Room – Joann’s Station

This week I will be going on vacation. (YAY!)  Karl and I are headed out to visit friends and family in Washington state.  His parents live in Coupeville, WA and I have some friends in Ephrata, WA.

So for the first 4 days I will be spending time with my quilting friends in Ephrata.  My friend Cindi is the owner of The Fabric Patch and has recently opened a Quilt Retreat Center (which is where I will be

Quilt Room - Mom's Station

Quilt Room – Mom’s Station

staying!)  And then my long-arm quilter Charisma (Owner of Charisma’s Corner – Long-Arm Quilting).  I can’t wait, we always have a wonderful time.  Lots of laughing, and inspiration, it will be GREAT!

Then I meet Karl and his family and we embark on an Alaskan cruise (a gift from Karl’s dad to the family last Christmas).  It’s going to be a really fun week, and I’m really looking forward to it.  I hope I see a polar bear!!  So I’m going to try and update my blog while I am away, but with internet service, etc on a cruise I can’t guarantee it!

Have a wonderful day!  Happy Quilting!

Filed Under: Equipment, General, LQS
Piecing & Your Stitch Plate

Piecing & Your Stitch Plate

August 2, 2014 by · Leave a Comment
Comparison between your regular stitch plate and single stitch plate.

Comparison between your regular stitch plate and single stitch plate.

Here’s a great tip I received from my LQS when I started quilting.  I’m surprised at how many  people don’t know this little secret.  It all has to do with your stitch plate.

Your machine will come with a regular stitch plate.  In the center it has a wide horizontal opening to allow for a zig-zag stitch, etc.  The problem with using a regular stitch plate is that when your piecing, your fabric can get stuck in this opening.

The solution?  Get a single stitch plate.  It has a small hole in the middle, just large enough to let the needle pass through.  Keeps your fabric from getting caught, and helps to keep your piecing accurate.

Sew simple right?

Happy Quilting!

P.S.  Be sure to change your foot plate if you switch from piecing to regular sewing, as you will have a broken needle if you try and zig-zag or click your needle to the left or right with this plate.  🙂

Filed Under: Equipment