planning to make a second quilt

Ever since I finished my first quilt, I was so overwhelmed by the time and effort I devoted into it and could hardly get myself into a second one.

After that I made smaller projects, such as bags and ornaments. Something that doesn't take more than a couple of days to finish, to get myself the instant gratification.
Now, I've made up my mind to start making a pinwheel quilt, for my boyfriend.
I actually had it in my mind for a long time. This is a first sketch:



Unlike my first quilt, this time I am getting into blocks.
Since it's for my boyfriend, I want to achieve a masculine look,
so I shopped for some fabrics of "men's color" which I seldom use:


Hmmm...pretty masculine already.
Have no idea when this quilt will be finished.
But it won't take too long...quilting is addictive.

I like to draw any crafting ideas on my sketch book.
Most of them are eventually made. It's fun to see how one project started somewhere in my life, was drawn out, and was made for some good reason.

little X'mas gifts

Today I started making some Christmas gifts,
which I've been planning since November, but
haven't any time to start doing until today.

I planned to make in total 13 of them, but only made 3 today.
Some pictures:






I found some pictures with Christmas motifs online,
printed them out and transfered them onto a gray fabric.
Next, I appliqued the pictures onto wool felt fabric, fill
in some stuffings and used a blanket stitch
to finish the little ornament.

Update on this post:12/8, 2009
I have these ornaments all finished a few days ago.
Here is a glance:



They are for some ten children coming to my home for reciting classical Chinese
literature every Sunday night. I can't wait to see how chuffed they will be when they get these little Christmas surprises. ^^*

Snow White

Just finished this white bear, and I call it Snow White.
It's my first attempt making a fixed bear.
The assembling of fabric pieces are more complicated than the jointed ones.
Fortunately enough, I got it done, and it turns out alright!

Sewing the nose and mouth is the most exciting part.
Because it's the last step before the bear is done, and
I hardly ever know how it is going to turn out.
The smile looks a little coy.
I'm satisfied with it and didn't have to do a second time.

I'd like to make her a dress.
Not very sure how to do that, though.
But I'll catch up on this when it's available.

chicken pin cushion

It's my first attempt at making log cabin blocks.
The making of this pin cushion, which needs only two log cabin blocks, is easier than it looked.
I used the scraps from previous sewing projects.
I think the color is interesting after they're all bound together.
There is no wulnut shells in Taiwan, I suppose.
So I used red beans to create some weight.
This hen cushion will go a long way along my sewing table.





One reason that quilting appeals to me is the moment when
I turn the fabrics right sides out, I see the perfect
look on the outside...the "ah-ha" moment transforms
previous mechanical works into sheer delight.

I applied some machine sewing techniques that I learned on Quilter's TV.
Literally I think watching the programs is better than going to sewing classes!
I'm really happy to learn abuot the site.
這是用兩塊小木屋拼布所組成的粽子體針插
作法很簡單,我用的size是1.5cm*(1.5*1)cm到1.5cm*(1.5*7)cm
以上不含縫份
之後每塊小木屋需要1.5cm*(1.5*1)cm到1.5cm*(1.5*6)cm各兩塊,
1.5cm*(1.5*7)cm一塊
顏色需要調整一下 基本上是一邊深 一邊淺 或不同色系
我用的是手邊的碎布 因此很配色很隨興
如果能更單純化 效果應該會更好

做完兩塊小木屋之後 就夾上嘴巴和雞冠 留一個返口
還有夾雞冠的那一邊垂直(沒有夾嘴巴)的一邊 壓扁使兩端變成中間點
再車夾上三角形的尾巴 從返口翻出來之後
塞入豆子和棉花 使有一定的重量 以對針縫縫合返口 就行囉!

因為我是第一次做 沒有心情和時間照相
之後如果有再作第二隻 再放製作過程照片

Ian playing the piano with Arnold

Just found out that I can upload Youtube videos on blogger.
Here is a try:


That's my nephew Ian, the clip was taken last winter.
He was three years old.
I'm fascinated by him. He's so cute. ^^

自製口袋--A pocket of one's own

Voila! I just created a pocket for my long sports pants.While I was about to sew it down onto the pants, Mom passed by and admonished me that it's by no means a good idea. Well, since I'm obsinate about creating a pocket, I sewed it on anyway. Mom said, "You're such a genius". She's actually laughing at me, in a humorous way. Took me two hours or so from designing the pattern to finishing. In the morning I went to the fabric store that's about 1 minute walk away from my home. ^^ (So near! I love it, and it's the biggest one in the city.)

This pants I bought at a school discount while I was in graduate school in America.I wanted to keep the mark on the left, so I only did one pocket.I drew two patterns, the first one being a failure. Though the color of the fabric didn't match the pants perfectly, it was the best I could find in the store. I wanted the pocket so I could bring the door key with me as I went taking a walk in the morning, so that no one had to get the door for me when I came home. I think with a little bit more work and planning, I'd be able to hide the pocket in the back. But it's just regular sports wear, I'm lazy enough to trouble myself over it. lol

剛剛為我的運動褲縫上口袋,因為早上我都穿著它到嘉大運動,沒口袋就不能帶鑰匙,回家時就要按門鈴,好像自己是客人似的!

老媽覺得外露的口袋很醜,其實要作在裡面也可以啦...

這樣更可以張顯我的個性啊! 我倒覺得滿"酷"的耶!

其實是我懶得做那麼複雜啦!就一件運動褲而已,哈哈~

耶~明天開始就有口袋了,好高興喔^^

摺布包完成The Rose bag

總算完成了!花了我一個多月的摺布包~

趕快來看一看長什麼樣子

Finally finished my rose bag.

Check it out:

跟媽到巧巧布(新榮路上)去選了一個相配的手把

花了400元 (好貴!後來發現上網買只要340含運！)

但是 加上提把之後 整個感覺都升級囉!

縫提把的時候 最好是每個洞都回針兩次

如果嫌換線太麻煩 那起碼最上面那個洞要回兩次

並且每一針都要確定有把線拉平整

最好可以隨著提把貼片稍微拉出一點弧度

縫第二隻提把時,注意要對齊第一隻提把的位置

(不是對布,就像縫拉鍊口布一樣,縫第二片時要對的

不是拉鍊中心點,而是與第一片已縫好的口布對齊)

縫出來才會整齊好看喔!

Mom (the model above) went with me to pick

out a handle that matches the bag.

After sewing the handle on, the bag immediately looks

"like a bag". lol

I did this bag following instructions on a book.

And that's the only instruction I have.

I chose the fabric/colors all by myself.

I think how colors are put together is the number one factor　that makes a quilting project pretty.

I don't know how you feel about this bag's color.

But it is like a child from my labor.

It is just perfect and wonderful for me. ^^*

新壓腳到~New presser feet

玩拼布到現在一年多了

我總算狠下心買了貴貴的壓腳

It's been more than one year

since I picked up quilting. And finally I bought

essential presser feet yesterday.

均勻壓布腳(日製): A Walking foot:

自由曲線壓腳(台製) A darning/free motion foot

因為這兩種壓腳必須拆除腳脛,我把裝置的過程拍下來

These are the screw-on type of feet.

Below is how to remove the foot holder to attach a walking foot:

1. 把針和壓腳抬起,壓腳卸下

(Raise the needle and presser foot,

remove the latter.)

2. 把螺絲逆時針轉開,卸下腳脛

(Loosen the screw to remove the foot holder.)

3. 將均勻壓布腳中間部份卡在螺絲跟柱子中間,這時控制桿會自然落在鎖針的黑色螺絲鉗上,再把螺絲順時針鎖緊即可.(Attach the walking foot to the presser bar with the lever on the needle clamp, and secure it with the screw.)

4. 把控制桿推入凹槽中,可以調整寬度,而不用畫線吧,我猜.
(Push the quilting guide downward into the slot.)

I'm not sure what it's for exactly. Maybe with the guide we don't need to draw quilting lines in advance?)

自由曲線壓腳也同樣裝法

(Do the same thing to attach the free motion foot.)

自由曲線壓腳還要做一個下沉送布齒的動作

不好拍照,乾脆獻醜錄下來.反正我是野人嘛,不怕醜.^o^
The feed dog is to be lowered while using the darning foot.

I have a short video for how to lower the feed dog.

(Odd enough that it's not on my machine manual.

I learned this from the foot seller. The video isn't bilingual, though :p

I look forward to using the walking foot to finish my rose bag.

Next week I'll definitely post it on here.

But not today, because it's Moon Festival.

We're having a family feast tonight. ^^*

勵志句 Inspiring sentences

Just read this from a blog on quilter blogs.com.
Two inspiring sentences from inside the wrapper
of Dove chocolate:

Keep believing in yourself and your special dreams!
Do a little more each day than you think you possibly can!
以上這兩句話不是超勵志的嗎? 正是我需要的,如果你恰巧經過
就當做是一份小禮物吧 ^^

They're exactly what I need to hear, too, as the We Love Quilting (the original blogger) put it. I love especially the second sentence.

By the way, I'm about to finish my folded rose bag.
I'll post it as soon as I am finished.

摺布包 Folded Roses

正著手作個摺布包給自己當生日禮物
總共摺了4*3*2=24個布花
過程頗漫長的 真的很需要耐心
剛剛完成了表布
I'm making a rose bag for my birthday. A sneak peak:

以下是摺的方法 Here's how to fold the fabric to make roses:
1. 剪15cm*15cm 布片,已含縫份 (Cut 6*6 inches of fabric, seams are included.)
2. 在布正面四邊上各作中心點,並在其左右各2cm處作記號(On right side of the fabric, mark center points on each edge. From the center point, mark four other points which are 0.8" and 1.6" away from it, on both right and left sides.)

3. 照著記號點,依以下圖示摺出三摺,摺好之後縫幾針固定. (Following the marks, fold the fabric as the picture shows. Then stitch to secure the folds.)

4. 完成水平邊之後,再以同樣方法摺垂直邊(Upon finishing the horizontal folds, repeat the above folds and finish the vertical direction.)














建議如圖先燙好摺痕再摺比較整齊.摺好之後就會出現如右上方的圖.再以順時針或逆時針的方向將花"打開",縫幾針固定就行了. (I'd recommend ironing the crease first before folding, so the folds will be straight. After we finish both sides, we get a square with a "bud" in the center. To make roses, we "open up" the "bud" by twisting the center folded part either clockwise or counterclockwise. When you have a satisfactory rose, make a few stitches to secure it.)

其實要先接好布片再開花,包形才不會跑掉.
It's better to stitch together the squares before opening them up, so we get to align and stitch them more easily.)

Where did we begin?

I'm really bold to join this because I'm so new in quilting. I'd like to thank Robyn for staring this "game". Like I had said in the previous post, I started all these sewing things with teddy bear making when I was in college. Every bear was hand sewed, and I gave them away to my friends. Somehow I think that was the purpose of making bears: to bring happiness to others. The process of sewing was a pleasure in itself to me.

**** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****

As for quilting, I started out making patchwork bags and purses since they were the dominant type of quitling projects in Taiwan. Fewer people started out with quilts. (That is so different from the west. Seems to me that everybody makes quilts.) I did not have time for classes, so I shopped online for a bag material package which came in with picutre tutorial. I began without even knowing how to make paper templates or the need for ironing after stitching. Also I had no idea for hand quilting, so I used back stitch instead of running stitch all the way~ Without knowing how, perhaps it was the love for my Mom that sustained me (Yes, the bag was made for her.), I finished the bag in 7 days, in 2008. Now my Mom carries the bag whenever she goes out on her scooter. Here is the picture:

A very handy bag, all sewed by hand.

Later, I found out about quilter's blog and was very much inspired by quilting experts and their quilts. I wanted to make one for myself. I bought a Janome J820, a machine for beginners. I surfed the Internet for details and techniques of hand quilting, creating mitered corner, making bias strips, and so on. I also bought my first patchwork book, copied the pattern and made my very first quilt. The fabrics were machine stitched together, but hand quilted. It was a simple quilt but took me more than 6 months to finish because I was indecisive about the size and color arrangement.

--> My brother holding the quilt for me.

-->A close-up of my favorite heart-shaped applique.

I've been quilting for some one year now. And I've made various projects as gifts for my family and friends. I regard quilting as a great source of alacrity and confidence, both for the maker and receiver. And sometimes it is also a way for me to run away from the reality. : p

What I want to do next is free motion quilting. And my primary choice of learning is still through the Internet and books. Alright, that's as much as I have to tell. Thank you for taking your time to read my story and I look forward to be inspired by many more quilters.

給好友的泰迪熊 Teddy for a dear friend

其實我在國中沒上過什麼家政課
因為學校是升學導向
所以除了穿針以外 我實在沒什麼縫紉基礎
但大學時代接觸了泰迪熊
才開啟我的手作之路
現在就馬上po個泰迪熊吧!
它叫作阿飛 是去年給我一個好朋友的聖誕禮物

I actually started sewing from doing teddy bears when I was in college.
Before that, I don't even know how to tie a knot on a thread.
But somehow those cute bears grow on me and I can't stop making them.

This teddy bear I made for a dear friend last Christmas.
Yes, here in Taiwan, we also celebrate Christmas.
Unlike Americans, we don't have family reunions on Christmas, though.

My friend really loved it and that recouped all the time and money devoted.

歡迎來到野人拼布玩 Welcome to Ac-quilt-sition

開版成功! 這是屬於我的小小拼布園地
之所以取名叫野人 是因為目前我沒上過任何正式的拼布課程
所有的拼布技巧都是從書上和網路上學來的
在這裡純粹是"野人獻曝"

會接觸拼布是因為在學校代課時
看到書商送的喜佳小冊子
馬上被冊子上的可愛布小物吸引
從此 就一頭栽進了這個世界

目前 我一點都不專業
很多問題也只能靠自己摸索
但好在我有不錯的領悟力

從今天開始 我將不定時分享自己的作品
以及製作心得
廢話不再多說 開版囉!!! 砰砰砰~~~(放鞭砲)

English version:
This is not an exact translation from the above Chinese.
So please do not try to learn Chinese in this way.

I'm writing in English so that more people will be able
to read my blog. I'm a green quilter, haven't been to any
formal patchwork/quilting lessons.

My teachers are books and the Internet, especially Expert Village, now moving to eHOW. That's part of the reason I'm starting this bilingual, quilting-related blog. I was also much inspired by Quilter's blogs. That is another reason for writing in English. As a feedback, maybe?

Like other quilters, I will upload my projects whenever I have them.
Happy opening!