Challenge Pillows

This year the CreativeFestival has initiated a Pillow Challenge.  The parameters are very simple.  We were given  pillow forms and asked to cover/decorate them and hand them in on Fall Set up day.  I’m doing 2.  One to represent the Reliable pressing products and one to represent Joanne’s.

I needed a break from proofing Catalogue 17 this weekend and was inspired to work on the Reliable piece.

I’m not going to revel the theme of the pillow yet.  You will have to attend the show in the fall, but this element is so cute, I had to share it.

Yes, it’s a shirt.  It is 1/4 scale mens size 15 neck.  I’d forgotten how much I enjoyed drafting.  You can’t tell here, but I actually stitched a 2 piece collar and  the sleeve vent has a placket.  I’ve only finished 1/2 of the shirt.  The other half will be cut off when it’s attached to the rest of the image.  I hand stitched the rolled hem.

Thread: I used the 100wt. silk thread.  The piece is so tiny, if I’d used regular weight sewing thread there would have been more thread than shirt.

Hand Needles:  I used Piecemakers Betweens size 12.  They are easily threaded when you are using fine threads.

Pressing:  Well of course I used my V95 Digital Velocity. Low heat setting and controlable steam.  The steam is right at the tip of the iron,  so  I was able to press the details in the collar without having to steam the entire shirt.    Who wouldn’t?

I’ll post later this week on the Favorite Things shirt.

If you’d like to read more about the challenges I’m working on this summer, click through to the Brampton Quilters Guild on the right.  I’m co-chairing the Northcott Challenge and we have a blog running there as well.

Favorite Things Patterns

I’m busy here working on the catalogue,  Adding new Favorite (Their spelling, not mine) Things patterns.

I love this line.  While adding the Mandarin jacket, I realized I could add my own to the blog.  These patterns are very flexible, especially for the price.  As always I have to make some changes to fit my body, but who doesn’t? It’s not that hard if you look at it logically.   I always make a trial garment to work out the tweaks.  I don’t put on the pockets and all the extras, but I do my best to make sure the garment is good.

Here is my jacket .  I always have to make the upper sleeve bigger and rotate the shoulder.  I spend too much time sitting hunch backed at the computer.  I used my ruffler attachment to make the ruching that goes around the neckline.  The jacket isn’t lined. It’s princess seamed, so there are a lot of fitting area potentials in my opinion.  I used a quilting cotton that wouldn’t stop bleeding so I couldn’t put it in a quilt.  If I was going to use a wool or fabric better suited to structured  construction I would probably add a smidgen to the seam allowances to allow for the depth of the fabric.

This is #FTV029, The Mandarin Jacket.  I’m picking up a few more patterns this afternoon, a “Prairie Girl” dress/wrap top, ( I have the perfect fabric for the top) and a Bohemian Skirt.  Gosh, I think I will have to go fabric shopping for that one.  They both look great for the heat if it ever arrives here in Southern Ontario, but I’m not complaining, just commenting.   I’ll keep you posted

My Favourite Light

I’ve finally added the Uber Light to the web site.  I’ve been selling them for almost a year now and never got around to showing them online.  Pretty selfish considering it really is an amazing light.

It’s bright, it’s cool in the sense that it doesn’t generate the heat the way other former favourite brands of light did.

(Just a note here.  I will upload the image later,  It’s not letting me do that right now.  You can see the picture on the website.  www.joannescreativenotions.com)

The arm of the Uber Light is truly flexible.  Mine is attached to  the desk on the back right of my Bernina, I’ve bent the arm over the right of the machine so that the light is directed to the right side of the presser foot.  What this means is that I have no excuse if a 1/4” seam isn’t accurate.

I’ ve added a light to my drawing table too and given the old one to my son.
I really enjoy working on new projects and ideas just with the light on early in the morning or late at night.  There is an air of mystery, and creative flow.

You can follow some of my musings about Challenges and being “Creative”  on the Brampton Quilters’ Guild blog. It’s filled Under Northcott Challenge Blog.

Send me an email at joanne@joannescreativenotions.com if you would like me to include those thoughts on this blog as well.

New Products

Where does the time go? I thought I’d been keeping up to date, then I realized I haven’t posted here in over a week. I’ve been working on the catalogue intermittently, photographing product and attempting to finish this years Mystery Quilt for our Guild meeting in 2 weeks. Plus fall show classes,  Challenges and there must be more.  I can’t remember.

Well, New Products  I’ve added a tonne to the site in the last few days. The Gypsy Gripper is fascinating.  It REALLY holds on to your ruler.  There is a new smaller one on the way  that will be perfect for templates.

The other Neat Item is this tiny rotary mat.  It’ s only 5” x 7”.  It’s perfect for sub cutting with templates and at your machine for discreet trimming.

Looking forward to your comments

J

Olfa® Quick Change Rotary Cutter

I spent this morning Cutting a new Log Cabin Project to go with my Fall Toronto CreativFestival Wave Log Cabin Class.  I tried the new Olfa® 45mm Quick Change Rotary Cutter.  It is interesting.  The way it’s designed it can be used either left or right handed without having to move the blade to the other side of the cutter.  You just pull back the appropriate blade guard.  I thought that this might encourage me to use the cutter at the correct angle to eliminate wrist issues latter on.  I found however that I needed both guards pulled back to expose more blade or else the cutting was a bit weird.  I was cutting 8 layers at one time.  I’d preferred to have only cut 4, but time as usual is limited.  I’ll keep you posted on this notion.

Some of my gifts

I’ve been busy today working on the web site.  I’ve added the Pantman.  (Check the link on the right.) This might just be the perfect Father’s Day gift idea for someone.  I was scanning some photos and remembered I’ve promised someone  I’d post the pic of the finished Quilt we gave our mother for her 90th birthday last November.

The other pic is a Sudoku Quilt I made for my nieces first birthday.

Neither of the will be available for the Guild Show next May.

Well I’m hoping my Inner City will be in a state to post by the end of the weekend. But i’d better get back to it now.

New Toys!

Oops! Did I say that?  I should  have said new notions.  Well they aren’t all that new,  Just I’ve finally got the time to play with them.  The Olfa Circle Cutter.  This one cuts circles up to about 6″ , the Quick Change Rotary cutter.  I’ll have to cut some fabric before I determine how easy changing the blade really is, and finally a small 5 x 7 rotary mat.  This will be perfect for tiny sub cuts, trimming at the machine and you guessed it, working with the Marti Michell Templates.  Any how they will be on the site, once I’ve given them my stamp of approval.

More new product arriving next week.

Happy Mother’s Day to All

New Additions

I’ve added a new category today,  Quilts for a Cause.    As I explain in the post,  these pieces we stitched by some friends over the  winter.  Check out the page for details. I will add ideas for quilts that are appropriate.

I’ve also added the Brampton Quilt Guilds blog.   We have amazingly talented members and wonderful guest speakers. Enjoy!

May Update

I seem to  be adding a lot in different categories today.  I’ve found the spell checker now.  I just have to remember to use it before I hit the post button.  I do need to find a way to add tables to the posts so the pages will look better.

The pile of New Notions is getting higher on my desk.  You will see the ones that pass my trial in the catalogue this fall and sooner online.  We are expecting even more next week.I have a few favourites that I will be adding comments about as soon as I get the photographic studio set up.

The 3 intercity blocks shown in the April post has grown to 1/2 of a quilt.  I’ve done lighter shades on top and am hoping to finish the darker shades for the bottom.  I think I will use this as a Machine Quilting in Sections Sample.  Because I decided to make it into a quilt after I started piecing together sections I will have to use a ‘Low Carb” method. I will write more about this when I get there.

I made a small Kaleidoscope Sample for the show with Marti Michell’s small Kaleido-Ruler (#MM8641).  Check out my review in the current project section.