Quilt Book Recommendations

I love books about sewing and quilting and wanted to share a few of recommendations with you. There are so many books out there, it’s hard to know which one to get. This list is by no means complete, but if you are looking for some good basics to include in your library, check out the following books.

For some good beginner quilt books, I recommend the “Quilter’s Academy” series by Harriet Hargrave and Carrie Hargrave. Right now she has three books in the series (Freshman Year, Sophomore Year, and Junior Year), and the fourth book will be published in May. These are excellent books and they will take you through the quilting processes step by step. Each book builds on the one before, so if you want to get your Bachelor’s in quilting, these are a necessity. I wrote a review of the first book in this series – so read that for more information.

If you are interested in making quilts by hand, I recommend “Quiltmaking by Hand” by Jenny Beyer. This is also an amazing book and takes you through each step of the hand piecing and hand quilting process. Hand piecing can be fun and relaxing if you aren’t in a huge hurry to finish the project. I hand pieced this wall hanging a few years ago (still need to hand quilt it though!). The book has lots of pictures and clearing explains the specific techniques needed for each phase. Of course, I highly recommend Allie Aller’s Crazy Quilting as well, and posted a review of this last year.

If you like crazy quilts, check out “The Magic of Crazy Quilting” by J. Marsha Michler. This book includes several techniques for piecing the crazy quilt foundation, information on embroidery stitches, embellishments, and transfers, and several crazy quilting projects. The book has tons of pictures and a gallery of quilts at the end. You definitely will get a lot of ideas just looking at the pictures! She also has a companion book called “Motifs for Crazy Quilting” that includes hundreds of embroidery designs for your crazy quilts.

For a general quilting reference book “The Better Homes and Gardens Complete Guide to Quilting” is a must have. This includes lots of pictures so the techniques are easy to understand. This is my go-to book when I have a question about how to do something or just a need a quick reminder.

What books do you recommend? What books do you have your eye on?

Keep it Thimble!

Bella Bag – Indygo Junction Pattern

While sorting through some old fabric, this stash of Amy Butler fabric caught my eye. These pieces were set aside for another project, but I realized that they were better suited for the Bella Bag pattern from Indygo Junction. I’ve had the pattern for awhile, but never felt motivated to make it until I saw this fabric.

The bag is very roomy and could easily be described as a tote bag – good for taking to the beach, library, or supermarket. The pattern is very well written and the instructions are easy to understand, but I think this is more suited for an intermediate sewer (or a confident beginner who likes a challenge). The difficulty comes when you are trying to sew the circular bottom piece onto the body of the bag.

The bottom of the bag is gathered and you have to space the gathering correctly so that the circle fits on the bottom (ie, not to large and not to small). For some reason, this was difficult, and the bottom seam is very puffy. This will probably flatten out over time or perhaps after I wash it.

The other challenge was creating the handles. You sew a tube of fabric, turn it inside out, and then insert upholstery cording. The cording has a tendency to become less compact as you pull it through the tube, so it took me a good 30 minutes to complete this step. I finally put a thick piece of scotch tape on the end of the cord to keep it from unraveling and so that it gave less resistance as it was pulled through the tube. The handles are what make the bag come together for me, I was bound and determined to get the cording in there!

The way the bag fastens is another nice feature. Magnetic snaps are on each side of the bag, so you can snap the sides together and then snap the front and back together. This is useful when you want the bag to look smaller or don’t have as much stuff in there.

The buttons are from a place called Dill Buttons, and they have a wide range of fashion buttons that work great for purses and other accessories. I originally had some smaller ivory buttons on this, but they looked out of place and too small. The larger buttons look better, and the unusual shape is a nice contrast with the other patterns. I also added some top stitching on the bag body around the center seams. Top stitching always make a bag look more finished (I think).

What are some tips you have for making bags and other accessories? Any patterns you would recommend?

Keep it Thimble!

The Straight Stitch – Which Sewing Machine Should I Buy?

Dear Heather,

Please help! Sewing machines…I keep thinking about buying one. Any suggestions on a good beginner one? It’s hard to know where to start!

Signed,
On Pins and Needles

I know just the machine you want – the Bernette by Bernina. Check out www.mybernette.com for a full list of the machines in this line (and just for the record, I am not affiliated with Bernina in any way). For my first machine, I had the Bernette 55 – a very basic machine that had 15 or so stitches, a buttonholer, and the basic feet and accessories.

FirstProfessionalTote — My First Professional Tote

I knew my Bernette was made of sturdy stuff when I was able to sew through 4 layers of fabric + 4 layers of interfacing + cotton webbing when I made my first Professional Tote! The Bernette is not made in Switzerland (I think it is manufactured in China), but Bernina selected it for their beginner’s line since it meets their quality standards.

The differences between the models comes down to how many stitch choices you have, how the buttonhole function works (automatic or manual), and if everything is computerized or manual (such as changing the stitch length, needle position, etc). The more expensive ones might have a few more features such as being able to drop the feeddogs (only important if you are going to do free motion quilting). They range in price from $249 – $799. Many times you can even find a special deal for the basic machine for $199.

I definitely feel it is better to spend about $250 on a Bernette instead of buying something at a large retail chain store. In my experience, the machines at these stores are not as sturdy, powerful, or smooth as the Bernette. The one thing about Bernette is that you have to buy one at an authorized Bernina dealer. You can check on their website to find a dealer near you. The nice thing about this is that the dealer will teach you the basics of using the machine (ie, how to thread it, wind the bobbin, change stitches, and use the buttonhole).

My Bernette is a work horse and I love sewing on it. I use this machine for my classes since it more portable than my “fancy” machine. It’s also good for children and I plan to let my son use it when he wants to learn how to use the machine :).

Keep it Thimble!

Hand or Machine Applique?

Which do you prefer – hand or machine applique? Machine applique is faster, and if you get your machine settings right, you can get that hand-appliqued “look.” Hand applique looks nicer, especially if your stitches are small and neat, but it takes more time to do. This method is also portable, but it can be hard to do in places where the light is poor or there is limited space.

AppliqueSweetheartVine — Sweetheart Vine Applique Runner

This is my first non-wool applique project and I am experimenting with both the hand and machine method. I think both methods look fine, especially when you are not looking at it closely, but so far I have enjoyed the process of hand applique better. It’s just very soothing to sit down in a chair and work on this in the evenings when all is quiet. What do you like to do?

Keep it Thimble!

April Flea Market Finds

Here’s the current stash reduction report (through today):

Used the last month: 3 yards
Used Year to Date: 8 yards
Added in the last Month: 25 yards
Added Year to Date: 57 yards
Net Used for 2012: 49 yards

The reason there was such a huge leap in what I added this month (I have to justify this) is because there was a big sale on fabrics and I purchased a bunch of half yards to use in my quilts. I also have to take 1 yard of fabric to my monthly sewing circle and I will need at least 20 more yards for the duration of the club (so I am all set for the next two years!).

I haven’t been as productive in the sewing room as I would like. I’ve done a lot of traveling and the spring weather makes it difficult to stay inside.

threadchest2 — Antique Spool Chest – Front

Of course, I always have time to go to the thrift store and flea market and have some great finds to share with you this month! The best find this month is this antique spool chest. Make of oak (I think) with 4 drawers. It is small enough to set on a table.

I have a huge antique postcard collection – it’s a hobby I had when I was younger, so do keep an eye out for good postcard bargains. Most of the good cards are at least $5 these days (I remember paying 50 cents for the same cards 30+ years ago), so I don’t usually get them. However, I find a treasure trove of some Thanksgiving and Valentine cards (some of the harder holidays to find) and got the whole lot for $2!

This is a great old tool carrier – probably from the 40’s. I may put some plants in it, or wash it off a bit and arrange some mini quilts on it.

This is a sweet little handmade basket. It is signed by the maker and was made in 1980 – so it is over 30 years old so it qualifies as vintage!

Here is a real find – some vintage Hawaiian fabric from the 1950’s. There is enough here for me to make making shirts for my husband/son and a sundress for me. Family picture time!

There were some good book finds this month. I usually find one or two sewing/quilting books each month (note, I will never have time to read them all), and they are always fun to look through for ideas and inspiration. This month there were a ton of books at one of the stores – someone must have been doing some major spring cleaning!

Finally, the treasure of the month is this special seashell toilet seat! My son saw this and had to have it – he is obsessed with sea creatures. What he doesn’t know is that I am re-doing his bathroom this summer with a Hawaiian theme. This will be a perfect match!

Hope you are having a great spring. Keep it Thimble!

The Easter Bunny Came Early!

Last week, my husband discovered a nest of baby rabbits in our back yard! They grow pretty quickly and recently were big enough to leave the nest. It was hard to get a good picture of them since we didn’t want to disturb them. The mama rabbit would come by in the evenings to check on and feed her two little bunnies. They are so cute and we were sad to see them go, but maybe they will come back to say “hello” on Easter.

Speaking of Easter, you probably have everything you need for your baskets, but if you are looking for a fun and quick project, click HERE for my tutorial on how to make a Sock Bunny! I made these last year was very pleased with the results. If you have time, you can also make a colorful vest, dress, or bonnet for your rabbit.

07_Final_Rabbit — Sock Rabbit (aka Bunny)

Keep it Thimble!