Comments for The Heart of Sewing

Comment on I Spy Quilt by Mary

Mary — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:44:26 +0000

Can’t wait to do a “I Spy Quilt” for 1 of my grandsons!
Have to finish a Sponge Bob for 1 of my granddaughters!

Comment on FREE Pattern – Chenille Baby Blanket by KarenST

KarenST — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:15:49 +0000

I would suggest not worrying so much about the perfect layering of patterned cloth. Why not just get the hang of the chenille technique on solids and tiny patterned flanel. Then, when you do your next blanket, try to layer fabric with a pattern on it. Just my suggestion to keep it low stress.
I received a chenille baby blanket several years ago and it was random colors and small patterns in the layers. It was so beautiful and really made the stripes stand out! It was a perfect weight and warmth for a winter baby, too…the only one I wanted to use.
Can’t wait to get started! Thanks

Comment on Quilt Retreats by sheilareinke

sheilareinke — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:09:13 +0000

Pictures from past retreats can be found under the “Quilt Retreats” tab (in the list on the right side column). But here’s an easy link to those posts: http://sheilareinke.wordpress.com/tag/quilt-retreat/

~Sheila

Comment on DYK – Coats & Clark Thread by sheilareinke

sheilareinke — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:20:58 +0000

I tend to use a darker thread rather than a lighter one because to my eyes the thread seems to appear lighter once it is sewn into the fabric. However, this is just my preference, and I always suggest using the thread that looks right to you – after all, it is your creation!

Comment on FREE Pattern – Chenille Baby Blanket by sheilareinke

sheilareinke — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:19:11 +0000

Donna,
You can join the chenille squares with any style seam you like – you don’t need to do a rag style blanket. My only suggestion is that you join the squares BEFORE you ‘bloom’ the chenille – this will make the sewing much easier on you.

~Sheila

Comment on FREE Pattern – Chenille Baby Blanket by sheilareinke

sheilareinke — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:17:29 +0000

Linda – the trick for this is that you have to find out what the ‘repeat’ of the fabric is, and buy enough so that you can layer the fabrics on top of one another with the exact same flower all stacked together. Any floral fabric will work, but if this is your first attempt, I suggest a simple pattern so you can layer the flowers correctly.

~Sheila

Comment on FREE Pattern – Easter Placemat #2 by sheilareinke

sheilareinke — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:11:12 +0000

Thank you so much for your kind words, it’s always nice to hear them.
~Sheila

Comment on DYK – Coats & Clark Thread by sheilareinke

sheilareinke — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:07:51 +0000

Chris, I’m so glad that this post could help you!

~Sheila

Comment on Kaleidoscope Quilt Blocks by sheilareinke

sheilareinke — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 22:56:10 +0000

Kris, my first question is do you have Marti Michelle’s kaleidoscope book? This book really lays out the proper steps for the pattern.
One key thing to look for are you using a ‘true’ quarter inch seam? If not, that can cause the type of problem you are describing.
If you have further questions – please feel free to respond on the blog and I will be happy to email you with more information.

Comment on Continuing to ‘Turn 20′ by sheilareinke

sheilareinke — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 22:53:04 +0000

I prefer to use a variety of 20 fat quarters – I think this gives the most visual appeal. However, the pattern will of course allow you to use whatever number of different fabrics you want.