Houndstooth Shumper

Isn't this fabric fabulous? It just zings! I always love hounds-tooth, but these colours make me really happy and its doubly nice to use quilting fabric for shirting - or in this case, for a shumper which is my own hybrid of a shirt and jumper. 

And I have so many teals and yellowy acid greens, so its extra versatile in my wardrobe. I have a little bit left over and I'm wondering what to do with it. I'm thinking of hemming a scarf or creating a tote bag. Yes, you can tell I just love this fabric. 

I am trying to stash bust and minimize generally, but I'm always on the lookout for zingers to update my wardrobe like this one. It also takes care of the neckline problem. I am finding that a lot of otherwise good jumpers and tops have enormous necklines that just swoop down. I don't know why this trend is in, but it is. It doesn't sit right to have the neckline scooped like that and then I have the dilemma of wearing a shirt underneath (too hot and bulky) or just the top alone (too chilly on top). You can see I've been having wardrobe frustrations over this. Well, my whole new shumper sewing ethic has taken care of this problem, and I'm glad about it because I have some beautiful mohair and wool mix tops with lousy necklines which will now become fabulous wardrobe staples. 

Whenever I wear one of my shumpers (and I have quite a few now), I always get asked where I bought it. Whether I'm at the petrol station, or buying groceries or in the newsagents. I used to be taken aback when people came up to me to say something about the quilting fabric I was wearing, but now it happens so routinely that I almost expect it! It's so flattering to be complimented for wearing beautiful fabric and it's so nice to have it put to use instead of sitting on my fabric shelf. Do you compliment people when you're out and about? Its something I have to do more of myself - it really shouldn't be so usual or surprising to give or receive a compliment but I have to admit its something I don't do enough of and I think there needs to be more of it.

I made it on my Bernina 820. Well, let me re-phrase that. I tried making it on my Bernina 820, but after a few hours decided to shift back to my trusty 1950's Elna. Why would I do that? This is why. 

Regular readers of this blog will know that I've experienced great disappointment with the Bernina 820 which my husband purchased for me on our 40th Wedding Anniversary. Since my first posts reviewing this sewing machine, I've received lots of emails from quilters around the world who have themselves purchased the 820: all offered advice on how to handle this machine. Some of you were happy with the machine after a period of settling in and others of you were and still are unhappy with it, a year or two on. I have appreciated all comments and feedback on this issue because I've been faced with a difficult decision regarding the machine. 

If you would like to read my previous posts regarding the Bernina 820, click here   and here   and here 

I have given this machine every opportunity to perform and have taken countless hours trying to settle it in, all without results. This machine is one difficultly after another. Every sewing session that begins with such enthusiasm and ends in tears of frustration and another round of regret. What to do with this machine? I don't know. Trading it in is not an option because of the value loss - and that loss of value is a further insult - to be punished again for trusting the 820 in the first place. Sell it? No, I cannot, in good conscience, sell it on. I'm just not that type of person. The 820 needs to be put away, not passed on. Some people have suggested that the 820 is a sewing machine for people who think like a computer. I don't know what that means except to realize that if they're right, I obviously don't think like a computer. 

Lastly people have offered advice concerning me taking lessons on how to use a sewing machine. I take this advice with the good intention it is offered in, and I don't take offense. I would also recommend this myself if someone complained about a machine as much as I complain about the 820. However to be clear I do just want to point out that I am not a hobby sewer: I have been sewing for over 40 years and on a variety of machines. As well as being an accomplished sewer, I have been an award winning quilting for 13 years and was a tailor before that. I know my sewing machines. And that somehow makes living with the 820 worse. 

I regularly receive emails from readers who'd like to know if I've sorted out my 820 issues and the answer I'm afraid, is no, I have not. I hope things will improve somehow but I can't see how this will happen. It's my opinion that Bernina should recall the 820's but again, don't see this happening either. I have a very high opinion of Bernina and indeed trusted in that brand name, so it surprises me that the 820 was ever produced and manufactured. And I sincerely regret that it was.

These buttonholes are a serious mess- and as usual, no amount of tension adjustment or thread change or bobbin fiddling can remedy it. I've been here before and it just gets more frustrating to have beautifully prepared fabric damaged like this from a machine that should perform better. This standard is inexcusable. And so disheartening too. What a waste of fabric and time. 

So much for teaching my DDs how to sew by example, I don't let them near the 820 - not because its 'precious' but because I don't want them to be put off sewing. This really bothers me because I am one of those women who believes that even if you do no sewing, you should know the basics like hems, darts and buttonholes as a general life skill. Well, not on my Bernina 820 that's for sure. 

This is OK. And this is the best the Bernina 820 can do. 

Overall, one hole out of 5 is acceptable and I am not impressed. 

Maybe I'm too particular, but I can't live with this kind of sloppy work!

By the time I've re-created my collar, I've moved machines and feel better about getting my creation finished within the day. I love these buttons too, they're such a nice detail to finish on. Because of course, I have a button stash to rival my fabric stash too, but decide to stick with black on black.

After hours of struggling with my 820, its nice to look at my finished (or nearly finished, in this pic the buttons need to be sewn down) creation and realize that this is what its about - using what time I have to do what I love and with the materials I love. Its such a shame that I have a tool which doesn't benefit my work, or my creativity. It hinders both those things and fills me with such regret and indecision - because what can you do when you have spent so much on something so bad?

 Have you sewn anything for yourself to wear lately? I'd love to hear about it. 

WOW: Back to Shirt Collars

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

As I try to downsize and minimize, I keep finding things that are too good to throw away quality wise but too boring to keep in their present condition. This week I've been sorting through my wardrobe - and I found some excellent jumpers in need of some revival - so you know what that means? More collars of course! I don't know about you, but I just like collars - on everything! It seems like more and more collars are being neglected on garments and this is not a trend I'm a fan of. In fact, the last few tops I've tried on at the stores have had enormous necklines, really wide and low - I honestly don't know who's wearing them?!

I just love creating collars with my beautiful quilting fabrics. Most of you already know that I've been here before, I do it each winter, it's just fun and so practical as well and a good excuse to allow myself permission to buy extra fabrics - like these here: what do you think?

I know I just finished a set of shirts a few months ago, but its winter now and that means its time for a set of revived jumpers and I've decided that there's just too much black everywhere. Of course, I do love wearing black like so many women, but I'm going to ban it without some beautiful fabric pepping it up on the collar and cuffs. It's my compromise.

I waited years to find clothes that reflected my colouring and were practical as well as stylish - they were few and far between. So, now I just make my own. What about you? Have you been driven to revamp your wardrobe?

What's your WOW ?

An InLinkz Link-up

Here's My New Tablecloth!

Quickest WOW ever, I love getting projects completed in under 48 hours!

This fabric is just gorgeous, it reminds me of Dutch blue plates which also reminds my of one of my new BOM designs. I think it's a fine fabric for a tablecloth. And being cotton means that its so easy to wash. Unfortunately it also means I'll have to iron it each time I wash it, and I do hate ironing but I think the beauty of having it makes up for that (and you never know, one of my DDs might offer to do it ..?)

The fabric had 'borders' which I cut out and stitched around as the hem to finish off the tablecloth as the table itself is oval shaped. I was going to use a lovely wide navy blue ribbon I had, but it would mean far too much ironing and buckling later on and I do like my tablecloths to hang straight. Because of this, I usually select heavier weight fabrics and light upholstery prints for my special occasion cloths but even they need ironing when un-packed so I guess its just something you can never get away from!

I have to iron the center crease in after each wash or I'll never get it centered on my table! This trick really helps and saves me walking around trying to tug it into position. I also starch the tablecloth so that the center line stays.

And this is the real reason this particular fabric print caught my eye; my tableware is all white and the blue and white print with patches of french toile makes each meal feel like a scene from a rural painting....

At least until the washing up...

Have a beautiful weekend

WOW: Quickest Tablecloth Ever

WOW = WIPS On Wednesdays

Time just flies when I'm working on LE, but I need to take frequent breaks from it, to give my eyes a rest - its incredible how much eye strain I've been having lately with all my hand sewing and intense focusing! I need a little break to keep my perception fresh about the colours and fabrics I'm working with too. I find that when I spend all day with the same fabrics, it's good to put is aside for a few days and then re-look at it with 'fresh eyes',  it's interesting how just a few days can really change your mind about colour choices. 

I'm lucky enough to have an extra large table that serves as our dining table (officially) but is really just an excuse for me to design and create in the middle of the house. It needs a daily tablecloth so I can distinguish my creative time (hardwood) from our eating time (tablecloth). I have one tablecloth for special occasions, but I need a daily one and making one is long overdue. I just never have the time. I was considering making a patchworky HST tablecloth from the thousands of fabrics in my stash - but I don't actually want to invest that much time in it right now (although the idea definitely appeals). Yesterday I stumbled across this wide-back fabric which I've had in my stash for years. There's enough of it to make a tablecloth and napkins so that's what I'm doing. Today I'm measuring up the napkin sizes and later in the afternoon I will simply turn the edge of the fabric and call it another finished WIP!

Does anyone bother with tablecloths anymore? Do you?

I like the ceremony of setting a table for family time. Maybe it's an old fashioned idea, but I think some old fashioned ideas have merit and sitting down when you can, to spend time with family seems more precious the older I get. My DDs don't think a tablecloth is necessary at all. Perhaps my new blue one will change their minds... Personally, I can't wait to lighten my stash and set the table for dinner. 

What's Your WOW?

An InLinkz Link-up

WOW: Earliest Quilt WIP

WOW = WIPs on Wednesdays

Here's an early quilt of mine, made in my first year of quilting. I guess you could say it's my oldest WIP! It's 13 years old. That's a long time to have to wait to be basted and quilted!

Actually, I still like it and I definitely will quilt it..

eventually...

What's Your Oldest WIP?

Love Entwined Part 13 is Launched

It's time for the willow motif to take it's place

It's interested me that so many of you mentioned in your BOM Group sign up, that you'd always wanted to make the 'willow' quilt from the Averil Colby book.

Hmmmm, I thought, what willow quilt are they all talking about?!

In the original, I always 'saw' this motif as a palm tree and never questioned what I saw until so many of you duly informed me that it was willow. I think I was influenced by the angels turning throughout border 3 and assumed a palm tree was a kind of natural allegorical progression. However, upon looking more closely, it was obvious that you were all right! So this month it's time to put into place that design element which has spoken and reached out to so many of you over the years through the pages of a book: the willow.

The willow motif is applied diagonally over all of the four fabric corners of Border 3 and each willow motif slightly overlaps the side applique of Parts 11 & 12 on each side.

Cut the pattern out of paper first and make any adjustments  for each direction as required so that it will perfectly fit your own quilt.

On the original, it appears that there might be broderie perse cut outs scattered around the willow. The spaces around the willow are all perfect spots for embellishing. I suggest you add any suitably sized shapes or embellishments all around and between the willow as suitable, according to your fabric and embellishing style so far.

Which brings us this far

which leaves me somewhat speechless... has this BOM really come this far? already?

Can't wait to see the progress pics this month...

‘Love Entwined 1790 Marriage Coverlet’ is a Free 18 Month Historic BOM

Each ‘block’ of the month is released monthly, on the 15th of each month. 

All ‘blocks’ are available for download via my Yahoo BOM Group only

WOW: Prioritizing WIPs

WOW = WIPs On Wednesday 

I'd actually forgotten I ever made this quilt top, until I found it last night in a cupboard. This is the risk of having so many WIPs, you might actually forget some of them exist! This quilt needs to be basted and quilted. I'm in a real dilemma with it because I have several quilts to be basted and don't have the time to do it myself (on the floor, using the wooden plank method) and my quilting time is so precious nowadays. 

I'm not sure what I'll do with it at the moment. I have some more sorting to get through this week. I have been downsizing for about 3 years (attempting to downsize might be a more accurate description) but whenever I decide to straighten things out, I find hidden gems and get distracted all over again. 

The plan today is to uncover all these put aside my WIPs and come up with a basting plan for them so I can finally have them finished!

What's Your WOW ?

WOW: The Vases Have Spoken

WOW = WIPs On Wednesday

I think I've found the perfect fabric for my vases - and just when I wasn't looking. This quilt is really having its own way with me: all my original ideas are gone, I just let the quilt decide. And this beautiful fabric goes beautifully with my patchwork style compass and crown. I love it when these finds just happen, what do you think?

What's Your WOW ?

LE: Needle Care

I've never been through so many hand sewing needles before. I always keep my needles in foil to prevent rusting and deterioration, but now I find I also have to keep them in a bit of talcum powder too. I think the constant sewing through glue means that they 'wear' faster. It doesn't make logical sense to me that this difference could be deteriorating them, and I normally wouldn't notice but this is the second time I have had to run out to the store to buy extra- and just when I was comfortably seated and ready for a long days hand sewing. The lighting in my room was perfect too. Oh well, it always happens like that, doesn't it?

this is what it's all about; polka dots are finished!

WOW: Polka Dot Points

WOW = WIPs On Wednesday

What's another 12 hours spent on hand needle turned polka dot points? I've got all the time in the world!

Unfortunately, my needles don't have the same stamina I do. I've been through 6x already, just on hand sewing, which is really unusual. Are they just not making them as strong as they used to?

Here's is today's task, I'll be really pleased if I can get these done today, they look so simple and easy just sitting here, ready to be sewn down...

 What's Your WOW ?

WOW: LE Crosses Done

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays 

I've got my crosses down on my scrappy LE. I was thinking about blue for the area where the pink is (I know some of you left this area hollow to show through the background fabric and I certainly think that works too). I am thinking about the points on the crosses, I was hoping to use a polka dot fabric, but couldn't get over this yellow as my option and I think this means I will be sewing down needle turn applique points (again?!) just when I though that fiddly hard work was over!

It's slow going and I keep reaching progress that demands non-stop sewing, I really need a few days of sewing to get over my centre square hill, I'm so eager to start on the borders, its hard seeing all the imaginative and beautiful work over in the Yahoo Group and to be so firmly at the 'beginning' of the quilt myself. Emotionally, I'm up to part 12 with the rest of you :) LE is certainly a lesson in patience.

What's Your WOW ? 

Esther, why do you blog?

Just recently I've been thinking about how quilting has changed since so many of us got online. It's incredible to think how far we've come in just a few relatively short years: the people I've 'met', the friendships made, the techniques, tips and ideas shared - when you stop and think about it, its really been a revolution of sorts. Especially as more and more quilters come online to join our community.

I would never have thought when I started out 13 years ago, that I would be discussing ideas and sharing my patterns not only with those friends I see in person, locally, - but also with like minded women internationally. Before, I might have relied on magazines or journals to keep me informed on new developments in our craft - whereas today I think we can all recognize that not only do we have front row seats the moment new things are released - we might even have been observing it during early development and production right in the maker's blog!

That's a huge advancement and change. And I like it, it means that quilters are more likely to push innovation. Rather than 'brands' presenting the quilting market with what they think we will buy.

People are always asking me why I blog. I get emails about this topic frequently. Especially from new bloggers. I think this is because blogging looks so easy, but when you start doing it yourself you realize that it does take up a fair amount of time - for what might be a few minutes reading. Who has the time for that? I don't think any of us do! And yet, we find the time. And there is where the answer is.

When you love something, you find time for it

I blog because I love quilting, its as simple as that. And because I love quilting, I love sharing what I know about quilting too. And I'm not finished, I'm learning all the time, and learning is something you can share with others. And if you can, why wouldn't you? This basically sums up why I do what I do. Because I can. And as long as I can, I will.

Some people who ask me why I blog really can't understand my answer. They think there must be more to it than that. So they keep asking me and I keep giving them the same answer.

The earliest quilting groups were about fellowship, friendship, support, community. It's the same today, except our tools have changed. Within that community, we all have different but equally important roles. Some of us are starting out, others have the experience to show others how to do things.


I have always firmly believed that if you can, you should. Knowledge is free. Sure, time and effort does cost us - I'm not denying that its a tangible expense, it is- but I think we can honour what skills and talents we have by sharing them freely with others. If you have a skill you're blessed. So why not share your blessing with others?

Blogging allows you to share what you know into an interested community so that your particular knowledge is available to anyone who wants it - much longer that you'll be around to personally impart it. I think this is a wonderful thing. I would love to go back in time and spend a few afternoons with those early quilters who were working on, often in isolation, and developing working methods to suit them. It would be a fascinating learn. But we know so little and have to assume so much. What a shame that is. Imagine if they'd kept notes? Wouldn't you be interested to read them? I know I would. I'd love to know what things we did the same, what techniques we shared, even across hundreds of years. Blogging is our modern day 'note keeping'. Maybe it will prove useful to someone, maybe it won't. It's worth recording nonetheless. I don't think any other medium has allowed us to keep notes as effectively and as honestly as blogging has. There's no editor on blogger - it's just you and what you do.

Yes, I encourage everyone to go ahead and try blogging

When I started out blogging I was in two minds about it. I wanted to keep a record of my work because I knew it was so easy to lose track of accomplishments. I already had a closet full of quilts when I started blogging and I hadn't bothered keeping a Quilt Journal (as I recommend every new quilter does) so I already knew that if I was going to share patterns, I needed some kind of record. Blogs were just starting to get my attention at that point so I took the plunge.

At the start I couldn't understand how a page could have thousands of hits from all over the world but only 3 comments.This really puzzled me for a while. Then I met a blogger (in the technology field) quite by accident and she commented that my blog stats were really good and that I should monetize with adverts, 'But I don't have any comments' I answered. Then she explained that a lot of bloggers were turning off the comments section because comments aren't an indication of relevance or popularity. She went on to tell me that the more comfortable people were with a blog, the less likely they were to comment. They'll just keep visiting and checking in to see what's new she told me. Well, I thought about this and if I'm honest - I can't blame anyone for not commenting because I rarely comment myself either - and I do visit quite a few blogs myself, as you can see from my sidebar. So there might be something in that. If I commented on every blog I visited I wouldn't have time to do anything else! I don't spend much time online these days, I'm prioritizing my time to get patterns out and only answer emails weekly, its just something I have had to do. The point I'm making is this: if you do blog - don't let visibility or popularity dictate where you put your energy. Just do your own thing and keep on at it - that's what really counts.

I think blogs are the new magazines - people drop in and read what you've been doing much like you might flick through a magazine

It used to be quite special, a novelty, to visit a blog whereas now its much more casual - in fact it's often a daily catch up and your visit stats will show you that even if the comments don't.

I really don't think comments reflect your 'value' as a contributor to the blogging community. Sure, it's nice to hear from readers and personally I love comments but I don't rely on them or even expect them. I really wanted to cover this subject because I know many new bloggers are discouraged by a lack of comments and there's no need to be. It's an honour that people drop in and see what you're doing and I welcome their opinions. The fact is, I'd be doing what I'm doing whether I was blogging or not. Blogging it and getting feedback is a bonus but it isn't the 'reason' why I do it. I suggest you keep an eye on your visits, not comments. But even then, if I had no visits, I'd still be doing this. Know your motivation and don't give up. Blogging is, on the whole, a positive experience and any number of page visits are positive whether they're accompanied by comments or not.

We shouldn't be naive, there are disadvantages and negatives to being online and you have to be smart about your privacy and safety. Then there are the issues of having your work or ideas stolen or plagiarized. Early on in my blogging life, I had some quilt ideas I had shared stolen by another quilter. This really bothered me - that someone would be so brazen as to steal my idea and run with it. I had to make a decision to decide to be positive and carry on despite the injustice of it. I'm glad I did.

As a creator, I can create new things - a thief can only ever take from someone else

It's a hard lesson but you have to be prepared for the negativity that can threaten your 'space' on the internet and make a decision before you even start, that you won't let it get you down. This is something I've given a lot of thought to over the years and I can say that I think people will steal your ideas whether you're online or not. It's much easier online, but let's be honest, it happened before the internet era too. And as we move into more and more technology in our lives, I don't think staying 'off line' is the answer. This is why I changed my mind about Pinterest. In the early days I thought it was scandalous to be able to pin 'ideas' from people without their permission. A part of me will never be easy about it. But you can't turn back the tide and I think there is more safety in being out there than there is in ignoring the trend for sharing images. I get contacted all the time from people who recognized my work and demand the maker acknowledge me or my pattern - and I don't think you can ask for more than that.

Try not to allow a few negative realities tarnish how you view the whole internet as a community - especially within quilting. You know, I can tell you honestly that I have made some special friends from being online - people I would otherwise not have met in my life, and I am richer for the experience and support and friendship. And I really do consider them friends.

My Yahoo BOM Group has 4,525 members.
I remember when it had 8 members. When it was growing there was so much I didn't know about technology and software and I didn't have any spare time and I really didn't think I could keep the Group going. Then, out of the blue, generous women stepped forward and offered to help. That's right, they volunteered their time and energy for free to help users (complete strangers) within the group. And they still do it - for the benefit of others! Talk about generous! Yes, the online experience can be positive. Definitely.

I've been moved by the generosity shown to me by complete strangers. In fact, the images you are seeing on this post are part of this weekend's project To Do. I've been moved set aside my LE and create something special in a secret little project and it's all because of the kindness shown to me by people who were strangers. The online quilting community is real and generous and supportive.

Many of you have contacted me and asked me questions about blogging and the online experience. I have tried to get back to each of you individually, but this post really covers my experience. I hope that it it will support and encourage you to try blogging for yourself. And for those of you who have started - to keep at it. Some of you have felt isolated and hoped that blogging would connect you with others. I can tell you, it does. Some of you were discouraged by low comment numbers - honestly don't count your comments, just focus on doing what you do because it pleases you. Quilting is a large community and there's space for everyone to express themselves and be valued.

What about you?

If you have a spare minute, I'd really love to know about your own blogging habits: Do you have a blog? What inspired you to start? If you don't, what do you love most about the blogs you visit? Do you comment on all the blogs your visit? Do you think it matters?

Update 11am: It's just occurred to me that I didn't mention that really special feeling that happens when you find a kindred spirit online. Do you know the feeling? You'll stumble across someone halfway across the world from you - or perhaps just around the corner- whom you've never met, but who's interests speak directly to you? It's so wonderful to find other people who are doing what you're thinking or even maybe doing the same thing you're doing. There's a real sense of connection about finding one blog from a over a million available blogs that feels like a chat with a friend. I feel that way whenever I read the comments, I often recognize who's commented and love to hear what they have to say. Blogging is like being seated at a huge working bee with members coming and going all the time, sharing the best of what they know as well as those daily ins and outs. Thank you to everyone who's already taken a moment to comment, I love hearing what you think about this topic.

Love Entwined Part 12 is Launched

The theme of elements is continued this month

as we complete Border 3

the Lucky Charm and Rose Wreath blocks

  

As in Part 11 last month, the angels and poseys continue throughout border 3 and there's plenty of room for embroidery and broderie perse to embellish in and around the blocks.

In Parts 11 & 12 the 'wreath' segments turning around the inside blocks have been coloured in two greens throughout my sketches; however in real life I am making these segements in an assortment of scrappy's as I think the original indicates.

Yes, all parts of this historic quilt are still available for free!
Join TODAY and start this heirloom quilt YOURSELF!

‘Love Entwined 1790 Marriage Coverlet’ is a Free 18 Month Historic BOM

Each ‘block’ of the month is released monthly, on the 15th of each month. 

All ‘blocks’ are available for download via my Yahoo BOM Group only

WOW: So Much Fabric, So Hard To Choose

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

Is your stash a burden or a blessing?

Whenever I'm asked what advice I would give a new or would be quilter, it's always the same answer: don't stash build. This advice is easier to give than follow that's for sure: especially given that I have worked with fabric for over 30 years and I simply adore fabric and textiles. But since I started quilting, my love has really flourished! I now have so much fabric and so often, none of it seems just right for whatever project I'm working on. I'm doing my best to stash bust, but as I develop as a quilter I realise that apart from the occasional must haves, I'd really be so much better off if I purchased fabrics on a per project basis only.

Unfortunately I'm too late wise on this and will have to try and work through my fabric mountain one design at a time. I think it's time for some serious stash busting quilt patterns...

I'd love to know, are you a stash builder? buster? or neither? 

How do you manage your quilting fabric purchases? 

Update 9pm: I am loving your comments on this: it seems that collecting beautiful fabric is an issue for lots of us and I am loving reading your comments on how you handle your fabrics. 

What's Your WOW ?

WOW: Talking LE Thread

WOW = WIPs on Wednesdays

Today I'm sorting through my threads, looking for good LE colours. Then I'll be working on LE, there's always little bits and pieces to be preparing or sewing down. 

I've had a few emails asking me what thread I used on my Heart Tombola gift and also why I always have baby wipes in my applique stitching pictures ?

I always use and recommend Aurifil. I just love this thread. Yes, it is a little thicker than most but I find I can use it with all my machines with no problems, so do give it a try, the clear stitches you can get from it makes investing in a trial spool well worth the investment.

The baby wipes are for my hands - I handle a lot of glue (not all at once!) but the tiny dots of glue can build up on your hands and become tacky. Especially after several hours. 

Baby wipes keep my hands clean and keep my fabric spotless. When creating such intense applique quilts, it's all too easy for fabrics to become smudged with tacky glue. This tackiness attracts dirt. Also, I physically handle the quilt a lot, sewing down pieces and in between I might get dust on my hands from my fabric stash or from handling my machine or leafing through a book and all these little undetectable touches can dull the fabrics so that they look tired or worn, even when the quilt is newly made. 

Have you ever seen that yourself? I see it quite often on white and light quilts and my LE has a white background and has months of handling ahead of it. So that's why! 

Actually, come to think about it, my quilt is probably the cleanest thing in my house!

What's Your WOW ?