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We all have them, disaster stories.  Everything from sewing your clothing to your quilt to having the dog eat your batting. The CreativeBug Blog shared some of their best. Do any of these stories sound familiar? Let's have TQS come up with our own list.  Answer question number one in the box below (don't enter it into the comments) and we will compile our own list of disasters to share with you.

(photo: CreativeBug)

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RARE Science works directly with patient families and foundations to find more immediate therapeutic solutions for children with rare diseases. 

This year RARE Science is partnering with TQS (and a number of other great organizations) to bring you... the FIRST Ever Celebrity RARE Bear Auction!  This is your opportunity to own a signed bear made by the quilt world's most talented artists while helping a great cause.

Meet "Wooly Bear" by Allie Aller

Star Members can watch Allie in Show 1906: Crazy for Crazy Quilts.

Allie writes,

I love working with hand dyed wool, and was certain that this rich and cozy fabric would make a sweet and cuddly bear for the auction.

I cut each bear pattern piece out from muslin and crazy pieced each with wool scraps from my collection, adding hand embroidery along the seams, as is traditional in crazy quilting.  When all the pieces were ready, I assembled my bear, stuffed it, and then very carefully added the facial features. Did you notice his eyes?  They were made using silk flowers and buttons.

A matching little quilt accompanies Wooly Bear to keep him cozy, to sit on or wrap up in. He looks forward to being a part of your family.

Allie is a lifelong and passionate quilter. Her explorations in crazy quilting have led to a Craftsy class on the subject and two books with C & T Publishing.  Her latest book with them, due in February 2017, is Allie Aller's Stained Glass Quilts Reimagined. This genre in quilting has been a love of hers for 20 years, and she is thrilled to share all her original techniques and discoveries in design.  She lives in the country in Washington state with her (still) adorable husband of 35 years, where their two grown sons are a source of immeasurable pride and joy.

Visit her blog at http://alliesinstitches.blogspot.com/ and "Friend" her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/allison.aller.

Click here for links to see more Celebrity RARE Bears.

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RARE Science works directly with patient families and foundations to find more immediate therapeutic solutions for children with rare diseases. 

This year RARE Science is partnering with TQS (and a number of other great organizations) to bring you... the FIRST Ever Celebrity RARE Bear Auction!  This is your opportunity to own a signed bear made by the quilt world's most talented artists while helping a great cause.

Meet "Rebel For a Cause" by Jamie Fingal

Star Members can watch Jamie in Show 1702: Rebel with a Cause.

Rebel is bold, colorful, and whimsical, just like Jamie. Rebel isn't so much about perfection as she is about having fun in her work. Jamie desiged the fabric and had it printed via Spoonflower just for this project. 

Rebel features Jamie's trademark designs and even has her name "tattooed" on her side. There is a red zipper with aluminum teeth hand sewn on his back, just to remind you who she is.

Jamie says:
"This RARE bear really struck a chord for me personally, because our oldest son was diagnosed with a rare cancer in June of this year. Every time I pulled out a seam or got frustrated with the pattern, I thought of him and his struggle, so I forged ahead to finish the bear.

I dedicate this project to my son, Dan, with love".

She might be a little bit wild, but this "Rebel for a cause" would feel right at home in your studio.

Jamie Fingal is a contemporary quilt maker from Orange, California. She primarily makes whimsical art quilts for the wall. She is also a fabric designer with RJR Fabrics, and the author of Embellished Mini Quilts.  Jamie is one half of the curating team of Dinner at Eight Artists with artist Leslie Tucker Jenison. She has been a guest on Quilting Arts TV and The Quilt Show. She has two DVDs with F&W.

Click here for links to see more Celebrity RARE Bears.

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As a person who writes about quilting and quilters, my travels allow me to cross paths with many who cut up fabric and sew it back together. With my home base landlocked by mountain passes in a rural area of Oregon, you would think there would be a limited number of crazy people who cut up fabric and five quilters I haven't met. There are so many quilters in Central Oregon that QuiltWorks in Bend has a monthly gallery show featuring mostly local quilters. The September Featured Quilter is Patti Stewart, whose work is new to me. I loved this show because she does it all...as you enjoy the slide show you'll understand what I mean. Patti doesn't just piece, embroider or appliqué...she is not just a traditionalist or a modern quilter...she seems to enjoy it all!! Such an inspiration!
 

Click here to visit Anna's blog.

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On a bluff overlooking the Missour River near Chamberlain, South Dakota, a new statue has been unveiled. It is Dignity, a 50-foot tall stainless steel statue by South Dakota artist laureate Dale Lamphere. It depicts a native american woman receiving a star quilt. According to the artist, Dignity honors the culture of the Lakota and Dakota peoples who are indigenous to South Dakota. The statue was the gift of Norm and Eunabel McKie of Rapid City, South Dakota in honor of the 125th anniversary of South Dakota statehood.

You can see the statue below. Wouldn't you love to have one of the quilts that the participants are wearing?

Click on the photo to watch a video of the unveiling.

(video: ksfy.com)

(photo: sdpb.org)

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RARE Science works directly with patient families and foundations to find more immediate therapeutic solutions for children with rare diseases. 

This year RARE Science is partnering with TQS (and a number of other great organizations) to bring you... the FIRST Ever Celebrity RARE Bear Auction!  This is your opportunity to own a signed bear made by the quilt world's most talented artists while helping a great cause.

Meet "Flower" by Becky Goldsmith of Piece O' Cake Designs

Star Members can watch Becky in Show 1704: Color Challenges and a Quickie Quilt.

Flower is the kind of bear I'd like to find wandering around my garden. I chose yellow fabric because yellow is sunny and cheerful. Her shape reminded me of the 1960’s (why is that?) so I chose daisy and butterfly applique designs to enhance that look. I think she’s a very perky bear and she is ready for big hugs!

With "fur" of a wonderful sunshine yellow and featuring the trademark appliqué of Piece O' Cake designs, this lovely lady would bring joy to any home. Flower even features Becky's hand stitched "autograph".

Becky is an award-winning quilter who travels to teach quilting both nationally and internationally. Her classes are always interesting and informative, with an emphasis on teaching techniques that will help you improve your sewing skills—while keeping it fun.

Making quilts is interesting, fulfilling, and challenging—for all of us! Being a member of the greater quilting community is a bonus that adds to all of our lives. Becky never imagined that being a quilter would become her life’s work, but she’s so happy that it did!

Click here for links to see more Celebrity RARE Bears.

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Work tables, whether for cutting, pressing, or other types of tasks, are an integral part of any quilter's studio. But before you run out and spend a bundle on tables, there are a few things to keep in mind. 

• Optimal cutting table height is 36" unless you are very tall or smaller in stature. This is the same height as most kitchen countertops.
• When ironing, a table that is about 3" higher than your cutting table is optimal. Ideally the pressing surface should be a few inches below your elbow when standing.
• You can upcycle furniture, but make certain that they work within the confines of the height that you need.
• Think about storage under the tables. Don't waste all of that real estate by not including additional storage.
• Think about hanging small tools (i.e. scissors, rulers, tape measure) on these work tables. This will save you time and you will be more productive.

Just because it is a worktable doesn't mean that it can't be fun. This one is covered in cheery oil cloth.

Cutting Tables:

When it comes to deciding on a cutting table consider these tips from Yesterday's Thimble.

In order to cut out your fabric, you need a large, flat area. It must be big enough to spread out at least a yard of fabric, preferably two yards, and sturdy enough that it will let you pin your patterns and cut them out. What are your options?

• Some people cut their fabric on the floor, but this is the least practical choice as it will strain your back and bruise your knees.

• A dining table is slightly better than the floor, but it’s still not ideal unless you have a bar-height table. Most tables are too low, which means you’ll hunch forward as you work. This puts a dangerous strain on your back, neck, and shoulders, and what starts out as a minor discomfort, can turn into a problematic issue given time. There’s also the risk of scratching your dining table with pins or shears.

• A cutting table is the best option, provided you have the space and can afford one. Look for a professional cutting table, which stands about 36″ high. Depending on your height, this should be the right level for you to work at without straining your back. The table needs to be large, too.

• Professional cutting tables can be expensive, so keep an eye out for sales.

• If you can’t afford a cutting table, there are other options. You could repurpose a kitchen island or counter, for example. They’re the right height and—Bonus! You can use the cabinets underneath to hide extra fabric and supplies.

Dani Miller uses a kitchen island. MQG

Use PVC pipe, cut to size, to elevate a folding table to the proper height for you. PinkChalk

Combine a drop leaf table and chest of drawers. CarriedAway

Drop leaf table with storage. Quiltingonthedge

 
Table with open storage on one side/drawers on other. Alittlebitbiased

Upcycle a set of bunk beds. QuiltedJonquil

Julie Cefalu's cutting table with drawers for storage.CraftyQuilter
 

Pressing Tables/Boards:

Gone, for most quilters that is, are the days of having a folding ironing board taking up space in our sewing area  But that doesn't mean that the vintage piece you are about to toss out can't be used around your home. Be the envy of visitors by subtly letting them know you are a sewist by incorporating an ironing board into your decor.  If you are lucky enough to have a vintage wooden one...even better.  Check out these clever ideas here.

Now, let's get back to the topic at hand. When it comes to a pressing, there are several things to keep in mind. The type of pressing you are doing when it comes to quilting will determine the surface needed.   

         Hard:
         1. Setting seams locks in stitches
         2. Pressing seams open, especially when large numbers (6 or more seams) come together
         3. Pressing when bias edges are involved
        
         Soft:
         1. Pressing an appliqué or
         2. Pressing a piece of embroidery such as redwork

Ideally you want the largest pressing surface that will fit into your sewing space comfortably. Building your own is not that difficult.  Most Hardware stores can cut wood to size.  Add a few other tools, and you can make your own custom-sized (why not several?) pressing board to fit your needs.

Sharon Schamber shows you how to make a customized perfect pressing surface. SewMuchLikeMom

Build your own pressing/cutting station using a sturdy bookcase. BuzzinBumble

Another upcycled dresser. Removing the doors offers easy access to stored items. Jmquilts

Pressing station on industrial shelving with room for neatly folded fabrics. Tallgrassprairie

Don't have a lot of space? Consider adding a pull-out ironing surface. ChoiceWD

How about a pressing station that fits on a drawer? Mamajamma

A TV tray ironing table is great for pressing small items and workshops or retreats. Cleverlittlemouse

Just joined our year of organizing?  Click here for other TQS Organization blogs.

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RARE Science works directly with patient families and foundations to find more immediate therapeutic solutions for children with rare diseases. 

This year RARE Science is partnering with TQS (and a number of other great organizations) to bring you... the FIRST Ever Celebrity RARE Bear Auction!  This is your opportunity to own a signed bear made by the quilt world's most talented artists while helping a great cause.

• Every day for the next few weeks as we lead up to the Auction we are revealing an adorable new Celebrity bear for you to admire.
• Bears will be on display at Houston in the RARE Science booth. Can't make it to Houston, not a problem.  You can bid on your favorite bear via the online auction.
• Not interested in the auction, that's ok.  But, we would love for you to vote for your favorites when the time comes.  More about that later

• But wait, there's more...Have you heard about the Beary RARE Affair?  Stuff a RARE Bear for a RARE kid, Meet Celebrity Quilters and get a chance to win a Simply Red BERNINA and many other gifts!

Meet "Artist On The Go" by Sue Bleiweiss

Sue's bear is ready for her next outing. This smart girl is wearing a jacket and hat in case of inclement weather.  She has also brought along a backpack filled with supplies should she be hit by the need to create.

Artist On The Go was constructed with Sue's hand dyed 100% cotton fabric, the only exception being the denim for the jacket. She even comes with her own handmade blank sketchbook and a custom made backpack filled with a set of colored pencils, Sue's Coloring Book Fabric Collage DVD, a copy of Easy Fabric Dyeing: solids & tone on tone prints book, a package of Mistyfuse, a mini Goddess pressing sheet and seven of her hand-dyed cotton fat quarters.

Star Members can watch Sue in Show 1608: Creating Unique Collage Quilts & Quilts with Meaning (along with Thomas Knauer)

Click here for links to see more Celebrity RARE Bears.