Wondering Wednesday Week 5
Welcome back to week 5 of Wondering Wednesdays. =) I have some fun reader submitted questions for this week, so let’s dive right in.
Deborah DeLisle asks, ..”How are you influenced with pattern design? What comes first, the pattern name or design?”…
Sugarcreek Prints & Wovens
Answer: I wasn’t sure whether your question referred to quilt patterns or fabric patterns. But the answer is the same for both, the design always comes before the name. Once, I have the design figured out, then I can work on the name.
Poppyseed quilt in Sugarcreek Wovens
Sometimes the names come easily and other times it’s a bit of a struggle (for both fabrics and quilts)! I often ask my family for names for my quilt patterns..usually this goes poorly. Several years ago, my youngest daughter suggested the name “Princess Unicorn” for a quilt pattern. Needless to say, that didn’t quite work out. However, the same daughter gave me the name “Meadow” for this quilt:
Meadow Quilt from the book Scraps Made Simple
And that was a great suggestion! You can find this quilt in the book, Scraps Made Simple.
definelyinspired says: “….I was wondering if your daughters have become interested in sewing or quilting.”
Answer: To some degree, my youngest daughter is definitely the quicker of the two to just hop on my sewing machine and start sewing. However, my oldest daughter has made herself a quilt. I let them choose whether to sew or not as they choose. I didn’t begin sewing until after I moved out when I got married. It’s never to late to start!
I love this photo of my daughters (they would have been about 5 & 8) sewing taken about 5 years ago.
Chloe & Elonie sewing
Pam E asks: “I was wondering how would a log cabin block look like in Pepper & Flax…I’m working on a project using all P & F…and want to incorporate some log cabin blocks…would adding some solids help in the contrast?”
Answer: I took this photo a year or so ago of a Log Cabin made using Pepper & Flax and I love it!
No solids were added, it is just Pepper & Flax. The quilt was part of a display at A Quilter’s Gathering in Berlin it’s first year and was made by the ladies at Mercantile on Main in Coshocton, Ohio.
Mary B says: “Thanks for “Wondering Wednesdays”! I’m loving this and learning so much. I’m getting answers to questions I haven’t even thought of yet. That’s the best!! I do have a couple of questions. In your post regarding wovens, you mentioned that you washed a quilt. Do you wash all of your quilts when you’re finished? Also, what batting do you use?”
Happy Scrappy Baskets Quilt using Sugarcreek prints and wovens
Answer: I do not wash all of my quilts when I am finished. The quilts my family and I use get washed a lot and we have a lot of those. But, I also have a lot of sample quilts that don’t get used.
Many of my quilts are sent out to long armers to be quilted. I let them choose the batting–often they will have a brand they like to work with. The only specification I have is that it be a low loft batting.
Carrie Hartwig asks: “You stated that you washed a quilt with both cotton and woven fabrics in hot water. Do you wash all your quilts in hot water?”
Freshly Cut in Canning Day Fabrics. Canning Day comes out in February.
Answer: Yes, I tend to wash in hot water. I can’t say this is best practice but it is what I do. =) Cold water would probably be better for the longevity of the quilt and maintaining the colors of the quilt.
Judy asks: “The solids info was helpful. Where can I purchase a bella solids color chart for reference?
Answer: First, check with your local quilt shop to see if they can order one for you. This was how I purchased my first color cards. If you do not have a local quilt shop or do not have one that can purchase the solids color card for you, they can be purchased here.
Thank you so much for all of you that asked questions! I have an ongoing list that I keep adding to as you keep asking so, keep them coming!
My question is you must be soooo busy with your wonderful business! How do you break up your day and week to be able to; sew for fun, do instagram, do errands, tend to meals and household things? Do you have a set routine? I never seem to have enough time in the day and can’t imagine how you can get so much accomplished! I truly love all your fabrics and patterns. Thank you for sharing with us! Happy Holidays too!
I love reading all the information you have to offer! I would love to know how you label your guilts.
Just wondering if you have certain quilts you use to decorate or cuddle under for Christmas?
I am interested to know how it works with designing both fabric for a company? Do they give you ideas or things they want or do you have free reign to create? Also do you use a computer program or draw things out? A tour of your quilt studio would be fun too! 🙂
I am wondering where you get inspiration for your quilt and fabric designs. Do you start off with an idea or a specific color? I also think a tour of your quilt studio would be fun. I’m always looking for new ways to make my quilting space more fun and efficient. Thanks.
Now I’m wondering if you can design a quilt called ‘Princess Unicorn’🤣