You’ll find the entire current class listing in our quarterly newsletter.

You may recall that I boasted about having plenty of time for finishing homework since we had a week off between classes this time.

Yeah. Unfortunately that didn’t happen. So here’s my half quilted project. I just have to get those lines quilted the other direction and I’ll be ready for squaring up and binding.

The good news is that I had a small item to use for the binding lesson, so I’m not an entirely delinquent student. Nancy loves me anyway, I think!

I’m ridiculously happy with my practice piece. The picture on the right was supposed to be the back of it, but I think I almost like it better than the front. We’ll just have to wait and see how it gets used.

At the risk of repeating myself, there are several benefits to taking a quilt class (or any class) at Erica’s.

• You have time set aside to work on your projects.
• You have access to a teacher with YEARS of experience.
• There are other people learning along with you.
•  You learn tips and tricks you will NEVER learn from any book or on your own.

You can see What’s New at Erica’s almost every day! Any page of our website has a column on the left that tells you where to find things, and all you have to do is look for “New Items” in purple, and click to find out.

However, it seems I was the one doing all the work, while Lacy slept on the job every chance she got! 

I love working with Soft and Stable (A13750) used in Annie’s patterns. It makes the items look so professional, and it’s light weight for all the stability it gives to the projects!

Because it’s thick, I used Wonder Clips (A12995 and A12996) instead of pins when I got to this point. 

With all Lacy’s help, I finally got it done, and here it is!

I’ve used Soft and Stable with purses and placemats (A16219), too. I also made a smaller bag for my netbook, but more on that in another post!

Be sure to “like” us on Facebook! You’ll see great projects from customers and Erica’s employees, new items just into the store and be eligible for great giveaways! Now you can also follow us on Pinterest and Twitter.

(To find an item or event on our web page after clicking on the highlighted words, hold down the “Ctrl” key and touch F. Enter the item number in the box, press enter, and you’ll be taken to that item.)

You can see What’s New at Erica’s almost every day! Any page of our website has a column on the left that tells you where to find things, and all you have to do is look for “New Items” in purple, and click to find out.

You’ll find the entire current class listing in our quarterly newsletter.

This week I have lots of pictures to share with you. My fellow classmates are making some amazing quilts. I can’t wait to see them next class time when they’ll all be quilted.

Without further ado, here they are so far.

The last one is mine and it’s turning out way better than I had hoped. I wasn’t too excited about my fabric choices after the first couple of weeks but once the borders were sewn on I decided it was really very pretty.  It’s impossible to show in a picture but the white fabric is a white on white leaf design. The backing will be a different but similar design.

This week was fun because it was the closest any of us has been to a real live quilting “bee.” We all learned together and helped each other get ready for quilting.

The bummer for me at this point is realizing that my little Minnie sewing machine may really not be up to this challenge of quilting. I think I will be able to accomplish this crib size quilt on it but if I wanted to do anything larger the rolled up portions of the quilt might not fit through the machine.

Only one more class time left! We’re off next week for Mother’s Day so I have plenty of time to get my homework done. And of course to dream up new projects. Soon, I’ll be a beginner no more!

Be sure to “like” us on Facebook! You’ll see great projects from customers and Erica’s employees, new items just into the store and be eligible for great giveaways! Now you can also follow us on Pinterest and Twitter.

(To find an item or event on our web page after clicking on the highlighted words, hold down the “Ctrl” key and touch F. Enter the item number in the box, press enter, and you’ll be taken to that item.)

You can see What’s New at Erica’s almost every day! Any page of our website has a column on the left that tells you where to find things, and all you have to do is look for “New Items” in purple, and click to find out.

You’ll find the entire current class listing in our quarterly newsletter.

We had a lot of homework this week! The goal was to return to class with all of our sewing and cutting homework from last week finished. The good news is that I was able to accomplish that much. The not so good news is that I have a lot of homework again for next week!

As you can see in the picture above, I did get all of my blocks sewn together during class. However, there are a couple of seams that I need to remove and do again. They need to be straight, darn it! I had also been hoping to get my borders on during class as well but a girl can only do so much, right?

One of the best parts about being in a class with other people is learning along with them. Even though I didn’t get my borders on, two other ladies did during class. That was fantastic because Nancy was able to demonstrate for us twice how to get them measured accurately, quickly, and easily.

It’s also really fun to see everyone else’s fabric choices come alive as the quilt top comes together. Honestly, I’m kind of bored by my fabric choices at this point. That’s why this is called a learning experience, right? But, some of the other ladies have chosen very bold florals, and even a beautiful batik pairing that is lovely. Hopefully next week I’ll be able to share some photos of their quilts as well.

Oh and my sewing machine? Remember that teeny little thing?

We have appropriately named her Minnie.

Until next time, may all your stitches be straight!

Be sure to “like” us on Facebook! You’ll see great projects from customers and Erica’s employees, new items just into the store and be eligible for great giveaways! Now you can also follow us on Pinterest and Twitter.

(To find an item or event on our web page after clicking on the highlighted words, hold down the “Ctrl” key and touch F. Enter the item number in the box, press enter, and you’ll be taken to that item.)

You can see What’s New at Erica’s almost every day! Any page of our website has a column on the left that tells you where to find things, and all you have to do is look for “New Items” in purple, and click to find out.

Nancy Hansen brought in a project that I taught in my very first needlepoint class. (Yes, I did handwork back in those days.) This was from fall of 1974. We were mere children back then!

Chris Sikorski not only had the oldest “Erica’s” receipt in our contest some time ago, but she was one of our first customers, and the shipping company she worked for delivered our very first shipment! And she’s been with us ever since. She got started with counted cross stitch when it first came to the US and we had classes in that, too.

Nancy Koski has worked with us longer than any other employee. Twenty nine years! We grew up together, didn’t we, Nancy? (She’s the quilting teacher that Jennifer talked about in our last post.) I knew she was no longer intimidated by me when she first called me “Toots!” She’s been a great friend, too.

Linda Ullery was a customer who came to work with us a few years after Nancy. I think I met her first in one of my basket weaving classes, and we’ve seen her kids and grand-kids grow up.

Darleen Davis started just a few years after Linda, when my mother stopped checking in merchandise and we needed someone to take that position. Remember when that was a one person job in the back of the classroom, Darleen? Now she has a whole big room and lots of people working with her.  Our 17 year old fur-child was a brother of two of hers.

Our business has grown from just a friend who volunteered some time to help and me, and keeping track of inventory with index cards in shoe boxes to over thirty people, many with computers to work with. And, still amazing to me, customers from all over the world!!

Dick and I want to thank all of you for your part in keeping us going and making us a “favorite” on your computers.

Please remember to be sure to “like” us on Facebook! You’ll see great projects from customers and Erica’s employees, new items just into the store and be eligible for great giveaways! Now you can also follow us on Pinterest and Twitter.

(To find an item or event on our web page after clicking on the highlighted words, hold down the “Ctrl” key and touch F. Enter the item number in the box, press enter, and you’ll be taken to that item.)

You can see What’s New at Erica’s almost every day! Any page of our website has a column on the left that tells you where to find things, and all you have to do is look for “New Items” in purple, and click to find out.

Quilters who are self taught such as I can still benefit from professional instruction. Even though I’ve made several quilt tops and one actual complete quilt on my own, I decided to take a class to see what I was missing.

Now don’t laugh.

Yep. That’s my sewing machine. Isn’t she cute? I think she needs a name. Got any ideas for me?

You may not think you could actually make an entire quilt on a machine like that but a person could and I have. I don’t have as many choices as with more impressive machines, but hey, it gets the job done.

I’m thinking that once I improve my skills by taking a couple of classes I’ll be able to justify a machine upgrade.

Whether you’re a complete newbie or have a little bit of experience, Nancy Koski is a really fantastic teacher. She made class so easy and she’s just really sweet and helpful. But if you hear her say, “Now hold on there, Toots,” then you know to stop what you’re doing because she’s got some instruction for you to pay attention to.

This first week was all about learning to cut strips and put them together to create a nine patch block.

I think I did pretty well, what do you think? For my first ever 9 patch I’m pretty pleased. And would you look at those corners? No overlap. Of course, that’s made possible by following Nancy’s “smoosh method.” But you’ll have to take her class to learn that one.

For next class we get to finish up the nine patches and some more cutting at home. Then next Sunday we’re going to be putting together the actual quilt top. That’s pretty impressive to me that you can come in to a class which assumes no quilting experience and have a quilt top put together in just two class periods.

Fun, huh? And I only poked myself a couple of times. No blood, thank goodness.

Be sure to check back next week when you’ll get to see my completed quilt top. The class runs three more weeks and I’ll post an update after each week!

Have you taken any classes at Erica’s? We’ve certainly offered a few over the years. We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments.

Be sure to “like” us on Facebook! You’ll see great projects from customers and Erica’s employees, new items just into the store and be eligible for great giveaways! Now you can also follow us on Pinterest and Twitter.

(To find an item or event on our web page after clicking on the highlighted words, hold down the “Ctrl” key and touch F. Enter the item number in the box, press enter, and you’ll be taken to that item.)

You can see What’s New at Erica’s almost every day! Any page of our website has a column on the left that tells you where to find things, and all you have to do is look for “New Items” in purple, and click to find out.

Being an employee at Erica’s I am constantly challenged to do things outside my comfort zone.  During a Creative Sewing Club meeting, Erica and I discovered that many of our customers have a fear of zippers.  We agreed that it would be good to go over zipper insertion.  I was game until I discovered that I would be the one doing the explaining!  After trying the following patterns, I can honestly say that zippers are “no sweat!”

Terry at Atkinson Designs has really got zipper insertion down to a science. She breaks the process down into a few easy steps and the results are truly amazing!

First you measure and cut the zipper to the correct length needed. You achieve this by simply cutting the end of the zipper off, zipper stop and all. Then you take two 1” x 1.5” pieces of fabric and fold each wrong sides together.   You sew one to each end of the zipper creating new zipper stops. (The folded edge of the fabric goes toward the center of the zipper.)

Next you simply sew on the pieces of the bag you are working with, one side at a time.  If you are using cotton, you need to sew the zipper and fabric right sides together using a zipper foot, then topstitch to create a finished look. If you’re using a laminate fabric, just fold under one 1/4” and  sew close to the zipper teeth using a Teflon presser foot.

To finish the bag, you fold it right sides together and sew the sides and bottom together. Quickly and easily you have inserted a zipper and finished a quick little bag! If I can do it, you can do it!

Start with one of these patterns to try stress-free zipper insertion for yourself, and have a great finished project at the same time:

Atkinson Designs Cash & Carry (28033) $8.00
Atkinson Designs Lollipop Bags (A14624) $6.50
Sweetwater Pack & Go (A12091) $8.00

Be sure to “like” us on Facebook! You’ll see great projects from customers and Erica’s employees, new items just into the store and be eligible for great giveaways!

(To find an item or event on our web page after clicking on the underlined words, hold down the “Ctrl” key and touch F. Enter the item number in the box, press enter, and you’ll be taken to that item.)

You can see What’s New at Erica’s almost every day! Any page of our website has a column on the left that tells you where to find things, and all you have to do is look for “New Items” in purple, and click to find out.

]]> http://blog.ericas.com/2012/04/20/stress-free-zippers/feed/ 0 ecscblog Zipper zipper2 zippers http://blog.ericas.com/2012/04/12/say-what/ http://blog.ericas.com/2012/04/12/say-what/#comments Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:34:24 +0000 Erica's Craft & Sewing Center http://blog.ericas.com/?p=1491 Continue reading →]]> Today’s post is from Jennifer Crutchfield. She’s our relatively new web gal at the shop, and she’s been quickly learning some new vocabulary over the last several weeks.

When you hang around a quilt shop long enough, you’ll hear some awfully funny words. Some of them you’ve heard before but they’re being used in a whole new way. Others, you may never hear anywhere else.

For example, how do you handle your kids “tatting” on each other?

No. Wait. That’s not what we’re talking about.

Not tattling. Tatting. You know, the age old art of lace making. Of course.

And don’t even get me started on when my kids are “smocking” each other.

No, no, no. Not smacking, smocking. Smocking is an embroidery technique used to gather fabric so that it can stretch. Yes, I did have to look that one up so that I could be sure I defined it properly. I can’t be expected to know all of the crazy crafting words inside and out, can I?

How about a “fussy cut?” Is that something a distressed mother does when she’s waiting in line with a crying child? Or even “over 2?” Is that an age limitation on who should undertake the crafting project?

Seriously? A glossary should be standard issue when a person walks in the front door of this building.

“Are you a Continental (European) knitter, or English knitter?”

“Where will I find the punch needle books?” (If I punched a needle, wouldn’t that hurt?)

One thing I know for sure is that I don’t want to end up “in the ditch.”

The good news is that no matter what crazy words you hear around Erica’s, somebody knows what you’re talking about. Everybody does some sort of crafting and everybody is always eager to help and to share her knowledge.

Do you have any funny stories of using crafting language around your friends or family that got them confused? We’d love to hear them. Please share in the comments!

(To find an item or event on our web site after clicking on the highlighted words, hold down the “Ctrl” key and touch F. Enter the item number in the box, press enter, and you’ll be taken to that item.)

You can see What’s New at Erica’s almost every day! Any page of our website has a column on the left that tells you where to find things, and all you have to do is look for “New Items” in purple, and click to find out.

As usually happens when I see (or do) something that’s really wrong, the room really heats up! Once I mop my brow and neck and calm down, the room cools off a bit, and I can start to analyze the problem…

In this case, the batting that was left under the quilt on my frame was too short for the wallhanging now, and Bernie (Munchkin feline) was hiding. I should have noticed that he was attracted to wool batting, and not left the room with the batting unprotected from feline nose. Ahhh, hind sight! Eliminating the cat was not an option, so I had to eliminate this particular problem.

I had already started quilting, so I couldn’t completely replace the batting. Then I remembered that I had some Heat Press Batting Together (rather unwieldy name, but really great product!), and it would solve the problem. A12633 

So I pulled the jagged batting up from where it had been hanging down and laid it on top of the quilt. I put another piece of batting so that the straight edge was under my jagged edge by a few inches. Then I cut both layers  in a pretty straight line with my Handi Batting Scissors (22078), removed the two short pieces that got cut off, and butted the edges together.

I used my portable iron, Petite Press (47293), and fused the two edges together.

When it cooled, I lifted it so I could get to the other side, and pressed Heat Press Batting Together on that side too. Same as new!!

(You can see a detailed video on how the Heat Press Batting Together works on our site.)

When I went to bed that night, you can be sure that wool batting was pulled up, out of feline reach!  I have two huge pieces of corrugated card board from a treadmill we got, and I cover a quilt in progress with them to prevent feline hammock activity.

And then I covered the Handi Quilter!

After getting the feline stamp of approval, and adding Piping Hot Binding (23940) to my Mama and her Kitten quilt, it was finished! 

Mama and her Kitten (A14957)

(To find an item or event on our web site after clicking on the highlighted words, hold down the “Ctrl” key and touch F. Enter the item number in the box, press enter, and you’ll be taken to that item.)

You can see What’s New at Erica’s almost every day! Any page of our website has a column on the left that tells you where to find things, and all you have to do is look for “New Items” in purple, and click to find out.