Happy Iron

 Maintaining a happy iron usually takes a little effort. 

I never put water in any of my irons. I use a spritzer whenever I need to dampen my fabric. But as I was re-reading the directions for cleaning my iron I came upon this little hint -

Rowenta irons are designed to be used with regular tap water (up to 12 grains of hardness). If your water is harder than this, Rowenta recommends mixing half tap water with half distilled water. Never use 100% pure distilled water since this can cause the iron to spit and leak.

There are many types of household water softeners. Many of them are perfectly acceptable for use in an iron. HOWEVER, some types of softeners, particularly those that use chemicals such as salt, can cause the iron to leak or spit during use. If you experience this type of problem, we recommend that you try using inexpensive bottled spring water. NEVER USE 100% PURE DISTILLED WATER. Once you have changed water it will take several uses to correct the problem.

So just a word to the wise. These are suggestions from the Rowenta cleaning kit, but it may be applicable to other brands as well.

I hope this will make for some Happy Quilting :-)

Quick way to use scraps

Here is a quick way to use up left over fabric. 

Cut 24 strips, 2" x 5", of assorted coordinating fabrics

Cut 10 2" x 2" for accenting blocks

 Lay the strips and accenting blocks in whatever order you like.

After you find a pattern that pleases your eye, start sewing the strip together.

Trim the edges.

Cut a 1 1/4" strip from a darker fabric for the inner border.

Cut 2 1/2" strips of outer border fabric and add to table runner

.

And now it's all ready for quilting!

I have enjoyed making these table runners in different color ways for the different seasons. This one is in icy blues and a touch of gold. This table runner is longer, using 42  2" x 5" strips.

I hope you enjoy making this easy table runner.

Happy Quilting!

Sew and Tell 

 Finished or not Friday 

  Brag About Your Beauties   

Scrap Happy

Tablerunner

 After I made my Valentines quilt, I had charms left over. So I decided to use them for a table runner.

Simple and cute :-)

Sew and Tell, 

Finished or not Friday   

Brag About Your Beauties,  

 Scrap Happy

What is really important?

 

This is the closet in my sewing room. Unfinished quilt tops waiting for backing and quilting. This is not all of them. There are still some that are older than dirt in a plastic container.  Sadly made from fabric that is really dated.

So why do we quilt? I have paused to reflect on this question. My love of quilting has not diminished, but the reasons have. I used to make quilts for gifts. Weddings, for babies, housewarming, birthdays. But through the years it appears that most people don't really appreciate all the time, effort and money that goes into a hand made quilt. Some quilts may even be relegated to the dog bed.

It's why I've been making more of an effort to make pillowcases for Ryan's' Case for Smiles. Hoping to bring a smile to a child, a boost while they are experiencing illness.

Most recently, these things that take our time and money have left a deep impression of what is really important in life.  A quote from the late Barbara Bush struck me.

 (source - Woman's World)

At the end of your life, what will you regret? What will really be important?

Happy Easter

 

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" She said to him, "Yes Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world." (John 11:25-27)

"He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said" (Matt. 28:6)

May you rejoice in knowing that the Savior of this world lives.

Wishing you a Blessed Easter.

Any shade will do.

 Okay, I have a thing for pink!

 What about you? Do you have a color that draws you?

Happy Quilting!

Carrot tops

 Last year I made this table runner for my daughter.

 So this year I decided to make one for myself.

The pattern is from Pat Sloans book.

Sew and Tell Finished or not Friday   

Brag About Your Beauties   Scrap Happy