Here's a funny (not really) story from my escapades yesterday. I had an idea for a table runner and designed and made the ends--so far so good. The bad news? The ends are not divisible by any whole, half, or quarter number! So back to the drawing board! (That's why I switched to applique today--I have much less trouble making things fit!)
Wishing you nothing but blue skies in February. See you then!
After removing the triangle, align the 1/2 inch line on your ruler with the cut edge of the fabric. Yes, it says 1/2 inch. You cut the strip twice as wide as the finished bias, in this case 1/4 inch. Cut as many strips as you need. When the ruler is too short to cut one layer easily, fold the fabric in half, aligning the cut edge. You are now cutting two layers, but will have longer strips more easily.
Start the strip into the BTM, with the RIGHT side showing in the window. You will only be able to push the strip in so far with your fingers.
And, voila!!!! A perfect 1/4 inch bias strip--great for stems or Celtic applique work. You can see how the BTM folds the raw edges to the center, making a folded edge ready to applique. Before you begin placing the stems on your background, cut the weird end off straight so you are sure of exact placement.
Well, there you have it--the first tutorial. Let me know what you think. Enough pictures? Too many pictures?
Lynnie is still fine, Callie is still trying to rule the roost, and I have been busy--thus the lack of posts. I did get quilting thread for a quilt I basted a few weeks ago, and hand-dyed pearl cotton to do some embroidery on an applique piece (Okay, Anita, don't faint!).
After giving my dad a haircut this morning, I got right down to work. In an attempt to empty tote bags and cases from classes that have now ended, I came across a group of blocks I had partially pieced and then left. So I finished these five, plus two more not pictured. These five are 8 inches finished and the others are 6 inches finished.
I also put a sleeve and binding on the 5 pointed star. Love those binder clips!
Also prepped for two classes tomorrow. And am plotting two new projects--okay, probably more than two--one appliqued and one pieced. It'll be fun to see how they pan out. Next step is fabric selection. Here's something I ponder quite frequently: I have an extensive stash and yet I go out and buy fabric for new projects! Except for my extensive collection of batiks--I never get tired of them. But I do love those novelty prints--I just can't help myself! Do you think there is a 12 step program for novelaholics?
Be safe and be well. And thanks again for all the kind words and thoughts about Lynnie. It meant a lot.
It was very scary. Today when I checked in with the vet, he said two other dogs had had seizures yesterday! That seems really odd, doesn't it? I just hope it never happens again.
Stay safe everyone!
I had only a fat quarter of background fabric, decided to do three blocks and did the math based on that, then changed my mind to do four blocks and only did part of the math. So...when I got ready to put the blocks together I found that I didn't have any 3.5 inch squares for the center--and my background fabric was gone--literally only shreds left. So I punted and used the design fabric in each block's center. I really like it better.
As promised, I did finish the quilting on the 5 pointed star. I really like the looks of it.
And here's a picture of the back after I ironed away the marker. It's like magic!
I'm torn now between designing a new machine pieced sampler and working on a new applique design. Now, let's see...if I stay up all night every night for, oh say, the next several years (or the rest of my life, whichever comes first), I might make a small dent in the ideas I have for new quilts and the desire to finish some of the old ones still languishing on the unfinished pile. Did I tell you I basted a top last week? At least it's a bit more protected than as a top.
Happy Wednesday, everyone!
Hugs,
Sharon
The trees look frosted, don't they? 
Here's a detail of the back. This was the quilt I was searching for the backing fabric to make the sleeve--I never did find it. So the binding and sleeve match. Normally I place the label in the lower right hand corner, but that would have covered up some of the flamingos. So I put it on the middle left side. You can just see the edge of it in the picture.
The entire piece measures 17.5 x 9.5 inches, and was a resounding success. Although small, it proves that good things come to those who wait. I started this in 2006 and finished it in 2009. The label was added in 2010. 
Here's how the process went. I floundered to the shed through knee deep snow. Once at the Coffin Microbrewery, I discovered that the door opening mechanism was frozen shut. We are talking four things that have to release on a span of at least six feet. Back through the snow to get a hammer. Bang, bang (repeated several times). Finally broke the handle free and then needed both hands to try to swing it out. Bigger bang as the door broke free (luckily not at the hinges!). Now I needed to move my big lawn tractor to the side to get to the snowblower. Not an easy feat at the best of times, but now made a bit trickier by there being a flat rear tire on the mower. I mean realllllllly flaaaaaat. And cold. No rolling of tires now. Being ever resourceful, I found a shovel with a flat edge and used it as a pry bar to move the mower inches at a time to the right and toward the back of the shed. Fiiiiiinalllly got it out of the way--sometimes by lifting the rear end and moving it to the right. Jimmied the snowblower to the front--did I mention there are metal shelves on both sides of the shed, there is a cap on my snowblower and I have an extra 4 x 8 foot piece of drywall to help things along? Ran the extension cord from the house to the shed for the electric starter. It whirred just fine--just did not catch the flywheel. Pulled the starter rope to see if that would help engage things. No joy. Tried and tried. Finally gave up. Called my brother for help. (I hate being the weakest link--but....) He came down and tried to start it--no luck either. (Okay, I felt better knowing it wasn't just me!) So back to his house he went to get his snowblower. He snowblowed, I shoveled and we finally got the drive cleared out. He took my snowblower and his back to his house on the back of his pickup. I told him mine knew it was not going to Disney and liked riding on his truck as the consolation prize!
And all this was before 2:30 pm! With more of the same weather and winds predicted for the rest of the week, with a Nor'easter for the weekend, I stocked up on groceries, dog and cat food and gassed up the Jeep. It's not like I can't keep busy--let me see, which of the over 120 unfinished quilts should I pull out first?
