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Thursday, December 8, 2011

Quilter Sneaks One In

What a nice thing, for me, at least.  I just discovered after lo' these many years that I can add to my Threads on another computer.  Is this a good thing?  Will I now have no excuse to "not"  write?  Hmmmmm. 

We are still in the process of working our way through the legal phase of a death in addition to all of the other issues.  I am probably going repeat this a LOT over the next several Threads-- GET A WILL, Get an organized plan that is easy for anyone to follow...How about, first, a list of who should be called, like friends and family along with phone numbers.  Next, where the documents are for EVERYTHING.  That is only a start, but, believe me, c-r-i-t-i-c-a-l.  Lecture over for the moment. 

The nice thing for the day?  I just found out that the printing company who is handling my book has already send AQS the preview copy!!  Whoopee.  This is coming to fuition, big time.  Get your Christmas wish fulfilled...well, at least my Christmas wishes, heh heh.  Hugs to you alllll.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Quilter in Avoidance--and this is something NEW??

In avoidance mode more that ever these days....  I finished this jacket instead of working on "the necessary."  Hey, who says what necessary is?  Two young folks were helping Gramma Barbara (Barbara Crawford Designs) and Grampa Mike in a booth a few shows ago.  The kids were busy using as many colors of wool as they could get their hands on.  My kind of kids!  So, I hired them to do some designs on a sweatshirt.  I just added the zipper and the cuffs.  Don't you just love the whimsey?

Now, for a major reality check--I am leaving in little while for my sister's house to pack it up.  I have no idea when I will be back but please do not forget about me.  I need you guys more than ever.  Your comments and prayers have kept me going.  Later.....

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Good Morning, Quilters

It is early... still dark both inside and out, but I am imagining a better day.  Let's start by regrouping with my Christmas gift to you.  Not that it is hard, but, have you figured out what the pattern is for?  How about a picture? Hmmm.  Where-o-where could she have gotten such cute fabric????  Double "hmmmm."

Body:  Muslin or fabric of choice,  13" x WOF  (width of fabric)
Top Ruffle:  1 piece cut 9" X WOF  ( 1/4 yard, or, one piece (9" x 40")
Middle Ruffle:  2 pieces cut 9" x WOF  (1/2 yard, or, one piece 9" x 80")
Bottom Ruffle:  2 pieces cut 8" x WOF ( 1/2 yard or, one piece 8" x 80")
Waist Band:  7" x 68 1/2" (1/2 yard cut into four pieces, each 7" x 17 1/2")
Wide Rick Rack, 3 packages (optional)

Directions:  Trim all selvedge edges.  If piecing middle and bottom ruffles, sew 2 of the same color ruffle strips along the 9" sides, right sides together.  Repeat for the second ( 8" ) ruffle pieces.

Hem ruffle by turning one of the longer ruffle edges under 1/4". Press. Then press under, again, 1/4".  Sew in place.  Repeat for the other two ruffles.

If using the optional Rick Rack, sew a row of the Rick Rack to the front side of the hemmed edge of each ruffle.

With a removable pen, mark a line 7" down from the top edge of the muslin piece.  The line should go from side to side, the entire width of the muslin.

Bottom Ruffle:  Sew a gathering stitch along the remaining long unhemmed edge, 1/4" from edge.   Pull gathering stitches until the ruffle matches the width of the muslin piece (hint:  I like to mark the middle of the ruffle as well as the middle of the muslin so I can be assured that the ruffle is more evenly spaced.)   Avoid gathers at the outside edges for about an inch in from both ends.  Pin ruffle to bottom edge of muslin, right sides together, raw edges matching.  Sew in a 3/8" seam.  Press seam towards the muslin, and then top stitch the seamed edge.  Press under side edges 1/4" to the wrong side of the muslin/ruffle piece.  Press under, again, 1/2".  Stitch in place.

to be continued.....