Keeping your Quilt Square!

Once you load your quilt, you may think that’s all that is needed to keep your quilt top square, however that may not be the case. When you quilt and depending on how heavy you quilt…. the top can pull in on the sides… this is why we have those side clamps!

My fabulous student, Janis, gave me and the other members of Quilter’s Groove® Tribe her secret and I thought I would pass it along to you.

This is a piece of bungee cord that I got on Amazon. My frame is 12′ so I bought the 25 yards. The little pink things, these are cord locks. I line these up with the seams in the quilt as well as the outer edges so that every time I advance the quilt, I can make adjustments if my quilt has shifted.

At first I tried to just tie the cord to the end of my machine but when I advanced the quilt it would drag. So off to Lowes to try and figure out what to do. I have a BERNINA Q20 on a frame and this is how I attached it.

Bought two of these, they were around $2 a piece.

I pulled back the black piece on the end of my machine and slipped the nut through while it was attached to the bolt. I then tightened it all up. Once I found what I needed, it was a very simple process.

Let me know in the comments how you keep your quilts square!!

It’s HERE!! It’s Finally HERE!!

“Ain’t No Junk:  Trunk Tell All (TTA)” is LIVE!! Can you feel my happy dance?

Here are some Q&A:

When is the Facebook LIVE event?

The Facebook LIVE event will be held on July 26th at 1pm EST. 

 

 

What exactly is a Trunk Tell All (TTA)?? 

Initially, the concept behind placing my trunkshow “No Junk In the Trunk” on my website was to allow those individuals who were unable to attend this event an alternative to simply missing out all together. However, I soon came to the realization that when I host a trunk show the duration is only an hour due to the fact that it’s a live presentation.  Immediately the idea of limiting an online session became ludicrous, and it was apparent that such restrictions were not going to beneficial.  Next, I felt the title of “No Junk In the Trunk” needed a little fine tuning, as this class contains more than me moving my lips. Yes, you will hear the tale on how I took my first steps into the quilting world, my successes and even my failures but included are great designing tips! AND Freebies! Who out there doesn’t like free things???

Are you stuck for inspiration?

If so, trust me you aren’t alone! There are many designers that become caught up in the tornado of the uninspired.  We all go through periods where we feel as though we aren’t in Kansas anymore.  Feeling lost is not pleasant! This “Trunk Tell All ” will reveal the yellow brick road to creativity; and Lisa will have you tossing those ruby glass heels away!

 

Are you frustrated with missing out on great quilts and advice because you can’t travel to shows?

Life is a tough act to balance, and the ability to create opportunities to attend shows is not an easy task!  That’s why this newest course “Trunk Tell All” is such a Win, Win!! You have the capability of gaining great inspiration, advice, and support without having to worry about location!

 

 

Are you new to quilting or longarming?

Then welcome! We have ALL worn that tag at one particular time.  During this class you will instantly be put at ease witnessing Lisa share her journey from newbie (first quilt), to her latest, and all that has transpired for this quilter in between.

Why should you listen to Lisa? 

The quick and short of it is that Lisa has been piecing since 1997 and longarming since 2004.  AND let’s not forget that after providing over 3000 customer quilts her plethora of knowledge and understanding regarding the quilting arena is enormous!

If I have taken Lisa’s online Divide and Design Class, should I still take this?

The Trunk Tell All does not teach you the divide and design process.  The TTA  is a fun, entertaining, inspirational and yes, slightly educational way to spend your time.  So the answer to your question is YES!

If I sign up, how long do I have to take the class?

The great news is you have forever! The class is broken down into Chapters so you can easily stop and start as needed.  So if life has you hitting the pause button that’s okay! The session incorporates approximately an hour and a half of videos, in addition to its pictures and text.

What exactly is Facebook LIVE?

Facebook Live is an event that streams real-time, you must have a Facebook account to attend.  During the session you will have the opportunity to ask Lisa questions pertaining to ANYTHING your little heart desires! You may want to have a pen and paper handy so you can take notes.  So get your list of inquires ready and become a part of Lisa’s new FB community!

If I can’t make the Facebook LIVE event, or don’t have a Facebook account  and want to become a part of FB Community what should I do? 

You do need a Facebook account to participate in the event, the good news is they are very easy to set up!   If you can’t make the LIVE event, email me your questions and I will make sure to answer them.  You will then be able to view it in my Facebook community at your leisure.

 

DONT MISS OUT!    ~Lisa

 

 

 

 

Something Exciting is coming…..

 

I can barely contain my excitement… you’ve asked and I’ve listened… Yeah…..

Make sure you are signed up to receive my newsletter, or follow my blog, instagram or Facebook… one of them or all of them… you don’t want to miss out…. I am hoping to be spilling the beans next week…. so stay tuned.

BERNINA and Stitching in the Ditch…..

This past spring I took a trip that many quilters might compare to a child’s journey through Disney Land.  Yes, being the BERNINA Ambassador has given me the opportunity to experience the sights and quiet sounds of the BERNINA factory situated in Steckborn Switzerland. This quilter’s magical kingdom is located on the shore of Lake Constance, just across from Germany.

It’s not every day that you find yourself standing across from H.P. Ueltschi, the owner, and  also the grandson of the founder Fritz Gegauf.  I embraced his presence and found him to be both kind and delightful. Moreover, through my short visit with him I discovered that we both share a love for golf!

I was overwhelmed entering the factory.  I was astonished how clean, and I mean clean, this facility appeared.  It sparkled, and yes you could serve dinner on the floors! And quiet! You would think the noise level of machines running would produce at least some sound, but nope.  You barely heard a thing.  Clean and quiet, two beautiful words to most women..lol

After taking in everything presented before me in the factory, I then had a day of creating a video and then one day doing a print ad campaign.  During the four days the crew was awesome! Those around me  were so insightful and supportive as I grasped the process of all that shooting a video encompasses.  More than one take had me wondering how Jennifer Aniston does it! Same expression, same tone, but tilt the head a little to the right…oh my word!

The days flew by, and four days with a German crew had me wishing I taken their language instead of french in high school.  But the entire adventure was something I will never forget.  Witnessing the process of building a video was fascinating, although the thought of viewing myself in the final product had me less than thrilled.  Most of all, observing all the facets of the factory has me appreciating my BERNINA even more.

So here I am today, October, in the USA.  As I turn on my machine I find myself loving it more and more with each use.  The use of this machine is like operating a brand new, car with all the bells and whistles. Your driving a Cadillac. Now, envision you have to hop into a Datsun B210 that’s rusted, and leaves a cloud of black smoke as you hit the gas. You desire the Cadillac, right?! Well, welcome to the BERNINA Q20.  I am in awe how light and smooth it maneuvers.  No heavy clanking or roughness.  It sails, just as a new Cadillac would down the highway.  Bells, and whistles…my most recent quilt, which I know I talk about often, is in need of a little SID around the appliqué.  No problem with the Q2o, it so efficient and simple to complete.  I am still adapting to the ease in which I can change the feet.  I mean it takes  mere seconds; and its interchangeable between the Q20 and my domestic machine.  Does it get any better than that?!

I wanted to share a quick video.  Realistically my quilting isn’t quite that speedy; in my dreams I quilt that fast.  But eventually I wake up from la la land, and realize my true pace and accept that it will take me awhile to finish this piece.

I used Aurifil’s Monofilament thread…. It’s thread is so fine that it fades into the seams.  And although it’s a beautiful thing, please refrain from using my name in a hostile way when you discover you may have trouble seeing it to thread the needle.  Below is a good example of the thread magically disappearing into the seam.

Now that I have expressed that I still have SID to get done; remember slow and steady wins the race.  I ask, how do you accomplish your SID?  Would you say ruler or no ruler?  I can’t wait to hear what my fellow quilters have to say!

 

BERNINA Longarm…. Basting stitch

Hi all,

I had a request the other day to see how I do the basting with my BERNINA longarm.  So bear with me….  I need to purchase a tripod adapter for my iPhone so videoing will be easier.

When I am working on a quilt of my own, I will make a minimum of 3 passes through the quilt.  My first pass will be all of my dividing lines and stitch in the ditch work.  If you are saying to yourself… dividing lines?  Here is a link to my DVD  Divide and Design.   Or if you like online classes… here is my iQuilt class.   There are times where the SID and dividing lines don’t quite secure the quilt enough and I will baste it.  Before I got my BERNINA I used flower head pins to baste but now I use BSR 3.

Here is how I do it..

I absolutely love how easy it is to baste as I move along… I also use this stitch to baste around the edges of my quilt.

Hope you get a chance to try the BERNINA for yourself.

Have you been thinking about taking an IQuilt class…. now is a great time..

USE CODE: IQ40

Promotional Disclosure: *Use coupon code iq40 at checkout to receive your discount. Discount applied to the lowest priced class in the cart. Members receive an additional 20% off at checkout. Sale valid 08/18/16 through 08/22/16 at 11:59 p.m. (CT). Limited time only. Subject to change without notice. Only one coupon code may be used per order. Not valid on prior orders. This offer may not be combined with other offers

Divide and Design

Mastering the Mini 

What will you create?

Lisa

My Quilting Project….

So I have taken some time to get back to my quilting.  It feels like its been ages.   I’d have to look but I think I finished piecing this 2 years ago.  I ‘m sure Facebook will remind me at some point . LOL  I remember piecing this center…. it just about killed me trying to make the corners work…

So it is loaded on my machine and this is where I’m at…

doing some grid based quilting…. ala Gina Perkes…. also using my ProPebble ruler 1-2  to make the arcs…

Here is a great picture of the texture it adds.

Getting ready to add some dividing lines in the pink area.  I then used the wonderful basting stitch on my BERNINA longarm to baste until I’m ready for the design work.

Some ditch work using Aurifil’s Monofilament thread…. love it.

And my favorite ditching ruler… the ProMini!

Now I did some remarking on the scroll work before  I loaded it… I used my Fine Line Blue washout pen.  Now, many of you have heard that I struggle with following a line so I used this as my practice…. LOL  I concentrated on looking where I wanted to go and now where my needle was.  It worked fairly well… I was pleased.  Please don’t point out my wobbles… I know they are there and I am NOT taking them out.  LOL

Last Christmas, I was working on a tuffet.  I wanted it to be red and white like a candy cane… ok, it looks more like a peppermint.  I learned a lot.  Sharyn Cole’s iquilt class helped tremendously.  I recommend ordering her kit and then order the class.

Here is my peppermint…

What will you create?

Lisa

Friendship Star.. take?

Hi all,

I am trying to get caught up and organized after that sale.  It was a whirlwind and the feedback on the new site and new packaging was great.  Thank you.

I did not get a chance to draw up a new design but Dagmar Eu was kind enough to send me her design and I must say I really like it.

I am hoping to get back to drawing and quilting… I actually came close to turning on my machine but it hasn’t happened.  I am determined to work on my quilt next week, I need to get it off the frame to do a couple of samples.  This means that I at least have to baste it.

The thought of basting the whole quilt to take it off use to send shivers down my spine but now with the BERNINA longarm…. no more.  The basting stitch is wonderful.  I like the 2 stitches per inch when I am basting and it does it like a dream.  I ‘ll keep you posted but in the mean time, I am going to ask you for your help…. the New York Beauty block is up next and I would love to get some pictures of what you all have done with it.  Can you all send me some pics?  email them to me at lisahcalle@me.com with your name and the date done and i will make sure that is embedded in the pic.

What will you create?

Lisa

Exciting News!!

I am excited to share with all of you that I am the newest BERNINA longarm spokesperson!!  I am thrilled to be working with such a wonderful company and promoting an incredible brand!

I have just returned from New Orleans where I attended my first BERNINA University.  This is where all of the dealers across the country and some from out of the country come and learn about the new products that BERNINA has to offer!  To say it is an educational whirlwind is putting it mildly!   The Q-matic which is the computer component to the longarm made its appearance and everyone was so excited… myself included.  I had the opportunity to do a little work with it back in April and am excited to get it into my studio soon.

The domestic ruler foot #72 made its debut as well.  This was highly anticipated and did not disappoint.  We all wanted to sneak them into our pockets to take home… alas, that did not happen, as I gave up first born (sorry Brandon) to get to try it out.  LOL  Just kidding… they really are in high demand though.  Make sure you reach out to your dealer so they know you want one.  Once you have this ruler foot you will then be able to use all of the  Quilter’s Groove Rulers on your domestic machine… YEAH!!!

If you are a fan of the Quilter’s Groove Rulers, please let your shop know that they are available to stock in their store either  through me or BREWER.  What a convenience to be able to place the ruler order along with all of their other quilt shop needs.  They have all  been repackaged for their quilt shop debut!

For those of you who have been following my block of the week posts… fear not,  I have just pushed that post till tomorrow.

If you are interested in seeing and hearing about the features of the BERNINA Q24 and her little sister the Q20, you can check it out here.

https://www.bernina.com/en-US/Products-US/BERNINA-products/Longarm-Quilting

What will you create?

Lisa