Hello again!
I’m back after a few very busy weeks!
First, we were busy with my sister, Deirdre’s wedding…
MY TWIN–A WEDDING SHOWER
Second, I’ve been planning my twin sister, Olivia’s bridal shower. She’s getting married in October!
Any suggestions for party favors??
WORK/QUILT BALANCE
And finally, I’ve been busy on a couple of presentations at work–(I work at Target’s HQ in Minneapolis.)
Have any of you ever had to speak in front of a large group??
If you’re like me, the effort of preparing for a presentation and then actually doing it takes up a lot of space in your brain! – eek!
But now I have less things on my plate–and I’m eager to get back to it…
Back to my quilting project!!!
A SHOPPING ESCAPE
Just before the wedding, my mom, Nora and I escaped the chaos…we snuck away to our local quilt shop.
I half expected to walk into the quilt shop and feel overwhelmed and not know where to start.
Well, honey, that’s not what happened!
FABRIC LOVE!!!
The colors! The patterns! The collections! – I couldn’t get enough!!
Every time I took a lap, I’d add two more bolts to my stack! Soon my fabric was stacked so high I couldn’t see over it!
That’s when my mom had to step in a provide a reality (budget) check!!!
Now I understand why some of you recommended to go in with cash only – I think I’m going to have to adopt that MO next time!
A New Project–Drawstring Bags
New fabric in hand, I’m excited to get to work using them!
When I first started this sewing/quilting adventure, I thought I wanted to jump right in with my indigos but – and after finding other fun fabrics at the store-I changed my mind. I want to get more comfortable with cutting and sewing before I commit to anything with my very special fabric.
After all, life’s too short to stick to one plan!
Instead, I am going to try my hand at making simple drawstring bags to keep my stuff organized when I travel.
I’ve seen several tutorials on Pinterest like this one from Very Berry Handmade and this one from The Stitching Scientist.
And I really love these Drawstring Bunny Bags from We All Sew–but I’ll save those for later!
Setting Up–Cutting tools
In that spirit, I went shopping again…
This time in my mom’s sewing room–don’t tell! (thanks, Lor!).
I picked up a cutting board, a ruler, and a .45M rotary cutter–her aqua OLFA Splash.
Are there any other basic tools you think I need in order to get rolling??
Some of you recommended The Klutz (cut resistant) glove from Fons and Porter. I plan to pick one up for myself and for Nora–thank YOU for the suggestion!
Setting Up a Sewing Center–Apartment Style
I’ve also figured out where I’ll be working on my project. Unfortunately for me, apartment living doesn’t allow for a huge sewing room–like my Mom’s.
My only potential working spaces are my desk and my coffee table.
PROGRESS, SLOW AND STEADY
Like Nora, I still have some work to do, but I’m proud to say I’ve completed the following:
- Bought fabric (and didn’t totally break the bank – ha!)
- Designated a work space at home – the desk will do for now!
- Found a pattern for a project that seems manageable and is a cute product!
Coming up…
Join me next week for my first adventure in cutting and following a simple pattern!
In the meantime, I’m going to be watching a few YouTube and Craftsy videos and reading Pat Sloan’s, Teach Me to Make my First Quilt so I can dazzle you with my progress!
PLEASE SHARE!
Do YOU ever notice how stress (even good stress) reduces creativity?
Do YOU ever go to YOUR quilt shop just to get away?
Do YOU ever pile YOUR bolts so high you can’t see?
Do YOU have any suggestions for quilting in a small space?
Thanks for YOUR help and suggestions!
Until next week,
Faye
PS…All tutorials, images and information are the property of Lori Kennedy at The Inbox Jaunt and are intended for personal use only. Feel free to re-blog, pin or share with attribution to The Inbox Jaunt. For all other purposes, please contact me at lckennedy@hotmail.com. Thanks!
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34 comments
Sandy Clarke
Not in an apartment but have a small space. Have to keep very organized and plan ahead. I have room to leave my machine out but must put everything else away. I cut on my kitchen table but use the ironing board for most everything else.
Except for the sticks & stones top. I laid it out on the bed to move the colors around before sewing the pieces together. My granddaughters showed up and my Golden Retriever got so excited he jumped on the bed and did circles and the pieces flew all over. The girls are still laughing but I did get them to help me get lt laid out. Then they entertained Cooper while i picked it up in order. Good luck!
Marta
Just an anecdote about public speaking. i failed a 3 min speech in high school ..fear! in front of 20 kids I had known all my life. Had to take a Public Speaking class when I went back to college ( in my 50’s) for an art degree. Actually learned something. Then in my 60’s I was asked to speak about my gourd art to a regional Garden Club meeting. OK, I can do that…. found out the night before there would be 250 people there. I started off by saying Hello. and then slowly looking around the whole room
I said, “Not a bad hair day among the whole bunch!” Than I patted the top of my head and said, “I’m not so sure what happened here tho!” Laughter !!! which broke the ice.
Then I just talked about gourds and their planting, growing, and art. There were gourds as centerpieces on each of the 30 tables . Yes, I had been commissioned to make them. So just talking about what I knew turned out to be easy.
Jennifer P
I quilt in a small space and the best thing is my 5 foot plastic table that folds in half- I store it in my laundry room and set it up when I’m ready to sew. I also bought the bed risers to put under the table legs for a better height. It is more counter height!
Favors for a wedding shower….
I made fabric bookmarks. It’s a great scrap buster!
Lori Kennedy
Love the bed risers idea! Will look for the table too!
Teri Coha
Great post Olivia. So happy you are joining the quilt world. I totally recommend shopping in your mother’s studio.
Meran Taylor
Well done! Seems like you have jumped right in and landed on your feet!
Best of luck.
PatSloan
I am LOVING the laps and stack of bolts! Thank you for using my book, I can’t wait to see your projects!
Brenda Jarvis Estes
Your kitchen counter or island could be a good cutting
Lois
Go to a thrift store and pick up a cute vintage suitcase to store your supplies in when you have to clean up quickly. Everything goes in and you set it next to the desk and it looks cool! Or you can store your stash in them-because the fabric just multiplies!! You can then stack them like a side table! Be sure they don’t have an odor and add a dryer sheet or sachet to keep everything smelling as good as they look!
Suzanne
What a brilliant idea! Thank you. I can use it when I go to my quilting group.
Suzanne
Hi Fay!
I understand about working in small spaces – that’s all I have. It’s an L-shaped configuration with the sewing machine on my right under a window and the cutting table on my left. I keep a three-drawer plastic rolling storage bin underneath the cutting table that’s filled with some of my favorite fabric bits and UFO pieces. With a Steady Betty on top of it, I have an instant little ironing surface. I just roll it out from underneath when I want to press a seam or two, plus I have a Clover mini-iron on my sewing table – very handy and I don’t have to get up & go across the room for the big ironing board and big iron.
I also made a very useful thread & tool holder with a plastic “Lazy Susan” onto which I hot-glued a little round cardboard box. Then I glued an empty wide-mouth plastic jar on top of those two pieces creating a multi-level gadget. I put shortened paper towel rolls into the jar as separators, “liberated” (ahem!) a bunch of large golf tees from my husband’s stash, turned them upside down and glued them onto the two lower levels of my creation. It now holds spools of thread and my most useful tools, marking pens, shears, pencils, gauges, seam rippers, etc. It sits to the right of my machine and spins nicely. Quick, easy and functional (let alone cheap), .
Before retiring, I would often speak before various groups, both at work and at church. I’m no expert but I have some experience. My best tip is to make an easy cheat sheet. Draw a line down the middle of a blank sheet of paper and write a numbered outline of the topics you want to include. They should make perfect sense to you and be as short as possible. Use both columns and keep it to only the one sheet of paper. Refer to it as you speak so you can keep on track. This way you can keep your eyes on your audience most of the time. Secondly, smile and be animated. Move your head around looking at different people in your audience. There’s nothing more boring than watching someone read everything in a monotone voice. If there’s room to move around on the dais, or stage, or just down a center aisle, do it a couple of times. If you can, throw in a funny statement (not a joke) a few times, do it and move on quickly. Some people will catch it and laugh, the others will wonder what they missed and pay closer attention to you. I’ve occasionally used some great lines from the M*A*S*H program. There are reruns on all over the place; perhaps you could make time to watch some episodes-they’re full of good material. You may find some that will fit in with your speech. Lastly, you may know that some experts say to imagine everyone in your audience is naked. Depending on circumstances, this could relax you or nauseate you (ha-ha!). It’s not my style but you’re the speaker, so you decide. You go girl! You can do it!
The wedding pictures are gorgeous! Thank you for sharing them.
p.s. If I’m preaching to the choir when it comes to tips on public speaking, please
accept my apologies in advance.
Kate
Hi Faye..Target is lucky to have you. In presentations, I always found it helpful to
just breathe (deep breath at the beginning), smile and make eye contact. Look at
people’s faces to see if they are drifting off…if so, make a remark that gives them a
smile or laugh. To answer your “Do you…” questions…yes, at least in my newbie
2 years of quilting (or maybe just piecing..LOL). You are a pro at whatever you do;
I can tell. Love the wedding photos, quilt shopping photos (esp. the apples!), etc.
Karen
Hello Faye: Good to hear from you. It is great that you and your sister Nora are starting at such a young age. I have sewn since I was 9, but quilts only often after I retired. The sewing skills are so different from Feed Sacks, to Homec in high school, making bridesmaid & bridal dresses, then alterations for a men’s store for 9 years and finally retirement to enjoy quilting. I read and enjoy books, videos, u tubes and quilt groups that share techniques. You will find what you enjoy the most when you have some time for yourself. I even enjoy the blogs so keep on posting! Your mother has been such an inspiration that I tried all methods of free motion and even finally purchased a refurbished 24 commercial longarm machine this spring so I will be able to quilt the kings easily.
dawk2012
Yes, last year was a hard year and I realized I didn’t want to even look at my sewing machine. That’s when it hit me how much stress I was under. I’m finally getting back to it!
Sewing in a small spot–the kitchen table or counter has to serve as my sewing spot. Put up hooks or nails as permitted to hang rulers, scissors, mats (lay flat, out of heat sources/never bend it, or store under your bed). Small space advisors suggest going up instead of stacking on the floor since walls are frequently empty. Can you add a temporary shelf or organizer boxes to an existing closet or decorative shelf? For me, I can’t leave my machine up since I use a table, so I try to do as much prep work as possible like all my pressing, cutting…then chain piece w/my iron and mat close by. This allows me to accomplish the sewing tasks before I have to stow things away again. That’s what’s helped me.
SHERRY Creech
My friend had a very small sewing area and I was amazed that she put things away as she used them. This was all very foreign to me because my sewing room always looks like a Bomb went off. She explained her area was so small, if she did not put things away immediately, she would not have room to work.
Joanne L Wilson
I love you fabric choices. Great idea to start with a project bag.
Kerry
Well it’s either purchase fabric or eat to reduce stress. Then sew to reduce stress further!
I now try not to go to the quilt shop – it is quite a distance, but when I do we always chat out the back over a coffee! I actually try not to go so that I don’t get tempted.
I first used the dining room table. Not great – it is reclaimed pine and quite wonky, but that’s where I used to sew. Originally everything was cut out by hand and sewn by hand, so a little side table was used. I progressed to the kitchen table to rotary cut years later. After that I had a cabinet for my machine that had to be put away as it took up a lot of room when opened out. When my son moved out I took over his room and added a nice big craft cutting table.
Yes I picked up bolts having discovered fabric and I wanted them all – I didn’t get them all but bother, I had to choose! Now I’m a bit more picky with what I get. I’m still using those first fabrics in scrappy quilts! And I must use it all before I kick that bucket!!!
Have fun with your lovely fabrics and enjoy making the bags. I still have to learn how to put zips in – avoided up till now because it looks too scary for me!
Mary Power-Burke
Great fabrics Faye! I love going to quilt shops , sometimes just looking is enough but it’s a rare day when I don’t buy a little something.
The bags look like a great starter project. Remember to have fun. I know so many quilters that get themselves involved with multiple projects that they get overwhelmed.
Also don’t aim for perfection, it’s way overrated!!
Linda in Calif
Faye, I love your fabric choices – the apples along with the sheep and then next to the blue etc.etc. Such happy fabric. One thing that helped me was when my husband told me ” Oh, you will always find fabric that you love”. And I realized he is right, every time I go I find fabric I love. That makes it easier NOT to buy and have too big of a stash (especially in a small place.) I really try to buy only for the project that I”m currently working on. (Too bad for me I’m working on too many a once – at least 15) That would be my next advise. Don’t start too many at a time. It becomes overwhelming or you lose interest. Love the little bags – and yes, make a bunny one too!
Vickie
My tip is to get into the habit of ALWAYS closing your rotary cutter every time you put it down!
lilquilter
I ALWAYS close my cutter whenever I’ve made a cut, even if I’m not setting it down. There have been too many horror stories involving rotary cutters!! One of my quilt guild friends dropped her open cutter on her foot and severed a tendon! Better safe than sorry!!!
Connie Boulay
I have had to sew in a small space a lot during my life. Suggestions:
1. Under bed storage boxes for fabric. And try to limit your stash to your storage (hard to do, have a plan for what you buy rather than, oh that’s pretty!)
2. Clean off a kitchen counter when cutting, an island is perfect, if you have one. The taller height is easier on your back.
3. I love tackle boxes for organizing small things, but at sewing retreats I have also seen repurposed jewelry boxes (large ones) and tool boxes. The jewelry boxes look nice when left out. My friend found hers at a yard sale, or maybe a second hand store. It should be large enough to hold thread, scissors, rotary cutter, and any other small tools that are indispensable to you. I have a cup by my sewing machine that holds snips, seam ripper, and the indispensable applique stiletto I use to hold the tail end of a seam steady. I put a piece of foam in the bottom of the cup to keep the tip to bending.
Rita S
Hi Faye, beautiful pictures of the wedding. As far as party favors, a pumpkin mug rug would work for October. As far as a work space there are smaller white tables that adjust to two hights, one for cutting and one that is just right for sewing. There called Lifetime tables. Can’t wait to see your progress!
Kay
I have a sewing room with a high craft table that is the right height for cutting BUT I love cutting on my kitchen counter. For some reason The craft table always has piles of stuff/projects on it and is a pain to clear off but somehow I manage to keep the kitchen counters fairly cleared off so easy to cut. I just make sure to clean the counters before I cut so no food is around the mat. If I didn’t have a sewing room, I would continue emptying a kitchen cabinet and drawer to store supplies there.
Kay
Hi,
I love that both Lori’s daughters went to mom’s sewing room to “shop” for cutting supplies. LOL
I love the fabrics you chose!! I love to just go to the shop to pet the fabric. Of course something usually comes home with me.
Enjoy the process and your quilting adventure!
Mary Grogan
My thoughts: Two rulers help in a lot of cutting situations. I like 6 x 24 and 6 x 12. Also as big a cutting mat as you can manage.
Jakki
Speaking from atop a pile of fabric, yes I do stack it high! In a small space, organization is the key. Consider making your self some fabric baskets or boxes. Many pins and youtubers available. To keep “stuff” in check. This would be a great follow on to your bag project, and would build skills.
MaryB
Relax, have fun and enjoy the process of creating. When it stops being fun, stop, and put it away for later. Before I retired, I used to speak in front of large groups. To keep from getting nervous, I used to remind myself that this is only 10 minutes (or however much time) out of my life. It kind of put it in perspective for me. Maybe, it’ll help you, too.
worldpresscom986
I took a Dale Carnegie course “How to win Friends and Influence People” They taught how to do public speaking. We started with a simple Introduce yourself and tell us where you’re from kind of thing. My Mom used to tell me for piano recitals, “Just pretend you are practicing at home for me.” Another Carnegie tip was, “Everyone is worried about themselves, and will barely be listening.” Pick a person or a row of people in the back and speak to them so that your voice carries.
Rosemaryflower
I think most of us started out with a small space. Just keep your supplies in clear boxes that are stackable… that should work.
I like your fabric choices, even the big stack. I love fabric. I love all of the colors now, and I like good quality fabric for most things. Now I have grand daughters, and they do not need high quality, so I can use cheaper fabrics to make dresses and other things for them that I know will get soiled and lost or worn.
I am very happy to read your blog update today. I think you have all that you need.
Every day, I try to push stress away.
Standing in front of people and talking? just go do it. Be enthusiastic.
I love Target. I want one of their display tables haha the white ones in the home section. They are tall and would make great work tables…. for me.
I absolutely adore the wedding photos. Family is the best.
Lori
Good Morning Faye – you have a good start to your project. The thoughts first, then comes the preparation. Think of it as a jig saw puzzle coming together. There once was a day when we simply, if we were fortunate, had a folding sewing cabinet to do our projects on and the kitchen table to lay out fabric, patterns, and cut. Those were sweet, simple days. And they were enough. Now we seem to be concerned about our creative spaces and not necessarily about our creations. I am fortunate to have my own space in a sub-par basement (7′ ceilings and open beams) but its mine and I realize how lucky I am. Enjoy the process. Its the process that is relaxing.
Lori Hope
Love your fabric choices, Faye!
And the main thing about setting up in a small space is that you’ll have to keep it organized… 🙂
Can’t wait to see your new drawstring bags!
worldpresscom986
re: Drawstring Bags, They will look cute, but I suggest a see through plastic window or one side plastic. Otherwise, you’ll always be opening them to see what’s inside.
Pat Knight
Your mom is your best go to for all your questions!
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