NEW NEW NEW quilt block swap

**tndenim** · June 21st, 2009

my machine has a 1/4" line off to the side so I can keep it straight. another way would be to put a piece of tapeat 1/4" from the needle if that is possible on your machine.

**artist_bre** · June 22nd, 2009

Klarina
The way I did it last swap and it worked very wel too, I not only put a piece of tape there but a stack of tape about a quarter inch thick. That way it not only is a visual reminder of where a quarter inch is but it actually will guide the fabric into the feed dog.

The tape I used was a low tack type tape like a painters tape or masking tape and I cut several layers at a time from the roll about 2" to 3" inches long so it went almost to my needle backwards towards where you would be sitting. If not I have a magnetic metal thing you may have and I cam mail it to you. I bought not long ago and never used it for the next swap but I no longer will need it, because my new quilter machine has a 1/4" foot which has a ridge on it so you can't go farther to the right and actually works a lot like the tape idea.

The magnetic thing you put it on the throat plate of your machine a 1/4" away from the needle and its about 2" long to guide your material into the machine. It is also good for other size seams because you can set it as far from the needle as you like on the throat plate or on the machine if it is also metal because it is magnetic. If you want it you can email me and Ill give you my number so I can get your address.
Bre

Luna · June 22nd, 2009

Hi all...
I was going to wait on my winter/holiday blocks until I finished w/ this last swap....
I must confess...I have started a few.
reading and watching you all on here...I could not..cannot take it.LOL.
Too excited. I am going to finish and work on the ones from last swap also.

I took a class on sat on paper piecing. WOW. I thought that was at least 10 yrs away.I had no clue.I enjoyed it immensely.
Has anyone besides you Elizabeth and Gollygee.. done this?

Luna

**quilt-silly** · June 22nd, 2009

Originally Posted by artist_bre

Klarina
The way I did it last swap and it worked very wel too, I not only put a piece of tape there but a stack of tape about a quarter inch thick.

This is what I do, too except only about 1/16 - 1/8" thick. It works better than any other gadget I've tried because it's lining up the fabric for you well in advance of the needle. It's also repositionable, so you can keep testing your seam for accuracy and moving the tape block.

I use blue painter's tape or white artist's masking tape because they're low-tack and won't harm even my vintage machines' paint.

I think Bre must have one of the 1/4" feet that actually work - I tried several Singer and generic feet for Singer machines and not a dang one of them really gave me a consistent 1/4" seam. Some of them do, though - try the one for your machines and see how it works.

To test your seam allowance, cut three strips 1½" wide and several inches long. Sew the long sides together with a scant ¼", press the seams to one side and then measure across your pieced strip. It should measure exactly 3½".

**teddy_rn** · June 22nd, 2009

Originally Posted by quilt-silly

I think Bre must have one of the 1/4" feet that actually work - I tried several Singer and generic feet for Singer machines and not a dang one of them really gave me a consistent 1/4" seam. Some of them do, though - try the one for your machines and see how it works.

To test your seam allowance, cut three strips 1½" wide and several inches long. Sew the long sides together with a scant ¼", press the seams to one side and then measure across your pieced strip. It should measure exactly 3½".

My old Pfaff 1471 has a 1/4" foot

The Pfaff Creative 2. has it all on the computer/screen thingy and I just adjust the needle position. I too have placed tape on the machine as a guide or used the guide for really wide seams like quilting diamond rows.

I have way to much to do at this point in time but HAD to sneak a few holiday blocks and loved it

**artist_bre** · June 22nd, 2009

Klarina ans all
I am not real sure how consistant this magnetic thing is using it over and over again while making blocks because I had just got it after the last swap. I have tried it for several seams, once I had it lined up at 1/4" it worked well.

Like everyone said if this don't work consistently for you; the tape several layers thick does work great and did for me last swap.

I have it ready to mail to you tomorrow, its in a regular envelope with cardboard on both sides of it to prevent it from ripping through the envelope. Let us all know how it works as far as consistency goes.

Luna
Don't feel bad I also abandoned my blocks from last swap too so I can make some holiday ones, but I'll get to them again soon.

Happy quilting
Bre

**teddy_rn** · June 22nd, 2009

Bre, I am waiting for my stylus for my quilting machine/frame so that I can finish the last swap quilt

I have the quilt on the frame and it is really too much trouble to take off before completing it! I have several really cute templates to choose from. Hopefully the thingy is home when I get there in about 1/2 an hour

**artist_bre** · June 22nd, 2009

Deb
I am happy for you. I pray its there for you so you can finish your quilt. I can't wait to see it!!!

Bre

**sharong** · June 22nd, 2009

Originally Posted by teddy_rn

Bre, I am waiting for my stylus for my quilting machine/frame so that I can finish the last swap quilt

I have the quilt on the frame and it is really too much trouble to take off before completing it! I have several really cute templates to choose from. Hopefully the thingy is home when I get there in about 1/2 an hour

Hope you get your wish dear Deborah and please show us a photo when it is completed. HUGZ Sharon

**teddy_rn** · June 22nd, 2009

Sadness!! No stylus today! BUT... I had ordered those neat designs from www.kenquilts.com and they sent a freebee because something was backordered and I got my order plus goodies!! Just can't use anything without the stylus

Going to ME some gifties for this swap group

I found a totally cool idea that I'm not tellin' till you get your squishies in November

**SusieQ** · June 25th, 2009

I have paper-pieced and absolutely love it because it is so precise. Not when lining things up and pinning but when running thru the machine it is a totally "mindless" step because all you do is "follow the line" Have gotten hooked yet?

**munchkinmaker** · June 25th, 2009

Hi all! I haven't been on for over a week now, we had some friends visit and it has been crazy around here, but I thought it would be good to stop by and check in.

I cannot believe how many people have signed up for the swap! I am super excited

I'm amazed some of you are already getting your blocks done!! Way to go

I have so many unfinished projects I need to work on I feel bad ignoring them to work on a Christmas project in June LOL. I have some summer outfits I need to finish for my kids that I have been putting off. I am a quilter first and foremost and I make clothing every now and then, but I don't like it nearly as much as quilting! I always have such a hard time getting clothing to lay like I want it to, quilting is so much easier because its nice and flat!!

The other day I got a good deal on some Christmas fabrics at walmart (they closed the fabric department

)and now my hubby has been making fun of me because I have been walking around whistling Christmas tunes in summer!! I cant wait for the beginning of the fall season, its my favorite time of year.

So I am trying to figure out my block pattern and I was wondering how many people are going to do all of the same block vs all different blocks? I am thinking all of the same block would be easiest because I could do it in an assembly line fashion, but getting creative and doing them all different would probably be more fun! Let me know your ideas.

HAPPY QUILTING

**dollyj** · June 25th, 2009

I tried to get my freind to join but she just doesn't feel like she has the time right now, Darn!! Oh Well, It will still be a lot of fun and I am sorry she doesn't feel she can do it right now.
I have so many ideas going through my mind I don't know for sure what I am going to settle on! LOL! Joyce

**dollyj** · June 25th, 2009

munchkinmaker I am going to make 2 different ones like I did last time. That way I can have 2 different assembly lines going!! Joyce

**klarina** · June 25th, 2009

Originally Posted by munchkinmaker

So I am trying to figure out my block pattern and I was wondering how many people are going to do all of the same block vs all different blocks? I am thinking all of the same block would be easiest because I could do it in an assembly line fashion, but getting creative and doing them all different would probably be more fun! Let me know your ideas.

munchkinmaker: You are right... I'm having lots of fun doing all my blocks different. I'm wishing that we get more participants and that we get to make two blocks per capita... This way I get to have more fun... LOL

**EmBargains** · June 25th, 2009

I haven't even started my blocks yet-( I was hoping to get started this past week But I have to wait on getting my materials until tuesday now. But with seeing everyone that has started them getting excited has made me anxious to get started on them. I wish I had xmas material so I can at least get some idea of what I'm doing.

**tndenim** · June 25th, 2009

Hancocks is suppose to have Christmas Fabric on sale this week for $1.99 a yard. I'll head there after work tomorrow and hopefully find some cool looking fabric.

I've found 4 patterns that I really want to do. But I think I'll settle on two of them and go with that.

With any luck - I'll start piecing the other quilt top together. I can't wait to get it started.

**teddy_rn** · June 25th, 2009

I have been a wet blanket the past couple of days what with Steven and all. Trying to get my quilt orders done too. Got all the blocks for one top done and 1/3 of the 'monkey' blocks done.

I got the stylus in yesturday but did not set it up yet. Have to finish those other blocks done 1st! got a dead line from the customer; that does keep one on the straight and narrow

Going to southern Georgia for the weekend, DH family reunion. They did not have one last year; we truly love going to these.

Got a stack of Christmas fabric from E-Bay the other day, love it. I am as bad as Munchkinmaker with the Christmas carols

Happy quilting to all.

**klarina** · June 28th, 2009

Hello fellow swappers:
Here I'm showing off...
My blocks are not perfect, but I have had tons of fun doing them. I love my blocks. Here is one of them.
This is called Coffee Cup. The cup was hand pieced and the pattern was taken from here:
http://www.thestitchcottage.nl/images/2xstitch/1006.pdf

more to follow...

**klarina** · June 28th, 2009

and here is another one:
This one is called 4-Patch-Heart and the pattern was taken from here:

http://www.victorianaquiltdesigns.co...oftheMonth.htm

more to come in the next few days...