KatyQuilts

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.

Eventually, that bit will be added to this. I had lost steam on this process, but I’d really like to get the top pieced by the end of summer.

Have a great day!

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

This and That

Posted on May 13, 2023 by katyquilts

I decided to trim on of my little bits down and add it to a notecard to send yo a friend.

My pattern writing “helper.”

I love it when my boys come over after school! They discovered they are now big enough to climb trees in my backyard.

Silly Willy.

Our apple trees are in full bloom!

Lastly, I think this is considered a kids book, but I enjoyed it.

Oh, one more thing! If you’ve been wanting an AccuQuilt GO! Big Electric Cutter, now is the time to get it!

Actually, you can get an extra 22% off any and everything at AccuQuilt until midnight Central Time, Sunday night. Happy shopping!

Have a great day!

This post contains affiliate links.

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Finish It Up Friday ~ Twofer

Posted on May 12, 2023 by katyquilts

I finished up both of these art quilts this week. It has been so much fun getting back into improv.

Daughter #3 suggested adding some embroidery to this. I had already been thinking of adding some hand quilting, so this is what I ended up with.

I love how the directional weave of the fabrics adds interest l

Loving that texture.

And here is the second piece. I think this is my favorite of the two.

This photo really shows the texture of the quilting.

I need names, so if you have any great ideas, let me know in the comments!

Have a great day!

Posted in Art Quilts, Finishes 2023, Improv, Small Quilts, Uncategorized | 5 Comments

Finish It Up Thursday ~ Streams of Consciousness

Posted on May 11, 2023 by katyquilts

I finished this little quilt using bias tape.

I figured out how to stitch these down by machine on top of the already quilted background.

Here is the back. I like to face most art quilts. I still need to add a hanging sleeve and rod.

Have a great day!

Posted in Art Quilts, Finishes 2023, Improv, Small Quilts, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Playing Around

Posted on May 10, 2023 by katyquilts

I mentioned quilting a background piece for an idea I had. Today I’ll explain more.

I have some of this old single fold bias tape to play with.

I started with my preqilted piece and placed strips of the bias tape on top. Using my iron with steam, I found I could create smooth curves.

This s great fun!

I have more ideas than time!

Looks like I need to quilt some more background.

Have a great day!

Posted in Art Quilts, Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Sketching on Fabric

Posted on May 9, 2023 by katyquilts

I have an idea I want to try. It involves appliqué on a prequilted background.

I had more fabric than batting at the end of my piece, so I added some scrap batting and kept quilting.

Then I applied fusible to the back of some scraps and cut out small circles.

I used this die.

I placed the circles on the quilted background and fused them down while the piece was still on the long arm frame. I changed to black thread and did some sketching by machine to create little flowers.