what I learned this weekend ~

During our meeting I finished another block from the 163 Patchwork Favorites. I might a have long pause here, only because the next quilt block looks rather complicated. I could make it with more seams but I will attempt it the way it is shown. 

Keep the seam ripper close...

clown block pg 17 from 163 Patchwork Favorites

While at the SDMQG meeting this weekend a member gave a very informative talk and lesson in regards to binding quilts, including types of binding, cutting fabric for binding, applying binding and hand stitching. Who knew? I learned there was more to binding that I ever thought and certainly more to consider. There are probably a few things I could change for the better for future quilts. Thank you Julie!

binding on one of the quilts for the twins

coiled around the extension table foot

love my juki

Another member brought in her Juki and we started to chat about all things we love about this machine. I typically sew the binding on after I have free-motion quilted using my Juki because it is on my sewing table. It is a heavy machine to take up and down. I found winding the binding up and placing it under the foot of the extension table to be a rather clever way to keep it off the floor and to keep it from get all tangled up. 

Have a great week and happy sewing

elving in progress ~

My daughter snapped this picture of me

Love the baby hem attachment

on Robert Kaufman oxford fabric

loaded with DMC floss no 8

 

using topstitch needles

stack of Christmas goodness

for Santa's sleigh ~

I have been enjoying a little elving this week. Made this stack of fabric goodness and can't say what or how just yet but there are lots of clues in the pictures. I really like my new sewing machine and it came with an unexpected attachment, the baby hem. 

Then I tried to embellish the twill tape with no.8 floss and my Janome kept chugging and coughing. I did manage to finished the red and so I began the blue and had to rip it all out. I played with the tensions and went super slow but my machine said no! For short distances and if you don't need to see the backside it is a really great accent to sewing projects. One of the SD Quilt Guild members shared this technique on zipper pouch.

This weekend I have a debate tournament, decorating and quilt guild scrap swap. The holidays have begun. 

Cookies ~

gingersnaps

Trying to find the best gingersnap recipe for darling daughter #2. I don't think she minds all of my attempts. From the book Miette was a subtlety flavored ginger cookie but even though I cooked them longer, they still didn't 'snap'. Maybe I need to roll them out thinner. So with time permitting, I will whip up a batch of cookies from the Milk & Cookies book given to me by dd #1 and see what the family thinks.

Time to bring out the advent calendar

Have a lovely day!