Baby Quilt for Parker

 My latest baby quilt was for my niece, Taylor, and her husband as they get ready for the arrival of their first baby—A GIRL!!  When I asked for nursery information, Taylor messaged a couple of pictures and I immediately knew that my stash had exactly what would become the perfect quilt.  Does anyone else drool over a collection, purchase it and then horde it because the perfect project hasn’t been inspired yet??

The soft, muted palette in this collection was going to make the best quilt for this baby!  Next was to decide on a design!  As I sat at my computer, using the software for quilt designing by the Electric Quilt Company, a snowball block came to mind in order to feature the beautiful prints. An arrow block could fill the alternating block with a more “geometric” shape.  Wanting to have her name personalized on the quilt also turned my direction into a “strip” or row quilt layout using 12” blocks. 

What do you think???

Check back for Part 2….

Always in Stitches,

Renee

Where Is It????

Where is it???  I mean, when I get ready to start a project, I want to know where the pattern is, get all my supplies together and in a project box.  That way I don't spend valuable time "hunting down" a quilt pattern.  Or, what about "I need a baby quilt by next weekend..." prompts a huge game of hide and seek so I can pick out the perfect project.

I decided to try logging my magazines into a Numbers program (MAC users-PC users it is Excel) so I could decipher my various quilting magazines and the projects therein.  About a year in to this endeveour, I find the typed columns a bit of a puzzle.  I needed a way to categorize, have a picture of the project for easy reference as well as tags to search and pull for me.  A way to search quickly, then pull the magazines or books would be a novel way for this OCD to retrieve information from all the invested money for "resources" (ie.patterns,magazines and books that come regularly to my house).


 It would have been handy in my last project (which I need to do a post on) in using rulers correctly--or better yet, why I needed a specific ruler for a specific purpose.

Going to the "trusty" internet, I located an app/program that will record, categorize and tag books, music, videos, etc.  Why not my favorite quilting periodicals?  With a little adjusting, I was able to enter my own cataloging system.  Now, perhaps, I can locate projects that fit the requirements I'm looking for, pull my magazines, (which are also organized by this OCD into binders for easy retrieval) and sip my coffee while perusing the project that will "fit the bill" and make me happy.  And, by the way, it is free for 5,000 entries. Did I mention it is available as an app for your IOS devices and it syncs all information!!!

This month's McCall's Quilting Sept./Oct issue is my trial for using libib.  It is pronounced "luh-bib".
I set up an account and have the option to publish it for anyone to use or keep it private.  What are your thoughts?  Should I publish? Would you utilize something like this to help with your project planning?  Check it out at neyneystitches.libib.com!

Happy Searching and Stitching!

Renee (Ney-Ney)

Quilting is my passion!

Quilting is a facet of sewing that has become my passion.  I do all areas of sewing....home dec, garments, children's heirloom, smocking, and have dabbled in quilting as a way to share a homemade gift.  The quilting bug has bitten hard and is my "passion".  I still love handwork but guess what??? It is English Paper Piecing!!  (a little obsessed here as well).

Over the past 2 years, I have transformed my sewing space ( or "happy place" as I call it) into a quilt haven.  Learning how to create a quilt from beginning to end has become my "media" of choice.  T-shirt quilts for children precipitated the quilting bug's bite while I received chemo treatment for breast cancer.  It gave me something to do with my hands as well as a memorable gift for the upcoming Christmas season made from their high school shirts that had been sitting in a rubbermaid tote for a couple of years.  I used the "tie" method of to hold together the quilt sandwich.

Then came 2 memory quilts for a young woman and her mother-in-law.  I watched her grow up so creating something special for her since she  had lost her young husband in a tragic accident was important to me.   These were actually 2 quilts in one--becoming 4 tops made into 2 quilts.  One side was t-shirts, the other was button downs that were cut into the bow-tie block per her request.

Since making those 4 tops and my own son and daughter-in-law's wedding quilt, I decided I was tired of pushing the quilt around on a domestic machine.  Research on what long-arm would suit me best began.  It helped that we had moved into a home with a "bonus" room over the garage that was quickly claimed as my new sewing space!

What led to your quilting journey?
Do you sew other things?

Always in stitches!
Renee (Ney-Ney)

Picture Smocking Unraveled-Part 1 Blocking

PICTURE SMOCKING TUTORIAL PART 1 Blocking
Spring brings not only flowers outdoors, but a desire to sew and smock all kinds of cute clothing!
I'm re-posting my series on smocking tutorials since I have changed blogging platforms and many of my links take you to ......nothing!!!  Now, you should be able to find the tutorials!!!!

Recently I have seen picture smocking on many facebook style auctions.  You know the ones I'm talking about?  Picture smocking requires "stacking" cable stitches to create a picture.  Since I loved to color as a child (you may still catch me coloring) picture smocking affords me to "color" with  thread.

Picture smocking can be done on bishops (around the neck and shoulders)

or an insert (inset) that is placed into a garment.

To begin, select one of many picture smocking "plates" (short for template) available from many designers, available online or from specialty sewing stores.

PICTURE REMOVED PER REQUEST OF SMOCKING DESIGNER

Then have your 100% cotton fabric pleated with the number of rows required for your intended project.  I prefer the stability of broadcloth for picture smocking.



For my selection, I need 9 rows of gathering threads pleated.  Always make sure you have a "holding row" at the top and bottom of your insert.  Then you have the actual rows that make the picture smocking.  This pattern has an "H" for holding on the very top row and the row 9 serves as the second "holding row".

PICTURE REMOVED PER REQUEST OF SMOCKING DESIGNER


"Blocking" your insert is required prior to smocking to insure the piece will fit into your garment correctly!  You don't want to spend the time it takes to smock only to discover the insert has been squeezed tightly by your stitches and is too little to be sewn into your garment.:(

Next, scrunch all the pleats over to the left hand side (make sure there is a knot holding all the threads together)  pulling on the top and bottom of the insert to "straighten" any puckers.  Hold your steam iron over the insert and steam the pleats.  DO NOT IRON THE PLEATS!!!  Let this dry.

You need to make sure you're smocking on the "right" side of the insert.  Since broadcloth is essentially the same on both sides this doesn't create a problem with the fabric.  However, there is a "right" and "wrong" side to the pleating.  In order to stitch into each pleat while smocking you want as much of the pleat to be above the gathering thread as possible.  So....look at both sides of your insert.  The stitches that are longest are on the wrong side.  "Wrong is Long"  Notice that on the pleats, there is little room to take a "bite" of fabric with your needle while smocking.

Notice here that the stitches are shorter and therefore, this is the "right" side.  The pleats give you more room to take a stitch when pulled together.

After the insert is completely dry, you are ready to pull the gathering threads from the left side away from the fabric and snip off the knot.

I use the blocking board that can be purchased from Martha Pullen's website.  When I first started smocking, however, I used a bulletin board that had been covered with muslin and a grid that had been covered with contact paper.

Make sure to line up the left edge of the fabric so that it is square.  Secure with several pins.

Stretch the pleats out from the left side.

Measure the seam allowance.  My particular garment pattern requires 1 3/4 inch seam allowance in order for the insert to fit into the clothing I'm planning on making.  So I use a seam guide to find that width and notice which pleat lines up with that required 1 3/4 inch allowance.

Using a straight pin, (I've also used a seam ripper only to break my gathering threads so I don't suggest this method :( pull each row out gently along the same pleat all the way down the left side.  It should look like this....

Now you will take 2 of the tails and tie and overhand knot.

Using your right hand on the right side of the fabric, gently pull the top two gathering threads through the fabric until the first knot is "seated" right against the left first pleat.

This is a properly "seated" knot.  :)  Continue all the way down the left side.  If you have an odd number of rows (as I do in this particular design) just tie the last 3 together.  (When I pleat my inserts, I use one color-pink in this case- for the top holding row, all the smocked rows are orange and the bottom holding row is blue to help me while picture smocking)

Now it is time to count the pleats.  I use one color of (white) pins across the top of my insert and count out 10 pleats at a time and mark them with my pins.

Write this number down or put it into your handy cell phone calculator!

Look at your template to make sure you have enough pleats to cover the smocking design.

PICTURE REMOVED PER REQUEST OF SMOCKING DESIGNER

This particular design calls for a total of 162 pleats.  I have more than enough to cover that!  (I will use only the amount required since I'm making a small 6 mos size garment, if I make something bigger I like to leave extra pleats on each side to cover a larger chest area)

After dividing 162 pleats by 2 I get 81 which is the center of my smocking design.  So now I recount the white pins by 10's until I get to 80 then add the 1 pleat and mark it with a blue pin.  Take a safety pin and secure it on the center pleat.

  Determine the width your insert needs to be by consulting the pattern.  The pattern I'm using has a "blocking guide" to give me the width the insert needs to be to fit into the garment properly.

My project needs to be 12inches wide so I'll stretch out the right side of the insert on my board to the 12 inch mark.  Make sure that the edges are square and pin into place.

Repeat the measuring process used with the left side to determine where to pull out your gathering threads so you can tie off the right side. Since my project requires 162 pleats total, I'm going to be sure I have 81 pleats from center to right side in order to have enough pleats for my design. Do the same for your required number of pleats, depending on which smocking template you selected.   (As mentioned before, if you have extra on BOTH sides for a larger insert, it is ok unless it is too big for the blocking guide so refer to your pattern)  Again, I will use the 1 3/4 " seam allowance called for in my pattern.

Repeat the process for pulling out the threads up to the pleat at the end of your measurement.  Use a pin and go down the entire length of the pleat pulling out the gathering threads.
(see above pic like we did on the left side)

 Now remove all the white pins across the top of the insert and mark the center pleat top and bottom with a water soluble fabric pen.  Slide the pleats over gently using your fingernails or a wide toothed comb.  (Be careful if you have colored nail polish on!) Put your marked center of the insert in the middle of your measurement.  In my case 12 inches wide divided in half is 6, so I put my safety pinned center pleat on 6 inches.

Pin the insert at the top and bottom, making sure the center pleat is straight and squared.  Continue to adjust the pleats from the left side to the center .

Now it is time to tie off the right side.  I take a pin and secure it to the right side of the last pleat required for my design in between the first two gathering rows.  On the right side I tie a square knot using the pin for leverage to make sure I get the knot "seated" securely on the right side of that last pleat.

Continue down the right side in two's, remembering to tie an odd number of rows by using the tail of the gathering row above it.

I promise we are almost through!  Now give the gathering threads a "haircut" to about an inch within the knots on both sides.

The last step in the blocking process is to adjust the pleats with your fingernails getting them straight and no puckers, then spray starch the insert while it is still pinned to the board.

Let it dry completely and then you'll be ready to smock!
Join me on a  Spring Smock-along ---Part 2 coming next!

UPDATE:  link to Part 2
https://neyneysnest.blogspot.com/2015/03/picture-smocking-tutorial-part-2.html
Smooth Smocking,

Renee
UPDATE--6/27/17--PICTURES REMOVED AT REQUEST OF SMOCKING DESIGNER, REQUEST FOR REPUBLISHING BY PINTEREST USER.  Thanks!!!!! 😉

Whoops! Copyright Woes

Be careful when posting pictures of someone elses' work, patterns, etc.  Always check first before posting...

Not realizing I had violated Cross-Eyed Cricket's copyright, posts dealing with picture smocking had to be removed.  I had used her "owls" smocking template to do a tutorial .  Although she praised the tutorial itself, she wasn't happy about using her template in my pictures and using the name even though I gave credit where credit was due. Based on what I had read, I thought posting the article was done correctly. She asked that in the future I got permission.  Rather than address the issue with a claim to Pinterest, she contacted me directly.  Although her email was polite, I felt like a child that had their hand slapped for wrong-doing, and removed the post.

A web article from Baylor University says, "Fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder for purposes such as criticism, parody, news reporting, research and scholarship, and teaching. There are four factors to consider when determining whether your use is a fair one.

The four fair use factors are as follows:

1. The purpose and character of the use, including whether the use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes;
2. The nature of the copyrighted work, such as whether the work is fiction or non-fiction, published or unpublished;
3. The amount of the work used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole, such as using a poem in its entirety, or using one chapter from a long book;
4. The effect of the use upon the potential market for the copyrighted work.   http://www.baylor.edu/copyright/index.php?id=56543

Whoops!
Still sewing in my happy place!
Renee

Quilting stencils with my Scan and Cut

So, I'm branching out and going to attempt "designs" in my next quilting project rather than "stitching in the ditch". I'm using a domestic machine so let's hope I don't pull what little hair I have out in the creative process!

I have recently taken my Scan and Cut out of the box in the closet ( where it has been for nearly a year) and decided to learn to use it in my quilting.  In my quick attempt to get my stencil done prior to leaving town and carrying all my supplies with me, I didn't take pictures of the process itself, but if there is interest, perhaps a tutorial later?

I found poster board sized plastic sheets at my local Hobby Lobby while getting regular poster board and wondered if I could cut my own stencils.....by George I did!



A few words of advice:
  1. Use a sharpie to make your lines thick enough for the scanner to read.
  2.  Make large dashed lines to keep the design in one piece.
  3. A little trimming may be necessary.
  4.  Registration marks will need to be added.

I was able to mark my quilt, starting from the corners and working my way in to adapt the "meeting in the middle" design to fit my size borders.

Hopefully when I return home, I'll be able to begin quilting!
What methods do you use to transfer quilting designs?
Do you have any favorite quilting stencils?
Where do you get them?

Trying to stitch on the road,
Renee

The Splendid Sampler-Block #4-Happy, Happy

Happy! Happy! Isn't that a popular phrase due to the "duck hunters" on TV? Or perhaps the song "Happy" by Pharrell Williams which just happens to be my ringtone?

Jen Kingwell of Kingwell Designs created this block featuring her love for appliqué.

I just used my machine blanket stitch for my vase and stitched the flowers in a rather scrappy way.  May re-do this block later and attempt hand appliqué since I have two of her books and handwork appeals to me but I was on a roll with the machine and didn't quit.

Even though my block doesn't quite please me, I'm happy with it.  It's all about attitude.  Happiness is a state of mind!  

Happy stitching,

Renee