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!

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 always a good thing to review!!

I haven’t turned my machine on in a couple weeks and I am getting ready to load one of my UFO’s.

Summer Blossoms by Studio 180

Can’t wait to get started on it. So I have my quilting plan and it involves some continuous curves. I realized its been awhile since I’ve done CC so I thought I better practice. Since I needed to practice… I thought maybe I wasn’t the only one. LOL.

Here is a quick video… If I want precision… I will use a ruler to do these simple CC but in a busy fabric… it’s all freehand!

Here is a little worksheet for you to practice on! https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0254/5644/3471/files/continuous_curve_-FC.pdf?v=1624312681

If you find this helpful… leave me a comment and I’ll post more things like this!

Have a fabulous day!

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!

New Journey!

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!!

2018 Come and Gone

 

Seriously 2019, how in the world did that happen?  Just yesterday it was September and Brody was starting school; now we are into the new year.  Boy time flies.   I certainly hope that everyone had a fantastic holiday season.  The holidays in the Calle household were wonderful but way too short.  I’m sad to report that the older boys already headed back at school.  😦

The New ProOvals are here! Unfortunately, I do not have a sample made…yet.  It’s on the top of my priority list. In the meantime, they are up on my site for 20% off till January 13th!  Don’t pay full price, shop now while the discount is available! There are 4 different sizes of ProOvals and they work just like the ProPebbles.  I know there is tons of creativity brewing in all of you, so I can’t wait to see what you produce with these new rulers!  Feel free to share!

 

Mid Atlantic Quilt festival here I come!  Yes, I will be vending for the second year in February and I couldn’t be more excited!  I’ll be planting my roots in Booth #313.  Last year brought such an amazing time I simply had to come back! This year will not disappoint as you’ll find Jolene, Jackie (Jackie’s Woolens – the booth next to us), Barb, and of course myself, taking over the convention center. Don’t miss out, come join the party.  I guarantee you find amazing products and nonstop laughing. Fingers crossed I am hoping to have my new pattern and kit done, Marmalade Skies (see below).   Perhaps, if enough of you flatter me with how much you like it, I’ll be motivated to have it completed on time. LOL  Seriously, I absolutely love Cherrywood fabrics, and I also have a fondness for pinks.  I did take into consideration that not everyone has the same taste as me so I produced another colorway.  This is a project takes no time at all as it is fusible applique and blanket stitch.  Hopefully you will give it a thumbs up.

 

Yes BIG, BIG news!  I am returning to the business of accepting customer quilts.  Or maybe I should say taking small steps into the customer quilts arena.  Regardless of the size of my steps this is still BIG news!

Starting in March,  I will begin taking on a few customer quilts a month.   Initially I will only be completing “all over designs”.  So if “all over designs” is something you’d like me to produce for you please email me at Lisahcalle@me.com, and I’ll place you on my list!

Don’t forget to visit me in February! Booth #313 at Mid Atlantic Quilt show!!

Turkey..Pie..Nap…Oh MY!

 

The sun is shining brightly in Hilton Head where I prepare to tee off for a round of golf; my second love in life. But before I venture into the rolling, green hills composed of 19 holes I wanted to wish all my fellow followers a Happy Thanksgiving.  I hope your plans include eating WAY too much turkey, indulging in a few holiday drinks and slumbering peacefully as Mr. Tryptophan slips you into nappy land.  Those are my intentions for the next 24 hours!

     What would Thanksgiving be without including Black Friday and Cyber Monday? So let’s whoop it up and celebrate those two unofficial holidays with a sale! You don’t even have to leave your home, I’ll help you get into the spirit of holiday shopping AND allow you to stay in your pajamas!

15% off storewide!  This will include my two online classes Perfect Plumes and Anything but Junk: Tell All!  Use code FIFTEEN for online classes.  (note: iquilt classes are excluded)

Now’s the perfect opportunity to purchase those rulers that you’ve been yearning for but guilt has held you hostage. Or perhaps you want to create those beautiful feathers and my online classes have been calling your name.  Not only will you finally learn the skill of designing feathers but you’ll surely be entertained during my online trunk show.

I’m quite sure you’ve been good all year and deserve a little “To Me, From Me” present or two!  I give you permission to treat yourself and smile knowing you’ve taken advantage of a great sale!

Regardless of what you choose to do over this Thanksgiving holiday I wish you peace and prosperity.

~Lisa

Lisa Where The Heck Are You?

 

I’ve recently received a couple of messages of, “Lisa, where are you?” and “Lisa why haven’t you shown us any love over the past two months?”.  Firstly, I’d like to thank those individuals who sent those kind inquiries.  Secondly, has it really been two months?

   

I’M WEARING THE ADMINISTRATIVE HAT

Unfortunately, I’ve been fabric deep in completing all the boring, and daunting, administrative aspects of my business.  Nope nothing quilty, or fun has been transpiring in my studio.  I’ve been doing more pencil pushing than threading needles that’s for sure!

Now if you are a current blog follower the saga of  Oh, My Bleeding Heart. is nothing new to you. What will be new is that the saga wasn’t quite over since I last posted. And here’s why; I chose to block it again right before Houston. Why I would push my luck with this quilt I have no idea. Because once again the piece bled; did I mention that I brought this upon myself right before my trip to Europe.

Obviously time was not on my side so I couldn’t take a stab at removing the bleed (for the second time). So I stood peering down at this project with two options. One choice was to simply pull the quilt from the show, but this would prohibit me from being able to submit another design for next three years (that’s 1,095 days).  My other option was to move forward and provide Houston with what sat before me; bleed and all. Do I? Don’t I? Perhaps I’m a glutton for punishment but I chose to send “Oh My Bleeding Heart” to Texas.

 

I was in total disbelief when I received a notification that it had won an award. I’m still pinching myself trying to comprehend that this quilt found a way to speak to the judges.  Why, or how, it won I won’t know until the awards ceremony.  I’d like to think that between the name of this piece, and the bleeds that appeared, its voice resonated with those gazing over its content. Maybe this quilt symbolizes the beauty and the flaws that resides within each and every one of us. Its voice shouted “regardless of circumstances, I am worthy of being noticed and acknowledged”. Whatever the reason I’m so proud that, imperfections and all, this quilt stood out and spoke to those in its presences.

Now, if this quilt speaks to you… you can have a small piece of it.  The small quilt below will be auctioned off.   Yes, you will have the opportunity to bid on this little quilt that certainly provided a journey within my heart. This is such a bittersweet moment for me; I love this quilt so much that I might just have to bid on it myself! LOL

So Houston is just around the corner! I will be in booth #1334 this year which is right across the aisle from BERNINA!!  Will I see you there? I sure hope so!

 

When This Quilters Away…

Comes Your Way!

You heard right!! While I’m away ALL orders shipped within the United States will receive FREE shipping until August 20th!

NO Special Code is required to receive free shipping!

So take advantage of this great offer, and fill your cart today!   And you’ll enjoy free shipping within the great USA! 

I can’t stay in Europe forever.  Unfortunately, I will have to return to reality which mean free shipping will come to an end.  So don’t miss out, you have until August 20th to take advantage of what is happening while I’m traveling abroad!

 

 

Only 24 Hours Left!

Sign up for “AINT NO JUNK” today AND join my FACEBOOK LIVE Event!

Don’t miss “Aint No Junk”, a great tell all class with lots of EXTRAS.  AND become a member of my Facebook Live Event! I will be “live” answering questions and concerns regarding EVERYTHING under the sun QUILTY related! Sign up now for this amazing class!

Panic Now Cuz Sign Up Ends Today!