Creating Labels.....revived post

I get questions all the time about the labels on my quilts.  Here are the answers.   This post is revived from 2009, and linked to Tuesday Archives at Val's.

  I always name my quilts and create a label for them with details of inspiration, the pattern used, and who it is for. Why? This is my art form and I put a lot of effort and work into each quilt. They need to be signed, even when I give them away. Besides, I enjoy designing the label as an extra bit of art.

  A few years ago I began using a simple greeting card program for this. I love the wonderful graphics in the program that make wonderful frames or borders for the label. I can usually find a graphic that just fits the theme or mood of the quilt. I create the label and print onto Printed Treasures sheets. Printed Treasures is a pre-treated fabric designed for inkjet printers.   ( Note: There are new and additional products on the market today.  Experiment and find one you like.)

 I try to create 2 or 3 labels at a time and use a whole sheet. But if I have a half page, or even a quarter page left over, I have found a trick to use. See the end of this entry for details. 

   I find it very difficult to hand stitch through the Printed Treasures, so I add 2 inch strip of fabric around all sides. I press under a 1/2 inch and spray starch it to get a crisp edge

  This photo is an example. The label is in a jacket I made from fabric my daughter, Deana, gave me from her stash. It was in black, grey and white with art deco-style ladies and graphics. I saved one lady to add to the label. The border graphic is a black line style that is art deco also. Then a 2 inch strip is added to all sides, pressed under and stitched to the lining.

    Multiple graphics can be added too. For this mystery quilt label I used a full page. First I found the "footprints" border and set it. Then I ran across the wonderful profile graphic of Sherlock Holmes. I had to include it because I had named the quilt "Sherlock I am Not".  I placed it in the upper corner area. For the title and the rest of the text requited 2 different text boxes to fill in the awkward space. To finish the label off, I used the "red herring" clue pieces (the tiny pinwheels), and leftover strips from the binding to create the border. Note that there is a second round of strips added on this one to have a good allowance to turn under. 

   Another thing I like about using the greeting card program is that you can easily import photos for your labels. That can really personalize the label and make it very special as a gift. One year my guild had a Red White and Blue Challenge. I made a Celtic knot inspired quilt--from a Karen Combs class. The label had to be covered as part of the challenge. So I created a "book" style label complete with a knot closure. 

   When opened you see the label text on the right and the left side has the photos of my Dad and Russ, my husband, who both served in the military. I used a Celtic knot graphic on the text portion, and a military banner graphic under the photos.

    The two sections were created and printed separately and the joined with a 2 inch strip of fabric and bordered on 3 sides. The cover was strip pieced on the diagonal with fabrics leftover from the quilt and a narrow strip added to all 4 sides as a border. The cover was then stitched to the photo side pillow case style. Then turned right sides out. Only the text side is hand stitched to the quilt. The frog closure was then added.

   I don't always make complex labels. Some are very simple with just a basic scrap style border. But I always include some type of graphic. This label is one one of my watercolor quilts, and has just the simple 2 inch strips added around it.

    One final note...when I create a label I always do a test print on paper before printing on the Printed Treasures. Then I have a file of ideas for label styles and graphics. I use these when I do a guild program presentation for other guilds.
Printed Treasures is too expensive to waste from typos or low ink! So I use every leftover bit.

     If I only have a single label to make and I have a small--quarter page--bit of Printed Treasures that needs to be used, here's a trick. Create label in the program and print it on paper. Check the size by laying the Printed Treasures over it. Hold it up to the light and check to see that the printed graphic and text fit and that there is about 1/4 to 1/2 inch on all sides. If your label size if too large, then adjust in the card program and reprint and check again. If it fits, then use scotch tape and tape the Printed Treasures --on all four sides--over the label you printed. Be sure the tape covers no more than a 1/4 inch on the edge of the Printed Treasures. Then place the paper with the taped on Printed Treasures section back into your printer. And print. You will have exact placement and no waste.

Linking to Vals' Quilting Studio for Tuesday Archives.
Happy stitching.

    

October review and planning ahead

   What a month of  busy things......quite a change for me.  I began the month with the display at the guild quilt show.  Along the way I completed a long table runner/door banner with plumes,  stitched together circles for my Therapy Quilt, and made a machine cover/mat for the Featherweight, and......threw together the finish for Let's Book It.

   I took stock of the different stacks/piles in the sewing room.  It is like multiple people are working in here.  No plan or organization, just bits of lots of projects.  And therein lies my challenge.  I did not set a plan last month.....I was not fully functioning then.  Those B-12 shots have done wonders for my energy level, and thought processes, so plans are to be made.

  For November:

•   The circle Therapy Quilt is to be pinned and quilted.
•   The forgotten Bow Tie color wash flimsy also needs to be pinned and    quilted.
•   Make labels for both of these quilts.
•   Pineapple Blossom blocks.....need about 12 more.  Let's Book It project.
•   Make flying geese blocks as leader/ender project.
•   Finish cutting batiks into 2 1/2'' squares for future color wash project.

And I must stop there...my rule of three to keep things under control is being dragged out of mothballs.  Three quilts in the works at one time in the sewing room----with small projects allowed, but no other starts until something is finished.    It works for me to keep me focused and on track.....and doesn't let UFOs accumulate.

  Thinking time.....I need to decide on a word/phrase for next year.  And set up list of projects to do.....including the color wash of batiks, and a basket quilt for next year.  
It is so good to be back.....happy stitching.

A banner for Let's Book It

    I thought I would step out of my usual box to make a small project for Let's Book It---hosted by Sharon at Vrooman's Quilts.  The Pineapple Blossom quilt is on-going--a couple of months now---and I just needed a finish :)

   Actually, it's a dual duty project...... I combined my leaf blocks and pumpkins from the Autumn Jubilee from Carole at From my Carolina Home.

  I had some extra squares, and HSTs and rather than toss them into the scrap bin, I strung them together for a border of sorts.   Neither side matches, and the colors are light mixed with bold......very unplanned. Another "waste not" project. I lightly stipple quilted between the blocks and on the border.  No binding either, I did a stitch and turn  edge finish.

Scrappy goodness!  This could be a runner for the side table, or banner over the fireplace.  Size is 12'' by 37''.  My token project for fall.  Thanks to Sharon and Carole for motivating and spurring me on:)

Happy stitching.

Pineapple Blossoms growing

Earlier this month I did a post about these blocks.  I thought the light/dark contrast was too great on some of the blocks.  Miss Pat commented I needed to make a few more before I tossed them out.

  So I kept on, adding a couple of blocks every few days......and not going as light--more medium values thrown in.  So I have a light blossom in the center  with darker ones around it.

  I need to cut more strips to length before I make any more blocks.  My gaggle of geese blocks is growing as leader and enders  while working on the blossom blocks.

    I find my mind wandering as I stitch......do you do that?  I am pondering a basket quilt.  A blossom quilt, a flying geese quilt, and a basket quilt.....am I crazy, or making up for lost time?   Naturally I started a new Pinterest board for basket quilts :)  At least I can accumulate some ideas before I begin.

    I also have a colorwash of batiks that I am getting organized to begin playing with.  I snagged a batik kit from Wanda at Exuberant Color last week, and I hope to be able to mix in batiks from my stash.    All this sounds like plans for the rest of the year....I think I will hold off on the baskets until January!
Enjoy your weekend stitching.

Miss Jean's legacy

   I found a small table topper in the cabinet when I was putting away the stack of quilts from the quilt show display.  It brought back some sweet memories from about 20-25 years ago.

  Jean was a friend and guild member who was a prolific quilter, full of fun, grew beautiful irises, and always had a smile on her face.  Her signature "take and go project" was  usually in her tote to keep her hands occupied.  She taught her technique many times over the years at workshops and meetings.












  What made this special is that it is reversible.....the back is the same as the front.  The corner is flipped over in this photo.  And it is suppose to be stitched together by hand.  Unfortunately, not mine, although it do have some hand quilting in the muslin areas.  I used  the machine buttonhole stitch to join the finished hourglass units.









 I no longer have the instructions for the technique but I have the special memory of Jean teaching us how to create these blocks.    This little topper is going on my thread cabinet...sweet and cherished.



  We lost Miss Jean a couple of years ago.  She left a legacy among those who knew her.   Fabric and thread  bind lives and loves together.
Happy stitching.
UPDATE:   Thanks to Vivian who let me know the name as shown in Quilter's Newsletter Magazine 1998.  It is called Reversible Quilt as you Go block.  Thanks, Vivian.

News and such

Some good news, and some not so good news.

   First, the good news.    Only 2 more weeks of PT and they will graduate me!  The third evaluation this week was good, and no falls/grabs/or tilts in the dreaded balance box!!   My vestibular system-----the sensory system that contributes to the sense of balance and spatial orientation---- is almost back to normal.  That is big good news as it was not working 2 months ago!  I will have exercises to do at home and have the option to return after the first of the year if problems develop or I want more training for balance.

   Second good news from the nerve conduction tests......no damage in legs/feet found.  I still have the numbness from feet to waist, but can expect to someday have some feeling return.  I know those are big "ifs/unknowns", yet it gives me hope for some semblance of normal.

  The not so good news was also from the nerve conduction study.  I almost lost it when Dr. Jain said surgery for my hands......carpel tunnel with muscle loss in the right hand is severe.  The left hand is moderate.  So here comes another round of referrals and visits.  If the surgery can be done as out patient with local anesthesia, I will consider it.  I don't relish it, but have taken a couple days to get my mind around it.  

On to sewing news.....
I decided to border the small quilt of circles after all.  A narrow dark blue strip with a tonal beige print will finish it up for quilting.  Unless I decide to add applique to the border....still thinking on that.

  A couple more pineapple blossom blocks were finished too.

Sir Old Man brought the begonia in last night as the temps dropped to 42 degrees.  The photo is not great, but it is a beautiful salmon color.  Robin and his cleaning crew gifted it to me in August when I returned home.  It has been a prolific bloomer and I home to keep it going this winter.

   Not to be out done are the mums brought to me by Becky and family.  This  is almost 24''  across and the blooms are just beginning to fade.








  Sir Old Man took me to the J store for flannel.    I have some sewing to do for Becky's daughter.....mastectomy pillows.   She is only 26 and carries the genetic gene for a very bad breast cancer.  My heart breaks for this wonderful family, so I jumped at the chance to help with pillows.  If you care to send prayers, they would be gratefully appreciated.

  Enough for now.....I need some machine time today.  Happy stitching.

Friday Finds.....October style

From Pat Sloan

   Pumpkins are on the vine, and all over the place right now.  

Pat Sloan is offering this cute block pattern...she made her's white.  The post is here for this Splendid Sampler block.    My idea for it was as a mug rug, or on the ends of a table topper/runner.  It is simple enough to enlarge the pattern and mix up beautiful fall colors.

 This is a Kim Diehl pattern from book published by Martingale, Top Your Table.    The book is on sale right now :)

  You can't go wrong with her designs or patterns, and the colors are always so special.  

From Hill Country Quilter

   This tip was stolen/borrowed from  special blogging friend,  from Mary at Hill Country Quilter.

  Mary shared her tip to keep quilts from falling off the edge of the table and causing drag......dreaded drag that weights down your stitching movement.  She uses a sit down machine like I do, but with a set of bookends (from the thrift store) attached via large binder clips to the table edge.  Brilliant!!!  

I am sure I have a set of those bookends somewhere.
  Be sure to read the whole post.....if you need a needle threader.  I hit the grocery store and found the GUM product for threading dental floss.....it works great as a needle threader.  With my vision changing, I need help to thread the Featherweight.  The floss threaders work perfectly.  Thanks Mary for these ideas. 

One more pumpkin pin.......a sweet treat/recipe for the season.  Pumpkin pecan cobbler sounds yummy and looks so good.  I am glad I picked up pumpkin puree at the store this week because this is on my to do list for the weekend.    This recipe is what my mother used to call  a pudding cake.

Find this recipe at  Lauren's latest.

  As always, please pin from the original source.
Cooler weather this weekend.....finally.  Happy stitching.