Crocheted Beading

I purchased some #8 beads and, with my Mom's #10 crochet hook and #30 cotton crochet thread, got to work. Now, the struggle began. Trying to follow the instructions (like Karen, I hate to read them) and looking at the photos while manipulating these miserable little beads was probably one of the most frustrating things I’ve ever attempted. The first three rows are the most critical and if you can’t get them done, you’re sunk. The really hard part for me was trying to hold onto it and try to keep its shape as I crocheted the rows. I cannot begin to tell you how many times I tried to start the darn thing and ended up tearing it out until the thread was frayed and beads were flung across the room! Had a great time vacuuming that room, I can tell you. Here's my result with the #8 beads:

Compared to the bracelet that was given to me, this one was not very flexible and I thought it was too big. From several of the websites I looked at, they recommended starting with large beads and working down to the smaller beads.


After trying to start one at least 20 times, the frustration got the better of me and I found a website for Spiral Rope Starters. Some enterprising lady named Rose makes these little beginners and for $20, she’ll send you one. At least it gives you something to hold onto while starting these miserable things. However, while waiting for it to arrive, I tried using the Size 11 beads and it was a success! Dunno why the smaller beads were easier, but it worked and it only takes me 2-3 tries to get them started!

Here's several of my tries so far. I'm still having trouble perfecting the "invisible join" part. I can still see where it is, but am going to keep at it until I get it right.


I was complaining to my sister about not being able to find a good selection of beads here (not knowing that a new craft store had just opened across the street from my office!) and Debi was off like a shot to the craft store in Boise (me thinks she wants a bracelet…..). Anyway, I think a care package is in the mail, but knowing Debi, she probably has something up her sleeve.

Crocheted Beading

I purchased some #8 beads and, with my Mom's #10 crochet hook and #30 cotton crochet thread, got to work. Now, the struggle began. Trying to follow the instructions (like Karen, I hate to read them) and looking at the photos while manipulating these miserable little beads was probably one of the most frustrating things I’ve ever attempted. The first three rows are the most critical and if you can’t get them done, you’re sunk. The really hard part for me was trying to hold onto it and try to keep its shape as I crocheted the rows. I cannot begin to tell you how many times I tried to start the darn thing and ended up tearing it out until the thread was frayed and beads were flung across the room! Had a great time vacuuming that room, I can tell you. Here's my result with the #8 beads:

Compared to the bracelet that was given to me, this one was not very flexible and I thought it was too big. From several of the websites I looked at, they recommended starting with large beads and working down to the smaller beads.


After trying to start one at least 20 times, the frustration got the better of me and I found a website for Spiral Rope Starters. Some enterprising lady named Rose makes these little beginners and for $20, she’ll send you one. At least it gives you something to hold onto while starting these miserable things. However, while waiting for it to arrive, I tried using the Size 11 beads and it was a success! Dunno why the smaller beads were easier, but it worked and it only takes me 2-3 tries to get them started!

Here's several of my tries so far. I'm still having trouble perfecting the "invisible join" part. I can still see where it is, but am going to keep at it until I get it right.


I was complaining to my sister about not being able to find a good selection of beads here (not knowing that a new craft store had just opened across the street from my office!) and Debi was off like a shot to the craft store in Boise (me thinks she wants a bracelet…..). Anyway, I think a care package is in the mail, but knowing Debi, she probably has something up her sleeve.

New Projects

Bet you’ve been wondering what I’ve been up to lately. Well, I have another quilt pieced, but it is waiting for a border. I have the backing purchased, but it needs to be pieced. Then it goes on the new frame for quilting. So far, I’ve had lots of fun practicing on scrap fabric, but I think that putting a REAL quilt on this new frame just scares the bejeebers outa me. This quilt is meant for my newly-engaged niece and I don’t want to screw it up. I haven’t posted any photos of it because I don’t yet want Jaymi to see it.

So until then, I’ve been learning a new project. I admired a friend’s beaded bracelet quite awhile ago and she brought one back for me from the mainland as a thank you gift. (She bought herself an iPod Nano and does not have a computer from which to transfer her music. I wonder how she thought that was going to happen….so I put her music on my computer and did it for her. But that’s a whole nuther story.)

Anyway, looking closely at my new bracelet, I couldn’t figure out how it was made. So, to the internet I went. After much searching, I found sites for Crocheted Beaded Spiral bracelets or Endless Bead Crochet Ropes that looked like my bracelet.

New Projects

Bet you’ve been wondering what I’ve been up to lately. Well, I have another quilt pieced, but it is waiting for a border. I have the backing purchased, but it needs to be pieced. Then it goes on the new frame for quilting. So far, I’ve had lots of fun practicing on scrap fabric, but I think that putting a REAL quilt on this new frame just scares the bejeebers outa me. This quilt is meant for my newly-engaged niece and I don’t want to screw it up. I haven’t posted any photos of it because I don’t yet want Jaymi to see it.

So until then, I’ve been learning a new project. I admired a friend’s beaded bracelet quite awhile ago and she brought one back for me from the mainland as a thank you gift. (She bought herself an iPod Nano and does not have a computer from which to transfer her music. I wonder how she thought that was going to happen….so I put her music on my computer and did it for her. But that’s a whole nuther story.)

Anyway, looking closely at my new bracelet, I couldn’t figure out how it was made. So, to the internet I went. After much searching, I found sites for Crocheted Beaded Spiral bracelets or Endless Bead Crochet Ropes that looked like my bracelet.

Devan's Scrappy Diamonds Is Finished

It's finally finished!

Although I was anxious to use my wonderful new frame, Devan's queen-size quilt was too big.  

Rather than trying to pin baste, I used "505" spray fabric adhesive.  It was fabulous and so easy to use.  This step was too hard on my old knees!

I put my walking foot on my sewing machine and the extenders in my dining room table.  I set up my machine and spent the next several evenings stitching in the ditch on the main body of the quilt.  (Karen, those goofy, knobby gloves are terrific!  Thank you!)  The edging was quilted in my first attempt at meandering.  That's not as easy as it looks, but I sure got lots of practice.

As you can see, Devan likes it!

Devan's Scrappy Diamonds Is Finished

It's finally finished!

Although I was anxious to use my wonderful new frame, Devan's queen-size quilt was too big.  

Rather than trying to pin baste, I used "505" spray fabric adhesive.  It was fabulous and so easy to use.  This step was too hard on my old knees!

I put my walking foot on my sewing machine and the extenders in my dining room table.  I set up my machine and spent the next several evenings stitching in the ditch on the main body of the quilt.  (Karen, those goofy, knobby gloves are terrific!  Thank you!)  The edging was quilted in my first attempt at meandering.  That's not as easy as it looks, but I sure got lots of practice.

As you can see, Devan likes it!

Improvements

After playing" with the new quilt frame for a couple of weeks, Scott and I worked on some new changes/improvements. Although the original plans suggested using braces to hold the sewing machine in place, I was reluctant to use them because I didn't want them to scratch my sewing machine. However, as I was sewing at a pretty good speed, I found that the sewing machine was bouncing right off the carriage.

So Scott found these corner "thingees" and also found a liquid rubber coating. After dunking each piece and letting it dry for a few days, he installed them on the top carriage.

Same story with the handles which are made out of pvc pipe. I thought they were going to be too big. They aren't and they work great.

Using a couple pieces of doweling, Scott also fashioned a holder for the laser stylus for use while stitching pantographs. The first one we tried did not stay in place, especially when the machine was bouncing all over. This one is attached with a wood screw through a hole drilled through the aluminum tracking on the upper carriage. It's terrific.

I think my husband is breathing a sigh of relief. It's finally finished.

Improvements

After playing" with the new quilt frame for a couple of weeks, Scott and I worked on some new changes/improvements. Although the original plans suggested using braces to hold the sewing machine in place, I was reluctant to use them because I didn't want them to scratch my sewing machine. However, as I was sewing at a pretty good speed, I found that the sewing machine was bouncing right off the carriage.

So Scott found these corner "thingees" and also found a liquid rubber coating. After dunking each piece and letting it dry for a few days, he installed them on the top carriage.

Same story with the handles which are made out of pvc pipe. I thought they were going to be too big. They aren't and they work great.

Using a couple pieces of doweling, Scott also fashioned a holder for the laser stylus for use while stitching pantographs. The first one we tried did not stay in place, especially when the machine was bouncing all over. This one is attached with a wood screw through a hole drilled through the aluminum tracking on the upper carriage. It's terrific.

I think my husband is breathing a sigh of relief. It's finally finished.

I'm Quilting!

My Aunt Karen asked me to take a video of the frame and how it works.  My problem was that I was using my camera in the left hand and operating the sewing machine in the right.  Then I completely forgot there was audio, too.  So much for patting my head and rubbing my tummy at the same time!  So take that into consideration with the following:

Since I filmed this little video, my husband installed handles on the back of the carriage which has made a big difference.  I'm also playing around with a laser stylus for the pantographs, but have not found a good solution for this yet.  This past week, I have been practicing, practicing, practicing!  I seem to be able to do the meandering thing okay, but pantographs are going to need a LOT more work!

I'm Quilting!

My Aunt Karen asked me to take a video of the frame and how it works.  My problem was that I was using my camera in the left hand and operating the sewing machine in the right.  Then I completely forgot there was audio, too.  So much for patting my head and rubbing my tummy at the same time!  So take that into consideration with the following:

Since I filmed this little video, my husband installed handles on the back of the carriage which has made a big difference.  I'm also playing around with a laser stylus for the pantographs, but have not found a good solution for this yet.  This past week, I have been practicing, practicing, practicing!  I seem to be able to do the meandering thing okay, but pantographs are going to need a LOT more work!

Quilt Frame 2

After reviewing the plans, we made several modifications.  Because of space constraints, we opted for an 8-foot table instead of 10- or 12-foot.  Scott also built the table out of mahogany which turned out beautifully.  

The other alteration I wanted was that the end supports be detachable so that the frame could be more easily dismantled for storage.  Instead of being permanently attached with wood screws, we changed it to carriage bolts and wing nuts.

The end result was better than I had ever hoped!  Now if I can learn to use it!

Quilt Frame 2

After reviewing the plans, we made several modifications.  Because of space constraints, we opted for an 8-foot table instead of 10- or 12-foot.  Scott also built the table out of mahogany which turned out beautifully.  

The other alteration I wanted was that the end supports be detachable so that the frame could be more easily dismantled for storage.  Instead of being permanently attached with wood screws, we changed it to carriage bolts and wing nuts.

The end result was better than I had ever hoped!  Now if I can learn to use it!

Quilt Frame

Ok, I had a great time learning to make the smaller lap quilts, but I want to make the bed-size quilts.  Hand stitching that size Hawaiian quilt can take up to two years, working on it full-time.  I don’t have that kind of patience or attention span.  The next step is to learn to machine quilt.

Devan’s Scrappy Diamonds quilt has created another problem.  My sewing table is only 2 feet by 4 feet.  The thought of wrestling with 3 layers on quilt on that small space was more than I could face.  So…to the internet. 

Cheapskate that I am, I looked for a portable machine quilt frame that was fairly economical.  Ones that I like were the Handiquilter II, B-Line, and especially the New English Quilter.  I found there is no such thing as an economical frame.  The price might be right, but shipping to Hawaii can cost nearly as much as the frame.

So my next thought was if I could find the plans or blueprints, my husband, handy guy that he is, needed a new project and could build one for me.  Easier said than done, however.  One comment I found on the internet that was so true was something like:  “A person could find instructions to build a bomb, but machine quilt frame plans are nearly impossible to find.”

After several months of searching and revising my “requirements,” I found plans that would serve my purpose and were reasonably priced.  I first found these plans on eBay and then went to his website.  After several days of contemplating, I bought the plans, printed them out, and handed them to my husband.  He was off to the hardware store like a shot.

Quilt Frame

Ok, I had a great time learning to make the smaller lap quilts, but I want to make the bed-size quilts.  Hand stitching that size Hawaiian quilt can take up to two years, working on it full-time.  I don’t have that kind of patience or attention span.  The next step is to learn to machine quilt.

Devan’s Scrappy Diamonds quilt has created another problem.  My sewing table is only 2 feet by 4 feet.  The thought of wrestling with 3 layers on quilt on that small space was more than I could face.  So…to the internet. 

Cheapskate that I am, I looked for a portable machine quilt frame that was fairly economical.  Ones that I like were the Handiquilter II, B-Line, and especially the New English Quilter.  I found there is no such thing as an economical frame.  The price might be right, but shipping to Hawaii can cost nearly as much as the frame.

So my next thought was if I could find the plans or blueprints, my husband, handy guy that he is, needed a new project and could build one for me.  Easier said than done, however.  One comment I found on the internet that was so true was something like:  “A person could find instructions to build a bomb, but machine quilt frame plans are nearly impossible to find.”

After several months of searching and revising my “requirements,” I found plans that would serve my purpose and were reasonably priced.  I first found these plans on eBay and then went to his website.  After several days of contemplating, I bought the plans, printed them out, and handed them to my husband.  He was off to the hardware store like a shot.

Devan's Scrappy Diamonds

My current project is a queen-size Scrappy Diamonds for my son, Devan. As you can tell, he likes lime green! His bedroom is even painted lime green! It took multiple trips to every fabric store on the island to come up with enough green material. I'm not sure about this one, probably too much green for me, but Devan loves it.

I got the top completed, purchased the batting, and found the backing material. Then I was faced with basting it with pins and no way did I have enough pins for this one! And I did not have enough table top space to try to machine quilt it. All of a sudden, I was overwhelmed and wondered how I was going to complete it. So it has gone into my closet as my second UFO until I can figure out what to do.

Devan's Scrappy Diamonds

My current project is a queen-size Scrappy Diamonds for my son, Devan. As you can tell, he likes lime green! His bedroom is even painted lime green! It took multiple trips to every fabric store on the island to come up with enough green material. I'm not sure about this one, probably too much green for me, but Devan loves it.

I got the top completed, purchased the batting, and found the backing material. Then I was faced with basting it with pins and no way did I have enough pins for this one! And I did not have enough table top space to try to machine quilt it. All of a sudden, I was overwhelmed and wondered how I was going to complete it. So it has gone into my closet as my second UFO until I can figure out what to do.

Sashiko

The third class I took was a Japanese Sashiko quilt. The class was taught by a little tiny lady named Lorraine, a retired school teacher. The quilt was 18 blocks each with a different Sashiko pattern and another 17 for every other block, all 8 1/2 inches square. All the blocks were backed by Thermor so the stitching was done through both the cotton top and the Thermor batting.

Lorraine would get each of us started on our blocks. She has lots of stories about her travels to Japan to learn more about Sashiko and the meanings behind the patterns. At the same time, she was feeding us home-made mango bread. Very good!

It took me about two weeks to get the blocks stitched and I had calluses on 2 fingers. I had to alternate fingers when one got sore. Because the blocks were not very big, I machine-quilted this one by stitching in the ditch on either side of the burgundy sashing strips. I am really happy how this quilt turned out, but I'm not sure if I want to do it again!

Sashiko

The third class I took was a Japanese Sashiko quilt. The class was taught by a little tiny lady named Lorraine, a retired school teacher. The quilt was 18 blocks each with a different Sashiko pattern and another 17 for every other block, all 8 1/2 inches square. All the blocks were backed by Thermor so the stitching was done through both the cotton top and the Thermor batting.

Lorraine would get each of us started on our blocks. She has lots of stories about her travels to Japan to learn more about Sashiko and the meanings behind the patterns. At the same time, she was feeding us home-made mango bread. Very good!

It took me about two weeks to get the blocks stitched and I had calluses on 2 fingers. I had to alternate fingers when one got sore. Because the blocks were not very big, I machine-quilted this one by stitching in the ditch on either side of the burgundy sashing strips. I am really happy how this quilt turned out, but I'm not sure if I want to do it again!

No Match Patch

My next class was the No Match Patch made out of 12 fat quarters.  It's a lap-size "sampler" with 12-inch blocks.  I had an awful time trying to choose fabric, never having done it before.  Carol at The Calico Cat kept telling me "not to worry -- just choose what you like."  Well, heck if I did that, it would all be the same color!   

Daphne, who taught the class, told us that we shouldn't be surprised if we ended up with blocks that had the same material next to each other.  I'm afraid that I got a little "mathematical" about it and proved her wrong.

This little quilt was quilted on the diagonal.  I used a striped fabric for the binding and it was cut on the bias so it was also diagonal.

After the trauma of trying to choose fabric for this quilt, I found a book, Color for the Terrified Quilter.  Must have had me in mind when they wrote it!

No Match Patch

My next class was the No Match Patch made out of 12 fat quarters.  It's a lap-size "sampler" with 12-inch blocks.  I had an awful time trying to choose fabric, never having done it before.  Carol at The Calico Cat kept telling me "not to worry -- just choose what you like."  Well, heck if I did that, it would all be the same color!   

Daphne, who taught the class, told us that we shouldn't be surprised if we ended up with blocks that had the same material next to each other.  I'm afraid that I got a little "mathematical" about it and proved her wrong.

This little quilt was quilted on the diagonal.  I used a striped fabric for the binding and it was cut on the bias so it was also diagonal.

After the trauma of trying to choose fabric for this quilt, I found a book, Color for the Terrified Quilter.  Must have had me in mind when they wrote it!

Kapakahi

After completing the table runner and the Spinning Puzzle, I wanted to take some beginning machine quilting classes which are a little hard to find on this island, especially for those of us who work full-time. Hawaiian quilting classes are much more available. A wonderful quilt store in Kaimuki, The Calico Cat, offers a variety of classes that are usually scheduled on Saturdays. I signed up for three classes (spread over several months).

The first one was the Kapakahi Quilt, a variation of the “Quilt as You Go” using scrap fabric. All three layers are quilted at the same time. Each finished block measures 9 ½ inches and blocks are sewn together with sashing strips. Although this was fun to do, as a beginner I had not yet built up a stash of scraps! Daphne, the instructor, shared some of hers with me and I now have 10 blocks completed. My first UFO (?)

Kapakahi

After completing the table runner and the Spinning Puzzle, I wanted to take some beginning machine quilting classes which are a little hard to find on this island, especially for those of us who work full-time. Hawaiian quilting classes are much more available. A wonderful quilt store in Kaimuki, The Calico Cat, offers a variety of classes that are usually scheduled on Saturdays. I signed up for three classes (spread over several months).

The first one was the Kapakahi Quilt, a variation of the “Quilt as You Go” using scrap fabric. All three layers are quilted at the same time. Each finished block measures 9 ½ inches and blocks are sewn together with sashing strips. Although this was fun to do, as a beginner I had not yet built up a stash of scraps! Daphne, the instructor, shared some of hers with me and I now have 10 blocks completed. My first UFO (?)

Spinning Puzzle

For my birthday, my Aunt Karen sent me a kit she put together for the Spinning Puzzle. What fun this was! This project was also simply quilted by stitching in the ditch.

Spinning Puzzle

For my birthday, my Aunt Karen sent me a kit she put together for the Spinning Puzzle. What fun this was! This project was also simply quilted by stitching in the ditch.

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.