summer's over!!

HELLO Everyone!!! No, I am still alive and kicking! I just got a little distracted over summer! ;-)

I did not expect to get distracted from blogging for so long, though! At the end of the school year, things were getting hectic, no more time for sewing, party here, party there, taking on new official sewing projects, finishing up the old ones, and had simply no more time to post! Well, I am back again. The kids are in school now, and I have a little bit of me time for myself. So, I wanted to get back to posting on a regular basis. Yes, I really do! Please forgive me! The summer was fantastic, and now I am ready to "get back to work!"

Thinking about summer, I would like to share with you the pillow I made for my summer swap partner from our group, Pillow Swap Four Seasons. I kind of stepped out of my comfort zone and started using a lot of low volume (LW) fabrics. I tried to create something in the same style as her inspiration mosaic with lots of different rainbow colors, low volume prints and symmetrical design. You can see her design here:

I have to admit, my style is a bit more "low key" using more solids than LV so it was a little challenging to sew how I could design and sew something for her that I could really poor my heart out into. I took the idea from her six-pointed star and made a circle of them which is typically called "Seven Sisters." You will usually see this pattern and design made using English Paper Piecing (EPP). But, I love to piece on the machine, so I wanted a "simpler" way to make the stars and decided to make them using 60° triangles instead.

Design: I started playing around with the below design in EQ7. I usually design all of my quilts using this program. My first design hat a border, because I like a "clean" area to attach the backing fabric when sewing pillows. In the end, I changed my mind and added another row of LV triangles.

My first challenge was finding low volume fabrics! My friend, Mara, in Greece helped me out with those fabulous LV you see in the picture below. I didn't have any, and she was kind enough to offer me those beauties from her personal fabric collection. The solids are from a Kona rainbow charm pack.This was my initial pull and starting point.

After I had the design, I broke out my Mini Hex N More ruler I bought from Quilt et Textilkunst at last year's Nadelwelt in Karlsruhe. I cut 2 1/4" strips and broke my ruler in! These are so cool!! You really have to get one! (I also have the large Hex N More ruler, but haven't put it to great use yet.)

I pulled a few other coordinating fabrics for the stars. Once again, this was my first choice that I really liked. I didn't use all of the fabrics and changed my mind throughout. ;-) If I made the pillow over today, I think I would have used this yellow print in the middle instead of the one I used. I think smaller prints work better with the 2 1/4 inch triangles.

I laid out my stars to see if they had the right contrast and "pow" appeal. I was content with these fabrics. I let them stay on my design board for a day or two.

 

Next phase, cut out over 200 pieces from over 30 different fabrics (!).

Sewing: I carefully layed them out on my flannel design boards. I didn't have room for all pieces on one board in the beginning. ;-) Then I started sewing the rows carefully together one after another. Triangle quilts are really rather simple. I have sewn four or five already. The true key is to sewing successfully is to sew every odd row to the right starting from the left. Start your even rows by taking the last triangle in the row and sew them to the left or upside down. Then they will always nest!

After the rows were finished, it was easy street from there. ;-) Do you see the turquoise star? What is your opinion about it? Does it work?

I wasn't so sure about it. I looked at the setup after dark and noticed it was rather light in value.

The next day I found a better coordinated for the blue. Now all outer stars are brighter than the middle star and equal in value.

Of course I didn't throw out that lovely star!I used it to make a mug rug! Every pillow needs a matching mug rug, doesn't it?

Quilting: I first wanted to do an inner outline quilting on the whole pillow, but thought I wanted to bringing another design element and made 60° angles through the middle of the pillow. I am happy with the end result, but I am not happy that I chose to use Vliesoline H640 on this pillow! It gives it way too much depth. I learned my lesson here. ;-) Today I might even be brave enough to use black thread for the quilting too.

Seven Sisters Read the Newsprint for Rita

For the backside, I wanted to make something more in my style and went with Rita's idea of the hexagon, pulled through my scrap bins for yellow fabrics, improvised pieced until I got those great triangles, and sewed together in strips until I got even bigger triangles. I sewed the different solids in from the front as a border, the added the black until it was big enough for the backing. I offset the star on purpose if you were thinking it went wacky by mistake. ;-)

Back Side of Pillow of Seven Sisters Read the Newsprint

Bottom Zipper for a Two-Sided Pillow

And I love the label I made for Rita! I transferred the design onto t-shirt transfer and ironed to a white piece of fabric and sewed it into the inside of the pillow.

All in all, I am extremely happy with the way Rita's pillow turned out. It wasn't exactly my style (meaning low volume prints), but it challenged me to be creative. I truly hope she loved the pillow, because if she doesn't she can always send it back! ;-)

If you are inerested in swapping pillows with a fabulous group of ladies, we still have a few vacancies open for an energenic and creative patchworker. More information under the tab "Pillow Swap Four Seasons" above. We have an online form in the pillow swap Flickr group.

Thanks for dropping by. I hope to be around more in the future as well!

Big hugs,
Karen

spring fling

We are in the final stages of our Pillow Swap Four Seasons (PS4S) found on flickr. It is a fantastic group of international ladies, avid sewers, and creative geniuses! I am so happy and proud to be a part of this group! We have great support, great feedback, loads of pictures of our progress and our creative process. If you are thinking about joining a pillow swap, or a swap in general, feel free to drop by, get inspired and see how a flickr swap works. We would love to have you come join us to in the next round - Summer 2015. Signs-up start March 2nd and last until the 12th, 2015. Partners will be assigned the following Monday. You can find out more information here.

I am still not allowed to say who my partner is, nor what her dislikes/likes color preferences are, but I am allowed to show you the finished pillow case. ;-)

This was a little challenging for me, because I didn't know what she would want as a final design and left some options open. I first made kites and sewed white fabric to the sides.

After I decided on the final design of kaleidoscopes or stars, I finished the nine blocks. The trouble started when I tried to sew the middle blocks together. The points weren't matching up! I ripped the seams about four times in the center to get things right, but the points still were matching up the way I wanted them too. And what do you do, when your points don't match up? Put a button over them! It's just a pillow right?? Those buttons are ACCENT BUTTONS! ;-) I did very simple outline quilting. I didn't want to over do it. I wanted the "roundness" of the octagon center to come out but not disturb the other blocks.

And if my partner doesn't like the front, she can always turn it over and look at the backside for a while.  I made the braid using my MINI Hex N More ruler!! YAY!! Can you find the zipper? I strategically placed it behind the insert.

And of course I had some extra time, so I made a few goodies using the same fabric. I bought just one charm pack from the series Bluebird Park from Kate & Birdie for Moda Fabrics. I bought extra yardage of the "linen look" and separately, the turquoise bird in trees as well as a panel.

And to be honest, I didn't know if my swap partner was going to be happy with the pattern I picked. So, I made a second pillow in different dimensions this time. I decided on the 16 x 24 inch travel pillow size. I made some cute little butterflies from the charms, worked on a general design, picked up my fabric panel, sliced it in half and came up with this:

So, I am very confident that my partner is going to like her little "care package" if only she likes the fabric!? I used up most of all the fabric that I bought for this project including the charm pack. I was really surprised how far it went. 

Now who could be the lucky recipient of this spring pillow swap? I don't know, but they should receive their package the beginning of March!

I really had so much fun with this pillow swap!! I can't wait until the next one for summer. Oh, the possibilities! Please stop by and check out ALL OF THE BEAUTIFUL CREATIONS in the Pillow Swap Four Seasons flickr pool. And don't forget to sign up if your sewing schedule is free!

Thanks for stopping by!
Karen, Swap Mama

hello twenty-15

Happy New Year to everyone! I have taken some time off to think about a few things and get my sewing gusto back on track. The holidays were wonderful, and I really enjoyed the down-time. I hope you enjoyed them as well?

With every new year, there are changes in store...at least for me that is. I need change!! My husband didn't know what he signed up for when he married me. At least he is one of the constants in my life! =)

I started thinking about what type of change I need as far as my blog and communication with others. Why do I blog? Why do you blog? Why do we read each others sites? What would we do without the social networks of today? I have decided that I am going to spend less time blogging and more time sewing. My commitment to myself is to blog three or four times a month usually showing a finish off or what I have learned. A big step for me is joining INSTAGRAM as well. I still want to share with you what I am working on. Maybe you like it and comment on it. Maybe it becomes an inspiration piece. Maybe you skip on over it. But I want to keep going...keep creating...keep sharing....but giving myself more time to do just that - what I love to do.

_________________

Our Pillow Swap Four Seasons is in full swing! I am really enjoying checking in every day and seeing what the spectacular ladies are creating for each other. In the beginning, I admit, I was really nervous and intimidated, because these women are so FABULOUS! I was confused with the swap too...should I make directly from an inspiration photo or make something of my own? I have since found my own method of creating for others in the group...at least a starting point. :) If you are curious to see what I am working on, please check it out here. These are the fabrics I am going with. Since I have already started, there is no turning back now. =)

What have I been working on? I decided to get back to my old advanced sampler I started SEVERAL years ago. I totally love the fabric from Kate Spain called Fandago. All I have to do is finish a few 12" blocks, because the sashing and binding are already finished!

I worked on this wedding ring block which went together much easier than I thought it would. I printed the templates from EQ7 which were a little tight on the outer sides. I cut bigger pieces for fabrics for the fourth block and got myself into a pickle (or trouble). That's why there is a slight fold in the center. ;-) I thought it was more important for my seams to match up rather than a little fold....it won't be noticeable after it is quilted anyway? Right?

Then I worked on a Burnham block. Does anyone know this block? I found it a long time ago and bookmarked it to make the Y-Seam in the middle. I started by sewing strips together instead of making templates for each section. I wanted to save some time and be accurate. The fun thing about it - you get two blocks for one. Do you see the scraps to the right that make an additional block? I might put it on the back for a signature block.

I debated back and forth whether I wanted to sew this with a Y-Seam or skip it. Since this is a sampler for me - of my own skills - I have to challenge myself. I thought about it - how to get this little square into the center of the block. I knew where it connected on a straight line, but thought there could be an even simpler way of getting it in there without a Y-seam. I could applique it in the center. I even did it, but wasn't happy with the result.

Then I after a morning of struggling and be unhappy, I ripped it apart between the yellow and orange strips - where it is really supposed to be connected. I marked my 1/4 dots and it went together perfectly.

The center looks a little funky with the seam pressed forward, but I think I will work that out later.

This was really a fun block to make and could see making it more often. Next up on my sampler list is a folkart applique to test out my hand button-hole sewing. Please join me on Instagram - easypatchwork.

Thank you for stopping by!
Karen

low volumes

I have discovered a new love of "low volume" prints or for newcomers a light/white fabric with a low to medium tone on top. They are not tone-on-tones because they read as beige, cream, or gray. It gives a new dimension to the fabric. I was introduced to this from my friend Sandra and really had no idea what she was talking about. And instead of totally looking like an idiot, I just skipped right over what she was talking about. I know understand the term and am embracing it full-heartedly.

I just received this quilt from Emilly, my swap partner for the month of October, at the Doll Quilt Monthly Swap. It is the perfect use of low volumes! Just look at the beautiful composition using improvisation sewing, bright fall colors and low volume prints. I truly love it!! Then I understood completely where this new trend is heading - the look of scrappy with the use of low volumes instead of just "snow white" or "gray" as the neutral. Cool...I like this!

Doll Quilt received from Emilly

Then the next question...can I do this?? No. My stash is totally lacking creams, whites, and low volumes. Of course I wanted to order from the US, but it takes soooo long. Sometimes it can take up to two months before I receive new fabric lines and then I have to pay not only state tax (Mehrwertsteuer) but import tax as well. If I have it USPS'd I would also have to pay an additional charge to rush it through customs! The alternative was to pay more per yardage (or meter) for a price of 18-19€/meter. I think this is a steep price, but in the end, it might be cheaper? You tell me. What is your experience.?

So, I was on the hunt for some really nice new low volumes within the EU. The first two online shops I stopped at were Stoffekontor and Cotton and Color. I didn't find a huge assortment of what I was looking for, but I did find a few fabrics. I was also really turned on by the blacks as well, even more so than the whites. These are the new additions to my stash-

And I was so excited when I received them, I had to get started. The sun has been really nice to us the past week and making a presence almost every day. Looking at the some of the ideas from our Pillow Swap, I went right to work adding coordinating bright fabrics for greater contrast. I love contrast!

As you can see, I have not mastered this "style." I think there are a few too many non-low volume prints in there, but I am still working largely with my own stash. It is still a part of me. I am undecided if I like it, especially for a swap partner. I will get back to it after the holidays when there is more sunlight. Maybe I keep it, maybe I go for something totally different. Who knows!

I look forward to adding more and more of this fascinating fabric to my stash!

Happy Holidays!
Karen

pillow swap four seasons - come join us!

Do you like to decorate your home according to the seasons? Do you like seasonal pillows for your sofa or love seat? Do you love to sew for others and and be surprised yourself? Then we have an exciting new program for you - an international pillow case swap according to the seasons!

My friend Sandra, aka hohenbrunnerquilterin, and I are teaming up to bring you an exciting and challenging pillow swap. We are committed to hostessing and cheering you on as you design and show off your entire creative process of patchwork design.

How does the swap work? You have the chance to sew a pillow case for a secret partner using basically any "sewing" method around. To help you understand your partner, he/she will make an inspirational mosaic of things that they like according to the season and upload to flickr. You in turn, will also create a mosaic for the person who is creating a pillow case for you. These do not have to be pillows, but things to help you see your swap partner's style and taste. Remember, your swap partner will not be sewing for you in return, but someone else. Everyone has a different to and from parnter..sort of like a secret Santa exchange. You are not allowed under any circumstances to reveal your partner nor contact them until the "Secret List" is revealed!We want to keep it interesting.

The pillow swap takes place four times a year, spring, summer, fall and winter, so you will have the chance to get a new partner and be surprised every season. A new season, a new partner. It is your task to make a pillow case related to the season by use of color, design, motifs, holidays, etc. If you are a fall-type of person, then just sign up for the fall swap. Don't like the springtime? Then join for winter! Just keep the sign up dates marked on your calendar.

How did all of this start? I have been a member of the Doll Quilt Monthly swap for over a year now. It is very exciting designing mini quilts for others, and I wanted to extend the fun with seasonal yet functional patchwork designs. I have known about the pillow swaps on the Net, but they seem to be always full or per "invitation only." Our group is open to everyone of all skill levels. Everyone has a chance to participate!!

Are you ready to play? Registration begins the first of December for the spring swap 2015. After you have signed up, you will have three months to design your pillow case for your secret partner using the information he/she provides the pillow swap four seasons group via flickr. This is entirely organized and presented through flickr, so you must have a flickr account to play. Are you game? Then read more about it here on flickr. Keep in mind, you will have to agree to the rules before you are allowed to play. Don't forget, registration opens the first of December. I am so excited...I hope to see everyone there!!

If you don't want to play but would like to support our group, you can always grab our button and post on your blog or website. We are really going to wow your socks off!

https://www.flickr.com/groups/2730349@N24/

The easiest was I find to add a blinkie to your blog is to right click on the icon and copy the address. Link the image to the URL. That simple! Add the flickr address for redirection, of course. If that's too complicated, you can always go to Sandra's site. She does it with a html tag.

Thanks for dropping by and I look forward to seeing on you on the Pillow Swap Four Seasons!
Karen