Thursday 28 March 2013

Still not online properly!!!!

What did we do prior to the internet and emails?

Well, I wouldn't be accessing friends blogs across the globe that's for starters. Indeed we wouldn't be friends at all!  Strange to think that this world has become so incredibly small. With the advent of fast air travel, the size had decreased, but not incredibly.  Now I can chat live time, to friends in New Zealand - quite literally the opposite side of the globe from me.

We have now got the opportunity to learn about other cultures in our own homes.  The knowledge at our finger tips is phenomenal.  Ignorance is no excuse anymore.  When I begin my degree, I won't have to spend hours in the library researching, I can turn on the PC, and log onto what ever provider I chose, and read. 

However, when it doesn't work what do we do?

We get angry, frustrated, lonely, and we grieve!

What on earth is wrong with us?   We expect this 'animal' to be continuous, 100% all ours and with no gliches what so ever.

Right now, with a new pc, I can not get access to my emails from two accounts.  I've got emails there that I need access to. The frustrating part for me?  My partner is an IT engineer and can sort it out with a flick of the mouse.  Why hasn't he done this?  He will say he was looking after the kids... whilst sat on his laptop watching You Tube? LOL

So the reality is, I rely upon the internet animal 100% of the time.  Right now it's 2300 and any normal person would be in bed, chilling out, trying to calm down from a busy day and getting refreshed for another.  Now I have this animal that will work with me 24/7, I expect myself to be able to do so.  I can't, something has to give - and with me it's my body that's telling a tale.

So I'll sign off, do a bit of sewing of the latest newborn quilt and off to beddy boes for me. 

Night all

J x

Wednesday 27 March 2013

We are back!

Not a Holiday!

We haven't been away anywhere, nor have I been taking a sabbatical.

I had a new PC delivered, (one that was meant to be a whole world quieter than my 'old' one) though it is most definitely quicker, it is just as loud... :-(

hrumph... though the sewing machine has been working, it's not been working on quilts... the one that was in progress had an argument with some Pepsi and lost... a quick hand wash seem's to have worked the evil out, but I'll only be able to tell 100% when it's back together.

So for now, I sign off, try to regroup and get the blocks started again 

;-)

Friday 8 March 2013

Finalising the little Quilt

The Smallest Quilt

She (yes this one is a she) is finally done and dusted.  I have sewn on the bias binding that I made with my fair hands. 
You can most likely see a cross in the bias fabric on the top edge.
This is where I have folded and ironed the bias where the two ends will meet. (I use an Antex Mini Iron as you can see above the quilts top edge).

With the ends folded like this, the diagonal edge will be less conspicuous than a straight edge. I dont know why it is so, but it works so I stick to it.

I unpinned the entire top edges bias, and sewed the two ends together using the same colour thread as I will use when sewing the bias to the quilt.

After sewing them I trim the ends down to 1/4 and fold outwards. Then I lop off the little triangles that show above the bias seam.
The two ends folded and mini ironed into place to form a neat line as a guide



This shows the edges sewn together




Close up of the sewn edges




My Antex Mini Iron, one thing I wouldnt be without. Not only is it cheaper than the clover iron, it is just as usable, and if you do come across with a problem, no matter how small, they will gladly have yours back for testing and fixing, no charge!

 

Above you can see the Silver making good the seams on the quilt. Not only that though! You can also see my newly manicured nails!!!



Above you can see the binding and decorative stitching to cover the line left over from the bias being sewn down.  I dont worry about invisible stitching as I like to have the decorative stitching all round the quilts as it leaves it with more substance and less likely for any stray edges/seams to unravel!





The above picture shows the quilt in action. The baby is called Annabelle, and can be purchased through most good toy shops ;-)
This quilt will suit a pram, crib, bouncer, moses basket, a Pram crib, or anything of that size.  If you wanted I can put Heatnbond vinyl on one side to make it a change mat and blanket in one. Or I can do a blanket and change mat to match with vinyl on both sides. This of course does add a fair sum to the item as it is currently retailing at £8+ per half metre (23cmx43cm)




New Tutorial and Pattern to come soon

Pattern and Tutorial

Proof that I havent been off galavanting somewhere having a whale of a time. No indeed I have been putting bits of cut up fabric together and making them into one coherent whole. Furthermore, Ive been creating my own Bias Binding to add a very personal touch to anything I make.

The last part is the most time consuming because of the amount of measuring, drawing, re-measuring, cutting, sewing... Oh the list goes on, but the end result is one that always pleases.

The former is the Jam to the toast.  Finding fabrics in little bits and then using a blade and ruler to cut into littler bits, then the Silver to sew them back together in a different way that produces some very dramatic quilts, throws, cushions or just fabric.

The neo-natal blankets have very little quilting on, for a very good reason. The little ones that are under these blankets are very small, and very delicate, too much stitch work will make the fabric less pliable and too stiff for the little ones.  They need to be held with cotton puff hands, and these blankets allow that to happen.  The plan is, that I will get some volunteers to try the pattern out first.
Once their feedback is in and errors rectified, the pattern will be published and ready for selling.  I am in negotiations with fabric retailers with respect to fabrics used for the patterns and potentially I may be able to put the pattern and fabric together in a kit. Though not pre-cut unless the demand for a pre-cut kit is great.

I am making them at a slow pace right now as I am clearing up mistakes within the planning stage as I go.  I think I could be better placed using my time doing it in an ordered fashion, but as I am a total novice at this type of thing I really am walking blind.

If any of you can suggest a method that may work to have more done a week,( because, lets face it, the blankets arent huge!), Please get in touch

The tutorial?

Well, that is for the home grown Bias.  Because I enjoy making it so much, I cant keep my enthusiasm to myself!  As long as you have a decent enough fabric, not thin and flimsy, you can make stunning bias. I use my cutting mat, rotary cutter and mini iron (Antex) to the best effects.

Watch this space for the tutorial in written form.  I will be posting a video of the methodology and practice as soon as I can convince my Darling Other Half that he wants to do it!