Get a free US Flag Quilt Pattern & more quilting updates!
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Busy Day Chaos
- Working on the Blue Bonnet Quilt
- Old-Fashioned Tea High Tea
- Sewing a Dress for the Tea
- Handcrafted Acrylic Seam Rippers
- New T-Shirts and Fabric Line
- American Flag Quilt
- Hotfix Adhesive Review
- Giveaway Announcement
Introduction
Hey everybody, it's Becky from power.tools with red.com. Thank you for joining me on my blog. Today, I want to share with you the events of my busy day and some exciting projects I've been working on. From managing chaos at work to sewing a beautiful quilt and attending a high tea event, there's so much to talk about. So grab yourself a cup of coffee and let's get started!
Busy Day Chaos
Let me tell you, today was one heck of a busy day. It started off like any other workday, but something was different. I quickly realized that the local school districts had scheduled a holiday, resulting in fabulous traffic conditions. It was a breeze getting to work, and I thought it was going to be a smooth day. But boy, was I wrong. Just as I was about to head home, a new storage law customer called and wanted to move in immediately. Cue the chaos! I had to handle contracts, invoices, and code access for the customer while juggling another customer's request to move their rig. It was a whirlwind of activity, leaving me little time to breathe. Finally, after a few hours of intense multitasking, I managed to sort everything out and head home. Phew! Chaos and all, I'm grateful for a productive day.
Working on the Blue Bonnet Quilt
In the midst of my chaotic day, there was a bright spot - my ongoing project of the Blue Bonnet Quilt. I've been working on these turn-blocks for the quilt using the Fields of Blue fabric from Mota. Let me tell you, this fabric is exquisite! I ordered the pattern from Connecting Threads, and it's been a joy to sew with. To add a personal touch to the quilt, I wanted to incorporate an individual blue bonnet design using my long-arm machine. I've been learning how to do that, and with each block I complete, I can't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. I have four more turn-blocks to go and then I'll move on to the dark iris chain blocks. The pattern for this traditional quilt is absolutely stunning, and I can't wait to see the finished product.
Old-Fashioned Tea High Tea
Mark your calendars because on February 11th, I have an exciting event to attend - an old-fashioned tea high tea! This event is organized by my DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) chapter to celebrate its 30th anniversary. It's a big deal, and we're expecting state officers from Texas to join us. With china tea sets, delicate teapots, little hats, and white gloves, it's going to be a charming affair. The chapter has been sending out emails about etiquette and preparations for the event, keeping us all excited. I can't wait to be a part of this delightful celebration.
Sewing a Dress for the Tea
Of course, attending a tea high tea requires the perfect dress. Since I didn't have a suitable dress for the occasion, I decided to make one myself. I found a beautiful brushed knit fabric at Joanne's and used the Simplicity 8874 pattern. I made a few modifications, including shortening the length and adding longer sleeves. The dress came together fairly easily, and I even added pockets for added convenience. However, the clingy nature of knit fabric accentuated my bumps and bulges. To smooth things out, I purchased a shaper garment from Lane Bryant. It's not quite a full slip, but it does the job. I'm considering making a slip myself if I can find a good pattern. The dress turned out lovely, and I'm excited to wear it to the tea.
Handcrafted Acrylic Seam Rippers
On a different note, my husband has been working on a new project in our garage - handcrafted acrylic seam rippers. These seam rippers are made entirely by him, and they are nothing short of fabulous. We posted about them on our Power Tools with Thread Facebook group, and the response has been overwhelming. The seam rippers come with a stiletto at one end, making them a versatile tool for sewing and quilting. We're proud to offer these handmade seam rippers as gifts for fellow sewing enthusiasts.
New T-Shirts and Fabric Line
In other news, new t-shirts are on their way! We're thrilled to announce that the t-shirt design order is complete, and we can't wait to share them with you. The slogan "If you wear a sewing t-shirt, you are a better sower," captures the spirit of our supportive community. We've also come across an exciting fabric line called Mackinac Island Prints by Minik & Simpson, released by Fat Quarter Shop. Their American flag quilt pattern caught my attention, and I'm considering making one for upcoming patriotic holidays.
American Flag Quilt
Speaking of the American flag quilt, Fat Quarter Shop offers a kit for making a beautiful flag quilt. The kit includes all the fabrics needed, except for the backing. The quilt measures 39.5" by 63.5" and is a great size for showcasing your patriotism. However, if you're more of a DIY enthusiast like me, you can use their free pattern and cut out the 50 stars using a scanning cut machine. This eliminates the need for purchasing pre-printed star fabric. I enjoy taking on a challenge and personalizing my projects, so I might opt for the DIY version.
Hotfix Adhesive Review
Recently, a few of you asked me about Hotfix adhesive, a new product on the market. Curious to know more, I reached out to the company offering Hotfix adhesive, and they kindly sent me some samples. Hotfix adhesive is different from traditional fabric adhesives as it is permanent and works on various materials, not just fabric. I plan on testing it by using it to adhere stars on the American flag quilt mentioned earlier. I'm intrigued by its claims of durability and ease of use. Once I've had a chance to try it out, I will provide an honest review of my experience.
Giveaway Announcement
Before I wrap up this blog post, I wanted to remind you all about the ongoing giveaway. Simply subscribe to my channel, leave a comment, and give a thumbs up to enter the giveaway. I'm giving away a free Dresden ruler and a free half hexi ruler from Missouri Star Quilt Co. These rulers are essential tools for any quilter, and I'm excited to share them with you. The giveaway closes tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. Central, so make sure to enter before it's too late.
In conclusion, it's been a whirlwind of events and projects lately. From managing chaos at work to sewing a dress for a tea high tea, there's been no shortage of excitement. I'm grateful for the support of my Power Tools with Thread Facebook group and the opportunity to share my husband's handcrafted seam rippers with fellow sewing enthusiasts. As for the upcoming events and projects, I can't wait to attend the tea high tea and finish the Blue Bonnet Quilt. This journey allows me to express my creativity and brings me immense joy. Stay tuned for more updates and see you in the next blog post!
WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE Etsyshop
