Buying Fabric and Sewing are Two Different Hobbies
That was a quote photo on GoGoKim's Instagram earlier this week, and it could not speak the truth anymore clear. I finally got a new cutting table that is the proper height rather than my plastic table set up. I got a kitchen island from IKEA like the ones I had seen at the retreat center.
Because the cutting table doesn't fit in my current sewing room, I am now permanently taking over the spare room next to the craft room. I started resorting all my fabric since it's gotten way out of hand. Kayla, who I met at the retreat a few weeks ago, took inventory of her fabric over the Christmas holidays and is keeping track of her purchases and usage. I feel as if that is something I should do to help manage my stash. I am still a little gunshy at actually trying to inventory my stash. Maybe later right? (...Or maybe I should buy more pretty fabric)
The best package came earlier this week for me! 3 of my quilts came back from Rhonda: the Modern Building Blocks, the Modern Heritage BOM, and my Vintage Modern hashtag quilt. I am busy getting binding on all 3 quilt tops (plus on PBQ103 sample). Do you machine bind or finish the binding by hand? Up until now, I have always finished the binding my hand, but I am questioning that decision with so many quilts to finish up at one time! Do you have any tips to share for machine binding?
I also got a package for Month 2 of the Long Time Gone BOM I am participating in. This block looks way harder than it actually is to make. I also love using my design boards to help me lay out my block without losing track of how all the units are supposed to be laid out.
I also wanted to remind everyone that the Piece and Quilt with Precuts is coming up and starting on August 17, next Thursday! There are going to be a several bloggers each day that showcase a different pattern in the book as well as giveaways along the way! Make sure to check it out. I'll post a reminder next Friday to check out the other bloggers/quilters!
That's all I have for now, have a spectacular weekend! See you for the #IWishYouAMerryQAL Block 2 release on Tuesday!
8/11-8/18 Weekly Goal:
Available time for quilting:
Saturday AM, Sunday PM, travel week
Projects I want to work on:
I Wish You a Merry QAL
PBQ104
Peacock EPP
PBQ105
Goals for the Projects:
I Wish You a Merry QAL: Block blocks and more blocks! Block 2 next week!
PBQ104: Get the Quilt Top sent out!
Peacock EPP: Get sections sewn together on the plane
PBQ105: More design work, hopefully choose the next pattern!
I love your new cutting table!! IKEA to the rescue:)❤️
Definitely to the rescue! I was one of those light bulb moments of “Wow, I can get a lot of cutting done without hurting my back on a proper height surface. Who knew?!” apparently everyone else. 😛
I do machine bind my quilts. I figure why should I do handwork at the end when everything else is machine stitched? LOL I usually use a blending thread and a decorative stitch like curves or something that doesn’t show mistakes like a straight stitch or zigzag stitch would. If you find a better way, please post. I would like to see it. Thanks.
Pamela –
Those are some really good tips, thank you! I’ll definitely post if I end up doing machine binding. I’ve read that glue basting make it easier, too. All things I’ve been too scared to try up till now.
I install all bindings by machine. I first sew them to the back and turn them to the front to make a ‘mini frame’ around the quilt. I match the top thread to the binding and the bobbin thread to the backing. As with everything else, the more you do the better they look. I am at the point now that I do not even need to pin.
ohhhhh… you said the magic phrase of not needing to pin! <3 I already attached all the binding to the front of these, next time I'll have to to try attaching it to the back and framing the front! Thanks for the tip! 🙂
You are very welcome. We quilters stick together (without pins)! 🙂
We just did an ikea run for a desk for my new office/sewing room. In another week I’ll be ready to go. Looking forward to the blog hop, it is always so inspiring to see what people do!
You should definitely share your new set up! I actually own more IKEA stuff in my sewing room than anything else. Who would have thought?! I’m excited about the blog hop… trying to decide if I am up for spray basting the quilt. I’m nervous about it since I have never done it.
Your new cutting table is fabulous! Are you moving your sewing space, or are you going to have two rooms?