A Little Border Basic

Perfect Plumes

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!

Private Quilt Coaching!

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!

Enroll now for your free 1/2 hour coaching session

Phew… a lot going on

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

 

 

Current Goings on……

Hi all, I hope you are all well and surviving our nationwide quarantine!  We are social creatures and this surely is gonna test us… what’s the saying… what doesn’t kill us will make us stronger.  Please follow all the directives so this can be over sooner rather than later.  While I realize that this is serious,  I need to try and maintain my sense of humor (hence the picture above) or I will go absolutely crazy.

First things first…. my online classes (not iQuilt) are on sale 25% off!  Use code 25OFF   The kits associated with both the Rulers for Rookies classes are 15% off!  So why not learn a new skill, refresh an old skill or just have a little fun!

I have also added my 2 DVD’s as downloads!  So if you are wondering how I come up with my quilting designs…. it’s really no secret and it’s really easy!!  You can take a simple nine patch and turn it into a beauty!  So we all have those orphan blocks that never made it into a quilt…. great to practice this technique.

So… my plan A was to go to MQX, teach all my wonderful students and just generally have a blast.

onto….

I am currently workin hard on my quilt along…. Comes Around, Goes Around!  I am hoping it will be completed and ready to go by next Friday so please bear with me… a lot goes into it!  Please stay tuned as there are a limited number of kits… so once they are gone… they are gone.

The kits are laser cut… there is no piecing involved.  There will be blanket stitches around all of the applique.  There will also be an option of getting the kits with the rulers that I use for the quilting.  I will be filming all of the quilting as well, so you can quilt it as I have or you can use the Divide and Design method to create your own!  I can’t wait to see what you all come up with.

Stay well!  Hope to see you at a future quilt show… SOON!

Lisa

Rulers for Rookies 2: The Next Step!!!!! 15% off this weekend

So I realize that it’s been a while!  I apologize.  I have started to accept customer quilts again, it’s difficult  to try and get it all done but I’m trying!

I have had this new Rulers for Rookies 2 Kit in the works for quite a while now.  I can say as of today…. it is done!   I had so much fun designing this panel!  It comes with 5 different rulers.  ProCircle 7, ProEcho 12, ProPebble 3/4 – 1.75, Pro and my favorite…. the ProLine 8!

There is also a class to go along with this kit, both domestic and longarm!  The class is only $10 and helps to  pay for the site that it is on.

This weekend!  15% off the Rulers for Rookies 2:  The Next Step Kit!

Don’t miss out!  2/14/20-2/17/20 No code needed!

NYC or Bust!!

Hey everyone,

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!  I had some new additions to my house… it definitely  kept things interesting .

I am heading to NYC next week (Dec 13th) to Gotham Quilts and there are still some spots left.   Rulers for Rookies is on tap for Friday afternoon and Friday evening!  Come spend some time in the city…. check out the tree and enjoy the atmosphere!  It is sure to be a great time and if you haven’t been to the shop… its worth the trip.

Rulers for Rookies a great introduction to using rulers on your domestic machine.  The great thing about it is that you do not have to bring any of the rulers with you.  I provide all the rulers you need.  What could be better??

Hope to see you in the city!

Upcoming Class!!!

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!

 

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.

Not a Dreary Day at Danner BERNINA

This past Saturday I had the pleasure of teaching at Danner BERNINA.  Although mother nature decided to issue rain showers and bleak skies my time teaching was anything but dreary.  On the contrary, my day was absolutely fantastic!  The classroom was spacious and the energy at Danner BERNINA had me eager to begin the day.  Mother Nature had nothing on Danner BERNINA.

Seeing students that I have previously taught always brings a smile to my face.   I try to remember names and faces, but my age isn’t decreasing in years and my beautiful mind loves reminding me of that little fact.  It’s either I remember your name and not your face or vice versa, I remember your face and not your name.  Don’t get me wrong, I can remember both on a really good day…lol!   For instance, Rose, I will not forget because not only is she a quilter but she is also a ceramic artist.  I often imagine how therapeutic it must be letting your hands and clay work together as they produce an object of beauty.  But currently my hands are more than filled with quilting, so the idea of working with clay needs to be set aside…sigh.

These three lovely ladies, pictured above, were a treat to teach.  Adele (situated all the way on the left) attended this class on her  birthday! I felt honored that she chose her special day to be here participating in BOTH the templates class and feathers class. I hope someone spoiled her with a cake, presents, and singing later that evening it was well deserved!  Thanks again Adele for spending a good portion of  your birthday at Danner’s. The mother-daughter duo are seated to right. It warmed my heart seeing them again and I love that they not only love quilting, but moreover obviously love spending time together.  Last year when I was in Houston Debra took my Divide and Design Class.  I must not have totally horrified her as she came back for more “Lisa” and attended one of my  feathers classes.  By the way Debra’s quilt was juried into Houston this year! You Go Girl!!!  During the sessions on Saturday I was excited to learn that Donna and Debra will be visiting Houston again this year.  I’m thrilled to hear this but I do need to encourage them to put their Fitbits on and pick up the pace a tad on preview night.  Last year they perused aisles 1 through 900, at that pace they won’t get to mine 1323.   Come on girls don’t let me down this year!

When it comes to quilting Debra is the chief, she does the quilting for this mother-daughter team; so partaking in this feathers  class may have put Donna a little out of her comfort zone. With concentration and perseverance she plugged away, and plugged away, and plugged away, and eventually proudly announced “I did it, I can stop now, I created a perfect feather!”  I was brimming with joy and was extremely anxious to see her design. So I scurried around to her table…AND

there before me was just that, her one perfect feather. It may have only been one feather but it was perfect and she  had succeeded.

Saturday held so much laughter that my stomach felt as though I had done a bizillion sit ups. It is so refreshing as a teachers when we encounter those students that bring humor and lightness to our time together. Sandy was that individual on this past Saturday. Well, to be honest I had quite a few Sandy’s on Saturday.  My instruction time at Danner BERNINA quickly came to an end.  Soon we would be giggling as we said our goodbyes knowing that this was a class to remember.

These students had me so involved with questions, comments, and yes laughing that I didn’t have time to take as many photographs as I had hoped.

On my 2 hours drive home I kept smiling and giggling to myself knowing that drizzle and the gray clouds were no where to be found at Danner’s.  I hope to hold classes there again soon, I look forward to all the laughter that awaits me.

Have your local shop contact me if you are interested in having me come teach!!

Lisa