Helpful things...

Though I am pretty much a traditional quilt when it comes to techniques I am always on the lookout for something to make the process a bit easier (and safer!)

A Splendid Sampler block from Pat Sloan's sew along....

So here are a few of the things I've added to my sewing space the past couple of months that I like.

First, a new sewing chair!  The difference between this and the office style chair I was using is "huge!"  This one goes up much higher making it easier to get to the right height for us vertically challenged folks (aka...short!)  Also the seat is much larger giving me a larger landing spot...yes, this purchase was sparked by my missing the seat on my old chair and landing not so gracefully on the floor!  Duh!  I think the base with the rollers may be larger and more stable as well...

Also in the photo above is my new peg-board!  How many times have you gone out and purchased a new _____ (fill in the blank)___ even though you knew you had one?  I'm hoping this pegboard will help eliminate some of that!

On the smaller side...I am loving this tinted 2-1/2 inch ruler from Missouri Star!  The measuring lines sort of glow making them so much easier to see!  And it is small so easy to carry in the sewing tote.  Even on a bad MS eyesight day I can use this ruler...now, that my friends is sayin' something!

This little wooden rotary cutter stand came from a recent quilt show...wish I could remember who I bought it from.  I usually have a fairly messy cutting table...ok, I almost always have a messy table!  Having a set place that stands out from the piles for the cutter has been a real bonus!  Also, it is easier for me pick it up when it is already almost standing.  Only down side is the stand is the same color as the table...thinking of painting it a really bright color!

Quilt Day!

My guild celebrated National Quilt Day by holding a sewing bee/demonstrations at the local Arts and Heritage Center. Most of us worked on quilts for Quilts of Valor and a few on their blocks for our next quilt for Camp Rainbow. We used the Twist pattern from Bonnie Hunters website to make the first quilt and then the "leftover" pieces to make the center blocks for the second quilt...sort of like a two for one!
The center is a great place to work with wonderful lighting and lots of space. Being surrounded by local artwork helps too!We got two quilts tops in Autumn colors almost finished and the patriotic themes blocks ready to go together. Not bad for a few hours work. Amazing how much faster it goes when many hands work together!I also tried out a new tool today. You know me - always in search of the perfect rotary cutter.
(And for "perfect" read one that I don't slice myself with when my eyes and/or hands are feeling all MS-y) I was told this fingertip controlled Mini rotary cutter was good for folks with weak hands...since it sort of clips to your finger so you don't have to focus on holding the cutter just on moving your finger. It took a few minutes to get used to it but in no time I was cutting out a pile of leaves to applique on my border. Now the downside - if you have any problems with your hands there is almost no chance you will get the plastic blade cover off without serious damage (for that read one lost fingernail and a nasty slice on the knuckles - big ouch!) What were they thinking? And it doesn't get any better the more you put the cover on and off either. I made a small felt cover for mine and ditched the plastic....