Thursday, October 10, 2013

Kenmare

See you all tomorrow. For those of you who are unsure who you are rooming with please text me to ask.
It's a good idea to bring your board ( small one if you have it ) cutter and ruler. 

Mini satchel bag

New pattern alert. 
Make this cute little bag in kenmare. 
Requirement list
3 fat quarters 
Wadding 
Threads 


Monday, October 7, 2013

link to map of hotel

this is the link to the hotel on google maps

http://www.brooklanehotel.com/Contact%20Us.aspx

Let me know if anyone is unsure.

I have a little bag pattern for everyone so bring 3 coordinating fat quarters if anyone fancies making it.
Also I will bring a few pattern books on small things to make so bring extra fabrics if you want to take part in that also.

Looking forward to seeing you all.

Nikki

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Kenmare photo 3


Kenmare photo 2


Photos kenmare 1

Kenmare

Sorry the picture isn't that great but this is the Xmas project. 
It's a card holder and it will hold plenty of Xmas cards. 24 x 40
Here is  the requirement list for this project. 
7 Xmas fat quarters - two if them should be light 
10 inches of binding
Thread for sewing and quilting 
Wadding and backing 
8 wooden pegs. 
Gold craft paint ( you could share if you can contact others going ) 
Paint brush and newspaper. 
Sewing machine. Extension lead and a couple of irons. Again you could organise to share. Make sure you bring a cloth to iron on
Sewing kit 
I will also have another project for you to start if any of you finish this. Ill post the picture for that tomorrow with requirement list. 
I have fat quarter bundles if anyone would like one please let me know. 

Planning to arrive at Brooklane hotel on Friday around 2 pm. 
I will be posting directions and any further news during the week. There will be more info so please check back regularly. 

It's all exciting, and everyone is looking forward to our break. 
Don't forget in the excitement to pack your pjs. 

Bring other sewing with you if you want.
We may be working on Henry bear quilts too but more info on that soon. 
Nikki :) 

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Week 3.

The tricky bit this week is making it all fit. 
If your measurements are all correct it will work. If they are slightly off then it can make things tricky. 
Tip 1 make the triangle corners and borders from the log cabin before you fix any of it together. This will give you a good indication of placement. 
If some of the blocks are off a bit then that didn't matter , just make sure all corners and borders on each side look the same.
So far in the two classes we have running everyone's have all fine together smoothly so I have every confidence yours will be ok too 
I have no idea how this photo turned upside down but it gives you an idea of construction. 
Here the sections have been made first before attaching the pieces on to the centre. 
Good luck 

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Week2.

Two important things when making the log cabin blocks - chain piecing when sewing by machine saves thread and time. The other is to ensure you keep the blocks square and stitch to the correct seam allowance. 

It will be tricky putting this quilt together and even more so if your blocks don't fit. 

Monday, June 24, 2013

Head start for week 2

I am guessing your whole week was taken up with sewing the flowers and finishing your centre block. 
Well for those of you who want a head start for week 2 here is what you can do. 
Log cabin - 
From each colour group you need 15 strips measuring one and half inches across the width of the fabric from each colour group. 
If you are using two colours that will be 15 strips from each colour. If you are using a collection of colours then it will be 15 in total from EACH group. This is based on fabric full width. You will need to double the quantity if you are using fat quarters. 
This will give you a head start for the next set of instructions. 

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Week 1. Loving log cabin

To help with place ment of your pieces you could number each piece and trace the pattern through the paper to give you the image the correct way around. 
This is a quarter inch bias tape maker for making the stems. 
Make the tape and sew on first with the vase before you add the flower and petal appliqué
Get sewing around all those appliqué pieces for next week. 



Sunday, June 16, 2013

Lovin log cabin

 Welcome to the 4 week class 'lovin log cabin'
this is a lap size quilt and could be made from a collection of fat quarters or purpose built fabrics. You could go country, funky, soft, bright, in fact this quilt would work in nearly any combination.

the requirements are as follows.

white or cream or chosen colour: 30 inches
pink 1 yard
gold 1 yard
purple 1/2 yard
sea green 1/2 yard
1 yard of fusible webbing
binding approx half yard.



if you are using fat quarters then colour group.
i.e 4 fat quarters of different pinks ( or whatever colours you choose and so on.


It comes together.

Here are some pictures to guide you along the way.  Sashing and borders can make or break a quilt. It's always a good idea to "audition" the fabrics 
Lay out your blocks and fabric and what you would like to use or the sashing. Arrange in final placement. Walk away for 5 minutes, when you go back to it you will know if its the right fabric :) 




Monday, May 27, 2013

Corners -

This week your blocks will come alive as you add the corners on. They also grow suddenly.
I have already sent you the next part of adding the hearts so if you are doing this part try and get them stitched before next week when you will be putting the quilt top together. 


Corners !


Friday, May 17, 2013

week 6


 Renamed by Ann who is doing this class as the brain drain....
here are the pictures to help with placement, but the hardest part of this block is the cutting. it is a little tricky.
Follow the cutting instructions and then layout the pieces, to make sure you have cut the right pieces.
When you are sewing, line up the top and their should be a slight overhang at the bottom, but as stated in the instructions pin the pieces together first and open to check the correct placement.


 When you have completed the four sections sew together to complete the block.

Good luck and send me pictures of the blocks pleeeease.




Saturday, May 11, 2013

Week 5

This week care must be taken with the cutting and your seam allowance.its worth taking a little bit longer and getting it right.

Photos are from Ann's block this week and I have tried to break down the stages as much as possible.














Friday, May 3, 2013

Week 4 - half square triangles

This is a fun and easy block.
The pictures take you through step by step.
The only thing I will say to you is look carefully at the placement of the half square triangles when putting the blocks together. Look carefully at the corners. They are not all facing the same way.

Also make sure to trim the half square triangles to 3 inches.

Good luck and happy sewing.















Thursday, April 25, 2013

Week 3 corner block.

I'm adding photos of this weeks block step by step , I know you have diagrams in the notes but sometimes it helps to see real life photos

The tips you need to know for this week are.
• in the first stage - when adding the triangles, the edge of the triangle that is to be sewn to the edge of the square will be slightly longer . Just match up the right angles and the 1/4 inch takes in the extra bit of the triangle.
•when measuring the squares if they need trimming , take a little slither off each side to make them 4 1/2 inches sq.
•if you are making your quilt from scraps then you can use more colours than on the instructions. If you are unsure of what piece goes where then cut and make your block from paper. ( just be aware that cutting paper with your rotary cutter can dull the blade ) this is also handy if you are short of fabric . For example. If you want to use up a long thin strip of fabric, then cut the pieces out of paper and use the triangle paper piece to cut from the smaller pieces of fabric -( if you are doing this keep your eye on the weave of the fabric, it needs to be running parallel with either side of the right angle. )

Good luck and I look forward to seeing your blocks.