Sunday, December 25, 2022

A quilt "Chemistry, named love"

Lately I haven't wrote here although I am still making quilts. 

So I want to share with you the story about the last one, which was a baby quilt.

 The parents are amazing couple - one is chemist and the other a cartoon maker.The design should be something with hexagons.

The hexagons were made from two different stripes - one is 1 3/4 inches, another - 3 inches. I have challenged myself to bind hexagons. First found three different ways , and finally made my own way :) I used a bias stripe - the outer corners are easy to bind - very similar to right angle binding. The tricky way is for the inner corners - I pull the bias tape and stitch to the middle point, then pivot quilt and follow stitching. On the back side I stitched by hand.
I like using rests for making back, so my quilts always have two "faces".

 

Merry Christmas to all!

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Baby blanket recycle denim

 Two days later I have made 25 blocks the same way.

One pair of jeans gives new life for 7-10 blocks depending on how big they are, how worn are etc.

I used different colors which gives additional effect in design.


 I decided to make running stitch on the denim stripes. 

I have stuck a paper tape on the ruler to know where to mark a line without measuring every time.


 Still wandering if add FMQ on color pieces...

Tomorrow will think again.


Monday, February 21, 2022

Scrap buster denim quilt

 I was given some jeans to recycle and wandered what to do with denim.

I collect scraps different ways. The stripes are separated from other pieces, which are divided light and dark.

My scrap buckets are full. 

The block I made is easy - collected stripes and denim stripes.

How to make the block easy?

1.You need different fabric's stripes long around 6 or 9 inches. If they are shorter stitch two of them together to make the stripe longer.
 

2. Stitch along the stripes right sides together. Chain sewing for fast speed.


3. Repeat till have block around 10 inches width. Divide this block in 3 inches stripes.



4. Cut denim stripes 3x10 inches.

5. Stitch together colored and denim stripes. Trim if needed.

* Iron all seam allowances open.

Saturday, February 5, 2022

The new kawandi - made by machine

 Today's post is about kawandi - but this time I decided to sew by machine.

It is mug rug again and happened more faster. I used the same manner as traditional one.

Hand sewn kawandi is more soft and nice to touch.

This one took me only one hour from start to finish.

Which one do you prefer? Have you tried any of them?


Monday, January 31, 2022

My first kawandi

 I have seen siddi quilt many months ago and loved improvisation and recycling' possibilities.

This month have red an article and understand that it is called kawandi. Siddi is the name of Africa's women who moved to India and make such quilts..

There are many tutorials, but I have watched one and started with a small piece - a mug rug.

I was hooked. It took me 2 hours from start to finish. 

The most important thing I have learned:

* The outer row is the most difficult to make -  once you stitch the second round it goes fast and pleasant.

* It is easier to use old (used) fabrics.

* Thimble will help, but it is not a must.

* I have to take a rest every hour - making some stretching. I was so obsessed and forget about short rest with a gym.