As The Iron Steams - finale

It was a quiet, somber, dignified affair.  

I would like to thank everyone for their concerns.  It has been a difficult time for us...

All kidding aside, I did try to save the old iron.  I just could not trust it again.  I hold myself to blame for some of that.

I have betrothed myself to this new one.  I would not ordinarily buy such a fancy one, but Macy's was having a great sale.  I've tattooed the date on her just to see how long our relationship will last.

As you can see, I've put her on a pedestal and intend to treat her with respect and kindness.  I also plan to use a tap/distilled mix to help prevent build up.  I have also promised to clean it as instructed, at least 2x a month, if not more.

I went to the Mancuso Tri-State Quilt Fest and saw some lovely quilts - report to follow.

In the meantime I have some new reading:

Great photos and inspiration here -

Have a wonderful weekend everyone - and thanks again for tuning in to "As the Iron Steams (and dies)".

As The Iron Steams

WARNING:  This post in intended for mature audiences.  Some images may be disturbing to less experienced, or younger viewers.

I've been considering a new iron.  My old iron was still getting hot, but the steam holes were clogged and it was dirty.

When I saw this product (at Bed, Bath and Beyond), I decided to give it a try.  Why add to  the landfill if I don't have to, right?

Before starting, this is how my iron looked:

After using it, per instructions, my terry cloth towel looked like this:

After shaking it, my sink looked like this:

After the cleaner went to work inside my iron, this is how it looked:

Next up, the plate cleaner.  I use this one:

This is the recommended amount:

This is what came off:

Actually, there was more, but you get the idea.

After cleaning the iron looks like this.  Much better!  but you can still deposits on those lower steams holes.

During the second rinsing of the steam chamber, this is still coming out of the holes onto the towel.  Oh dear.

Can this iron be saved?
Will Barb ever trust it again?
Is the iron doomed to the landfill?

For the answers to these and other burning questions;
tune in next time on "As the Iron Steams...."

Oh My Stars!!

Over the past couple of days, I've added the background pieces to my large EPP stars.  I'm using this lovely toile' (what else?) that has flowers and birds.

I think I'm going to stop at 9 stars and here they are:

 Here is how I plan my fussy cuts on a large piece of fabric.

I made pattern pieces with manilla folders for the corners and 1/2 squares.  I machine baste them, before hand whipping.

Since I'm catching up on sewing room TV, I machine basted the diamonds too.

My friend, Jill, shared this great tip.  After you lay out a block design, take a photo (it lasts longer).

This way if your pieces get moved or you have to pick them up it's no problem.  Brilliant Jill!

Speaking of stars - I want this Guy

To do less of this:

and way, way more of this:

Don in all his badness will return March 25 with a 2-hour premier.  Here's a little something to tide you over....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-fIFeMVMso


Have a Fun Week!

Happy Birthday Mr. Presidents

In honor of President's Day here in the U.S. I thought I'd share some of my collected Washington and Lincoln fabrics, quilts and china -

This is a quilt I designed, but never made-

Fabric I haven't used yet, but Love!

A GW silhouette

A GW sugar bowl

A wonderful little doll quilt from my friend Mary C. in 2008.
(it's about 8" x 12")

Lincoln S&P shakers

 I love, love red transferware dishes -

Best Plate ever -

A pillow-

A little Lincoln reading -

A chair I recovered -

Remembering Abe, which has been accepted to the 2012 AQS Quilt Show in Lancaster, PA.

A GW nine patch quilt that I have started and is on hold at the moment.

The back of a little quilt I sent to Sheila.

Believe it or not, there is more, but that's enough for today.  I love the history of these 2 great Presidents.

Happy Birthday Abe and George!
xo

Pink Lemonade

Happy Friday!

I finally finished the Pink Lemonade quilt along that Lori hosted.  I wanted to make 2 so I made a smaller version.

Here is the first one

The back

The second one, which I changed up using the little shirting print.

And the back.

Since I used fabrics on the back that both had a china them, I decided to quilt the tea cup design.

I used this template.  It was a little large for the size of the quilt, but I thought it worked well enough.

The thing I love about this design is that it appears circular, but I machine quilt it with my walking foot.  Here you can see by doing serpentine lines, you achieve the circle.

Thanks again for a fun quilt along, Lori!



Have a Fun Weekend!
Go Oscar!