Tag: Quilting

Quilty travel planning

April 9, 2024

In case you missed it, the 2024 Riley Blake Designs Garden of Quilts class/event schedule has dropped. Sign-ups open April 15th. There are many, many classes I’d LOVE to take, but I must pass this time. We have some other things going on in September that take priority. Perhaps next year.

I did, however, make a list of the projects/designers that interest me. Of the five projects, I’ll only need to buy two patterns. I found online tutorials and did a little quilty math to figure out the other three. Now, I’ll have plenty of projects for upcoming sew days and any fall Koosa quilt retreats with my Friday Sew Squad I might be able to attend.

QuiltCon was fun and I’m eagerly anticipating my JK Quilts retreat in Idaho at the end of April. After this, I plan to keep the quilty fun close to home for a while. It’s kind of strange. Hubs and I love to travel. This spring & summer, we’ve opted to pass on events we’ve attended in recent years in favor of volunteer opportunities or similar local events. I think it’s a combination of wanting to do something different, all the crazy people travelling now and the increased cost of travel.

For me, does the value received for attending an event justify the cost to attend? I realize it’s a highly subjective and very personal decision. For example, Stitchin Heaven is currently advertising a mid-November retreat in Asheville, North Carolina. It’s within reasonable driving distance from me and the projects look fun, but I did a double take when I saw the price for a single attendee – $2549.00 – and then a second one when I realized what wasn’t included in the cost of the event. For that kind of money, I want to stay at the Grove Park Inn – not the Embassy Suites. You may have a different opinion, and that’s totally fine.

Most of my local sewing/quilting group retreats are held at a state park lodge, scout camp, FFA facility, church retreat center or a quilt retreat center. The total cost runs $300-$400 for 4-5 days. Occasionally, a local shop offers a “sleep in your own bed retreat” where the shop hosts a long weekend of quilty fun. These are a blast! Personally, I prefer retreats where I bring my own projects, sew with friends and have my own room/share with one person I know. I want to attend a Koosa retreat with my Friday Sew Squad, but I’m not sure about the dormitory style accommodations. Hubs is encouraging me to get outside my comfort zone on this one. His solution: drive up by myself and come home if it gets to be too much. He has a point.

Here’s to quilt retreats how ever you like them!

Featherweight case ideas and accessories to make or buy

March 18, 2024

Case Options
Your beloved Featherweight’s original case is at least 65 years old. Even if it came refurbished and seems sturdy, buy or make a cover to protect the carry case if you plan to transport your machine in the original case. There’s a Featherweight Shop branded canvas cover in a variety of colors that can zip around your original black case to protect it. It’s available from the Featherweight Shop, Missouri Star and other retailers. If you prefer to DIY, take a look at the following patterns: Sew Portable Travel Set pattern by Jeni Baker or The Boxy Tote pattern by Penny Sturges.

No case? You can buy a new black replica replacement case for about $100. I purchased one of these for my 1935 FW that came without a case. (Hint: search online for “P60221 sewing machine case” – prices vary widely so it pays to comparison shop.) Want something a bit lighter and easier to carry? The FW Shop offers a very nice padded tote, which I was able to admire in person at Treelotta Quilt Shop in Denver, CO. I almost bought one, but had no room in my luggage to take it home on the plane. No worries, because another option presented itself shortly thereafter. How about a 24-can cooler bag from Buc-cee’s? The inside is completely smooth and it’s well padded like the FW padded tote. It’s also budget friendly and always seems to elicit a smile when folks see the Buc-cee’s logo on the bag. Did I also mention I adore Buc-cees?

Protect your FW for travel and storage
At the very least, you’ll need something to wrap up your foot controller and power cords. You’ll also need something to protect the fold up extension bed from being scratched by the presser foot thumbscrew and the faceplate cover screw when the bed is folded up. Batting and/or soft towels will certainly do the trick, but why not make some custom accessories for your beloved FW? Below are links to free tutorials to get you started. Limited time? Head over to Etsy to find all sorts of ready-made FW accessories or actual patterns if that works better for you.

Lined drawstring bag to hold your foot controller and power cords

Faceplate cozy to protect your bed from scratches when transporting or storing. I made an extension bed cover before I was introduced to the faceplate cozy. Either option will protect the bed. The faceplate cozy is faster to make and offers less bulk to go inside a small FW case with an already tight fit.

Sewing machine mat to place under your machine when sewing or over your machine when packed away

One final suggestion: Subscribe to the mailing list at the Featherweight Shop. Subscribers have FREE access to manuals, vintage advertisements/articles and patterns (currently includes mini-dresden spool pin doily pattern).

Happy National Quilting Day!

March 16, 2024

How will you spend the day? I’ll be basting and machine quilting some charity quilts to turn in to my guild’s community service next week. This is actually turning out to be quilting weekend because Sunday is reserved to FMQ the show quilt. Saturday’s quilty activities are the warm-up for Sunday. Wish me luck!

P.S. This picture is from a class I took at last year’s Mountain Quiltfest in Pigeon Forge, TN. I’ve attended the past two years. It’s fun, but I’m taking a break this year due to the ECQG quilt show and volunteering at the SQTM quilt camp. If you’re interested in Mountain Quilfest, the class schedule is out and registration begins 3/25.