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!

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!

Am I the Only One?

I’ve been in this business for a long time… I started piecing in 1997 and started longarming in 2004 as a business. It quickly became a love… I couldn’t wait to get my piece on the longarm so I never really stretched my piecing skills. Now my longarming skills… that’s a different story. It didn’t take me long to start teaching…. 2006 and I love every minute that I spend with my students. With that being said… I do suffer from Imposter Syndrome at times. More so when I first started teaching but there are still times when I’m waiting for people to realize that I am not as good as they think I am.

When we first start on this journey most of us have no idea what we are doing and you know what??? That’s normal! If you think I knew what I was doing, you be crazy! I had no clue and learned by trial and error. What I learned is that if you aren’t failing …. you aren’t growing, see we learn more from our failures than our successes. There are still days where I am waiting for people to say… hmmmm, she isn’t as good as I thought she was. The difference between now and then… I’m ok with that. I know I love what I do and I love sharing it with as many people as I can.

Fast forward to today…. as I sit here and type out this blog. My business sure has changed a lot since I started it back in 2004 and when the pandemic hit… boom… my business model was sunk. Since I traveled to teach… it came to a screeching halt. (now the timing couldn’t have been worse since I had just gotten a divorce and needed to support myself) Over the past year and a half there have been many ups and downs in my business, when the downs hit.. I wonder maybe this is “someone” telling me I should be doing something else. But then I would hit a high… and think… I’ve got this.

Imposter syndrome hit and it hit hard. I needed to figure out how to survive with trying to teach online. I am not a techie person so the amount that I learned this year while putting together Quilter’s Groove® Heirloom Academy and Quilter’s Groove® Tribe was astounding. Hard, yes but oh so worth it but I had to keep telling myself.. you can do this, you got this. Not always the easiest thing to keep that mantra in your head.

Why am I telling you all of this? Well, there have been many new quilters that have reached out with doubts… they have had their machines for a while and they use it as a coat hanger or some such thing. I want you all to know that whether you are new at this or experienced… we almost all go through the same emotions of “what am I doing”. I can’t do this… I don’t know what I was thinking. I am here to tell you… you can do this! If I can do this… you can too. Remember we all start in the same spot and the key here is to not compare yourself to anyone!

Your journey is unique to you. Embrace the ups and downs, figure out what you can learn when something didn’t turn out the way you thought it would! Most of all….. ENJOY yourself, be kind to yourself… the things we say to ourselves in our head matter!

So as Mel Robbins says…. look in that mirror and give yourself a high five today! YOU GOT THIS!

I would love to hear from all of you…. have you ever felt like an imposter? What do you do to motivate yourself when this happens? Leave it in the comments so I don’t feel like the only imposter out here. 💕

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

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

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!

 

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!

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

 

 

 

 

Presenting… Perfect Plumes!

 

Some things are worth the wait, and I have to admit these are one of those things!  If you’ve been yearning to master the technique of creating beautiful heirloom feathers then, Perfect Plumes is calling your name!  The class is broken down into steps that are easy to understand and provides the knowledge and skills needed to enhance this aspect of quilting. The only catch is there is no magic fairy dust..

 

 

You may not want to hear this folks but the fact remains, like many things, the key to success with creating feathers is practice, practice, practice! You want to succeed, and I want you to succeed, so in order to achieve that, Perfect Plumes includes worksheets to be downloaded.  Trust me, they will be a huge learning asset. In addition, the class incorporates videos demonstrating drawings and stitching performed on the domestic machine.

When I began quilting, I desperately wanted to master feathers.  This didn’t happen over night, in fact, it took some patience, time, and a lot of doodling.  My unwavering dedication in grasping this concept evolved into a huge love of feathers.  They are, by no means perfect, but that’s just fine with me.

Okay, enough about me, back to YOU and Perfect Plumes! Finally, the conclusion of this session incorporates a final project to test your skills, and the pattern is included! A class with manageable steps, videos, worksheets, and a final project; what more could a fan of heirloom feathers ask for?  Trust me you’ll soon see that magic fairy dust isn’t necessary; the true magic lies in YOU!

So let’s get you flying with feathers! Sign up now!

England, Switzerland, Germany..Oh My!

Europe here I come! Can you believe it? I am still pinching myself in disbelief that I will find myself traveling that way in August! Now that plans are finalized I can share some of the small details of where this exciting adventure will take me.

FIRST STOP:

Festival of Quilts in England! No, I’m not kidding! AND if anyone would like to consider joining me; you can receive a discount on your admission ticket! Instead of paying the cost of £16* for adult tickets or £14.50* for concession tickets, you will get a discount and pay £13.50* (£2.50 off adult tickets and £1 off concession tickets).  Have I have stirred the travel bug in any of my fellow quilters? In case I have, here is the link to use and your special code:  Festival of Quilts, apply the code WT57 in order to receive your discount.   (This is an affiliate link)

England and I have never met so I’m over the moon to have the opportunity to make this introductory journey!

SECOND STOP:

Landing in beautiful Steckborn, Switzerland!  There I will conduct two 2 full days of teaching classes at the BERNINA headquarters!

FINAL DESTINATION:

Hello Germany!  I will spend time at Regina Klaus’ training center where I will get the opportunity to teach for another 2 full days of classes!

This is bound to be a once in lifetime experience, so I’m really hoping to cross paths with some of you along my travels.