Pie
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! 🙂
Design
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Bind Away!
It’s Tute time again. I’ve put together a printable one-sheet on how to bind a quilt with continuous binding. Please don’t give your next quilt hokey corners, like I used to, just for fear of trying something new. When my mom first offered to show me this technique, I completely blew her off. It wasn’t until I saw the glorious mitered corners that resulted that I got on board. I’ve never looked back.
You can cut quilt-binding strips with the grain of the fabric or on the bias. Bias-cut bindings are most-enduring if your quilt is to be used and laundered frequently. And, a bias binding is necessary for quilts or projects with irregularly-shaped edges (scallops, rounded corners, etc.). There’s a neat trick for prepping bias binding, where you sew your fabric into a tube before cutting it into binding-strips. This technique is not in my instructions, but here is a link to walk you through it.
Instead, I show you how to attach a binding along the edge of your quilt in such a way that you can achieve glamorous corners too. Remember – no fear! And, feel free to print yourself a copy to keep handy for your next quilting adventure.
For the Continuous Quilt-Binding Tutorial, click here. Or visit the “Continuous Quilt Binding” link under Freebies at www.HeatherBailey.com.
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This Little Piggy went to Market
Well, I had an amazing time at Quilt Market. Freshcut’s off and running, as are many new and exciting friendships. Anna is every bit as delightful in person as she is to read. (Even though she did tell on us — twice — referring to two blog posts on Anna Maria’s old blog that doesn’t exist any more. What a charmer too. And funny.
Robyn Pandolph is kind and generous (and excited about her new little grandbaby, though she doesn’t seem old enough to be a grandmother). Did you know that Robyn has a roller-cutter wound that severed four tendons in her hand? Be careful with those cutters, gals! So sad. It’s healed now, but what a nightmare.
Went shopping with Heather Ross. Smart, smart, smart. (Have you seen her pajama line?) She zeroed in on this cool antique necklace with an acorn pendant. When you twisted the top, a pencil lead projected from the bottom. What a find. I don’t know if she bought it or not. Dang, I should have paid better attention!Jane Sassaman is a sweetheart. She’s designed some powerful new quilts that go together quickly. Her husband’s the big collector in their family. And I mean big. He even had a collection of barber’s chairs at some point. Where do you put such a collection? Didn’t get to chat with her quite enough.
It took 32 hours for the charming gals from Prints Charming just to get to Houston (from Sydney, Australia). Bright and energetic. (And they sported fabulous clothing and shoes too.) I didn’t get to say goodbye. Kath, Kirsten, sorry about that. Missing you.
And, because you are undoubtedly fans, you must know that Amy and Denyse are intelligent and warm. Did I mention intelligent? Amy’s working with her husband on another amazing book. Those two! I can’t wait to
see itexperience it. And, Denyse has just pinned down a name for her next fabric collection, “Katie Jumprope,” (though I don’t know which spelling of “Katie” she’s going to use). Great name, huh? Love it.I met droves of neat folks: artists, editors, shop owners, sales reps, distributors, and more. So much to take in. So little time.My schoolhouse class worked out well, though I could have held an all-day seminar on the subject (the internet sewing/crafting community and whatnot). Ambitious for a 15-minute class. But, I think I got across the main gist (and my flyers covered the rest). Can you believe there’s already a podcast review of my class on Simple Arts (about 1/3 of the way into the interview)? That’s some quick reporting!
Before I wrap it up, I’d like to send a huge thanks out to Sandi for whipping up some delightful children’s clothes for the photo book. Here’s just one of the fab outfits she did. Sandi designs one-of-a-kind clothing for Portabello Pixie and is talented and generous. Thanks Sandi!
And, another big hug out to Gina and Stephanie at The Threaded Pear for quilting my samples so beautifully. Boy did those two get the scoop on Quilt Market. They were everywhere. I’m sure you’ll be hearing all about it on Quilter’s Buzz.
All in all, it was a marvelous weekend at Market. I packed my bags late Monday night, changed back into jeans and a tee, and flew wee-wee-wee-wee all the way home!It’s nice to be back.
(From left to right, Anna Maria, me & Donna Wilder of Free Spirit)
Oh, and see what I mean about Isaac’s photography? He took those top ones.
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On my way…
…to Houston.
All right, it’s crazy-late. But, I couldn’t leave town without posting a project (especially after my sick-leave last week). Here’s a froofy bolster with happy pink bows. All freshcut and perched on a glorious tuffet. I’m “lovin’ on” gold these days. Mmm-Mmm…Yes sir! Makes me happy. And that monstrous vintage button…
I’ll keep my ears pricked and my camera handy at Quilt Market (though convention-center lighting may not cut the mustard – heehee). If nothing else, I should at least be able to capture Anna Maria up to something. I’ve convinced her to attend and be my roomie. Fun fun.
I’ll see what I can do about an Internet connection as well, to keep them presses running, so to speak.
Oh, and one more thing… Thanks for the feel-good input. I’ve put together some rockin’ flyers for my class. Four pages. Isaac thinks I should post a PDF so we can all hand them out to our friends when they say, “Blog-what?”
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Getting There
Yay! We ordered the books last night. It couldn’t have been any more last-minute. In fact, I’ve got my fingers crossed that the printer’s shipping schedule is accurate. Yikes. As it is, everything’s being shipped to my hotel, even the business cards. Regardless of how seamless I’d like my business endeavors to come across, it’s a bit insane wearing so many hats.
Today I’m going to learn how to run an LCD projector. My husband bought a new Apple laptop a couple of weeks ago – it’s fancy – and I became the new owner of his old “mistress” (my obnoxious name for his laptop). She’s pretty fancy too — I can’t complain. He outfitted her with a slick orange case, cleared her off and synced her up to my iMac, so I’m all set. I’m glad Isaac knows how to do that stuff. I can find my way around the computer pretty well, but there are some things I really don’t care to learn. All she needs now is a new name.
The projector is for a fifteen-minute Schoolhouse class I’m teaching on Friday at Quilt Market. What’s the class about, you say? Well, it’s about you guys 🙂 I’ll be sharing my take on the internet craft community and encouraging folks, quilt-shop owners, designers, sewers, whoever attends to get online and get involved. So many people have still never heard of a blog, lovely word it is. And many who have, wish they’d discovered blogs sooner. So, I’ll see what I can do in fifteen minutes. Perhaps a dictionary of terms is in order, along with a spotlight on resources and services — good for a flyer. The main point I’d like to get to is WHY: Why pay attention? Why join in? Why is this so much fun?
I’ll be talking you guys up all weekend. Easy to do. I’d love to hear your take on the subject. Thoughts? Feelings? Maybe I’ll put together some quotes — another flyer. Hmmm.Also, does anyone know a good resource for statistics on the blogosphere?
Or articles discussing the subject?
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Progress
Two quilt tops done, all bundled up and on their way to The Threaded Pear to be quilted – Gina (Quilter’s Buzz) saves the day! I’m lacking the necessary concentration to write though, so I’ll keep it simple… a photo here, a photo there, a reminder of where I was a couple of days ago, then back to work.
Oh, and thanks for the support! Really. When my mailbox dings, I go Pavlovian for a happy sewing break – so much kindness!
The next few weeks are insane! Isaac has eight weddings in the next seven weeks, Elijah is on school break, Charlotte’s occasional babysitter has gone back to school fulltime, and I’m wading through a steady stream of deadlines (many are self-imposed, I admit).
But, great things are happening. I’ve just gotta keep this pace for three more weeks, then I’ll have myself a lovely, lazy week of pajama days, A.M. Smith, homemade bread, and… dentist appointments. Yep, I scheduled two just yesterday, and I’m actually looking forward to going. Perhaps it’s the idea of sitting still for a bit.
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Tights Meet Dress
I’m happy to announce that the personal ad worked! The striped tights have found a soulmate and much gambolling has ensued.
You’ll recognize the bodice fabric from here, although the dress came first. Or, at least, the plan for the dress came first. I’m digging the shoulder flanges and the versatility of a jumper. As the weather cools down, I’ll be on the lookout for a long-sleeved white tee to keep these new togs in rotation.
As for me, I’m still in mad-sewing mode. I’m about done with my second quilt-top in two days. I’ve also made one of these, one of these, several of these and I’m about done with two sets of these (still secret) — all from my own fabric – fun, fun, fun!
I’m finding it tricky to ration out my precious sample yardage though. Project planning feels like a game of Sudoku… If I make an apron out of this fabric, then I won’t have enough to make that quilt. But, if I make this other quilt instead, then I’ll certainly not be able to make that pillow… and so on. (Hmmm. I’m reminded of a certain dialogue from this movie — Vizzini and the poisoned wine, remember?)
Anyhow, I’ve decided that my plotting is counter-productive. Enough of that. I have about two weeks to sew samples before I need to switch gears again and there’s certainly plenty of fabric to keep me busy for two weeks! So, back to the cutting table I go, “Sew, Heather, sew!”
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Freshcut™
At last, my friends, here is Freshcut. My debut collection of fabric for Free Spirit is all stacked and pretty before the flurry of sample-sewing begins. What a relief and a thrill to get my hands on these fabrics after babying each design to completion.
Each pattern began as a rough pencil sketch. Then, through a series of refinements, including re-draws, transfer paper, paint and a scanner, the designs were entered into my computer where I perfected the repeat and tinkered with the colors.
Though there were certainly a couple of steps in the process that will be eliminated the next time around (now that I know better what I’m doing), I’m grateful for the things I’ve learned along the way. I’m even more grateful for the help and patience I’ve received from my family and friends to see me through this new adventure.
So, without further ado, I’ll attempt to explain my intentions with Freshcut…
Hmmm. Where to start? Well, I love fabric. Love it. In fact, I have a towering collection of fabric. When I first started to sew, as a young girl, my mother would take me to the fabric store to pick out the exact fabrics for my quilt or project and I would carefully choose fabrics that coordinated ‘just so.’ Later, as a college student studying fashion design, I had projects due too frequently to take a trip to the store for each assignment.
I began to stash fabrics that I found unique or that spoke to me on a deeper level. It was back then that I learned to appreciate the unique flavor of a design that’s been assembled from a treasured collection. Having an assortment of fabrics on hand freed me to be more experimental with color and print combinations and my aesthetic grew both more sophisticated and more playful.
With Freshcut, I wanted to capture a bit of the charm and energy found in a treasured fabric stash, by offering an unexpected assortment of prints and colors that somehow ‘work’ with each other. Several of the designs have a romantic and vintage flavor, while others lend a quirky and modern touch. Each palette offers colors that resonate with each other rather than ‘match.’ And, the colorways are meant to ‘cross-pollinate’ for a greater variety of combinations.
I am honored to be working with Free Spirit, a fun-loving company with a reputation for excellence, where I have been kindly supported and encouraged. The quality of the fabric Free Spirit produces is impeccable and it’s a real treat to see my designs executed with such care.
When I get my website together, I’ll be sure to include slides of each fabric, so the designs are easier to see. Until then, here is the full stack – all 40 fabrics.
I’ve also had a number of people email me to ask more about my design process. So, in the coming weeks, I’ll be spotlighting a few of these designs, juxtaposing my original sketches with the resulting fabric.
For now, you can read more about Freshcut, my studio, and my take on the online craft community at Quilter’s Buzz. There’s also a little bit about Freshcut in this month’s Country Living Magazine. Exciting times!
Anyhow, thanks for your interest and support and for taking part in my big debut!
Love,
Heather -
Out of the Bag
Can you believe I made this on a home sewing machine!?! I guess stubborness can be the mother of ingenuity. What a brain-bender! I figured it out though and the resulting design is completely repeatable – hence, another forth-coming pattern. I can’t wait to get this one to print and show you how it goes together – I couldn’t be more pleased with the result. It’s still going to be a couple of months before I print any patterns, though — one woman show, you know. But, I’m too excited to keep the cat in the bag, so enjoy the early screening. Hmmm? – to carry or to hang on the wall? (Oh, and this purse has special powers… but, more on that later)
The fabrics are vintage feedsacks. I had meant to make Christmas decorations with them; check out these. But, when I pulled them for a baby dress (forthcoming) to go with these tights, I got caught up in their fabulousness and got to work on a purse pattern.
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Sew, Heather, Sew!
Let the deluge begin… For that “Come hither, while I bake us some cookies” look, how about a sexy halter apron? Here’s a pattern I have in the works. And, remarkably, it looks fantastic on a variety of body types, so I won’t have to grade the pattern — yay!
I’m amassing a number of designs before hunting out a printer. However, I’m not up to waiting until they’re printed before sharing. All I do these days is eat, sleep, sew and change diapers. Throw in a number of trips around the world to Elijah’s school and a bit of blogging and you’ve got a pretty accurate view of my life, at least for the next few weeks (prepping for Quilt Market).
You see, my fabric is in. My fabric is in! I’ll post the whole stack this week. Meanwhile, cheer me on, “Sew, Heather, sew!”
