Quilting Ruler First Aid | More Cross Pollination Tips

Yeah, they make those fancy and expensive quilting rulers that don't slide.  You can make your own, simply. 

Just order some 3M Transpore tape--Clear.  It is cheap: You can get QTY (2)  10Yd, 1" wide rolls at Amaxon for  4.99.  Adhere them to the BACK side of any rule that you wish to transform into a non-slip surface and Presto-Chango...you have a non slip ruler.

I stumbled upon this given my slipping rulers and the price delta between regular rulers and the non-slip.  I was thinking about adhesion "stuff", seeing that some were using grit tape.  I didn't want to use that against delicate fabrics.  I remembered that I had some of this tape from my Dad's medical arsenal that I tossed into a bag after he passed away.  I thought I would try it out. 

I tried it on one ruler.  I wanted to ensure the following:

1. It was easy to apply
2. It was easy to remove
3. It allowed the ruler to still slide easily into place
4. It stayed put when reasonable pressure applied.
5. And, it did not obscure the markings on the ruler.

All items were thumbs up.  It works beautifully.  Why don't you try it? Now I have a way to use this stuff before my kids go through my medical stuff at my demise!

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Quilting Basics Imperfectly Mastered | And Kitchen/Garage Cross Pollination

As I mentioned in another post, I'm a novice when it comes to quilting.  My first baby quilt was a disaster, but I gave it as a gift anyway (with all of the qualifiers).  The recipient was delighted (so my daughter says, and her note to me says), and it did not seem to be feigned delight.  I showed it to my daughter to ensure that she would not be embarrassed.She has a great eye, and she approved.

With all my trials and tribulations on that quilt, I learned that I needed to learn more.  Being able to sew and being adept at basic quilting is not the same thing. I read everything that I could, and with my next attempt, I had very good results.  To wit:

1. Cutting:  I've employed the double-ruler method to cut. I use one ruler on the right to ensure that my long Olfa lipped ruler is perfectly straight.  Even though it has a lip, it is a wee-bit wonky at times.  This method gives me perfect confidence that my cuts are straight and sure. No cutting and turning fabric for me.  I'm just moving both rulers right to left.  And Donna Jordan's trick of putting a 5lb weight at the end of the ruler to stabilize is golden advice. Just get a weight with a hexagonish end.  Otherwise the weight will roll places you don't want it to. Yes, there are other ways that very excellent teachers espouse--I found my way, and it works perfectly for me.
2. Piecing:  If you've cut it right and pressed your blocks  right, then it ought to go together right.  In theory.  Donna Poster has great video series.  The greatest tip (to my eye) was easing seams.  Specifically, holding the each point of your piecing firmly and letting the machine ease the difference.  Now, too much easing will cause puckers, etc, but a little will ensure that things align as they 'should.'  In 'regular' sewing, easing is an important skill...and it takes pracice.  But the machine should work for you.  But if you have your walking foot on...nope.
3. Pressing:  I used 2' x 4' rug pad on top of a 2'x4' piece of plywood.  I upholstered a linen/cotton fabric to it, and it serves as my pressing board.  I had a squishy over the door ironing board fashioned as a tabletop.  It was distoring my pieces (which were all bias cuts!!!).  I love this board.  It sits on top of a low wicker bookcase of the same size

While it is "just that easy," it takes practice...practice builds muscle memory so you are not thinking very minute about what to do right and what wrong to avoid.

 I've been purchasing some fabric.  My 'never-pay-retail' mentality has led me to two places:  Hancocks of Paducah, and you guessed it, Walmart...oh, and Tuesday Morning.  First, the former.  Hancocks has lots of fabric on sale.  Lots.  So if you are new to quilting, why not practice on $4/yd fabric rather than $12?  I have bought some really lovely fabric from them at the $3.99 price point.  (I also bought some more expensive yardage....).  Walmart has love Waverly Inspiration Fat Quarters at .97.  That's about $4 a yard too!  They are in single packs and include many cute prints.  I'm typically dismissive of Walmart...for no good reason.  I've also found some really cool fabric at Tuesday Morning.  I'm a regular shopper there...but I never noticed they sold fabric until......

I bought a strip set of Ann Rowan's "Sing your Song".  I wasn't sure what to make with it.  I didn't feel like trying to figure out how to make a quilt with it.  When making a sandwhich, I considered my interfolded deli paper.  Hmmm...I think that will make an interesting stitching base.

Testing my hypothosis, I took the deli paper (10" x 10.75") which is folded exactly in half. There is a 'slightly waxed' side...and a duller side.  It is no where near as waxy as wax paper. So, no concerns for a mess when you get your iron to it.

Cutting along the fold yields two lovely rectangles, the perfect size for a snack mat.  Using this method, you are treating the deli paper substrate as your 'foundation'.  You can lay your pieces lengthwise, widthwise or on the diagonal.  I chose the latter.  Stitching to paper means that you can cut  your strips any way you please. laying your first strip (however you wish) on the dull side of the paper with the right side of the fabric up.  Start anywhere you like on the paper, just ensure that all pieces overlap the paper and your seams extend beyond the edges.  Yeah, it is a little bit of fabric waste, but with careful cutting, you have just bits for your leaders/enders in your machine.  Also, if you mess up and don't use the dull side, nothing terrible will happen to either your iron or your fabric.  It's foolproof and cheap--

 With a narrower stich width, this stuff tears off like a charm. What is really great, is that when you are finished your stitching, you already have a square base from which to cut.  Just flip over the project, and use your ruler to cut off the excess...lining up your ruler against the paper. It has square corners...just like your ruler--though the edge is a wee bit hard to see given that it is transluscent.

I was SO HAPPY with my results.    With the top completed, just cut a backing and some batting the size of your top.  Layer
                                               batting
                                                               project back with wrong side to batting
                                                                                              project front with right side to back

Stitch (1/4" min) along the outside leaving a space of 4".  Mark where you are going to turn...the hum of the machine makes the mind wander and before you know it, your project is completely tucked inside of your perfectly sewn perimeter. Before turning, trim each of your corners.

There are lots of ways to turn a project. I happened to have a screw driver handy, and I thought I would take it for a drive.  It works great.  Let me tell you why.  The glass handle (don't use any with a grip), slides easily over your fabric.  Unlike other 'methods' of turning, the wide end helps immensely in turning your side seam out.  Sometimes they get tucked in...this business end will push them out nicely.

Now, the second business end does a marvelous job of poking your corners out.  The picture is of a Phillips head, I have a flat head.  Though, I'd be interested to see if one is better than the other.  This tool has the added benefit of your not having to stuff your darn and in your project.  So use a long screw driver.

Ann Rowan's "Sing your Song"

After your project is turned, turn in your fabric where you turned your project.  Press.  Then stitch (bring bobbin thread up first) 1/8" around your project.  You can then "stitch in the ditch" along the seams on the face of your project....or machine quilt if you are good at that.  I'm still working on being a stitch in the ditch master.

My project turned out beautifully (to my standards).  The 1/2 10 x 10.75" deli sheet makes the perfect sized snack mat that is easy to make and will be delightful to  use.  These mats are a great way to let your friends know that you are thinking about them.  And they'll remember you each time they use their mat.

While this piece is backed, you could simply make quilting blocks by cutting in half, OR by using the entire sheet of deli paper it makes a 'squarish' block.

P. S.  I found some 

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Less Cursing; More Sewing

I have now achieved quilter's mecca:  my 1/4" seams are truly 1/4" seams.  Oh, until my mind wanders...

There is seldom anything new under the sun.  As I think of quilting, and my bumpy entree into this old craft, I make the instant leap that quilting is much like carpentry.  Working with your tools to measure, cut and fit is no different in carpentry than quilting (at least my smattering understanding of both--thought I probably know more about carpentry than quilting! and I'm a CPA by profession!).

There is a reason why these things are called a craft. When things go right, then all is to be as expected.  However, when things go wrong...poor tools, faulty substrates, faulty materials, faulty execution....that is when the craft badges start to shine.  Coping trim into a non-square corner is like..easing a seam into a non-square block. While best to avoid mistakes, and have good tools, sometimes 'stuff' happens.  And the real professionals know how to fix those things.  I've been surrounded by tradespeople most of my adult life, and I'm pretty handy myself. So I have been undaunted.

 I made the mistake of looking at Bernina machines online to see what has progressed in the line of sewing since I purchaseed by Bernina 910 more than 30 years ago.  It is still a workhorse.  But it has all of 7 stitches.  I also have a Bernette serger...it needs a visit for service.

I see that Bernina has a sewing machine that costs 1.6 times the cost of my first brand new ca in 1982.  Like PetFinder...best not to read the descriptors or you'll bring it home.  It likely could cook dinner.

What I did find was an exceptional deal on a Bernina 530B with the BSR combo.  I found it on Amazon.  The 530B is an entry level machine into the 5 series of Bernina machines.  It is being discontinued. But the machine with the Bernina Stitch Regulator for free motion quilting and the knee lift, and many other functions is far and away better than what I have.  I'm not interested in embroidery, so I'm not lusting after those machines.  But I will note, that there are some compelling deals on ebay for used 580 machines.  (Okay, maybe I would have been happy with a used machine).  But I didn't really look after feeling that I had done alright with my purchase. Many of the features on that machine, I likely would not use.

So I dithered for just a small amount of time.  I told my husband that while it was alot of money, the price was just too good to pass up.  I would have more heartburn letting the deal get away than spending the money.  As I later found (and had initially surmised), there was a typo that listed the machine $300 less than it should have been.  Further, 2 feet that were listed as being included were not what came with the machine.   I'm an auditor at heart, and I ticked off the feet...the most important one being the walking foot.  The embroidery foot being the other foot missing.  The retailer was great and honored the commitment.

I hope that this will give me many years of sewing pleasure.

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Good Will Rummaging | Thrift Shops

Yes, there are lots of video ride alongs that people post when shopping at Goodwill or the Dollar Stores, etc.  Why watch when you can go yourself and find some great deals on "stuff" you may or may not need?

I have a pretty finely trained magpie eye.  I simply walk through the aisles with an open mind about "stuff" that I see.  Two Sunday's agp was scorching hot.  I was out and about which always takes me by some thrift store.  Goodwill was in my crosshairs. It was a happening place, to be sure--though none were filming their activities.

I scored a couple of items that I was happy about.  I mentioned previously that I had dusted off my sewing equipment, and created a space for renewed my interest in sewing. I might add that this activity has been a welcome one to retreat from the stresses of life and focusing on creating something. As I was 'designing' my space (which meant I had to clear out old crap in the upstairs room above the garage and then clean, clean clean), I was happy to repurposed some furniture that I was dithering about donating to charity.  I dither, because too often I get rid of something only to later say, "I could have used ____".  Many items have fit in that blank.

Among the things that I was able to use were, a large, 2 leaf Queen Anne Pennsylvania house solid cherry dining table. Likely too nice to be used as a sewing table, but  I used it stage homes that were being refurbished.  I bought it and 5 chairs for $150 at the Children's Hospital of Kings Daughters. So, I don't have much money in it, and it doesn't make sense to buy something else.  It was an exceptional deal then, and I currently use the chairs when I'm entertaining. 

I also have a large rectangular mid-century modern solid cherry table.  It is unique in that it is a fat rectangle, and it is counter height.  It makes a great surface to cut fabric without having to bend over.  I also have an old solid walnut library table. I now have a great "U-shaped" work area where everything is convenient--to include an old wicker bookshelf that serves as the base for my pressing table.

I digressed...So all of the above is the context in which I'm on my Good Will Rummaging expeditions.  Having a specific utility yields much better results than having a specific object in mind.  To wit, as I was browsing, I found a magazine rack with a gate leg shelf.  Well, this was just perfect to put my sewing rulers in and the shelf was off my table surface and an easy place to put needful things.  It cost $8.25 less 50% off.  The second thing that I found was a large, rectangular,  thick cork trivet in an unopened Ikea package.  It was $3.25.  Well, that was just perfect to use as an iron rest.

So, I'm all set up to sew comfortably.

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Shooting Staples--Fun with Upholstery Gun

My cousin had a benc which she wanted some cushions for.  I said.."Oh, I can do that."  I had some fabric that I wanted to audition for her.  She chose a beautifully coppery-brown fabric with an embosssed floral motif that I had picked up in the remnant area of a home fabric store.  Given that the bench needed something low profile, I thought that a 1/4" piece of plywood, cut to size and then padded and upholstered would fit the bill. We purchased all that we needed.

Then, as bad luck would have it....my air compressor broke.  (Yes, I know that you can hand staple, but I'm not going to).  And then I got busy with other stuff, and just let life get ahead of me.  I finally circled back to it, and had one other small delay...I wanted to double check measurements, and my cousin was out of town.  Once measurements confirmed, the bench seat took all of 35 minutes to complete.  No cuss. No fuss.  I take that back, I almost shot myself with a staple--and something may have slipped.

One thing that I had remembered from a video long ago was to overlap the foam at the front.  It created a nice round profile.  And my fingers/hand remembered how much hand strenght you need to pull and keep things tight. I delivered the upholstered board on Sunday.  It fit perfectly, and it looked very professional and elegant.  The fabric was a perfect choice.

In order to get my sewing area in ship-shape, I ordered a 2'x4' woolrug pad (Nature's Cushion) from https://ecorugpads.com/shop-all-rug-pads.html.   This avenue seemed more cost effective than the other products that I saw (specifically sold as a presser mat).  In preparation for its arrival, I asked my husband to be on the lookout for a 2' x 4' piece of plywood.  Where he works there are castaways.  He found such a castaway....bowed terribly.  I figured I could get most of the bow out of it with some create problem solving.  I took it upstairs near the weight machine (gathers dust).  Over the course of several days, I placed weights on the board:  on the ends, in the middle, and on the ends with the middle supported in an attempt to flatten it.  I mostly succeeded.

On the internet I saw many videos on how to make your own pressing mat.  I simply did the following:

• Covered the scrap piece of plywood with Reynold's Wrap for moisture protection.  I could say 'heat protection', but I'm not quite sure that the heat is going to be a problem there.
• Placed my 3/8" felt pad on the foil-wrapped side.  
• Cut a piece of cotton/linen to cover top and about 3" around all three sized.
• Pulled out the upholstery gun, affixing the linen snugly.

I used the linen becaue it was pretty; I got it on sale; and the board is on top of a wicker 2 shelf bookcase which is exactly the dimensions.  So it looks nice.  Frankly, it may NOT hold up...but I'm in "so-what" mode.  I know that it will take the heat and keep my quilting squares snugly in place.

I'm very happy, and the ecorugpads.com has excellent service.  I ordered the wrong thing (thought I was ordering a wool blend mat).  Emailed them.  It had already shipped....they recalled it and gave me a full refund.  I was prepared to accept the shipment and use the product somehow.

My hands and fingers are a wee bit sore from those two back to back projects.  But I was glad to get some stuff put together that is useful to me and others.

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