Thursday, March 25, 2010

Simple ideas

Lately I have been working on a project involving lots and lots of 2" squares being sewn into 9 patch blocks. Even though I want a scrappy look, I do want to sew each one exactly as I put them together on the design wall.....( large piece of fabric covered Styrofoam)
The problem is that I really could not find a comfortable way to use my "design wall" at the sewing machine. Here is my solution. I simply transferred each set of squares onto regular 8 1/2 x 11 printer paper. Now I can easily bring the stack next to my machine to stitch, keeping everything in it's intended order. There are 40 blocks ready to sew just in the stack you see here.

Another idea I had this week was to create a card to have on hand for those times when I am asked "where can I see more of your work?" This way, I will have something to give out rather than searching for a scrap of paper to scribble on. I decided that I my recently doodled mouse could be mistaken for a rat...........A Quilt Rat, that is. So using my computer and a package of perforated business card blanks I created a stack of these. Now I am all set for a few of those meet the artist evenings I hope to attend this spring.

15 comments:

Rian said...

Now aren't you clever. Such a simple idea but so useful.

connie said...

I love your little mouse(rat). What a great idea. I also love your idea of putting the blocks on paper. I have had the same problem when working on my design wall.

Anonymous said...

Great solution to the problem, and what a delightful card!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Yes! You used Mousie!!! That is a darling business card!
I have spent most of the day trying to go through four years of scraps. (yes, I save everything.....UGH!) Sadly, I know what I used almost every piece for. But a lot *went* and a lot more is *going*. <:)
Being a pack rat is a tough job....

XXOO!!
Anne

Anonymous said...

Well Jill I guess you know that I'm overly excited about your Quilted Rat business card! It is absolutely wonderful and folks will for sure remember you! It stands out and is far better than so many!! I want one!

Clare Wassermann said...

oh I think you have had a few "aha" moments here. Brilliant!!!

Mary-Kay said...

Very cool business card!

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

Great ideas! Love the business card idea. I've been thinking of making one, but have to think of the right design.

Diane J. Evans said...

The business card is perfect!!! Now, it's just a quick step to making note cards with The Quilt Rat on them and selling them to eager fans, like me!

Diane

ale balanzario said...

Your business card is great, glad I came to your blog today, you have very interesting post.
:)

Anonymous said...

What a lovely blog you have. I found it via Clare.
Love the rat card - we have three adorable pet rats.

Karen S said...

I like the colors in that block you're making.

The card is great! I have been printing my own out on pre-cut business card sheets that I buy at the office supply store. I use a lightened picture of one of my quilts in the background and each one is different. Very handy and not expensive. And I can change the information from sheet to sheet if I need to.

Mishka said...

Great idea to move blocks from the design wall to the sewing machine. I'll definitely give that a try soon.

Unknown said...

Nice card, people will save that one.

Diana LaMarre said...

What a perfect business card for you! Very nicely done.

Copyright Jill Buckley