Please ignore that large looming pile of laundry that’s engulfed my couch, I am.
Instead, focus on my new design wall!!!
It’s gray flannel. My friend Anja says it is the color that Kaffe Fassett requires on his design walls when he does workshops for her and heh, I wouldn’t question him. AND it blends in so well with my current gray walls.
I’ve been loving my dual design wall system (above) for years now, but the Livudio (living room/studio) needed some refinement.
I briefly mentioned using foam board a few months ago to Jefe and he was all over it. I love my husband.
Jacquie and I covered options for design walls in Quilting Modern including my dual system and how to create a foam board one too if you want to make one, or google it, there’s options out there.
We placed two insulation boards together, connecting them with Gorilla Tape. I wrapped the boards in flannel that I bought on sale (here) so there was no piecing with this large of a scale and again taped it to the back. I used the areas of tape to secure the staples, though this was probably overkill I wanted it to remain in place for sure.
We snipped holes for the screws in the flannel and drilled through the flannel and boards into the wall. Before its final placement we removed the whole thing, plus screws to place anchors in the wall. Secure and here to stay it is!
I wouldn’t have thought of these things on top of the screw heads on my own, what ever they are called. Thanks Jefe!
I’ve been playing with these blocks a bit for my Slice and Insert block Workshop coming up and need to settle on a baby quilt size design.
I’ve been noodling my way through taxes and with a due date of a week from today, I’m certain not to get much use out of this wall, but I can look at it. Even Jefe has commented on its good looks.
I highly recommend you go all ‘Parks and Rec‘ on a design wall and “Treat Yourself!” You’ll feel so good. And if you don’t know what I am referring to then you have a new show to watch while you sew.
Happy almost TGIF.
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—————————Open Studio Quilting Dates/Times—————————-
Need help with a quilting project? Open studio dates:
Wednesdays (2nd and 4th of every month), February 13th and 27th from 11am-3pm at Make*Do*Mend.
Friday (last Friday of every month), January 25th from 5-10pm at Island Quilter on Vashon Island (sign-up required).
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FULL!
::Magic Number Quilt Workshop::
$85 Saturday, January 26th from 10am to 4pm at the Island Quilter on Vashon Island.
Learn this system of using block sizes that fit together automatically for flexibility in quilt design. We’ll cover fabric selection and how to create a more traditional or improvisational looking quilt design. Great for all levels of sewists. 1/4″ foot required.
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::Split Decision Block Workshop::
$85/ Saturday February 2nd from 10am-4pm at Make*Do*Mend in Ballard.
Play with the slice and insert technique creating a modern quilt that features snippets of your favorite fabrics. This is a great class for all levels of sewists that want to explore a new technique and play with design. All levels welcome! Machines and tools provided.
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::Stepping Stone Block Workshop::
$85/Tuesdays, February 5th and 12th from 6-9pm at Make*Do*Mend in Ballard.
Two nights to explore the creation of your own quilt designs utilizing improvisational strip piecing in a log cabin quilt block. We’ll cover this improvisational patchwork technique while you construct blocks for your own quilt design! Please note this is a two-part class with attendance required for both sessions. A copy of Quilting Modern is required.
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::Half-Square Triangle LOVE Class::
$85/Saturday February 16th from 10am to 4pm at Island Quilter on Vashon Island.
This versatile quilt block lends itself to endless designs. We’ll cover quilting basics such as picking fabrics, matching seams and create perfect points. We’ll play with a layout that suites your style and you’ll walk away with ideas for a multitude of quilts. All level of sewists welcome.
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Love your new design wall Katie … I’m inspired. Great seeing you yesterday!
Perfect design wall. It’s nice you don’t have anything in the way. I have a single bed and have to stand on it to shuffle thing. Kind of a pain. Enjoy playing ; )
Lovely design wall, Katie! I’ve had a hard time securing mine to the wall. I would never had thought to drill through the boards. Thanks for the idea!
Thanks for sharing an AWESOME Design Wall. Great Post! Mtetar
Hello, I just wanted to let you know that I love your blog… & I’ve nominated you for theVersatile Blogger Award. Please check it out here:http://lcartera.wordpress.com/2013/01/24/the-versatile-blogger-award-x2/
Brilliant! Would never have thought of buying a flannel sheet, for some reason. I’m working with an old-school flannel-backed vinyl tablecloth right now but not loving it at all. Totally time to Donna-and-Tom that situation!
ha ha. love them.
On Thu, Jan 24, 2013 at 7:25 PM, SEW KATIE DID
You have a great eye for colour and design.
I just installed my design wall. We used Z-clips to mount the boards. And I’ve been searching for the grey flannel to make movable walls to add to things. Tuck them behind the door when not in use.
Wonderful design wall! Thanks for the inspiration and tips.
Amanda
I am drooling over here! I want a design wall but I don’t have a dedicated sewing space right now. I’m glad I don’t have one yet though because I’d be heartbroken to see this one if I’d already got one… The grey is far more my style than white and better for seeing colour. Thanks for the inspiration!
I love your blocks ya got going there! Very cool looking.
What size sheet did you buy to cover two foam boards? Great idea!
That is one beautiful design wall! I love the grey flannel idea – much more attractive than the thread covered flannel backed vinyl I have 🙂
Love that show! We bought foam this weekend for my design wall(s). It’s in the air to treat ourselves =)
Love that, I.ve often wondered what color would work besides (or even maybe better) than white flannel and that looks like it would be easy on the eyes. Let’s get together soon,
lol – looooved the parks and rec bit. Might be the best episode to date. I love the idea of a gray design wall. My husband helped me make two boards last year, and we added a solid surface on the back so I can lay them on the floor to pin baste. Now my least favorite part of quilting doesn’t seem so tedious anymore 🙂
Great idea!
I am very interested in the roll up Design wall with lines and secured by ribbin..Where can I get that fabric. Can you please help me. thank ;you.
Hi Donna,
You can get them here:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=fons+and+porter+design+wall
I was looking at your link for the sheets, is the Sterling gray the same gray as you have? Just curious 🙂
it’s paintbrush flannel in heather gray: http://www.garnethill.com/paintbrush-flannel-bedding/117597
Oh thanks! I was looking at those too thinking that gray was much darker and liked it more
Hi Katie! I’m setting up my sewing space after several years of having it all packed away. I’m looking forward to finishing my daughter’s “baby” quilt in time for her 7th birthday. LOL! I came across your design wall in my searches, and it is exactly what I would like to make for myself. I have a question that I hope you can answer. I found the link for the flannel sheets in the comments above, and I was wondering what size you ordered to cover the two boards. I’m thinking a flat sheet in queen size? Thanks so much!
It depends on the size of your insulation board. The sheet’s dimensions are listed in the descriptions and give yourself at least 3″ extra per side for wrapping around the board:) Hope that helps. Let me know if you need further help.
Thank you so much! 😀
Also, just bought your and Jacquie’s book!
Oh thanks! Keeping us with a fabric allowance;)
Oh wow- placed my order today at Garnet Hill, but didn’t know the sale was ending tomorrow. The quilting stars must be in alignment! 😉
fyi, garnet hill has the sheets on sale until tomorrow.
Hi Katie, I tired posting this yesterday, but I don’t think it came through, so I apologize if it appears twice. 🙂
I wanted to share with you that I made my design wall! I LOVE it! Thank you so much for sharing your process. The Garnet Hill sheet is perfect for the job. I think I might need to get a set for my bed; soooo luxurious! My finished board is 8′ x 5.5′. I might mount it on the wall with heavy duty velcro strips, but for now it works jut to lean it up against the wall.
I’m so excited to get back to work on my daughter’s quilt that I started way back in 2009. 😀 Hopefully you can see the finished design wall on my IG page with this link. Thanks again!!!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BA8Gf_hvErM/?taken-by=jennford75