Come Stitch With Me

I decided to stick with my Sizzix Big Shot Plus as my manual die cutting machine of choice.
Why?
(1) I have a number of Sizzix applique dies and most of my existing AccuQuilt dies will work in the Sizzix machine if I use the Adapter G plate.

(2) I’m making more quilts that use a lot of HST, QST and FG. Cutting and sewing HST and FG made on a die cut machine is HEAVEN. More accurate, no marking…need I say more?

(3) FWIW, I think I get a better cut using the Sizzix machine with my dies.

So, part of spring break was spent replacing the AccuQuilt dies that are too big for the Sizzix machine with the equivalent Sizzix dies. As luck would have it, many Sizzix quilting dies have been discontinued, but are still available on Amazon, Etsy, Ebay and at assorted online retailers. Locating the dies you want will require some sleuthing on your part.

My collection of dies mimics many of the components found in the AccuQuilt cube for the 6″, 8″ and 9″ blocks. I have squares, HSTs, QSTs and strip cutter dies that will cut just about anything I could ever want for these size blocks. I did have to replace 4 dies – 2-1/2″ squares, 3-1/2″ strips, and my 6-1/2″ square and HST shapes. I was also able to locate some additional dies that I thought would come in handy (4-1/2″ strip, 5″ strip and 6-1/2″ QST). I am on the hunt for a 6-1/2″ isosceles and right triangle die to complete my collection.

The square and strip dies will come in handy when doing most any Lori Holt project that involves piecing. Just as Kimberly from FQS rewrites the directions to use her beloved triangle papers, I can rework yardage requirements and cutting directions to fit my die cut machine. Remember, you are the boss of your own quilt! Make it work for you!

In-person quilt retreats are slowly coming back online…

Local guilds and sewing friends are gathering at Red Rooster (AL) and Koosa Mountain Lodge (GA).

Quilt til You Wilt and Sew Days are now back on the calendar at about half of my area quilt shops.

There are two quilt retreats within driving distance happening in mid-August. One is a bring your own project and the other is a come sew a pre-selected project. Costs are about same once you factor in everything.

Which camp do you fall under? Bring your own projects or everyone work on the same project? Honestly, it depends on my budget and what I’m in the mood for.

Sewing with friends where I bring my own projects can be done locally at the aforementioned Quilt Til You Wilt and Sew Days for little or no cost. So can project classes offered by local shops. If I’m in the mood for a quick getaway at a reasonable cost (under $300) then a 3 night getaway to a North Georgia church campground or retreat center with a local guild is always a lot of fun. Solo retreats at a cozy inn also get the creative juices flowing. Sometimes, you just gotta get out of the house!!

Destination travel along the lines of Stitchin’ Heaven’s cruises or land retreats falls in an entirely different category. I refer to this type of quilty travel as a bucket list trip. I want at least one project that I’d like to make, luxurious accommodations, national teachers and some serious SWAG/fun events. The Featherweight Shop/Lori Holt retreat I attended in Idaho in 2019 definitely falls into this category.

I’ve saved my shekels over the years to be able to indulge on occasion. I love the previous retreats offered by Quilter’s Revival and I hope something similar returns to the East Coast soon (psst Nashville again, please!). Until the mask mandate is lifted for air travel, I’m only heading to destinations where I can drive.

I supposed the Greenville Quiltfest and Mountain Quiltfest trips fall into the quasi-destination travel category. I’m driving 2.5 hours to Greenville and about 4 hours to Pigeon Forge. Although these events happen at a quilt show, I’m taking a project based class taught by a nationally known instructor at both locations. I’m staying at comfortable hotels where I’ll have space to host my own mini-quilt retreat in the room. I actually get a lot of sewing done when I travel, especially if I have everything precut and ready to sew.

As for the retreats in mid-August, I’m going to go with the retreat offered at the B&B on the AL/FL line. School will be back in session by then, so the beaches should be much less crowded. I can swing by and visit with my niece and her family on the way home.

Cheers to quilty travel revving up soon!

This morning I sent hubby off to begin his grand retirement adventure. He’s been looking forward to this trip for many, many months. I hope the next two weeks exceed his expectations! It’ll be interesting to see how well his loosely planned itinerary worked for him. It’s the exact opposite of how we’ve always scheduled any trips we take. Guess not having to report to work on Monday morning does make a big difference. Can’t wait to find out for myself!

My “poor me” attitude was quickly erased at finding a Singer 99k hand crank for sale in my own backyard. It seems one was donated to Must Ministries, a local charity that I support. I’ve reached out to seller for more details. This might be my Saturday morning adventure while Sadie goes to the spa.