Field Trip to Ady's in Morgantown

Took a couple of hours yesterday and went to visit a nearby quilt shop, Ady's Fabrics and Notions (http://www.adysfabrics.com/) in Morgantown, Indiana. The weather yesterday was absolutely gorgeous - spring is finally here, and I love spring. Met a friend and off we went to Ady's. I haven't been over there since she moved her shop next door into a larger space. The new space is wonderful and I like the way it is laid out. Check out their website for some pictures of the new store.

-Billie

The Quilt Show Block of the Month 2009 - Part 2

Just finished The Quilt Show's 2009 BOM month 2. Now I'm only a little behind, but I doubt I'll get March's portion done before the end of the month. I'll just keep plugging away.

I'm loving this so far, but it is a challenge and really stretches my piecing skills! Lot's of pinwheels for the next round. Haven't decided on the fabric for the next round, but it'll be a variation of what I've used so far.

Billie

Newest Find: Matilda's Own Revolving Rotary Cutting Mat

A few weeks ago while visiting a local quilt shop, I came across a new tool. It is a revolving rotary cutting mat made by Matilda's Own (an Australian company). I've purchased and used a lot of rotating cutting mats, but always had problems with them. What I really liked about this one was that it was large, measuring 15" across, so could accommodate large blocks.

When I got it home and used it, I fell in love with it. It stays wherever I put it, and it rotates like a dream. It is now a fixture next to my sewing machine when I am working on piecing blocks. It was fairly expensive (retails for around $50), but well worth it. I noticed that Nancy's Notions is now carrying them, and has them on sale. This mat is great for working with plastic templates and paper cutting guides!

Favorite Sewing and Quilting Blogs - Links Added

I've just added a new section to my blog that will contain some of my favorite quilting and sewing blogs. So far I've just added two, so watch for more to come.

Quilter Blogs is one where you can read dozens of quilting-related blogs from dozens of quilters in one place! It scans the blogs in its database many times a day and displays snippets of the quilting-related blog on their updates page. Gain inspiration from quilters all over the world. Quilter Blogs also features a search engine for online quilt stores. You can search hundreds of sites for specific fabric, thread, quilt patterns, projects, and notions.

Mother Superior's Blog from Superior Threads is great for those fans of Superior Threads.

I'll be adding more and more links as I have time. There are some great blogs out there!

The Quilt Show Block of the Month 2009 - Part 1

I decided to tackle The Quilt Show's block of the month for 2009. I love feathered stars but never was brave enough to try them. The pattern is very well written. The center section is paper-pieced. I am really challenged doing paper piecing -- I think it's a spacial thing -- but I was able to do it and it came out perfectly. I think it was easier because you cut the basic shapes first, so I didn't have gaps when I flipped the piece over and it didn't cover the next area.

I am using batiks, which are my favorite fabrics. I can't wait to see this whole thing finished.

Here's a picture of each of the individual pieces and then the units as I put them together.

Ta-Da - Month 1 done. I'm only two months behind now. Maybe I'll get caught up.

About My Stash

Sew, Mama, Sew is one of the sewing/quilting blogs that I follow. They posed a challenge today to tell about your stash! Here are my answers:

• What do you usually sew? Anything and everything. I love to sew, be it garments, lingerie, home dec or quilting. I’m more into smaller projects that I can actually accomplish given my busy work schedule and activity with the American Sewing Guild (Indianapolis Chapter).
• When you shop for fabric, what size cuts do you usually buy? (i.e. If you see something beautiful, but you don’t have a use for it right away, how much do you buy?) My rule is always 3 yards. I’d rather have too much than be a little short.
• Do you buy on impulse or do you go out looking for something you need? A little of both.
• Are you a pre-washer? If you are, do you wash your fabric before you need it, or only when you’re ready to use it? Don’t usually prewash, but it depends on the project/intended use.
• Do you iron it? Only before I am cutting for a project (unless it is really wrinkled before I store it.
• How do you sort it? (color, print size, collection, etc.) Color.
  Do you have any special folding techniques? Fold and store on fabric sheets to store vertically in cabinet.
• How do you store your fabric? Vertically in cabinet. (See pictures from previous entry.)
• What tips do you have for building up a well-rounded stash? Blenders, tone-on-tone and batiks are always good to have on hand.
• When do you say enough is enough? I’m not sure I know the meaning of “enough.” There’s never enough!

Time for Cleaning! Whew!

I could not stand the mess in my sewing studio one more second. I had things everywhere after having gotten back last weekend from a quilt retreat in Kentucky. If you ever have a chance to go to the retreat in Jabez, I would highly recommend it.


I'll try to post some pics of the projects I worked on while there later. Many are still works in progress, but I'm happy with what I did accomplish and the new techniques that I learned.





Anyway, everything was strewn all over the place because I needed to pack a lot of things to take for the classes I signed up for, and then when I got back, it just got dumped. Finally got around to putting it all away this morning, and in the process decided that maybe I should rearrange some things. Me and my big ideas!!!!!

Many hours later, I'm done (and sore and tired), but it is much better. I can feel my creative juices returning.

My First Blog!

Amazing. I love to sew, any kind of sewing - garments, home dec, quilts (piecing and quilting). I am a member of the American Sewing Guild (ASG), and currently serve as the VP-Special Events for the Indianapolis, Indiana chapter. More to come.......