My First Quilting Class

Since I am making quilts now, I want to learn how to free motion quilt.  This is when the quilt sandwich(quilt top, batting, and backing) is sewn together with designs all over to enhance the quilt and keep the batting in place.  The feed dogs are lowered and a darning foot is used so the quilt can move in all directions.

I have not taken any type of class for over ten years, so with great anxiety I signed up for a free motion quilting class.

I went home with the class supply list and found I had everything but quilting gloves, which I bought at Joann's.   My main problem was deciding which sewing machine to take.  I finally decided on my Bernina 1005.

The class was really small, only me and one other.  So they were happy to have Joe sit and watch the fun.

I had such a good time, I am signing up for a beginning quilt class next month.

In the interim I will be practicing my free motion quilting.

Her are some class photos:

Ironing before I start

Using my quilting gloves to grip fabric 

Bernina 1005 doing a great job

Some of my free motion quilting

Instructor Anelie at machine

Sample quilt made in a class

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Back to my old ways

I had fun making a quilt, and enjoy using it.  However, I am back to sewing clothes again.  This time I am going to try Burda122a.  Burdas are known for sketchy instructions.  But since this jacket looks like a jean jacket I made, I think I will give it a try.  I have everything I need including a wonderfully soft wool that I pre-washed and dried to pre-shrink it.

Burda 122a

Kwik Sew 3251 jacket looks similar

The pattern was downloaded from Burda.  After I printed it out, I had to add seam allowance, so I added 5/8" to all pieces.  I didn't adjust anything.

No pictures and confusing directions.  I really scratched my head a few times and ripped some threads.  This pattern is nothing like my jean jacket.

The side pockets are in the seam so they are back too far for me.  If I did this jacket again,  I would add welt pockets instead of the in-seam pockets.

I really liked working with this wool from Fashion Fabrics Club, it is soft and buttery.  And of course, my Necchi plowed thru it like nothing.

I used a piece of 100% polyester I bought from Joann's for the lining.  I found it in the clearance section, so the price was very reasonable.

Here I am in a  a made by me outfit; jacket, shirt, and jeans.

I am glad I persevered to the end.  This jacket fits nice and looks good.  I will be sure to wear it a lot.

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A New Adventure in Sewing, Finale

My first quilt is finished.  It sure was an education!  I originally was going to take a class in town, but decided to start on my own.  By following a Craftsy class online,  I bought the fabric and assembled this 60" x 60" quilt.

I used my Necchi to do the quilting since it is in a table. Once I made my "sandwich" of quilt, cotton batting, and fabric backing, there was a lot of material to handle.  I  didn't free motion quilt, I simply sewed a line in the middle of the diamonds.

 I cheated a little and used Singer quilting book to help me do a quick binding.  This way the backing is folded over for the binding, instead of using strips of fabric.

Finished quilt

Backing

I still want to take a class, so my next quilt will be better, hopefully this month.

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