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.

I've found a couple of things to make my sewing life easier. Transparent Kitchen Cutting Mats. I've been using inexpensive cutting mats to move quilt blocks between the cutting board, the iron, and the sewing machine, this has made things simpler. This block is called 'Old Maid's Puzzle', not PC these days. I put one mat underneath the pieces and another on top. These mats hold 8" blocks, if they're bigger, I use another set to hold the outer pieces. The transparent type is best for this. Next helpful hint:  A Silicone Baking Mat. This keeps the foot pedal from moving - and it really works! It is working better than anything else I've tried, not more shuffling around, trying to find that darned pedal. Triple Square Block. This is a block I was going to make, but it's too fiddly, the centre squares are only .5", and that's too small.  This isn't a hint, I thought I'd show a nice block that won't be made again.  It is another trad...

 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.

  I have been working on scraps again and have made a new block composed of 2″ squares. It is easy and quick to make, here is a video; I’ve been working on a four part shirt video, with one part to go. Back to the machine, Take care, regards, 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  hope you enjoyed this, thank you  for watching,  Take care,  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 made a large Card Trick quilt a while ago, it was a very involved technique but now I have found a simpler way of making it. This is the original Card Trick, quite ‘tricky’ but worth the effort. I hope you enjoy the video and that it’s of some help. Please like, thank you, regards, Will.

 Good old Roman Wall. It has a lot to like, it's easy and even cutting the strips is relaxing, putting the strips together is interesting and the result is pleasing. I have always known this block as Roman Wall, but like most quilt blocks, it probably has other names. This is how it's put together; https://videopress.com/v/jVPTXAUl?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true More to come. I hope you like this post, if so, please let me know. Regards, Will

  This is a smaller version of Roman Wall, which uses even smaller scraps. It is a fun block and very easy to sew. That’s my lot for today, thanks for watching, don’t forget to like my video, Regards, Will.

  Not sewing but figuring out the new camera, it takes wonderful photographs, I’ve been out in the garden practising and took a few macro shots. It is fun, and I see the garden from a different perspective. I made a small video using Movavi editor; If you enjoy this video or any of my posts, please ‘like’… Thank you. Will.

  My newest machine; the Brother TY600C. I’ve had this for almost a year and I can’t fault it, it’s an excellent machine, easy to use and truly heavy-duty, it sews several layers of denim easily. It’s great on bulky seams, with no manually cranking to go through the fabric. It is a heavy machine, not too plastic and has the usual, needle up/down (easy on this machine, it only needs to have the button pressed for a second) and tie-off button I like the needle down for most of the sewing and up for buttons and buttonholes. This was medium-weight denim and it was a pleasure to sew, it just glided through the fabric. The only thing I have an issue with is the dial. I have knocked it a few times and taken it off the setting–at least it beeps to let me know and I’m able to readjust the settings before I sew on. I have a very soft, thick fabric that may or may not be good for a shirt. I shall experiment by making a collar. It’s raining very heavily, I hope it’s not so bad in the already f...