Quilt Blanket Progress

I mentioned in my post last week that I'll finish one of Mom's unfinished quilt blankets. I thought about how I'll go about it for a few days. The easier way was to just extend it, add wadding and binding. After several inspections of the unfinished project, I realized it would be better to reap it, so I could make it even. I also don't know where Mom got the sashing fabric. She probably left it unfinished because she ran out of it. 

It took me over a week to take it apart. I consulted with Miggy on what fabric color I should use to replace the sashing. He chose pistachio. It only took two days before it arrived and then I sent it to the laundromat for washing (it'll be impossible to dry it at home because of the rains). 

Meanwhile, I've been working on organizing my sewing area. I'm also starting to putter around my sewing room. It's currently full of boxes from Mom's stuff. I might get help to organize it since I just don't have enough stamina right now. 

Stay dry and keep sewing!

#BeKind #StaySafe

My Favorite Fabric Pencil!

I have tried a lot of fabric pencils. I used to travel a lot and I'd usually visit a craft store. I was always on the lookout for better fabric pencils. That quest kinda ended when I found this pencil in a store in Ginza, Japan (Yuzawaya). 

I was curious because the fabric pencil was a mechanical pencil (called Sewline). It was quite expensive, so I removed some fabric from my cart so I could try it. It's the best fabric pencil ever!!! I immediately fell in love with it when I tried it as soon as I got home. Lines were always straight and the pencil would glide smoothly on the fabric (especially when you have sandpaper to stabilize the fabric). 

Here's a demo:

The pencil came with refills, but I was eventually shocked when I needed to buy new ones. The refills are expensive too! I have other white fabric pencils, but they usually break easily and I'm not really happy with big fat lines. I just buy white refills to save.

I ran out of refills recently, so I checked where I could buy. I was surprised to see a new variant of the pencil. It's a trio pencil which includes white, black and pink. I've had my Sewline pencil for 8 years now and thought I'd indulge and try this new one. I also misplaced my original white pencil, so this would be a replacement. 

And just like before, I immediately fell in love with it. The pink pen is quite interesting and I might buy a refill when I run out. 

Finding joy in little things :)

#BeKind #StaySafe 

Unboxed New Sewing Gadget!

I've thought about getting a bobbin winder for a couple of years now. I didn't since I've been able to make do with my sewing machine. It came to a point the bobbin would defeat me and run out of thread. I finally decided to get a bobbin winder a few weeks ago. I got it via Amazon. 

I ordered a Singer-branded bobbin winder. I figured it should work well since they make sewing machines (haha). Mom and Mama Lola only used Singer or Brother sewing machines and I didn't want to overthink getting a bobbin winder. I might push back again if I did research, besides it's not that expensive. 

The order arrived quickly and I excitedly opened the package. True to form I didn't read the instructions before trying it out (hahaha). I used batteries instead of plugging the gadget just to be sure I don't fry it accidentally (Sweetie said it should work). I don't like plugging stuff, so I used batteries. It worked, but the red button doesn't effectively turn off. I had to remove the battery for the winding to stop. 

Here's my unboxing video:

After reading the instructions, I was able to properly thread a bobbin. It just took 20 seconds! Woohoo! I was really happy about it. I was able to use it when my bobbin run out of thread while I was sewing (defeated again!). The big difference was I didn't have to remove the thread and redo the needle routine. Yay! 

I should have gotten myself a bobbin winder a long time ago. The problem is I take so long deciding whether I should get a gadget or not. It takes years (I have not replaced my GoPro Hero 3+, so you can just imagine how long I dilly-dally). 

Another Scrap Fabric Project

I need a couple of things for my bag. I've been annoyed with my powerbank juggling around inside my bag. I had been putting it inside a pouch with my pill box. I realized though it's not good to do that since the power bank warms up when I use it. 

After making the pillow cases from Mom's unfinished projects, I set aside the scraps for future use. Found some long strips and thought I'd finally make a pouch for my power bank. I didn't bother measuring it and just decided after I pieced it how it would look. 

Here's how I made it:

I also used franken-batting, an old pillowcase (as back fabric), and leftover binding to close one side. I like how it turned out and I've been using it. I finished the project in two nights. I still have a lot of leftover fabric and will probably make a case for my eyeglasses. Let's see how that goes next week. 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Completed Mom's Unfinished White Quilt Project

I found six squares of pieced together white fabric. It was hand sewn by Mom. I looked at it for a long time before I decided to make throw pillow quilt covers with it. I also used some of the scrap fabric she left. I broke this project into two parts. 

The first part of the project was for the bigger throw pillows. It was perfect because there were two larger squares. I took the chance and experimented on making cats. I posted about it a few weeks ago (check it out here). The second part was to make four throw pillow covers for the smaller pillows. 

The squares were not even, so I decided to simplify and just added scrap fabric to the sides to frame the white squares. I wanted to highlight the fabric Mom used (eyelet? I'm not sure what it's called) and I chose some of her scrap fabric to frame it. I quilted diagonally to add some flair. 

Here's how I made it:

Mom still has a lot of unfinished projects. No wonder she kept telling me to finish what I start because she left a lot of stuff for me to finish. Most of her unfinished projects are big enough to make more throw pillows. I have to wash all of them and see if maybe I can make a blanket out of them. Well, we'll see. I'm just glad I managed to make something out of her unfinished project :)

#BeKind #StaySafe 

Watched "The Quilters" on Netflix

I was looking forward to watching "The Quilters" on Netflix. It was finally made available today, so I immediately watched. I was expecting it to be a series or at least a 90-minute docu film. I probably missed reading that it's just a short documentary.

Anyway, I finished it in one sitting and I was amazed to learn that the quilting was happening in maximum security prisons. I actually looked forward to seeing the men quilt, but I honestly missed the part that they were in prison. I was so focused on the craft, it didn't matter to me where they were located. 

It's rare to see a film made about quilting, probably because it's not a huge niche. Quilting requires a lot of patience and I can understand how therapeutic it is. Quilting involves sharp tools and it's a huge risk for where the quilters in the film are located. They said it takes a lot to be included in the group and they take care of the privilege. Not being able to quilt can be painful! 

The most enjoyable part for me while watching the film was seeing the process they went through when making a quilt. Sleepless nights thinking about how to tackle a project. Drawing the design. Cutting fabric. Sewing and ironing a gazillion times. Sandwiching the quilt with batting and making sure it's flat! Then seeing the happy face of the receiver. 

I usually make smaller projects because it takes me a long time to finish one. I only make blankets every once in awhile because it takes me years to finish one. I'm actually envious that the men in the film help each other work on their projects. I don't think there's anyone near me who quilt. Well, I usually oblige my boys when I need help with carrying or mixing colors, heh. 

Anyway, if you do other crafts, I'm sure you'll enjoy the short film about quilters. All crafts require patience and passion and that's what you'll see with this unique group of quilters. 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Organized Mom's Fabric Scraps

Sorting continues. We got several boxes yesterday and I requested to start with the boxes from Mom's room. She had organized all her sewing stuff in Dad's cabinet. It was like she knew and organized her things the way I would understand it.

I quickly finished sorting ten boxes. More than half of the items will be donated. Old towels will be used for household needs (cat bedding and cleaning cloth). I also found some stuff that's mine like curtains and a box of earrings. Not enjoyable to sort was the box of fabric.

It was a box of scraps. Some I remember from when Mom was teaching me how to quilt. I also found a bunch of unfinished throw pillow covers. She probably made it during the pandemic and didn't have batting. I have to check them individually to see if I could finish it.

I sorted the scraps by color to see what I could do with it. I ran out of energy after sorting, so I'll leave thinking about a project for another day. I'll also need to wash the scraps anyway before using it.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Organizing for 2025 Quilting Projects

I have been thinking about what to do for my quilting projects this year. I know I was quite slow last year since I had to rest my hands and wrist in-between projects (#signsofaging). I'm excited though for this new year since I'd like to move forward with the list I made a few years ago. 

My original plan was to make themed quilt projects. I started with the quilted cat covers for my kitchen gadgets. Productivity last year wasn't very high, but I was still able to make a few quilts for my friends, a bench cover, the Pikachu portrait quilt, the Christmas peppermint quilt collection (piano top and throw pillow covers), and a couple of curtains (I just like making curtains too, haha).

I realized there are items that need another set, i.e. bench cover, throw pillow covers, and kitchen covers. I need another set so I can wash them more frequently. I'll probably leave the throw pillow covers in the living room until Valentine's. I only finished the set on Christmas Eve (LOL). It will buy me time to make a new set of throw pillows. 

I also want to make myself a new bag. I recently improved on the handle of the bag I made when I was still in Singapore. Back then I didn't know how to make proper handles yet and finding material was a bit hard. I also need a couple of small quilted organizers for my bag (oil case, card case, power bank sleeve). I'll probably start with this since I need it already. 

Sometime in the year I want to make a quilted Yoda portrait. I was planning to do it last year, but I belatedly realized that piecing 400 1"x1" fabric is tedious! Maybe I'll do it in parts. If I have time, I'll also make a Squirtle portrait (good luck to my hands and wrist). I'm going to see an Ortho doctor soon, to figure out how I can make my body stronger. 

Of course, I'm still aiming to make seat covers for our dining room chairs. I have not done it since it's a huge job order. I have one lonely Santa cover and the rest of those covers are sitting inside a box waiting to be sewn (hehe). My Christmas project though would be a table runner with matching placemats and coasters. If I have more energy, I also hope to make Christmas themed covers for my kitchen appliances. 

Tall order! But that's how setting goals should be! 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Creative Happy Goals for 2024

I've been busy enjoying my newfound stamina doing some gardening. It's become part of my exercise regime and I get a good workout watering plants and checking if they're healthy. The cats have also been extra sweet and have been a good distraction. This means though I've been inconsistent with my blogging duties. 

Anyway, I've been thinking about what creative projects I want to do this year. I have a tendency to procrastinate if I don't write things down. I've decided to include non-sewing projects since there's a few things I want to try. 

Here's what I plan to do this year:

1. Make covers for our benches and sofa set. I know this is a huge project, so I really need to plan this well. 

2. Seat covers for our dining chairs. I already have an idea what I want to do for this. 

3. Throw pillow covers for the sofa. 

4. New curtains. (I already have the fabric, just got busy last year!).

5. Experiment on using beads and loom bands as part of my quilting projects.

6. Work on Christmas projects earlier. 

7. Another retaso project season.

8. Covers for other kitchen appliances.

9. A t-shirt blanket.

10. A fun project, maybe a bag and wallet. 

Plus! Set-up my design wall! 

My list is ambitious, so let's see what I end up completing :)

#BeKind #StaySafe

Easy to Make Holiday Potholder

I actually made this potholder last October for a friend and in preparation for Christmas. My plan was to make a series of holiday themed quilt projects. I haven't made anything else since the unexpected schedule interruption, haha. I'm also waiting for my hand to heal a bit more. Sweetie said the hematoma on my hand won't look good on vids, haha. 

My go-to block is the pinwheel. It's so easy to make especially if you use the half-square technique. I remember making a huge pinwheel yellow blanket for Mom. I didn't know yet the half-square technique back then, plus I hand sewed and quilted the whole blanket. It took me two years to make it! 

To cut time, I also used layer cake fabric (10" square pre-cut fabric). I rushed to finish this project since I was sending it to a friend who was visiting Manila for a short while. I wanted to surprise her with the Christmas potholder. I hope they're using it now in the convent. 

Here's how I made it:

Pattern and more info on my sewing blog: https://www.needleadventures.com/2023/12/holiday-pinwheel-potholder.html

#BeKind #StaySafe

Mom's Unfinished Quilts and Her Favorite Patterns

Found a bunch of unfinished quilts in Mom's bedroom last week. Some already had wadding on it, but I guess she was still looking for backing fabric to use. Some looked like the beginnings of a huge blanket. She was the one who taught me to keep my hands busy. A testament to that is one of the blankets she made from scrap fabric. She didn't put any wadding in it, so we're using it for part of our sala set for now. 

Mom loved to follow patterns from a book. She'd make templates using a thick folder. That's how she taught me the basics of quilting. Her favorite pattern was the fan block quilt. I've never tried making it. The curve makes it tedious to make. Mom loved it though and would even make it with lace. 

If Mom wasn't making fan block quilts, she's be making circle blocks. It's even harder. I remember she tried to teach me how to make it and it was really challenging. Another pattern she also likes making is the basket block. I remember she got this pattern from the one quilt book we used to own. 

I think Mom's favorite block are half-squares. She's made a number of quilt blankets out of her half-square projects. She likes it because she just uses scrap fabric. Whenever we went to spotlight she only liked buying fat quarters and refused to buy fabric by the yard. I think she was fascinated with combining colors and she was good at it. 

I just took photos for now of the unfinished quilts since I'm sure there are more at home. Mom had the habit of using baskets for her different projects. She'd leave it around the house and work on it wherever she decides to hang out. If she wasn't gardening, she was probably quilting and sometimes that made it hard to contact her. Don't ever call her when she's in the zone, LOL. 

#BeKind #StaySafe 

Retaso Project 5: Coaster from Tiny Scraps

The tiny triangle scrap fabric seemed bottomless. They came from making bias tape. Took me awhile to sort them and that made it easier to plan what to do. What I didn't anticipate was how small they were once pieced together. Each square was just 0.5" x 0.5" after piecing it together with others. Tried matching all the scraps and it didn't look nice. 

Then I asked myself, "What would Mom do?" Mom wouldn't have touched such tiny pieces, haha. I think should would have instead used it for her paper projects as accents. She'd probably turn them into a flower. I was bent on creating something from it. I was able to make a 3.5" x 3.5" square out of a set. The best thing to do with it is make a coaster.

One can never have enough coasters at home. They are like pens that magically disappear after some use. So I think that's what I'll do when I collect tiny triangles again or other smaller scraps. I haven't even done a crazy quilt yet. Maybe I'll do that for the other scraps. 

Turned out quite okay. The imperfections were masked by the black scrap fabric. The triangles weren't the same size, so it was really difficult to piece together. It was fun to do nonetheless. Hmm, I still have more tiny triangles. Let's see what I can come up with next week.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Picking Up Where I Left Off

It's hard for me not to work any quilt project. My day feels incomplete if I don't pick up a needle to sew something. I could spend hours working on my sewing projects, but my appendages don't agree with long hours. I haven't been able to see an ortho yet, so I started doing the arm PT exercises I learned a few years ago. I think it's helped and I'm also working on reversing my vitamin D insufficiency. 

I told myself I need to first finish projects I've started. I have a number I haven't finished. So yesterday i started working on the cat quilt cover for our blender. All it needs now is to be assembled. Decided though to add a pocket to the backside so I could put some stuff in it if needed. 

I timed myself so I didn't overwork. I just made the pocket and the backside. Started quilting on the pocket, but I started to feel some pain. I think the repetitive hand stitching isn't good for my arm. I immediately stopped and did some exercises. Pain subsided immediately and I rested after. 

Ending this post now because I'm excited to finish my cat quilt. :D

#BeKind #StaySaffe

Creative Happy Tuesdays: Ideas and Inspiration

I'm still resting my arm from doing anny sewing. This has happened before and it took 3 months to feel better. I still have one cat project I haven't finished, but don't want to push so I could heal properly. I'm also vitamin D insufficient, so I'm working on that too. During downtime I try to write down ideas and inspiration. My thought process involves a lot things, here's what usually inspires me:

What My Friends Like 

I have a friend who said she likes Little Twin Stars. I bout fabric a year ago to make something for her. She said she's moving up North soon, so I'm trying to figure out what's best to make for her. She moves around a lot, so I'm thinking of making her a laptop bag. She'll get to use the bag all the time. Wanted to finish it before she moves, but I haven't started anything yet. I'll probably just ship the bag to her when I finish it. I hope it'll be pretty.

What I Want to Learn

Whenever I make something I try to make sure I learn a new skill or I enjoy making it. That's what I did with the cat project. I used Pinterest for inspiration and winged how to put things together. The project also forced me to use other materials to get the look I wanted. I've also been forcing myself to limit what I use with what I have since I collected materials while I was in Singapore. 

Pinterest and Books

I also get inspiration from the books and magazines I have. Most of it were gifts during my 40th birthday. I have finally put them together since some were in Singapore and a lot were here in Manila. Most of the books show the traditional side of quilting. The magazines though show more modern quilts. I normally end up doing my own thing and just use the medium for inspiration. 

What I Need 

I've unearthed some of the past projects I made. A wallet from high school which I actually used. A number of bags which I've also used a lot. The tablet case I made when I started quilting again in 2016 (I'm still using it). I made a few throw pillow cases since Mom made a number for me. Seeing old projects give me an opportunity to review and improve my technique. I have a notebook where I list stuff I need to make. 

Resting from sewing for now. It's good time for me to take stock of what I want to make when I feel better. Also gives me an opportunity to dust off my books sitting outside of my craft room. Maybe I'll also use the time to fix up the design wall so I could use it already. Yes, that's a good idea :)

#BeKind #StaySafe

The Handmade Quilt Blanket I Made for Mom

I gave the first queen sized quilt blanket I ever made to my Mom. It was a huge yellow pinwheel quilt. I toiled over it for over a year. 

I pieced it together by hand. I wrestled to properly sandwich it with wadding. Quilted each stitch by hand. Manually made the binding (I didn't have tools back then). 

Putting together the quilt was a journey to show Mom how much I love her. I wanted to show her my appreciation for everything she taught me. Quilting a blanket by hand is an enormous task.

I told myself back then that I needed to make the quilt blanket for Mom to complete what she was trying to teach me. Summers were always filled with crafting sessions. Mom didn't teach me how to cook, but she taught me to love creating. 

I don't have a photo of the full blanket when I finished it. I am hoping I'd find it in her things. I'm not brave enough yet. Hopefully soon 🙏

#BeKind #StaySafe

Creative Happy Tuesdays: Save Money by Making Your Own Bias Tape

One thing I had to learn to make on my own is binding (bias tape). My Mom used to just fold her quilts on the edges. She liked adding lace/flange to the edges.When I started quilting again, i would purchase ready made binding. It's expensive, so I worked on figuring out how to make it. 

I first made it by hand. I didn't have proper tools back then and I'd just use my nail to fold it. Yup, it eventually got painful. After some research I found there are tools for making bias tape/binding. I found one from an online shopping app which was pretty inexpensive. I bought it without the knowledge on how to use it, LOL. 

Made a couple of mistakes, before I did more research to understand how best to use the tool. The tool did not come with instructions when I bought it (hehe). Thought it would be useful to make a short video so others like me can learn to make it. Here's the video:

You'll save a lot by making your own bias tape. A pack of 12 mm x 5 m costs SG$11 and I remember it being expensive also in Divisoria. Color options are also limited, so it's really better to make your own. I always feel happy when I'm binding my quilt. It means I'm just a kembot away to finish it!

#BeKind #StaySafe  

Creative Happy Tuesdays: My Dream Home Filled with My Crafts

Last year I made two sets of curtains for our living room. It wasn't perfect so I thought I'd have a set made professionally just for the living room. Oh boy, I was so shocked when I received the quotation on how much it would cost. The cost was 20 times of how much I spent per set of curtains I made. Of course, the one done professionally is much nicer and it has pleats (something I don't know how to do). 

We have a number of things we still need to fix in our house, so we shelved the idea of having proper curtains. That reminded me about my goal to make things we need at home. Looks like I need to re-order the craft to-do list I made last January. This way I can properly plan what I need and I can review if there are any new skills I need to acquire to make my projects.

Here's what I'll do for the next two quarters:

• Curtains - summer is coming, so I'll need new block curtains. Hope to find better looking fabric though, something that will make the living room look lighter and airy. 
• Kitchen curtains - we removed the kitchen curtains when we renovated. The one I made last year was too short, haha. I want the new kitchen curtain to be bright and cheerful. 
• Throw pillow covers - we don't have any sofas yet, haha. I made two pink throw pillow cases last year. The color of the year is viva magenta, but I've always wanted to make some items in teal. 
• Misc items
• Essential oil holders
• More pot holders
• Oven gloves
• Glass holders

I think this list is going to keep me busy for a couple of months. I hope to get things going soon!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Creative Happy Tuesdays: Sewing Tools I Can't Live Without

Scrambled to pack my sewing tools and equipment the other day because renovation work is going to start again. It's best to be out of their way so they can work faster. That meant I had to pack everything I need. I'm targeting to finish the Santa seat covers by month end. This way I'll be way more ready for Christmas 2023! 

Here's what I packed -

• 
  Sewing machine
• Sewing machine extender
• Thread
• Sewing scissors for fabric and thread
• Cutting mat
• Sand paper
• Quilting rulers
• Fabric pencils
• Bias tape maker
• My ginormous pincushion with pins and needles
• Safety pin canister
• Quilting clips
• Iron
• Wool ironing mat
• Fabric and buttons I need for the seat cover

It would be a bummer if I forgot something! My cabinets are going to be covered and inaccessible for about two weeks. I decided not to pull out my sewing table since I have an extender. I can just plop down my sewing machine on any table. I can't wait to see my craft room completed.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Creative Happy Tuesdays: Maybe I'll Do a Cross-Stitch Project After Christmas

I like cross-stitching and doing embroidery. It was one of my favorite sewing lessons we were taught in school. I think I will find the sampler I made once we finish unboxing and decluttering our home. The other day Sweetie found my original sewing kit. It was a pink toolbox which I think I had Mom buy for me maybe 30 years ago? 

I don't have the patience though to finish huge cross-stitch projects. I honestly still haven't finished the mother and child cross-stitch my Mom had me do when Miggy was a baby. He's now 28 and I still haven't finished it. The project has also moved across all the homes we lived in, haha. The box of DMC thread is still intact. Found it hard to complete because the design is very intricate. I'll review whether I'll continue to do it once I find all the materials. 

While de-cluttering some books, I found a give Miggy gave me almost ten years ago. "Subversive Cross Stitch", a collection of designs that will freak out my Mom (hehe). I think Miggy got it for me because he knew I'd be cool about it. I laughed as I went through the pages of the book. DMC ads keep popping up on my stream (bakit kaya?). Maybe I'll do something soon since DMC seems to have a monthly sale. 

Brought up my old sewing kit because I found two quick projects I made many years ago. A Hello Kitty cross stitch which I think is still very cute. It's probably time to frame it since my plan is to have a HK themed powder room in my craft room (yes, I'm having the shower removed since the bathroom is too small). 

And I found a small butterfly project I did. I don't recall anymore when I made these. I probably made it before I left for Singapore? Yes, probably between typhoon Ondoy and before I left for SG. Dating it after Ondoy because all of my things got wet during the flood. Luckily, both projects were in the sewing kit so it was kinda preserved. 

I'll probably stick to smaller cross-stitch projects from now on since I don't have the patience to finish bigger ones. Plus I think my trigger finger would not be happy. That's also the reason why I rarely hand quilt now. I make sure to do some PT exercises when I do to avoid pain. #signofoldage hahaha. 

You don't need to just do one kind of craft. I like exploring and incorporating my crafts. Sometimes I do some embroidery on my quilt projects. It's not perfect, but it makes me happy. Here's one I did two or three Christmases ago -

If I stuck to cross-stitching, I probably wouldn't need my own craft room. LOL. 

P.S. Santa seat cover project is progressing very slowly. Things have been crazy busy with renovations. 

#BeKind #StaySafe