Rail Fence pattern

This is the rail fence pattern I decided to use for our crazy patch stitches. I choose this layout as it is very simple and doable. Most crazy patch blocks are very complex and require hours of sewing just to assemble the block. I have wanted to stitch a crazy patch quilt for a while now and thought this would be the easiest while still having a great look. While this would make a great full sized quilt, it would also be a great throw over a chair in your den or office, or at the end of your bed. Choose your fabrics and threads with this in mind. 1/4" seams are used and are pressed open for easier stitching. This can also be pieced by hand for a totally on the go project. I like a quilt thread for hand piecing. Start one stitch in and back up to the edge of the fabric to avoid knots along the edges. End the same way with a back stitch.

Keep Stitching,

Janice

Welcome to 365 stitch a long

I am so blessed in having such a diverse group of friends. Your comments and feedback are like a nice hot cup of tea. Soothing and comforting to the soul. I have been told I am out of my mind and completely lost it if I think one dear friend is going to pick up a hand needle. For those of you that a hand needle is not an option, you can use the decorative stitches on your sewing machine. For those of you without a sewing machine, these pieces can be sew by hand using small stitches. For hand piecing, I like to use a quilt thread that is just a little stronger.than regular thread. Start one stitch in f rom the end and take a stitch back to the edge so your knots are not all on the edge of your piece. This also makes your seam stronger. I also backstitch one stitch to end my piecing. Sew the seams together with a 1/4" seam allowance. Press seams open for easier stitching.

365 Stitch a long - day 2-Blanket Stitch

The response to my stitch-a-long is just wonderful. Thank you for all your support. I will answer a few questions first. The rail fence units we are starting with are just groups of 3's that will be joined together later. ( sewing 2 x 5 pieces into groups of 3) This makes it very portable and easy to handle. At present, I am using 3 strands of floss with an embroidery needle. Just pick one that you can thread. That is more important than size. This project can be done in quilters cotton. Use what you have. The Victorians would be proud of you. Some of my fabrics are re-purposed from my closet.

Today's stitch is the blanket stitch. Bring the thread out on the seam line, insert the needle in position on the left (or right) facing the needle back to the seam line. Take a straight stitch with thread under the needle and gently pull taunt. Work 3 stitches on one side and switch to the other side of the seam.

Keep stitching, Janice

365 stitch a long -day 1 - Lazy Daisy

Here we go with our first stitch for the first Monday of this brand new year. The lazy daisy is a very basic and easy stitch to get us started. I am sooo excited and can't wait to see how all our quilts will come together. Grab your needle and thread.

Bring your needle up on the seam line and make a loop. Secure with a little tack stitch at the end of the loop. Click on picture to enlarge photo.

Keep Stitching,

Janice

Happy New Year -365 stitch a long

New Year, new computer, new projects. Don't you love a brand new year to start fresh? I realized this past year that I am most happy when I have a needle in my hand. Although I love machine sewing and designing, I have gone back to my first love - hand sewing...and have decided to try to squeeze in a few minutes of hand stitching every day. I love the peace and stillness that comes over me while stitching. In our crazy busy world, we all need a little calmness. So I have decided to post a new stitch or a variation of a stitch each week day. Lets see how far we get at years end. Dig out some fabric and floss and join me. We are starting with a rail fence pattern using 2" x 5" pieces in groups of three. I am using moire, velveteen and suede fabrics. Other projects will be introduced along the way. Those that know me well, know that I tend to have multiple interests...lol... as I am sure some of you do too.

Won't you pick up a needle and join me?

When I stepped out into my garden area, I just had to smile. There in full bloom were my surprise lilies or naked ladies. Every year they surprise me. They suddenly shoot up and bloom this time of year. They are called naked ladies since there are no leaves, just stems. My dear neighbor introduced and shared these with me several years ago. She would call me to come have tea with her. We would have a lovely visit and all the while, I would be threading needles for her weekly quilting. Whenever she ran out, she would call again for tea time. She would be so impressed that I am now hand quilting. What sweet memories I have of her.

Hugs, Janice

I was so excited to find a new tea/coffee cup on my last trip. I just happen stop in a quilt shop and met up with old friend I hadn't seen a while. Imagine meeting her there...lol... Anyway, I left with some goodies and a new cup that I am just tickled with. It is actually glass with no spill lid. So here is all you my sewing friends, May your bobbins always be full.

Hugs Janice