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Laundering a Large Quilt

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I think it’s finally time to take the winter quilts off the beds and clean them for storage (It’s 92 degrees today, although in Wisconsin you can never be too sure 😊). My friend Mary recently asked me for advice on doing this and I thought it might be helpful to share it with the rest of you. Here’s what I find works well for me:

I would avoid dry cleaning, especially since all the materials are washable.

Choose a rainfree/windfree day. Use a front loading washer, as it uses centrifugal force rather than the agitation of the toploader that can put pressure on stitches.

Load the quilt and select cold or lukewarm water and Orvus soap. This is available at quilt shops in small quantities or at Farm and Fleet – as a horse soap where it is much less expensive. I use it for delicates and it’s great for other laundry, especially if you have a septic system; as you need only a tablespoon per load, and it’s very gentle. Since we’re using cool water to wash the quilt, I dissolve the Orvus in a cup of warm water before adding it to the machine (can you tell I used this wooden spoon when dyeing my denim blue socks?)

Once the quilt is washed, I lay a sheet beneath the washer opening and gently dump the quilt out onto the sheet. Try not to yank or stretch anything as wet threads break easily.

Wrap it up in the sheet and carry it outside “Santa” style.

Lay a dry sheet out over an area of grass or a clump of bushes

and lay the wet quilt on it to air dry – this again is easier on the stitches than hanging it on a line.

If the sun is bright, or there is a fear of bird droppings, cover the quilt with another sheet. You may need to place heavy objects at the corners of the sheets to keep things from blowing if on the ground, or use clothspins to hold the sheet to the bush.

Once it’s dry – or almost dry – it can be air fluffed in the dryer on no/low heat for a few minutes. And remember to do any mending on the quilt before you carefully store it for the summer.

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I’m posting this week from the Cattail retreat center near Lodi Wisconsin. This is the third time I’ve been with this group and we’re having a wonderful time!

Sewing,

eating our retreat treats (and so much more),

and getting things done!

It’s been a blast and I’d like to leave you with a smile. Saturday was Laura’s birthday and we gave her a card from the gang:

We decided it almost looked like us, but not quite. Photoshop to the rescue – and Laura even joined in as a cat (per her request).

Happy birthday Laura! Thanks for planning another wonderful retreat!

Accordion Door Quilts

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Last week Suzanne commented that she’d like to know how I make an accordion door quilt (click here to read that post). I’ve been asked if I would ever teach a class on this technique and my answer is always “I don’t think anyone else is crazy enough to want to make three quilts to get one” 🤣. But I guess there are a few of us out there, so I decided to share the basics now. I did a bit of searching and discovered I had covered this technique briefly once before, but that was back in 2013 – so let’s do it again.

The first time I made an accordion door quilt was back in the late 1990’s. It was made for a contest with the theme “Reflections”. Making hand mirrors with the reflections of the women who were part of my quilting journey seemed like a good idea. These included my great, great grandmother Mary (lower left). She is the only quilter in my family tree. I never met her but I own, and treasure, 2 of her quilts. My mom is in the upper left mirror and she taught me how to sew when I was 7. She is still one of my biggest cheerleaders (Dad’s the other – praise the LORD!) My dear friend Sharon is in the mirror on the lower right. She taught me how to quilt when I was 40 and is still one of my closest friends. And the last mirror is of me. I included interlocking circles to represent the Trinity (since my faith is a huge part of my inspiration as an artist), and I connected them all with a twisting red thread.

This quilt was interesting, but it wasn’t interesting enough to enter into the contest, so I made a second quilt the exact same size. The design began in the lower left corner with log cabin blocks similar to those in one of my grandma Mary’s quilts. These blocks morphed into a variation of my Parallelisms quilts. I felt it represented my earliest quilt inspiration in one corner flowing into my passion at that time, art quilts, on the other.

As you can guess, I had to find a way to put them together and the accordian door quilt was born. I call it “Reflections of My Quilting Heritage”. The base quilt I made to hang the “accordion door” from measures 70″ x 50″ and contains small shisha mirrors which I hand embroidered in place to keep the reflections theme going. It was all put together through the magic of Velcro™.

A few years later I felt the urge to make another one, but smaller. It was inspired by a stack of vintage double wedding ring arcs a friend found at a rummage sale. She gave them to me and I gave one to each of the members of the Milwaukee Art Quilters and asked them to do something creative with it. I began by putting paper backed fusible on the back of my arc and cutting it into skinnier arcs. Then I fused them to a background fabric in a swirling design and quilted concentric circles. The blue lines are where the quilt will be cut.

I pieced and quilted a more traditional intersection of double wedding ring arcs for the second quilt (cutting lines marked here too).

Both quilts were cut on the blue lines and laid out in alternating strips which I zig-zag stitched together with invisible thread, and then bound the entire piece.

On the back I stitched a length of the hook portion of Velcro™ tape along both sides and down every other seam (the grandmothers flower garden on the back is a preprinted cheater fabric). I used white and black Velcro™ because that’s what I had on hand.

On the base quilt I sewed the loop Velcro™ strips.

The Velcro™ strips are then matched up and this is the finished quilt from the left and right:

How Beautiful – Liberty is the third and most recent in my series.

I’m not sure if/when I have another one in me, but if you decide to play around with this crazy technique please send me pictures!

PS If you’d like to see all the other Objet D’Arc quilts in the Milwaukee Art Quilter’s “double wedding ring arc” challenge click here.

A Time Saving Machine

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Last week Joanne commented that she wanted to know more about my Brother Scan ‘n Cut™. I’m actually using it on a current project and it is such a time and “hand” saver. Let me start at the beginning 😊.

A few years ago you might remember I made a quilt entitled “How Beautiful – Liberty”. It was one of my accordian door quilts, so it was made as 3 quilts: 2 were cut into vertical slices and sewn back together alternately, and the third was the base for the others to hang from. When viewed from the front the center portion is a bit confusing:

But by simply moving a few feet to the left you can see the New York Beauty quilt,

and viewed from the right the true New York Beauty appears!

While making the base quilt I wanted to include the first sentence in the Declaration of Independence, but how to make those tiny letters??? My husband suggested there must be a device that would save me from all that intricate and laborious cutting. So I called my friend Wendy at Sew Much More and she recommended the Scan ‘n Cut™. I did a post on how well it made the letters back in 2015 and you can click here to read all about it.

Since then I’ve used the Scan ‘n Cut™ for a variety of projects with great results. Many letters and shapes are loaded in the machine’s memory, so many projects can be created on the screen. Plus Brother™ has a site on the web called “Canvas” in which many, many more projects and alphabets can be found.

I made the words for my postcards featured in last week’s post with an alphabet in the Scan ‘n Cut™.

This week I began a new project in which I wanted to make 6 identical moths in fabric. I found a photo I liked

and traced the 3 different colored areas onto the paper side of fusible web. I ironed them to the appropriate fabric, cut them out by hand, and fused them all together. It worked, but my hand ached. That’s when I remembered the scanning feature on my Scan ‘n Cut™. I traced those 3 shapes again, onto paper this time, and placed it on the sticky area of the Scan ‘n Cut™ mat.

I loaded it into the machine, but this time I used the scanning feature to save my image in the Scan ‘n Cut™ memory. I was able to crop out the empty moth body shape in my scan and duplicate it 5 times on the screen to create my first “project”. I ironed the fusible web to the back of the black fabric, put it on the sticky mat, and chose the cutting feature this time to cut out 5 identical black moth bodies.

I was thrilled. I left the paper from the fusible web on the back of these shapes and went back to my original scan to crop out the shape to be cut from the dark blue fabric. I made a new project screen with 5 of those shapes. They were rather intricate and this time I was not thrilled 😟. The machine didn’t cut the tiny areas well at all and everything bunched up, and there were many areas that didn’t even cut through (sorry, I was frustrated and didn’t think to snap a photo).

It was then I had a lightbulb moment. I’ve been using this machine for over 5 years and never changed the blade. The size of the blade and the way it works is mind-boggling to me. This is what you see of it in the holder (it’s so tiny I had a difficult time getting a clear shot):

I decided to watch a few videos about it before purchasing a new blade and realized the whole area needed regular cleaning (duh). I took the unit apart and it was full of lint. I cleaned out the case with a dry cotton swab:

and used it to wipe off the blade also:

Once it was back together it cut the dark blue pieces perfectly! I fused them onto the black moth bodies.

The light blue portion of the wings was just as intricate – and the machine did a wonderful job! The background cutaway on the right is just laying on the mat loosely after I pulled it away from the wing pieces (please ignore the black lines on the mat – they were an oops from a previous project):

After fusing these final pieces in place

I was very pleased!

And so happy I didn’t have to cut it all out by hand. My hands don’t do the intricate cutting as well as they used to, so this machine is a real blessing to me!

The additional detail on the moths will be stitched in. These moths will be part of a new challenge quilt I’m making. Stay tuned to see what comes of them!

Fun Mail

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Ever since I was a child I’ve loved getting mail, and in response to a few of my recent posts I’ve really been enjoying the daily trip to the mailbox.

In April I posted about my first “Non-virtual” class since the pandemic began (click here to read that post). My friend, Jo Jacobi, followed that post up with this email:

“Hi Chris, I love reading your blogs! The one you posted about teaching Seminole patchwork reminded me of one the first quilting classes I took. Helen Kelly taught Seminole at a WQI Symposium. My project is still a UFO but I was so enthusiastic that a friend gave me an authentic Seminole apron and tiny doll. Probably made for the Florida tourists. I want to give them a good home instead of keeping them stored away. I will send them to you if you give me your mailing address.”

The package arrived a few days later and I was thrilled!

The child’s size apron is delightful and the tiny doll is only 3″ tall! She is wearing a beaded necklace and her head is even made with the traditional palmetto leaves.

I’m looking forward to sharing them in future classes. Thanks so much Jo!

On top of that I received 2 postcards after my Fabric Postcard post (click here to read that post). Christy’s was the first:

The hummingbird on the front is lovely. Then a few days later Marilynn’s flying geese flew into my box:

These were so much fun to receive that I decided I needed to return the favor. But what design should I use for the front of the cards? I pulled down the bin containing my paints and inks, with the intent to create something pretty, only to find a stack of fabric pieces I’d made on a previous “play day”. They were perfect for the cards, so I cut them to 4″ x 6″ and fused them to rectangles of a very stiff interfacing I found in another bin.

The cards were pretty, but most needed a focal point.

It was time to pull the Scan n Cut off the shelf and cut out some letters.

I stitched down the words. Then these card fronts were fused to another piece of fabric from the bin for the backs.

I satin stitched around them for the finishing touch (Marilynn and I both learned not to put cardstock on the back because it tears away along the dotted line). Then messages were written, addresses/stamps applied, and they were off to return the smiles to some of my friends.

What a blessing quilting friends are!

Fascinating Fasteners

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A few weeks ago I received an email from my friend Alice with photos of a lovely wall hanging. Our mutual friend Mary sent the photos to her and I was so pleased to have Alice include me in the sharing. If you look closely you’ll see that all of the designs were made from sewing fasteners!

Who knew you could make something so beautiful from snaps, hooks and eyes??? I contacted Mary and got this wonderful story to go with the photographs:

“Greetings, Chris!
What a delightful surprise to hear from you – and to hear that our photos had made their way to you.  As a result of your inquiry, I had a delightful phone conversation this morning with the resident (Clara Bleak) who made the hanging.  We met her briefly the first day we were here, but, because of COVID, I have not talked with her since.  
Clara lives at Founders Ridge in Bloomington, MN.  At one time she made all her own clothing, but other than mending and hemming she no longer sews. (Frank thinks she is in her 90s.)   Clara designed and made the black and white wallhanging while she and her husband lived in France where he was working.  She said, “I needed something to do.”  (Isn’t it wonderful how creativity can be nurtured in times of isolation?)  Clara has given the other wallhangings she designed and sewed at that time to her niece – said she has meant to ask her niece for photos of them.  The other wall hangings incorporate embroidery and brass hairpins and other little items she found in France. She said this wall hanging “got lost in the back of a closet”, so she decided to hang it on her door.  I noted that she has not signed or dated it.
You are welcome!
Gratefully, Mary”

Clara certainly has an eye for artistic placement of these utilitarian elements. What an imagination!

I was planning to put together a project for a future beading class and I’m thinking I may need to include some fasteners. Thank you Mary… and Clara!

Fabric Postcards

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The idea of fabric postcards has been around for quite a while. Recently this topic has been brought to my attention from 2 different directions, so I had to do a post!

I taught a virtual Compass Capers workshop for the Hot Springs Village Quilters in March. It was a 3 hour Zoom class in which everyone drafted a compass and then I demonstrated how to paper piece them. It was a great learning experience for me and I think it went quite well. Grace sent me a photo of the compass she made the day after the class! Wow!

Don’t you just love the colors? And look at all those wonderful points!

Then, a little over a week later I received this fabric postcard in the mail from Patty!

It’s spectacular! The Compass is 3″ in diameter – and surrounded with cherry fabric (since I mentioned in my lecture that Kirsch is German for cherries). What a thoughtful and very much appreciated gift!!! I don’t have Patty’s email, so I’d like to send a huge thank-you to her now!

This is the back of her card:

The postcard arrived in a plastic sleeve.

I’m so glad it made it through the mail and I will treasure it.

During this time the ThreadBenders fiber art group I belong to decided to have a postcard challenge. We were to make a card and send it to the member who originated the idea, by a prespecified date. We each took photos front and back before they were mailed. Here’s mine:

I decided to make a small, simple, raw-edged landscape. Once the top was done I glue sticked it to a piece of cardstock and satin stitched around the outer edge. Bad plan. All the stitching holes allowed the card to immediately tear out along the perforations and I had to fuse it back into place. Then I added one line of stitching to be sure it wouldn’t come apart. We were all to photograph our postcards before we sent them in case they didn’t make it.

I went to our local post office and was told it needed to be weighed and hand stamped. A postage label was printed and trimmed to fit. And my postcard was on it’s way.

Eight of us participated and Cindy brought them to the following meeting. It was fun to see all the cards and hear their stories.

Cindy sent herself a card she made from a fabric printed for this very purpose.
Laura had the most “postcard making” experience and even had the proper plastic sleeve for mailing.
This card arrived at Cindy’s in great condition. Vicki said she sent an identical postcard to her son and it was badly mangled.

We really enjoyed seeing all the cards and Cindy did a great job of presenting them at the last meeting. There were many different techniques used in making the cards – and many different mailing methods. The ones that just stuck on a stamp made it as well as those who made the trip to the post office for the “recommended” way. If you look at the postage you may notice that my trust in my local PO cost me more than any of the others – and didn’t look as nice 🤣.

I enjoyed participating in this fun challenge, and I’m pretty sure Cindy enjoyed recieving all the cards.

The best part for me was finding Patty’s fabric postcard in my mailbox. Receiving them is even more fun than making them! Thanks again Patty! I’m encouraged to send out my own cards in the future and bring a smile to my friends! I think sending one to Patty is at the top of my list!

A Non-virtual Class

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Last weekend was an exciting, busy time for me. Friday and Saturday were spent at a Christian Women’s retreat in Green Lake, WI. It wasn’t virtual! We actually got together and had a fantastic time of worship and fellowship. I arrived home Saturday evening spiritually refreshed… and exhausted. I fell into bed early so that I could get up Sunday morning and drive to the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts to teach my first “in person” class in a year and a half!!! What a blessing!

In 2019 I was asked to donate a class to be auctioned off at the museum’s fundraiser. Lisa purchased my private workshop and invited 3 of her friends (actually her mom, daughter and a friend) to join her for my Seminole Sampler class. Everything was of course postponed last year, but the museum is beginning to schedule classes and we were the first on the list! What a joy!

The quilt museum has a bright and organized space for classes, and the exhibit space is filled with fascinating works of fiber. It’s open with all the appropriate precautions in place. Cedarburg has many lovely shops and eateries also, and I highly recommend a road trip!

The ladies each completed many wonderful Seminole strips and they now have a “tool box” full of border patterns for future quilts.

Thanks to Lisa, Joy, Tiffany and Cary for a delightful day. And a big thank you to Marilynn too – for being there for the museum and to take care of our needs all day.

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In this week’s post I’d also like to share a follow up to the “Labels in the Binding” post from a few weeks ago. Camille finished her sister Ruth’s quilt and sent me these photos:

Quilt front – quilted and bound
Quilt #2 on the back

and here’s the label!

This is a portion of Camille’s email to me that accompanied these photos:

“Hi Chris, Thank you for mentioning my sister Ruth’s quilt and words on the binding project on your recent blog! She was surprised and pleased to see your article… I will definitely do words on the binding again. This was truly a learning experience. I always enjoy your blog topics. Camille”

Thanks Camille, I’m so glad we were able to see the finished quilt. I’m sure Ruth LOVED it!

Two Sided Binding

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I came up with this method years ago when I made a small reversible table topper. There was no binding color that would look good on both sides since they represented two different seasons.

So I played around a bit and discovered a way that’s really quite easy to do! I find it works best done as a single binding.

Determine the width of the finished binding, multiply by 2 and add ¼” (ie. a ½” finished binding would be ½” x 2 = 1”; and 1” + ¼” = 1 ¼”). Choose a fabric to match each side of the quilt and cut enough strips from each (selvedge to selvedge) the above measurement in width, to go around the outer edge of the quilt. Sew all of the matching strips end to end to make a length of binding for both the front and back fabric.

Stitch these 2 long strips to each other with a 1/4″ seam allowance and press it open.

Now fold the binding in half and press again. By pressing the seam twice a sharp fold will result.

Lay the appropriate binding strip, right-sides-together and raw edges even, with one side of the quilt. Stitch in place (leaving a tail for a no-end finish). Use your binding width measurement as the seam allowance (mine was 1/2″). The distance from the edge of the quilt to the line of stitching should be equal to the distance between the two seams (note arrows below).

At the corner stop stitching at a spot a seam allowance away from the next edge of the quilt (for a tutorial on this click here). Fold the strip up at a 45 degree angle and then back down against the next edge, and continue to stitch in place.

Attach the binding all the way around.

There is nothing tricky about turning this binding to the back. Simply bring the binding around to the back (it will naturally cup at the corners),

and place the raw edge of the binding even with the raw edge of the quilt.

Fold it over flat against the quilt (the seam should lay at the outer edge of the quilt). This will create an angled corner (similar to wrapping a gift):

Carefully fold the adjacent binding over the edge of the quilt and pin/clip in place:

I like to hand-stitch the binding in place to finish – and it looks great front and back!

I hope you’ll add this technique to your “bag of tricks”. Over the years I’ve posted many tutorials on different techniques. If you ever want to find one from the past, simply type the topic into the search box on this site. If you have trouble locating what you’re looking for – please don’t hesitate to send me an email 😊. Enjoy!

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This week’s bonus! Jodi sent me this email:

“I had taken your class at Expo a couple years ago, and have been waiting to use it. Did a simple layer cake quilt for a friend because we both love this fabric. Decided to try the Seminole on it. Took me 2 days of piecing, but I’m LOVING it! Thank you for the inspiration!”

By cutting every other strip narrower, the size of the chain of squares down the center alternates and is more interesting. Great job Jodi – please send a photo of the completed quilt!