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!!

A little R & R and Feathers!!!

I missed my FB live last week as I was on a much needed vacation to South Carolina! For the most part, I completely unplugged from work is a first in a while. It felt great to sit in the sun, play some golf and get to know my significant others family! Took a beautiful walk along the inter-coastal waterway.

Back at work this week…. who doesn’t love feathers??? I know, it isn’t me but there are some who don’t. I have had many requests for another video on how to do the Jelly Feather Fill, I did not want to disappoint! So here ya go!! Enjoy!

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

It’s Done! Finally!

I feel like I have been starting all my blog posts with…. it’s been a while. I promise I will try harder to not let that happen!

Here’s what I’ve been up to!

The past 6 months I have been feverishly working on a comprehensive online course! And guess what??? It is finally done.

I had 32 fabulous students help me create this class and their input was invaluable! To all of you…. my biggest thank you!

The nerve wracking thing about creating the class is that as the students were hard at work on one week… I was working really hard on the following week. So I was only a week ahead of them. But I will tell you… if I had waited and created all the content before getting my beta group… the class would likely still be in my head. The process was very fluid which meant that if the students gave me feedback on providing more explanation… it was easily done.

This class took me out of my comfort zone which is something that I tell my students all the time. One of the aspects that I loved most about the class were the Zoom meetings. It was so great to see all of the faces and have productive Q & A’s! We became a little family. The students were super engaging on the private FB page. It was wonderful to see them supporting each other.

The great news is the lesson are prerecorded so you can learn when it is convenient for you! And the best.. you have lifetime access to the class.

Enrollment is now open, however, it is only open til March 28. As the first lesson is available March 29 and a new lesson will be available each week. If you sign up before Mar 22, you will receive the Perfect Plumes class as a bonus!

For all the details… click here! Don’t miss out, this is the only time the class will be at this price!

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions

Virtual Classes added!

Hi all,

I am adding virtual classes to my calendar! So make sure you check it out! Next one is a 3 day feather bootcamp. If you have ever wanted to learn how to execute feathers… this is the perfect class for you!

We will spend 3 days together from 10am – 2 pm EST drawing and stitching out various kinds of feathers. This is the perfect class for a beginner! Save your spot today!

The first 3 day design retreat was such a success that we’ve added another! Sept 8, 9 and 10! Check out what one of the students accomplished in the first class!

This is Jennifer’s finished top! She totally nailed it!

Did you know that I have added quilt coaching, Individual Insight, to my site? You might be thinking what is quilt coaching. Well, it is private one on one virtual sessions with me! Whatever you want to learn…. just ask away. There are different packages to choose from so one will surely fit your needs. Click here for the details.

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!!!

Lisa

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

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!!

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