The Sewing Table - October 2022
September and October have been about refocusing.
This refocusing really started late August, early September when I first made a list of all of my projects I wanted to make as well as signing up for a quilt pattern writing course. Ever since I started Oh, Hello Jenny!, I have wanted to write patterns. When I took a deep look into that and what it meant for my limited sewing time, I realized I needed to center my quilting time and sewing priorities.
The first step was reorganizing my quilt room. Since our move, my supplies have been in several different spots. I got everything in my room, did an initial purge, and feel so much better about where everything is and what I have. There’s likely going to be another purge in November; thank goodness our guild has a freebie table every month!
Next, was a realization I do need to stop doing block-of-the-months (BOM). Seriously - I mean it this time. I’ve noticed I get behind and then they take all my sewing time/mental capacity because I want that caught up before I sew anything else. So this year I’m wrapping up the last one and for 2023, I make a solemn vow to not participate in a BOM. I even made it through the first challenge when one of my local quilt store kicked off their annual one and I didn’t sign up. Small successes!
Finally, signing up for Elizabeth Chappell’s Quilt Pattern Writing Course has been the best decision. I’ve been working on my brand, writing a pattern, and zoning in on what I want Oh, Hello Jenny! to bring to you all. I am VERY excited about this. My goal is that in 2023 you will see at least one pattern release and the offering of fabric bundles based on my monthly color palettes. I’m drafting my first pattern now and working on all the “business” items to get Oh, Hello Jenny! off on the right foot.
Now, for some sewing updates. As I mentioned, I’m getting my last BOM caught up and this one is OH-Hi-O My Stars from Prairie Point Quilt Store. I’ve been learning more about my Deb Tucker tools and how to use them in different ways. However, while I get to practice my precision, tool use, and sewing tinier pieces, these blocks have been time consuming. They are fun and super cute - I even sewed my first “Y” Seam. Here are the last three blocks I finished.
Likely the biggest things I’ve learned is that Flying Geese and I…well, they aren’t my favorite. I have loved learning the different half square triangle techniques. Those have been my jam.
I also finished the top for my Everyday Stitches’ Shuttlecock pattern. I have some scrap batting, batting, and orange material for the binding. However, I want to quilt this on my domestic machine and I’m not quite sure what I want to do. I’ll be on vacation in a few weeks; hopefully I’ll iron it out then. But if you have any suggestions, leave them in the comments!
I enjoy foundation paper piecing, which is the technique used to make this pattern. Towards the end, I realized I likely should’ve squared to a ruler versus using the seam allowance markings on the paper. These pieces had a lot of seams and did cause the paper to distort. However, everything came together beautifully and this will be perfect in my sewing room; my favorite place in Kansas City, the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum.
Everyday Stitches has a whole series of KC Landmarks and they just released a new one. If you love KC (or foundation piecing), head over for one of these patterns (not sponsored)!
That’s a wrap on what's been going on over here on my sewing table. It’s been an exciting time of growth and focus. I can not wait to bring you more!
