Patchwork, Tunisian Crochet, stacking Bowties Plus more

Yes its been quite a while since I have had the opportunity to catch up with my blog.  Also I struggle with the format of Blogger and once I have published my post, it moves my photographs around.  Sooooo frustrating.  Any tips would be appreciated.

My classes commenced end of April, starting patchwork for beginnrs at Wellington Sewing Center


Here are some of the quilt tops.

I ran two Classes of Tunisian Crochet, introducing tactile stitches to crocheters at Wellington Sewing Center.
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A Quilt as you Go class:

Louise and Prue showed off their completed Kaleidoscope quilts from Last years class.

Some of the ladies who attend my Wednesday night class made Stacking Bowtie cushions.

There are still more cushions under construction.  I do have another class for this technique coming up Sunday 5th August at Wellington Sewing Center.

We were lucky enough to test drive Sue Schreuder's E-Spinner made by Ashford.  It did look easy when Sue was using it.  Soooo on my "Want" list.

My Effort - lets just call this artistic!

And finally -an Overnight or Weekender bag class coming up.  Will fit in the aircraft "overhead" locker provided it does not wight more than 7kg.  Its fully lined with an internal pocket.
For more details, please visit Wellington Sewing Center website or contact Jo@sewingdirect.co.nz

Thats all for now.  Thank you for taking the time to read my post.  Until next time,
Happy stitching

Shirls

Stacking bowtie technique - student show n tell

I love it when those who have attended my classes show me their results.  This came in from Linda this morning.  Great pipping to.

Shirls

Stacking Bow Ties - Krazy Cow

A great day in Levin today at Krazy Cow sharing my passion for stacking bow ties with a group of ladies. 
Check out their work.

 

 

 

Finished my evening bag using my dress fabric for dinner tonight.

 

Stacking Bowtie - todays class

We only had a small class at Sawmillers Quiltery today - however it was a very productive one.
This is a technique class and from this, the participants can either make a cushion, bag or include it as a block in a quilt.

Wanda's block

Linda's block

Anne's block

 

Before quilting if you are unsure which thread to use I always audition my threads.
Unwind the thread and lay it onto the quilt top. Thread always appears darker on the reel. In this case (yes a little hard to see) the rust was the winner.  The blues were to controlling and Linda wanted a subtle look.

This will be the back to Linda's cushion.  By moving her square ruler, she trimmed her fabric so that the center point is now off center.   I think this adds interest.

Side profile of Linda's block.  Very 3d and tactile.

Great class.  I am looking forward to my next stacking bowtie class at Krazy Cow next month.

Stacking bow tie classes

I still have places available for this class at Sawmillers 3rd of October and Krazy Cow 28th November.

In this class you will make one panel using this technique which you can then convert into either a quilt centre, bag or cushion.  Great idea as a gift.

Shirls

Show n Tell

Completed cushion ready for stuffing as a result from attending my Stacking Bowtie class.  Beautiful.

My satchel made from old denim

I started cutting 4" squares from two pairs of old denim jeans.  One pair darker and than other to create a contrast.  I wanted to see how well denim would work using the stacking bowtie technique.  Initially I had considered making a skirt but decided that maybe I should try something smaller first.

I  quilted the interior fabric with needle punch and stitched trimex onto the back of my main fabric (stacking bowtie denim) since a satchel is usually a very firm bag.  The trimex made it very difficult to sew when assembling the bag.  In fact I had to upgrade my machine needle size to 110 (bent the 100). 

The sides of the bag are only supported by needle punch - maybe a double layer or a heavy Vilene should have been added to prevent them from collapsing a little.

The strap is made from jean legs.  I avoided using the knees as this part of the fabric was stretched.

It was meant to be a fun project but without a pattern I did a LOT of unpicking.  My Janome Horizon 7700 managed to sew through the thick layers but in some areas my stitching is a little rough - had trouble manipulating all the layers particularly where I had placed trimex.



Interior fabric



Rose jean buttons - found these at the Sewing Depot (Petone NZ)



The back. 

I'm still deciding how I will secure the flap of the satchel but have decided against magnets (they are either to weak or to strong), a zip (annoying - especially if it jams) and buckles. I am thinking of using two pieces of fine elastic (or something similar) which will be sewn behind the center diamond and can be stretched over the two rose jean buttons on the edge of the flap.  Will post a picture once I have figured this out.

4 Standard jean buttons have been placed at the bottom of the bag help protect the fabric from soiling when placed down on the floor etc.  I thought this was clever however this hasn't quite worked with this bag as I hadn't made a rectangle base so doesn't quite sit flat.

Still - I'm really happy with it and have learnt a lot making this satchel.  I won't be making a skirt using this technique out of denim as it will be to heavy.  My next plan is to try linen.

Happy sewing friends.

Stacking Bowtie Class

Had some technical fun today making stacking Bowtie panels with four lovely ladies.  Check out their results.

I must have turned of my flash - but this white on white is very elegant.

Next class is at Sawmillers 3rd October.

Shirls