Daily Blog

  3

fShare

Tweet

When Allie Aller began quilting in high school, she started with the basics, moved on to broderie perse, followed by landscapes, until she found her true passion with crazy quilting. Allie joined Alex and Ricky on the set to tape Show 1906: Crazy for Crazy Quilts and discovered it was a special day.

Show 1906 debuts in Sunday, 9/11/2016.

  6

fShare

Tweet

Here are some highlights from Quilting in the Garden 2014. This year, 2016, their featured artist is a little different than in the past. They are featuring the artists of C&T publishing.

Show Dates: September 24 & 25 – 2016

Alden Lane Nursery, Livermore, CA

  3

fShare

Tweet

We all do it...we rush out to get the latest Quilt Sampler magazine and we dream of visiting the shops that are featured!  It could be a quilter's dream vacation! I lucked out that on the recent Quilt Roadies trip I was heading through Walla Walla Washington where one of the featured shops was located. I am soooo glad I decided to stop because...it was awesome!

Stash is located is located in a historic building in downtown Walla Walla it is a respite for a quilter's soul.



I couldn't help myself...I now have a new project to create...How could I resist this wonderful piece of fabric goodness, LOL.  Enjoy the slide show and if you see something you must have, either visit Walla Walla or check them out online at www.myfabricstash.com. Hope we see you next week either here, the www.wooliemammoth.blogspot.com, or on our You Tube Channel Quilt Roadies.
 

  9

fShare

Tweet

This cute little fabric basket by Terry Atkinson can be made from scraps or a Jelly Roll. It's a great way to hide some of your "not so favorite" fabric.

(photo: Terry Atkinson)

  4

fShare

Tweet

It's always fascinating to see how fabric is made, and watching them screen print Marimekko fabrics is no exception. The Art of Wonderment gives you a peek at the process.

  7

fShare

Tweet

Have you been enjoying the animal portrait quilts by Barbara Yates Beasley in Show 1905?  Then you are going to love this. Luana Rubin tours the Animal Quilts from the 2015 Houston Quilt Festival.

Star Members can watch Barbara in Show 1905: Animal Portraits.

  16

fShare

Tweet

Alex is planning to give LIVE Streaming a second try. The first time was fun and we are still learning about bandwidth, camera and sound, and how to answer questions. The agenda is growing, but so far here's what Alex will be talking about:

1. Opening the box she just got from RJR fabrics with her new fabric line in it. We will all see it together.
2. Alex's mobile for her grandson expected Oct 1 has a companion quilt wall hanging. Want to see it?
3. What is on Alex's design wall.
4. Alex may sell some of her quilts. Why? When?
5. Your questions....

The LIVE stream will be on our front page, but if you want to chat, click through to the YouTube version.

  17

fShare

Tweet

Flicker

Finding a dedicated area for quilting can be challenging when the only space available might just be a laundry room. 
But, with a little creativity and thinking outside of the box, you too can have an area dedicated to your passion.

LazySeamstress, who juggles a busy family that includes six children, takes time for her own creative projects in a sewing space in the corner of her Edwardian home bedroom. She shares these tips for others that might be in the same situation.

• You don't need a huge sewing space, but if you have one, lucky you, there is lots of inspiration out there on the web, especially on Pinterest, to help you create that perfect space.
• Look around your home, can you squeeze in a desk somewhere, an alcove in the dining room or your bedroom? Or even a cupboard? I've seen photos of sewing spaces fitted into old pantries and even large wardrobes, that way everything shuts away when not in use. I have used furniture designed for housing home office equipment very successfully in the past.
• Ideally choose somewhere with good light, but also consider artificial light for duller days or evenings. A good angle poise lamp, possibly fitted with a daylight bulb, is essential.
• Make sure your chair is comfortable and a good height to work at. You'll be spending lots of time at your machine, you need to be comfortable.
• Can you fit shelving or pegboard above your machine to store essential tools and threads? I use an old printer's tray to store my threads above the larger desk I share with (my husband) Woody.
• Think about fabric storage. Sometimes a blanket box will work well and double up as a window seat. I've often found under bed storage crates work well for fabric storage too. (They hold a surprising amount!)
• If you can, having your iron and ironing board set up in the same room is best. But if there is no space then a table top ironing board is an adequate compromise, especially for smaller craft items and children's clothing.
• A full length mirror is essential if you are making clothes for yourself. I'm sure most people reading own one. It doesn't have to be in the same room, but it is helpful if it is. I have a full length mirror in my en suite bathroom.

• Finally, I know I've said here that I prefer to be away from the hub bub of family life when I work. I realize that for some people that is not an option. In which case, consider setting up your sewing space in a corner of your children's play room, if you are lucky enough to have one. Otherwise look for a space nearby, so you can work and interact with your children at the same time. For several years I sewed while Sid played quietly at my feet, Ernest though is a whole other kettle of fish, he doesn't do anything quietly ever!

Need some inspiration?  Look at the variety of creative ideas we found for eeking out a sewing space where one might not expect it:

Hide your workspace behind a decorative fabric screen. Pinterest

Custom built sewing space in a bedroom closet that features wraparound
shelving, a sewing table, and pull out ironing surface. Houzz

Sewing space under the eaves in a master bedroom. LazySeamstress

Utilize a corner of a bedroom. Indigorchid

A bedroom wall serves as a divider for a well organized and functioning sewing room. Mayamade

Ikea's Norden gateleg table folds down to minimal size when not in use. Foter

Sewing room in a closet. TintheBurg

A well functioning sewing room under a staircase with only a 7' x 7' footprint. Velvetaubergine

A balcony enclosure sewing space. Pinterest

Turn an area of your living/dining room into your creative space. MyCreativeSpace

Take a free standing wardrobe and turn it into a sewing space. 
Close the doors and no one is the wiser. BetterHomes&Gardens

A minimalist garden shed studio. Junkaholique

Utilize a laundry room space. Decoist

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