Monday, October 7, 2013

Cold Feet?

Yep, that's what I got...C-O-L-D  F-E-E-T!

After stressing about it for days, I decided to bow out of making the Baltimore quilt.  Not only are the twenty-five blocks made up of a gazillion pieces, the majority of the pieces are itsy-bitsy-teensy-weensy, some so small that I even had trouble holding them between my fingers while cutting them out.  So I bequeathed all my prepped pieces to my friend Debra who is so much more adept at raw edge applique than me.  

Now it's full steam ahead with my newest project. And speaking of "steam", are you aware that "Steam-A-Seam"...my absolute favorite product for both wool-on-cotton as well as raw edge applique...has come out with a "new and improved" product?


The paper is different and evidently the adhesive is different and better as well. I was so excited when I heard about it that I had my LQS order me a whole box.
  
Here's what the company has to say about it...


I spent the entire afternoon in my sewing room again and finished tracing the elements for my latest project using the new product.  

I found two of these kits in my stash that I had purchased at my LQS when we lived in Ontario.  I must have really liked it in order to end up with two of them!


I gave my friend Debra one of them and we're planning on getting together tomorrow to cut out and fuse the shapes to the fabrics that were included in the kits.  I'm anxious to try the new Steam-A-Seam and I'll definitely give you a report on it's performance.


It is our intention to make this into a full sized quilt by adding several different pieced borders while using the kit design as the center medallion.


On the health front, I still need assistance from Mr. Painted Quilt to negotiate the stairs but once I get up to my sewing room, I'm able to get around with the help of...


my new PINK cane!  

I still need a lot of practice but it provides me with the confidence I need with respect to becoming more mobile...which ultimately means more time in my sewing room!  Yay!

Happy stitching!

40 comments:

Sheila said...

Glad to see that you are up and about. Because of a fall and a broken knee cap, I went up and the down the stairs on my rear end for a couple of month. Before you know it that pretty pink cane will be standing in the corner of the room. Have a great week.

Kris said...

So glad to hear your are doing so well!! I still need to try applique some day!! I have done a bit of machine applique but I would really like to try the needle turn technique!! And I'm with you on those teeny tiny pieces!! :-)

Heather said...

I recently bought some of the new steam a seam 2 but because of my recent back surgery I have not had a chance to try it. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Darlene D said...

Ohhh I love that new pattern, looks like the Rabbit Factory to me! Can't wait to see what you two come up with!

Abby and Stephanie said...

I absolutely can not make myself work on something that doesn't speak to me. Good for you to just move on. And now you can move even better with your pink cane! I really like Steam a Seam and it's what I use. I'll be interested in your review.

Susannah said...

I love the new Pink cane. I had to use a cane a couple of months ago. I sure do understand how much it makes you feel more secure!!!!

I am glad you are coming along so well. Do just what you feel like doing when making your beautiful quilts.

Thinking of you,
Susannah

Sydney said...

Love the cane...mine has flowers on navy blue! Glad to see that you are getting more mobile! I have always loved steam -a-seam! I will have to try the new stuff! Take care!

gracie said...

Happy to read that you are more mobile. Love the quilt pattern. I am eager to about the new product. Then I can answer possible questions from Joann customers.

Jeanna said...

Thrilled to hear your mobility is getting better and you are back in your sewing room Kaaren!

I love steam a seam so I'll be interested in hearing what you think about the new one.

I have a 'haunting' Halloween Baltimore quilt that I haven't quite decided will ever get finished. I did complete block #1 :) I hope Debra lets you share her progress on the one you gave her.

Continue to feel better!

Anonymous said...

As long as you can get around the sewing room, you are going to be fine! I'm so pleased to read your quilting projects again.

Marsha B said...

I'm glad to hear you are able to spend more time in your sewing room. Since your pretty pink cane gives you confidence and keeps you more mobile, all that practice walking around in there will help you recover faster. Your new project looks great, can't wait to see progress. Have fun!

Janet O. said...

I applaud you for moving on when you realized it wasn't for you.
That is a gorgeous new project!! Oh, yum!!
It is good to see that you are increasing in mobility. Way to go with the classy cane. : )

Anonymous said...

Hi Kaaren,

Good to hear you are working in your sewing room.
Love the new quilt kit you are about to start on.
Its always so good to hear from you.
Dianne

Angie in SoCal said...

So glad to read about your progress in recovering. And good to hear about the Steam a Seam two improvement. I use it for raw edge applique and know what they mean about the paper coming off. Love the new pattern.

Jocelyn said...

So happy to see you back in your happy place. Nothing like sewing to make one feel better :-)

colleen said...

Kaaren like everyone here so glad to hear you are doing so well.
I just don't know how you have done so much in a small amount of time. I can only think that you must have a wonderful husband and other family and friends that need you and care about and for you. I keep you in my prayers
Colleen

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

I see it as a smart decision....grin.

Glad you have Mr. Pink/Mrs. Pinkie to help you out.

margaret said...

how I would love to do an applique quilt but like you I am sure it would be too fiddly so will just admire those done by great appliquers (is there such a word)
The steam a seam sounds just the job, will wait to see what you make of it when you use it on the next project.
Good to read you are progressing well with the knee and the cane is helping, a very trendy cane.

Kristy said...

It is so nice to see your post! I sure miss you posting but totally understand why. Glad you have been wise in deciding to move on. Looking forward to what you have to say about the new Steam a seam product. It is my favorite fusible but it has been impossible to find lately. Glad you can sew again. K-

marie said...

Glad you are making progress with your fancy pink cane, way to go. I was surprised to hear about the Steam a Steam review as today at my LQS in Oregon the owner read a email that was supposedly sent from a wholesale house saying that the "new" version has been pulled off the market and they are trying again. Please send a report as I love to use it and very few places have any left. Jo Ann fabrics has changed to Pellon---don't like it.

Saskia Smit said...

Steam a seam...LQS....a lot of new words for me. Glad you are back to teach again.

Janet-Olde Crow Primitives said...

Hi Kaaren.
I am happy to hear you are doing better. I have used that steam a seam 2 and I really like it. The pattern looks wonderful. Can't wait to see it finished.
Janet

moosecraft said...

Teensy weensy pieces aren't for me, neither! :-) This new project looks beautiful! Can hardly wait to see your progress on it... curious about the Steam a Seam too...

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear that you are on the mend and can make it to the sewing room. Must be like a fabric tranquilizer to be able to be creative again.
Never tried Steam a Seam, so I look forward to your report. Hugs!

Barb said...

stylish cane!
I'm glad you felt able to opt out - your new project looks great.
I too love steam a seam

Unknown said...

Can't wait to see the new project! I thought Seam a Seam 2 had been out for a year or so or is this one just now coming out? Anyway let us know how it works! Keep posting I love your blog! mburnette912@bellsouth.net

Kindred Quilts said...

I can't think of any better type of physical therapy than getting around in a sewing room... not to mention what it does for the soul!

Beautiful project you are about to start... keep us posted!

Candace said...

Nothing at all wrong with bowing out, Kaaren! I have the same issue with those teeny pieces! The good news is your friend will love it! How nice that you're getting around a bit better - love the pink cane! Maybe in a few months you'll be kicking your feet in the air and sending the cane packing! Fingers crossed!
Cheers!

Candace said...

Forgot to say I've heard about and anxiously awaited the new Steam a Seam! I'll be ordering it just now!
Cheers!

Louise said...

So glad you made that decision regarding the Baltimore, now you can move on to another project which will enable you to enjoy the stitching, thanks so much for the preview on steam seam. The new pink cane, you are styling!

Kathryn said...

Thanks for the update on Steam a Seam, but especially on the update on YOU. Glad that with a little help you can get back to that sewing room. Enjoy yourself. Kathie L in Allentown

barcord said...

Good to see you back in action Kaaren. Your faithful (pink) friend will keep you safe til you don't need her, which I hope is very soon.xx

Pam in IL said...

So glad to hear that you are getting around! Can't wait to see your progress on your new project.

Needled Mom said...

I don't blame you on giving up on the small pieces. I'm glad to hear that you are getting around the most important room in the house ;-).

Gladys said...

I'm so glad you are on the mend and back in your sewing room! I love appliqué! I like your new proyect very much! Continue to feel better! A hug!

Heartsdesire said...

Happy to hear that you are getting around so well. Your pink cane looks very snappy. I'm sure you are enjoying your time in the sewing room. It certainly raises the spirits. I've never tried Steam-a-Seam so will look forward to your review.

B J Elder said...

Love your cane! Years ago when I needed one they didn't have any of the fun colors or designs you can get now, but I didn't let that stop me. It was a joy to have it and be able to get out and do things that otherwise I would not have been able to. I know if/when I need a cane again I want to get a fun one like yours!
I still have some of my full box of SAS 2 Lite. I do love it. It will be fun to try the new and improved once I've used up my stash. A few more art quilt projects and I'll be in the market for a new box! Please let us know how you like the new.

Alice said...

Love the new projrct. I think working on something that small would frustrating. Love the pink cane. Glad you are moving better.

Judymc said...

Quilting is supposed to be FUN--so chucking the Baltimore quilt is a good idea. I love to needleturn those itsy bitsy pieces--I know it sounds crazy, but I find it relaxing! Your new pattern is really pretty!

onlymehere said...

I decided after having a total knee done that if you have to use a cane, you should do it with style! I bought one that's purple with Hawaiian flowers on it and I love your pink one! I'm so happy to see that you're gradually getting up and about.
Cindy