Nothing Like A Little Mystery!

Dear Lola,

How fun it was to travel to Winston-Salem last weekend, stay in the historic Brookstown Inn, and spend 3 fabulous days with like-minded sewing enthusiasts!  Wish Upon A Quilt, my go-to quilt shop, hosted the event!  Cathy McKillip, the owner of Wish Upon A Quilt, is a dear friend and an amazing shop owner.  She knows how hard it is to set time aside for sewing, so she hosts a couple of retreats per year.  I think Cathy loves the retreats more than anyone because running her shop takes away a lot of her own sewing time. 

This event, my first, was a Mystery Quilt Retreat, and featured a mystery pattern by quilting rock stars, Swirly Girls – Susan Emory and Christine Van Buskirk.  These ladies are beloved by many of us for creating the Perfect Ten Quilt Pattern and others.  The Swirly Girls are fun, funny and clearly love what they do!  Who wouldn’t?  They design fabrics; develop patterns and notions; and travel the world spreading a little quilting and sewing love!  At the end of the weekend, we were all devoted “Swirlettes”!  They were even kind enough to pose for a photo with me!  Like them on Facebook!

Me and the Swirly Girls!

Each participant was given some instructions on fabrics to bring.  For example:  1 ½ yard of a focus fabric, 2 yards of a background fabric, 1 yard of fabric color 1, ½ yard of fabric color 2, etc…and the exciting part was not knowing what the pattern looked like!  It was called the Secret Square!  Don’t you just love secrets?  I know I do!

The event was held at the historic Brookstown Inn in the heart of Winston-Salem and the Ballroom for our cooperative sewing was beyond terrific.  We each had our own banquet-sized table, there were many cutting-height tables available, many pressing stations, lots of lighting, lots of treats, and more sewing enthusiasm than you can ever imagine in one room.  The event pricing was very affordable because it included the room, fabric, several meals and lots of goodies!  We had a wonderful wine and cheese reception on Friday evening.  They served the best little pumpkin turkey bites ever, hummus, veggies and cheeses.  And on Saturday we were served a yummy Turkey Pot Pie, salad and a White Chocolate Bread Pudding for dessert that was absolutely sinfully delicious – the best I have ever eaten! Kudos to Cathy for being a hostess extraordinaire.  

Each participant had selected unique fabrics, brought different sewing stories and came from near and far.  We were given our cutting instructions and then the real fun began.  The ladies in my bank of tables were a hoot.  A special shout out to Anita, Chris and Debbie!  Y’all are now officially my “Sewing Sisters”! We laughed and giggled like little schoolgirls.  We stayed up into the wee hours sewing, un-sewing (code for seam ripping) and laughing.

The Swirly Girls presented a trunk show of their totally new Swirly collection of fabrics called Poppy Love for Michael Miller and all the Quilts and Projects that are part of the 2013 Michael Miller Clubhouse.  They gave a demo on a new ruler they have created in conjunction with Creative Grids and Karla Alexander…. that cuts circles like no ruler I have ever seen before!  Wow.  They have also developed these fun, easy patterns that utilize circles in creative ways that seem fresh, fun and modern.  Saving up for my CircleSavvy Ruler!

I have already signed up for next year’s Clubhouse at Wish Upon A Quilt and believe me, so should you!  Each month you work on a block for a gorgeous, ambitious quilt that will be completed in 12 months.  As you know, I am working on this year’s Weekend Clubhouse Quilt in the Cabana color way, and it is my most ambitious project ever.  The great thing is that I haven’t been stressed about it all – I’m doing a little at a time and that makes it awesome and very doable.

Throughout the weekend, ladies worked on projects they brought and the Mystery Quilt too.  Some of the speed quilters finished theirs while chatty quilters like me got about half way through.  I had the absolute best weekend I can remember even though the quilt was full of Flying Geese (see my previous post about my conflicted relationship with Flying Geese)!  I am sew happy I bonded with lots of new sewing friends and felt great about all I learned.  I came home energized, inspired, and looking forward to attending my next retreat.   Here's a little video with some highlights from the weekend.

Hugs and stitches,

September is National Sewing Month - Don't Feed the Bugs

Dear Lola,

Isn’t it great, we get a whole month to celebrate our love of sewing?   This month is also the 5-year anniversary of my passionate marriage with sewing!  When I began this creative journey, I didn’t make the connection that September is National Sewing Month, but how appropriate!  At the time I got my start, there were so many other things to think about – which machine to buy, which needles to use, which fabrics work best and which threads are right.

I have made lots of decisions since I took my first leap into the world of sewing.  There have been mostly good decisions (taking classes and joining guilds), but sprinkled in for good measure there have been some bad (sewing late at night) and some downright funny (sewing a sleeve to a neck hole)!  Since we are celebrating, it’s a good time to recount some of my decisions and experiences along the way!

My most “favorite” funny decision was purchasing a box of fabrics at an estate sale.  I’d been hearing about how important it was to build up a stash.  The price for the box of fabric seemed affordable; it was a large plastic bin for $20.  The family of the original owner didn’t sew like “Granny”.  They were happy to get it off their hands and I was excited to be building my stash!  I rushed it home, ready to be creative and discovered that the fabrics were full of bugs.  Needless to say, I learned that bargains aren’t always bargains.  My fab new find went right into the garbage!  I couldn’t help feeling a little sad for “Granny”, the original owner  - I’m sure she would have been appalled to think of her treasure trove being full of bugs.  I’m sure she imagined she would make beautiful creations with her pretty fabrics. What an overall disappointment for me– I thought how could anyone let their fabric grow so old it became infested with insects?

My favorite good decision was purchasing my Bernina sewing machine.  As a newbie, it was wonderful to get the mastery classes with my machine.  The Bernina Mastery Workbook provides hand-on steps to get a new sewing enthusiast started.  I still refer back to the stitch settings and information in this gigantic book!  I continue to love my Bernina machines (now I own several) and all their fabulous feet!  The Bernina Blog continues to educate me and I know I will always be a Bernina Babe!  My dealer, Elegant Stitches, has not only provided me with great service, but also with some of the most important friendships of my recent life.  This is a special shout out to Shelley, Renee, Brenda, Marian, Laurie, and Maureen.  These ladies are my “go-to” bunch for sewing support and real life hugs.

Another amazing experience was joining the Quilt Alliance and attending Quilters Take Raleigh.  It was so inspiring to learn about this organization’s mission of documenting, preserving and sharing quilts and the stories associated with those quilts!  Seeing a family quilt from the 1700’s is an experience I’ll never forget.  If you’re not a member, you should consider joining to further their great cause. 

The biggest, bad decision I have made was purchasing a high-powered digitizing software package.  While I love, love doing embroidery on my machine.  I really never use the digitizing part of the program.  I really only need to monogram, resize and combine designs.  So the money that I spent for all the other fancy features was truly unnecessary.  To be honest, this isn’t the only item that I have purchased that I haven’t utilized to its full extent, but I think many sewing enthusiasts have similar stories to tell.  We all get caught up in the excitement of what we think a product can do for us and then we get home and realize it’s not as practical as we thought.

And the final admission I have to make is that I definitely own way too much fabric.  In 5 years, I have accumulated more fabric than the legal limit!  Ok, so there isn’t a legal limit, but maybe there should be!  I say this only because, here it is September-National Sewing Month and I can’t find a thing I’m looking for!  I have my fabric hidden in closets, under beds and in plastic boxes.  I need to find it all, try to use it up and shrink down my supply.  Why, you ask.  Because, some day, I’d hate to think of my fabric for sale at an estate sale and full of bugs! 

So to my sewing friends – it is September – National Sewing Month!  Get busy and sew!  Let’s celebrate all the great things about sewing! The last thing we want to do is feed the bugs!

Hugs and stitches, 

What I Know For Sure

Dear Lola,

As you know, I was always a big Oprah fan.  I loved watching her ask her guests her signature question, “What Do You Know For Sure?”  The answers that people give when asked this question are amazing windows into their minds, hearts and souls. 

I recently got to thinking about what answer would I give when asked this question about sewing.  After 5 years of winding bobbins, rotary cutting, sewing classes and throwing my whole creative spirit into all things fabric-related –

What Do I Know For Sure?

Top of the Line Machines

Sewists discuss this topic often.  Many that don’t have a top of the line machine aspire to own one and then there are those who have one and know it’s probably more machine than they need 99% of the time.  There are also plenty of folks out there who are absolutely satisfied with the machines they use – top of the line or not! I firmly believe the sewing machine you use doesn’t have to be the top of the line.  I say this not to make any sewing machine manufacturers unhappy.  I say it because it’s true.  This is when I insert a disclaimer – I own a Bernina 830 – their top of the line machine.  It’s a rock solid piece of artistry in motion.  It will last me until the end of time and then be passed on to my heirs!  It has every bell and whistle, but to be honest I don’t ever touch most of the amazing functions.  Knowing I could use all the features is comforting though.  So if you are thinking of taking up sewing – you can do a perfectly wonderful job with a solid machine that doesn’t have it all.  I find that my “go-to-stitches” are straight, zigzag, blanket stitch, satin stitch, free-motion, and a one-step button hole.  If your machine can do these stitches – you have most everything covered.  Never let your "machine-envy" hold you back!  Sew and grow – it can be done inexpensively!

Tables Matter

The table where you do your sewing and cutting is as important as the machine.  For the 4 years that I have owned my big honking sewing machine, I had it sitting on a banquet table I purchased at Costco for $50 bucks.  This is clearly an oxymoron right off the bat – machine worth thousands sitting on a $50 table!  I knew I wanted to upgrade to a “real” sewing table, but let’s face it – I shot my entire wad on the machine!  I came into a little inheritance when my beloved Mom passed this year and decided to finally get a serious table for my serious machine.  This was the single best big-ticket purchase I have made for my sewing space - EVER.  My machine no longer vibrates; my arms and back no longer ache; my stitches and cutting are straighter; and my bigger projects are just plain easier to manipulate.  So if I had it to do over again, knowing what I know now – a solid table with a place to sink your machine so it sits flush is at least as important as the machine you purchase.  In this chicken/egg - which came first argument – I think rock solid table should come first!  Make room in your budget for a solid sewing/cutting table no matter what!  Mine is a Koala.

Small Things Create Success

It’s the little things that count!  Change your needle, clean your machine and oil it if necessary.  These little things make a huge difference, cost little and secure a lot!  They are sewing insurance.  Everything just comes out better whenever I do these things.   Treat your machine as though it is a beloved child or even better – a beloved pet!  Give it what it needs to stay maintained.  My machine has a program that allows you to enter the type of needle currently loaded – which is great – but it’s not enough.  I keep a VERY high tech Post-It note pad right next to machine and attach that magic little sticky to the top of my machine with the date I changed the needle on it.  I look at this note every time I turn my machine on and I am reminded when I last changed my needle.  I like to change my needle with every project – I know that makes me a needle junkie – literally, but I buy them whenever JoAnn’s has their 50% off the notions wall sale and stock up.  For literally just a few cents, I am sure my needle is pristine and my project is more likely to come to a successful end.

Be A Groupie

I love my solitary “me” time in my sewing space.  I accomplish the most when I am alone and if it’s not too late at night – I make far less mistakes when I am sewing by myself – I am less distracted!  Yet there is no substitute for sewing in a group from time to time.  The juicy tidbits of knowledge you can pick up from your sewing friends are invaluable.  The collaborative spirits of the classroom, block of the month club, or quilting bee make my overall sewing experience better.  Seeing what others are doing during show-and-tell sessions opens my mind in tons of new directions.  Recently in my Michael Miller Clubhouse, I learned I could sew over floral wire and organza!  I love that my class neighbor’s supply box will almost always have some ruler, cutting tool, or notion in it that I have never seen before.  I adore it when I learn some new way to work a tool I already have too! You will never regret the knowledge you can cultivate and grow from being in a sewing group.  There are lifelong friends out there to be made too!  Even virtual groups like Craftsy give you a great sense of belonging. Sewists are friendly and supportive toward one another – definitely be a groupie!

Avoid being the Subject of a Future Reality TV Episode

In the time I have been sewing, I have created lots of little projects:  baby quilts, burp pads, bibs, bags, totes, notebook covers, and aprons.  Yes, most of them are easy to sew projects that require little real serious sewing skills.  I know without a doubt, my finished products are not heirloom items destined for a showcase or museum.  I have created lots of gifts that have been given away, but I still have many of the projects I have completed stored in big Rubbermaid plastic bins.  After buying yet another bin this week for my quickly growing collection of learning opportunities, I now realize my sewing projects are not meant to be stored away in boxes!  It’s time I sort them, keep a few, photograph the rest and then give them away or even sell them!  Yes, they are reminders of wonderful sewing experiences – but just like life – we can’t carry all the moments in our pockets with us forever. It’s time for me to send my projects on to destinations known and unknown!  Besides, if I don’t part with all these finished sewing projects very soon; I may find myself featured in an episode of “Hoarders”! 

Hugs and stitches,  

Lori

Our Virtual Sewing Reality

Dear Lola,

According to Wikipedia, Virtual reality (VR) is a term that applies to computer-simulated environments that can simulate physical presence in places in the real world, as well as in imaginary worlds.

My sewing VR takes me to many blogs and social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Etsy, Craftsy and Pinterest.  Using these resources has become an essential part of my sewing journey.  When my “inspiration cup” is feeling empty, I know what to do to fill it up!

The start to a perfect sewing day starts with my coffee mug, a computer and a mouse.  My first stop is generally my personal email.   I check for updates from my favorite bloggers.  Since I started my blog, following other blogs has become even more important to my creative process.  Google+ has helped me really keep up!

My next stop is Facebook.  I originally signed up for Facebook to keep in touch with my real family.  Now it has become much more about my Sewing and Quilting Family for sure.  I have learned how to selectively post to my Sewing Friends and this pleases my real family to no end!  They are no longer inundated with project photos and quips on trips to the fabric store.

Pinterest is next on my visit list.  This amazing site contains so much inspiration that I can time travel to the future – what I mean is – I can sit in front of the computer and before I know it – I have travelled 2 hours into the future!  How do they do it?  This site is awesome for bookmarking my favorite blogs and projects.  I love knowing how to find my “web trail”!  No more saying to myself, “now where was that site with the cute apron project or where is that fabulous neckline tutorial?”  I can find what I am looking for in a jiffy!  I have installed the “Pin It” command on my tool bar and use it throughout the day!  I love all the great people I follow on Pinterest too!

No day would be complete without a visit to Craftsy.  Since I signed up, this site has continued to improve, amaze and inspire.  Now they have added the ability to post your projects and follow others.  Woohoo!  All I can say is that they continue to nail it!  I love the deals they offer, the classes are absolutely sublime, and the educators are top-notch, world-class and fantastically inspirational.  Seeing all the great projects and workshops is like growing creative wings!  I feel like I can fly just about anywhere!

Then there are my favorite virtual friends.  These zany, colorful, creative people shape my day and many of them I have never met!  I look to their blogs, Facebook pages and websites for my daily dose of over the top happiness.  Their vision of the world is artistic and humorous.  They use their wit, charm and sense of whimsy to make the world a more creative and fun place. 

My favorites are: 

1.  Alex Veronelli of Aurifil.  I follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.  His sense of humor is wicked.  I have never met him- but I consider myself an “Alex Groupie”!  He is my go to guy for a daily humor injection!  By the way – Aurifil thread is the best!  If you haven’t tried it – you are missing out!  The thread is just like Alex – sexy and colorful!  I have a crush on both!  Can I say that?

2. Pepper Cory, Quiltmaker and Author.  Pepper is free-spirited and dynamic.  I first became acquainted with Pepper on Craftsy and then was lucky enough to meet her in person at a Quilt Alliance event.  I love her posts about her cats (even though I am a dog person) and her love of quilting. Her posts are as scrappy as her quilts and that’s a good thing!  She is especially passionate about Vintage and Antique Quilts and has opened a whole new world to me. 

3.  Tula Pink, Fabric Designer, Author and Bernina Ambassador – Since I first began sewing I have adored Tula’s fabrics.  One of my first garment sewing projects was made with Tula’s fabric.  To this day, it is my favorite skirt!  Tula has a unique sewing voice.  Her creative vision is full of whimsy.  Before I met her at a Sewing Expo, I knew she was dynamic.  In person, she is even more WOW!  Her point of view is fresh and fun and flirty.  Following her blog, Twitter and Facebook keeps me in the “Tula Universe” which is a pretty cool place to be!

4.  Lola Jenkins, Prize-winning Art Quilter and Craftsy Educator – I stumbled across Lola (doesn’t she have a great name?) through Craftsy.  I signed up for her Thread Art Class.  Just 5 minutes into the class, I knew I loved this lady.  Her story of how she came into Art Quilting is “sew” inspirational.  What she has accomplished is incredible and her work is downright stunning!  We have since become Facebook friends and I hope to meet her in person some day.

5.  Meg Cox, Author, Board Member Quilt Alliance – Meg’s book, The Quilter’sCatalog, was the first book I purchased when I began my sewing journey 5 years ago!  Can I say I love this book?  It’s an amazing reference for someone just beginning to navigate their way through the quilting/sewing universe.  Meg is thoughtful and witty writer.  I follow her posts on her blog and Facebook. She does great things for the Quilt Alliance.  I adore her other book, FamilyTraditions and I hope to meet her some day soon too.

6. Anthony Jones, Quiltmaker – Anthony is a beloved Facebook and Pinterest friend.  Ironically, Anthony lives in Clearwater, Florida – my old hometown.  I never knew him when I was living there – oh how I wish I had!  I love his posts on just about everything.  He has a highly-evolved sense of humor and just seems like an all around cool guy!  Some days, Anthony’s posts can just make me laugh out loud and make my day!

7. Pat Sloan, Creative Blogger and Virtual Radio Host – Pat is a Virtual Pioneer with her Creative Talk Network.  I visit her Blog and her site regularly for all the happenings in the quilting and sewing world.  She has great forums and events listed on her site.  Her Facebook posts are fun and full of creative spirit.

The Internet is such an amazing tool.  It allows me to make friends with an entire circle of creative people that I might never have known otherwise.  They are physically present in my life in a way that impacts my sewing journey more than the people who actually live in my home.  These creative souls inspire.  Modern times have allowed us to create the spirit of the French Art Salon - a free exhibition and exchange of artistic ideas.

Lola, Virtual Reality is a creative, artistic, safe, inspiring, supportive, loving and funny place to be!

Hugs and stitches, 

Lori

Adventures in Tuffeteering

 Dear Lola,

Sewing continues to take me places I never imagined.  Today’s sewing adventure landed me squarely in the world of Tuffeteering.  Haven’t you ever heard of the magical world of Tuffeteering?  It’s a pleasant place and you can find yourself transported there by Sharyn Cole, a fabulous educator at ThimblePleasures who teaches a class in tuffet making.   Sharyn’s positive, upbeat attitude makes learning fun!  She loves what she does and it totally shows - as you can see from her photo below!  I just adore her!

Don’t you know what a tuffet is?  It’s a mushroom shaped seat made famous by none other than Little Miss Muffet of nursery rhyme fame.  After my experience today, I believe that no home should be without at least one!

Two weeks ago during session one of the Tuffet Making Class, we learned how to sew strips of fabric on to muslin backed wedge-shaped strips.  After completing one wedge using this easy flip and sew technique, we were sent home to return today with our completed tuffet covers.  Each student had both unique fabrics and plans for their finished tuffets – we couldn’t wait to reconvene to see each other’s results.

After only a few missteps on my own, I finished my cover with happy results (see the photo below).  I actually enjoyed the process much more than I ever imagined.  Just knowing that I would have a pretty swanky piece of furniture to show at the end of the project was enough to keep my eyes on the finish line.  Sewing the strips together was kind of therapeutic and once I got a little rhythm going, it really didn’t take too long.  The flip and sew procedure was new to me and took some concentration to master, but in the final analysis isn’t too complicated.

After the wedges are sewn together, a small drawstring is attached to the bottom of the fabric circle to pull the fullness around the tuffet.  We were instructed to come to the class today with our finished cover, a 6-inch square of fabric for the covered button center and an 18-inch square of fabric for the underneath of the tuffet.  I had previously purchased the class kit, which included my batting, foam and plywood.  Sharyn graciously allows the class to use her power tools and let me tell you – they are serious power tools that involve an air generator and safety goggles! 

It was so exciting to arrive and see everyone’s finished covers.  Each one was a shining example of creativity and hard work.  The fabric strips had been transformed!  There were examples of whimsical, elegant and sublime!  The atmosphere inside the classroom was a little like Santa’s workshop.  All the little elves were more than enthusiastic to get started!

We hit the ground running, with only 3 hours of class time and 6 tuffets to finish, we had to be serious about getting it all done.  We did things today I never imagined I would experience.  We cut our foam using electric kitchen knives – yep, you know the Hamilton Beach type that Dad used back in the day to carve the Thanksgiving Turkey!  We used a spray adhesive to affix the foam to the plywood, mastered a high-powered staple gun to adhere our upholstery batting and we hammered bolt holders into the plywood.  We covered buttons, stretched fabric, poked holes and affixed wooden feet. 

The energy in the room was giddy with possibilities.  Some of us (mostly me) were nervous around the power tools while others were brave and dove right in with gusto!  We worked in teams, stayed focused and kept our rhythm.  I would have never guessed it possible – but we did it!  By our 5:00 deadline, the world was a much more tuffety place and no one was injured!

To my complete and utter joy - I have actually created and completed my very first piece of furniture!  I am still in shock over the fact that I created this very tangible proof of my ability to follow directions, do my best and finish the job!  I am now the proud owner of a tuffet.  I can sit on it, stand on it, or better yet  - share it with someone who looks simply adorable sitting on it!

Hugs and stitches,

Lori

Sew Sleepless

Craftsy – An Online Craft Learning Utopia

Dear Lola,

As you know, I have done my fair share of exploiting the Internet to advance my sewing skills.  I visit countless blogs; watch hundreds of You Tube sewing videos; interact on “sewcial” media; spend an inordinate amount of time on Pinterest; and visit online shops that share tutorials and tips.  It’s a wonder that I ever finish any housework, feed my family and find any time to do any real sewing!

Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better out there in the virtual sewing playground – I found Craftsy.  I am officially in love.  This amazing platform allows you to pay for a class and have access to that class forever and whenever!  That’s right – I can attend a sewing or quilting class in my home, in my pajamas on my schedule even when I am Sew Sleepless!  This is genius!

What is Craftsy?  According to them:  “We are a community of people who love to make things.  We’re learning from, inspiring and helping each other.  We are dedicated to providing the best education and resources for crafters.” 

All I know is that they have nailed it.  It’s like the perfect marriage of traditional learning and technology all wrapped up into the perfect gift you can give yourself!  I know I will always continue to attend in person classes and workshops, but this is an awesome way to compliment my learning of all things sewing!

The beautiful design and functionality of the Craftsy platform enables you to preview classes you might be interested in taking.  They have been adding more and more classes at a break-neck pace.  They have sewing, quilting, knitting, baking, and clay to name a few.  There are a few free classes you can try to see what it’s all about.  I tried the Block of the Month Club first before I jumped in and made an actual purchase.

My first real effort is StupendousStitching taught by Carol Ann Waugh.  The class is made up of 11 sessions and offers downloadable documentation including supply lists and resources. Like all the Craftsy classes, it even has a built-in feature for taking notes.  Carol Ann is an enthusiastic teacher who clearly loves what she does! 

Here are a few photos of my first efforts.  I haven’t tried the hand stitching yet - but I know I will since I have been able to watch Carol Ann do it about a 100 times!  Can’t believe it but I truly believe I will be able to do a French knot in the very near future!  Craftsy is giving me confidence to try new things!

I love that I can ask the teacher questions and she will respond within a very short period of time!  You can also read what other students are asking and perhaps the absolute best part – lots of students share photos of their work!  It’s all so collaborative.

There is no overestimating the great power of being able to rewind and review the techniques again and again.  It’s great to be able to jump ahead when I want as well.  Let’s face in the traditional classroom setting – jumping ahead is just plain rude!  So whatever mood I’m in – slow like a turtle or fast like a bunny – with Craftsy – I decide! 

Craftsy is a learning dream-come true!  How many times have I attended a class; gotten home to try the technique and said to myself, “I wish I had been videotaping what I saw”? There are at least 10 more classes I want to buy.  Since I signed up, the website just keeps getting better and better.  They have been offering special prices that make the classes really affordable.  

They have been adding patterns, workshops and supplies regularly to the site as well.  I can totally see Craftsy is already the premiere virtual spot for craft enthusiasts.  So if you haven’t stopped by to check out Craftsy – all I can say is, what are you waiting for? 

Hugs and stitches,

Lori