Table Runner

My first try at machine piecing was a table runner. Of course, something in me refused to follow the pattern like I was supposed to. I wanted to make it longer, but had NO idea how to figure out how much additional fabric to purchase and how many squares to cut. So I just dove in and cut LOTS.

I had a lot of fun figuring out the colors and the placement, but that took several days, especially after leaving all the pieces out on the cutting board one night. A nice breeze came up and blew pieces all over the sewing room. After that fiasco, I learned to use a piece of flannel (back side of a plastic tablecloth) to figure out the piecing.

Matching the seams was a bit of a challenge, but I think I did pretty well. The quilting was done using a walking foot and stitching in the ditch. Got it all done and while admiring my handiwork, I found one square was facing the WRONG direction!

Table Runner

My first try at machine piecing was a table runner. Of course, something in me refused to follow the pattern like I was supposed to. I wanted to make it longer, but had NO idea how to figure out how much additional fabric to purchase and how many squares to cut. So I just dove in and cut LOTS.

I had a lot of fun figuring out the colors and the placement, but that took several days, especially after leaving all the pieces out on the cutting board one night. A nice breeze came up and blew pieces all over the sewing room. After that fiasco, I learned to use a piece of flannel (back side of a plastic tablecloth) to figure out the piecing.

Matching the seams was a bit of a challenge, but I think I did pretty well. The quilting was done using a walking foot and stitching in the ditch. Got it all done and while admiring my handiwork, I found one square was facing the WRONG direction!

Hawaiian Applique'

After moving to Honolulu, I wanted to learn the art of Hawaiian quilting, a form of needleturn appliqué and echo quilting. At the annual quilt show several years ago, I sat in on a demonstration by Nancy Chong of Pacific Rim Quilt Company and, subsequently purchased her DVD. 

With that, I was off and running! My first attempt was a pillow followed by a wall hanging entitled “You are In Our Hearts” gifted to my sister, Debra. My third is “Woodland Lei” and is nearly completed. My current project is a repeat of “Hearts” in blues and is three-quarter’s appliquéd. I have not yet become as proficient as I would like in the “rocking stitch” but I'm working on it.

Hawaiian Applique'

After moving to Honolulu, I wanted to learn the art of Hawaiian quilting, a form of needleturn appliqué and echo quilting. At the annual quilt show several years ago, I sat in on a demonstration by Nancy Chong of Pacific Rim Quilt Company and, subsequently purchased her DVD. 

With that, I was off and running! My first attempt was a pillow followed by a wall hanging entitled “You are In Our Hearts” gifted to my sister, Debra. My third is “Woodland Lei” and is nearly completed. My current project is a repeat of “Hearts” in blues and is three-quarter’s appliquéd. I have not yet become as proficient as I would like in the “rocking stitch” but I'm working on it.

A Little Bit About Me

My life has changed a little since starting this blog in 2008.  My husband and I retired in 2013 and returned to Boise, Idaho.  Much of my career was spent as an executive secretary in the building materials business until we moved to Honolulu where I worked for Hawaiian Electric Industries in their Information Technology Dept. There, I discovered my love for computers and gadgets. 

My mother taught me to sew as a child and I made many of my own clothes through the years, including wedding dresses for myself and 4 sisters. After her Singer gave up the ghost, she purchased a Bernina 830 that I used until I left home.  Out on my own, I purchased a Bernina 810 that I used for 29 years until it had to be replaced in 2007 with a Bernina Aurora 430. I have also kept busy learning to crochet afghans, eyelash leis, and beaded bracelets, trying to learn to knit (I have never mastered the tension.) and enjoyed counted cross-stitch.  My bucket list includes learning how to paint using watercolors and dying my own fabrics.

I have always been interested in quilting. My Grandma Edna and her four sisters were wonderful quilters. I regret that I did not have the opportunity to learn from them.

A Little Bit About Me

My family and I have lived in Honolulu since 1997. I am an admitted gadget freak and I love to work with computers. Working in an Information Technology Dept. for more than 10 years has helped keep my busy.

I learned to sew as a teenager and made many of my own clothes through the years. Recently, my best “friend,” a Bernina 810, had to be retired after 29 years of service and was replaced with a Bernina Aurora 430 last year. I have also kept busy by crocheting afghans (and eyelash leis), trying to learn to knit (I have never mastered the tension.) and enjoyed counted cross-stitch at least until myopia set in!

I have always been interested in quilting. My Grandma Edna and her four sisters were wonderful quilters. I regret that I did not have the opportunity to learn from them, but along with my Aunt Karen, I am now trying to make up for lost time.