fat quarters

I had a field day the other day on eBay, and bid on a bunch of listing for fat quarters.

What Is a Fat Quarter?

A fat quarter is a one-fourth yard cut of fabric that (usually) measures 18" x 22" instead of the typical 9" x 44" quarter-yard cut. The longest side's dimension will vary if your fabric is not 44" wide.

Why Would I Want a Fat Quarter?

A fat quarter gives you the opportunity to cut larger chunks of fabric than would be possible from a regular quarter-yard, including strips that are twice as long on the fabric's (less stretchy) lengthwise grain.

A fat quarter offers more versatility, whether it's for patchwork or appliqué. Quilt shops know that fat quarters are popular, and usually offer a wide assortment of them, pre-cut and ready to go.

You can use fat quarters for strip piecing by making extra strip sets from shorter lengths of fabric until you've cut the number of segments required for the pattern.

I got my first few delivered, and I cant wait to start on some projects! We need some larger pillows for the couch, and some of these are perfect starts to some baby blankets! Hooray! Can't wait to get more and show you those too....First project soon.

Stonemountain and Daughter

This past February I took an intro to sewing class. Ive always considered myself to be somewhat of a quick learner, but for the life of me I couldn't figure out how to sew. I had my mothers old machine, and I had this fear of breaking it. Even after my friend came over to teach me to use it, I used it that day, but forgot soon after. I started hand stitching fabric on my wunzees, but really wanted to figure out how to machine sew too..for more options.

The problem got worse when Mick bought me a higher end sewing machine for the holidays...now i really needed to learn.

Enter Stonemountain and Daughter. If you are in the Bay Area, I highly recommend it. I took a $30 intro to sewing class, and left with a pillow. They didn't give me the pillow...i made it! Nicole was great and thorough and a great teacher. I am confident now that I can actually continue sewing, and wont forget how to thread the machine. They have a great course list, so you can leave with a tote, skirt, etc.

This place will be a frequent stop for me...i can feel it. In fact, when I left the class, I got a coupon for discount fabrics, and I haven't even used it yet! Nor have I truly used the skills that I learned. I get so wrapped up in the wunzees, that I forget I have a great machine sitting in the the other room!

I don't know what is keeping me from getting started. I got some cute fabric, bought my self-healing mats, and have scissors (though I could use a better pair). I think I'm afraid of not succeeding...but I guess I'll never know till I try. I'll keep you posted as to my progress. I bought a PDF off of etsy with a pattern for a baby blanket. I think that is where I'll start. I also bought vintage t-shirts off of eBay, and plan on turning them into tote bags....maybe I'll start there. I think that the FIRST place to start is by getting off the couch, and stepping away from the wunzees for a bit. (Or at least one evening)

can finally cut some fabric!

I want to start delving into the how-to of my sewing machine.  I took a brief class, and feel like I have the basics down now, so I want to get good.  I figure I'll keep it in the vein of baby stuff, seeing as though I've been focused on the onesies.  Next stop...baby blankets. 

 Im stoked though, because I've been sitting on some awesome fabric, and I just got a self-healing cutting mat in the mail.  Im all set to cut straight lines!

Some pics of the fabric I cant wait to use, and my new mat!

  

This is also a test for me uploading blogs written on Made By Hand By ME to Blogger.