Let's get sewing...

Happy Mothers Day Weekend & Learning Trapunto by Machine

2008-05-10T21:16:00Z

Happy Mothers' Day to all the Moms--whether by birth or by heart, Moms are a special treasure.

I found a couple fabulous Patsy Thompson YouTube Videos--and I thought you would enjoy these a LOT. Part 1 is on top, scroll down for Part 2. Patsy is a wonderful teacher.

Sew Thankful stocks Patsy's DVDs on machine quilting techniques...so these will give you a great sense of her style.

ENJOY!

If you want to try these methods and you're looking for great new threads, Sew Thankful offers a fantastic selection and great prices too! http://www.sewthankful.com/ThreadsAndFibers.html

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Panto progress...if you want to call it that!

2008-05-08T01:51:10Z

LOL...I started my first panto today. Just a plain piece of muslin...and a blending (cream poly thread).

As in most things, leave it to me to choose something way out of my league to be my first panto. I could have chosen any panto but what did I choose?

HA...HA...HA...all those loops and points and close-set lines...sheesh! H-e-l-l-o...what was I thinking!!!???!!!

I made it through a single repeat before I learned a VERY important lesson: DO NOT under ANY circumstances look up at the needle. No matter how steady you think you are, if you look away from your panto design line, you will end up at least 6 inches off the path.

That's right...I'm practicing my frog stitching tonight...RIP IT...RIP IT. LOL...some people just gotta learn the hard way. Hey...I resemble that remark!

Oh yeah...talk about the hard way...ripping out cream colored thread off of natural colored muslin is NOT easy on the eyes. That's lesson number two--use at least a slightly contrasting thread when practicing so it's easier to pick out.

Lessons learned.

Pantos, pantos, pantos!

2008-05-03T20:32:13Z

I recently received an email requesting more information about my experience with pantos--which ones I've tried and which ones I liked. This is a GREAT QUESTION. Thank you so much for asking...but please try not to be too disappointed in my answer.

Truthfully, in the last 3 weeks or so since I've gotten my longarm (aka Max), I have not had a lot of "extra" time to practice. With the little time that I have had, I've been focusing on the freehand side of the machine. Perhaps my reason for this is because it is seems less intimidating and I feel more in control . I can see what is happening and I can get a feel for the machine while trying out the (new to me) features like the stitch regulator, channel locks and thread cutter. Also, when I work from the front there just seems to be less fussing with getting ready. Once I've got my sandwich loaded I can just go...kinda like jumping into the sandbox with bare feet. I don't have to figure out how to line up the panto and space it and coordinate everything (...oops...sounds like I'm s-c-a-r-e-d!).

Well...maybe I am...was...am...a little. But, I'm not one to let my fears control me for very long. So it's now time to start working on building panto experience. Honestly, I do LOVE panto designs and the "quilting" design (thread on fabric) is my favorite part of the quilt. So, no more procrastinating! Starting this week I'm going to start working from the back (panto side). So stay tuned for more on my adventures in pantos. Successes, failures...I'll let it all hang out...it is what it is during the learning process.

One more thing... There's not a lot of readily available free information on specifically *how* to use a panto floating around on the internet. I understand the concept, but when you go to put in practice a LOT of issues come up. Following is a You Tube video I found for one woman's (Penny Bubar) method of stitching a panto. She is very clear that her method is only her method -- not necessarily the *best or the right for you method*. But, if you've been putting off trying pantos on your longarm because you're not sure where to begin, take a look and see if she offers any insights that help you. I know she's given me a couple of ideas. THANKS Penny!

As always, comments are welcome. Simply click the purple "Comments" text link under the "Pantos, pantos, pantos!" article title above. After you click the link, there will be a way for you to leave anonymous comments (without setting up an account) if you wish.

Peanut Butter Finger Day!

2008-05-03T01:34:54Z

I've promised my boys that Saturday (5/3/08) is going to be Peanut Butter Finger Day.

Jared & Jacob are somewhat ambivalent about this proclamation because they don't know exactly what Peanut Butter Fingers are. They've never had the pleasure. Ohhhhh....but just you wait!

Peanut Butter Fingers were one of my favorite "bar" cookies growing up. Grams' recipe was the absolute BEST and she almost always had a batch for the family 4th of July picnic or family reunions or camp outs. I have lots of great memories of Grams, summer and her wonderful Peanut Butter Fingers.

I think it's been a good 8 - 10 years since I last made them. Jared & Jacob have never tasted them.

In case you want to try some and need a recipe, here's mine...it's adapted from watching Grams (she never wrote hers down).

Ingredients for the cookie base:

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar (firmly packed)
1/4 cup white sugar
1 unbeaten egg
1/3 cup peanut butter
1/2 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup flour
1 cup old fashioned oats

1/2 - 3/4 cup chocolate chips (set aside to sprinkle on hot cookie)

Preheat oven to 350. Cream butter and brown sugar (hint: add brown sugar gradually and cream until smooth); add white sugar, beat well. Add/beat in egg, peanut butter and vanilla, mix well.

In a separate bowl combine all dry ingredients and mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing well in to creamed mixture.

Press dough mixture firmly and evenly into a prepared (greased and lightly flowered) 9 x 13 pan. Bake in preheated 350 oven for approx. 20 - 25 minutes. Remove from oven, place pan on cooling rack .

Topping:

1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar
1/4 cup peanut butter
2 - 4 Tablespoons Milk

In a small mixing bowl cream powdered sugar and peanut butter. Add milk 1 Tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.

After sprinkling hot cookie with chocolate chips (allow chips to sit for 5 - 7 minutes on hot cookie base), drizzle the creamy peanut butter topping over top. Gently use a frosting knife to swirl the peanut butter topping and melted chocolate chips across the cookie. Do NOT over mix it...you want to see swirls of chocolate and swirls of peanut butter. Allow to cool completely...they taste (and cut) better when cool.

Cut into 1" x 2" bar sections and enjoy. Betcha can't eat just one!

Store any leftovers in a tightly sealed container.

Overhead lighting for a longarm quilting machine -- one idea

2008-04-23T17:48:12Z

Good lighting is always a concern for quilters.

I was recently asked about the overhead lighting I have for my longarm:

We purchased the overhead wiring feature (the basic framing/rails, etc.) from APQS as an "add on" when I ordered the machine. But, the lights are separate components that Jeff added by attaching them with clamps to the frame.

He purchased the lights from Home Depot. There are two light units. So...two pieces of rail/track with 3 lights in each. More individual lights can be purchased and added on to each track. The feature I like best is that you can turn each individual light to the direction you choose (within the limits of it's turning capability). I think we paid around $40 per unit.

Thanks to Stephanie for asking for clarification. Happy quilting to all...

IDEA: A quick and dirty pressing table

2008-04-22T21:03:51Z

I have a tall (for me, but I'm short) table that Jeff built for me years ago when I started machine quilting on my domestic sewing machine. I always preferred to quilt larger quilts while standing up. Standing is less stressful for my back.

Jeff--being my hero--came to my rescue and built the tall table and it was wonderful. But, now that I have the longarm I don't intend to quilt anything very big on the domestic machines anymore.

So...what to do with this great table? I love recycling items into other functional items so I decided to turn it into a quick and dirty pressing table. The top is approx. 44" wide, so it's perfect for pressing cotton fabrics. Picture below shows side view.

How did I make my quick & dirty pressing table? I grabbed my staple gun, some Insul-Bright and some fabric stash. First I staple-gunned the Insul-Bright, then I tacked down the "skirt" which consists of 3 stash pieces/panels around 3 sides (there was no edge finishing here because it's simply QUICK & DIRTY).

The under side of the table will be for storage and the skirt hides the stash/storage from the side views. This is my front/"working" side of the table showing the "under storage" area. You really can't see this area unless you are in the working area. I may add a skirt panels to this side later...if it starts looking too disorganized or messy.

It's a true quick & dirty pressing table and I LOVE IT!!! When the top "cover" fabric is in need of changing, I'll simply pop out the staples and wash it or replace.

Saying goodbye is sew hard sometimes!

2008-04-22T15:52:55Z

This morning I took my daughter, Natalie, down to the Albuquerque MEPS station for the last time. She was sworn in to the US Coast Guard Active Duty, signed the contract and we said good-bye. She's on her way to Cape May, New Jersey for the next 8 weeks of Basic Training.

It's hard to say goodbye and let her go.

I'm so proud of all her work these last several months. She lost almost 30 pounds and she's become a much stronger and confident and thoughtful young woman.

I know she's going to have some tough days ahead...but I believe in my heart that she will be just fine.

I miss her already.

Are you considering the purchase of a Longarm Quilting Machine?

2008-04-22T01:21:28Z

Since I posted about Maximus (my new longarm), several people have emailed me inquiring as to my research and how I decided which machine brand and model.

Because these machines are so costly, I very strongly encourage you to TEST every brand and model you can get your hands on. Just like domestic sewing machines, everyone has their preferences and priorities. I chose my Millennium because it is so light and easy to maneuver. I plan to do a LOT of freehand work and experimentation with a variety of specialty threads. I believe my choice is the best choice for me...but only you can determine what is the best choice for you.

Just like shopping for a car, you really need to do your own research, shop around and TEST DRIVE, TEST DRIVE, TEST DRIVE.

How can you test drive a longarm?

Try to make it to one of the bigger quilting shows where several of the manufacturers will have demo models.
If you can't make it to a big show, try contacting the various manufacturers and ask if they can put you in contact with a "local to you" sales rep so you can see a demo.

Research, research, research! There are so many resources available online that were not even in existence just 5 years ago. Here are some links you might find helpful in your research:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longarm_Quilting
http://www.apqs.com/
http://www.a1quiltingmachines.com/
http://www.gammill.net/
http://www.nolting.com/
http://www.kenquilt.com/
http://www.protostitchwizard.com/
http://www.nustylequilting.com/
http://www.prodigyquilter.com/
http://www.tinlizzie18.com/
http://www.longarmuniversity.com/longarm_newbie_info.htm

If you are considering a longarm to start a business quilting for hire, PLEASE treat it as you would if starting any other business. Take time to understand the cost and the requirements of running a business. Working for yourself can sound wonderful...BUT...do you really understand what all that entails? Are you ready to get your business license? Will you have enough customers? How will you market yourself? How will you handle customers? How will you handle interruptions (from family, friends, others who may not take your business seriously since you will probably be working from home)? How will you handle the physical demands? How will you handle deadlines and demanding customers?

Please research thoroughly before diving in.

Meet Maximus, the APQS Millennium Longarm Quilting Machine

2008-04-21T19:38:41Z

Side View:

Front View 1 (depth is not perceivable here -- the cutting table is approximately 3 feet from the front of Max):

Front View 2:
My desk/office area:

Max arrived on April 8th. Linda and Terry Robinson of Santa Fe (new APQS Sales Reps) came to put Max together on April 9th. I've been bonding with him ever since.

Here are Max's stats:

2008 APQS Millennium Longarm
12 foot table
overhead lighting
motorized fabric advance
hydraulic lift

Name: Maximus (because he takes up maximum space and he's a strong machine like The Gladiator)

I wish I could multiply the hours in a day. I've finished a couple "practice" scribble muslins...Dozer & Ginger love their new "blankies". Jeff & I still need to install the Micro-Drive, but I still I love working with Max. The stitch regulator takes some getting used to but it is really SLICK!

I know it takes time to develop the coordination and movement needed to get him to do the things I want him to do...the things I've dreamed about for so long! One step at a time...just one step at a time.

The new girl in town: Ginger

2008-04-21T19:00:32Z

Meet Ginger, the most recent addition to our family. Ginger is a "rescued" female English Bulldog.
My gut feeling is that Ginger was being used in a puppy mill setting...her eyes are so sad. While she stayed at Animal Welfare (before she entered Bulldog Rescue), she was spayed, received some treatment for her eyes and a mammary tumor was removed. She has dry eye and she will need eye treatments for the rest of her life.

When she came to us, she was terrified of small spaces and very shy about walking through doorways. She appears to have had multiple litters even though the vet estimates she is only 5 years old. I truly think she is probably younger (maybe as young as 3) -- she still acts so much like a puppy in her curiosity, agility and energy levels.

Ginger is very sweet but extremely needy and starved for attention. She's still learning manners, but she is a good student. She loves to walk with me in the mornings and after dinner. After "eating" her 2nd favorite activity is to take naps while I practice quilting and work on the website, etc.

If you're looking for a dog, please consider checking with your favorite breed's local "rescue" group. There are so many wonderful fur babies out there that need love and deserve a break.

Sew Quilty Word Puzzle April 2008

2008-04-19T17:46:07Z

ABOUT THIS PUZZLE: This puzzle is a word scramble with a hidden message. To figure out the hidden message, you must unscramble all the words. Then place the letters in the specially numbered boxes in the corresponding number box in the Hidden Message line.

Click here to download a nice printable document version of the "image" below
(this is a PDF file that requires a recent version of Adobe Acrobat Reader, available for FREE from adobe.com).

Note: Sew Thankful is unable to provide technical support for Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you can't open, download or print that file, you are welcome to print the image in the pop-up below but the graphics probably won't print out as nicely.

click thumbnail to view larger image in a pop-up window

Click here to download a nice printable document version of the "image" above

(this is a PDF file that requires a recent version of Adobe Acrobat Reader, available for FREE from adobe.com).

Note: Sew Thankful is unable to provide technical support for Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you can't open, download or print that file, you are welcome to print this page but the graphics won't print out as nicely.

Want to see the answers to this puzzle? Click here.

KWIKSew Pattern Promotions at SewThankful

2008-04-18T16:43:52Z

Sew Thankful is currently offering two fantastic KWIKSew pattern promotions!

For a limited time, save $3.00 off the regular retail price of each specially selected pattern. Each promotion has 12 different, popular designs to choose from.

Fun & Easy Patterns - click here

Celebrate Cottons - click here

Getting a handle on it -- a handbag hardware tip...

2008-04-15T00:30:53Z

If you've ever used those "hard" U-shaped handles in your handbag making, you may have experienced the little screws coming loose on you. In the picture below, I'm referring to the silver U shape and the screw that attaches it to the handle. I know it has happened to me...so I bet it has happened to others.

A very quick, inexpensive and invisible "fix" is to fully tighten the screw and then dab a bit of clear nail polish (on head of the screw and on the threaded side if you can reach it) to seal it the screw. It has been at least two months since I tried this fix and it is still holding beautifully.

I mean...wow...it's no fun to be shopping and one side of your handle pops off your gorgeous bag! I was especially bummed because it happened to me about the 2nd week I was carrying my Miranda Bag (the bag I made is pictured below -- click here to read my review of The Miranda Bag pattern & see more pictures):

Are you looking for some handles or hardware for your next handbag project? Click here to check out some ideas at Sew Thankful.

Are you looking for a fabulous new handbag pattern? Click here to see what's available at Sew Thankful.

Let me introduce you to up and coming pattern designer, Kristine Poor

2008-04-04T18:15:45Z

Kristine Poor started Poorhouse Quilt Designs in September 2006, after designing the Sampler Tote as a gift for a family member. The tote was a hit and a pattern company was born!

Kristine has a degree in Mechanical Engineering and was bitten by the quilt bug fifteen years ago. She works with mom, Jean Johnson (pattern editor/sample maker/creative assistant) to put together patterns that are a palette for your creativity.

Click here to see Sew Thankful's current selection of Kristine's patterns.

Sew Thankful sponsors "One Fabric - Silk" sewing contest at PatternReview.com

2008-04-01T19:05:05Z

It's SEW exciting! I am so happy to announce that Sew Thankful is the proud sponsor of the "One Fabric - Silk" sewing contest at PatternReview.com .

There will be two winners, based on votes.

Prizes: Sew Thankful has donated a $150 and a $100 eGift Certificate for the 1st & 2nd place winners (respectively).

Visit the PatternReview.com website (click here) for more contest details.