Are you ready to explore making a quilt from the outside in, entirely by hand? Join Jen Strauser and explore the art of Kawandi style quilting at your own pace in this on-demand, pre-recorded, virtual class. Jen will lead you through everything you need to know, from selecting fabrics and tools to finishing a Kawandi style quilt. What is a Kawandi Quilt? Kawandi Quilts are a traditional craft practiced by African Diaspora peoples in Western India. Traditional Kawandi are made from recycled saris. They are constructed from the outside in, which makes them a unique change of pace from western quilting traditions. If you love the texture of hand quilting, you will love making Kawandi. It is also a fantastic way to use up your scraps. About the Class In this series of videos I will show you how to get started on your own mini Kawandi style quilt. I will demonstrate the techniques I am familiar with, from beginning with the finished edges, adding decorative pops of color, filling the belly of the Kawandi, and completing your piece with decorative phula. Over an hour of instructional videos are included! Videos are broken down into small portions for easy reference, so you can go back to re-watch a specific part if you want to. Included in this virtual class are instructions for different projects you can make with your new technique (coaster, place mat and baby quilt), along with the option for a bonus project bag pattern. Also included is a "feed" where students can ask questions, post progress photos, and interact with each other. Jen monitors the feed to respond to your questions. Skill Level. This class is suitable for beginner level quilters. No experience necessary. Teacher: Jen Strauser Required supplies: Size 3 Milliner needles Thread (size 8 or 12 hand sewing thread) Fabric (scraps work great!) Scissors More specifics about supplies are available inside the course after you sign up.
Quilts by Paula Fleischer, political and otherwise
A very general update on my Kawandi quilting adventures, including information on my next class session with Gotham Quilts.
This dreamy oversized padded patchwork jacket feels like the warmest, softest blanket and is incredibly soft, chic and wearable. Inspired by a men's car coat, with more length and large carryall pockets and long sleeves to roll up. An incredibly easy versatile piece to wear fall into spring! This indigo jacket is hand painted and hand stitched with Kantha details. Each is unique in placement of patches. Pictured here in a medium indigo tone. Handmade in India. Size 1 is great for 0-4 and size 2 is perfect for 4-12. It's oversize and big & that's how we like it :) pics: size 2 on model 5'10 (size 2-4) and on friend 5'7 (size 6) Available for pre-sale this week. - — Size 1: Length 27 Chest 22 3/4 flat Sleeve is 16 1/2 - — Size 2: Length 30 Chest 25 flat Sleeve is 16 1/2 - — Med thick soft padded cotton
Kawandi is a style of quilt created by the Siddi people of India, traditionally done by hand. It is truly scrappy and improvisational. While I like doing hand work, I was also intrigued by faster machine methods. I've listed some resources at the end of this tutorial if you are interested in creating Kawandi by hand, want to see another machine tutorial, want to see some footage of Siddi creating Kawandi by hand, and a discussion of creating Kawandi in your own style. This tutorial describes a new way of creating Kawandi by machine. These are NOT traditional Kawandi, but inspired by the joy and movement of Kawandi-style. I started with a background piece of fabric approximately 8x10", a piece of batting of the same size, and many scraps of batiks or quilting cottons. 1) Place the background over the batting, right side up (this is a quilt as you go technique, so the batting is incorporated from the beginning. 2) Place 4 scraps in the corners, right side DOWN - NOTE I'm using batiks in these examples, so its hard to tell that these pieces are upside down. In this image, you are looking at what will be the WRONG side of those scrap corners. 3) Begin UNDERLAPPING adjoining scraps into the corners. Fold approximately 1/4 inch on the side that will go UNDER the corner. Again, the scraps are placed upside down. Pin the piece in place along the edge. This will be machine sewn. 4) When you get to the next corner, fold the 1/4 inch on both sides of the scrap because it will go under 2 pieces of fabric. 5) Continue folding and underlapping scraps, pinning along the outer edge until you get the entire edge filled. Notice that it doesn't matter if you use short scraps, or long scraps. And again, its impossible to tell from this image because I'm using batiks, but you are looking at the right side of the background, and the WRONG side of the colorful scraps. 6) Sew 1/4 in seam all the way around the edge, removing pins as you come to them. 7) Clip the 4 corners close to the seam, being careful not to cut the thread. 8) Turn right side out by flipping each scrap over the seam. Use a tool to poke out or pull out the corners. There should be no raw edges of fabric along the edge of the piece because they are either in the seam OR they are folded under. 9) Carefully press the outer edge - taking care not to press the batting, as it might melt depending on fiber content. 10) The result is a piece with finished edges like this: 11) Top stitch close to the edge, This will secure all the folded under edges of each scrap. 12) When you are on the 4th side, approaching the beginning of your stitch line, turn the corner about 1/4" or 3/8" before you get there, to start the 'spiral' of stitching. The next steps are done just like Kawandi by hand, but you continue sewing on the machine. 13) To place the next piece, fold under 2 edges. Finger press or iron as necessary. Overlap the unfinished edges of previous scraps. 14) to place a color into a long strip, fold under 3 edges, staying aware of where you will place another scrap to overlap. 15) To keep a small scrap straight as you sew over the edge, it may be necessary to use long tweezers or stiletto. 16) Continue placing scraps and sewing in concentric rectangles, into the center. Note: this picture is from another project than the ones above. 17) Prepare the final scrap by folding under all 4 sides, and sewing the ever smaller rectangles/squares of stitching. 18) For the piece made of batiks, I decided the center "squares" looked better on the diagonal. Although not traditional at all, I've already broken so many 'rules', that I just decided to make this mine. Also, I'm aware that traditional Kawandi have 'folded flowers' in the 4 corners. Include them if you wish. Make it yours! Paula RESOURCES: How to make a Kawandi by hand by Kieren Dutcher https://youtu.be/yFd0xEfKeto How to make a Kawandi by machine (with binding) by Mel Beach https://pieceloveandhappiness.blogspot.com/2019/03/modern-kawandi-making.html Margaret Fabrizio travels to India to learn Kawandi from Siddi quilters: https://youtu.be/WqdIswL96q4 Margaret Fabrizio shows her own Kawandi quilts, and talks about making them in her own style. https://youtu.be/4NRxqOqp_UA
A very general update on my Kawandi quilting adventures, including information on my next class session with Gotham Quilts.
Kawandi is a style of quilt created by the Siddi people of India, traditionally done by hand. It is truly scrappy and improvisational. While I like doing hand work, I was also intrigued by faster machine methods. I've listed some resources at the end of this tutorial if you are interested in creating Kawandi by hand, want to see another machine tutorial, want to see some footage of Siddi creating Kawandi by hand, and a discussion of creating Kawandi in your own style. This tutorial describes a new way of creating Kawandi by machine. These are NOT traditional Kawandi, but inspired by the joy and movement of Kawandi-style. I started with a background piece of fabric approximately 8x10", a piece of batting of the same size, and many scraps of batiks or quilting cottons. 1) Place the background over the batting, right side up (this is a quilt as you go technique, so the batting is incorporated from the beginning. 2) Place 4 scraps in the corners, right side DOWN - NOTE I'm using batiks in these examples, so its hard to tell that these pieces are upside down. In this image, you are looking at what will be the WRONG side of those scrap corners. 3) Begin UNDERLAPPING adjoining scraps into the corners. Fold approximately 1/4 inch on the side that will go UNDER the corner. Again, the scraps are placed upside down. Pin the piece in place along the edge. This will be machine sewn. 4) When you get to the next corner, fold the 1/4 inch on both sides of the scrap because it will go under 2 pieces of fabric. 5) Continue folding and underlapping scraps, pinning along the outer edge until you get the entire edge filled. Notice that it doesn't matter if you use short scraps, or long scraps. And again, its impossible to tell from this image because I'm using batiks, but you are looking at the right side of the background, and the WRONG side of the colorful scraps. 6) Sew 1/4 in seam all the way around the edge, removing pins as you come to them. 7) Clip the 4 corners close to the seam, being careful not to cut the thread. 8) Turn right side out by flipping each scrap over the seam. Use a tool to poke out or pull out the corners. There should be no raw edges of fabric along the edge of the piece because they are either in the seam OR they are folded under. 9) Carefully press the outer edge - taking care not to press the batting, as it might melt depending on fiber content. 10) The result is a piece with finished edges like this: 11) Top stitch close to the edge, This will secure all the folded under edges of each scrap. 12) When you are on the 4th side, approaching the beginning of your stitch line, turn the corner about 1/4" or 3/8" before you get there, to start the 'spiral' of stitching. The next steps are done just like Kawandi by hand, but you continue sewing on the machine. 13) To place the next piece, fold under 2 edges. Finger press or iron as necessary. Overlap the unfinished edges of previous scraps. 14) to place a color into a long strip, fold under 3 edges, staying aware of where you will place another scrap to overlap. 15) To keep a small scrap straight as you sew over the edge, it may be necessary to use long tweezers or stiletto. 16) Continue placing scraps and sewing in concentric rectangles, into the center. Note: this picture is from another project than the ones above. 17) Prepare the final scrap by folding under all 4 sides, and sewing the ever smaller rectangles/squares of stitching. 18) For the piece made of batiks, I decided the center "squares" looked better on the diagonal. Although not traditional at all, I've already broken so many 'rules', that I just decided to make this mine. Also, I'm aware that traditional Kawandi have 'folded flowers' in the 4 corners. Include them if you wish. Make it yours! Paula RESOURCES: How to make a Kawandi by hand by Kieren Dutcher https://youtu.be/yFd0xEfKeto How to make a Kawandi by machine (with binding) by Mel Beach https://pieceloveandhappiness.blogspot.com/2019/03/modern-kawandi-making.html Margaret Fabrizio travels to India to learn Kawandi from Siddi quilters: https://youtu.be/WqdIswL96q4 Margaret Fabrizio shows her own Kawandi quilts, and talks about making them in her own style. https://youtu.be/4NRxqOqp_UA
I finished making my large kawandi style quilt! 19 months after starting, Oscar and I are snuggling with a finished project, and we love it.
Kawandi is a style of quilt created by the Siddi people of India, traditionally done by hand. It is truly scrappy and improvisational. While I like doing hand work, I was also intrigued by faster machine methods. I've listed some resources at the end of this tutorial if you are interested in creating Kawandi by hand, want to see another machine tutorial, want to see some footage of Siddi creating Kawandi by hand, and a discussion of creating Kawandi in your own style. This tutorial describes a new way of creating Kawandi by machine. These are NOT traditional Kawandi, but inspired by the joy and movement of Kawandi-style. I started with a background piece of fabric approximately 8x10", a piece of batting of the same size, and many scraps of batiks or quilting cottons. 1) Place the background over the batting, right side up (this is a quilt as you go technique, so the batting is incorporated from the beginning. 2) Place 4 scraps in the corners, right side DOWN - NOTE I'm using batiks in these examples, so its hard to tell that these pieces are upside down. In this image, you are looking at what will be the WRONG side of those scrap corners. 3) Begin UNDERLAPPING adjoining scraps into the corners. Fold approximately 1/4 inch on the side that will go UNDER the corner. Again, the scraps are placed upside down. Pin the piece in place along the edge. This will be machine sewn. 4) When you get to the next corner, fold the 1/4 inch on both sides of the scrap because it will go under 2 pieces of fabric. 5) Continue folding and underlapping scraps, pinning along the outer edge until you get the entire edge filled. Notice that it doesn't matter if you use short scraps, or long scraps. And again, its impossible to tell from this image because I'm using batiks, but you are looking at the right side of the background, and the WRONG side of the colorful scraps. 6) Sew 1/4 in seam all the way around the edge, removing pins as you come to them. 7) Clip the 4 corners close to the seam, being careful not to cut the thread. 8) Turn right side out by flipping each scrap over the seam. Use a tool to poke out or pull out the corners. There should be no raw edges of fabric along the edge of the piece because they are either in the seam OR they are folded under. 9) Carefully press the outer edge - taking care not to press the batting, as it might melt depending on fiber content. 10) The result is a piece with finished edges like this: 11) Top stitch close to the edge, This will secure all the folded under edges of each scrap. 12) When you are on the 4th side, approaching the beginning of your stitch line, turn the corner about 1/4" or 3/8" before you get there, to start the 'spiral' of stitching. The next steps are done just like Kawandi by hand, but you continue sewing on the machine. 13) To place the next piece, fold under 2 edges. Finger press or iron as necessary. Overlap the unfinished edges of previous scraps. 14) to place a color into a long strip, fold under 3 edges, staying aware of where you will place another scrap to overlap. 15) To keep a small scrap straight as you sew over the edge, it may be necessary to use long tweezers or stiletto. 16) Continue placing scraps and sewing in concentric rectangles, into the center. Note: this picture is from another project than the ones above. 17) Prepare the final scrap by folding under all 4 sides, and sewing the ever smaller rectangles/squares of stitching. 18) For the piece made of batiks, I decided the center "squares" looked better on the diagonal. Although not traditional at all, I've already broken so many 'rules', that I just decided to make this mine. Also, I'm aware that traditional Kawandi have 'folded flowers' in the 4 corners. Include them if you wish. Make it yours! Paula RESOURCES: How to make a Kawandi by hand by Kieren Dutcher https://youtu.be/yFd0xEfKeto How to make a Kawandi by machine (with binding) by Mel Beach https://pieceloveandhappiness.blogspot.com/2019/03/modern-kawandi-making.html Margaret Fabrizio travels to India to learn Kawandi from Siddi quilters: https://youtu.be/WqdIswL96q4 Margaret Fabrizio shows her own Kawandi quilts, and talks about making them in her own style. https://youtu.be/4NRxqOqp_UA
I finished making my large kawandi style quilt! 19 months after starting, Oscar and I are snuggling with a finished project, and we love it.
Deze paardebloemborduurset maakt gebruik van draden in prachtig goud, blauw, crème en bruin om een groep bloemen te creëren die allemaal anders zijn. Samen creëren ze een prachtig ontwerp in Scandinavische stijl. De steken zijn eenvoudig te maken en er worden volledige instructies gegeven. Het eigentijdse ontwerp is een geweldig cadeau voor iedereen die van modern borduurwerk houdt. En als je op zoek bent naar een ontwerp dat goed past bij de paardebloemen, bekijk dan mijn Scandi-bomenset! https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/996445150 BORDUURSET Het borduurpakket bevat alles wat je nodig hebt om mijn ontwerp te maken: ✂ 100% katoenen stof met het paardenbloemenontwerp in kleur erop gedrukt. De stof meet 30 x 30 cm (12 x 12 inch) inclusief randen. ✂ 4 strengen DMC-borduurgaren ✂2 John James-naalden ✂Een metalen naaldinrijger ✂ Houten borduurring van 15 cm (6 inch) ✂ Duidelijke steekinstructies (alleen Engels) met diagrammen ✂ Geïllustreerde algemene instructies (in het Engels) MAAT Het voltooide borduurwerk is ongeveer 25 x 25 cm (10 x 10 inch). Past in een vierkant frame van ongeveer 30 x 30 cm (12 x 12 inch) met een weergavegebied van 20 x 20 cm (8 x 8 inch). BORDUURWERK DISPLAYFRAMES Geef je voltooide borduurwerk een professionele afwerking met een van mijn eenvoudige witte lijsten die aan de muur kunnen worden gehangen of op een plat oppervlak kunnen worden geplaatst: https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/701543387 GEBORDUURD CADEAUSET – EXCLUSIEVE AANBIEDING Het perfecte cadeau voor borduurliefhebbers. Cadeausets bevatten: ✂ Een borduurpakket paardebloemen ✂ Een borduurdisplayframe plus ✂ Een GRATIS hoogwaardige Janome-borduurscharen twv £ 7. Als je de gratis schaar wilt ontvangen, moet je de cadeauset bestellen, niet de set en de lijst afzonderlijk. https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1292060167 BORDUURPATROON Als je al een borduurring, naalden en draden hebt, verkoop ik alleen het patroon dat op stof is gedrukt, plus instructies. Dit betekent dat je je eigen garens kunt gebruiken of verschillende kleuren kunt kiezen: https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/780667542 GRATIS BORDUURSTEKENGIDS Kopieer en plak deze link in je browser voor een GRATIS gids en meld je aan voor mijn nieuwsbrief: jiggery-pokery.biz/pages/newsletter DINGEN DIE JE MOET WETEN ✂ De stof is van katoen-calicot, een beetje gebroken wit. Het kan kleine onvolkomenheden hebben die gewoon een natuurlijk onderdeel van de stof zijn. Kleuren kunnen er op het scherm en op de print anders uitzien dan in het echt. ✂ Milieuvriendelijke verpakking, inclusief verzendzakken die kunnen worden gerecycled. ✂ Op mijn ontwerpen rust auteursrecht en zijn alleen voor persoonlijk gebruik. Je kunt het ontwerp of eventuele borduurwerken die ervan zijn gemaakt niet doorverkopen.
Kawandi quilts have been on my mind ever since seeing the Collecting & Recollecting exhibit on display at the International Quilt Stud...
My orange Kawandi style project is complete. I quite like how this one turned out. Orange really is underrated colour in the quilting world. I stitched this one up with another variegated Aurifil 12 weight cotton thread which I found in my stash. I must have bought this one years ago as it was a surprise to find it when I rummaged around looking for the colour I wanted to use. It runs from a cream through to coral and then to a darker burnt orange colour. It's quite a nice colouring and worked especially well for this type of project. When stitching up this kawandi, I started out by keeping my rows approximately 1/2" apart. This was a way to reduce the amount of time I fiddled about with pins holding everything in place. Once it was all together, I went back in and stitched in between the rows of stitching. I like the texture which the denser rows of quilting produce, but I also quite liked the look for the rows spaced out at 1/2". It's funny how the more of these I make the more I'm learning about my preferences. And now there are four kawandi style quilt projects in my colour series. I'm working my way through my scrap tub in the order that they're on the shelf and easiest to access - yes a completely non-scientific or ordered way to approach this. It's a lucky dip as to which colour I'll stitch up next. It's that time of the month for FNSI with Wendy so I may even get around to starting my next Kawandi.
"Kawandi" means "quilt." That, and much more, I learned in a recent class with Sujata Shah . The goal of the session was for us to learn ho...
Quilts by Paula Fleischer, political and otherwise
My orange Kawandi style project is complete. I quite like how this one turned out. Orange really is underrated colour in the quilting world. I stitched this one up with another variegated Aurifil 12 weight cotton thread which I found in my stash. I must have bought this one years ago as it was a surprise to find it when I rummaged around looking for the colour I wanted to use. It runs from a cream through to coral and then to a darker burnt orange colour. It's quite a nice colouring and worked especially well for this type of project. When stitching up this kawandi, I started out by keeping my rows approximately 1/2" apart. This was a way to reduce the amount of time I fiddled about with pins holding everything in place. Once it was all together, I went back in and stitched in between the rows of stitching. I like the texture which the denser rows of quilting produce, but I also quite liked the look for the rows spaced out at 1/2". It's funny how the more of these I make the more I'm learning about my preferences. And now there are four kawandi style quilt projects in my colour series. I'm working my way through my scrap tub in the order that they're on the shelf and easiest to access - yes a completely non-scientific or ordered way to approach this. It's a lucky dip as to which colour I'll stitch up next. It's that time of the month for FNSI with Wendy so I may even get around to starting my next Kawandi.
A very general update on my Kawandi quilting adventures, including information on my next class session with Gotham Quilts.
I wanted to learn more about Kawandi quilts and the Siddis who make them. So last spring I took a kawandi quilt making workshop.
Quilts by Paula Fleischer, political and otherwise
A very general update on my Kawandi quilting adventures, including information on my next class session with Gotham Quilts.
Dear Liza, This week, I have learned about a whole new kind of quilting! It has been an adventure in history, geography, and craft. Kawandi quilting is from Western India and Pakistan, but it was b…
Examples of how to make hand quilted kawandi patchwork
My little green kawandi style project is complete. With Aussie television shows restarting this week after the Christmas holiday break, I've had lots to sit and stitch along with. It was made with scraps out of my green fabric scrap basket and two different green Aurifil 12 wt cotton threads (2845 and 1147). I seem to have at least a dozen different shades of pink in my Aurifil 12wt stash, but only these two greens. After sharing my pink kawandi last week, I've had a number of people ask me about my process in making these little quilt projects. I'm certainly not an expert and I'm really not making my quilts as the siddhi people would traditionally make them. This is just my take on the process after watching what I could find on YouTube and lots of pictures on Pinterest and Instagram. I've taken a few pictures along the way while making this green quilt, which will hopefully help someone wanting to have a go at making their own. I started out by pulling out my green scrap tub. I had a bigger piece which I would use for the backing so after pressing it and trimming it so that it was rectangle-ish, I pressed the raw edges giving myself a nice wide seam allowance. I have some very fine polyester wadding/fleece which I cut to size and tucked into the seam allowance. Again, not the traditional way of making a Kawandi, but I like the extra loft (even if only slight). Next up, I chose my first fabric to add to the top. Folded a seam along the raw edge on two sides, placed it on the corner of my rectangle so that the backing and top seams were aligned, pinned and then began stitching from that corner. I marked out my stitching lines at 1/4" (again, not the traditional way) but I like to have a nice straight line to start with. The process is then quite simple, just folding and adding more pieces when arriving at a raw edge. The idea is to have all of the raw edges tucked under while adding more fabrics. When I've stitched all the way around, I continue back around (kind of like a spiral), adding more fabrics when needed or when the mood struck me. I hope this made sense and that anyone who was hesitant to start stitching up their own project, will jump right in and sew, sew, sew. The stitches don't have to be perfect or uniform to achieve great texture. I'm thinking with February being the month of "love", I'm going to dig into my red scrap tub next and see where it takes me :)
Kawandi Table Runner - a fun and easy way to use up fabric scraps, creating a beautiful, hand quilted project.
I've been exploring the tradition of Kawandi and Siddi quilting recently and it is a breath of fresh air in my studio.
We visited this show of beautiful quilts at the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles. ...
This last couple of weeks, I've been away with my family, enjoying a Carnival cruise around the south pacific. We had a lovely time away enjoying time on tropical islands and sea days filled up with ship activities. There is always a lot to do on a ship. I knew that I'd need something to sew when I had downtime, so brought a small bag of pink scraps to work on a Kawandi style project. It's very portable style of project to work on while away from the sewing room. The night before we left, I prepared the backing piece and pressed the edges with a decent 3/4" seam. I took along my bag of scrap fabric, a needle and small spool of variegated Aurifil 12 wt thread # 4651, thread, scissors, marker and small ruler to ensure that my lines weren't going too far out whack. I also took a little packet of applique pins to keep my pieces in place when I rolled up the project before heading out to the next trivia challenge or show in the theatre. I worked most of the project on the ship and finished it off last night. I think I might choose a different colour scrap tub and make some more. It's nice to have a slow-sewing project ready to work, without deadlines to worry about. Have you tried making a kawandi style of project? When I saw the beautiful Kawandi works by Linda over at Flourishing Palms, I was inspired to try this style myself. I'm so glad that I did. The stitches may not be straight or perfect, but they were very enjoyable.
I've completed my third Kawandi. This is the quiltmaking technique I learned in a workshop with Sujata Shah @therootconnection. The quilt is hand-stitched, working from the outside edges toward the center. It's 16" X 22½" and pieced with my grandmother's scraps of vintage fabrics. There's one particular large-scale print among grandma's scraps - pink background with white flowers - so in the center I placed one large flower. Backing fabric is an old-fashioned-looking print by Denyse Schmidt. Batting is Quilter's Dream Poly Request. Thread is Aurifil #12. And I stitched with a Bohin crewel/embroidery needle #7. I like this type of hand-stitching so much that I'm thinking to make another one. After many hours spent sorting and piecing, I finished putting together a back for my Italica quilt. This is 81" X 91" and used up well over ¾ of the bits, blocks, scraps, and leftover yardage from piecing the front. I know it looks like a mash-up, but it works for me. Sandwiching and pin-basting will happen in the next several days. I've got two books to recommend to you. You'll want to add both of these to your reading list. One by One is Ruth Ware's latest book, released in September. If you're a fan of this author, as I am (The Woman in Cabin Ten, The Lying Game, The Death of Mrs. Westaway) you'll enjoy this read. Snoop is an app developed by a tech company. When the Snoop corporate team of ten goes on a week-long retreat at a secluded ski chalet, tensions between the two former co-owners is palpable. Liz, a former Snoop employee, dreads the week ahead and what it may mean for her. Erin, the chalet's hospitality employee, observes the guests interactions, picking up on verbal and non-verbal cues that make her wary, and a little concerned about the secret she's keeping. The storyline involves skiing, including terms that I wasn't familiar with, like "funicular." But everyone knows the word "avalanche," right? Note: Some characters use an excessive amount of profanity. Linda's score: 4.4/5.0 The Guest List by Lucy Foley is another unexpectedly delicious read. A wedding is about to happen at an old castle - a folly - on an island off the coast of Ireland. The wedding planner, Aoife (pronounced E-fah) and her husband have updated the folly, and this is their first big event. The bride, Jules, and groom, Will, are celebrities, and the guest list is exclusive. The best man and groomsmen are private school mates of Will's, and have a long history of schoolboy pranks and playing "survivor." Jules's only bridesmaid is her 19 year-old troubled sister. With everyone together, truths are revealed that have several people thinking murderous thoughts. The whole book takes place over the course of three days, with the author referring to previous days, and "now," the wedding day. Having the story set in such a wild place with bogs, a cemetery and windswept cliffs, enhanced by an approaching storm, make for an enticing story. Note: Some characters use an excessive amount of profanity. Linda's score: 4.4/5.0 Made by me; pattern by Dilys Fronks Have a blessed Christmas my friends! Linda
Kawandi is a style of quilt created by the Siddi people of India, traditionally done by hand. It is truly scrappy and improvisational. While I like doing hand work, I was also intrigued by faster machine methods. I've listed some resources at the end of this tutorial if you are interested in creating Kawandi by hand, want to see another machine tutorial, want to see some footage of Siddi creating Kawandi by hand, and a discussion of creating Kawandi in your own style. This tutorial describes a new way of creating Kawandi by machine. These are NOT traditional Kawandi, but inspired by the joy and movement of Kawandi-style. I started with a background piece of fabric approximately 8x10", a piece of batting of the same size, and many scraps of batiks or quilting cottons. 1) Place the background over the batting, right side up (this is a quilt as you go technique, so the batting is incorporated from the beginning. 2) Place 4 scraps in the corners, right side DOWN - NOTE I'm using batiks in these examples, so its hard to tell that these pieces are upside down. In this image, you are looking at what will be the WRONG side of those scrap corners. 3) Begin UNDERLAPPING adjoining scraps into the corners. Fold approximately 1/4 inch on the side that will go UNDER the corner. Again, the scraps are placed upside down. Pin the piece in place along the edge. This will be machine sewn. 4) When you get to the next corner, fold the 1/4 inch on both sides of the scrap because it will go under 2 pieces of fabric. 5) Continue folding and underlapping scraps, pinning along the outer edge until you get the entire edge filled. Notice that it doesn't matter if you use short scraps, or long scraps. And again, its impossible to tell from this image because I'm using batiks, but you are looking at the right side of the background, and the WRONG side of the colorful scraps. 6) Sew 1/4 in seam all the way around the edge, removing pins as you come to them. 7) Clip the 4 corners close to the seam, being careful not to cut the thread. 8) Turn right side out by flipping each scrap over the seam. Use a tool to poke out or pull out the corners. There should be no raw edges of fabric along the edge of the piece because they are either in the seam OR they are folded under. 9) Carefully press the outer edge - taking care not to press the batting, as it might melt depending on fiber content. 10) The result is a piece with finished edges like this: 11) Top stitch close to the edge, This will secure all the folded under edges of each scrap. 12) When you are on the 4th side, approaching the beginning of your stitch line, turn the corner about 1/4" or 3/8" before you get there, to start the 'spiral' of stitching. The next steps are done just like Kawandi by hand, but you continue sewing on the machine. 13) To place the next piece, fold under 2 edges. Finger press or iron as necessary. Overlap the unfinished edges of previous scraps. 14) to place a color into a long strip, fold under 3 edges, staying aware of where you will place another scrap to overlap. 15) To keep a small scrap straight as you sew over the edge, it may be necessary to use long tweezers or stiletto. 16) Continue placing scraps and sewing in concentric rectangles, into the center. Note: this picture is from another project than the ones above. 17) Prepare the final scrap by folding under all 4 sides, and sewing the ever smaller rectangles/squares of stitching. 18) For the piece made of batiks, I decided the center "squares" looked better on the diagonal. Although not traditional at all, I've already broken so many 'rules', that I just decided to make this mine. Also, I'm aware that traditional Kawandi have 'folded flowers' in the 4 corners. Include them if you wish. Make it yours! Paula RESOURCES: How to make a Kawandi by hand by Kieren Dutcher https://youtu.be/yFd0xEfKeto How to make a Kawandi by machine (with binding) by Mel Beach https://pieceloveandhappiness.blogspot.com/2019/03/modern-kawandi-making.html Margaret Fabrizio travels to India to learn Kawandi from Siddi quilters: https://youtu.be/WqdIswL96q4 Margaret Fabrizio shows her own Kawandi quilts, and talks about making them in her own style. https://youtu.be/4NRxqOqp_UA
Kawandi is a style of quilt created by the Siddi people of India, traditionally done by hand. It is truly scrappy and improvisational. While I like doing hand work, I was also intrigued by faster machine methods. I've listed some resources at the end of this tutorial if you are interested in creating Kawandi by hand, want to see another machine tutorial, want to see some footage of Siddi creating Kawandi by hand, and a discussion of creating Kawandi in your own style. This tutorial describes a new way of creating Kawandi by machine. These are NOT traditional Kawandi, but inspired by the joy and movement of Kawandi-style. I started with a background piece of fabric approximately 8x10", a piece of batting of the same size, and many scraps of batiks or quilting cottons. 1) Place the background over the batting, right side up (this is a quilt as you go technique, so the batting is incorporated from the beginning. 2) Place 4 scraps in the corners, right side DOWN - NOTE I'm using batiks in these examples, so its hard to tell that these pieces are upside down. In this image, you are looking at what will be the WRONG side of those scrap corners. 3) Begin UNDERLAPPING adjoining scraps into the corners. Fold approximately 1/4 inch on the side that will go UNDER the corner. Again, the scraps are placed upside down. Pin the piece in place along the edge. This will be machine sewn. 4) When you get to the next corner, fold the 1/4 inch on both sides of the scrap because it will go under 2 pieces of fabric. 5) Continue folding and underlapping scraps, pinning along the outer edge until you get the entire edge filled. Notice that it doesn't matter if you use short scraps, or long scraps. And again, its impossible to tell from this image because I'm using batiks, but you are looking at the right side of the background, and the WRONG side of the colorful scraps. 6) Sew 1/4 in seam all the way around the edge, removing pins as you come to them. 7) Clip the 4 corners close to the seam, being careful not to cut the thread. 8) Turn right side out by flipping each scrap over the seam. Use a tool to poke out or pull out the corners. There should be no raw edges of fabric along the edge of the piece because they are either in the seam OR they are folded under. 9) Carefully press the outer edge - taking care not to press the batting, as it might melt depending on fiber content. 10) The result is a piece with finished edges like this: 11) Top stitch close to the edge, This will secure all the folded under edges of each scrap. 12) When you are on the 4th side, approaching the beginning of your stitch line, turn the corner about 1/4" or 3/8" before you get there, to start the 'spiral' of stitching. The next steps are done just like Kawandi by hand, but you continue sewing on the machine. 13) To place the next piece, fold under 2 edges. Finger press or iron as necessary. Overlap the unfinished edges of previous scraps. 14) to place a color into a long strip, fold under 3 edges, staying aware of where you will place another scrap to overlap. 15) To keep a small scrap straight as you sew over the edge, it may be necessary to use long tweezers or stiletto. 16) Continue placing scraps and sewing in concentric rectangles, into the center. Note: this picture is from another project than the ones above. 17) Prepare the final scrap by folding under all 4 sides, and sewing the ever smaller rectangles/squares of stitching. 18) For the piece made of batiks, I decided the center "squares" looked better on the diagonal. Although not traditional at all, I've already broken so many 'rules', that I just decided to make this mine. Also, I'm aware that traditional Kawandi have 'folded flowers' in the 4 corners. Include them if you wish. Make it yours! Paula RESOURCES: How to make a Kawandi by hand by Kieren Dutcher https://youtu.be/yFd0xEfKeto How to make a Kawandi by machine (with binding) by Mel Beach https://pieceloveandhappiness.blogspot.com/2019/03/modern-kawandi-making.html Margaret Fabrizio travels to India to learn Kawandi from Siddi quilters: https://youtu.be/WqdIswL96q4 Margaret Fabrizio shows her own Kawandi quilts, and talks about making them in her own style. https://youtu.be/4NRxqOqp_UA
Kawandi Table Runner - a fun and easy way to use up fabric scraps, creating a beautiful, hand quilted project.
Kawandi quilts have been on my mind ever since seeing the Collecting & Recollecting exhibit on display at the International Quilt Stud...
Quilts by Paula Fleischer, political and otherwise
Kawandi style quilt project. Great scrap busting project.
Quilts by Paula Fleischer, political and otherwise
Kawandi style quilt project. Great scrap busting project.
This last couple of weeks, I've been away with my family, enjoying a Carnival cruise around the south pacific. We had a lovely time away enjoying time on tropical islands and sea days filled up with ship activities. There is always a lot to do on a ship. I knew that I'd need something to sew when I had downtime, so brought a small bag of pink scraps to work on a Kawandi style project. It's very portable style of project to work on while away from the sewing room. The night before we left, I prepared the backing piece and pressed the edges with a decent 3/4" seam. I took along my bag of scrap fabric, a needle and small spool of variegated Aurifil 12 wt thread # 4651, thread, scissors, marker and small ruler to ensure that my lines weren't going too far out whack. I also took a little packet of applique pins to keep my pieces in place when I rolled up the project before heading out to the next trivia challenge or show in the theatre. I worked most of the project on the ship and finished it off last night. I think I might choose a different colour scrap tub and make some more. It's nice to have a slow-sewing project ready to work, without deadlines to worry about. Have you tried making a kawandi style of project? When I saw the beautiful Kawandi works by Linda over at Flourishing Palms, I was inspired to try this style myself. I'm so glad that I did. The stitches may not be straight or perfect, but they were very enjoyable.
Kawandi is a style of quilt created by the Siddi people of India, traditionally done by hand. It is truly scrappy and improvisational. While I like doing hand work, I was also intrigued by faster machine methods. I've listed some resources at the end of this tutorial if you are interested in creating Kawandi by hand, want to see another machine tutorial, want to see some footage of Siddi creating Kawandi by hand, and a discussion of creating Kawandi in your own style. This tutorial describes a new way of creating Kawandi by machine. These are NOT traditional Kawandi, but inspired by the joy and movement of Kawandi-style. I started with a background piece of fabric approximately 8x10", a piece of batting of the same size, and many scraps of batiks or quilting cottons. 1) Place the background over the batting, right side up (this is a quilt as you go technique, so the batting is incorporated from the beginning. 2) Place 4 scraps in the corners, right side DOWN - NOTE I'm using batiks in these examples, so its hard to tell that these pieces are upside down. In this image, you are looking at what will be the WRONG side of those scrap corners. 3) Begin UNDERLAPPING adjoining scraps into the corners. Fold approximately 1/4 inch on the side that will go UNDER the corner. Again, the scraps are placed upside down. Pin the piece in place along the edge. This will be machine sewn. 4) When you get to the next corner, fold the 1/4 inch on both sides of the scrap because it will go under 2 pieces of fabric. 5) Continue folding and underlapping scraps, pinning along the outer edge until you get the entire edge filled. Notice that it doesn't matter if you use short scraps, or long scraps. And again, its impossible to tell from this image because I'm using batiks, but you are looking at the right side of the background, and the WRONG side of the colorful scraps. 6) Sew 1/4 in seam all the way around the edge, removing pins as you come to them. 7) Clip the 4 corners close to the seam, being careful not to cut the thread. 8) Turn right side out by flipping each scrap over the seam. Use a tool to poke out or pull out the corners. There should be no raw edges of fabric along the edge of the piece because they are either in the seam OR they are folded under. 9) Carefully press the outer edge - taking care not to press the batting, as it might melt depending on fiber content. 10) The result is a piece with finished edges like this: 11) Top stitch close to the edge, This will secure all the folded under edges of each scrap. 12) When you are on the 4th side, approaching the beginning of your stitch line, turn the corner about 1/4" or 3/8" before you get there, to start the 'spiral' of stitching. The next steps are done just like Kawandi by hand, but you continue sewing on the machine. 13) To place the next piece, fold under 2 edges. Finger press or iron as necessary. Overlap the unfinished edges of previous scraps. 14) to place a color into a long strip, fold under 3 edges, staying aware of where you will place another scrap to overlap. 15) To keep a small scrap straight as you sew over the edge, it may be necessary to use long tweezers or stiletto. 16) Continue placing scraps and sewing in concentric rectangles, into the center. Note: this picture is from another project than the ones above. 17) Prepare the final scrap by folding under all 4 sides, and sewing the ever smaller rectangles/squares of stitching. 18) For the piece made of batiks, I decided the center "squares" looked better on the diagonal. Although not traditional at all, I've already broken so many 'rules', that I just decided to make this mine. Also, I'm aware that traditional Kawandi have 'folded flowers' in the 4 corners. Include them if you wish. Make it yours! Paula RESOURCES: How to make a Kawandi by hand by Kieren Dutcher https://youtu.be/yFd0xEfKeto How to make a Kawandi by machine (with binding) by Mel Beach https://pieceloveandhappiness.blogspot.com/2019/03/modern-kawandi-making.html Margaret Fabrizio travels to India to learn Kawandi from Siddi quilters: https://youtu.be/WqdIswL96q4 Margaret Fabrizio shows her own Kawandi quilts, and talks about making them in her own style. https://youtu.be/4NRxqOqp_UA
Kawandi Style Quilt Project
This last couple of weeks, I've been away with my family, enjoying a Carnival cruise around the south pacific. We had a lovely time away enjoying time on tropical islands and sea days filled up with ship activities. There is always a lot to do on a ship. I knew that I'd need something to sew when I had downtime, so brought a small bag of pink scraps to work on a Kawandi style project. It's very portable style of project to work on while away from the sewing room. The night before we left, I prepared the backing piece and pressed the edges with a decent 3/4" seam. I took along my bag of scrap fabric, a needle and small spool of variegated Aurifil 12 wt thread # 4651, thread, scissors, marker and small ruler to ensure that my lines weren't going too far out whack. I also took a little packet of applique pins to keep my pieces in place when I rolled up the project before heading out to the next trivia challenge or show in the theatre. I worked most of the project on the ship and finished it off last night. I think I might choose a different colour scrap tub and make some more. It's nice to have a slow-sewing project ready to work, without deadlines to worry about. Have you tried making a kawandi style of project? When I saw the beautiful Kawandi works by Linda over at Flourishing Palms, I was inspired to try this style myself. I'm so glad that I did. The stitches may not be straight or perfect, but they were very enjoyable.
My red Kawandi project is complete and I have to just say I love, love, love the texture of this style of project. For this one, I raided my red fabric scrap basket as February is the month of lurrrrrve. I have a fair amount of red fabric scraps which meant that I had lots of choose from and play with. For the actual stitching, I used a variegated Aurifil cotton thread in 12 wt. I love the variegation of this thread as it works its way from a scarlet red down to a pale pink. Here's the back of the little quilt with lots of stitchy rows. I stitch these a little differently to when I hand quilt, having smaller stitches on the front, than on the back. When I hand quilt, I like to (try) have them even both front and back. I am finding these little hand stitched projects very addictive and have already decided on my next one, even though I only finished this one last night. Can you guess what colour the next one will be?
