invisible zipper class

Alignment Optional Pillows

November 6, 2016 By Katie 5 Comments

I’m still rolling with concept inspiration from my psychedelic baby block workshop and ended up with these fabulous pillows made with a block I’m calling Alignment Optional.

Back in September I thought I’d revisit a color way we used in Quilting Modern for the Shattered Quilt, replacing the Carolina Chambray with yarn dyed Essex as my light and Michael Miller Cotton Couture for the black.

I made some blocks, and well…they just didn’t look good. I packed them into a zip-lock and added them to the bureau in the basement where I collect marinating ideas. This approach is making the drawers a bit harder to open, but we all know the importance of play when it comes to creativity, which sometimes just means yielding your rotary cutter and making the cut. So that’s exactly what I did.

Though it was fun to try two different straight-line quilting styles, when it comes to a pair so similar in design I’d like the quilting to be identical. Problem is I’m not sure which design I like best.

These are only the second project I’ve personally quilted with a lot of solid black fabric. When I did my first quilt with black I didn’t know about black batting and small fibers of the white batting became visible on the quilt top. The term in quilting for this is ‘bearding’ and I won’t go into all the reasons it can happen, but the right color batting and a new sharp needle can generally prevent this issue. Too bad I didn’t remember black batting for these pillows;)

Here’s an Instagram photo showing my starts of the Alignment Optional pillows at the top. Sharing this hopefully gives you an idea of the secondary design multiple blocks would create, very similar to the Psychedelic Baby Block. Though I was planning on making a coordinating pillow with the blocks at the bottom, they actually became a quilt. I’m hoping to get some photos of it today. And this time I used black batting;)

All finished off with my invisible zipper tutorial and this awesome Alexander Henry Ghastlies Clover.

Interested in creating some pillow tops yourself? I have three dates listed for the Alignment Optional Pillows AND since I taught myself how to create coupon codes let’s celebrate with $10 off classes (sorry, not open studios) until the 24th with the code ‘meagain.’

I’m already envisioning my next pillows being fabulous in red and white for the season.

Happy Week Peeps;)

New Tricked Additions In Pillow Form

October 15, 2016 By Katie 6 Comments

Seattle’s got Halloween kind of weather going on. We’re currently enjoying the light things up and warmth that electricity provides, but I have definitely put some thought into a list of backup chores for if it goes. My fabric shelves and scrap bins are due a serious clear out and that alone could easily eat a few days.

I’ve been joyfully moving stuff around all week. Decorations are up, and in their true place. Each year I love the hunt of a few well sought out additions, like these awesome lit pumpkins from Target for the top of my fridge.

And just like Christmas I allow myself a few new Halloween prints. Novelty print generally means pillows. You already know I’m seriously not lacking in pillows and nothing stops me from making more. I believe I’ve added five to the rotation this year for Halloween alone;). Last year my splurge was this zombie fabric by Riley Blake. A huge spiderweb pillow (more here) has become Roan’s perch when waiting for his morning carpool. Playing with this block ignited some new ideas.

Since it needed something matchie-matchie and I had left over test blocks I made a couple more.

These pillows I made last year are still my favorites. So in the Ghastlies print I made a couple long lumbars which are my favorite shape for comfortable couch lounging.

I generally buy the forms from Garnet Hill, though IKEA does carry a nice rectangle shape. They’re down-filled and puff out to the corners nicely. You don’t need tons of forms. Under Halloween lives the Christmas ones, and quite possibly another layer under that.

All have invisible zippers following my tutorial of course.

My favorite made addition of the year is the hanging candy bucket I created using this paper pieced pattern. I’ve collected a few new patterns for next year. There are so many more projects I’d like to do, but I think I might be considered borderline something at this point. I’ve been collecting them all on a Pinboard.

It’s probably time to think of a costume.

Happy week Peeps;)

Cutting Corners Binding Technique

January 20, 2015 By Katie 16 Comments

I posted a photo on my Instagram the other day and a comment was made about how I stitch the corners of my binding. Years ago I noticed my mom used it on a quilt and I just messed with it until it was second nature for me. I’m sure the method has a name. I’ll call it the Cutting Corners binding technique.

I use a ladder stitch to bind my quilts and if you need some direction on that Turning Turning’s blog has a great tutorial.

1) As I approach a corner I fold the corner binding towards the middle of the quilt and bring the binding’s folded edges on the right and left sides together at the inside corner so that they just touch.

Secure where the right and left sides come together with a clip.

The goal is to aim for the right and left fold of the binding to come together at an equal measurement and create 90 angle at the corner. Binding clips on either side of the corner can help even things out.

2) When I approach the corner I take the needle into the quilt back and bring it out through the binding’s corner fold. It might be easier to do the next step before pulling the needle through.

3) Grab with your needle the opposing folded corner of binding and if things are looking even pull your needle through.

These two points where the needle is pictured above is where you will complete some tacking stitches.

4) Once you feel it’s got enough stitches to be secure, take your needle into the right side and through into the quilt backing, coming out into the fold of the binding. Continue with the ladder stitch.

It should look all nice and square from the front. I’ve never had any issues with it coming untucked. Anyone know of the name of this technique?

Let me know if you have any questions.

Poof, Somewhat Circular Hex is another sample for my Hexagons by Machine workshop next week;) Now I need to get a post up on it.

Happy Tuesday. I’m off to get my tax crap together, exciting stuff Deb;)

Improv Patchwork Pillow Series

December 16, 2014 By Katie 16 Comments

sewkatiedid/modern patchwork workshop series II

sewkatiedid/modern patchwork block workshops series II

The first group that joined me in my modern patchwork series made it so fun and I enjoyed making the samples so much that I’ve decided to run it again in the new year AND I’ve added a second part to the series.The color combo is so wacked and I’m 100% smitten with it.

Each of these pillows I’ve made with techniques I love to use and teach. One of the things so enjoyable about quilting is figuring out new ways to do things and I’ve certainly learned some good tips to pass along with these.

Here goes (and if you were wait listed or unable to do all of the first session than you can also sign up via The Quilting Loft).

-Exploring Inside a Box-

Modern Patchwork Series II

Please sign up via The Quilting Loft’s site.

Take one session, or the whole series, to explore the merging of traditional and improvisational patchwork techniques, one block at a time. Katie Pedersen, author of Quilting Modern: Techniques and Projects for Improvisational Quilts will guide you through the techniques and skills needed for each block, variations in block design, and the secondary designs multiple blocks create. While we’re at it, we’ll get friendly with our design wall, touch on color and value theory, and cover the advantages of constructing a block that is either precise in piecing, or more willy-nilly.

*Even if you are a seasoned quilter you can up your patchwork game by adding improvisational techniques to your knowledge base.

*Session I- To the Point Triangle Workshop- Thursday, January 22nd from 6-9pm Learn the proper techniques for cutting and piecing equilateral triangles to create sharp points and a design with the most impact. How design is affected by color value, scale of fabric and placement will be covered in this skill building workshop. All levels of sewists welcome. *Session II- Psychedelic Baby Block- Thursday, February 26th from 6-9pm This modern block workshop combines improvisational strip piecing and a traditional foundation paper piecing technique to create unique string blocks that are both chaotic and controlled. Once we’ve constructed some blocks we’ll cover color and value placement so that we can play with the block’s unlimited quilt/pillow design potential. *Session III- Improv Curves- Thursday, March 19th from 6-9pm Fear the curve no more with this no pinning, no templates and no stress approach to the curve. This session gives you the class time to master improvisational gradual curves to be later built into curved emeba blocks (See Emeba Workshop below). Free-handing improvisational curves are manageable even for beginners. *Session IV- Tipsy Amebas Block- Thursday, April 23rd from 6-9pm (An Improvisational curves workshop must be taken to sign up for Amebas (March 19th or April 21st to sign up for this workshop) Now that you’ve mastered improvisationally pieced curves without pinning a thing it’s time to move on to creating organic shapes. Watch your ameba multiply as we cover a chain piecing technique to make more than one at a time and follow up by learning how to bring your blocks together on the design wall without noticeable block construction. Hope to see you there!

Improvisational Quilting Techniques Pillow Series

December 16, 2014 By Katie 17 Comments

sewkatiedid/modern patchwork block workshops series II

Here goes (and if you were wait listed or unable to do all of the first session than you can also sign up via The Quilting Loft).

-Exploring Inside a Box-

Modern Patchwork Series II

Please sign up via The Quilting Loft’s site.

*Even if you are a seasoned quilter you can up your patchwork game by adding improvisational techniques to your knowledge base.

::Random Happenings::

March 13, 2012 By Katie 8 Comments

With little time between work, book stuff and teaching I’ve focused on finishing quick projects that are ‘needed’ around the house.

Like an extra curtain, to keep out that extra morning light daylight savings brought us. Made with fabric from the wonderful Kathy Mack of Pink Chalk Fabrics (blog here). I think I bought all the yardage she had.

The extra yardage from the curtains with some help from Pink Chalk’s sale flannel went into a whole cloth quilt for a very special baby. I did the double binding again.

I could probably fill my living room floor to ceiling with pillows, but with an invisible zipper pillow class on the 22nd I thought some new samples were in order. I fell hard for this new Amy Butler when I went to see Keli of Drygoods Design. She pulled it off the shelf and the next minute I was walking out with it.

And seeing as we finally got around to getting a new cover made for the ottoman it seemed fitting to have something matchie-matchie. That’s my excuse at least.

Now I need to get that Kaleidoscoping God’s Eye Quilt off the design wall and make this wee man a Unknown Direction quilt of his own.

Birthday Boys

May 21, 2011 By Katie 8 Comments

Brothers, and still young enough to be gifted a pillow, maybe even love it.

That little robot kills me. He’s so stinkin’ cute.

On the flip side of the pillow, celebrating the 4th revolution around the sun. I went with some corduroy that I’ve had around and never use. This one I finished with an invisible zipper (I just redid my tutorial).

I popped this out of print Alexander Henry into my destash with some coordinates for making a pillow too.

For older brother, robots as well. This print is flannel and I wish I had bought enough for a quilt back, just got scraps.

Big Boys dream in robot too. Happy 6th revolution…

spinning on this lovely home.

Many smiles to you this year.

I know your Momma will like them too, because she gifted me some of the fabric.

I’m try to fit in some quilting today.

Happy Saturday!

::FaceLift::

May 17, 2011 By Katie Leave a Comment

Our couch and my Add Zip to Your Pillow Invisible Zipper Tutorial both needed a facelift.

I think installing an invisible zipper just got easier than it already was.

Now that my couch is happy, I’m off to mop and baste.

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Destash

::Sheets of Rain Quilt::

May 14, 2011 By Katie 47 Comments

Ever since Crazy Mom Quilt’s Ticker Tape Quilt I’ve had a quilt idea in my head. A quilt with “ticker taped’ raindrops. So appropriate for Seattle.

However, over the year or so the quilt idea has evolved from a ‘quilt as you go’ quilt with appliqued raindrops to a free motion quilt with a continuous raindrop stitch AND raindrop appliques.

My plan is to not go through all three layers of the quilt when ladder stitching the raindrops down, so that the continuous raindrop stitching is all that shows through on the back.

The raindrop stitches are complete and the binding is stitched down, all that’s left are the appliqued raindrops. I’m thinking mostly primary color here.

It’s like a thunder storm on the front (which rarely occur here in Seattle and I miss them) and a sunny day on the back.

So today I made the raindrops. Sorted through the scrap bins, picking out the favorites.

My Mom taught me how to make appliqued shapes with templates so you don’t have raw edges (which just didn’t seem practical for a baby quilt needing to be washed often).

If you haven’t done this before, draw your shape on paper or wax paper and glue it or iron it (if you use wax paper) to cardboard. Cut it as cleanly as you can. Use a nail file to smooth edges if needed.

Cut around your raindrop or other curved shape giving yourself about a 1/4″ seam, or trace around the shape on the wrong side of your fabric and cut a 1/4″ away from the line.

Baste stitch around your shape about an 1/8″ from the cut edge, starting and ending your thread tails on the curved end AND on the same side of fabric.

Pull on the strings. I didn’t do it, but if you place the basting closer to the template when ironing it will help create a smoother curve (so “they” say).

I starch both sides and iron as I’m pulling those strings. I give the strings one wrap around a finger when I pull so it’s taunt. If you’ve glued paper on to your template then you might want to face it down or it mucks all off with the starch.

Traditionally or by what I’ve been taught at least, you iron the top tip or a point down the middle first and than cross over the sides…make sense?

As you can see, I don’t do that. I just do a straight cross over. I occasionally clip some of the fabric out to reduce bulk.

Whatever, they look fine.

Pull out the template and give them a final press right side up, giving a tuck to anything that’s come out of wack when removing the template.

Aren’t they delicious?

Then clip the threads and pin that sucker down.

I actually have a use for those pins that will make you blind.

When free motioning I would try to correct a raindrop ‘gone bad’ by adding an echo, but if that didn’t go so well I looked for those spots to add a raindrop applique.

Uh oh, looks like this quilt might have a load of raindrops. It’s kinda been one of those rainy years. I’ll let you know how it goes.

P.S. The sun shone today.

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out of print destash

upcoming classes

::Hers and His Pillows::

May 4, 2011 By Katie 11 Comments

I needed to make demonstration samples last week for my Add Zip to Your Pillow Class and Roan needed a birthday gift for a classmate. Two birds, one stone…

For Sofia’s new pink bedroom. Little girls seem to still appreciate the handmade. Little boys, not so much.

Last time I tried to make a pillow for a boy gift Roan’s response was, “Oh, a pillow?! Can’t we just buy a toy?!” Add a whining tone to that.

Skip the gift wrap, that’s what all those selvedges are saved for.

And that two bird thing? Roan needed a new pillow cover and I had just a bit of this Alexander Henry fabric left from the back of his quilt. Still reminds me of the A-ha video.

My couch is still in need and I’m waiting patiently for this fabric to arrive.

In the meantime the floor was washed and this was basted.

Now, off I go, I have a date with a quilt and I’m happy to report the sun is shining in Seattle.

Happy Wednesday!

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p.s. In light of the past few days, I found this video on Ted is worth a watch.

::Split Decision Quilt::

April 28, 2011 By Katie 17 Comments

I finished the Split Decision Quilt top except for a row right before we left town. The bits had been tucked away and my goal in life is to not start ANY new projects until ‘the list of the unfinished’ is conquered.

I made a similar pillow when the Hope Valley Line came out last year. I don’t think I’ve ever used this much of a single line of fabric in a quilt, but I think the orange chambray helps it out.

My pillow was inspired by a pillow made with this fabric.

I discovered that Joelle Hoverson’s technique for her Wee Bits quilt was easily adaptable to an improvisational technique I used for the quilt. I’ve taught the Slice and Insert Technique in my Improvisational Patchwork Classes here in Seattle. I now have the Split Decision Quilt top on the class calendar.

I’m a little over the fabric, but still love it and have my quilting design in my head. Just need to piece a back with this Anna Maria Horner (flannel yeah!) I scored on sale.

::Whole Cloth Quilt and Quilt Finishing Class::

April 22, 2011 By Katie 13 Comments

I’ve had this simple quilt sandwich basted and rolled up waiting for its addition of scraps and stitchin’ to make it into a ticker tape. I got to thinking about our limited basting space in the class room and that a simple, modern AND most importantly small quilt could do the trick for teaching the basic threes to quilt finishing.

Stuff Three’s:

Quilt Top
Batting
Quilt Back

Do Three’s:

Baste
Quilt
Bind

The end result, this modern baby quilt! We’ll cover the three’s in the class, and discuss what straight stitched quilting design to execute, plus centering and squaring a quilt and troubleshooting.

The design of the stitching is really seen from the solid front. I think this is Kona Pond. I straight stitched some gentle curves and left a space to straight stitch a third in. I added a few lines of red.

It’s bound in one of my favorite Cake Rock Beach dots.

And the backing is one of my stockpiled Alexander Henry Raindrop Stripe.

I think it will be a super fun class.

I’ve got Add Zip To Your Pillow class next Thursday if you need some new Spring flare. I have my fabric all picked out.

invisible zipper class

Alignment Optional Pillows

New Tricked Additions In Pillow Form

Cutting Corners Binding Technique

Improv Patchwork Pillow Series

Improvisational Quilting Techniques Pillow Series

::Random Happenings::

Birthday Boys

::FaceLift::

::Sheets of Rain Quilt::

::Hers and His Pillows::

::Split Decision Quilt::

::Whole Cloth Quilt and Quilt Finishing Class::

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