Two Tip Tuesday – Bindings with Stripes

Posted on October 1, 2024 by debbiewendt

I’m working on a few new samples for my Machine Sewn Bindings class in Houston later this month. I’ll be teaching and vending at the International Quilt Festival!!! My Machine Sewn Bindings class is a favorite to teach. I have several samples but decided to make yet another. This sample has a binding using a stripe-ish fabric. You’ll see it in the photos below. I say “stripe-ish” because it is not a hard line of a stripe but rather a soft uneven design. Some stripes are worth matching, this one is no different. Besides having a stripe-ish look it also has leaves going in the same direction. It is a good subject to discuss here!

I have put the steps below of making sure the stripe-ish design continues along the binding.

First, I lay out the binding strips to make sure the leaves are all in the same direction. I then flipped one strip on the other, right sides together. I guessed the alignment and put a pin to simulate the seam line. Then check to see that it will be reasonably lined up.

Second, I pin the strips and mark my seam line. Brilliant Bindings is great to mark this line. Since you will be using it for the perfect mitered corners and finishing the tail ends, this adds to its use! Then sew the seam on the drawn line.

Third, trim the seam to 1/4″ seam allowance. Finger press the seam open. Admire the front side! Is it perfect, almost. I could have spent extra time lining up each leaf, but I did not. The overall look is good! Now it needs a good press (It really is even and straight, I promise.)

When I’m ready to sew the binding onto the quilt, I always TEST the seam. I make sure the seam is wide enough to have a nice “full” binding and cover the stitches on the backside. See all my sewn test lines. Then a check that the seam line is covered when I roll the binding around to the back of the quilt. A “full” binding means there is not a gap of empty space in the binding. The seam allowance of quilt/batting/backing FILLS up the roll over of the binding!

Tip 1 – TEST, test, test! Test the seam when sewing stripe or stripe-ish binding strips into a continuous binding.

Tip 2 – TEST, test and test some more! Test the roll over of the binding around the edge of the quilt. You want a “full” binding to give it structure and help is wear better over years of use.

in quilting,

Debbie

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Two Tip Tuesday – Oops! and a New Project

Posted on September 24, 2024 by debbiewendt

Well it happens! I have an Oops! on Never Strikes Twice uses ONE Fat Quarter per “strike”, (not a Fat 1/8th). Cut 6 strips per Fat Quarter (width of strips in directions), (not 3). I double and triple check. My apologies if you had to buy more fabric to make this quilt. I have added this information to my website on this pattern’s page. Please make these changes on your pattern. I will be re-printing and the corrected pattern will give the corrected date.

The new project I am working on is a Curved Log Cabin. I love the optical illusion of a curve with just a straight strips! The shine of the silver printed fabrics sure plays with the camera focus. It is fun and glitzy for Christmas.

I will be teaching this quilt as a workshop for the Blackstone Valley Heritage Quilters on Dec. 7th. If you are in the guild, you’ll get first dibs on signing up for the workshop. If you are not in the guild and want to take the workshop, they will open it up if there is still space in another month.

I took some photos while sewing the table runner. I use very few pins when piecing. My steps are below…

I lined up the first edges of the seam and place a pin near the end to keep the ends lined up. As I approach the end of the seam, I leave the pin in until I get close and remove it.

I am careful to not sew over pins! I also take care in finishing the seam so it stays the 1/4″ seam allowance and does not wiggle out of line. I use an “ender” between seams when I’m done and ready to start my next round of seams.

Oh my….did you see the thread lint a couple photos above….I need to clean my machine!

I’m looking forward to the workshop and sharing more tips and tricks in sewing curved log cabin blocks! I’ve started a quilt with different fabrics…stay tuned!

Tips –

#1 – Do NOT sew over pins! Remove them BEFORE you get to them. If you sew too close, it might be difficult to remove, plan ahead!

#2 – “Leaders” and “enders” help save thread and keep the line moving!

bonus – Clean your machine when you start seeing lint and between projects (even if you don’t SEE lint, it is hiding in the bobbin area)

in quilting,

Debbie

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Two Tip Tuesday – Booth photos

Posted on September 18, 2024 by debbiewendt

Thank you Lancaster! This week I want to share thanks and my booth photos. I had a great time at AQS Quilt Week in Lancaster, PA. I’ll put pictures below. First up, the front of my booth….welcome!

The WALL of quilts is all my “Brilliant” and “Tool” quilts. All these quilts and their patterns use Brilliant Bindings as a cutting template. Yes, Brilliant Bindings is used for perfect mitered corners and finishing the binding tail ends AND for patterns!

The back wall has a variety of my “small” patterns that are packed with details and other patterns like Sudoku, Spa Therapy and Tablet Pyramid Pillow.

The other side wall has a number of my Hexie quilts!

The outside wall has more quilts of my “small” patterns.

I presented at the Learning Center and the All-Star Review. The Learning Center is FREE to attendees! Do you take advantage of free events when you go to a show? Do you take classes or lectures? Do you take your time and look at every quilt entered in the show? How about the winner’s quilts? Do you go on a bus group or with friends or by yourself? I am curious! When I vend at shows it is always fun to talk with attendees. I ask these questions to get a feel for those that attend shows and what you are interested in at the shows. My tips when attending a show…

#1 – Checkout the freebees! Many shows have free demonstrations and free drawings. AQS and their sponsors gave away a sewing machine a day!!!

#2 – Take classes! I still love to take classes. I hope you do too!

in quilting,

Debbie

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Two Tip Tuesday – Hello Lancaster

Posted on September 10, 2024 by debbiewendt

I missed last week as FAMILY was still on top of things to do. Today I’m in Lancaster, PA setting up for the AQS Quilt Week. The show is actually at the Spooky Nook in Manheim, PA, just north of Lancaster. The SHOW starts tomorrow!! My booth (Booth 1337) is ready and I hope you are too. Will I see you in Lancaster? It is a big venue, so wear comfy shoes!

One of my favorite things to do (before the show starts) is go to the Central Market in downtown Lancaster.

Yes, all the good things are there. How about Long John’s? Oh YES! No Bacon Maple this time, but I’ll settle for the variety below!

I forgot to take a picture of my booth all set up. I do have my wall of “Brilliant” and “Tools” quilts up for viewing. I’ll be doing demos on Brilliant Bindings and all three Hex-a-ma-jig tools. I hope to see you this week. Please stop by and say HI !!

Tips for this week…

#1 – Always wear comfy shoes to a quilt show!! Cute comfy is the best!

#2 – Water and treats! Those treats can be fabric, patterns and tools!

in quilting,

Debbie

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Two Tip Tuesday – Progress

Posted on August 27, 2024 by debbiewendt

I’m hoping all of you that went to AQS Quilt Week in Grand Rapids had a GRAND time! I sure missed being at the show and look forward to next year. As I told you last week… Family come FIRST! I’m still helping my parents and everything is moving in a positive direction!

When I travel I usually have a handwork project to work on. I believe I have something tucked in my bag but I have not dug it out. I am working toward a deadline of making a baby quilt. So, I found the perfect fabric and it just arrived. Do you remember the Rainbow Fish book and story? This was the mom-to-be’s favorite as a child, so guess what….I found the fabric!!

The Rainbow Fish line is by Marcus fabrics. It is several years old, but as luck would have it, the Quilted Dragon in Nevada still has it in stock!!! I’ve linked their website by clicking on the shop name. I’m so impressed with their quick service and kind words to get this fabric sent out to me. There are several free patterns using this line of fabric, but I think I’ll design my own quilt. I’ll show you my progress as I work on this baby quilt.

Did you know almost every fabric line has patterns using the fabrics? Some are free online while others are available to purchase on designer’s websites. It is a great way to get ideas! Use the fabric line suggested or any fabric line.

#1 – Looking for an “old” fabric? Search the internet. It just might still be in stock at a local quilt shop. I love supporting small businesses!

#2 – Many fabric companies put out free patterns when they release a new fabric line! I hope you find some you will make and enjoy!

in quilting,

Debbie

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Two Tip Tuesday – unforeseen events

Posted on August 20, 2024 by debbiewendt

WELL…..sometimes…… life throws you a curve ball. I’ve had some family health happenings so I will not be in Grand Rapids this week for Quilt Week. I’m very disappointed but family always comes first!!!

I’ll check back in next week. Have a good quilty week. Enjoy Grand Rapids if you go to the show! I’ll sure miss it! Praying for sunshine! (My birthday flowers from a few months ago…LOVE the colors!)

in quilting,

Debbie

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Two Tip Tuesday – Inspiration

Posted on August 6, 2024 by debbiewendt

As I mentioned last week I have company. We had a fun evening watching a live performance “Take 3“. An all women group of violin, cello, and pianist. A lively enthusiastic group and amazing music where “Rock meets Bach”!! The concert was at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, MA. I love attending concerts in this building. Even though we were in the smaller Washburn Hall, the building has such inspiration. Look at the “half dresden” – ish design over the entrance.

I love the grand staircase and how about the carpet? I’m seeing a great quilt block or it could be an entire quilt with just one of the “squares”!

We walked around the ground floor before the performance and look at this window. I see a great applique vine or a beautiful flowing quilting design!

Inspiration all around! Where do you find inspiration?

#1- Look UP and DOWN! Carpet, tile work, buildings, and architecture elements provides so much inspiration.

#2 – How about windows? Beautiful etched glass, stained glass, inlaid glass….. More inspiration for pieced blocks, applique quilts and even quilting designs!!

in quilting,

Debbie

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Two Tip Tuesday – Summer Fun

Posted on July 30, 2024 by debbiewendt

Do you sew/quilt during the summer? I sure do. I am not a gardener, unfortunately. Bugs love me, so I steer clear. I get my sister and brother-in-law for a week. They just arrived so I’ll keep today short and a little sweet!

Here is one of my favorite summertime memories with quilts with my sister and brother…

Family treasure!

My sister is front right, I’m front left, my brother is “in” the house and our cousin is back left. YES! We used quilts to build a house (and forts). Our family encourages fort building in the house with blankets, quilts, sofa cushions, and even sheets. So much FUN!!

#1 – Find something fun to do with one of your quilts this summer! Build a fort or tent!

#2 – I love having quilts around even in the summer. Air conditioning can get too cold for me. I love a summer nap under a quilt.

in quilting,

Debbie

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Two Tips on Wednesday this week

Posted on July 24, 2024 by debbiewendt

I was traveling yesterday and the day slipped right by. I’m thrilled to show the flannel quilt I have kept under wraps for so long. The quilt is to replace a nephew’s baby quilt. He has loved on his first quilt for over 25 years. It even went to college with him. A photo of Andrew on his first log cabin quilt.

I kept to the same pattern as the original, a LOG CABIN. Changing the colors to blue, gray and navy. It is still flannel and has a wonderful weight. this quilt is a KING!! I used Winline 100% Bamboo Batting, as it is my favorite light weight batting and washes up beautifully. You can find the batting HERE. The new Log Cabin quilt is below!!!!

The report……. he LOVES it!! He is a huge baseball fan and the Royal blue corners worked perfectly for our hometown KC Royals!

I kept the quilting simple in style. I outlines all the logs on the dark side of the blocks and did a “water stipple” on the light side. This is one of my favorite types of free-hand quilting designs and the name I call it. It has a more masculine feel and quickly fills in open spaces! I think it adds a bit more character than a simple stipple/meander. The straight outlines took some extra time, but I did most of it free-hand (no ruler). The flannel scooped the stitches right up so it allowed me to quilt a bit quicker than usual.

I gotta say, there is something special about a flannel log cabin quilt that says 1. comfort, 2. masculine and 3. love!!!

I used 2 1/2″ strips and it made for large 14″ finished blocks! The block layout is below. I’ve talked about pre-washing and using a spray starch when working with flannel. It sure makes for a great combination. I also used a walking foot when I pieced. I hope you might give this block/quilt a try. There are so many layout options!

#1- Log Cabin blocks…simple rectangles and squares but look complicated. They can be made with the cornerstones as I did with this quilt or not. Both variations are wonderful.

#2 – Simple quilting really makes the “logs” stand out. Keeping the quilting simple brings out the piecing lines and style of the blocks!

in quilting,

Debbie

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Two Tip Tuesday – Flannel Binding

Posted on July 17, 2024 by debbiewendt

I’m putting the binding on a long awaited quilt. I still can’t show the whole quilt (not until it is given!), but I’ll share a bit about the binding. Due to only a limited amount of fabric for the binding….and it is flannel….and I made the first cut too narrow…and……. I decided to make a single fold binding. Flannels can be thick and make a very THICK edge on a quilt if using a double fold binding. So, a single fold is often better! With the above mentioned items, it worked well. What did I do? Let me show you!

I cut the binding strips at 2 1/4″ wide. (YES, this is typically what I cut for a double fold binding of regular cotton.) I decided I wanted a wider binding to give some “umph” to the edge of the quilt. This width worked well to have a 1/2″ finished binding. With the thickness of the flannel and all the layers and wanting a wider binding it worked great!! Here is the mitered corner. I put the binding on the front and turned it to the back. I stitched in the ditch from the front to catch the back of the binding. My FAVORITE method of binding (and what I’ll be teaching in Houston for the International Quilt Festival….we’ll make it double fold though) I did hand stitch the miter since it is a wider binding after machine sewing to finish for a pretty miter.

And the back!

I don’t worry about whether I catch every single inch. I check it after I have gone all the way around the quilt. I only had a few spots that I missed. Oops! No worries, it is an easy fix!

After finding the missed spot, I use a seam ripper to open up a little before and after the missed section…

Reposition with pins to hold it in place…

Turn it back to the front to stitch in the ditch…

Take a look at the back. I’ll trim threads and it is as good as if you did it the first time!!

I love using this technique. I usually hand sew the binding on the back if I make a single fold binding. It was fun to do it by machine! Give it a try!

Tips #1- Use a binding that works best for YOUR quilt. In this case, a wider binding was perfect. And a single fold worked better for flannel!

#2 – Don’t worry if you miss anywhere the first time around. Pin or use clips and stitch in the ditch. In case any area slips, go back AFTER and fix any missed spots.

in quilting,

Debbie

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