Sew-In Project:: Feb 22nd - Quilted Grocery Bag Holder

Hello quilters!  I've got all the details here for the next Sew-In Project, a quilted grocery bag holder for your pantry that will keep all of those grocery bags in one place. If you just want to learn the Magic 8 technique and not make the grocery bag holder, that is okay too, you could use the blocks for something else or make a small doll quilt.

Techniques:

- I will teach you the "Magic 8" method of making HSTs (Half Square Triangles), as HSTs (any way you make them) are a key part of many, many quilting projects and this is a quick and easy way to make 8 at once.  I will teach you the formula to make the HSTs any size you like, so you can use this method for any of your projects in the future. Huzzah!
- We'll also do some machine quilting. You could practice your free motion quilting on this, or do some straight line quilting with the walking foot.

Materials & Fabric:

• (1) 12.5” wide  x Width of Fabric (WOF) strip of white or solid background fabric (Or (3) 12.5” Squares)
• (1) 12.5” wide  x Width of Fabric (WOF) strip of feature fabric (dark or medium prints or scraps) (Or (3) assorted 12.5” Squares)
• (1) 22" x 27" backing fabric (a scrap fabric will do)
• (1) 22" x 27" piece of quilt batting
• piecing and quilting thread
• quilting (walking) foot for your sewing machine
• basting safety pins or spray ( I can provide pins) 
• rulers for squaring up blocks (I can lend as well)

*** twill tape and 1/4" (or less) elastic are also required, but I will bring these as well (unless you want to bring your own).

I expect this will take about 1 - 2 hours. You can finish it at the Sew-In or at home. I will provide a tutorial if you want to finish the quilting on your own time. Please stay and work on another project when you are done.

Updated:  Here is a picture of one I have made. Love it!

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Janelle

Our First Sew-In Saturday was AWESOME!

I just wanted to report back to all of those who made it out last Saturday and all of you that are still intending on coming to join us that.... our first Sew-In Saturday was a great success!!

We had about 12 members stay and sew, plus another 2 sign ups, bringing our members to 14. A great start for our first day for sure.

The Founders Room at the Stony Plain & Parkland Museum

We were planning on using the resource room where the kitchen is, but just ended up setting up right in the Founders room as it's much bigger. In the future, we will use which ever room is best depending on how many are planning on coming.

There are collections and different pioneer items on display around the Founders Room as well.

Room for everyone, and quilts on display on the back wall.

We set up two ironing boards and 2 cutting mats and there was plenty of room for everyone and lots of room for more to join.

I managed to ruin Carolyne's ironing board cover AND mine.

Carolyne, Sheila, & Dianna put up a few of their own gorgeous quilts up for display.  Here are just a couple of photos of the beautiful quilts. I really could have taken better photos.

by Carolyne Stanton

By Carolyne Stanton

What to bring:
The room was a bit cold to start with, but quickly warmed up, so you will want to bring some indoor shoes and a sweater. There is a microwave, sink & fridge for us to use and we will be making coffee, so bring a travel mug, your bottle of water, snacks, lunch etc.  A tea bag if you want some tea.

The guild has purchased power cords, power bars and a great second hand iron and ironing board. Thanks to Sheila and Carolyne for organizing that.

If you have some quilts or projects that you would like to show the group, don't hesitate to bring them with you so that we can all have a look.

We were all so happy with how the first Sew-In Saturday went.  Great company, lots of laughs and some fab projects to look at too! I hope you all enjoy your Sew-In tomorrow. Carolyne has some great projects planned. Watch this space for our supply list for Feb 22nd's project.

Happy Sewing!
Janelle