Sunday 31 March 2013

Friday 29 March 2013

Quilting Labels

Quilting History.  I have been lucky enough over the last ten years to view (and if really lucky, handle) some very old quilts. I do find the history of quilting so very interesting.  I enjoy knowing why a quilt was made, when, and for whom.
 
One thing we were told during my quilting evening class was to label each quilt.  And so far I have tried very hard to do this - especially for quilts which have been given as gifts.  I use this method to produce quilting label's, I also use this method to produce photographs onto fabric. 
 
 
You will need:
 
Deep Tray
Bubble Jet Solution
Fabric (Plain)
Freezer Paper
 
 
 
I have experience in two different types of transfer methods.  The first being pre-treated fabric sheets.  This is a very quick method.  However, sheets are very expensive, and I personally found them not to reproduce a great finish and the fabric became hard when washed.  Although they can be washed it is not generally recommended to be washed a great amount - which limited their use in quilts that will be used - and lets be honest all quilts should be used!!
 
The second method, and in fact my preferred method is the Bubble Jet 2000 solution.  Found generally at all good quilt shows, or can be ordered from the internet.  I've just done a quick google and even Amazon sells it!
 

 
 
 
So here we go.  Pour some Bubble Jet solution into your tray.  Put your fabric in and make sure it is all covered with the solution. Leave for five minutes.
 

 
Remove and dry the fabric.  Iron flat, and then iron the freezer paper to wrong side of the fabric. Freezer paper....this too can be found at all good quilt shows, buying on the roll is by far the most economical way to purchase freezer paper and it has many uses within quilting. However, when I made a memory quilt I was transferring a large amount of photo's onto fabric I actually invested in some A4 freezer paper - this I found actually saved me a large amount of time and, I felt, was worth the extra expense.
 

 
 
Now it's worth taking your time with the ironing of the freezer paper onto the fabric as all the corners need to stuck down.  Iron the paper to the fabric, turn the whole thing over and then iron the fabric to the paper.  And iron one more time for fun!
 
 
 
Cut the fabric to the A4 paper.

 
And you should have a fabric coated piece of paper - ready to print on.

 
 
 
Take a minute to decide on how your printer feeds the paper - making sure you insert fabric side so it will be printed on.
 
 
 
Use Word to produce a label, or your usual photo package to manipulate the photo's.  And Ta Dah.....one label, photo or anything else you which to transfer onto fabric.
 
 
 
Remove the freezer paper, and rinse with Bubble Jet Rinse - this helps set the inks. 
 
 
 
And that's it.....really simple isn't it!!

 
 
 
 
 


Wednesday 20 March 2013

What's been happening.....

Well now, since my last post we have had snow....with more snow predicted (So I really should delete the last post ... A little bit closer....!!!!).  With Easter only a week away - and six whole days booked off (well, two actually along side two bank holidays and the weekend sandwiched in between) I'm busy getting some DVD's and 'crafting' things together to take with me in case we don't get out and about as planned!

I have been busy sorting and sewing my arcs for the wedding quilts - all (194 - that's 1164 pieces)completed now - sorted and labelled - ready for the next step.  Cutting of the 'melons' and 'corners'.  The sewing machine is packed, and hopefully, if all cutting is done I can sew melons and corners during my few days off.


I have completed my final 'kids' quilt.


I've done another five rows (well seven but I had to undo two!) on my ripple blanket - and sorted my colours.


I've picked up the 'new' car - and oooooh, how wonderful it is!  It's just great - it'll take a bit of getting use to and I sooo miss having to go round and check all the doors are locked (not) - just one press of a button now!!!!


And we have had our friend A in to help restore order at the BH.  Correcting some of the cr** work completed by the insurance guys.  The Kitchen was removed at the weekend and cupboards replaced.  I actually feel relieved that I now know it to be in good order - but disappointed at the same time that we have had to spend the weekend doing it.  Some of what we found...


Floor not completed underneath cupboards, as we had completed before the flood.



Kitchen units broken and 'repaired' rather than replaced.


Dirt on top of the appliances and underneath cupboards.


And lots (and I mean lots) and bodged bits.  


It's so disappointing when the insurance guy was paid thousands of pounds to repair our house to such a poor standard.  BUT this is it - I am now moving on - I will not complain (well I'll try not too!!).  Summer is coming - we have a bungalow by the sea - and we have had our first guests, of 2013 - may there be many more this year (and a little bit of sunshine won't go a miss either)!! 

Right, off to find my cutting board....




Tuesday 5 March 2013

A little bit closer.....

A little bit closer to better weather..... the Sun has been out in full force the last two days.....in fact I even ran to the post office today in just my fleece - that made me feel soooooo happy!!!!  And just look what's happening in the park....






Other news.... the car broke down the other night - RAC man took us home on the back of his truck.....much to D's excitement!!!  She's all fixed now but we are now looking to trade her in for a younger model....just don't tell her ....


Editor note: We didn't trade her in (as she was too old!) but we do now have a younger model....watch this space!!

Friday 1 March 2013