Nic's Quilting

The guest speaker at the Piecemaker Quilt Guild meeting a couple days ago was Laurie, from Trend-Tex. He presented about fabric and the journey fabrics takes to get to us. It was amazing!

I’m not sure why, but I rather like this block. Maybe it’s the name. Maybe it’s the look. Maybe it’s how easy it is to piece.

There are quilting terms that I use frequently that my non-quilting friends might not be familiar with. Thought I’d give you the low-down!

I finished this block, and happy I did. My points are on point. My seams are crisp and flat. Quite a contrast to the first time I did this block.

I finished the small cushion cover flimsies for this series over the Easter weekend. Quite glad I did!

I’d hoped to complete the two small and the large cushions this weekend. Turns out I only managed the large one. But I’m happy about this!

Finished this quilt a week ago. I just got to wrap myself in it while watching TV last night and it was VERY nice.

Finally finished the Home is where the heart is quilt a couple weeks ago. Between washing and bringing it to show and tell for the Chilliwack Piecemakers Quilt Guild, I’ve only now been able to take this photo.

I finished this block, and happy I did. My points are on point. My seams are crips and flat. Quite a contrast to the first time I did this block.

Finished my third “block” for the handmade quilt. I went a bit out of order on this one. Still working on Block 2, but I wanted to bring something easy to work on at the Guild meet for last night.

I started working on the Block of the Month project for the Chilliwack Piecemakers Quilting Guild. Started in 2023. We’re at block 7. Here are my 7 blocks.

Finished my first “block”, which is actually three of the same block. Called “Chinese Coins”. They are easy to cut and easy to sew.

I made my first quilt back in 2019. I’ve learned a heck of a lot since then. And so I’m going to make another one using the same pattern and the same methods. Let’s see how much better this one is!

I noticed a seam that popped up and started to fray on one of my quilts. I’ve been staring at it and decided to finally get around to fixing it!

I was up just before 5 am yesterday, to attend an online workshop that started at 6 am! Giant Nested Curves by Daisy Aschehoug. It was fantastic and well worth the early start to the day!

I must admit to a certain level of embarassment. I haven’t done the quilting on most of my quilts so far. I find this a bit embarassing.

The “Home is where the heart is” quilt is nearly ready, the long arm quilter tells me. It’ll have to be bound, so I decided to work on prepping the binding today.

I’d never heard of Tailor’s clappers until I got one for Christmas. And whoaa boy, is it turning out to be a quilting tool I don’t know how I lived without before!

Starch makes a bit difference. I like to use a starch alternative called MaryEllen’s Best Press.

Rulers to cut fabric are critical. The problem is, they often slide on the fabric. This means you end up with cuts that aren’t straight.

Take your time. Enjoy the process. There’s no hurry. A finished product is nice. But, at least for me, the whole point is to be sewing and quilting - the finished product is just a nice to have.

Elmer’s glue

Washing fabrics, or finished quilts, with color catchers is crucial. Especially if you have reds and oranges, colors which bleed a lot into other fabrics. Color catchers are sheets of fabrics designed to absorb the die in the wash. I use Shout Color Catchers, but there are other brands out there.

Tried making a bowl cozy. First attempt was far from perfect, but quite functional! Will have do do these again.

I finished the top of that quilt I’m making with batiks. It’s turning out to be significantly bigger than initially planned!

I’m about to quilt this piece, and I’m excited about it. I’ve been really happy with the patterns. And the fabrics. Took me a while to find the fabrics I wanted to use!

I realized I don’t have a quilt I made for myself. And it was time! That’s what I started over the weekend.

Today, I dropped the “heart quilt” at the long arm quilter.

I attended an amazing workshop yesterday. The instructer was Stacey Day who is a well known local quilt designer. We worked on her “Home is where the heart is” design.

Went to a sewing retreat with the Chilliwack’s Piecemakers Quilting Guild yesterday. Several hours of sewing at a local community hall. It was fun! Sewing and chatting about sewing with like-minded individuals.

I did a couple crib size quilts for friends awaiting babies.

I made this owl appliqué wall hanging quilt for a friend and colleague who was expecting her first born.

I made a cover for my Elna Lotus II sewing machine. Used mini charm packs and toweling. Very happy with how it turned out.

I made this lap quilt for the owners of a Christmas Tree farm. I used their logo for inspiration, and then worked out how to make the Christmas trees.

This quilt is the first one I ever completed. Ventured into art quilt early on. Haven’t done art quilting since!