Author: Lana

I learned to sew at age 11 at my local Singer store. I was so intrigued by all of the supplies in my friend's sewing tote box I spotted while playing at her house that I rode my bicycle home and told my mom I wanted to take sewing lessons. I found my niche. I made most of my clothes through high school and even made room for my sewing machine (in cabinet) in my tiny college dorm room. I bought my first quilt book when in my early 20"s at the St. Louis arch gift shop. It was a book about the Cathedral Window and I was intrigued with how that was put together. I played around with it, but continued to sew garments for my kids while they were young. I got back into quilting when my son and daughter were in middle school, feeding my need for continued creativity. I took various classes locally, and eventually made my way to Syracuse, NY for Quilting by the Lake, and Carmel, CA for Empty Spools. It wasn't until I took Betty Cotton's Cotton Theory Class at Camp Cotton in Osseo, WI, in July, 2012, that I found what I was looking for. Everything just clicked for me and I felt like I now knew this "secret" that made everything so much easier and more fun and had to share it with other quilters. "Quilt first, then assemble" means no more getting down on my hands and knees on the living room floor and pinning the quilt back, batting and pieced quilt top together and then trying to get it through my machine's throat area or, worse, paying someone big bucks to do it for you. And no handwork. I'm in.
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Cotton Theory 102

Cotton Theory 102 is the second in the 5 part series of learning all aspects of the Cotton Theory method of quilting.  Our project is the Button Back Runner.

Button-Back Runner front
Button-Back Runner front
Button-Back Runner back
Button-Back Runner back

 

 

 

 

 

 

You will learn

  • What the Cotton Theory method is all about
  • “Quilt First, then Assemble” allows you to make a truly reversible quilt while making only one project and when you’re finished, it’s already quilted!
  • The Wobble Quilting Stitch
  • The Joining Stitch
  • The Cotton Theory One Way  and Highway procedures
  • How to stitch a label in the binding
  • The Magic Triangle method of attaching French-Fold binding

This class is scheduled for three consecutive Wednesday afternoons or evenings in April:  April 15, 22, and 29.  Class is from either 1 – 4 pm or 6 -9 pm.  Cost of this class is $45 plus the pattern ($13) and materials.  Once registered for the class, I will forward to you preparation and instructions for the first class.  If you do not wish to embroider the center rectangle, there is a quilting option.

If you are an experienced quilter, you may begin with this class and skip Cotton Theory 101, however, either CT 101 or CT 102 is required to advance to CT 103.

Current beginning Cotton Theory classes, CT 101, are offered Feb. 9 and 23 from 10 – noon or 6 – 8 pm OR Feb. 10 and 17 from 10 – noon or 6 – 8 pm and is $35 which includes a pre cut kit for the 10″ x 10″ Candle Mat.

If interested, please email me at lanarussel@gmail.com.

 

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Cotton Theory 101

Cotton Theory 101, Introduction to Cotton Theory, is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 9  and 23, mornings (10 am – noon) or evenings (6 pm – 8pm). This class consists of two 2 hour classes and is a good starting point for those either new to sewing or quilting or those having some experience.  You will learn what Cotton Theory is all about and will be provided with a precut kit (choice of colors) for your convenience.  Our project will be a 10″ x 10″ Candle Mat.

Candle Mat backside
Candle Mat backside
Candle Mat front
Candle Mat front

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of this class is $35 (includes precut kit) plus the purchase of Cotton Theory Quilting 2, available on Amazon.  Please email me @ lanarussel@gmail.com asap if interested.  This class will fill up quickly.

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Disappearing Four Patch

I have been blessed with 9 great nieces and nephews and have 2 more on the way. I have SO enjoyed making each one a unique quilt.

This one is on its way to my newest Great Niece in Kansas.  It’s a Disappearing Four Patch made with two charm packs.  Check out Jenny Doan’s (Missouri Star Quilt Company) youtube video for directions.  Super fun and pretty quick and easy.  I quilted in the ditch with white Superior So Fine #50 thread.

Disappearing Four Patch front
Disappearing Four Patch front
Disappearing Four Patch back
Disappearing Four Patch back
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Idiot’s Guides: Quilting Book Review

 

Idiot's Guide: Quilting by Jennifer Fulton
Idiot’s Guides: Quilting by Jennifer Fulton

One of our Quilt Guild Indy members, Jennifer Fulton, recently published this wonderful book.  As I perused it for the first time, I wondered if it would offer anything that wasn’t already out there.  I found it to be the most complete book on quilting I have seen.  This would be a perfect book for a beginning quilter, but, as an experienced quilter, I felt it would be a great one to add to my library as well.

Beginning with the preparation of machine and supplies, including hand and machine quilting and applique supplies, to selection, preparation, and cutting of fabric (including color, value, saturation, scale, and style), it provides a step by step progress to begin quilting.  Other chapters include easy as well as advanced piecing and applique techniques, assembling and preparing a quilt for quilting, different methods of quilting the project, including binding, labeling, and making a hanging sleeve, finishing with how to wash and store quilts.  Each chapter is very well illustrated and ends with a project to practice the skills learned.  The last chapter includes 11 additional projects, such as a table runner, wall hangings, crib and lap quilts, and a twin size quilt.  Whether you are interested in hand or machine quilting, are a beginner or experienced quilter, I am confident you will appreciate this newly published soft cover book.

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Historic Home Tour Surprise

One of our very best friends lives in the oldest home in their nearby city and recently went through a major home addition / renovation.  When they moved back into their home, I gave them a quilt I had made for them as a housewarming gift.  They opened their home this year for their city’s Holiday Historic Home Tour and I was surprised to see they had hung it on their wall!  So, I’m excited to say I had a quilt displayed in a Historic Home Tour!!

 

Housewarming gift for my dear friends
Housewarming gift for my dear friends. Fly Away Home quilt.
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Christmas Jitterbug Rug

Jitterbug Christmas Rug
Jitterbug Christmas Rug

 

 

 

 

 

 

I know it’s Christmas once my Jitterbug Christmas Rug is down in front of my cooktop. Quilted this with double batting two years ago. For some people it’s their tree, for me it’s my rug.  Makes me happy!

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Christmas Line Dance Table Runner

Just completed this special order I received at the Holiday Showcase.  Mary Kay wanted this one for her dining room table

front side
front side
reverse side
reverse side

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

to coordinate with this one she bought at the Holiday Showcase for her buffet table.

reverse side
reverse side
front side
front side

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can’t wait to deliver it to her tomorrow!

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