Finally Replacing some Tools

Many, many moons ago, I bought my first rotary cutter.  I don't think I bought any rulers at the time and I have no doubt I was not using it as it was intended.  In fact, I am pretty sure my accuracy was very diminished at first.  

Nowadays, a rotary cutter is an extension of my hand (in fact, both hands equally) because I use it so often.

I recently shared a photo on my Instagram account of my first rotary cutter and (I think) my second one that I was having to retire.  They have been glued, shimmed and taped so many times, they have become pretty unsafe.

Olfa saw my post and let me know they would happily replace them. What?!  I know the new ones have a lifetime warranty but I was astonished that they would honor it for these old friends too.  I had stated that I was having emotional issues just tossing these, they asked if I would send them off to them for their archives.  When I told them I still had the original mat that came as a set, they immediately needed a photo.  It was the very first mat they sold!  It is like 11 x 22 - crazy size huh?!  And it has no markings on it at all.

Now that these tools will be kept as examples of the history of quilting tools, I was happy to send them off.  They have definitely earned that honor!

And in return, Olfa let me choose some new tools.  I really wanted one of the Ruby cutters.  Because of its red color and limited addition, I won't get them mixed up with other people's tools quite as easily.  And because it is not an ergonomic style, I can still cut easily with both hands.  

I also asked for a set of their small scissors.  I have to say, I am in love!  They are small and sharp and now reside at my sewing machine machine to cut threads.

The company also included one of their endurance blades for me.  Just as a gift!

I have always been a fan of Olfa tools and mats but after witnessing this great customer service, I will be a dedicated fan for life!

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Light or Dark?

I have been meaning to recover my ironing board for quite some time.  I seem to always press in the same area so my cover becomes very scorched and soon starts to rip.

 Looking back, I last recovered my board in February of 2013  with this polka dot fabric.  Three years of hard use really isn't that bad but when choosing fabric for the newest makeover, I had both a light and dark fabric that would work.

I decided to go with a dark fabric hoping the scorch marks would not show up so soon.  I think it looks great but I admit, I have a harder time seeing things I lay on the board.  I am hoping I will get used to it soon and I won't feel like I am constantly being reminded I am getting older!

Do you have a preference on the fabric you use for your ironing board?  I hopefully will get another 3 years out of this fabric but I would love to know your thoughts!

Linking Up:

Sew Fresh Quilts (Bee Social)
My Quilt Infatuation (Needle & Thread)

Sunday Stash - Feeling Ruler Rich

I admit, I have collected a number of rulers over the years.  Long ones, square ones and quite a few those specialty ones that were supposed to make my quilting easier.  So I haven't really been buying too many rulers in the last few years until I found the Bloc Loc rulers.

I have been using the HST ruler for a couple of years now.  I have been wanting some of the other configurations but they are spendy and always seem to be one of the things that gets deleted from my cart before I hit the "buy" button.

Well, lucky me recently won a gift certificate to the Fat Quarter Shop from Simply Vanella (Thanks so much!) and I decided I really didn't need any fabric and chose treat myself to some rulers!

I have been really wanting one of the Flying Geese rulers.  I went with the 3" x 6" size.  As soon as I received it in the mail, I pulled some solid scraps and made these cute framed geese blocks.

I also treated myself to a set of the Half-Rectangle rulers.  I definitely see some scrappy stars in my future!

I always love to get fabric in the post but getting these rulers has certainly filled my head with lots of possibilities and designs.  I am looking forward to putting them to good use in the coming months!

Have you tried the Bloc Loc rulers yet?

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Molli Sparkles

Some Favorite Tools

As I was quilting away today, I realized how important a few simple tools are to me.  Yes, I have many specialty rulers and expensive templates that I pull out every once in a while for a specific quilt.  But I thought I would share some items that make my quilting time so much easier.  

As a longarm quilter, I really couldn't write a post about the tools I use everyday without talking about Pete. (Yes, my longarm has a name and yes, he is a boy male.)  We have been together almost 8 years now.

Lots of people ask me what machine is best to buy.  Short answer is truly, 1) what you can afford and 2) what you feel comfortable running.  There are a lot of good makers out there.



Beside Pete, there are three other tools I use every day. 

   * Gingher snips on a lanyard around my
           neck.  (Love them!)

   * Self threading needles for burying
           threads.     (Best invention ever!)

   * White school chalk for marking.  
           (So handy!)

The chalk works great for auditioning quilt patterns onto a quilt, marking points or even drawing in actual quilting lines.  It stays put really well.  And once you are done, a slightly damp cloth easily wipes it all away.

Caution:  Only use white chalk.  Colored chalks may stain your quilt!

...and of course the thread.  Oh My The Thread!  I love my custom-made thread racks.  They (yep, there are more than one) are along the hallway leading to my studio and their brilliant colors make me smile every time I pass them.

So what tools do you love? Is there a certain brand you favor or a specific tool you always reach for?  Or better yet, is there something new that you have recently discovered that you want to share?  I would love to hear about them.  And I am sure so would others!

Linking up with Linky Tuesday at Freemotion by the River.  Check it out and see what everyone else has been up to.

And the winners are...

Thanks so much to everyone who entered my first giveaway to celebrate my publication in Quilty magazine!  I was so pleased with the results and had so much fun reading all your comments!  And thanks also to all who found me and decided to become a follower, either on this blog or my facebook page.  It was such a thrill - I will definitely be doing this again!



The giveaway was for a copy of the May/June Quilty magazine but I also wanted to include some other fun items.  Both of you will receive some of my favorite notions.  I'm always surprised that so many people have never tried these.

Some self-threading needles, a roll of glow-line tape and a package of Thimble Pads.

The ThimblePads are new to me.  I just discovered them thanks to a friend.  I have never been able to get the hang of using a regular thimble so consequently don't wear one.  And with all the handwork I do, my fingers have paid for it!  Since discovering these, I already notice a huge difference in the tenderness of my finger tips.  And best of all, they don't slow me down at all!



I know, so enough all ready!  Get to those winners, right!!

The first winner is Holly!  Holly commented "I'm an earthtone gal, other quilters always laugh, if it has brown in it, it's Holly's. Browns and rusts are my favorite.  Congrats on being featured in Quilty, you quilt is lovely."

The second winner is Happy Cottage Quilter who left the comment "I love working with blues, but lately I have been loving aqua and brown. Congrats on being published!"

I have emailed both of you for an address so I can get your prizes sent out.   And because I love sharing, I will be sending some other little surprises tailored to each recipient based on their comments...Hope you like it!!

I will definitely be doing more giveaways in the future.  It was a ton of fun!  So be sure and follow along if you want to be a part of them!  Thanks again everyone!!

Linking with Plum and June's Let's Get Acquainted.

A Little Retail Therapy

I haven't bought fabric in quite some time.  But I have been working so hard lately, I decided to reward myself with a little retail therapy!

Okay, so these fabrics aren't really for "fun".  I have an original pattern I want to test and these fun fabrics might just work.  I will share the finished project at a later date.

And these stencils I bought are also for work.  I really needed only one of these but with the high cost of freight, it is worth your while to order more than one.  It is always fun to have new tools to play with.

Some of the real fun starts with collecting some pieces from Carolyn Freidlander's Architextures by Robert Kaufman.  When I was young, I really wanted to be an architect so I am really "drawn" to these.

And this little pile of fabrics is ready to be something.  The prints are designed by Brigitte Heitland for Moda and the solids are Quilter's Linen from Robert Kaufman..

I can't get enough of these Quilter's Linen.  They work themselves into many of my projects.

And then there is always the fabric you buy with no project in mind but you know you just have to have it. Malka Dubrawsky is the designer and Moda is the manufacturer. 

And I am the owner of these two pieces!

So many possibilities with these little purchases.  I hope you keep checking back here or on my facebook page to see what these become in the future.  

I will be sharing my treasures by linking up with Connie on Linky Tuesday, Quilt Story on Fabric Tuesday, WIPS and Whatnot at Quiltsy and WIP Wednesdays at Freshly Pieced. Be sure and visit them for more wonderful quilty stuff.

Wouldn't Quilt Without...

There is one item I use so often when I am quilting that I thought I would share.  They are these Designs with Lines stencils by Home Stitches.  I was introduced to them when I took a class from Pam Clarke years ago and I have loved them ever since.

I tend to do a lot of geometric line work in my quilting and who wants to measure out and mark.  These stencils make it so easy...They come in 3 widths (1", 1.5" and 2") so there is always one that is the perfect fit.









I use the white miracle chalk and apply it lightly with a cheap foam brush.  I don't use a pounce pad as it tends to get too messy.

You can still see it even when quilting on white.  It usually helps to turn your machine light off.






I can then just quilt away and wipe the chalk off with a slightly damp cotton cloth as I go.

If you are a little heavy handed with the chalk, any chalk residue will disappear with a warm iron or steam.

 There are a number of other configurations available.  These two I use occasionally but I reach for my line stencils every week.

Thanks for stopping in.  This posting I will be linking up with Really Random Thursday, Free Motion Quilting Friday and Thanks Goodness it's Finished Friday.  Be sure and check them out and all the other bloggers who link up.

Then and Now

Remember my sewing room?

Yeesh....How did I get anything done in there!

Well, it is finally painted, cleaned out and slowly getting put back together. 

Here's what I have done so far. 

Two pretty shades of purple with white trim.

An original artwork on the wall.

...and if it wasn't in process, it was removed from the room!







Look there...I have a cutting table I can actually use!  (I do need a bigger mat however...)



I also got my white boards and cork boards put up.  You never know when inspiration is going to strike and you need to write something down.

 And once the room was put back together, the ironing board needed a new cover.

I also painted the legs of the board a pretty shade of purple - No more avocado green!

I was originally going to use this old wine display cabinet I had to store bins on.  In a matter of days it was looking cluttered....

I had just spent quite a bit of energy fixing up the room and I felt this was just wrong...

And then a friend turned me on to some old lockers that were for sale.  Add a few wood shelves inside and a little more purple paint and it fits right in.


Boy, do I love those closed doors!  Plus all of my spare sewing machines are now stowed away.

And now that I have a metal surface, I can bring these cute things into my sewing room.

 These little stainless steel cans hold my buttons.

 

 

Shhh....Don't tell my sisters, but I have all of my grandmother's buttons.

I have far more than I can fit in these containers but I do have a nice selection of each color.

 

And when they are mounted to the cabinet with their magnetic bottoms, the clear glass top allows me to see the color.

Cute, right?!?

And finally, if you don't have one many of these, you should look into getting some.  I keep them under my cutting table to collect all those leftover scraps of fabrics.

This one has 'strings' that are already cut and just waiting to be made into a scrappy quilt top.

I still have a few more things I want to incorporate into the room.  I will share them as I get them done.  It is so nice to have an organized workspace.  Since it has been put back together, I have finished two quilt tops and am halfway done with a third.  I am going to work through those thirty somethings UFOs in no time......

If you want to see a few more sewing room fix ups, Sewing By Moonlight is having a Big Clean link up. I can't wait to see what others have done!

A Time for Change

About a year ago, I decided I needed to move my sewing stuff out of my quilting studio.  As piecing and quilting used entirely different tools, I was spending a fair amount of time setting up and breaking down projects.  As time was not something I had an abundance of, I knew there needed to be a change.

I have a room that is part of a garage conversion that was not being utilized so I decided to move in there. The room itself is a bit of a cave.  Being an old garage, you step down into it and it has a low ceiling.  As it is an interior room, there are also no windows. The plus about this room is it is so wonderfully quiet in there.  And without the windows, there is space for two designs walls.  I really am able to unhook from all demands and focus when I am working in there.



But really......

This week I got a really good look at this space I call a sewingroom and realized that it is not the environment of creativity that I want. 

I am embarrassed to show these pictures.  It is amazing I get anything done....

This is actually my cutting table.  As you can see there is no room to work here so I am now cutting on my coffee table in the livingroom!

It is about time I spend some money and energy getting this room fixed up so it is more organized and productive.  I will be sharing my progress and posting the design ideas I implement as I go.  I guess you can say this will be my Work In Progress for a while.

First off will be paint.  I have always wanted a purple room so I think I am going with these two shades and white for the trim and ceiling. These colors will only show on two walls as the others are covered with white designs walls.

So say good bye to this sad space.  It is time I have the beautiful environment I deserve.  I have been busy planning storage ideas but if you have any cool organizing tricks you want to share, I would love to hear about them.               

  Stay tuned....

A Few Stars

Occasionally I get in quilts to be quilted where an all over pattern is a little 'too boring' for the customer and the quilt doesn't lend itself to elaborate quilting.  What to do? I find that just a bit of custom stitching amongst a meander allover pattern fits just right.

I usually look to the fabrics in the quilt for a design.  If possible, I try and find something that I have already drawn or something that I already have a stencil for in house.  Sometimes, I just have to get out a pencil and paper and start drawing so I can get the scale just right.  For a project I did this week I chose some wonky stars.

 


Before I load the quilt, using white school chalk, I mark the areas I want to quilt the chosen motif.  This way I can balance the designs throughout the quilt.  For this quilt I put the stars in various groupings using some stencils.  (I find miracle chalk in white works the best.)

I used white thread to quilt the stars.  I then changed to a bright variegated thread and did swirling meanders around them. 

I also did some single stars in places where they would really show.  This quilt had a lot of colorful fabrics so it was difficult to get some contrast.

However, the white stars really showed up bright on the red backing.






When I don't use stencils, I will get out my laser and quilt from paper patterns.  If you sew on a domestic, cut the shape out of freezer paper and iron directly onto the quilt.  Then simply quilt around the paper. I have used this method to quilt in turtles, bears, stars, boats, to name just a few.  Hope this gives you some ideas on what to quilt on your next project.

Jumping in...

After years of gentle prodding from customers and friends, I am finally working on expanding my audience and sharing my quilting experiences, tips and patterns.  Hopefully you will have patience with me as I learn the ins and outs of blogging and stick with me on this adventure.  I thought I would start with some simple introductions.

I'm Cynthia or Cyndy - I answer to both.  I feel quite blessed that I am able to immerse myself into my love of quilting and because of that, I love to share what I learn along the way.  I am a longarm quilter and have a lot of great customers.  I am thankful for each and every one of them and hopefully they will allow me to share some of their beautiful quilts with you.  I am also an avid piecer and usually have multiple projects going at a time, many of which are original.  While I use all genres of fabric, I like bold prints and strong colors. These many creations will also be shared.

You should also meet the rest of the team.  First there is Pete.  I pretty much put him to work every day.  Like in any relationship, he brings me great joy and immense frustration.

Then there is (from left to right) Willie, Sparky and Lucy.  I love these older Bernina machines and really don't think you can have too many.  Aren't they cute!?!

I did just recently finish a couple of quilts.  This one I started about 5 years ago.  I am a big Martha Negley fan and use her fabrics often.  When I realized it wasn't going to go together easily it was put to the back of the closet and just recently pulled out to finish.  I will admit it is alot smaller than was orignially planned.

Each of those tiny squares finish up at 3/4" and I fussy cut each tiny piece so the design was centered....What was I thinking!

And because I had so much fabric left over, to really show these fabrics off, I cut big pieces and created this large quilt.

I am now ready for winter with these wonderfully colorful quilts.  And with the cooler weather, I will be busy creating more.  Hopefully you'll return to see what I'm working on next.