Friday, July 5, 2013

Sewing like crazy!

I have been to Toowoomba- and no it wasn't cold.
I did a 2 day class with Gwen Marston, one day was Liberated Medallions- another day I will show the quilt. 
One thing I learned again is that all quilters do not think alike. The thing about small pieces is that the seam is about 1 inch or even less, the start and end thread lengths can be quite wasteful, I always use a " mouse" or  leader and ender piece, it is a small piece of fabric that you start with and end with, essentially never cutting the thread into long lengths,  except if it is tangled or you run out of either top or bobbin thread. I just keep sewing on and on using the mouse fabric  keeping the thread and needle in the down position, thus stopping the wastage of lots of thread, and also making much less mess on the floor. Interesting that quilters were asking what on earth I was doing! thread is to expensive to waste! Its  a bit of strip piecing, just using the same strip over and over again, I do know some quilters keep small squares next to their machine for this purpose and get lots of strips sewn while they are doing another project.
 Random parts of my quilts sitting on the floor waiting to be sewn together.
Today was based on her book 37 Sketches. Liberated small studies in colour and design.  a lot of fun, I made lots of small pieces, not joined together  as I couldn't get past the freeform piecing and fun! most ladies made a small 8x 10 " quiltlet. I have 2 speeds- stop and go! today the go was full steam ahead and I really worked hard. It was a great day, and along with a safe and really quick drive home in the dark on an unfamiliar road - I was very happy.
A good class, lots of inspiration and enthusiasm.

4 comments:

  1. Loving the look of you freeform pieces. That book is on my 'to buy' list and your pics make me want it NOW!! I have a thread cutter on my machine which saves a lot of thread wastage.

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  2. Just gorgeous. Join them all together, et voila!

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  3. oooh I think i'm going to like this one!

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