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Tip: How to wash an old or antique quilt

First, I would never wash an antique quilt in a washing machine, at least not one which has an agitator as the quilt will get wrapped around the agitator and will more than likely be ruined.

I would also never wash a quilt containing wool or silk, nor would I dry clean an antique quilt. Wool and silk are especially fragile. Dry cleaners use strong solutions and are more likely to hurt a quilt rather than save it. I also love going through local shops, there is a wonderful Petworth antiques place near where I used to live which always had incredible finds, so it was just the best place on earth to find beautiful items for the home so always check stores like that.

Also, there must be no damaged areas–areas where you can see the batting poking out, rips, or places where the dyes (or other things) have eaten through the fabric. These are too fragile to withstand cleaning.

Most quilts in good condition (without damage mentioned above),can be cleaned first by vacuuming. You need to get a screen, fiberglass window screening available by the yard at your hardware store works well. Tape or sew binding on the edges to prevent the sharp ends from pulling threads or snagging the quilt.

Prepare a large table, or the floor by laying down a white sheet. Place the quilt on top, then the screen on top of that. Take a vacuum which is set at the softest suction possible by adjusting the air flow and hold the vacuum OVER the quilt (not directly on it). The vacuum will suck up dirt without pulling up the fibers. The screen helps prevent any damage to the quilt and holds all the fibers down. Vacuum the entire top of the quilt, then turn it over and vacuum the back side. This often is enough.

Some cotton quilts may be cleaned in the following way, but it is important to test the quilt to make sure that the dyes are stable.

Test each of different fabrics as follows: take a try Q tip and rub it over each of the fabrics. IF the color transfers, then it is likely it will run. If it passes this test, then dampen the q-tips and rub it on each of the fabrics. If it comes off onto the q-tip, then it will run.

If you have come this far without it running, then for the discolored spots, you can mix up a solution of non-chlorine bleach, specifically, I would use oh bother…Oxydol? It is in a blue container…and it is a really good addition to your washing…darling daughter is singing in my ear and I am having a hard time remembering. I’ll check in the basement later. Spot treat the areas using a spoon or a piece of muslin to tamp it on.

Draw some cold or at most tepid water into the bath tub…put in approx. 2 T of Orvus paste (you can get this at quilt shops, from Clotilde, or from some Livestock supply places (cheapest there….it was originally designed for washing Livestock–it is straight sodium Lauryl Sulfate and is gentlest on your stuff) into about 4 – 5″ of water. Buy one of the Woolite or CArbona “dye mops” to absorb dye which leaches in to the water…as a precaution. Lay the screening on top of the water and place quilt on top. Put dye mop on top of that. Pat the water through the quilt, not wringing. continue patting. Do not let the quilt soak as if the dyes go into the water and resettled, that is what contributes to the running of the dyes.

Drain off water, and run cold water through until the water comes off clear and no suds.

Press water out of quilt. Use towels to blot more water out. Lift the quilt on the screen (textiles are at their weakest when wet) and lay the quilt flat to dry…either on top of a clean sheet laid on the floor or outside. If you are putting the quilt outside to dry, cover the top with another sheet so that nothing falls on the quilt. Inside, put a fan on the quilt. After the top seems dry, turn it over and let the back side dry.

Tip: What is a scant quarter inch seam allowance and how can I achieve it?

When sewing by machine, you are cautioned to use a scant quarter of an inch seam allowance. This is becuase the double threads used in the sewing machine’s lock stitch (as opposed to the running stitch used in hand piecing) take up more space than the hand stitching. A 1/4 patchwork foot is indispensible in achieving a perfect scant quarter inch, but it does take practice.

Many newer machines have a guage for a scant quarter inch built in. In order to check, take a piece of paper, and feed it into your machine using the edge of the presser foot as a guide. That is usually 1/4″. Take out the piece of paper and measure it. It should be just slightly 1/4″ (not quite) seam allowance. If it isn’t, adjust by moving the needle and testing again until you get the appropriate amount.

Sometimes using seam guides which can be screwed into your machine can also help. The fabric is butted up to the edge of the metal bar in order to help you maintain the appropriate seam allowance. Magnetic seam guides are also available, but I find that they are too easily moved by accident.

Tip: Suggestions on making a difficult first quilt

I am making my first quilt, Baking Days. Probably not an easy one to start with, but that is the one the 3 day class is making, 6 hours total! (I may set this aside and find something easier). I am on the first block and realized I am using Glaced cotton! I will change to 100% quilting machine cotton, is this correct? Should I discard the first block and start over? Also I am using all flannel material on top. What material do you suggest I use on the back? It is for my son and will take a beating. Any suggestions will be appreciated:

I’m not sure what “glaced” cotton thread is but if it is cotton, it should be ok. You should use 50 weight sewing cotton for the construction of your quilt, something like Coats or Mettler. Quilting thread is what we use to do the actual quilting of the three layers of our quilt. Your quilt will be nice and cozy made in flannel. I would have recommended cotton rather than flannel for your first quilt because I think it is a little easier to work with, but I think you can make it work. Flannel is just a little bit thicker and sometimes stretches a bit. Because flannel IS so cozy, it would be great to have on the back too. I hope this helps. Maybe you would post a photo on our website when you are finished. Just go to the “share your quilt” button. Good luck with your project!

Tip: Help with quilts with ‘cotton’ batting having more prominent creases from being folded

It seems that my quilts with ‘cotton’ batting have more prominent creases from being folded, than my other quilts:

See my “quilt care” section for ideas, but in a nutshell, refold your quilts often so the crease does not have time to ‘set’. If possible, store quilts rolled up over a cotton covered tube, or lay on a spare bed. You can layer many quilts on the bed, and cover with muslin to protect from dust and light – rotating the top one would also be a good idea!

Tip: Have wavy edges?

My edges are wavy:

Sometimes the borders are too long. To correct this, you must measure vertically through the centre of the quilt, then cut the two side borders that exact same length. Pin the centre, the ends and in between and ease the edges of the quilt to fit. Follow the same procedure for the horizontal measurement. This keeps your quilt square. However, the edges can still get wavy if you apply your binding incorrectly. As you sew the binding onto the quilt, pull the loose end of the binding snug. This will ease in some of the fullness at the edge of the quilt.

Tip: Properly line up squares

My squares don’t line up properly:

When sewing rows of squares together, press the seams on one row to the left and the seams on the next row to the right. Now pin each junction with the seams “butting up” to each other, instead of on top of each other.

Tip: The proper amount of fabric to buy when shopping

When I am shopping and see some fabric I love, how much should I buy?

It’s difficult to know how much to buy when you don’t have a project in mind. When I really love a fabric – which is often – I usually get three yards/meters. That way I have enough to place some in the body of the quilt and enough for the borders.

Tip: Binding Advice

I want to cut the binding 3″ wide, so that it will show up more. I read somewhere that the batting should fill the width of the binding, and that sounds good to me. I’m thinking that the easiest way to do that is to just do a 1/2 inch seam instead of 1/4 inch when attaching the binding. This does narrow the border by 1/4″ but I made the border bigger than I needed anyway. What do you think of the above method?

You can do your binding as you suggested for sure. The other method some people like to use is to cut their binding 3″ and sew it on with a 1/4″ seam allowance, stuff extra batting along the edge of the binding, fold over and stitch down. It makes a puffier more pronounced binding.

April 2015

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Februready for Spring…..March…opps April update from
 THE HEN HOUSE of Charlotte…..
WOW! What happened to January, February & March???
 
Tuesday’s April 14th & 28th, May 12th & 26th  9:30 – Noon ~ Stitched by Hand.
Basic hand piecing and applique techniques are among the skills shared during these sessions.
Please join us if you are interested in learning or would just like to share the morning with us. Debby Kenney – group leader/instructor. Fee: $5 All S by H participants are welcome to spend the afternoon working on projects. If are unfamiliar with hand piecing; you are invited to sign up for a class to learn the techniques to get you started. Call the shop for details and a supply list.
 
Saturday, May 2nd , ~ Hexie-holics/English Paper Piecing ~~ English Paper Piecing/EPP is a quilting technique that uses paper templates as fabric stabilizers to ensure accuracy when hand sewing complex angles together, such as the hexagon shapes found in a Grandmother’s Flower Garden quilt.  English Paper Piecing quilts date back as far as the 1770’s, with the oldest quilt of its kind made in the United States dating back to about 1807 – 1813. In this piecing method, individual pieces of paper are cut in matching sizes and shapes of the quilt pieces and the fabric is hand basted over the paper templates.  During America’s Pioneer days, “paper” quilting became very popular. Interestingly, paper was scarce in early America and women often saved letters, newspaper clippings and catalog pages to create patterns. In many cases, paper templates were not removed from the quilt, the paper serving a dual purpose of both pattern and insulator. But these paper templates are also important pieces of history. Papers found in old quilts have preserved first-hand glimpses into pioneer life!  Today, new methods of English Paper Piecing, make the traditional piecing technique easier than ever. Come re-discover the joy of this quaint, time-honored quilt making skill.
 
Saturday May 2nd, 10:00~ Kim Diehl What Not’s Club
 
Thursday’s 10:00 ~ 7:00 — “Projects In Waiting” – Use this opportunity to work on a current project, one of those hidden gems that has been in “time out” or one that is just waiting for the “round tuit’s” we all are looking for… Prepare for a day of pins, needles and fun!
 
Saturday, April 18th, Rug Hooking Workshop with Alie. If you’ve wanted to see what “Hooking” is about visit the shop and observe while the students color in the spaces with wool.
 
Saturday, April 18th, Early Weavers Group from The Greater Lansing Weavers Guild will be here studying “Rep Weave”. Contact the Shop for details if you’d like to find out what it’s all about.
If you are interested in learning how to weave on a Rigid Heddle or Harness loom; contact the shop for details.
 
Saturday, April 18th & Sunday, April 19th. Charlotte Chamber of Commerce and LOCALS in Business will be offering an Eaton County Home & Business Expo.
The event is being held at the Charlotte High School in the Gymnasium.
Due to our scheduled events, we will not be on site. Our information & a coupon will be at the Chamber table.
 
Saturday, April 25th & May 23rd, 10:00 – ? Hand Crank Sewing Machine group (they do allow vintage machines with “tails”) will be in the Coop.
Bring your machine, maybe a snack and join the fun. Lunch has been pot luck, ordered in, brown bag or stepping out to eat at one of Charlottes local eateries.
If the idea of a Hand Crank machine intrigues you, stop in and visit while the group is here or,
there is a Hand Crank machine available for you to look at in the Shop.
Call the Shop for information.
 
Wednesday, April 29th & May 27th, 10:00 – Wednesday Woolies ~ Share the day with others working with wool. It’s not all the itchy stuff we’re used to.
Wool Hand Applique and Rug Hooking are among the projects worked on throughout the day.
 
Join us on May 2nd for a new class opportunity.
~ Ever wonder what to do with unused t-shirts.., looked at all those Pinterest photos but not sure how to proceed…? We are offering a class in recycling unused t-shirts into skirts!
Kari Rudesail will show you how to make something old into something new.
Come in or contact the Shop for details and supply list.
 

Quilt Shows
Genesee Star Quilters – April 24th & 25th @ Flushing United Methodist
 
Sauder Village – April 28th – May 3rd
 
Tulip Time – May 2nd, 4th – 9th @ Holland Area Arts Council
 
Cameo Quilters Guild Friday, June 5th & Saturday June 6th @ Madison Place Conf. Ctr.
 
Cal-Co Quilt Show – Saturday, July 11th & Sunday, July 12th 10:00 – 4:00 @ the Marshall High School. Held this year in conjunction with the Marshall Garden Tour.  
 

We continue to carry the traditional fabrics while offering some other choices/flavors in modern prints, brights, 30’s, and batiks.
Wool continues to find a way into customer bags for hand applique, rug hooking and clothing.
New bolts of homespun, flannel, brushed cotton and linen are in stock; along with the basics & traditional.
Don’t like to piece your quilt backing…..? We offer over 40 bolts of 108” wide fabric for you to choose from.
 
If there is a technique you would like to learn; please let us know & we will set up a class time to work with you.
 
 
***We are in the process of upgrading our website… It will take us some time to transfer product from one place to another, but we look forward to having a more user friendly site for you to experience.
 
 
 

The 2015 ROW by ROW Experience
Starting June 21st.
As you make your travel plans for the Experience, Please Note that…..
*WE WILL NOT BE OPEN ON SUNDAY, JUNE 21st.*
We will begin on Monday, June 22nd
 
Our “Row” is completed and on display.
We’ve named it “Jelly Baby”
It can be used vertically or horizontally.
A License Plate will also be available this year!
If you are unfamiliar with the “Row by Row Experience”…
It is an opportunity to visit shops across Michigan, the United States and parts of Canada.
There is no cost to join the “RRE”, all you need to do when you GO INTO THE SHOP is request a FREE pattern of that Shops’ unique “Row”.
Shops may offer kits at a nominal cost, if you would like to have the same colors/fabrics that is in their specific sample.
 IF…you are unable to visit; you must wait until the end of October for a pattern. You may call the shop to leave your information, send us an email, or send us a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
We will send the pattern at the end of the 2015 “RRE”.
For more information, check out https://www.facebook.com/MIRowbyRowExperienceor http://www.rowbyrowexperience.com/
 

We have been blessed with smiles, laughter, new faces, fun & food over the last 9 months. We thank you for continuing the tradition with us.

We are going to be updating our newsletters this year! Please check your subscription preferences so that you will get the messages that you want to receive. There are a bunch of categories and you can select as many or as few as you like. Thanks in advance!! 
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April Calendar

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
29

 

30

 

31

 

1

 

2
Projects in 
Waiting

 

3

 

4
Whatnots

 

5

 

6
Whatnots

 

7

 

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9
Projects in 
Waiting

 

10

 

11

 

12

 

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14
Hand Piecing

 

15

 

16
Projects in 
Waiting

 

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18
Hooking Workshop (Full)

Early weavers

Home/Business Expo

19
Home/Business Expo

 

20

 

21

 

22

 

23
Projects in 
Waiting

 

24

 

25
Crankers

 

26

 

27

 

28
Hand Piecing

 

29
Wednesday Woolies

 

30
Projects in 
Waiting

 

1

 

2
Whatnots
Hexie Holics

 

3

 

4
Whatnots

 

5

 

6

 

7
Projects in 
Waiting

 

8

 

9

 

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January 2015

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Notes from The Hen House

Merry New Year!

THANK YOU…. for your support and encouragement during the last 7 months!
It has been a blessing to serve you in your creative pursuits. We look forward to sharing the joy of stitching with you in 2015!
 
Looking at 2015…..
*We anticipate a revamp of the website.

*Classes, classes, classes….. The calendar is complete yet but we anticipate some fun with fabric. 

*BOM’s!!! We have a few! Our wool BOM is FULL! (we do have extra Lori Smith patterns).
The other BOM’s are “list in waiting” mode, please contact the store for details and to sign up.
We will be offering a “Sew-a-long” to go with the quilt of the quarter by Pam Buda. We just received the shop kit…, stitching will begin after January 1st.

*Kim Diehl’s 2nd Whatnots Club will start in March. We have enough fabric to make kits for the first 10 people who sign up.

*Groups! We enjoy the groups that meet at the store and will be starting another group called Projects in Waiting.
The group will meet every Thursday from 11-7. Group members will be able to work on various types of projects by hand or machine. Please let us know on Wednesdays if a large group will be joining us.

*The Row by Row Experience starts June 21st and will continue through Labor Day. The Experience now includes all 50 states and Canada… The theme is “Water”, all shops must submit their design(s) by April.  We will have a license plate for 2015.

*Consignments- There are currently books, rugs, towels, scarves, jewelry, roving and handspun yarns offered in the store. The woven items are 25% off the tag price.

*Weaving & Spinning-We do offer weaving classes on floor & table top harness looms, along with Rigid Heddle looms.

We are looking for a few spinners to offer their expertise to others. Having other weaving & spinning supplies in the store is still a work in progress.
 
May 2015 be a great year for you and your family!
Carolyn, Elise, Ronda, Julie, Amy, Julie, Debby, Linda, Wendy, Kari & Buttons

We are going to be updating our newsletters this year! Please check your subscription preferences so that you will get the messages that you want to receive. There are a bunch of categories and you can select as many or as few as you like. Thanks in advance!! 
Projects in Waiting! A new group meeting just to work on protects together. Any project you want. Bring friends, food, and be ready for fun! This group is to inspire one another, help each other with design ideas and to encourage creativity. All people and projects welcome! 

What is a project in waiting? We used to call them UFOs, or PHDs. They are the quilt you started 7 years ago, your first wool applique project that you aren’t excited about anymore, those blocks you just don’t know what to do with. Any project you have started or are thinking of starting, but that you need some friendly advice or inspiration for.

This group will be meeting every Thursday, so come and join us anytime you can!!

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January Calendar

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
28

 

29

 

30

 

31

Closed

 

1

Closed

 

2

 

3
Whatnots Club
10:00

Hexie-Holics 1:00
 

4

 

5

Whatnots 5:30

 

6

 

7

 

8

Projects in Waiting 11-7

9

Punch Needle Club 10:00

 

10

 

11

 

12

 

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Stitched by Hand 9:30

 

14

 

15
Hexie-Holics 10:00

Projects in Waiting 11-7

Open until 7:30

16

 

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18

 

19

 

20

 

21

 

22

Projects in Waiting 11-7

23

 

24

Saturday Crankers

 

25

 

26

 

27

Stitched by Hand 9:30

 

28

Wednesday Woolies 10:00
 

29

Projects in Waiting 11-7

30

 

1
Whatnots 10:00

Hexie-Holics 1:00
 

2

 

3

Whatnots 5:30

 

4

 

5

 

6

Projects in Waiting 11-7

7

Punch Needle Club 10:00

 

8

 

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The Hen House

211 South Cochran

CharlotteMI 48813

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