First Quilt (Proper) part 3

Well, I managed to make up a log cabin square - bottom block - and finally worked out how to finish the last seam on the block I started to make and, all in all, I like my block much better.

I know I didn't cut my pieces specifically for the log cabin which is probably why they don't line up and I don't suppose that making the block with stretch denim, denim and light weight upholstery fabric is a good mix but it seems to work ok with my block.

The stretchiness of the denim, I am hoping, will lessen when the backing is sewn on.

I am also putting four plain squares of each fabric together to make a single block.  I could also add blocks made up of strips of each fabric also................. Ideas, ideas - really need to be at home - not work!!!! Grrrrrrrr! lol

Has anyone tried using a low tog rated quilt to use as batting/wadding and backing?  My hand-crank seems to cope with anything I chuck at it and I have a new Ikea single, low tog quilt taking up much needed space in my hoard of fabric.  Seems like a match made and all that............ Will keep you posted.

First Quilt (Proper) part 2

Well I have spent some time this weekend - not as much as I would have liked however - cutting out squares and strips for the quilt I want to make out of the denim jeans pieces and a couple of cushion covers (for texture purposes and dash of design).

I played with a couple of configurations of the different colours and only then noticed that two of the pairs of jeans were very similar in colour.  I have since decided that the cushion covers will work both right and wrong sides giving different coloured designs to the log cabin squares pattern I (finally) settled on.

I had some spare time this morning before coming to work so I thought I would try and put a couple of the log cabin squares together.  However, although I have seen this pattern many times and in many different colours and applications, I have never used the pattern before and have not seen an instructions anywhere on how to put the pattern together.  So, not wanting to waste anymore time, I jumped in with both feet and tried it.

I couldn't work out how I could sew both the seam square to strip and strip to strip (short end to long side) at the same time so I tried not sewing up to the end so I could then remove the square and sew a separate seam.  This sort of worked out but I knew there must be a simpler way of doing it.

When I got to work (and finished all my paperwork - yeah right!!!), I looked up how to sew a log cabin pattern and (- head in hand moment! I know you're already there and wondering what I am talking about) - You make the first rectangle the same length as the square and sew that first!!

I knew there was a simpler way!  It just hadn't occurred to me that it would be that simple.  I could have done a whole lot more sewing this morning rather than faffing with two squares I did manage to get done.  Anyhoo, now I know what to do, I can do some more sewing tonight and maybe get more than two done!

As I haven't worked out how big I want my quilt yet, I haven't worked out how many squares and rectangles I will need but for now, my pinking shears are hanging up with their tongues hanging out after all their hard work this weekend and my hand-crank is sitting waiting for me.

No, I haven't broken out the electric machine - the sizes I have cut don't fill me with confidence that I could stop the machine before I ran over my fingers - but I working on an idea to help me control the machine which will hopefully help me conquer my fear.

So I am now clock watching (again) waiting for 5.00 so I can go home and start sewing again - I am really enthusiastic now I know what I am doing - well there's a first time for everything, right...?

First Quilt (Proper) part 1

First Quilt (Proper) part 1

Well, having just spent three days (evenings in real time) deconstructing 5 pairs of jeans, I am now preparing to get my pieces cut for the next stage of my quilt.  Saw this blog on Pinterest and thought - what the heck...!
http://www.instructables.com/id/Recycle-DenimJeans-into-Reusable-parts-with-no-wa/?ALLSTEPS

I have made a large piece of sewing using paper piecing - this is the one I still need to find - but didn't finish it.  The smaller projects I have been finishing off when I have decided what to do with them - see related blogs. However as far as a machine sewn quilt is concerned I have wanted to do one of these for ages and have not the confidence to even contemplate it.  However I now feel a little more confident in myself and as the nights are drawing in and weekends are not being spent walking the hills, I have the time to start up sewing again.

Looking at the pile of denim I think I am going to need some other light coloured ones just to add a little more variety but the first thing I need to do is decide how I want my finished quilt to look.  As I am not that busy at work (but don't tell my hubby!!), I can mess with patterns and hopefully come up with one not so difficult or faffy.

Who knows, I may even break out one of the electric machines............ who knows...?!  ;0)