| I HAVE A NOTION |
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| Introducing you to the notions Nancy and Janice use.
Desktop Needle Threader by
Clover:
Whether you can still see the eye of a needle to get it threaded, or not, this little tool makes threading a needle a breeze! We both have several - one in a traveling sewing kit, one by the chair in the living room where we stitch, and one or two in our sewing rooms. This tool is just that handy.
TIP: Read the instructions that come with the threader. We find that some threaders work best if you very gently hold the thread against the threader as you push the lever. |
| JOIN US IN HAWAII |
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Take advantage of a very rare opportunity to design your personal Hawaiian quilt with Nancy and Janice in Hawaii, May 2010.
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| CURRENT INTERNET SPECIAL |
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Tea Ceremony
24" x 36"
Sale Price: $10.00 (Regular Price: $12.00)
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| If you received this Newsletter from a friend, sign-up to receive future issues here: |
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| READER QUESTIONS |
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Q: Are 2FAQ quilts reverse applique?
A: No. There really is no such thing as reverse applique for you, the quiltmaker. You are always cutting on the cutting line of the top fabric, turning under the raw edge and stitching the top fabric to a background fabric. All applique is done exactly this way. The stitching is identical whether you have cut little pieces to make a design, or are cutting away some fabric from a whole piece to create the design. Just because you may be cutting a large piece of fabric after it is basted to the background does not change the type of applique.
The notion of reverse applique comes from the visual perception of the design. When the pattern is being designed the turn-under allowance needs to be added to the correct side of the cutting line by the pattern designer. But once the pattern is drawn, the process for the appliquer is exactly the same. It is not a change in applique techniques.
We believe we would all do well to eliminate the term reverse applique from the quilters' dictionary. We wish there was a different name used to describe a design where the background fabric is the object that the applique fabric surrounds and reveals, which is really a design difference, not a different technique. The term reverse applique is confusing and provides many with the idea that it is somehow different or more difficult than normal applique...neither of which is true. We never use the term reverse applique, as far as we are concerned there really is no such thing. There are just different applique designs.
Q: Are Hawaiian quilts reverse applique?
A: No. Visually, people can be confused about which fabric is the applique (on top) and which is the background fabric. But the design of a Hawaiian quilt is always the applique fabric and is appliqued on top of the background fabric.
Sometimes the appliqued border extends all the way to the edge of the quilt, but that does not make it reverse anything.
See the answer to the first question above, it applies to Hawaiian quilts also.
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| Aloha!
The seasons are definitely changing! For most of you reading this we are welcoming Autumn in all its colorful splendor; while spring is at hand for those of you in the southern hemisphere. As pretty as the autumn leaves are, I like to be warmer, so I am a bit envious of the warming temperatures our friends down under are enjoying right now. I find myself putting on an extra sweater during the days and sitting with a quilt on my lap most of the time. Hats and gloves are soon to follow.
Speaking of being warmer, did you take time last month to view the details of the trip we are planning to Hawaii in May 2010? We would love to have you join us so you can design your personal Hawaiian quilt. We are very excited about the trip and looking forward to sharing our love of Hawaiian quilts, along with some of our favorite Maui and Kauai destinations, with you. Please take a look at the details on our website, grab your spouse or best quilting buddy and sign-up.
E komo mai!
Welcome home |
| WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? |
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Hawaiian Quilts vs. 2 Fabric Applique Quilts
In our e-Newsletters you read about and see pictures of Hawaiian Quilts and 2 Fabric Applique Quilts (2FAQ). You may have wondered what exactly are the differences? What determines whether one of our patterns is Hawaiian or 2FAQ?
First, here are the similarities:
1) Both use two contrasting fabrics.
2) Both are applique.
3) The theme of the quilt is sometimes, but not always, tropical in nature.
Now, here are the differences:
HAWAIIAN QUILTS:
1) Radially symmetrical designs (generally to the eighth, but can be to the fourth). See our August e-Newsletter for a more detailed explanation.
2) Because they are symmetrical, you fold the applique fabric first, mark the pattern, cut the applique fabric, unfold it onto the background fabric, baste and then applique. (This gray & white image is the pattern for the Woodland Lei quilt, pictured to the right.)
Order of basic steps for a Hawaiian quilt:
Fold - Mark - Cut - Baste - Applique
3) The applique method is almost always hand needleturn.
4) Most commonly seen with an echo quilt pattern. Echo quilting is where the lines of quilting are spaced about 1/2" to 5/8" apart following the contours of the applique.
5) Hand quilted, though not always. Our Hawaiian bed quilts are special heirloom quilts, so we take the time to hand quilt them. Wall quilts are sometimes machine quilted.
6) A traditional quilt form that evolved in the Hawaiian Islands in the mid-1800's.
2 FABRIC APPLIQUE QUILTS (2FAQ):
 1) Asymmetrical, pictorial designs. 2) Because they are asymmetrical, you mark the pattern on the appliqu� fabric first, baste it to the background fabric, then cut the applique fabric, and applique.
Order of basic of steps for a 2FAQ quilt:
Mark - Baste - Cut - Applique
3) 2FAQ quilts lend themselves to your choice of needleturn applique by hand, or fuse and machine applique, or raw-edge applique. Instructions for all three methods are included in our patterns.
4) No specific quilting pattern. We let the design of the quilt and any print motif on the fabric inspire our choice of quilting pattern.
5) Machine quilted, usually. We intend these quilts to be quick and easy to make, so we most often machine quilt them, though hand quilting is always an option.
6) A contemporary quilt design concept that we developed and which Pacific Rim Quilt Company has published since 2004. We especially like the use of two fabrics for applique and bold graphic designs, so the asymmetrical format opened up new design possibilities.
SUMMARY:
In a nut shell it boils down to this: Hawaiian quilts are symmetrical, so the applique fabric is folded and cut like a paper snowflake, then basted onto the background. 2FAQ quilts are pictorial, asymmetrical so the applique fabric is marked first, basted on the background and then cut. With either design style, once the applique fabric is basted in place, the applique and quilting techniques are the same.
WHICH IS EASIER?
There is no difference in difficulty, they are both easy. Both styles require the same skills and are great beginning applique projects. Hawaiian quilt designs look more complicated, but that does not make them more difficult to make. Naturally, with some designs there are more inches to be appliqued, so those take a little longer, but they are not more difficult.
We always recommend you choose the pattern for the quilt you like the best, because that is the one you are going to want to be working on, and that is the one that is going to get finished.
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GIFT-GIVING IDEAS |
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| Gifts Galore
It is only the beginning of Autumn, so a lot of us don't want to think about it yet, but there are people who have already started their holiday shopping. If you know someone like that, print this list, circle the items you would like and leave it out where your DH (dear husband), BFF (best friend forever), BQB (best quilting buddy, Janice made this one up), BF (boy friend), son or daughter can find it.
These are gifts that every quilter would love, and the gift-giver does not need to worry about picking the right style, size or color:
If you are adventurous and not afraid of which color fabric, or which pattern design your favorite gift-giver might choose then here are more ideas:
Don't forget to buy yourself something special. You deserve it!
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| TEA CEREMONY |
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 What does it mean?
"The Japanese tea ceremony or 'the Way of Tea,' is the ceremonial preparation and presentation of the powdered green tea known as matcha. The tea ceremony is highly ritualized and the manner in which it is performed or the art of its performance is known as temae'. Zen Buddhism was integral to the ceremony's development, and its influence pervades many aspects of its performance.
"By the 16th century, tea drinking had spread to all levels of society in Japan. Sen no Rikyu, perhaps the most well-known-and still revered-historical figure in tea ceremony, followed his master, Takeno Jōō's, concept of ichi-go ichi-e, a philosophy that each meeting should be treasured, for it can never be reproduced. His teachings perfected many newly developed forms in Japanese architecture and gardens, fine and applied arts, and the full development of chadō, "the "way of tea". The principles he set forward-harmony (wa'), respect (kei'), purity (sei'), and tranquility (jaku') are still central to tea ceremony." (this description is from Wikipedia.)
A scroll is often hung in an alcove of the tea room during the ceremony. The scroll may be appropriate to the season, have a well-known saying, a poem, or as in the case of our Tea Ceremony quilt the kanji (characters) most associated with the ceremony: harmony, respect, purity and tranquility. Bamboo, thought of as a barrier against evil, surrounds the central characters.
Pattern: Tea Ceremony, 24" x 36", normally $12.00, but this is our Internet Special this month for just $10.00
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| WOODLAND LEI |
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| Celebrate Autumn
We believe it must be the universal appeal of the circle that has made this one of our most popular patterns from the very beginning. It was the first wall quilt pattern we published and has remained a best-seller and crowd favorite.
Autumn colors in the Pacific Northwest are always set against a backdrop of evergreen trees. Just as the leaves in this quilt are set against a deep green background. Here is the link to a fun website ( You Grow Girl), that lists various ways Autumn, the Autumn Equinox and fall harvests are acknowledged and celebrated.
Woodland Lei, 42" square, $12.00
This pattern also includes a companion 20" block pattern.
Click here to purchase this pattern, and to view more of our Hawaiian quilt pattern designs.
For other color ideas, different versions of this quilt, and a photo of the companion block go to our Hawaiian Quilt Gallery. |
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COMING EVENTS |
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Nancy's Whereabouts:
Here are opportunities to take a class from Nancy or catch a presentation at shows, shops and guilds. Most guilds welcome visitors, so don't be shy.
- Oct 12, 7pm, Presentation: "Hawaiian Quilting: Its History, Traditions and Superstitions" at the Needle & I Quilt Guild meeting, Shoreline Community Center, Shoreline, WA
Just a few more class opportunities with Nancy in 2009. Why not use one of these classes as an excuse to visit the Oregon coast in the fall? Sign-up now!
- Oct 24, 10am-5pm, Stressfree Needleturn Applique, Forget-Me-Knots Quilt Shop, Bandon, OR
- Oct 28, 10am-5pm, Thumb Quilting, Quilter's Corner, Port Orford, OR
- Nov 18, 10am-5pm, Stressfree Needleturn Applique, Forget-Me-Knots Quilt Shop, Bandon, OR
- Nov 28, 10am-5pm, Hawaiian Applique, Quilter's Corner, Port Orford, OR
Looking ahead into 2010, make your plans now for:
- Jan 14-16, Clark County Quilters, Vancouver, WA
- Jan 18, Ladies of the Lake, Longview, WA
- Jan 30, Gold Beach Quilt Guild, Gold Beach, OR
- Feb 4-6, Hi Desert Quilt Guild, Ridgecrest, CA
- April 13-14, Folsom Quilt and Fiber Guild, Folsom, CA
And don't forget to sign-up to join us in Hawaii in May to design your personal Hawaiian quilt!
Click CALENDAR for details and contact info
Register early for classes, they can fill quickly, or be cancelled if not enough people register in advance.
QuiltUniversity.com
"No tests. No grades. No pressure. New classes open every weekend from January until the end of October. Students receive a password to an online classroom with a teacher-led Discussion Forum and Student Gallery. A typical class consists of three or four lessons. Lessons open on Friday evening."
Nancy's next Quilt University.com class:
- Hand Quilting, begins October 9
Janice's Quilt University class:
- Photographing Your Quilts, begins October 23
Invite Nancy to your town:
If you would like to take a class from Nancy in your town, let your local shop or quilt guild know about Nancy. Share our website with your shop owner or program chairperson. Print this pdf of Nancy's brochure and hand it to them. Nancy will travel to teach anywhere she is invited and she would love to meet you in your town! |
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Thank you for spending a little of your precious time with us, we really appreciate it. As always, we welcome your suggestions, comments or questions.
A hui hou,
Until next time,
Nancy & Janice | |
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