Love those double spines but need a little help getting them done? The ProEcho line of rulers by Quilter’s Groove (😉 That’s me) makes them a little easier! Check out this quick video for on how!

When I first started machine quilting back in 2004, I looked all over for a mathematical way to figure out borders. Something that would work all the time on every border. Unfortunately, I could not find one. I thought I would share with you how I figure out an undulating spine that goes around the entire quilt. I have found that it is best to mark these before you load the machine on the frame.
Click here for the video of how I figure out this spine!
You can use this spine for ferns, flowers, feathers… really any thing or maybe just to divide up your border or space to do different fills on either side. I’d love to know how you measure and mark your borders. Leave it in the comments below!
I am so excited that I can barely contain my excitement! The past few months have been challenging to say the least. We are all in a similar boat… our quilt shows have been cancelled which means that all of those classes that we all signed up for just went POOF! So what’s a quilter to do… we turn to our online options. Sometimes these are good and other times not so good. I have the perfect solution!
Private quilt coaching… you are in your studio, I am in mine and we come up with a game plan specific for you based on your own skill level. So if you have a special project that has been lying around for a while because you don’t know what to quilt on it…. this is perfect for you! Or maybe you just bought a longarm and are a little afraid and don’t know where to start. This is perfect for you! Maybe there are numerous things you want to work on or learn… again… everything is tailored to you. It doesn’t get any better then this!
What’s even better is that the first 5 people to respond…. get a free 1/2 hour coaching session! Limited spots so don’t delay!
HI all,
To say that the last month has been crazy is a complete understatement. I’m sure just like me you have days that are good and days that are bad. I feel like I am on a crazy rollercoaster of emotions and I can’t get off the ride.
Many of you are like me… have your own business and are hoping that you can survive not only the virus but that your business will survive this as well. Trying to explain to your children what is going on adds to the stress we are all feeling.
I have been trying to keep things as normal as possible but without traveling to shows and guilds… this is proving hard to do. I have been doing some FB live videos on my new fusible kit pattern…Comes Around, Goes Around. So make sure you follow Quilter’s Groove rulers page on Facebook. These FB live videos give me something to look forward to as well as connect with all of my fellow quilters which is something I miss greatly. You can see the past two videos on the page as well… I walk through how I go about designing the quilting for this cute little quilt.
The kit is for sale on my site… with the background and binding or without. I am also working on a short class for this kit. This is my first fusible kit and I am so excited! I hope you like it as well.
Looking for something to do to help…. there is a big debate whether to make or not make facemasks… I have been making them and will send some to my niece in California…. her and her roommates are traveling nurses. I will continue to make them, in between trying to work, for other people… police officers, postal employees, the workers that are in our grocery stores… and of course any of my friends that want them.
Be safe, my friends…. do your part… stay in! This will end.
Love you all
Lisa
Did you know that I teach locally occasionally? Yep… I sure do! In fact, I will be teaching at Ladyfingers Nov 21st! One of the great things about this class…. and I don’t want to toot my own horn but there are many…. is that you do NOT have to lug a sewing machine! This is a design class…. so if you have problems figuring out what to quilt on your tops… especially those that have some open space… this class is for you! Divide and Design!!! You’ll never look at another quilt top the same way!
A couple of examples of what you can do when you learn the Divide and Design technique!!! So don’t wait! Sign up today!
I was so excited to receive Janis’s email!!
Lisa…do not know if you will get this…but I sent you a thank you a few years back for helping me quilt my first customer custom quilt…your classes have made me a really..I think…good Quilter. Below is my first big win as a Quilter and waiting to see if my client and I get into AQS Daytona Beach 1st entry….still waiting. I asked if you would please come to Florida…we have great golf courses. I see you are on the list for Daytona Beach and you can bet ….I will be in those classes. I know you have been thru a lot of changes in your life in the past year and I hope all is well. Just wanted to let you know in this big world you are always in my thoughts….thanks again for all you do.
As a teacher we never tire of hearing our students success stories and I personally love to share them with the world!
Janis’s quilt won a blue ribbon!!! And I am quite certain I’ll be seeing this quilt in Daytona!!
Congratulations and thank you for sharing Janis!!
So its not secret that the past year has been a bit of a challenge…. divorce, moving etc. It really takes it toll on how creative you are. I have always been the type of person that takes her time with all of my projects… thinking that each one is a masterpiece. A creative rut is no place to be! So how do you get out of it. Many of you have given great advice in the past…. step away, work on a simple project, knit or crochet etc…. I listened to this podcast on my way to teach in Vermont and I believe this is gonna help.
Take a listen and let me know in the comments what you think.
Marie Forleo’s Podcast with Chase Jarvis
I found the study on the pottery class most interesting!
With this in mind, I came home from that trip with a renewed energy that I just have to create. Whether it is designing an original quilt, quilting customer quilts, my own quilts or even grabbing a pattern so I can work on something where I don’t have to think as much.
I decided to use a very old jelly roll in my limited stash…. and make this cute quilt by Cluck Cluck Sew called Pixel Chain.
How cute is that??? I cut all my fabric in a day and now it seems like its taking me forever to sew the blocks. I have 5 done… that’s it. lol . but at least the directions are there… I just have to follow them.
So with this podcast in my ear…. I am going to see how many projects I can get done by the end of the year. I have a couple UFO’s that I am close to finishing so that should boost my numbers. But the goal here is to not over think….. I suffer from Analysis Paralysis….. anyone else??
Who wants to join me??? Let’s see how productive we can be.
I recently posted a picture of my last show quilt, Oh My Bleeding Heart, and said that this was the quilt that broke me. I do believe this to still be true.
I have decided to embark on a new quilt journey and invite you all to come along for the ride. My BFF Barb Persing is going to be my guide as this will be completely new territory for me. I am excited as this is going to take me far outside of my box. I tell my students all the time to stretch themselves creatively and this will surely do that for me.
I am not certain of the format or where I will be posting most of the journey…. I wish I were that organized. There will be blog posts, Instagram stories (so make sure you follow me @lisahcalle) and Facebook posts. I will try and find the way that fits best but can’t make any promises.
So Here is the next project….. a pictorial…. should be an interesting journey. Wish me luck people!!
“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