Virtual Retreat July 2015 - Join Anytime

[Geneva C.]

I'm having a break from FMQing my 2014 TQS BOM, for a few days but I'm still coming to the virtual retreat. Does anyone have any advice/remedies for a stiff neck and painful shoulder muscle spasms? hmy: I went a bit over the top with the quilting when I came back from my holiday.
Best Wishes Pam

Pam,
Someone gave us two web type addresses for just such a thing. If it's not on this month's virtual retreat, it could be on last month. I didn't take the time to hunt it down, yet!! If I find it before you comment that you have found it, I will comment. Wow, like I can really get wordy!! LOL
Luann

[Geneva C.]

Pam,
It's on #131373 page 6 or close by. Just look for that number. And I believe it's two you tube videos. I didn't check them out, as I've been keenly busy and I keep a weighted back pack on when I am at the machine. I also set a timer for an hour, and leave it on the landing. It would drive me batty to not turn it off, and since I'm half way to a different location, I use the bathroom and get water. It stretches my legs better than staying on the same floor in my house. When the weather gets back to reasonable temps, I will go for a quick walk around the cul de sac.
May God help those muscles relax,
Luann

[Geneva C.]

It seems to me that someone was looking for information about best stitches for knit fabrics. They had made some tops and weren't completely pleased with seams, or hems?? Anyway, if that person would contact me I will send you the 'pin' from my Sewing tutorials board on Pinterest. If I knew how to post the link right here, I would, but alas I have a few things yet to figure out.
Luann

[Judith A.]

Thank you Luann for posting the article about dyeing fabric. I googled the author, "Vimala McClure dye" and learned that this article was the most requested article that American Quilter magazine has ever had. The American Quilting Society asked her to expand the article into a book - which she did: Fabric Dyeing for Beginners. My local library has a copy, which I will pick up today. Amazon also sells the book very reasonably.

You may have hit the nail on the head when you said it might be additives to the water supply. I will do some experimenting.
I will also check into the online class you recommended.

Merci beaucoup, Luann!

Judy Austin

[Judith A.]

Luann...how much powder dye per cup do you use to make the "stock" dye?

[Judith A.]

Luann...how much powder dye per cup do you use to make the "stock" dye?

Dorothy,
On many classes they say any where from 1 tsp to 1 Tbsp. when using measuring spoons.
I weigh my dye powder and prefer Candy Glendenning's saturation level. If I use 10gr to 2 cups of water, I get lovely and lively results. You can always cut your stock by adding water to get less saturated colors. When I was in Elizabeth Barton's class I mixed it at 20 grams to 1 cup of water and I felt that I wasted a lot of dye. The washout took forever!!
Another note that is important. I use less than 1 cup for a 1 yard cut of fabric. So if I am dyeing a fat quarter I use 1/4 cup of dye stock, etc. I hope this helps.
You really should plan to spend some time visiting me!!! We could dye all day long. LOL
May God bless your day with a new song,
Luann
And do keep records whether you want to duplicate or not. I formerly hated recording fun stuff, but now I enjoy it. I usually write up a plan, then make notes as I go, because things always change. Then at the end I can write a review or make samples of the results. Like this,,

[Judith A.]

Thanks Luann! I just started dyeing about a week ago, and am just loving it!!! I can't wait to get enough fabrics that I can make a whole quilt out of my own hand dyed fabric! I'd LOVE to spend the day dyeing with you LOL!
Dorothy

[Judith A.]

Dorothy,
Where are you located?
Luann

[Judith A.]

Montana...where are you?

[Judith A.]

Montana...where are you?

South Carolina

[Lotti D.]

Kathy, thank you for those step by step instructions, yes, i want to make one of those too... And it seems to be something that cozld well be sewn by hand when one is on the go, maybe presew the circles with the machine and then do the piecing by hand when one is travelling...
Something to try when i get sick of my hexies....

Thanks for all the dying info, luann, i'm now off to get lost in your blog...
If i don't show up again next week, you know where to find me :silly:

[Lotti D.]

Luann, thank you, I would love a copy of the article! That would be great!

Also, it wanted to point out that I cannot take credit for the spoon/fork idea, as it was a pattern I bought at IQF Houston last year. I forget the name of the pattern designer, but it is easy to google. Loved everything in her booth and bought that one, a Christmas tree one, and a Christmas wreath one. Haven't made those yet...

Did some more piecing on my curved piece and love how easily it is going together! Will come back with pictures later on.

Hope everyone had a good weekend so far!

[Lotti D.]

Pam, a good cream for sore muscles is Profelan Arnica Muscle & Joint Cream -it is wonderful for pulled muscles & bruises. I will be using some myself this evening on my ankles as I spent all yesterday walking around 'Art In Action' at Waterperry House in Oxfordshire with my Dad & DD and had an excellent day.
They have exhibitions of lots of different types of arts with some hands on play pieces, classes (if you are organised) and all the artists there working on pieces and available to talk to about their specialism. Arts included, sculpture, painting, printmaking, glassmaking, jewellery making, ceramics, dyeing, tapestry, embroidery etc. The food outlets were also excellent. We had fresh pancakes in the morning for an early lunch and freshly made Belgium waffles with cream & berries mid afternoon - yum.

[Lotti D.]

oooooh sounds wonderful Rosemary!!
Still working on my first batch of hand dyes....had one (blue violet) that ended up with speckles of red on it, but so far the rest are turning out ok. We'll see after I get them all washed out :unsure:

[Pamela N.]

Geneva you are the best Doctor EVER! I love the wine medicine. As you are a Doctor I wondered if you could also prescribe me a wee Whisky- only a small one - before bed. Thank you Dr Geneva
Love Pam