Quilting at the Poorhouse

Quilting at the Poorhouse has moved....

2010-07-14T17:10:00.003-04:00

Hello all! Quilting at the Poorhouse has moved! We are now found here - join us!

I'll meet you there - Kris

Tuesday Traveler with Texture

2010-06-17T16:06:00.004-04:00

Hello all!

Do you need a little instant gratification in your sewing? Texture Magic fits the bill! I was cutting out a Tuesday Traveler bag this morning and decided to jazz up the cell phone pocket with a little texture. So I cut a front pocket piece (about 1.4 times the height and width of the original pocket) to allow for the Texture Magic. I used a triple stitch zig zag and added rows to the piece at 1” intervals so that it would appear “smocked”. I applied the steam following the manufacturer’s instructions, and voila...a textured front pocket.

A little magic goes a long way with this bag! I think I'll be using more Texture Magic in the future!
Try it! -Kris

Visiting Nashua...

2010-06-10T13:49:00.006-04:00

I had the pleasure of visiting Nashua Sew and Vac in Nashua, NH last month. I want to share this gem of a shop with you!

Ruthie Ryan, the shop's owner is so inspiring! Her shop has many machines (check her website for brands), loads of accessories, and so many gadgets for the quilter and the sewist. The place is hopping with shoppers with all kinds of needs and Ruthie and her friendly staff handle it all with ease!

I visited the shop not once but twice, to give a mini-trunk show to the Viking and the Pfaff Club(s). These ladies have talent! Every time I go to a new quilt shop, guild meeting, or Quilt Market, I am struck by how diverse our interests are as sewers and quilters, but, deep down, we are all the same! Thanks so much to you all for wecoming me!

Happy sewing! -Kris

Thanks to the People in my Quilt Market Neighborhood!

2010-05-28T08:11:00.005-04:00

We survived our first Quilt Market! We (my mother, Jean, and I) had a wonderful time and met so many nice people! I have new respect for everyone in the booths - putting up our booth was the first of many adventures that we experienced!

We had dinner with good buddies Yolanda Fundora and Barbara Campbell and new friend Hoodie. We sure had a lot of laughs! Click on their links, so you can see what they are up to! We also were lucky to meet the gals from Berkshire Quilts - we met these New Englanders on the shuttle to the hotel!

We had great neighbors at Market - these veteran quilty companies were such an inspiration for us that I'd like to "share" them with you! Across from us, we had Rag Spun (applique shapes - cute !), Ackfeld Manufacturing (the hanger people), and Waterfall Quilts (Kathie's new book "Flip Flop Block Quilts" will be out soon!). On either side of us, we had Patch Abilities (great patterns!) and Sue Spargo Folk Art Quilts (She also has a new book - "Robin Run the Hedge"- she's taking pre-orders at her site!) . These gals (and guys, too!) really got us through our first Market and all I can say is "Thanks a million!". Your advice and encouragement helped us out so much!

Minneapolis is a beautiful city - we hope to return again and take time to see more of it! Keep Quilting! -Kris

A Wise Traveller

2010-05-19T16:39:00.004-04:00

Pardon my absence from the blogging world! We have been busily getting ready for Spring Quilt Market here! Before we leave, I'd like to share a Tuesday Traveler with you! My friend, Mary Anne Murphy made a quilt for our guild's challenge from her stash, using a print with owls on it. She decided that she needed a matching bag for her entry in the show and here's what she did!

An explanation of the challenge: Our challenge was to create a quilt from our stash without electricity (no sewing machines!). Mary Anne's quilt took third place! She used real feathers and hand stitched the pine branch on the quilt. Enjoy this bit of inspiration and keep quilting! -Kris

Thursday Night Jazz...

2010-05-03T15:04:00.005-04:00

Doesn't that sound smooth? It is! It's the name of another cool, new pattern from Poorhouse Quilt Designs, the Daily Specials Collection. These bags can take you out for a special night on the town!

We are featuring tips for sewing and quilting with silk taffeta in this pattern. Silk can be so much fun to quilt, it's very forgiving and best of all, it shows off even the simplest of quilting stitches beautifully! Each bag is on the small side -just enough to give you a taste of using silk.

Can't you picture these bags as gifts for bridesmaids? Prom season? The tote is 8" tall, the pouch is 7" tall x 6" wide and the clutch is 4" x 7".

I bought my silk through the Della Q website - check it out! You may be able to buy it locally - I hope you'lll give my pattern and silk a try!

Keep quilting - Kris

Happy Tuesday!

2010-04-27T06:43:00.003-04:00

This morning, I thought I’d share another new pattern with you! The Tuesday Traveler is another pattern in the “Daily Specials” collection (available May 24th). This versatile pattern features our easy zipper application, pockets to organize your essentials, and a long strap for comfort!

There is a small front pocket, for your cell phone or music player, a zippered outside pocket (I keep credit cards and license in here), and a zippered top pocket for the main part of the bag.

The fabrics used are the from Blank Quilting's Murano Collection.

Of course, this will be a perfect bag for your next shop hop! Travel on, quilters! -Kris

Daily Specials - Sunday Best!

2010-04-19T08:40:00.005-04:00

Good morning all!

It’s that time of year again – when pattern designers release new collections that will debut at Spring Quilt Market. I’d like to give you a preview of Poorhouse Quilt Designs’ new line, as well as a little background on the inspiration for the project.

Inspired by the Friday Bag, we decided to design a bag for every day of the week! After all, who wouldn’t want to change bags every day? We have dubbed this collection “Daily Specials”. I hope these patterns will appear on your sewing menu!

Today, we are previewing our “Sunday Best”! This bag features 3 rows of ruffles – an element designed to show off your fabric! The ruffles were inspired by clothing designer offerings for Resort and Spring 2010. These ruffles appear on blouses and dresses; they are big and loose, an easy but elegant statement.

My friend and pattern tester Jenn Dawley made her version of the bag, shown here: Her color choice is perfect for this bag, don’t you agree? In case you can't see it in the picture, her sewing is impeccable! Thanks Jenn!

Stay tuned for more Daily Specials!
-Kris

Backpacking in New Zealand

2010-03-31T07:12:00.005-04:00

No, I'm not going on vacation! I just received a picture of a quilted backpack that Alison of NZ made for her vacation! She used the pattern for the floral stripe backpack in Sew and Go Totes. I wanted to share this pic because it shows another way to use your fabrics! Alison did a beautiful job selecting the fabrics for her pack, which gives her a totally put-together look!

Thanks Alison! It's so much fun to see your interpretation of the bag.

Check out Sew and Go Totes and let your imagination tell you what to do.

Happy Sewing! -Kris

Go Gamecocks!

2010-03-09T07:23:00.004-05:00

I love to see what other sewers do with my patterns! Judith B just sent me a nice email with pictures of Sampler Totes that she has made. I particularly love the University of South Carolina’s Gamecock’s version! Instead of using quilt squares, she let the fabric do the work for her. She also made a version with beautiful autumn colors, for a friend. Judith – beautiful job!

Keep quilting! -Kris

Patchwork Pals

2010-02-21T21:13:00.004-05:00

I had so much fun meeting with a group of gals called the Patchwork Pals of Greater Lowell (MA)on Valentines Day, last week. This is a small guild that has BIG fun! They welcomed me to their meeting and I felt right at home - isn't that always the way with us quilters? I showed off my Sew and Go Totes and we chatted about ways to make better bags.

This is my way of saying thank you to this lovely group of ladies. If you live in the area and would like to join a small guild, give them a call! You may have just found some new pals! Support your local guilds! -Kris

No Botox Required!

2010-02-08T15:55:00.002-05:00

We are in the process of giving some of our patterns a little face lift. This is by no means an "Extreme Makeover"! Our first volunteer is the Sampler Tote. Here is the "after" picture (a.k.a. our new "look"). It's the same Sampler Tote pattern with a fresh new look - no botox required! The Sampler Tote offers many options - use up your test blocks (any 6" block will do - you don't have to use the blocks in the pattern), practice your free morion quilting, test out a color combination that you've been curious about. The possibilities are endless!
Keep on quilting! -Kris

Blogland and Oops!

2010-01-25T13:55:00.003-05:00

It's funny how you meet people in Blogland and get to see fellow quilter/crafter's creations! What a treat it is! I heard from a fellow blogger who I am now following at her Upstate Lisa blog. She emailed with questions regarding the Over the Shoulder bag pattern that I designed for the Winter 2010 issue of Quick Quilts. I asked her to send along a photo of the finished bag and here it is - isn't it great? I love Lisa's colors - visit her blog for some creative inspiration!

I'd like to pass along my "Oops" corrections, in case you'd like to make this bag!

After step 4, it should have told you the following:

a) Layer outer bag over wrong side of lining (21” x 42”) and baste to hold together for quilting.
b) Stitch in the ditch along all piecing to stabilize piece. Optional: Quilt a Large Meander on all red sections. Trim.

Then the divider panel with pockets will be sewn to the back section (see step 16) – here is a clarification for that:

c) Baste Inner Computer Panel to inside back section of bag, 1 ½” from seam as shown. Top edge of Inner panel should face flap.

Visit www.quiltmag.com to request a copy of the magazine, if you can't find a copy where you live.

Have a great day! -Kris

Tip for Sewing Purse/Tote Handles

2010-01-15T09:00:00.005-05:00

I used a new "tool" today to secure the pressed edges of handles together before topstitching - paper clips! I like strong handles for my projects however, strong handles = bent useless pins. This morning I used large paper clips and the process was a breeze - easy to slip on and off. I could also put the clips on while the handles were still hot from the iron and had a nice crease on each side. Try it!

Have a wonderful day! -Kris

Brilliant!

2010-01-04T17:01:00.002-05:00

I am thrilled with a new product that I just discovered called "Brilliant Bindings" by Wendt Quilting. This is a binding aid that helps you miter corners perfectly and join binding ends smoothly! Why try this ruler/tool?

1. Simplicity - This is a very straightforward tool to use. You get a page of clear, concise instructions (with color photos) with the tool, stepping you through the binding process to the end.
2. Value - This is a product that is priceed very reasonably for what you recieve.
3. Versatility - The 45 degree angle is not only required for smooth binding finishes, but I can see it's use in half square triangles, marking quilting, ruler positioning during rotary cutting.

Check out Wendt Quilting's website!

Happy binding! -Kris

Here's to 2010...

2009-12-31T13:49:00.004-05:00

...let's make it happy and healthy!

Skoal! -Kris

P.S. This postcard is from my grandmother Dolly Smith's collection.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T11:34:00.003-05:00

Have yourself a merry little Christmas! -Kris

We have a Winner!

2009-12-09T10:20:00.002-05:00

Thanks to all of you for entering and I'll be sending the On a Whim Fat Quarter Bundle to debbiekl! Thanks to all who entered and look for another giveaway soon! Happy Snow Day (we're having one here in NH!)!! -Kris

Another Giveaway…On a Whim!

2009-12-04T09:08:00.003-05:00

Good morning all!
Here is another giveaway for you – I will draw one name next Wednesday, December 9th. I have 7 fat quarters of “On a Whim”, by Amy Schimler! They are pictured at right – cute owls, birds, flowers and leaves. All you have to do is comment on my blog (if you are anonymous, please email me so I have your email contact information). Let your quilting friends know about this giveaway- who knows? You may have an early Christmas present! Thanks for following!

-Kris

We have Winners!

2009-12-02T10:00:00.001-05:00

The winners of our first giveaway are Cathy B and Jacky P - thanks for entering! You will get your issue of Quick Quilts in the mail, soon!

Our next giveaway starts tomorrow and here's a hint: it involves fat quarters....stay tuned! -Kris

Holiday Rush!

2009-12-01T08:38:00.003-05:00

Here it is, December 1st....and I just want to remind all about our giveaway of one issue - make that two!! I am giving away two issues of the Winter issue of Quick Quilt Magazine. It has in it.... drum roll please.... a laptop bag project designed by me! If you comment, and I draw your name, you'll receive it in the mail! I will be drawing this issue tomorrow December 2nd at 10:00 am. Comments, please!

Stay tuned - tomorrow I'll show you my scrappy tote! -Kris

Happy Thanksgiving to All!

2009-11-25T08:30:00.004-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all and I hope you enjoy your family and friends on this special day!

-Kris

The Poorhouse's First Give Away!

2009-11-24T14:57:00.002-05:00

I've been away for a while but I hope I can lure you back with this give away!

Happy news! Quick Quilts (Harris Publications, www.quiltmag.com) has published a project designed by moi in their Winter 2010 issue! And I just happen to have an extra which I'd like to share with one of you!

The project that I did for this magazine is a laptop bag which would be a great gift for your favorite college student! There are also 18 other projects that would surely make your holiday gift making list! And, as indicated by the name of the magazine, the projects are quick!

If you'd like to get this copy, please comment on this blog and I will enter you into the drawing. The drawing will take place Wednesday December 2nd by 10 am. If you are anonymous, please include your email in the comment so I can contact you if you win!

Please let your friends know about this too - you will enjoy this issue of Quick Quilts!

Happy quilting! -Kris

“Seams” Excellent!

2009-11-04T10:33:00.006-05:00

Piping adds dimension, personality and strength to your tote or bag seams. You can quickly create custom piping with these instructions; it’s inexpensive and adds some unexpected” pop”!

In order for your piping to easily follow seams and curves without wrinkling and twisting, you will be cutting the piping fabric on the bias (or at a 45 degree angle); find a ruler that has this angle included on it.

You will need Rayon Rat Tail Cording (2 mm) (from your local craft store) and your piping fabric. (This cording is a narrow diameter perfect for smaller accessories; piping for pillows requires a heavier, thicker cording).

Make piping:

Cut strips of the piping fabric 1” wide at a 45 degree angle. Piece strips together to make one long strip, joining at a 45 degree angle.
Place the cording in the center of strip. Wrap the bias strip around the cording, matching the edges.
Attach zipper foot*. Align the zipper foot so the edge of it is against the cording. Sew the seam allowances together to enclose the cording. The needle should be positioned as close to the cording as possible. You should now have piping with a ¼” “carrier” on the side.
*If you have a piping foot for your sewing machine, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for attaching and needle position.

How to use piping? Piping is placed between pieces in the seamline. Position piping along seamline (right side), so that the raw edges match the raw edges of seam. Sew along the seamline; place opposing piece over and follow previous stitching. If you need to sew around a curve, pin the piping in place and clip along piping raw edges – this will relieve the strain on the piping, and create the smooth curve that you want. Be careful not to cut through the original piping stitching.

Consider:
Use striped fabric for piping – after cutting on the bias, you will have diagonal stripes on the piping.
Use a mottled or small polka dot for piping – everyone will know it’s custom made!
You can add your custom piping on quilts (on right side) before you bind, then place binding at this seam for a different look.

Have fun with piping and send along pics of your results! Enjoy! -Kris

Friday Shop Hop - Kingston, NH!

2009-10-26T11:02:00.004-04:00

OK, it's Monday - I am a little late with this post! (More on that later!)

Destination: Kingston, NH. An idyllic spot for a quilt shop – beautiful town common, antique shops, state park. Are you in the mood to browse, unhurried, through fabric, quilt patterns, books, and tools and to have a good laugh at the same time? Your hosts, Tammy and Glen Rommel will ensure that you have a grand time!

Stop by Stitched in Stone, located at the Carriage Town plaza, off Rt 125 – you will not be disappointed! In this spacious shop you will find great lighting (I crave good lighting in Quilt Shops!), loads of space for classes, and a selection of fabrics that just keeps getting better and better! Tammy stocks batiks in every color, fun fabric collections, traditional solids in every color, specialty threads, tools, you name it, they have it.

Did I mention yarn? They stock some yummy yarns...now if only I could knit......

They are also experts in sewing machine repair and Elna and Babylock Dealer. There - I think I've covered it all! No I haven't - go visit!

Wishing you a quilty day-

-Kris

Friday Bag Options Chapter 1

2009-10-20T09:53:00.010-04:00

The new Friday Bag pattern includes instructions for a reversible bag.

I chose "Gobble Gobble" from Sandy Gervais for my reversible option. It's a perfect fall choice. This is the bag I wore in Houston and it received rave reviews! I stitched a decorative strip along the Midpanel to seams on each side (a 1" strip folded in half- line up raw edges with seam line and baste along seamline). Then place the Side Panel over the strip and stitch. Voila! Instant seam definition! (I use the flowered side out right now!) Have a quilty day and stay tuned for more Friday bag options! -Kris

Meet our girl Friday or the Friday Bag!

2009-10-13T08:49:00.009-04:00

It's NEW! It's comfortable! Best of all - it's quick!

It will be ready for you on November 1st...let me introduce you to the Friday Bag!

Here is a new bag that is relaxed enough for Friday, but sophisticated enough for a walk in your urban jungle. The fabric here is called "Garden Party" - it's a riot of spring color - it is now being offered by Blank Quilting. the fabric is designed by textile designer Yolanda Fundora. Kits will be available on Yolanda's website for the versions shown here!!

With this bag, you have options! You can quilt the panels, you can make it reversible, you can embellish or piece. The choice is yours!

Feature your lastest fabric find! Coming soon...more options with our girl Friday!

Until then, have fun with your sewing machine - go on, give it a hug!)

-Kris

Friday Shop Hop - Plaistow, NH

2009-10-02T08:00:00.009-04:00

I recently visited The Sewing Basket which opened this past July at 86 Main Street in Plaistow, NH. How could I have missed that?

If you happen to be in Southern NH (maybe doing a little leaf peeping?), don't miss this great little quilt shop! Patty, the owner, has a delightful collection of fabrics, gifts and sewing notions all tucked into a charming Victorian.

Are you ready for the tour? When you enter The Sewing Basket, you will find an entryway filled with seasonal gift items.

The front window, as you can see at left, is filled with pretty batiks.

There are vignettes of fabric, wreaths, quilts all around you, yet the shop does not feel crowded. The fabric collection is a nice mix of seasonal fabrics and traditional to modern fabrics. The colors are bright and cheerful.

For those not inclined to sew, there are aprons, doll clothes and other handmade crafts for purchase.

If you'd like to spend a pleasant morning shopping for fabric, head for The Sewing Basket. Say hello to Patty!

Keep quilting! -Kris

P.S. The center of Plaistow is very pretty this time of year; check out the clock tower on the town hall!

Fall Facts with Leaf Project

2009-09-09T08:19:00.004-04:00

Here are some fun Fall facts that I found at http://www.lookingforadventure.com/fallfacts.htm:

Fall colors are best when late summer is dry & autumn has bright sunny days & cool nights below 40 °F.
Fall days become shorter & many plants stop making food. That is when the green chlorophyll starts to disappear from the leaves.
Most leaves fall from trees because the ends of the branch are sealed off near the leaf stem to protect the tree through the long winter months.

At left is a birch leaf (approximately 10" high) I made using my stash - I am going to make this into an art quilt/wall hanging and I will share the final product with you.

How to do this:

Take a digital picture of a single leaf using your driveway or sidewalk as a contrasting background. Pick a leaf with a shape that you like - the color is not important.
Load the photo into your computer and open your photo editing software. Crop close to the leaf.
Resize the image to the size that you like.
Print out a picture of the leaf in black and white.
With a sharpie, outline then divide the leaf into different sections along natural divisions, such as the veins of the leaf. Use the different gradations of gray to determine where you will use darker and lighter colors. Number each section.
Now trace each section onto paper backed fusible web, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for prepping and fusing.
Zig-zag onto backing and have fun!
I used ribbon floss for a stem.

Have fun with this! -Kris

Color from a Sketchbook - Part 1

2009-09-04T06:48:00.005-04:00

The mornings are brisk here in NH, but the days still warm up nicely. I think a last day at the beach is in order! I am packing a Bongo Bag and a Crafty Tote done in Sketchbook Teal Blue by Blank Quilting, designed by Yolanda Fundora.

I have to admit: Blue is never my first choice. However, this collection made a believer out of me! This is an analogous color scheme, using blues/green inspired by nature.

My personal favorite of the Teal Blue colorway is the Arabesque Turquoise. It's a timeless floral - perfect for a bag, front porch quilt, or a wearable!

The lime paisley really makes this collection pop - it is also a very versatile fabric. It can be paired with so many fabrics in my stash- I would bet you'd find it a good addition to your collection.

Stay tuned for more Sew and Go Totes done up in Sketchbook!
-Kris

September!

2009-09-01T11:10:00.003-04:00

I love September! The kids are in school, the weather is cooling off and there is a hint of Fall in the air!

Did you know that September is also National Sewing Month? You can find out the details here! There is a Sewing Green Contest that is going on now until September 30th. What a great way to entice a crafty teen!

I hope you are enjoying the first day of September! -Kris

An Interview with Karen Dumont

2009-08-27T08:29:00.005-04:00

Now and then, Quilting at the Poorhouse would like to introduce you to "movers and shakers" in the quilting world.

This morning, I’d like to introduce you to a friend of mine and fellow quilt pattern designer, Karen Dumont. She’s the creative mind behind Karie Patch Designs; a pattern company specializing in whimsical designs for the young at heart! Karen and I met at Quilt Market in 2007 and she has been an inspiration to me ever since! Karen's quilts have been featured in Harris Publications' Quilts, Quick Quilts and McCall's Quilting Magazines. Grab a cup of coffee and let’s meet Karen:

Karen, how did you get started designing quilt patterns?
I would visit the local quilt shop frequently and take my quilts to show to my friends there. The owner, Sheddy Reese encouraged me to publish patterns of my work. I did not have a clue how to go about doing that but eventually became friends with another quilter, Susan Emory, who was also a graphic designer. She was willing to do the computer work that was needed to produce the patterns. The rest is history. Susan now owns the quilt shop that Sheddy sold to her 3 years ago and I have another friend do my patterns for me.

Where do you get your inspiration for new designs?
Usually ideas pop into my head in the middle of the night, friends suggests things they would like me to make but most of the time it is the fabric that inspires me.

How would you describe your company’s style?
Bright, whimsical, and cheerful quilts that make people happy when they see them. I want my quilts to give a warm and inviting feeling to a room.

What is your favorite quilting “process”? (For example, I really like free motion quilting…)
Applique. I feel that I can express myself in my applique designs more so than pieced.

Which pattern is your current favorite?
Sweet Caroline and Dolly Claire, they run neck and neck as being my favorites. Of course, there is a reason for that. Both patterns are named after our two granddaughters, Caroline and Claire!
My daughter calls Caroline and Claire, Sass One and Sass Two so I told Caroline at dinner just this evening that my next pattern will be named Sassy Girls!

Karen, I know you teach. What do you enjoy most about teaching? Do you have a message for beginners?
I love being with others who share the same interests that I do. It is fun teaching other quilters most of the techniques and shortcuts that I have taught myself over the past 12 years.
My advice to beginners, only make the type of quilts that you find pleasure in sewing. Start out making simple things and don’t get into complicated patterns that will frustrate you because you will never finish them. Change any pattern you make to meet your likes and experiment with choosing your own fabric not the same as the pattern designer.

What would quilters like to know about you?
That I am one wild and crazy Grandma!!!!!! Seriously, I love life and like to find humor in everything I do.

Thanks so much Karen, for spending your time with us and we will be watching to see what’s new at Karie Patch Designs! Please check out Karen’s website at http://www.kariepatch.com/store/Default.asp ; you can also email Karen on her contact page there.

Happy Quilting!
-Kris

Turning Leaves Tote - Options!

2009-08-24T07:44:00.004-04:00

Kits! We have kits!

Turning Leaves Tote fabric kits are available at the Urban-Amish website by Yolanda Fundora. What? you haven't been to her site? Why not jump over now? This is a great website if you are loofing for creative inspiration!

The Turning Leaves Tote is a truly comfortable medium sized bag that you can whip up in a day! And, I especially like the fact that you can buy a kit with all of the fabrics ready for you to sew. A little rotary cutting and you are ready to start your sewing machine humming!

Features of the Turning Leaves Tote:

Easy cutting - strips only;
Quilt as you go - this project can be as easy as you want it to be;
Applique options - use the leaf patterns provided or add your own;
Easy strap - fuse and topstitch - no turning of bulky tubes
Simple Zippered pocket inside - quick application!

Give this tote a try and email me a picture! I would especially like to hear from you about the zipper application - let me know what you think! Have a successful sewing day! -Kris

It's been such a long time....

2009-08-19T08:05:00.006-04:00

Good morning all!

I am back! Blogging took a backseat during our vacation. I had good intentions and even had free wi-fi so I have no excuse!

We took a trip to Hershey PA this year - my husband and two boys love rollercoasters. Notice that I do not include myself in that group. I am the holder of everything not allowed on the coaster - hats, cameras, backpacks, etc. I am happy to be the holder! The picture on your right is "Fahrenheit", a rollercoaster with a 97 degree drop (not kidding)! Wouldn't you want to be the holder? Please note: I did enjoy Chocolate World!

I did go to Quilt Odyssey which was being held in Hershey. What a nice show! I had a great time admiring all of the beautiful quilts. I am showing just a section of Arabesque by Karen Kay Buckley, of Carlisle, PA. This is a stunning quilt in person. You can view this awardwinning quilt here.

Quilt shows are so inspirational - I really missed my sewing machine after attending that show!

Keep quilting! -Kris

(P.S. In case you are wondering, the post title does refer to a song by Boston!)

Color Theory

2009-07-28T08:00:00.001-04:00

Contemplating your preferences...

As a quilter, I am always thinking about color and it's never-ending combinations. I found a great website called Worqx (dedicated to web design, actually) which has an interesting tutorial on Color Theory. Even though this tutorial contains references to html, the ideas are applicable to our art! I found that am attracted to split complementary color combinations. Take your time with the tutorial to discover your preferences and what other possibilities you may be missing! And..don't forget to try out Peter Piper's Pallet Picker!

Happy quilting! -Kris

Day 21 - 21 Days to Free Motion Quilting Success!

2009-07-24T10:36:00.004-04:00

You made it! Twenty one days! Here is your last exercise:

This one is fun - write, then echo! Have fun with this last exercise and keep in mind that you are better at free motion than you were 21 days ago (OK give or take a few days!!).

I will continue to post fun free motion exercises for you - please send me links or pics of your successes! I'd love to post them!

Have a great weekend and happy quilting! -Kris

Day 20 - 21 Days to Free Motion Quilting Success!

2009-07-22T11:30:00.003-04:00

There may be a song in there, but I can't find it! I wanted to demonstrate my practice piece. I started with a staff and added notes, I didn't like that. So I changed to a heavier thread - again I wasn't comfortable with the result. How about adding loops and words, without the staff? OK - that looks better but I still feel its not quite there! Time to walk away and let the idea simmer. If you want to, make some music and email me a pic!

Take it easy and keep quilting! -Kris

Day 19 - 21 Days to Free Motion Quilting Success!

2009-07-21T08:00:00.003-04:00

Good morning, Quilters! This morning we have a very practical exercise for you. Can you believe it is Day 19? Remember our loop-de-loops that we did on day 6? We are going to expand on that idea. This is a great stipple that I saw in Dawn Ramirez’s Pajama Quilter Workbook. She has many ideas and I particularly love that she uses a white board to draw out her designs first – genius! You may want to check out her DVD!

So – let’s get to it! Start with a small loop and don’t stop there! Go around once more and add another larger loop! Have fun and hope you are feeling loopy!

-Kris

Day 18 - 21 Days to Free Motion Quilting Success!

2009-07-20T08:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning, Quilters!

Wow - is it really Day 18 of this exercise? This morning we are deep sea diving and creating a seascape with shells, stars and swirls. This takes some control, but you have it! I think it would be a good idea to draw this one out on a piece of paper first. For the shell – I created the outline of the shell first, then came back and added the ridges. For the star, I created the outer then the inner star. Wouldn’t this be great on a summer placemat?

Happy Quilting-

-Kris

Tidal Totes by the Sea

2009-07-16T08:00:00.003-04:00

I heard from Kathy Stanley of Sew Maine yesterday. She owns two lovely shops in Maine, one in Portland (Sew Portland) and Trenton (Sewing by the Sea). We chatted for a few minutes about the Tidal Totes pattern; she and a group of 8 other women ventured to Lily's Cafe in Stonington, Maine and enjoyed a day of sewing and eating. (Now that's a perfect day!)

Click here to read Kathy's blog and see her beautiful embroidered Tidal Tote. You will also be inspired by all of the color choices. Check it out!

Keep quilting!
-Kris

Day 17 - 21 Days to Free Motion Quilting Success!

2009-07-15T08:00:00.002-04:00

Good morning, Quilters!

We are almost done with our 21 day experiment – I hope you are having fun with this! Our next exercise is my take on a hibiscus – but it can be any flower you’d like to draw! I started with a petal, then added the center, then added the subsequent petals. After that, I just kept echoing. Echo quilting requires that you pick a thickness that you’ll “keep” when stitching around a shape. I used the relative distance between the edge of my darning foot and outermost row of stitching. You can determine the distance you’d like and just be consistent and have fun!

Happy Quilting-

-Kris

Day 16 - 21 Days to Free Motion Quilting Success!

2009-07-10T08:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning, Quilters!
I’d like to take a walk with you down the street with your sewing machine. You are going to take it slow making (approximately 1”) houses and trees. There is no perfect house or tree. You are smiling, enjoying the sunshine, and walking along at an even pace. Also remember, this is not a race – this is a perfect lazy summer day free motion exercise – keep it even and consistent. Are you getting the hang of this now? (Go easy on yourself - this is fun!)
Email me a pic of your houses!

Happy Quilting-

-Kris

Sewing Macine Maintenance

2009-07-07T08:00:00.000-04:00

I am interrupting this program for a brief annual maintenance of my sewing machine!

This morning, I brought my machine to Portsmouth Fabric Company for its annual tune-up. If you’re in the Seacoast area of NH – don’t miss it! It’s a great place for color inspiration and art quilt fabrics. Here is a great article on the store.

Clipart from:

Happy quilting!

-Kris

Happy 4th of July to all!!

2009-07-04T08:00:00.001-04:00

Happy 4th of July!

Here's a patriotic Tidal Tote, done by my mother, Jean Johnson! Isn't it cute?

Have a great day!

-Kris

Day 15 - 21 Days to Free Motion Quilting Success!

2009-07-03T08:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning Quilters!

Here in the Granite State, we have rocks. So we have many rock walls. This is ours!(OK - an old pic!)

Today, let's make them on our machines! We are practicing circles today. This exercise forces you to slow down and take control of your quilting. You will start with one "rock" and carefully fit other rocks around it - you may want to fill in row by row or more randomly. I find that I sometimes have to go around the rocks more than once to achieve the shape that I want - go ahead and have fun with this!

Keep practicing!

-Kris

Day 14 - 21 Days to Free Motion Quilting Success!

2009-07-02T13:51:00.003-04:00

Good afternoon Quilters! I apologize for yesterday's absence - rainy days are getting me down! Here we are again with our quilt sandwiches and I needed sunshine and flowers on this July 2nd! So here we go! I decided on a flower. I came "in "on the left hand side and made the center, giving myself room to come "out" between the previous stitching lines. I added petals around the final flower center. You can go on and add more petals.

I'd like to share this morning's experience with you regarding quilting - I did not have the correct needle/thread combination in my machine this morning and started skipping stitches. I changed things - first tension, then needle, then finally thread and once I changed to a different spool of thread, I fixed the problem. Try to remember to systematically change things and test your changes one at a time, so that you know what the problem is. Needless to say, I threw away the thread!

Happy Quilting! -Kris

Day 13 - 21 Days to Free Motion Quilting Success!

2009-06-29T08:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning, quilters! It's a dreary day here in NH (again) - I'll definitely need some sewing to get through this!

To add to your repertoire and instill more confidence, we will work today on a common shape - the 5 pointed star! Like the last exercise, I combined it with loops - but it would also look nice with hearts. This is a good meander for a child's quilt, by the way. You may want to draw the 5 pointed star first. This should be a large meander.
For fun - attend this on-line quilt show! http://www.americanquilter.com/shows_contests/paducah/2009/contests/quilt_winners.php

Keep Quilting! -Kris

Day 12 - 21 Days to Free Motion Quilting Success!

2009-06-27T11:30:00.000-04:00

Doodle!

Good afternoon wherever you are! You've probably already come to this conclusion, but it really helps to draw out your designs before you quilt them. Here is my doodle I and the resulting quilting. Try the hearts and loops - I think you'll have fun!

Happy Quilting! -Kris

Day 11 - 21 Days to Free Motion Quilting Success!

2009-06-25T08:00:00.006-04:00

Good morning Quilters! Summer is a great time to attend quilt shows - they are an invaluable resource of inspiration and ideas! Research what is coming up at your vacation destination - this year we are taking the kids to Hershey/Gettysburgh area. I am taking one day to attend Quilt Oddyssey 2009 (gee....hubby and kids don't want to go)!

Our exercise today is easy and fun - we are going to make clamshells. Start with a small "hill" and build on it by increasing size and changing directions until you have a mollusk of some sort. You can build colonies of these shells by adding "hills" as you go. As you can see, they don't have to be perfect - it's just practice!

Have fun and keep quilting! -Kris

Day 10 - 21 Days to Free Motion Quilting Success!

2009-06-24T20:00:00.003-04:00

Tonight's exercise is easy! This reminds me of Laverne and Shirley ("Schlemiel, schlimazel, hasenpfeffer incorporated!") - just start with a capital L and keep going. Fill up a section of your sandwich and you've practiced for the day (You're about halfway there!)!

Keep quilting! -Kris

Day 9 - 21 Days to Free Motion Quilting Success!

2009-06-23T08:00:00.008-04:00

Good morning all! My sincerest apologies for not posting yesterday! My husband and I ran the 5th grade cookout yesterday, as well as attended my oldest's 8th grade promotion! When it rains, it pours!

Let's get back to free motion quilting! Before we start on a new exercise, here's a tip that I have found extremely helpful: When you need to take a break, stop with your your needle down. When you start again, stitch in the same place and then keep going. In the past, I tried to move right away from my stopping point, but that would result in long uneven stitches at that point. But now, I take a few stitches in place and then get going again and this seems to have eliminated the problem. Try it!

Today we'll work on a shape that is so versatile: leaves! We'll be sewing these along in row, but they are easy to do in a meanering fashion also. So, let's get started!

Do this vertically to start.

Make one leaf shape, going up one side and down the other.

Add one vein in the middle.

Travel down from here and add a leaf out to the right and add a vein, then repeat to the alternating left and right.

You have a leafy vine! I find this is a nice border treatment. You can expand this by using more intricate shapes for your leaves and adding more veins. The choices are endless!

Happy quilting! -Kris

Day 8 - 21 Days to Free Motion Quilting Success!

2009-06-19T08:45:00.003-04:00

I think the moon is in the 7th house.....today we are taking an easy shape (peace sign, dudes) and incorporating it into a stipple. I think this would be groovy scattered (sparsely) on a teen quilt!

Tip: If you are going to put identical shapes into a stipple (ex: stars, snowflakes, hearts...), practice on a throw away sandwich and determine a repetitive process. For the peace signs, I made a circle perpendicular to where I was in the stipple, from the top, I came straight down, added 2 bird legs, then up and out the top. I did this for every one.

Peace out quilters! Have a great weekend and day 9 begins on Monday! -Kris

Day 7 - 21 Days to Free Motion Quilting Success!

2009-06-18T08:00:00.002-04:00

Good morning! Today's exercise is quick and easy - let's try "weaving". Start with a few vertical "hills" then add horizontal "hills", repeat until you have a row of a size you like, then maneuver to the next row. Your hills should be of a somewhat consistent size to achieve the basketweave.

Tip: Try this on paper before you quilt. Have fun! Smile! Keep quilting! -Kris

Day 6 - 21 Days to Free Motion Quilting Success!

2009-06-17T08:00:00.003-04:00

Good morning - Hope you are ready to get sewing!

We are going to get loopy again today. Stipple as you did yesterday, but intermittently add loops. If you add loops consistently, it'll look great. This is a good fill in baby quilts. Make an entier loopy sample sandwich and let me know if you like this stipple. You can also add hearts instead of loops, if you dare!!

Just a word on starts and stops. I like to keep my needle in the same position and first pull my thread to the top, then gradually increase stitch length for my starts and reverse that for my stops. I don't like to try to reverse, as I think it creates a "bobble" at these points. See what you like for starting and stopping.

Check this out: Here is a general website for quilting - check out Diane's tips -- she's one of the great machine quilters!

Have a quilty day! -Kris

Day 5 - 21 Days to Free Motion Quilting Success!

2009-06-16T08:00:00.001-04:00

By now, you must be thinking "Let's just stipple already!!". I'd like you to start today with a fresh quilt sandwich (8" square is fine). As you can see from the grainy photos, I'd like you to get a feel for making lumpy stipply (is that a word?) shapes. So, instead of trying to make the familiar puzzle shape pieces, let's start with smooth round "hills" randomly placed around each other. So:

Look at the photo top left and start with making hills in the middle of your sandwich.

Without rotating your sandwich, follow around your "hills", with more "hills"(top right)

Continue around and around your sandwich with these "hills" until it is completely filled (bottom right then bottom left).

Your sample may look like a frilly flower. Again, don't worry too much right now about spacing between hills but instead, try for smooth, consistent motion. Also take a look at what you've done to determine if you need to slow down or speed up your hands (see Day 4).

Tip: I hold my hands about 6" apart and they act as a frame to my work. I complete the work "inside" my hands, stop (needle down), reposition, and start again.

Here is a list of my all-time favorite Machine Quilting Books (they may be at your library):

Machine Quilting: A Primer of Techniques by Sue Nickels (pub by American Quilters Society)

Guide to Machine Quilting by Diane Gaudynski (pub by American Quilters Society)

Easy Machine Quilting edited by Jane Townswick (pub by Rodale Press)

Enjoy the process!! Keep Quilting!

-Kris

Day 4 - 21 Days to Free Motion Quilting Success!

2009-06-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

I'm baaaaack! Let's try something a little more challenging today! Today, we'll make some waves. Start on the left, go smoothly up and over the wave, then come back and scoop under. Let's make a multitude of waves, some rows to the right, then switch to rows going to the left (I started on the right for these rows). I am right-handed - I felt more control when traveling to the right.

This time, try to look for consistent stitch length - adjust your speed as you go along. If you find your stitch length is too long, you may need to run your machine faster. If you find that your stitches are too small, move your hands faster. Consistent stitch length takes time to achieve - practice and you'll be rewarded!!

Don't forget to:

Drop your feed dogs.
Reduce top tension slightly to start.
Thread your machine with good quality thread.
Install a new needle (let's use a Universal 80/12 needle to start).
With your practice quilt sandwich under the presser foot, lower the needle and raise it to bring bobbin thread to the top of the sandwich. As you start sewing, hold onto both threads to start.

Smile and keep quilting!

-Kris

Day 3 - 21 Days to Free Motion Quilting Success!

2009-06-12T07:33:00.003-04:00

Here we go Loop - di - loop! Let's just enjoy the process today~
give yourself permission to make loops - here are the rules:

No particular size;
No required direction;
Keep your motion smooth;
Turn on some great music;
Smile!

Try fill in at least 1/4 of your quilt sandwich! If you have a quilt sandwich that you'd like to share, send me a photo and I'd love to!

Our adventure resumes next Monday!

Keep Quilting! -Kris

Day 2 - 21 Days to Free Motion Quilting Success!

2009-06-11T10:57:00.008-04:00

Stitch Quality.... Let's talk tension!

When you are free motion quilting, you may find that your stitch tension is not what it should be. You may see that your top thread appears to be "laying" on top of the fabric , and you may see loops of bobbin thread on the top . This indicates that your top tension needs to be decreased. Decrease the tension one number at a time and continue to sew.

What if the back side of the quilting is loopy? Try increasing the top tension to eliminate those loops. You'll find a setting that works for you if you work at it. This is also a good time to check your manual for tips to help you balance your tension.

Now - your assignment for today is: Write your name in free motion. This exercise is to be done in cursive. Here is what I did:
Because you have written your signature so many times, this will be an easy exercise to familiarize your hands with moving in all directions. This is fun - use your quilt sandwich and the "get started list" from yesterday. You may want to try quilting gloves also!

Keep quilting!

-Kris Poor

Day 1 - 21 Days to Free Motion Quilting Success!

2009-06-09T08:19:00.008-04:00

Join us as we embark on an adventure that I've named "21 Days to Free Motion Quilting Success"!

Anyone can free motion quilt - it does takes practice - that's what we will be doing for the next 21 days! I have put together 21 exercises that will start you on your way to stippling and other fun free motion options! You can follow along and do each exercise on the day that it's posted, or you may want to practice at your own pace. You will find these lessons (titled Day # - 21 Days to Free Motion Quilting Success) under "Topics" on the left sidebar of this blog under Free Motion.

Let's get started:

Prepare a 12" x 12" quilt sandwich (front, batting, backing secured with either basting spray or safety pins.
Put your free motion foot on your sewing machine (consult your manual if you aren't sure which foot you should use).
Drop your feed dogs.
Reduce top tension slightly to start.
Thread your machine with good quality thread.
Install a new needle (let's use a Universal 80/12 needle to start).
With your practice quilt sandwich under the presser foot, lower the needle and raise it to bring bobbin thread to the top of the sandwich. As you start sewing, hold onto both threads to start.

Here is your first assignment: Make rows of small (approximately 1/2" high) "hills and valleys" as shown on the right. The sample does not have to be beautiful (see my sample - definitely not perfect!). This exercise puts you in control of the machine and allows you to experience the feeling of free motion! Allow yourself to fill in approximately 1/4 of your quilt sandwich. Leave the rest of your sanwich for tomorrow! Tomorrow we will start looking at stitch quality and consistency.

-Keep quilting!

-Kris Poor

Sketchbook and Sew and Go - Part 1

2009-06-09T08:06:00.002-04:00

As promised, here are two of the Sew and Go totes, done in the Sketchbook Butter colorway. This is a new line from Blank Quilting designed by Yolanda Fundora. As you can see, I adore the green paisley.

If you look closely at the tote on the left, you will see an appliqued monogram. I made the pattern for the applique using MSWord. I printed out the letter in black (Times New Roman Font=48) and cut it out. I then taped it (backwards) to my studio window and traced it onto the fusible backing. I zig-zagged it onto the block using a heavy narrow zig-zag. It's not quite a satin stitch, as I don't like that look.

Tomorrow is the debut of the "21 Days to Free Motion Quilting Comfort" - come back tomorrow to get your first "assignment"!

Until then -

keep quilting!

-Kris

Friday Shop Hop - Salem MA!

2009-06-04T22:18:00.010-04:00

Today we are going to Salem Massachusetts to visit Marketplace Quilts on a virtual shop hop! After we pass the House of Seven Gables, we come to the waterfront and park in the South Harbor Garage located at the corner of Derby Street and Congress Street. From there, it's only a short walk (click here for directions).

Maureen Clark started Marketplace Quilts 9 years ago with a friend. This quaint shop is located on Front Street in Salem MA.

Her shop carries a good mix of contemporary and traditional quilting fabrics, and an abundance of current books, patterns and pre-cuts. There are displays galore to inspire you.

Marketplace Quilts specializes in customer service. Maureen is friendly, energetic and ready to help you with all of your quilting projects! She has small classes in her shop so that everyone has one-on-one time with the teacher! My mother Jean and I really enjoyed meeting Maureen and we know we'll definitely be back!

If you are going to Salem, this shop is very close to all of the attractions. My kids and I have enjoyed re-enactments at the Town Hall, the Peabody Essex Museum and Pickering Wharf for ice cream! There is so much to do in Salem - do stop by Marketplace Quilts - we think you'll enjoy it!

Keep quilting!

-Kris

Spring Quilt Market, Pittsburgh

2009-05-29T06:54:00.010-04:00

This post is all about Tammy and Kris' excellent adventure to Spring Quilt Market in Pittsburgh! (I know this post is long overdue - better late than never!!)

I was so lucky to attend Quilt Market with Tammy Rommel, owner of Stiched in Stone. This was a great opportunity for me to see Quilt Market (Quilt Market is our indutry's trade show - all of the new products are shown) from the shop owner's perspective. I don't know how she does it - so much temptation in one place!!! (She's got some great fabric coming in!!)

We started out on a dreary Thursday morning at 6 AM at a coffe stop in Andover, MA. We then hit the road, full of enthusiasm - we had the usual slowdown in Hartford, CT but then it was smooth sailin' straight through to Pittsburgh! We stopped once in Wilkes-Barre to gas up and get a bite to eat. We really enjoyed the barns and cows on the PA turnpike - so scenic.

We arrived at our hotel in Pittsburgh at 6:30 pm - a beautiful hotel (Pittsburgh Marriot Downtown). I'd recommend this hotel to anyone visiting the Steel City. We were close to nice restaurants in the cultural district - and right on the waters of the Allegheny River! We had to register so immediately we went to the David L. Lawrence Conference Center which I have to say is a gorgeous building. (Nerdy note here - this building is LEED certified - which means it meets standards set forth by the US Green Building Council - these buildings usually have loads of natural light -energy savings -a great venue to view quilts at!)

When market opened the folowing day, Tammy had loads of appointments to attend and orders to make- she was quite busy! She's a popular lady with the manufacturers! I had the pleasure of walking around seeing great booths and quilts. Click here to see examples of some of the booths at the show. At the same time, there was a juried quilt show there - unfortunately we didn't have a lot of time to see these quilts (they were breathtaking) - click here for a tour of these quilts.

I had camera amnesia while I was there - I did not take as many photos as I would have liked! Here is a photo of the Blank Quilting booth -they featured my Sew and Go Totes along with other great quilty items. The Sew and Go Totes were all done up in Sketchbook collection designed by Yolanda Fundora. (More about this in a later post!) It was great to meet the folks at Blank also!

I was able to catch up with some of my quilt show buddies and meet some new ones. I did have my picture taken with Fabio at the Starwood booth ;)and had a chance to talk with Penel at the Pattern Peddlers booth. My buddy Karen Dumont (Karie Patch Designs) had a beautiful booth - her first time! She is quite an artist and inspiration. Check out her "Hip Chicks"!! I even had the pleasure of meeting Joan Hawley (of Lazy Girl Designs)- she's even nicer in person!

All in all, it was an excellent adventure - we had loads of laughs, great food and fun!
Tammy was so generous to invite me to take this trip with her! Thanks so much Tammy!

Keep Quilting!

-Kris

Sneak Peak at Turning Leaves

2009-05-13T16:42:00.004-04:00

Coming out soon for fall - Turning Leaves Tote! Stay tuned...here is a peak! This tote will have loads of pockets; some zipped, some not. Even had a request for a key fob - it's an option!

Can't show you the whole thing now...shhhhh...it's not out yet!

Also stay tuned for Kris and Tammy's excellent adventure! (Hint: We're heading to Pittsburgh...)

Happy Quilting!

-Kris

Appreciate Your Library!

2009-05-11T19:10:00.002-04:00

I am a big fan of public libraries! I remember being able to walk to the library when I attended middle school. I took out so many books - can't remember which books, but I do remember that giddy sense of exhilaration - I had a new book to read!

I still go to our library and still experience the thrill of a subject or story undiscovered. Our library has provided me with business plans, tax advice, and Michael Connolly mysteries.

This past Saturday, I gave a talk on Quilted Tote Bags at the Derry Public Library. I approached the library staff with my proposal for this program, admitting also that I hadn't given it before. They were to be my guinea pigs. The staff was so encouraging all along the way. The day of the talk went smoothly – all of the attendees were such a delight! Aren’t quilters happy people? (Good thing, because I had no success with that extra large grommet!)

I just want to thank my library– and if you’re reading this, thank a librarian today!

Rising Star!

2009-05-06T13:04:00.006-04:00

Quilters are amazing! Teagan (shown here) is just 9 years old and so talented! She is modeling her Sampler Tote that she made during the kid's quilt classes at Stitched in Stone.

She was eager to show her teacher at school when she finished it - I'll bet her teacher was impressed! Teagan has been encouraged by her proud grandmother Gail!

What an inspiration!

Keep Quilting! -Kris

Project Inspiration from Washington DC

2009-05-04T20:33:00.004-04:00

We're back! My husband, 2 boys and I took a short trip to Washington DC last week during the boys' April vacation. What a great time we had - the boys really loved it - they are at the perfect ages to enjoy it (11 and 14).

As a quilter, I looked for quilt inspiration everywhere. Paintings, sculpture, landscaping, architecture... I found it in the oddest spot - covering drainage on Capital Hill (this is certainly not a comment on what may drain out of the hill...). I think this grate could be a table runner or a quilt stencil. What do you think?

Fiesta for the Eyes

2009-04-23T14:42:00.002-04:00

Last Tuesday night was the final night of the Fiesta Bag class at Stitched in Stone in Kingston, NH. These bags have so much personality! Take a look at the "mix" below:

From the left, we have Cheryl's thirties' bag - it looks so summery and fresh! Next, we have a woodsy, traditional mix of colors made by Donna. Next, Nancy took a chance with this bright daisy print, but it really works with the butterfly stripes. Last but not least, Susan (a new sewer) took on the Fiesta Bag with batiks! What a great combo of colors!

All of the bags are completely different, but all successful designs. Great job ladies!

Where do hungry quilters go?

2009-04-20T06:58:00.003-04:00

Last Friday nite I had dinner with the dynamic duo of Love in Stitches, (aka the Jersey Girls), Barbara Campell and Yolanda Fundora!

Barbara and Yolanda were in town for the Machine Quilter's Expo held in Manchester, NH. They taught two great classes based on their new book, Fuse It and Be Done. I have spent the weekend reading their book. If you have extra fabric in your stash (and who doesn't?), you will find plenty of fun ways to use it in this book. Click here to see a sampling of the projects. There are gifts, home dec, quilts, totes, and so mcuch more. I particularly like the Sunflower Door Banner (you will too!). There is so much to learn about fusibles:

fusible web with appliqué fusible threads and ribbons for embellishing
fusible fleece for stabilizing
fusible bias tape for stained glass work
fusible grid for mosaic and watercolor design
fusible batting for quilting
and so much more!

- this book is a handy technical reference for your quilting/crafting/scrapbooking library.

Yolanda Fundora is a textile designer (and fine artist and quilter and..) whose fabric designs are colorful, versatile, and hip! She writes a fabulous blog, Urban Amish where she shares insights that tie together textile and quilt design. I used her "Software" line of fabric for all of my projects in Sew and Go Totes. I was so pleased to meet her! She is releasing a new line called Sketchbook next month (manufactured by Blank Quilting) and I will be sharing my projects from this line of fabric soon!

Barbara Campbell is a talented businesswoman as well as a quilt designer and author, former magazine editor, teacher.... the list is too long! She has so much insight into the quilting world. She has written and collaborated on many books including Extreme Embellishments Denim Divas, Projects for Fiber Art Lovers, and Holiday Quilts. One of Barbara's quilts was chosen to be featured in the gallery of Irena Bluhm's book by AQS, Quilts of a Different Color.

We had a great time discussing quilting, fabrics, designs, colors! These ladies are generous and thoughtful (hey - they even put up with my kid stories..) I hope you will check out the links above.

"Where do hungry quilters go?", you ask? Cotton! (The food was delicious, by the way!)

Happy Quilting! -Kris

Auditioning Quilts, Part 2

2009-04-16T16:53:00.011-04:00

Back again! We were working on a simulated table runner from the last post and now I'd like to take a look at this design using some Photoshop Elements filters - this gives me a different design perspective. Here is the original:

Let's take a look at this design without color. Click on Filter>Sketch>Chalk and Charcoal. I increased the Charcoal setting to 10 and decreased the Chalk setting to 2 and here is what appeared:I think the squares on point really show up above; I can use that in choosing another color scheme. Next, I used the Filter>Pixellate>Crystallize. I set the cell size to 40 and the results below illustrate the spinning effect of the block.

Last, just for fun I used the Filter>Stylize>Glowing Edges and increased edge width to 3. I think this just looks cool!
What can you do with one block and Photoshop? Try it!

Auditioning Quilts on Your Computer, Part 1

2009-04-12T07:35:00.007-04:00

I use Photoshop Elements to view/organize photos. I also use it to audition quilts.

Photoshop Elements is the poor cousin of full blown Photoshop, however it has enough features to let you do some creative maniputlation of your photographs and scans. Here are the steps I used to audition my paper pieced block from Friday's post to audition a possible table runner on my computer:

Sew one block. (Only one! Yeah!)
Scan block into computer at 100 ppi.
Open this scanned image using Photoshop Elements. Use the Full Edit menu.

If your image needs to be rotated slightly, cleick on Image>Rotate>Custom - then rotate one degree at a time to ensure that the bottom of the block is parallel to bottom of screen.

Crop the image to eliminate seam allowances - click on the crop tool and adjust the block as required.

Adjust the "canvas size" to the size of the project you'd like to audition. Fore example, the block from Friday's post is 6 inches square. I would like to try a table runner that is 6 blocks by 2 blocks, so I am going to need a canvas size of 36" x 12" - at this point I am not including borders. So click on Image>Resize>Canvas Size>adjust to the desired size.

To see the entire field of your design, , click on View>Fit on Screen.

Click on the Marquee tool and highlight your block; go to Edit>Copy Merged; then click Edit>Paste. This will place an identical block on top of your existing block (on a new layer). You can now select this with the Move tool and move it to where you want it to go.

Continue to paste in blocks as you need them. Isolate and rotate blocks by turning off layers then use the Marquee tool to select the block that you need to rotate. Click on Image>Rotate>Selection...as needed.

You can merge blocks together into units as needed. Click on the layers that you want to merge as a unit. Right click in the Layers area and choose Merge Layers and you will create a unit.

Select and copy units as in step 8 above.

Adjust the canvas size to create borders.

Create a border as follows: click on Layer>New Fill Layer>Solid Color. The color will automatically fill in with the foreground color. You can change this by cicking on it and selecting new colors.

If you'd like to add another border, you can also add rectangles and color them. Here is my project:

In the next post, we'll explore some effects you can apply in Photoshop Elements to analyze your project.

Back to Color

2009-04-10T21:33:00.004-04:00

Wednesday, we had color inspiration from Caroline's Star Path quilt. Here is my interpretationof her color use. I chose to paper piece a block, which I'd like to explore with different settings.

Tomorrow, I'll show you how I've used Photoshop Elements to simulate quilts on my computer screen.

Happy quilting! -Kris

Color Inspiration - Pink and Green

2009-04-08T11:43:00.008-04:00

Is it cheating to get color inspiration from a quilt? If it is, so be it! Don't you just love the bright pinks and greens? Maybe it's the time of the year! What can you come up with using these colors as inspiration?

This is a Star Path Quilt made by a Stitched in Stone (prolific!) quilter Caroline. She changed the pattern by using a single solid light background instead of blending 4 backgrounds. This has really made the stars pop!

I hope you'll bookmark this as an inspiration for a spring project! (Stay tuned - I will post my pink and green doodle on Friday!)

Keep quilting! -Kris

Getting Crafty

2009-04-06T11:04:00.004-04:00

Nancy's done it again! Here is Nancy Dey's twist on the Crafty Tote from Sew and Go Totes! She uses traditional fabrics in such a thoughtful way! (Check out Nancy's other interpretation of a Sew and Go Tote in this previous post.) Nancy- thanks for sharing!

Isn't it great to be a quilter these days? We have so many beautiful fabrics available! We have the internet to share our quilting adventures on and take a peek at others'. Wow - what a great time to be a quilter!

Please share your adventures with Poorhouse Quilt Designs patterns with us here - email me at info@poorhousequiltdesigns.com.

Keep quilting! -Kris

Quilting Stars (and Lobsters, too!)

2009-04-01T09:36:00.000-04:00

I had the pleasure to teach at Stitched in Stone in Kingston NH on Tuesday nights during the month of March - a fun class! The students made Tidal Totes and we sure had a lot of laughs along the way! I have to show you their totes, because they really are beautiful:Clockwise from left, we have Nancy, with her starfish tote - she used the batiks with fairy frost; the fairy frost gave the bag a water effect! Next, we have Cindy - she added quilted pockets on the inside of the bag - that's a great improvement to the bag! Caroline with the gorgeous royal blue starfish tote is next, she's donating her bag to charity. Last but not least, we have Linda, with her beautifully quilted lobster! Linda has already been asked to make more by her coworkers.

Thanks ladies for a great class!

There is such a kind community of quilters at Stitched in Stone - carefully cultivated by Tammy Rommel! If you have a chance, stop by and say "hi" to Tammy and Glenn.

Fiesta Bag - Options

2009-03-31T08:27:00.000-04:00

Are you inspired by all of the great fabrics that we have available to us? I am! Last week, I had a request from Portsmouth Fabric Company (located in Portsmouth, NH) to adapt my Fiesta Bag pattern to Home Dec weight canvas. (This is from Amy Butler's August Fields collection). It made a great go-to-market bag! If you have this pattern and some leftover slipcover or curtain fabric - go to town!

Because we used the home dec weight fabric, there was no quilting required and the handles were made without a stiffener inside them. I also didn't bind any edges, just folded and topstitched.

This is the sample at Portsmouth Fabric - if you are in the area, stop by - they are located at 112 Penhallow Street. You will love their selection of funky fabrics!

Happy Sewing!

-Kris

Inspiration and Results!

2009-03-30T05:00:00.000-04:00

Last Monday's post contained a "color inspiration" photo of a Gerbera Daisy. Well - here are the results! This is just a doodle that I made using fabrics in my that represented the colors in the daisy. I used 505 spray on the back of the fabrics that I layered on a piece of Peltex. Then I just "doodled" with variegated thread. It's a coaster for my tea!

I think this is an outstanding way to practice your free motion quilting - do a small piece. Don't try to free motion on a big quilt if you haven't had some practice - you can do it! Give this a try!

This would have been a postcard except that I cut it about 5" square - it needs to be 4" x 6" to be a postcard. Here is a great site with information on fabric postcards here: http://www.sewfunpatterns.com/fabricpostcards.html
Have fun!

-Kris

Sewing Room Savior!

2009-03-27T18:00:00.000-04:00

As all of us quilters do in the spring, it's time to organize organize organize! I found the neatest hook at Home Depot to organize my rulers! It's the 3M Command Utensil Hook!

I stuck these hooks on the side(s) of my cutting table and (poof!) organization! Who knew it could be so easy?

What's your organizing trick?

A Primitive Twist on the Star Sampler

2009-03-26T12:00:00.000-04:00

Nancy Dey of Kaukauna, Wisconsin sent me these photos of the Star Sampler Totes she and her friend made from Sew and Go Totes! These are great! Don't you just love her version of this Tote?
Awesome!

The bags were made by Nancy Dey (assembly and pressing) and Jeanine Drzewiecki (block piecing and quilting) and kits will be available for them at Primitive Gatherings in Menasha, WI soon. Primitive Gatherings will have a booth at the Chicago Quilt Show in April and this bag will be there along with the kits.

Nancy and Jeanine are long arm quilters and the quilting on these bags is just beautiful(I hope you can see from this picture). The pockets stars are reversed from front to back.

Thanks for sharing! PS - I love the tablerunner, too!

Sew and Go Totes - What's inside?

2009-03-25T13:21:00.000-04:00

My new book, Sew and Go Totes published by Leisure Arts is now available! You can find it in your local quilt shop, at Leisure Arts, on-line bookstores, and through my website!

I thought I'd show you a few projects from the book today. This bag is called the Crafty Tote (shown on right). I chose to show you this first because it is my favorite bag for going to quilting events: retreats, classes, etc. It holds an 18" wide cutting mat with ease and all of your other quilting tools as well as fabrics and batting. YOu'll be able to tote your dog or cat in this one as well!

The mini bag (left) is a small shoulder bag that can hold your camera, your cell phone and keys! This is a great little bag to use when you are traveling light! There is a simple 4-square design on the front, that can be embellished with paint, beads, etc. This bag can be made in no time (with your scraps) and you'll want to make more!

Last but not least - the floral stripe bag. This bag is pretty and versatile - make one for yourself and one as a gift! I hope you enjoyed this peek inside - more coming!

Purse Strings

2009-03-24T10:13:00.000-04:00

Today I am finishing a bag for Spring Quilt Market which will be part of a display for Blank Quilting. It's the "Mini Bag" from my new book, Sew and Go Totes. I needed an alternative to the 1/4" braided cord used for the strap. I decided to create a strap for the bag using pet screen.

I have a hard time finding "strap" materials that I like - so let's create our own!

Note: I cut the pet screen along it's length as it lays flatter in this direction.

You will need:

1" wide piece of black pet screen at the required length
1 1/2" wide piece of accent fabric at the required length

1. Fold outer (long) edges of pet screen in to meet at center and zigzag down the middle - this will create a 1/2" base for the accent fabric to "sit on". (Luckily, my walking foot is marked on either side with 1/4" mark, so that it is a visual guide for the 1/2" wide strip!)

2. Fold accent fabric in half lengthwise and press. Open out accent fabric and press outer raw edges to the fold; then fold in half again (you have now encased those raw edges).

3. Using your walking foot, top stitch the accent fabric to the pet screen strap, making sure that the "raw edges" of the pet screen are hidden behind fabric accent. Voila! This is what I ended up with - a strong 1/2" wide strap!

Welcome to Quilting at the Poorhouse!

2009-03-23T07:04:00.000-04:00

Happy Spring!

Welcome Quilters and Sewists!

I am (finally) diving into the world of blogging and I hope you'll join me! I am a quilt designer from Derry, New Hampshire. You can find my designs at poorhousequiltdesigns.com; stop by and take a look at my new book and patterns! I lean toward quilted bags - I just love to carry around my love for quilting - don't you?

What is the purpose of this blog? I'd like to share my design development (a.k.a. experiments), inspirations, and other quilty snippets with you!

I have just returned from attending a quilting retreat in Manchester NH that was hosted by Stitched in Stone (located at 53 Church Street in scenic Kingston, NH). A good time was had by all! Tammy treated everyone like a quilting queen. We had a lot of laughs! Tammy inspired us with quilt as you go, and dyeing and painting techniques -we all enjoyed the creativity of these techniques. I was able to test drive a new design! I came back to the studio refreshed and ready to create. More from this event coming soon!

On to Color Inspiration of the Week!
I bought this Gerbera Daisy because I could not resist the colors - deep green leaves with red/orange petals and yellow centers...this would make a great bag or quilt or table runner! Stay tuned.....