williamsews

 I have been working on two new blocks. This is 'Weave', simple to sew. This is a traditional block; 'Road to Heaven', I used 'heavenly' fabrics for this. Both are simple blocks to cut and sew; and don't use much fabric (great for scraps). The next video will be Weave. I am considering the purchase of Electric Quilt to design blocks. I shall study a few more vidoes before I decide, the alternative is to work out patterns on graph paper, but I can only buy the paper in metric here. Meanwhile, I have a few ideas that I'll work on. Visited my favourite charity shop today and found a lot of great fabric pieces, large and small. I am a fabric hoarder...nothing new in that. Back to the machine, Regards, Will.

 I've been working on a new block, it's intriguing but I have figured it out. This is not an age-old traditional block, in fact, it was designed in 2012 by Laura Roberts for McCalls (My second favourite shirt pattern maker - Simplicity is first). I don't think there is enough tonal contrast in the fabrics I used for the 'twist' part, but I have put together a better combination for the next one. It looks complicated and it does take a degree of concentration, something I lack sometimes. It has an interesting method of attaching the surrounding strips to the centre square, a method that could be useful for other quilting blocks. There are a few new blocks (new to me) that I am wanting to try, so the half-finished shirt I have been working on gets pushed further back on the to do list. December is the first month of summer here, the weather has been delightful so far - I hope it won't be too hot - love winter. My lot for today, Take care,

  These blocks are some I made, but for various reasons, won't be using. They are nice enough, but perhaps not interesting enough to continue. T hat's my lot for today, Take care, Will.

 Getting lighting right for sewing isn't easy, the older I get, the more light I need. The new Singer is a great machine (love the press-button thread cutter), but the light is totally inadequate, the machine is grey, which seems to draw the light, white machines are better because the reflect light. Anyway, I have found a great style of lamp that solves the problem. They are flexible, which means that they can be adjusted to the best position to give the maximum light. There are three brightness settings, but I only use the brightest. They can be precisely positioned for the maximum effect and screw to the desk or table. They are turned on by tapping the end. Love these lights. That's it for today,  Regards,  Will. I can't manage without them now

 This is a traditional Japanese block, easy to do, but looks complicated. I have made a video of it's construction;  These are the cutting sizes and layout. Happy sewing, take care, Will.

I only use two seam allowances, a quarter inch for quilting and 1cm for clothing and I change the needle position to do this - of course this doesn't work for fixed needle machines. I keep a note on the machine to tell me the position bec ause it varies on the machines, plus, if the foot is changed, it will need recalibrating. I've been working on the second Japanese block and will add it to YouTube soon and then here. That's it for today,  Take care,  Will.  

 have just made a test block of another Japanese block, which I think is very pretty, no English name for it. I used more of the glorious Japanese fabric, plus cream (which photographs a bit dirty looking, looks better in actuality). The next tryout will be in these fabrics, another great pattern and colour. By the by, I have learned a helpful 'hack'; to prevent slipping of the sewing machine foot, I tried a silicone baking sheet, and it works well, it also helps to find the black foot on a dark floor, I used a heavy doormat previously, which was OK, but this is better. Onto the creation of this new block, it is fairly complex, but once again, following a set path makes it easier. That's it for today, Take care, Will.

  I bought a lot of very lush, rich Jelly Roll and Fat Quarter fabrics that I think are very beautiful. and I felt that they needed a special block, so I have made a traditional Japanese block named Knot – I could make an attempt to give it a proper name, but I wouldn’t want to insult the Japanese people with a bad attempt. This is the block and I shall start a video tutorial soon. It takes a some concentration, but it’s only middling difficult. Made two so far and the were put together quite quickly, the 1/4″ seam does need to be precise. All this wonderful fabric! Just perfect, can’t wait to make more. Onwards and upwards, looking forward to the Coronation – I remember the Queen’s coronation and even had a replica Coronation coach with horses. Time to sew. Take care, Will.

There is never enough fabric of course, I am in love with some of the designs and quality of the fabric I have been buying lately. Most are jelly rolls, which in a way, is limiting but I’ve ordered larger pieces. There are other pieces of equipment on the way as well, bought on eBay, these days it’s a long wait, several weeks with tracking, but it’s worth the frustrating wait. This is my idea of a ‘scrappy’ quilt block, its made from 2″ squares and it a great way to use up scraps. This is a 10″ block. It looks complicated but it’s easy and quick. I will make a video of it’s construction soon. These are other blocks I have been working on; Same layout with a different look. This one has a name; ‘Air Castle’. This is the latest lot of fabric; beautiful, lush colours and designs. Also started a shirt, I have started a video of the construction, I’ll probably make several videos of the process in depth. This is nice fabric as well, soft and colourful. That’s my lot for today, Regards, Will...

  I’ve been trying out a few quilt blocks – playing around in reality, the weather is hot; February can be the worst summer month, and it’s living up to that reputation, it’s very humid. Summer has been pleasant until now, but looking forward to autumn. Anyway, fiddling with blocks. I bought my first Jelly Roll in gorgeous Asian fabrics because I want to practice Japanese quilt blocks. This is the first attempt, bearing in mind that it’s made from scraps and dreary colours. Such tiny pieces, The squares are 1″, but it is satisfying to do. Other blocks are some I’ve made in the past but needed a refresher course. The above was made with leftover shirt material, doesn’t work as well as quilting cotton AND one pieces is the wrong way round. I hope to make a video soon, of a block I’ve been working on, it’s an ‘illusion’ block. Until then, stay safe and well. Regards, Will.

  I mainly use one shirt pattern and vary the collar, cuffs, yokes, etc., to create different looks. The collars can vary, along with many parts of the shirt. A lot of possibilities. Take care, Will.

  An unexpected purchase. I was shopping in Aldi and saw this big machine, I thought it was a Coverstitch machine, so I bought it – but it is just an overlocker, albeit a very good one. It’s a Stirling, which is Aldi’s brand. This overlocker seems to do quite a few things, I shall have to play with it for a while and figure it out. Take care, Will.

  I discovered the thread pull method of making shirt collars many years ago and loved the results. It’s simple but creates perfect points. I’ve made a video of the method; I hope this video is helpful. I use the one pattern, Simplicity 8711 from 1979, and vary the collars, buttons and cuffs, the check shirt has the pattern’s original 1970’s collar. Please like and share this post, Thank you, Will.

  I have finished another shirt, I’ve been videoing the process but still have a lot to learn, I bought a camera boom to video the sewing part and it has just arrived, haven’t tried it yet but it looks sturdy, I think it will hold the DSLR camera but if not, the small camera will be OK. This is the boom arm; This is the video; And that’s my lot, it’s a perfect day for sewing because it’s raining heavily. Take care, Will.