KatyQuilts

Art Quilts with Bias Tape

Posted on May 23, 2023 by katyquilts

I thought I’d share my process of using bias tape with you today. It really is fun to play with.

First, I quilt my foundation. I like using parallel lines about a quarter to a half inch apart.

I’ve been using single fold prepackaged bias tape. I’ve had some on hand for ages and was glad to finally use it. Sadly, I’m almost out. Anyway, play around and create a design.

Next, you will use your steam iron to gently press the tape into your desired design. You can see above that some of the tape was pressed, some was not. Just play with it a bit to get the hang of it. It’s easier than you think.

Once I’m happy with my design, I lift up small sections and place tiny drops of glue on the back of the tape.

I lay it back down and press with the iron to set the glue.

After it’s all glued in place, find a good movie and hand appliqué it down.

Next I give it a good soak to remove the glue.

I used a few squirts of this.

A good rinse and dry, and I’m ready to add a facing to the edges! Stay tuned for that tutorial coming soon.

Have a great day!

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A Finish on a Monday!

Posted on May 22, 2023 by katyquilts

Put a fork in it!

This little mini was just the ticket for a little weekend sewing.

The photo above shows the most accurate colors.

The next photos are after washing. I used a half layer of Mountain Mist BlueRibbon cotton batting. It isn’t made anymore, but if I see it at thrift shops or garage sales, I always grab it for minis.

I love it on my little doll bed!

Have a great day!

Slow Stitching Sunday

Posted on May 21, 2023 by katyquilts

I needed a break from show prep and pulled out this sweet little kit given to me by a friend.

But I’m not always good at following directions……

I do love the fabrics in this kit. I added a couple bits from my scrap basket. And today, I’m hand quilting.

Before I go, Connecting Threads has a great sale right now on patriotic precuts! They Aldo have their Essential Threads on sale for 25% off.

Have a great day!

This post contains affiliate links.

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

This and That

Posted on May 20, 2023 by katyquilts

Daughter #3 gave me this beautiful cactus for Mother’s Day last year. I can’t believe how much it has grown!

This year, Daughter #1 gave me this one. It doesn’t have any pokeys!

Her dog, Lola, is Winslow’s sister. All three had a great time together last weekend.

Winslow and Willy’s shirts say, Lover, not a Biter. 😁

Mr. Wonderful helped the boys make cinnamon rolls.

How beautiful is our flowering Crabtree?

Have a wonderful weekend!

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Finish It Up Friday ~ Tangled

Posted on May 19, 2023 by katyquilts

This quilt is why I wanted to work with bias tape. I had an idea in my head and needed to come up with a way to create it.

I applied this all by hand and it took forever. Seriously, nearly the whole season of Queen Charlotte.

Here’s a look at the back.

I’m quite smitten with this piece.

Have a great day!

Posted in Art Quilts, Finishes 2023, Improv, Small Quilts, Uncategorized | 6 Comments

A Tip for Cleaning Your Design Wall

Posted on May 18, 2023 by katyquilts

I know I just showed you my recovered design wall. Just before I found the new covering for it, I came across this gadget for cleaning it.

This is what the other side looks like.

This is the easiest thing I’ve found for removing threads. Here is a before.

And after!

You can see below what just a few swipes did.

Then you just pull off the threads and throw them away! I’ve ne er found anything that worked this well.

I found this little gadget for a dollar at a discount store. But I found the same thing as part of this set on Amazon (no affiliation).

I hope you find this helpful. Have a great day!

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Scraps

Posted on May 17, 2023 by katyquilts

Along with rearranging the sewing room, comes dealing with scraps. These buckets are too full.

I’m trying to discipline myself to chop them up. My 2 1/2” square bucket was nearly empty, so I’m mostly cutting for that.

I’m cutting 2” squares as well.

Thank heavens for my AccuQuilt dies and cutters. This would never happen otherwise.

I have a long way to go.

Have a great day!

This post contains affiliate links.

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Sewing Room Rearranging

Posted on May 16, 2023 by katyquilts

I set up this sewing space nearly nine years ago. It has undergone minor changes since then, but I decided it needed a major overhaul after returning from Arizona. I think it is a great boost for your creativity. You can see previous photos by clicking on the Sewing Room Pics link on the sidebar.

One of the biggest changes, was moving my fabric storage. I used to have my embroidery machine here, but it lives in AZ now.

I still have lots of work to do sorting and refolding fabric. I also need to work on the countertop.

This area hasn’t changed much.

But this has. I moved my long arm, Friday, and created this taller cutting table/island. This has been working out very well.

I also recovered my design wall.

The Hoosier cabinet stayed put.

And here is Friday. I have quilts for my show waiting for sleeves there.

My “ parts department “.

And my desk.

I now have two islands. This one has my Juki which is my main piecing machine.

The cart in the corner holds miscellany. Then my ironing table.

Moving around, you find my Pfaff which is mainly used for binding.

And the my studio die cutter.

Those tubs of scraps need to be dealt with! There is so much more work to be done, but I’m glad to be this far along in the process.

Have a great day!

Posted in Sewing Room Pics, Uncategorized | 5 Comments

Not Everything Turns Out…

Posted on May 15, 2023 by katyquilts

I think it’s a bit unfair to only show your best work, or even your okay work. Sometimes you need to share the good, the bad, AND the ugly. So here are a few rejects from the last few weeks for your viewing pleasure (?).

Now that I’ve burned your eyeballs, I will remind you of this little bit of wisdom. You have to make a lot of crap, before something good emerges. I’m not disappointed in these designs. They are part of my crap quota.

Have a great day!

Posted in Uncategorized | 13 Comments

Slow Stitching Sunday

Posted on May 14, 2023 by katyquilts

Happy Mother’s Day! After church, Mr. Wonderful and I are going to a Harley Swap Meet and show. Later this afternoon, Daughter #1 and her family will be over.

I got some slow stitching in yesterday while hubby and I took a long drive.