All About the Tools and Visit Your Local Quilt Shop Day

I am, really. All about the tools!

When I started back in quilt making, I was very much the frugal quilter for any number of reason. Mainly, I suppose, because I didn't know how long this interest would last,  or how passionate I was soon to become.

Way back then, I 'made do'. You know how that is….. "Why should I buy THAT ruler when I already have this one?" "Oh, I have rotary cutter, ALREADY." "Well, I have a drawer full of fabric my neighbor gave me back in 1990…. I'm set."

That was me circa 1999. SO, what made the change in my thinking? Experience is the best teacher in my case.

About 4 years after I had finished a huge quilt (back before I learned about this thing called a walking foot!) I was making the bed and as I pulled the quilt back into position, I heard the dread sound of threads popping. Yep, the threads broke in several places. Upon closer inspection, I found holes where the fabric had frayed, as well. Lesson learned: If you are going to invest YOUR TIME in a quilt, INVEST IN GOOD MATERIALS! So, I boned up on thread and switched permanently over to Aurifil for piecing and proper quilting thread (it's thicker and stronger) for quilting. Additionally, I threw away cheap fabric and really took a closer look at what was left for old and brittle fabric. Those went out as well.

So, here I am with an army of rulers, each one serving their own purpose and YES, I use every darn one of them. Not just once, either. But my favorite ruler so far is the Bloc-Loc for HSTs.

For many years, I would cut the requisite 3 7/8" squares to make a 3.5" block, sew the two lines, cut them apart and press. But when I went to measure the little blocks, they rarely were nice and square so then I would have to monkey around to get them to fit nicely to another block. grrrr what a pain.

I started rounding up whatever the 7/8" measurement was to the larger inch…. 3 7/8" would become 4" and after I had sewn the lines and cut and pressed, I would square up the block to a nice, clean 3.5" square. Perfect.

One day, I came across the Bloc-Loc ruler and gave it a test drive and fell in love. Watch below and you will see why.

Here you see the 6.5" Bloc-Loc ruler. Now they come in three sizes but I recommend the 6.5" because with this one ruler, you will trim MOST of the HSTs you will ever make. I have the 2.5" and the 4.5" Bloc-Locs as well and YES I do use them, especially if I have a whole herd of just 2.5" blocks to square up. Remember, the whole point of rulers is to make your job efficient! If I had a variety of sizes to square up, I would use the 6.5".

You can see it is sitting on top of a Fiskars rotating mat which I love and highly recommend as well. Any rotating mat is going to make this so much easier. It is not necessary, but I just don't use the Bloc-Loc without the rotating mat.

You also see the 4 HSTs that I made by placing a solid 5" square with a colored fabric…. and drawing two sew line 1/4" away for the centerline and sew. THen I cut them apart and give them a GOOD pressing. I usually press to the dark side.

Now, take a close look below and you will see the groove on the underside of the Bloc-Loc ruler. This is what is going to 'lock' along the seam you just pressed. You want to lay the ruler so the groove that runs from one corner to the other hits and locks in place along the seam.

ANd here you see how a scant amount of fabric peeks from under the ruler in the upper right corner. All of the fabric along the right and upper edge will now be trimmed with the rotary cutter.

Voila!.

Then I rotate the cutting mat WITHOUT touching the ruler and….

…slide the ruler so the 4.5" mark lines up with the lower left corner of  my HST block. Now I can trim away the scant fabric once again along the upper and right edges of the ruler.

Here, you can see how little I had to trim away on all 4 sides to be left with a PERFECT 4.5" HST!!!

Now, I lift the ruler away so you can see that corner to corner, I have a perfect HST. There is NO way this little block isn't going to line up perfectly with another!

I hope you enjoyed this quick demo and come by Bright Hopes Quilting to test drive one for yourself. I think you will agree that with the right tools at hand, our joy in quilt-making grows exponentially.

Saturday, Jan 25, 2014 is Visit Your Local Quilt Shop Day, a national event where we celebrate our craft by sharing demos and lectures and door prizes and fun.

Bright Hopes Quilting will be open with extended hours from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm and we have some excellent and very specially reduced items that, quite frankly, if you miss them, you'll regret it. They are ONE DAY ONLY as well and because they are this special, I am encouraging you to drop by and see for yourself.

January February Schedule of Classes

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

2014 will be here in less than 2 weeks and here is our new roster of classes.

We have new Blocks of the Months and fun new classes and all of us are really looking forward to starting off the year with energy and a sense of renewal.

Check 'em out and give us a call and remember the

BEST DEAL IN TOWN:

 Our $60.00 coupon which entitles you to as many classes as you can take in a 6 month span. NO, there is NO CATCH. We only ask that you attend the one you sign up for or call us to let us know you must cancel in time for someone to take your place. Seats fill up quickly and it is only a kindness to allow someone on the waiting list get a chance.


Let's make 2014 the best and most creative year yet.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Kathy Brown and Strip-Smart II

We had tremendous fun last Saturday when Kathy Brown brought her trunk show for a show and tell. We never know what is in store so sitting back and watching it all unfold is a real hoot and roller coaster ride and Kathy never fails to impress us with her creativity and humor.

It started with a sneak preview of her up-coming Red Rooster children's line, A is for Animal,  (or Alphabet! Kathy's recurring self-deprecation is her ability to confuse names and nouns, but never faces)

While at Houston for Market, Kathy had samples of her newest patterns hanging up and they really attracted serious attention. Here are three of them.

Then we got busy seeing quilts from her new book, Strip-Smart II and the Double Strip Ruler, or the Dolly Parton ruler, as she calls it.

By now you are surely familiar with the ruler and how it helps you take 2.5" 'jelly roll' strips and quickly cuts them into half-square triangle blocks. Once you mix up the blocks, you can create a wide variety of quilts. 

What is different in this book, you ask? 

This time, Kathy explored using a 'background' strip for the other half-triangle and the results are very good! You end up with more negative space to play in with your quilting and the modern quilt look is very much evident.

Here are three quilts from her book to illustrate what I mean.

If you were unable to attend, here is a quick video of the highlights.





Ask us to show you her CHubbies patterns and the newest, Sleep Sack. They are super!

Quilted In Honor - Veteran's Day Observance

Tomorrow is Veteran's Day or Armistice Day and in observance of this day, I would like to take a moment and tell you about a program through Island Batiks called Quilted In Honor and Operation Homefront.

Quilted in Honor is a 2 year long fund-raising initiative by Island Batik and industry sponsors like pattern companies and quilt designers, big names you will recognize. The goal is raise awareness and money for our returning veterans and their families as they transition back to civilian life after service in the armed forces.

Now, this is NOT to be confused with Quilts of Valor, another fabulous program of donating quilts to wounded servicemen and women.

Through the purchase of patterns, fabrics and notions, a portion of all proceeds will be distributed to Operation Homefront to be used in their on-going assistance to their goal of assisting EVERY service member 

So, when you ask yourself, "What can I do?" the simple answer is, "Do what you love". If you love to sew, make a quilt to donate to Quilts of Valor and use one of the new batiks and you will be helping both organizations.

 If you want to make a quilt for someone you know, consider using Island Batiks new range of Quilted in Honor fabrics. A portion of what you purchase will be given directly to Operation Homefront. Or purchase one of the patterns and use your scraps and still a portion of your money will go to Operation Homefront.

If you come in to Bright Hopes Quilting and see the gorgeous line of batiks that were created for this program, you can flip through our catalogue of free patterns and get the yardage you will need and then download the pattern for free from the Island Batiks website at home. Go ahead, pop over now and check them out.

You will also find a number of them that are for purchase as well as 2 Blocks of the Month you can make at home. Even if you make one of these for yourself, you will be supporting the Operation Homefront organization and make a difference.

Okay, you ask, just how much is a "portion"?  Island Batik has pledged a minimum of $25,000. Now, that is a goal worth rallying around in my book!

But wait, there IS more!  If you go here, you can purchase a chance to win PJ Anderson's beautiful quilt, Stars of Glory, and every dollar goes directly to Operation Homefront AND you can enter a contest to bring Eleanor Burns to your favorite quilt shop for a workshop! Double-plus Good!

Each donation is $5.00 and there is a secure PayPal form after you fill out your drawing information.

So, I hope you have a memorable Veteran's Day tomorrow. We are open for business and look forward to showing you the beautiful batiks.

Colorful Tropics Block of the Month 2014

These are the final hours of the Houston Quilt Market, wrapping up another exciting weekend for Pearl and the girls..... as we wait for the triumphant return and hear all about the new things to come in the future, I'd like to take a brief moment to tell you about one of our 2 up-coming Blocks of the Month programs for 2014.

The first one is Colorful Tropics

by Barbara Bieraugel.

There is a nice balance of piecing and paper-piecing (the mariner's compass center) with just a touch of applique' and the pattern has an optional block for people who just won't 'go there' and will avoid anything to do with appliqué! 

It's easy to see that living in Hawaii can inspire beautiful quilt patterns in sun-drenched colors! This is an 11 month BOM that will start in January and will cost $22.99 each month. 

So, Thursday and Friday our UPS dude, Jeff, dropped off 2 boxes of the gorgeous batiks that go into this quilt...... this is going to be a real stunner!



It measures 76" x 89" and will include all patterns and fabric including binding to complete the quilt top. Batting and backing are not included.

If you would like to sign up for this Block of the Month, please give us a call at 985-845-9554. 

November - December Calendar of Classes

Here is the new schedule of classes fro November and December at Bright Hopes Quilting.

We think we have pulled together a great roster to see you through the holiday season.

Give us a call at 985-845-9554 to reserve your spots and remember that Saturday, Nov. 16, Kathy Brown will be bringing her Trunk Show to Bright Hopes for a show n tell in the morning!

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Fun With Fusibles!

Mary Green has pulled together all the good information about the wonderful world of fusible webs and has made a display board here at the shop that you can see and feel for yourself how they differ from one another behind fabric.

This may help you decide which is most appropriate for any project you are working on.

Please stop by, see what Mary made and make a small 'sampler' to take home for future reference.

Thanks Mary!!!! Great information!

Fun with Fusibles!

 

Fusible web is an iron-on adhesive made from a mesh of fibers with adhesive properties.  The fibers melt when heated to join two layers of fabric together.  There are a number of fusible web products out there but this is the common element.

 

Paper-Backed Fusibles

 

There are many brands of paper-backed fusibles. Heat n Bond Lite, Heat n Bond Feather Lite, Shades SoftFuse, and Bosal fusible come with one side of paper.  Steam-a-Seam 2 and Lite Steam-a-Seam are both products that come with paper on both sides of the fusible web.

 

The procedure for using a paper-backed fusible is generally the same:

 

1.     Remember to reverse the design in order to avoid a mirror image.

2.     Trace the reversed design onto the paper backing of the fusible web.

3.     Roughly cut out the traced object leaving about ¼ around the design, leave the paper attached.

4.     Iron the cut out piece of paper-backed fusible web to the wrong side of your applique fabric and allow it to cool.

5.     Cut the design to size, using the outlines drawn on the paper.  When cutting “to size” remember to include under or overlaps, if using.

6.     Peel off the paper backing.

7.     Iron the fused fabric into position

 

When using Steam-a-Seam 2 and Lite Steam-a-Seam the directions are slightly different since they have paper on both sides of the fusible web.  The double paper backing is because the fusible web is pressure sensitive on both sides allowing for a temporary hold to both the applique material and the background.  Here are good directions for using Steam-a-Seam products:

 

1.     Remove one piece of the paper backing.  One side should be easier to remove than the other, so check for this before drawing your design.

2.     Draw your reversed design onto the remaining paper backing and roughly cut around it.

3.     You can iron or just finger press the Steam-a-Seam to the wrong side of your applique fabric

4.     Cut out the design on the drawn lines.

5.     Position the applique on the background.  It can be moved until it is ironed.

6.     Fuse the applique to the surface with the iron on cotton setting for 3-5 seconds.  (The directions says 10-15 seconds but I think this is too long.  I do not iron my fusibles more than 3 seconds each time I use them.  Too much heat can cause the fusible web to darken.  You can always go back and iron again but you can’t take it back).

 

Misty Fuse

Misty Fuse is a non paper-backed fusible.  It performs the same function as other fusible web products but is very sheer, light weight, and does not add stiffness or bulk to layers of fabric.  It can be used with very sheer fabrics and lower temperatures.

However, the absence of a paper backing means that you can not draw your design onto Misty Fuse and you must use a non-stick pressing sheet or parchment paper in order to prevent the fusible from sticking to your iron or ironing board.

Directions for using Misty Fuse:

1.     Draw your design or applique onto freezer paper, Do not reverse.

2.     Fuse Misty Fuse to the wrong side of your applique fabric.

·        Use parchment paper or an applique pressing sheet to cover your ironing surface

·        Place Misty Fuse on the non-stick sheet

·        Place the applique fabric right side up (wrong side against the fusible) to cover the Misty Fuse completely

·        Press briefly using a medium heat setting

·        Fuse a larger piece of fabric than your planned applique piece.  Often people who like using Misty Fuse will pre-fused pieces of fabric so they are ready to cut out for future projects

3.     Press the freezer paper template to the right side of the pre-fused fabric and cut it out.  Keep the non-stick sheet under the fusible side of the Misty Fuse.

4.     Position the applique and press with medium-high heat to permanently fuse.

 

Things to remember with Misty Fuse:

·        You must use an applique pressing sheet or parchment paper

·        It can be used with sheer fabrics – like organza

·        You do not need to reverse the design when you draw it since it will be attached to the right side of the fabric and not flipped.

·        It is solvent-free with no added adhesives so it does not gum up needles

Everybody has their favorite when it comes to fusible web products.  I prefer Bosal for my everyday fusible projects because it comes on a bolt and is 15” wide so I can use it for large appliques.  Heat n Bond Lite and Heat n Bond Feather Lite also come on a bolt and are both 17” wide so they are good options for large projects too, or just for everyday.  Steam-a-Seam 2 and Lite Steam-a-Seam at Bright Hopes come on a roll 12” wide and are considered by many to be the standard in fusible webs.  Shades SoftFuse comes in 8x9 inch sheets (10 to a pack) and is great for smaller projects and projects where layering of appliques is done since the fusible web is so soft.  Misty Fuse may deceive you, because it is so sheer, that small package carries a piece of fusible that is 20” x 90” or 20” by 2.5 yards.  Misty Fuse can be a little persnickety to work with, but it is worth it for the lightness of this fusible.

One tip to remember:  Fusible lasts better when fused to fabric.  So if you have scraps laying around and like to do fusible applique then just put some fusible web on them, take off the paper backing (this is very important) and store them in a large plastic storage bag to maintain the moisture in the fusible.  Then the fabric will be ready to go whenever you are!  Fusibles can dry out over time so if you have some you have not used it in a while and it is not working properly – it just may be dried out.

Good things to have when working with fusible web products are an applique pressing sheet and an iron-cleaning product, because accidents do happen and it is best to be prepared.  I always like to clean my iron after I use fusible webs.  Since I often do large appliques I have two sizes of applique pressing sheets.  I also keep a Teflon sheet, parchment paper, and freezer paper handy.

 

I hope you have fun with fusibles !

Resources:

www.warmcompany.com

www.mistyfuse.com

www.shadessoftfuse.com

www.susanbrittingham.com

www.thermowebonline.com

www.bosalonline.com