Row by Row: Modesto Beverly Fabrics

Next stop on the Row by Row Experience California: Modesto Beverly Fabrics. I was so happy with how this row turned out. I will admit I didn't know how much I would enjoy all the applique. Now, I know I really do prefer piecing. This row has just the right amount of piecing and applique.

I really like this block as it incorporates all the things that makes up the golden state: ocean, green valley, and majestic mountains. That sunset is pretty awesome, too.

Row by Row: Nimble Thimble

Next stop on the Row by Row Experience: The Nimble Thimble! This shop in Gilroy, CA, seemed to be a hidden secret when we parked behind the building. I was pleasantly surprised to find this shop was much bigger than I thought at first. This row leaves loads of room to add tiny quilts to tow behind your tiny camper. I am leaving the tiny quilts until I have completed more rows so I can use the leftover bits to make those quilts.

I might also use some of that space to document the shop names. I don't have a problem putting that information on the front of a quilt. There is no rule that says the label should be hidden on the back. It can be part of the design.

Row by Row: Scruffy Quilts

Another stop on the Row by Row Experience in California was Scruffy Quilts in San Mateo. A cute little shop.

This row isn't quite done but the piecing is done. Such a cute little ferry. I need to add some fusible applique details and it will be done.

Here are my to finished rows on the design wall. Each row seems like such an accomplishment.

Row by Row: Golden State Quilting

While in California to see family, I convinced Darling Husband he should take me to a couple quilt shops. The Row by Row Experience is a fun way to learn about new shops and support small businesses all around the country and the world. Their map works with the application (I am a Google phone user) on your phone to help you plan your shopping trip. I added each one as a stop in a logical order to get us around to the shops I wanted to stop at.

It is possible I got carried away with the shopping. I'll share each of the rows as I go through them and share a link (when available) to each of the shops. I had a great time looking around these shops and I intend to make a quilt with the rows to commemorate the trip to California.

I started the sewing journey with this fun row from Golden State Quilting. I purchased kits at each shop I visited and sometimes a little more. This kind of shop hop is great to get people to try new shops and I like to support small shops when I can.

The row is all raw-edge applique and I really enjoyed putting the row together. There is so much detail in this block that I'm not going to stitch around all those shapes before quilting. I don't think the finished quilt will get so much use and washing to worry about it. I'm certain the fusible and the quilting will be enough to hold it all together.

Discovering Buried Treasure

I was searching for something in my sewing room and I found a shopping bag filled with wonderful things.

Look at this wonderful loot! Batik strips, the Add-a-Quarter I've been looking for when I decide to do some paper piecing, some patterns and plates from last year's Row-by-Row, and a scrap bag from Moda.

This is why I shouldn't buy more fabric. I have so many projects waiting to be done. I will never find the time to finish them all.

I've been doing some more cleaning up in here in an attempt to get a handle on the mess and to help me stay focused on certain things so I can finish them up and get them out to new homes. I think I have a plan for this fabric. Only time will tell.

Row by Row Experience: Capital Quilts

I managed to squeeze in another shop.  This time we went down to Gaithersburg, MD, to Capital Quilts.

I know I've talked about this shop before but I do like their shop.  They have an amazing array of fabrics and books and notions.  I love their notions!  I picked up their Row-by-Row kit and their plate.  I couldn't resist some coordinating Moda to go with some charm packs I already have.  The red thimble and Frixion pen were mostly because I love red things.  The buttons just wanted to come home and be added to my guild badge.  You know, the one I haven't made yet.  I'll get to it.  Someday.

Have you been to any of the shops in the Row-by-Row Experience?

Tool Tip Tuesday: Fiskars

A few months ago, I changed the blade in my Fiskars rotary cutter.  This was the first time I changed the blade in this particular rotary cutter (this one is in my kit for going to classes and to Quilts for Kids) .  The blade then developed an unsatisfactory wobble that made it next to impossible to use safely.  Changing the blade didn't help.  Tightening the thumb screw didn't help.  I was very unhappy about it so I purchased a new one.  While reading the packaging, I saw that the manufacturer warranty is pretty good.  I wanted a replacement rotary cutter so I hopped over to their website to file a claim.

They want some information from you when you file a claim.  They asked for a picture, where I purchased it and when I purchased it.  As you know, if you've been reading this blog for any amount of time, I buy stuff all the time.  Even if I did have a box full of receipts finding a specific receipt would be next to impossible.  So, I submitted the claim with just the picture.  Yes, that picture above.  That is my proof that I own the rotary cutter in question.

A few weeks later, I received a replacement rotary cutter in the mail. That's it, no questions asked.

I know there are other rotary cutters out there.  I know people have their favorites.  I'm just going to say that Fiskars will keep my business because they've earned it.  The first rotary cutter I ever purchased is the one still on my cutting table.  I've had it for over a decade.  I'm not even sure when I bought it. This new rotary cutter is back in my to-go kit waiting for another class or retreat or Quilts for Kids.

Do you have a favorite cutting tool?  Or a tool that you've had for years and refuse to give up?

Row by Row Experience: Bear's Paw Fabrics

On Saturday I convinced my Darling Husband that we should go adventuring to IKEA and the fabric store north of Baltimore.  This is my haul from Bear's Paw Fabrics in Towson, MD.

I knew mostly what I wanted when I went.  This is the only really close shop that carries Quilter's Dream Green in all the sizes and I wanted some more to finish up a scrappy quilt (queen size).  I also wanted a coordinating print to bind a mini quilt I'm working on (that's it in the foreground).  Oh, yeah, and the license plate (forgot it) and the pattern and kit for the Row-by-Row Experience.  I also picked up a couple patterns from the discount bin and several yards of that blue fabric at the bottom of the pile.  It says "VROOM, VROOM!"  I couldn't leave it behind, not at $3/yard.

Row by Row: Spring Water Designs

Spring Water Designs in Columbia, MD, is another great little shop.

This is a new shop.  They are also a Handi-Quilter dealer.  I may have to take a class with them sometime.  I'm self-taught, unless you count Craftsy.  The Row-by-Row Experience is a great way to learn about new shops and to make new friends.  This is where I picked up my extra fabrics for the Modern Quilt Guild Challenge.  the fat eights they give you is just enough to whet your appetite.  If you missed it, you can ready about what I made with my challenge fabrics in this post.  I also picked up a fat quarter bundle for the Row by Row pattern.  I may not use the fabrics for that, but I couldn't pass up the reproduction prints.  I just love them.  I also picked up backing for a scrappy quilt I'm working on.  When I can find quality wide backing fabric I have to take some home.  It is so hard to find.

What kinds of fabrics draw your attention?  Do you like reproductions?  Batiks?  Solids?  There are just so many to choose from!

Row by Row: Cottonseed Glory Quilt Shop

They stack the fabric to the ceiling at Cottonseed Glory!  I love all the different fabrics they offer.

Their nautical section is not to be missed.  They also have a room filled with kid prints.  Even better?  They have a "buy 10 get 1" deal for fat quarters.  I never leave without 11 fat quarters.  Never.  Another summertime kit and pattern.  I so want to make a summer themed quilt.

Have you picked up many of these Row-by-Row kits or do you just pick up the patterns?  I love the entire shop hop experience and try to spend at least 30 minutes in each store.  Keeping small shops in business is important to me.

Row by Row: Tomorrow's Treasures

This is my haul from Tomorrow's Treasures in Crofton, MD.  This is a great shop!  The ladies are all very helpful and genuinely excited about helping you find the best thing for your project.  I picked out these fat quarters along with my Row-by-Row plate and kit.  I love these little plates.  I'm going to have to figure out something awesome to do with them.  I'm still collecting.  I have only gotten to five shops but I've got all summer long to play.

Are you participating in the Row-by-Row Experience?  Do you like the shop hops?

Tool Tip Tuesday: the Tucker Trimmer

This will be a quickie.  I promise.

Today I bought the Tucker Trimmer III.  I know it is hard to believe that I have been making quilts and quilt blocks for a long time and I just now picked up this 12.5" square-up ruler.

I've been in love with my 6.5" Tucker Trimmer since I bought it on the recommendation of Material Girls.  I have been frustrated by squaring up these larger blocks for long enough.  If you don't have one and want to try making half-square triangle blocks I recommend getting one.  If you just want to make your squares square, it works, too.  There are plenty of other square rulers that will get you to that perfectly trimmed block.  This is the one I prefer.

When I make my HST blocks, I cut to the next 1/2" up (a 4.5" finished block would be cut at 5" (charms!)) before sewing.  I mark a diagonal line, stitch on both sides at a scant 1/4" seam allowance, cut the two apart along my marked line and press open for trimming.  The trimming leaves me with all of these little bits.  I am realistic enough to know that cutting at 4 7/8" is just not something I want to do.  I would rather square up that square after I have pieced it and pressed it.

I picked up this great tool at Ellicott City Sew-Vac.  I was there for the Row-by-Row Experience but I couldn't pass up this great ruler.  I also picked up the license plate and their row kit.  I'm trying to figure out how to get my far-flung friends in on this adventure.  Have you looked into joining this Shop Hop?  It is a great way to find some of those little shops you would never know were just around the corner from Grandma's house.