There was a problem initializing the feedlist plugin. Make sure the file feedlist.php is directly under your wp-content/plugins directory and not a subdirectory.
args = $args; $this->id = md5(uniqid(rand(), true)); } function GetID(){ $this->Debug($this->id); } /* core methods */ // called automagically if you use an inline filter (inside a post/page). function FeedListFilter(){ return $this->BuildFeedOutput(); } // call this if you want to process one feed function FeedListFeed(){ echo $this->BuildFeedOutput(); } // call this if you want to process a feed file function FeedListFile(){ $this->args = $this->GetArgumentArray(); $this->output = ''; // Seed the random number generator: srand((double)microtime()*1000000); $feed = Array(); $feedInfo = $this->LoadFile($this->args['file']); if(count($feedInfo)){ // we have some feeds // Randomize the array: shuffle($feedInfo); // Make sure we are set to show something: ($this->args['feedsToShow'] < 1) ? 1 : $this->args['feedsToShow']; ($this->args['feedsToShow'] > sizeof($feedInfo)) ? sizeof($feedInfo) : $this->args['feedsToShow']; // we will fetch each feed, then coallate items for($i=0;$i<$this->args['feedsToShow'];$i++){ $thisFeed = $feedInfo[$i]; $urlAndTitle = preg_split("/~/", $thisFeed); $feedUrl = trim($urlAndTitle[0]); $feedTitle = trim($urlAndTitle[1]); $this->rs = $this->GetFeed($feedUrl); if($this->rs){ $this->items = $this->rs->items; if($this->args['random']){ shuffle($this->items); } // Slice off the number of items that we want: if ($this->args['num_items'] > 0) { $this->items = array_slice($this->items, 0, $this->args['num_items']); } if(!$this->args['mergeFeeds']){ $this->output.= '
'.$feedTitle.'
'; if($this->args['show_date']){ $this->output .= '
updated: '. $this->NormalizeDate($this->rs) . '
'; // fl_tz_convert($this->rs->last_modified,0,Date('I')).''; } $this->output.=$this->Draw($this->items,$this->args); } else { $feed = array_merge($feed,$this->items); } } } $this->output .= ''; } else { $this->output = $this->args['before'] . 'No Items Were Found In the Provided Feeds. Perhaps there is a communication problem.' . $this->args['after']; } // coallate feed items echo $this->output; } /* end core methods */ /* basic settings - you can edit these */ function GetSettings(){ /* CONFIGURATION SETTINGS ---------------------- cacheTimeout how long should your cache file live in seconds? By default it is 21600 or 6 hours. most sites prefer you use caching so please make sure you do! connectionTimeout how long should I try to connect the feed provider before I give up, default is 15 seconds showRssLinkListJS TRUE by default and will include a small block of JS in your header. If it is false the JS will not be included. If you want the $new_window = 'true' option to use the JS then this must also be true. Otherwise both true and simple will hardcode the target="_blank" into the new window links */ // DEFINE THE SETTINGS -- EDIT AS YOU NEED: $feedListDebug = false; // To debug this script during programming (true/false). $cacheTimeout = 21600; // 21600 sec is 6 hours. $connectionTimeout = 15; // 15 seconds is default $showRSSLinkListJS = true; $Language = 'en_US'; // Choose your language (from the available languages below,in the translations): $Translations = array(); // Please send in your suggestions/translations: // English: $Translations['en_US'] = array(); $Translations['en_US']['ReadMore'] = 'Read more...'; // Dutch: $Translations['nl_NL'] = array(); $Translations['nl_NL']['ReadMore'] = '[lees verder]'; // French: $Translations['fr_FR'] = array(); $Translations['fr_FR']['ReadMore'] = 'Lisez davantage'; $feedListFile = '/feeds.txt'; // IF you are going to use the random feedlist generator make sure this holds the correct name for your feed file: // Build an array out of the settings and send them back: $settings = array ( 'feedListDebug' => $feedListDebug, 'cacheTimeout' => $cacheTimeout, 'connectionTimeout' => $connectionTimeout, 'showRSSLinkListJS' => $showRSSLinkListJS, 'language' => $Language, 'translations' => $Translations, 'feedListFile' => $feedListFile ); return $settings; } function GetDefaults(){ $settings = $this->GetSettings(); return array( 'rss_feed_url' => 'http://del.icio.us/rss', 'num_items' => 15, 'show_description' => true, 'random' => false, 'before' => '
  • ', 'after' => '
    • ', 'description_separator' => ' - ', 'encoding' => false, 'sort' => 'none', 'new_window' => false, 'ignore_cache' => false, 'suppress_link' => false, 'show_date' => false, 'additional_fields' => '', 'max_characters' => 0, 'max_char_wordbreak' => true, 'file'=>$settings['file'], 'feedsToShow'=>0, 'mergeFeeds'=>false, 'show_date_per_item' => false, 'show_description_only' => false ); } /* end basic settings */ function BuildFeedOutput(){ $this->args = $this->GetArgumentArray(); $this->rs = $this->GetFeed($this->args['rss_feed_url']); $this->output = ''; if($this->rs){ $this->items = $this->rs->items; if($this->args['random']){ shuffle($this->items); } // Slice off the number of items that we want: if ($this->args['num_items'] > 0) { $this->items = array_slice($this->items, 0, $this->args['num_items']); } $this->output = $this->Draw(); } return $this->output; } function Draw(){ $settings = $this->GetSettings(); $this->items = $this->NormalizeDates($this->items); $this->items = $this->SortItems($this->items,$this->args['sort']); // Explicitly set this because $new_window could be "simple": $target = ''; if($this->args["new_window"] == true && $settings["showRSSLinkListJS"]) { $target=' rel="external" '; } elseif ($this->args["new_window"] == true || $settings["new_window"] == 'simple') { $target=' target="_blank" '; } $this->output =''; foreach($this->items as $item){ $thisLink = ''; $linkTitle = ''; $thisDescription = ''; $thisTitle = $item['title']; $thisItemDate = ''; if($this->args['show_description_only']){ $this->args['show_description'] = true; } if ($this->args['encoding']){ // very poor and limited internationalization effort $thisTitle = htmlentities(utf8_decode($thisTitle)); } if (isset($item['content']['encoded']) || isset($item['description'])){ if (isset($item['description'])){ $thisDescription = $item['description']; } else{ $thisDescription = $item['content']['encoded']; } // Handle max_characters and max_char_wordbreak before the htmlentities makes it more complicated: if (!empty($this->args['max_characters']) && is_numeric($this->args['max_characters'])) { $thisDescription = substr($thisDescription, 0, $this->args['max_characters']); // If true, we cut on the last space: if (!empty($this->args['max_char_wordbreak'])) { $max_char_pos = strrpos($thisDescription, ' '); if ($max_char_pos > 0) { $thisDescription = substr($thisDescription, 0, $max_char_pos); } } } else if ($encoding) { //further really weak attempt at internationalization $thisDescription = htmlentities(utf8_decode($thisDescription)); } $linkTitle = $thisDescription; $linkTitle = strip_tags($linkTitle); $linkTitle = str_replace(array("\n", "\t", '"'), array('', '', "'"), $linkTitle); $linkTitle = substr($linkTitle, 0, 300); // if we are only showing the description we don't need the separator.. if (strlen(trim($thisDescription)) && !$this->args['show_description_only']) { $thisDescription = $this->args['description_separator'].$thisDescription; } } // Only build the hyperlink if a link is provided..and we are not told to suppress the link: if (!$this->args['suppress_link'] && strlen(trim($item['link'])) && strlen(trim($thisTitle)) && !$this->args['show_description_only']){ $thisLink = ''.$thisTitle.''; } elseif (strlen(trim($item['link'])) && $this->args['show_description']) { // If we don't have a title but we do have a description we want to show.. link the description $thisLink = ''.$thisDescription.''; $thisDescription = ''; } else { $thisLink = '' . $thisTitle . ''; } if($this->args['show_date_per_item']){ $thisItemDate = '
    ' . $item['feeddate'] . '
    '; } // Determine if any extra data should be shown: $extraData = ''; if (strlen($this->args['additional_fields'])){ // Magpie converts all key names to lowercase so we do too: $this->args['additional_fields'] = strtolower($this->args['additional_fields']); // Get each additional field: $addFields = explode('~', $this->args['additional_fields']); foreach ($addFields as $addField) { // Determine if the field was a nested field: $fieldDef = explode('.', $addField); $thisNode = $item; foreach($fieldDef as $fieldName) { // Check to see if the fieldName has a COLON in it, if so then we are referencing an array: $thisField = explode(':', $fieldName); $fieldName = $thisField[0]; $thisNode = $thisNode[$fieldName]; if (count($thisField) == 2) { $fieldName = $thisField[1]; $thisNode = $thisNode[$fieldName]; } } if (is_string($thisNode) && isset($thisNode)) { $extraData .= '
    ' . $thisNode . '
    '; } } } if($this->args['show_description_only']){ $this->output .= $this->args['before'].$thisLink.$thisItemDate.$extraData; } else if ($this->args['show_description']){ $this->output .= $this->args['before'].$thisLink.$thisItemDate.$thisDescription.$extraData; }else{ $this->output .= $this->args['before'].$thisLink.$thisItemDate.$extraData; } if (is_numeric($this->args['max_characters']) && $this->args['max_characters'] > 0) { $this->output .= '
    '.$settings["translations"][$settings["language"]]['ReadMore'].'  
    '; } $this->output .= $this->args['after']; } return $this->output; } function ArrayPush(&$arr) { $args = func_get_args(); foreach ($args as $arg) { if (is_array($arg)) { foreach ($arg as $key => $value) { $arr[$key] = $value; $ret++; } }else{ $arr[$arg] = ""; } } return $ret; } /* utility functions */ function NormalizeDates(){ $newItems = array(); foreach($this->items as $item){ $this->ArrayPush($item,array("feeddate"=>$this->NormalizeDate($item))); array_push($newItems,$item); } return $newItems; } function NormalizeDate($item){ $d=""; if(array_key_exists('pubdate',$item)) { $d = date($this->dateFormat,strtotime($item['pubdate'])); } else if (array_key_exists('published',$item)) { $d = date($this->dateFormat,strtotime($item['published'])); } else if (array_key_exists('dc',$item) && array_key_exists('date',$item['dc'])) { $d = date($this->dateFormat,strtotime($item['dc']['date'])); } else if (array_key_exists('last_modified',$item)) { $d = $this->TimezoneConvert($item['last_modified'],0,Date('I')); } else { $d = date($this->dateFormat); } return $d; } function TimezoneConvert($datetime,$tz_from,$tz_to,$format='d M Y h:ia T'){ return date($format,strtotime($datetime)+(3600*($tz_to - $tz_from))); } function MakeNumericOnly($val){ return ereg_replace( '[^0-9]+', '', $val); } function GetMonthNum($month){ $months = array('jan'=>'01','feb'=>'02','mar'=>'03','apr'=>'04','may'=>'05','jun'=>'06','jul'=>'07','aug'=>'08','sep'=>'09','oct'=>'10','nov'=>'11','dec'=>'12'); $month = strtolower($month); return $months[$month]; } function SortItems(){ $sort = strtolower($this->args['sort']); $sort = explode(" ",$sort); if((count($sort) ==1 || $sort[0] == 'asc') && $sort[0] != 'none'){ $sort[1] = SORT_ASC; } elseif ($sort[1] == 'desc') { $sort[1] = SORT_DESC; } else { $sort[1] = ''; } if($sort[0] == 'feeddate'){ $sort[2] = SORT_NUMERIC; } else { $sort[2] = SORT_STRING; } if (($sort[1]!='') && count($this->items)) { // Order by sortCol: foreach($this->items as $item) { $sortBy[] = $item[$sort[0]]; } // Make titles lowercase (otherwise capitals will come before lowercase): $sortByLower = array_map('strtolower', $sortBy); array_multisort($sortByLower, $sort[1], $sort[2], $this->items); } return $this->items; } function LoadFile($file){ /* load the $feedListFile contents into an array, using the --NEXT-- text as a delimeter between feeds and a tilde (~) between URL and TITLE */ $x = file($file); return preg_split("/--NEXT--/", join('', file($file))); } function GetArgumentArray(){ $this->args = $this->AssignDefaults(); $a = array(); foreach($this->args as $d=>$v){ if($this->args[$d] === 'true') { $a[$d] = 1; }else if($this->args[$d] === 'false'){ $a[$d] = 0; }else{ $a[$d] = $v; } $a[$d] = html_entity_decode($a[$d]); } return $a; } function AssignDefaults(){ $defaults = $this->GetDefaults(); $a = array(); $i=0; foreach ($defaults as $d => $v) { $a[$d] = isset($this->args[$d]) ? $this->args[$d] : $v; $a[$d] = isset($this->args[$i]) ? $this->args[$i] : $a[$d]; $i++; } return $a; } function GetFeed($feedUrl){ $this->feed = false; if(function_exists('fetch_rss')){ $this->feed = fetch_rss($feedUrl); } return $this->feed; } function InitializeReader($ignore_cache){ $settings = $this->GetSettings(); if ($ignore_cache) { if (is_numeric($ignore_cache)) { define('MAGPIE_CACHE_AGE', $ignore_cache); } else { define('MAGPIE_CACHE_ON', false); } } else { define('MAGPIE_CACHE_AGE', $settings["cacheTimeout"]); } define('MAGPIE_DEBUG', false); define('MAGPIE_FETCH_TIME_OUT', $settings["connectionTimeout"]); } function Debug($val,$name=''){ if(strlen($name)){ print('

    '.$name.'

    '); } print('
    ');
				print_r($val);
				print('
    '); } /* end utility functions */ } function rssLinkListFilter($text) { return preg_replace_callback("//", "feedListFilter", $text); } /* Templates can call any of these functions */ function rssLinkList($args){ if(!is_array($args)){ $args = func_get_args(); } return feedList($args); } function feedList($args){ if(!is_array($args)){ $args = func_get_args(); } $feed = new FeedList($args); return $feed->FeedListFeed(); } function randomFeedList($args){ if(!is_array($args)){ $this->args = parse_str($args,$a); $this->args = $a; } $feed = new FeedList($args); return $feed->FeedListFile(); } function feedListFilter($args){ $args = explode(",",$args[1]); if(count($args) == 1 && !strpos($args[0],":=")){ $a = array(); $a["rss_feed_url"] = $args[0]; $args = $a; } else { $a = array(); foreach($args as $arg){ $arg = explode(":=",$arg); $a[$arg[0]] = $arg[1]; } $args = $a; } $feed = new FeedList($args); return $feed->FeedListFilter(); } /* end template functions */ if (function_exists('add_filter')) { add_filter('the_content', 'rssLinkListFilter'); } if(function_exists('FeedListInitError')){ add_action('admin_head','FeedListInitError'); } if(function_exists('add_action')) { function rssLinkList_JS(){ $jsstring = ' '; echo $jsstring; } $jsFeed = new FeedList(''); $settings = $jsFeed->GetSettings(); if($settings["showRSSLinkListJS"]){ add_action('wp_head', 'rssLinkList_JS'); } } ?> 2008 June-- Heart To Hand: Quilt Talk with Wendy

    New Fabrics from Clothworks Arrive

    June 30th, 2008

    Clothworks Fabrics: Leaf Symphony by Cedar WestSome wonderful new fabrics have arrived from Clothworks including this beautiful Pansy from the Leaf Symphony by Cedar West.  As I am sure many of you know I simply love Clothworks fabrics.  The hand on their fabrics is so wonderful and the colors are so vibrant!  You are going to want to check out these new arrivals here.

    Enter and explore the beautiful range of quilting fabrics created by our their talented group of designers. Clothworks fabrics have been created with you in mind - a person with a love and special appreciation for the creative spirit expressed through your own quilting talent. They take great pride in producing fabrics of the highest quality featuring a wide range of themes, styles, and colors. Clothworks goal is to meet the needs of all quilters by creating and offering fabrics that include traditional, novelty, bright, contemporary, folk art, floral and vintage.

    Of the many collections we have from Clothworks, you might want to check out Clothworks Fabrics: NewtonNewton the adorable little Lamb who gets into all sorts of activities.  He flies with frogs, looks dapper with his friends bird, duck and frog!  Oh So Cute!  Check out these wonderful fabrics!

    Happy Day!

    Wendy

    Posted in Inventory Update, Shop Updates | No Comments »

    Old is New Again with Ric Rac

    June 28th, 2008

    Ric Rack Flowers by Primerose DesignAccording to Wikipedia, “Ric rac is an embellishment trim used on fabric and clothing. Made of cotton or polyester, it is stitched or glued to the edges of an item to give it a homespun look. Its zig-zag configuration repeats every third of an inch (about one centimeter) and is sold in multiple colors and textures. Ric rac’s popularity peaked in the 1970’s and is associated with the “Little House on the Prairie” and the pioneer sentiment brought about by the 1976 American bicentennial.”

    Well as we all know, what goes around comes around.  Ric Rac sometimes spelled  Rick-Rack, or Ric-Rack but any way you look at it, it is the newest embellishment craze on quilts again. We just received a large collection of Ric Rac at the shop and when I was putting it on the web yesterday I decided I would link today’s Blog to some wonderful techniques of things you can do with Ric Rac.

    From Primrose Designcomes two great ideas on how to use Ric Rac. The beautiful flowers shown about and on pillowcase edging.

    Chickpea Sewing Studio offers you some wonderful Roller Coasters you can whip up with two fat quarters and some ric rac.  A quick and easy project, gift and decoration!   Try some!

    Wrights, the creator of some ric rac, comes detailed directions to make flowers.  At this link they will show you ric rac, daisies, roses, mums, forget me nots leaves.  Can you see them embellished on a quilt?


    Decorative Dish Towels are shown at this link, but I can really see it in the borders of a quilt to add decoration and embellishment.
     
    How about a great project during the upcoming holiday, for kids (old and young alike) Ric Rac Jewerly. Kids can have fun and be creative while making jewelry from rick rack. All they need to know (or learn) is how to do a three strand braid.

    Charlotte’s Sew Natural has a wonderful link that shows you how to add ric rac to your quilt binding for a truly vintage look.  I just love this technique.  If you are abrehensive at doing a large quilt, try it on a table runner, placemat or mini quilt.

    Instructions for Ric Rac Dahlias from knick knacks & ric rac. These cute shirred ric rac flower brooches are super fast and easy to make, I can see them sewn on a pair of flop flops for summer fun. 

    finshed ric rac flowers!

    How about a cozy quick blankie from The Purl Bee.  So cute and so easy!  I am going to have to get some of this fabric in the shop as I know it would be just so cute and so easy! Need a quick baby gift.  This is the project for you!

    I hope you have found these links to Ric-Rac uses inspiring and useful for your own quilting projects.  Come visit us at the shop, we have a wide variety of sizes and colors for these and other fun project. Send me your pictures, links and ideas for what you do with this new, again, craze!

    Happy Day!

    Wendy

    Posted in Free Patterns, Shop Updates, Skill Building, Summertime | 1 Comment »

    Sew Oregon Shop Hop Begins

    June 27th, 2008

    Sew Oregon Shop Hop

    The Second Annual Sew Oregon Shop Hop began yesterday and will run June 26th to July 10th 2008 . 39 shops from all over the state will band together like blocks on a colorful quilt, and you are the thread that will bind it all together and make it a great shop hop. Join us this year from for another trip down the Road to Inspiration.

    Over $2500 in travel and merchandise prizes from Oregon companies.  At each participating shop, shop-hoppers will receive a free pattern and fabric kit for that shop’s featured block. Collect as many as you can and make a commemorative quilt .  Here is a photo of our block, “Nine Patch Flag”: Sew Oregon Shop Hop Block

    Each shop kit features a  theme fabric, Amerian Heritage by Windham Fabrics selected specifically for the Sew Oregon-The Road To Inspiration event. If you want to see the Sew Oregon Shop Hop fabric click here.

     You can download your Sew Oregon Passport to take to each shop here.  During the shop hop, all participating stores will maintain the following minimum store hours: M-F 10-6, Sat 10-5, Sun Noon-4. Friday July 4th 10-2 for those shops that are open on the 4th please see your passport.

    There is at least one error on the Passport that is OUR ADDRESS.  Our correct address is: 412 Beavercreek Road, Suite 607, Oregon City, OR 97045 if you need directions to our shop you will find a map here.  Be sure to say hi when you come through our shop and tell us that you read this information on our Blog.

    Happy Day!

    Wendy

    Posted in Shop Updates, Summertime | No Comments »

    Patriotic Quilt “Cake”

    June 26th, 2008

    Patriotic Quilt Cake

    Sure, I am a quilter, but I am also a recipe junkie.  Here is a recipe that combines my two loves, quilting and desserts.  From Kraft Foods comes this great easy patriotic desert that is simple to make and really tastes wonderful.  Try this for the 4th of July Picnic or family get together.

    Patriotic Quilt Cake

    1-1/2 cups boiling water

    2 pkg.  (4-serving size each) JELL-O Brand Strawberry Flavor Gelatin

    Ice cubes

    1 cup cold water

    1 pkg. (10.75 oz.) frozen pound cake, thawed, cut into 10 slices

    1 qt.  Strawberries, sliced, divided

    1-1/2 cups blueberries, divided

    2 pkg.  (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Neufchatel Cheese, softened

    1/4 cup sugar

    1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP LITE Whipped Topping, thawed, divided

    STIR boiling water into dry gelatin mixes in large bowl at least 2 min. until completely dissolved. Add enough ice to cold water to measure 2 cups. Add to gelatin; stir until ice is completely melted. Refrigerate 20 min. or until gelatin is slightly thickened (consistency of unbeaten egg whites).

    MEANWHILE, line bottom of 13×9-inch baking dish with cake slices. Add 1 cup of the strawberries and 1 cup of the blueberries to thickened gelatin; stir gently. Spoon over cake slices. Refrigerate 4 hours or until set.

    BEAT Neufchatel cheese and sugar in large bowl with wire whisk or electric mixer until well blended; stir in 2-1/2 cups of the whipped topping. Spread over gelatin. Arrange remaining strawberries and remaining 1/2 cup blueberries on Neufchatel cheese mixture to resemble the squares of a quilt. Pipe remaining whipped topping around squares. Store in refrigerator.

    Keep on Quilting!

    Happy Day!

    Wendy

    Posted in Recipes, Summertime | No Comments »

    International Mystery Series

    June 25th, 2008

    International MysteryHeart To Hand is about to embark on a quilter’s tour of the globe! Let us be your guide as we take you to exciting countries around the world and create a quilt at each stop, and you won’t even have to leave the comfort of your own home.
    Our travel package includes your travel vouchers (pattern), custom wardrobe (fabric kit) and food (recipes, from each country!). You also get bonus vouchers for optional side trips (10% off borders, binding, and backing). Each quilt will use approximately 3 yards of fabric, however the kit does not include fabric for borders, backing and binding. We have been doing this in the shop for two years now and I promise you, you will not be disappointed in these fun and easy quilt kits. If you live in the Oregon City area, you can sign up for these classes online or call the shop 503-230-9075 for more information.

     Take a look at some of the quilts our customers have made:

    Austrian Alps                      

     Austrian Alps

     

    French Mystery

    French Mystery 

     

    Indonesian Mystery

    Indonesian Mystery 

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

       Happy Day!

    Wendy

    Posted in Shop Updates, Show and Tell | No Comments »

    Quilters Skill Building: Sewing Fabric Purses, Baskets and Bowls

    June 24th, 2008

    Its A Wrap

    Summer is a great time to learn a new technique.  This one is fun and easy and uses up those scraps you have stashed away for a sunny day!  Teach yourself and your kids to WRAP this summer!

    From That Patchwork Place comes: It’s A Wrap.  Wind, wrap, and sew fabric strips into fantastic containers! Start with a plate shape to learn the technique. Then experiment with four basic container styles to create round, oval, square, and other shapes.  Create purses, baskets, and bowls in an endless variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. Simply wrap fabric strips around cotton clothesline, coil into the desired shape, and secure with machine stitching. Special sections on lids, handles, and embellishments offer unlimited options for your own variations.

    Below is a quick overview viedo of how to make these wonderful fabric purses, baskets and bowls.  Click on the arrow to view.

     

     

    Get the Flash Player to see this player.

    I hope you will take pictures of the project you make from this book and send them to me so I can post them here for show and tell.

     Happy Day!

     Wendy 

    Posted in New Patterns, Skill Building | 1 Comment »

    Fabric Price & Quality

    June 23rd, 2008

    fabric

    Special thanks to Jean Wells, of the Stitchin’ Post in Sisters Oregon and author of numerous books and quilting patterns for permission to reprint this article.

    Fabric Price and Quality by Jean Wells

    “The other day I had a new quilter was here in the store and asked a good question, “Why does quilt shop fabric cost more than chain store fabric?” I realized that maybe a very basic explanation about fabric and how it is made would be a good topic for “Sisters in Stitches.”All fabric starts out as greige (“grey”) goods: which is what cotton cloth is called when it comes directly from the weaving mill. The higher quality of greige goods, the higher quality the fabric will be. Average greige goods have 60 x 60 threads to the inch. Superior fabric (most fabric in quilt shops) has a thread count of 68 x 68 or more threads to the inch. How this translates to consumer use is that the lower thread count fabric will shrink more in washing. It makes sense that if there are fewer threads to the inch that when the fabric gets wet there is more space to move around.

    Another factor is the length of the cotton fiber that is used in weaving the fabric. Fabrics with longer threads will be silkier, they won’t pill with use, and the print or design will be crisper. Always look at the print and see if the colors stay in the lines. On better quality goods more attention is given to lining up the screens when the fabric is printed. Batik fabrics have up to a 200 thread count like sheeting does. That is why some of the specialty fabrics cost more.

    The finishing process determines the feel and colorfastness of the fabrics. When comparing lesser quality fabrics to premium fabrics you can easily see the difference. At times you may see the same design on goods in chain stores and quilt shops but you will see a difference in quality. That is because the chain store purchases the rights to print the fabric on their own greige goods. I always tell my students to hold the fabric up to the light and if you see light through it, it will shrink. Most quilters are good consumers and have had an experience of working with a poor quality fabric and found that it didn’t work as well in a quilt. I guess the best message is that you get what you pay for.”

     Hope this helps you understand the difference between chain store fabric and quilt shop fabric. Support your local Quilt Shop!

    Happy Day,

    Wendy

    Posted in Skill Building | No Comments »

    Care and Feeding of your Scissors

    June 21st, 2008

    1951 Wiss Pinking Sheers

    We all have them, scissors that we use on a daily basis and sometimes take for granted.  Using those special fabric scissors for cutting paper, or plastic templates, and what about the scissors that the kids use for their art projects.  I have an assortment of scissors and rotary cutters, some which my mother had when she started teaching me to sew in fourth grade.  I cannot get rid of them.  The 1951 Wiss pinking sheers my mother bought before I was born, the heavy duty art scissors my father used to cut leather with.  They are all there, in my sewing room waiting, for the next time I plan to cut leather or cardboard or whatever… but they are just there waiting.

    But let’s get serious, what type of scissors do quilters really need? One of the best choices for quilting and sewing is an 8″ knife-edge, Bent Dressmaker Shear. The length is good for smooth cutting along pattern lines or long clean fabric cuts. Extremely sharp blades make cutting easier no matter what the fabric weight or how many layers. A bend of about 45degree at the pivot point lets the entire lower blade glide along the cutting table. This adds stability and allows the fabric to lie flatter when cutting; with straight shears, the fabric will pull up and out of position.
    For versatility, shears need a partner. 4” tailor’s point scissors are ideal for trimming and precision cutting around curves or in small places. They’re also heavy-duty enough for cutting multiple fabric layers. The sharp points are fine enough for lace, cutwork, appliqué, tailoring and hand needlework. 

    Appliqué Scissors: One blade of this scissor has an extended “bill” which lifts the fabric piece to be cut. This lets you trim clean and close without nicking the fabric underneath. These scissors are nice for working with laces and regular or reverse appliqué. Also use them to grade seams or trim quilt batting.

    A drop of oil makes a big difference. Several times a year place a drop of sewing machine oil at the screw assembly between the blades. This reduces friction so cutting feels smoother. After oiling, wipe off the blades and make a few cuts on scrap fabric to remove any excess oil.
    Scissors CaseKeep scissors in a safe, cool and dry place. In high-humidity areas, regularly wipe the blades with a light coating of oil to prevent rust or corrosion. Here is a free easy pattern from McCall Pattern Company for a scissors case.  So when you treat yourself to a new pair of scissors they have a special place to go and will not be thrown in with the other scissors keeping house in your quilting and sewing room.  Remember, buy the best scissors you can afford and treat them like a faithful friend.
     Happy Day!

    Wendy

    Posted in Free Patterns, Shop Updates | No Comments »

    Make your own Pincushion

    June 20th, 2008

    Pin Cushions

    Okay I admit, I am an avid Martha Stewart fan.  I know many people think I am crazy, but I love her decorating ideas, recipes, craft ideas, and some of her sewing projects. I will NEVER be as organized and diligent as Martha, and I do not want to be, but I like the creative ideas that she generates from her East coast companies.  I tape, Everyday Food, Everyday Baking, Martha Stewart Crafts and of course Martha Stewart Show.  I can buzz through them, pick up the tidbits I like and move on to the next project when I have time. 

    I also get the Craft of the Day email from Martha and I love this idea for “Homegrown Tomato Pincushions”.  You are sure to want to make a couple of these.  If you are using them for decorations, make them as Martha describes in her post.  But if you are really making them to use as pin cushions consider stuffing them with Natural Cotton Stuffing.  Also add a strawberry to the pincushion and fill the strawberry with emery sand so you can keep your needles sharp.  Martha has a great pattern for the “Strawberry Pincushion” as well.

    Enjoy the summer with these quick and easy craft projects. 

    Happy Day!

    Wendy

     

    Posted in Free Patterns, Summertime | No Comments »

    Summertime Quilters Online Book Club Q & A

    June 19th, 2008

    Book Club

    Many people have been writing me about the online book club, so I thought that I would answer some of their questions here in hopes of clarifying things for you.

    Q.  Is this a new book club?

    A.   Yes, this is a totally new book club.  We will start our discussion of the first book “Wedding Ring” from the Shenandoah Album collection by author Emilie Richards.

    Q.  How do I order the books?

    A. You can click here, which will take you to our web site and order the July, August and September books and the OPTIONAL Quilt Along with Emilie books.  There is one for each of the books we will be reading in the next three months.  We are placing one order for these all these books on June 27th and they will be shipped to you around the first week in July.

    Q. How do I find out what the other stories are about?

    A. When you go to the web site, you will see small pictures of all the books.  Click on the small picture and are larger picture of the book with a detailed description of the book will appear.  If you need more information that that, you can do an internet search on the title of the book you are wondering about.

    Q.  How do I sign up for the Online Book Club?

    A.  There is no specific sign-up.  Just come back to the Blog on July 25 for discussion questions.  We hope to be able to rent a chat room so that people who are interested can join us in person as we discuss the book. Look for more information on that after July 8th.

    Hope that helps everyone with questions.  If you have more questions be sure to post them here on the blog and I will get answers out to you right away.

    Happy Day!

    Wendy

    Posted in Book Club | 1 Comment »

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