Friday 2 September 2011

Testing the Dies

Lets start pretty with a nice fabric stack- I am enticing you in...
Interested?  Well now I've caught your attention it is carrot and stitck, the carrot comes at the end but meanwhile I have been testing my Accuquilt dies and not wanting to waste fabric I have gone to my ugly pile of 1980s rejects that I use to test ideas and shapes so I apologise for the dull fabrics but its all in the name of testing.  I was really happy with the Drunkard's Path die, it made economical use of fabric, cut a shape I would struggle to cut consistently by hand and added the handy notches.  I find the block useful and have other ideas for it in the future. The next die I wanted was 2.5 strip cutter.  this is a giant of a die designed so a folded piece of fabric will cut a 2 full fabric width strips 2.5 inches wide, handy for binding, sashing etc  But that is not all it will do...
Once you have cut a stack of 2.5 inch strips you can lay one pile down the centre- roll it through and you will have 1.25 inch strips.  You do have to place carefully, I tired using a bit of chalk to help line up but the spongy surface is not great for this.  Amy recommends a Sharpie for this. You could use masking tape for temporary hold but keep it well away from the cutting blades.  Better than this is placing the strips at a right angle, you will need to trim them, I did it to 5.25 inches, but it is a quick way to cut a huge stack of 2.25 inch squares, especially if you used the full length of the die.  It takes a bit more patience to do diamonds on the same die.  The strip needs to be lined up at a 45 degree angle to the cutting blades and trimmed at either end so it doesn't over hang
Chalk and masking tape would help again, I rushed this so my results could've been more accurate.
Diamonds are hard to cut with a standard quilt ruler so I like this feature but I think I would use scraps for this, roll them through to produce short strips and then diamond cut them.  It does make the strip cutter more versatile than I first thought.
 My final choice was the value die- this is what I always chose in giveaways!  It was more limited than I realised. It is designed to cut the shapes separately not all together unless you want to waste your fabric!  The shapes are compatible with each other, the triangles form a 2.5 inch square, the big square is 5 inches so you could use them together to create blocks.
The blades run off centre and I tried lining the fabric up to the edge of the whole die and then with the blades- I thought it was best lined up with the blades- the grain is straight and the accuracy is fine.
The best shapes are the triangles, I find these harder to rotary cut accurately and these stitch together without dog ears to trim and make neat half square triangle blocks.  With a little stack of 6 layers you can cut 12 triangles.  The squares cut fine but I would need to precut a strip and carefully fold it when I might as well cut 6 squares with a rotary cutter or using the strip cutter so not so useful for me.
The value die is what it says- good value- 3 shapes in one die but you are not really getting the benefits of bulk which is what the accuquilt does so well.  If I was choosing again I would go for a triangles die that cuts a lot more triangles in one go.   If enough of you register for this... 
22 Free Patterns - Download Now
 I might just do that!- No obligation really :)
So if I was you and I had 3 dies to choose, I would consider:  What shapes do you use a lot in your sewing?  I think any dies with curves are great as these are hard to cut using other methods.  The 2.5 strip cutter offers more variety  than you would think.  I like the triangle dies like this as they come pre snipped and easier to match up and will cut a lot more than the value die.  If you are an applique fan there are a huge number of applique blocks and there is a new ric rac die with curves all the way.  If you like rag style quilting there are rag dies, all the snipping done for you- saves a heap of work!  
So back to pretties- tutorial coming for this soon- 
Courthouse Steps cushion/pillow in yellows and greys, I am just waiting for some more grey fabric- I didn't realise I had so little!
and lets not forget this...
Comments are now closed!  Thankyou for all the entries.
To win an Accuquilt Baby Go! plus 3 dies of your choice with cutting boards included please leave a comment below.  Want something to comment on?  I have a big stack of Little Folks voiles that I want to make into a single sized quilt for me- it must be a quilt as you go friendly block and with quite chunky pieces-I want the fabric to shine! Any suggestions would be welcome.  Plus any experience you have had machine quilting Little Folks would also be good- I can't do hand quilting,  good for a quilt but bad for my hands. 
 Otherwise recommend me something in your comment- music, recipes, books, blogs, sewing, whatever, I don't mind.  
Your email must be in your profile or your comment- Are you a no-reply blogger? Check here International entries are welcome, the generous folks at Accuquilt will send this straight to the winner anywhere in the world!  I won't reply to comments this time but I will look at what you recommend for Little Folks or anything else!
Comments close 6.30 am GMT Friday 9th Sept.  Random Number will chose the lucky winner.
sib blog

170 comments:

  1. I loved you detailed review of the strip cutter. I hadn't ever chosen this in a giveaway because I thought it would be quite limited in use, but it turns out that isn't true.

    As for the voiles I think quilting with a slightly longer stitch length might limit puckers.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sadly, I have no experience with QAYG (but i'm so down with the kidz, I still know the lingo!), but I would like to recommend this recipe:

    http://abigailryanblog.blogspot.com/2011/07/theres-mousse-loose-about-this-hoose.html

    I developed it a we while ago, and it really is awesome (even if I do say so myself!), so I thought i'd be cheeky and spread the word! :)

    info@abigailryan.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. That yellow and grey combo is making me drool! Definitely will be adding those colours to my stash when I can :)
    I'm new to quilting so don't have any helpful suggestions but I'd love to recommend you visit my blog:
    http://charmaboutyou.blogspot.com/
    Hoping a bit of self promotion will result in some encouragement and support!
    Thanks for all the great tips in your blog
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  4. The only experience I have with sewing with little folks voiles is when I made a flannel and voile circle scarf. I found sewing with the voile very much like sewing with tana lawn. It's got a very similar hand to it. I love the LF range and think something simimple to show it off like big squares would look lovely although I've never attempted QAYG before.

    I have always chosen the value die in giveaways too - I won't be in future. I guess I assumed you could use each element separately and that's why it was good value lol.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Curved pieces are a pain to cut free hand so I'd choose dies like drunkard's path and circles. A square-in-a-square design is a lovely design for quilt where you want the fabrics to shine!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Very useful review of the dies. I'd love to have one of this little machines and, definitely, I would go for the triangle, circles and squares dies. I believe that it must be really useful and time saving specially for triangles and circles.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Great to read a very practical review of the go baby. I'd definitely go for the strip cutter, great for jelly roll patterns plus sashing and binding. I think squares would be a really useful die too and probably triangles.

    I've not quilted with the voiles so no first hand experience but i saw a lovely chunky pieced log cabin block made from them on the net somewhere or the Log Jam QAL at Simply Solids might be good.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great review K, how about tumbling blocks to show off those gorgeous LF voiles? Jxo

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oooh I love courthouse steps and I love grey and yellow, I bet your cushion tutorial is going to be fab!
    I would use a thin needle for machine quilting your LF voiles 70/10 and I bet those Aurifil threads would be lovely or some silk thread. I have machine quilted with silk thread before and all I can say is it's lush!
    Looking forward to see your cushion tute and new quilt!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love how you described using the Go Baby! Very helpful. My favorite quilt as you go was a wonky log cabin but I would think you would want bigger pieces to show off the LF voile. Hmmm.... I'll be watching to see what you choose.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh wow! Thanks for the giveaway! I would recommend the book "The Phantom Tollbooth." It is a children's book, I think, but it is very humorous. :)
    annesaprons@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. I have no idea what to do as I am not good at deciding how to quilt as you go.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Maybe some snowball blocks, then you could fussy cut the prints and let them shine?
    As for dies, I'm another one who is too lazy to cut curvy quilts, so I'd go for the drunkards path, circle die and the birds for a bit of applique action.
    Recommendations? Caro Emerald, fantastic singer, lovely album for sewing to!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I love the courthouse steps! I made a pillow cushion with that pattern, and although I have yet to finish it up - it is fab!
    I have seen a simple square patchwork with the little folks, and it is really nice - but I will be watching to see what you come up with.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thanks for the great review and give way opportunity - I've been interested in the strip cutter and was glad to read your thoughts about what additional things you could do with it. Personally - I think I'd pick up some triangle dies...(they tend to be the tricky ones to cut)

    I just finished reading "The Secret Life of Bees" and I loved it! :)

    jkdmam@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Great review. I hadn't thought of using the strip cutter for anything other than strips! How about a swoon block with your voiles? I love those swoon blocks! Thanks for the giveaway! :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. how about a bow tie quilt with the voiles, like this one:
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/flossyblossy/4839752125/in/photostream/
    or you could just lay them all on the floor and roll on them ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  18. For the FMQ you have to check out Leah Day's blog at http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/. She does such an incredible job teaching it.

    I think my choice in dies would come from ones I use most often PLUS the ones that are the most difficult to cut.

    ReplyDelete
  19. What a great review! It's nice to read sth. a tad less enthusiastic for a change. If I were to chose, I'd chose triangles, the 2.5" strip cutter and maybe hexies? i have just recently fallen in love with paper piecing those.

    regarding your voile with bigger "chunks": http://incolororder.blogspot.com/2010/12/vintage-sheet-quilt.html. the pattern is called "sparkling cider". it uses 20 FQs plus some background fabric and the individual blocks consist of rather big pieces - great to showcase the beautiful AMH voiles...

    ReplyDelete
  20. One of the best reviews of Accuquilt I have read. Thanks for sharing your experience.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Right now I'm reading a book called "Prayers and Lies." I'm not very far into it but it is goooooood! Thanks for the chance to win - I'd totally choose the apple core shaped die - cutting those curves by hand would give me nightmares!
    sweetbeebuzzingsATgmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  22. OH Kerry! I'm so excited! I love Go! and I sit and daydream daily over it too! :)

    I would definitely choose the Value Die! I also would choose the GO! Circle-2", 3", 5" so I could use Go! Holiday Accessories to make those awesome snowmen!

    My heart right now is chiming Christmas... and it's making a huge list of presents for my family and friends... (Probably too large a list that I'll never get it all done too!)

    Thank you for sponsoring this awesome giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Thank you for the great review. I am sorry I do not have any experiance w/ the little folks (new quiler:) This was the very best review I have seen for Accuquilt! thanks! I would choose - 5" square, circles and apple core!

    ReplyDelete
  24. thanks for the review. For your little folks quilt how about trying a tumbler. It might work well with QAYG. I would love the tumbler die as well as drunkard's path. Thanks for the chance.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Thank you for the review and the giveaway opportunity!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I do love the Little Folks voile and just bought some but I am just too afraid to tackle it at the moment, I don't want to ruin it! So I will continue to "pet" it and look forward to hearing your thoughts about it when the time comes. :)

    Hmm... what can I share? One of my favorite musicians to listen to when I am sewing is Andrew Bird. It is the kind of music that grows on you as you listen to it, not too loud and obnoxious and he's a true musician. He was recently highlighted on NPR: http://www.npr.org/blogs/allsongs/2011/08/06/138789922/andrew-bird-summons-the-spirit-of-kermit-the-frog

    BTW - I love, love, love your Farmer's Wife blocks. They are by far away my favorite that I have seen.

    ReplyDelete
  27. For machine quilting I recommend this blog - she is the bomb and you can learn a lot from her "start here" tab. http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/
    And a book recommendation - The Distant Hours by Kate Morton
    Have a great weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Thanks for your insightful comments about how and what to cut with the AccuQuilt dies. I like the Courthouse Steps pattern that you are showing and will look forward to seeing the tutorial.
    thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  29. How about a tumbler quilt. I'm really loving that pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I haven't yet done any quilt as you go, but I am interested in trying it so let us know what you choose. Love your courthouse steps pattern!

    ReplyDelete
  31. No quilt as you go experience here either although it is something I have on my to try list as some point.
    Instead I will recommend a recipe for Big Fat Rascals which I found here
    http://www.waitrose.com/home/recipes/recipe_directory/f/fat_rascals.html
    I tried the recipe and they were just like the real thing. See pic on my latest blog post
    http://asamplerofstitches.blogspot.com/
    If I were choosing three dies for a Go Baby
    I would choose Apple Core
    and you've sold me on the Triangles and 2.5 Strip.
    Thanks for the chance to win!
    Margaret

    ReplyDelete
  32. Oh goodness I want one of these little guys SO BAD!! I have been wondering about quilting the little folks voile too since I also have a big FQ stack waiting around for me to make a quilt out of it. My only idea would be to quilt it with a larger stitch, a sharper/thinner needle, and sparsely. No dense quilting for that fabric, it seems like it would just disentigrate around the stitches.

    And you should make this bread, if your a bread maker. I am a terrible cook but tried this and it was devine!!!
    http://www.thecurvycarrot.com/2011/03/28/rosebuds-butter-topped-white-bread/

    ReplyDelete
  33. i have made a quilt as you go quilt and thought log cabin was a nice way to go...your courthouse steps would also be lovely...no experience sewing with voile though...use lots of pins?
    i think i would certainly choose curved dies...apple core, drunkards path etc. thanks for a chance. id love to play with a cutter!

    ReplyDelete
  34. I have a stack of voile and am to scared to use it. I'd love to see how yours turns out. As for recommendations, I just go the book " The Kind Diet" by Alicia Silverstone. It's really good, I am eating the lentil soup right now. Amazing!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Someone already mentioned it, but the Swoon pattern would be lovely! You could also mix up the prints with some solids.
    I've never sewn with voile, so I don't have any advice to give.

    ReplyDelete
  36. No idea on QAYG for voile, but would recommend any of the Janet Evanovitch Stephanie Plum novels. Light, very funny reads.
    I like the bird, circle and tumbler dies, or the apple core...I am always changing my mind cos each one look better than the one before :)

    ReplyDelete
  37. Kerry! Oh... How I really wish to win this!! It would be the best early christmas pressie for me! ^_^ may I suggest pinwheels? Have you done pinwheels before? I'm making them right now and im hoping to see your beautiful work!

    ReplyDelete
  38. I have to say, your review has been the best one I've read so far!!!

    Your suggestions were really practical - I would have taken an embarrassingly long time to figure out that one can actually cut diamonds with the strip cutting die...

    renatem at mweb dot co dot za

    ReplyDelete
  39. I've never sewn with voile so no tips but I guess you'll want to make something simple? how about 9-patch?
    Thanks for an honest review of the dies you've chosen

    ReplyDelete
  40. Sorry - no Little Folks suggestions, but I would suggest the movie Food, Inc. - I just watched it and it was shocking. I also want to read the new book called Wheat Belly. Thanks for the giveaway!!!

    ReplyDelete
  41. I haven't worked with the Little Folks voiles, but I have sewn clothing with voile... I think you will love it, very easy to sew and great hand! Looks like you enjoyed testing your dies...

    ReplyDelete
  42. I've sewn with light weight fabrics, and with our machine there is a choice to select A for light weight fabric, and it sets the pressure and stitch length. My suggestions: don't start stitches right on the edge - leave room to trim down your pieced pieces just in case. Be careful with the stitch in place and back stitches, as can pucker or ball up bobbin thread. Use a new sharp needle so no runs in your fabric. If fabric slips and slides, try to use tissue paper over the feed dogs to help. Watch for ravels and stretching - big pieces are better. Sounds like will be a great quilt.
    New idea: Storage Wars is now one of the most popular shows on television. It's addictive!
    If I am so fortunate as to win the AccuQuilt Baby GO! and dies, these are the 3 dies that I would pick. #55018 GO! Value Die , #55012 GO! Circle-2", 3", 5" , and the GO! Hexagons -2", 3", 5". Alternate email mlwright29(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  43. I have never sewn with voiles, but I agree that big old pieces for those scrummy fabrics is the way to go! I suspect there are piles of voile, hoarded in stashes around the world, unsewn!!

    Today's suggestion - make a crumble with fruit from your own garden - did that for the first time today - priceless! x

    ReplyDelete
  44. On behalf of Grace who says, "I was unable to comment using my blogger identity and I'd love to be a part of your Go give-away. I am a new follower; Poppyinpink

    My comment was: I enjoyed reading your review of the Go. I would like to obtain a circle die to help me cut out lots of circles. A feature pillow I made recently took ages to cut out by hand as it required 60 or so petals, and I'd love to explore that area some more, the Go sounds ideal. Thank-you for the opportunity Grace: weftandwarp(at)hotmail(dot) com"

    ReplyDelete
  45. On behalf of Starlitnest!- who wanted to comment but blogger wouldn't let her- I have your email in case you win!

    ReplyDelete
  46. I just got a GO Baby yesterday. Sure could use some more dies. Thanks for sharing your observations and the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  47. I think a tumbler quilt would be really pretty & simple. I know that whatever you end up doing it will be beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  48. I haven't tried any QAYG quilts yet, but I'm looking forward to seeing what you choose to do!

    My book recommendation is for both of Patrick Rothfuss's books: [The Name of the Wind] and [The Wise Man's Fear]. They're fantastic!

    If you're in the mood for serious fluff, though, you could read [The Magicians and Mrs. Quent]. It's a ridiculous Frankenstein of Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, and The Turn of The Screw, but I couldn't stop reading it. >_<

    Thanks for the giveaway! :)

    ReplyDelete
  49. the thing i have learned with voiles is to have a large seam allowance. it makes for a happier life.

    ReplyDelete
  50. No experience here with voiles, or with quilt as you go. So, I'll recommend a cooking blog that I enjoy. I have made quite a number of things with recipes from this blog.
    http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/

    And here is another really good one:
    http://threemanycooks.com/

    ReplyDelete
  51. Great advice on the cutter uses. This is one of the most informative reviews I have seen yet! Good luck with the quilt I have never sewn with voiles. Ok a am probably the last person in the world to find this out ( I so do not have a green thumb) I learned this summer not to plant any thing in potting soil alone. My poor veggies and plants were dying and when I told a friend he said never use straight potting soil mix mulch in with it always. So I dug down around the plants and mixed some in then watered to let the nutrients seep into the potting soil and guess what? Beautiful plants!
    Thanks for having the giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Hey Kerry! This was a great review. I have been curious about that value die. I think I will pass on that one. Triangles, though, yes please! They sound great. Not sure what to recommend to you, you know more than me about most of the crafty stuff. :) Just posted a new brownie recipe on my blog though. You might try it and tell me what you think.

    ReplyDelete
  53. I've been into hexagons lately. Large hexagons, like Amy Butler's Sexy Hexy Quilt pattern would be fun.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Thanks for such a thorough review on the Go cutter :-) I keep thinking the drunkards path cutter would make me conquer my fear of blocks with curves!
    I think a simple pinwheel would suit the voiles, then the sashing can set each block beautifully! good luck with whatever you choose!

    ReplyDelete
  55. little folk voiles would oh so nice in a quilt as you go large block, layered and put together like a chathedral window, but cut a scroll in each of the 4 edges so that when folded over it looks like a wave. prints on the backside folded over solids that can be appliqued on.
    the backside would be squares of color, the front side would be framed squares with your favorite appliques showing. i made my best quilt like this, with butterflies in the centers.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Hmmm...can't think too well right now. Just got back from a beer tasting event. Beer is good...and quilting is good, but thinking about quilting after drinking beer not so good. Regardless I really want to win one of these. Hopefully this silly comment doesn't ruin my chances!

    ReplyDelete
  57. Oooo, I would love to work with the Go Baby's drunkard path and triangle dies: the former because your review *sold* me on it, and the latter because I have had soooo many rotary cut triangles in my life lately (by way of the Farmer's Wife Quilt-along!).

    Here's a book that I think you would love, recommended to me in the Natural Dyeing workshop I took last month: Victoria Finlay's _Colour: Travels Through the Paintbox_, which moves through the cultural, political and aesthetic histories of various colours and their source dye-stuffs. There are amazing stories connected to each one, and for a colour and fibre fiend it is fascinating stuff!

    ReplyDelete
  58. You could do a QAYG strip quilt just by cutting the voiles into different widths, joining a couple of the same width strips together until they are the right width for the single bed quilt, then QAYG with more stitching along some of the strips. Nova has a great tutorial here:
    http://acuppaandacatchup.com/2011/03/quilt-as-you-go-strip-quilt-tutorial/

    ReplyDelete
  59. This is my favourite voile quilt: http://www.flickr.com/photos/redpepperquilts/4541508511/

    Simple but oh so lovely. I'm guessing you could qayg instead.

    If I don't win one of the Go! Baby's soon I am going to have to have one for Christmas ; )

    ReplyDelete
  60. I found myself umming and ahing about do I or don't I get me a Go! Baby. After reading your review, which is very informative, it's going on my list of things to get. Love your advice on the various dies too. Thanx for the chance to win one.
    Sadly, I'm not familiar with voiles and consequently couldn't advise you. I doo like your courthouse steps block and fabric choice.
    wendzneil [at] googlemail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  61. I love the Go! So quick, accurate and the choice of shapes is amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  62. I don't know anything about sewing voiles, but I really appreciate your reviews of the dies! You're right about the value die-everyone seems to choose that one! Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  63. I love that courthouse steps block! So good. Thanks for the review, I hadn't seen anyone use the strip die and it seems so much more versatile than I had imagined.

    ReplyDelete
  64. Great review of the dies.....now for my choices....Hmmmmmm decisions decisions.....ok, I think I'd like the Go! Hearts, Go! Circles and the Drunkards Path dies pretty please :o) Thanks for the chance to win.

    I don't have much experience with quilt period...but I do like the string QAYG blocks I've seen, and you could use your 2 & 1/2" strip die and re-cut them to 1 & 1/2" and use those strings!

    Hugs
    Naomi

    ReplyDelete
  65. I have only just started again with patchwork/quilting after a gap of a very long time! I cannot believe how many new ideas there are- I hadn't even heard of the Accuquilt but what a wonderful thing it must be. No real suggestions for you except maybe use a long stitch to stop the voile puckering.
    Keep up the good work, I love your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  66. I think you've sold me that triangle dies would be the way to go...as for recommendations on the quilt as you go, I haven't had the best luck with that. Seems you always have to put to much stitching into it for it to remain "soft" and have a nice drape.

    ReplyDelete
  67. Thanks so much for the great review, I have done QAYG once and that was with 2.5in strips on a table runner probably not big enough pieces to show off your pretty fabrics :) excited to see what you come up with. Thanks for the chance to win!!

    ReplyDelete
  68. here's I a fun blog/ site I think you will enjoy:

    http://thepioneerwoman.com/

    Thanks for the chance to win a Go!

    Elizabeth

    http://piecefullife-elizabeth.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  69. Can I recommend you go to the Desert Island Discs archive on the BBC radio 4 website. Every episode recorded is available to listen to and there's some great stuff on there. Perfect listing whilst you sew.

    Thanks for the chance to win a Go! although I think I've given up hope that I'll ever be the lucky one!

    ReplyDelete
  70. Thanks for a really informative review. I love designs which let fabrics shine like snowballs or tumblers but have no experience with voiles. Hmm things to recommend, my favourite book is Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Thanks for another chance to win the "baby". No experience of these voiles, confused with curtain voiles but just been over to AMH blog and its description sounds lovely, designs are scrummy so yes to keeping blocks simple.
    Just finished reading Salem Falls by Jodi Picoult, not a bad read.......

    ReplyDelete
  72. thanks for the info on the strip cutter, My though was I can cut strips so chose other dies. but you changed my mind..

    ReplyDelete
  73. I love that you helped with a review of the dies. The 2.5" strip cutter does seem like a verstile choice. If you listen to books on tape while crafting as I do then I can recommend one that I listened to today by Monica Ferris, "Crewel World." It's a cozy mystery, the kind I like best.

    ReplyDelete
  74. I have seen this cutter all over bloggy land. Must be kinda good then I guess.
    I will recommend something since I am not a quilter... My daughter's favourite music video. She is only one, but she loves loves loves this video and goes wild for it every time! I must admit, I kinda like it too. It is from Marble Sounds, their track "Sky High". I also love the song. Nice and mellow. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkwU5OWKEeQ

    ReplyDelete
  75. I have a stack of little folks also sitting in my 'to do' drawer :) I absolutely love this collection and can't decide what to do with them! I am just a new quilter and so always choose less lovely fabrics to make my mistakes on....! I cant wait to see what you come up with! I have seen one quilt made with little folks, hope it helps to give you an idea how to use the different tones and patterns.

    http://calicoandivy.blogspot.com/2010/03/voila.html

    ReplyDelete
  76. There is a fabulous new quilt book out by Mary Lou Weidmann, called Out of the Box, patterns for cute pieced blocks and some 1 block quilts too. The cow block is to die for!

    ReplyDelete
  77. Thank you so much for this review! It's hard to believe that this is the very first I have read on the dies. So helpful.

    I don't have any suggestions about Little Folks. I can recommend a great series of mystery books, though: Louise Penny's Three Pine series. Begin with "Still Life" and then continue on through the most recent, "A Trick of the Light". They are wonderful stories, beautifully written, and great to read.

    Thanks for the giveaway.

    wordygirl at earthlink dot net

    ReplyDelete
  78. Great critical review! Info we need! Thanks!

    I love square in a square, birdbath, attic window, snowball blocks to show case fabric. But any block made large enough - stars, churn dash or wrench with a big centre square - does it for me!

    ReplyDelete
  79. I´ve never sewn with voile so no suggestion here.

    But I can highly recommend this blog if you´r looking for new recipes:
    http://ohsheglows.com
    It´s a vegan blog but the recipes are awesome for non-vegan folks as well!

    Thank´s for the review!

    ReplyDelete
  80. Great review! The value die doesn't look so valuable unless you're using all those components in the same quilt. I've not done much curved piecing. The 3.5" tumblers dye makes the cutest quilts!

    I've never sewn with the voile or Little Folks but I look forward to seeing what you do with it.

    ReplyDelete
  81. Thank you for your review. I too thought the value die would be a good option, but see now that it would really limit you.

    ReplyDelete
  82. I love the yellow and grey.

    I haven't used the voiles, so have no idea if they are more difficult to handle.

    I have only just started doing QAYG and am loving it, but the style I haven't used yet is when you piece to the backing and wadding as well. I have a bargello book that uses this technique, you sew your long strips together with the sandwich.

    ReplyDelete
  83. I have no experience what so ever with QAG.

    But I was thinking at the voiles and heard they looke very much like shot cottons that I know and found way too thin and floppy for easy quilting. So I'd say QAYG is the only way I'd do it again.

    But no matter how small the block is, I'd start quilting from the center. I know we're suppose to do this all the times, but I don't really do it :D, I don't think is necessary for quilting cotton. But for the shot cottons or voile... for me it's a must.

    ReplyDelete
  84. Sounds like a fun quilt! I will curious to see what you decide! Thanks for the chance!

    ReplyDelete
  85. Oh, such fun. As for a quilt. I would go with one of the larger squares quilt patterns. I really like the look of a 8 or 10" square. I would do a snowball block and alternate with a standard 9 patch. Set it on point and you would have a nice quilt. I am not sure how to make this QAYG. This is sort of new to me. I did see Nancy Z make one on PBS and she pieced columns and then sewed them together with strips of batting and backing. All seams were hidden and the end result looked quite modern. Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  86. Well you've completely caught me out; I was all ready to say 'chisel, 4" diamond and Hst 4" please!
    Thanks for taking the time to do a proper review. It was appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
  87. I think the dies for squares, half square triangles and quarter square triangles. Having those pesky points cut off would be so helpful. I have no experience with voiles but recommend reading The Glass Castle and Half Broke Horses.

    ReplyDelete
  88. Thanks for the review - very helpful! I don't have any experience piecing voiles, so I'll recommend a movie we just saw - "The Debt" with Helen Mirren (love her).
    I'd love to win a Go! Baby!

    ReplyDelete
  89. I like to use a sharpie to mark my dies. I don't have any voile tips but I agree with you about the dies. I'd love some triangle ones!

    ReplyDelete
  90. Wow what a great review. Definitely something I need to look into more I think :)

    ReplyDelete
  91. I am overwhelmed with the review it is so informative! The only thing i know about the voile is it tends to slip...not much help I know, sorry!

    I would so love the cutter with the diamond shapes!

    ReplyDelete
  92. thanks for the give away
    I am trying to do more sewing and quilting and this would help.
    I would choose: the 2 1/2 inch strip, the sparkle tree, and the cat

    ReplyDelete
  93. I love your courthouse steps! The fabric is so yummy! I think the tumbling blocks would look great with the AMH voile! Would love to win ..thanks for the chance!...Jackie@Pacitti.us

    ReplyDelete
  94. Finally! I really appreciate your candid review of the Accuquilt dies and how they work. I'd love to win a GO! Baby to play with. I think this tool offers a lot of possibilities for streamlining creative processes. ~Kd
    www.KdQuilts.com

    ReplyDelete
  95. Thank for the chance to win. I am looking forward your work with the voile. I found it impossibly difficult--wrinkles couldn't be pressed out making an unusable center area. It was extra wrinkled due to being wound on the bolt crooked probably because it is slippery as an eel.

    ReplyDelete
  96. I would love to win this. I usually make quilts with squares or log cabin blocks because I only ever use scissors to cut my fabrics. I'm a bit of a scaredy cat to use a rotary cutter as I'm sure that I will slice a finger off. So this would solve my problem wouldn't it!!?
    judithlynes(at)btinternet(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  97. Kerry, i'm loving those court house steps blocks! Gorgeous!! I too have some voile... that i am afraid to use, but love to touch :) I was just thinking about this the other day... what about paper piecing with them? It would give the added stability needed. Definitely using a smaller needle when piecing. So maybe a string quilt of sorts?? Crosisng my fingers for the go baby! Thanks for the chance!
    heydiddlewoolies (at) aol (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  98. Hi Kerry -- the only quilt as you go I've ever done is variations of log cabin, and courthouse steps. In some I fussy cut rather larger squares for the center or "off center" piece and then proceed to surround with strips, regimented or wonky.

    ReplyDelete
  99. Oh I so want one of these! I've been wanting to have a go at more intricate piecework but the cutting out always scares me off :S

    I can't suggest a quilt as you go as I've never done one.... sorry.... I'll look forward to seeing the photos though :)

    ReplyDelete
  100. I'm glad I read your review on strips and the value die because I was on the fence about them. The strips because I find the June Tailor multiple strip cutter very nice. No puckers in the middle. I have never worked with voile, but remember there was a qayg on a blog that looked super good, I'll have to find it and let you know. I didn't do it, but want to sometime.

    ReplyDelete
  101. Thanks for the great review, I think I'd opt for diamonds and circles if I ever got the chance to play with a Go baby! As for your quilt, I did see a Loulouthi tile quiltalong on Stitched in Colour maybe? Could you adapt that pattern to make the most of your fabrics?

    Ceri x

    ReplyDelete
  102. I have not used those fabrics, but if you want the fabric to shine, simple is better. Perhaps large 9 patches or hexagons.

    ReplyDelete
  103. Here are 2 "lists of tutorials" that I have come across recently - I thought you might like to check them out as well:
    http://mollychicken.blogs.com/my_weblog/tutorials/
    and:
    http://bloomandblossom.blogspot.com/p/other-free-projects.html
    The dies I'd choose are the 2 1/2" strip ( I always seem to use that size in squares and strips), the drunkards path and the double wedding ring. Thanks for the chance.

    ReplyDelete
  104. If I were ever lucky enough to have a large stack of fabrics like Little Folks I would opt to quilt them like this - http://www.quiltdad.com/2010/12/rectangle-swoonerie.html - to allow the fabrics to be the main feature. I think the simplicity is stunning. Not so sure about QAYG because I've never tried it.

    I could also recommend The Help by Kathryn Stockett if you haven't already read it.

    Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!

    ReplyDelete
  105. Wonderful! Thank you for the opportunity. I would recommend the movie Exit Through the Gift Shop - an interesting look at street art.

    ReplyDelete
  106. Thanks for sharing your insights into using the Go! Baby. This review will be so useful if I ever manage to win one :)
    I'm sharing a link that shows some of the quilts made by an inspirational lady. I could see several of the designs showing off the Little Folks voiles - especially a big half square triangle block. There is also a tute for her QAYG method the next post on the blog:

    http://blog.1choice4quilting.com/2011/07/meet-our-newest-facebook-fan-of-week_22.html

    ReplyDelete
  107. Hi! I just started quilting so I can't give you a recommendation for Little Folks, but I'm an eager reader of quilting blogs and love Red Pepper Quilts' (http://www.redpepperquilts.com/); Rita makes beautiful quilts.
    Thank you for the giveaway!
    ap_lemos at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  108. I've been on the lookout for quilt patterns that use biggish units too and my current short list has the Swoon quilt or a quilt with the LeMoyne star (Anita @ Bloomin' workshop just talked about it) or then the simple and stunning Whirlygig quilt from Malka Dubrawsky's Fresh Quilting which I think would be great for QAYG.

    ReplyDelete
  109. Jan (who has almost given up trying to comment and has resorted to being anonymous) said:
    I have made a couple of lovely quilts from this 'quilt as you go' pattern by this clever lady:
    http://www.bebebold.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=122&Itemid=142
    Squares are a focus so pretty fabric is shown off nicely. Might also suit your squares and strips cutter. Check out her site as there's lots of great ideas...
    My email contact is kennethheffernan(@)bigpond(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  110. i love the idea of using the strip die to cut smaller strips! brilliant!
    hillroad at bellsouth dot net

    ReplyDelete
  111. I would love the opportunity to win! Thanks so much for the review and the super giveaway! :)
    jamie.darkenwald@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  112. I'm afraid I'm no help when it comes to little folks, but I know you'll do something great with them! Your work is all fabulous!
    thanks for the fabulous giveaway! Fingers crossed!

    ReplyDelete
  113. What an inspirational post. Love it. Thank you for sharing.

    Oh, how I'd love to win an itty bitty GO! Baby to love and play with. I'm really wanting to make some Christmas items and would love the GO! Sparkle dies (Tree, diamonds, stars).

    SewCalGal
    www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  114. ooh lovely ... thank you for the chance to win one of these lovelies ...

    Could you do "Swoon" as a QAYG ?? It would look wonderful with those voiles ... om nom nom ...

    ReplyDelete
  115. How about a square in a square (and then possibly in another square!) or a circle appliqued onto (or pieced into?) a background square. Thoughts on using voiles - use a suitable (smaller?) needle, a 3/8th or 1/2 inch seam allowance to allow for fraying and probably pin more than usual (and I wonder if interfacing may also be a good idea...) as for quilting I think I'd go for a longer stitch length than usual and not quilt too densely. Can't wait to see it! Thanks for the giveaway - my mum saw one on Sunday and has decided it's just the thing for her as she (really) struggles to use a rotary cutter so I have my fingers crossed! Thanks again!

    ReplyDelete
  116. Thanks for the link about being a no-reply blogger!! I was an inadvertent no-replier. No longer though! Thanks for the give away!

    ReplyDelete
  117. Your review of the Accuquilt dies was not only fresh and honest but gave me new information as well. Your "out of the box" ideas for using the 2-1/2" strip die were eye opening!

    I was very excited that you provided the link to Happy Zombie's QAYG tutorial. Great close up pictures to illustratate the technique. I'm in a wheelchair getting on the floor or reaching across a large table are not an option. So QAYG offers a way to allow me to quilt. So exciting!

    Rotary cutting is also difficult so using the GO! or GO! Baby seems to be the next solution. Where there's a will there's a way. Yay!

    Thanks for hosting this giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  118. This machine looks very exciting. kglesser@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  119. I have no experience with FMQ. Oh well I did try it once, but after thinking that the front looked pretty good... the back was a total mess of string. I need to get up the nerve to try again some time doing some practice pieces. Someday!!

    ReplyDelete
  120. I love those fabrics but I can't think how to sew them together in a quilt as you go so I am sending you my favourite person to listen to at the moment. He is amazing if you like current music. Hope you enjoy it too.
    http://www.youtube.com/peterhollens#p

    mhairia77(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  121. I really liked hearing your honest oppinion on the different dies. As for the Little Folks, I've never used voile before so I wouldn't know how to help. Thanks for the opportunity to win!=)

    ReplyDelete
  122. Thanks for your review! I am scared to try voile! You are brave, I would love to hear advice on that too!

    ReplyDelete
  123. Thanks for the giveaway! Here is a great cooking blog for you. http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/
    Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  124. Love your advice about the Go Baby! I would love to win one of these. Lately I have been working on I-spy quilts for 2 nephews, and have been in several I-Spy swaps, and I've already used 200 novelty blocks. I have one more quilt to go, but I think now I have about another 300 4-inch squares, and a couple of bushels of novelty fabric, so I may have to form an "I-Spy Rescue" blog and see if I can adopt out some of these cute squares.
    I recommend Ree Drummonds "Pioneer Woman" blog and her Food network tv show on Saturday mornings. Gorgeous photograph of this Oklahoma ranch cook, home schooler and funny lady.
    If I win the Go Baby, I would select the dove, birds, and apple core templates.

    ReplyDelete
  125. Thanks for the great review! I would like to recommend the following blog. http://quiltersbooksandbindings.blogspot.com
    It's a place where quilters discuss books they are reading and share quilts they make based on those books. Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  126. I have been wanting to try a quilt as you go quilt but haven't found the right one for me. Have you wandered around Pinterest lately? http://pinterest.com/ I love that site :)

    ReplyDelete
  127. I have tried the Marti Michelle quilt as you go log cabin. It went together pretty quickly. The only think is you use small strips instead of chunky blocks. Thanks for the giveaway and the information about using the strip die for other shapes.

    ReplyDelete
  128. I liked your comment about using the strip die for more than making stips. I was thinking it wouldn't be used much but then you found some other shapes to use it for. I think a strip quilt as you go would be nice and then place some appliques on top that you could cut with the accuquilt. should make a nice quilt.

    ReplyDelete
  129. Great pictures. I like your stack of cut shapes. I love to machine quilt on my personal machine. To avoid puckering I have found that cotton batting (even the cheapest cotton or even 80% cotton 20% polyester) does wonders in preventing puckers. The fabrics seem to stick to the cotton batting better and don't slip around as much while being pushed around under my machine.

    ReplyDelete
  130. Thanks for the chance to win the GO! Baby! I just love the colors in your scrap basket! Can't wait to see your quilt as you go quilt. LOVE those too! Shahann at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  131. I have always wanted to try a QAYG and have seen some really neat ideas.... one of these days, I guess! Thanks for your review of the Go! I sure would love to win one of those babies!

    ReplyDelete
  132. Would LOVE one! It's fall here in Northern Michigan... leaves are turning color beautiful. I recommend lots of chicken noodle soup and bread for comfort!!

    ReplyDelete
  133. I'm new at quilting. I've only made one quilt - and a friend assisted me with that one. I don't have any of the needed items - self-healing mat, rotary cutter, acrylic rulers, etc. But if I could win one of these, I'd definitely jump on the band wagon and start scrambling to get everything I need. Right now, I'm just trying to win some of the necessary items so I'm not going to have to spend so much out-of-pocket to get started. And sorry, since I'm new I have no ideas to give you like you requested. Sorry! Thanks for the opportunity to win your giveaway, though!

    ReplyDelete
  134. I think any pattern with sashing between blocks can be made qayg. Thanks for a chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  135. I'd love to be included and have tried to win a GO forever!

    Here's a delicious blueberry pie recipe we just tried last week:
    http://girottifamily.typepad.com/mountain_musings/2011/08/blueberry-sour-cream-pie.html

    ReplyDelete
  136. It's great to read such a thorough review of something.
    I've only ever made one quilt and I cheated by using a charm pack.
    Recommendations - erm, I recommend chocolate, especially the giant cadburys chocolate buttons! ;)
    Sally
    xxx

    ReplyDelete
  137. Thanks for the great review. I recommend a non quilting blog called Kevinandamanda.com She has lots of great recipes and travel posts. Thanks for the chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  138. wow!!!! what a great review!!! thanks!!!!
    I would love to win it!!!!! :O)

    ReplyDelete
  139. If you like to read, the blog Bookin' With Bingo has great reviews and giveaways. Love that she has links to the author websites.

    I'm with you on the choice of dies. I'd like the ones that are hard to cut like the tumber die, triangles and the rag quilt die. Thanks for a great review! Have a wonderful day!

    ReplyDelete
  140. Hi! i'm a new follower, so I hope that my suggestions are useful (sorry, I don't know if it is redundant). I think you should check out the quilting podcasts. They are fantastic to listen to while you are at work or driving to school. It makes me a little less bitter against work or school, for keeping me away from quilting. Some of my favorites are quilting for the rest of us, nonnie's quilting dream, the off kilter quilter, American patchwork and quilting radio show, and annie's quilting stash. I started listening to them a couple of weeks ago, so I'm sure that are tons that I have yet to discover:)

    As for the giveaway (WOOHOO!!!!! I hope I win. So exciting), I would most appreciate the 2.5 strips, drunkard's path, and the circles.

    Thanks :)

    ReplyDelete
  141. I am not sure about a pattern for your fabric but I hope you get a lot of ideas. I have never been to your blog so I am glad that I found it on Stray Stitches. I am off to check out your blog. Oh, the give away, LOL! I would like the tumbler, the hexagon, and the value pack dies if I were to win. Thank you!!

    ReplyDelete
  142. I am working on a Kitchen Windows quilt right now - the pieces are nice and big to showcase the fabrics and it can be quilted as 14" blocks.

    Thanks for hosting the giveaway!

    dsdonovan23 () gmail () com

    ReplyDelete
  143. What a wonderful review...If i was ever to win I would likethe 2 1/2 strips,drunkards path and circles..thanks for the chance to win

    ReplyDelete
  144. I love a large center surrounded by log cabin blocks. You can vary the size of the center and the logs based on what fabric you have. I'd love to win a Baby GO!

    kaitlynmdonovan () gmail () com

    ReplyDelete
  145. just discovered your blog. You have a lot of wonderful ideas and your review of the baby go was helpful. I'd love to win one. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  146. Your review of the Go Baby and dies is great. Thanks for sharing your opinions. I hope to own one someday soon. I've never sewn with the LF voiles so I can't offer an opinion on how best to quilt them. I do agree with others though that the Go Baby Tumblers would be a great pattern for you to try with it. I love that pattern and will choose that die as one of the three, if I win.

    ReplyDelete
  147. I loved your review of the GO. I always thought I would choose the value die, but after reading your review I am thinking dies with curves, like drunkard path, circles, or apple core(I think it comes in a small version). I also love the birds and critters dies. If I win, it will be a hard decision. I will share my favorite music with you. I love Travis Tritt and Blake Shelton. Every day when I take my walk, I am listening to one of them through my Sony MP3 player. Sure makes the walk go faster and much more pleasant. Have a great day.

    ReplyDelete
  148. Love your yellow and gray fabric and I'd love to win a Go! I think I would choose curvy dies or good ones for applique. Thanks so much for the chance!

    ReplyDelete
  149. I am so excited about your give-away. I would love to win. I recommend patterns by Me & My Sister. They are not hard and I think could easily be adapted to quilt as you go.

    ReplyDelete
  150. Oh, I have been wanting a GO cutter for over two years now! I so hope I can be lucky here! I agree, I would choose drunkards path--love the curvy dies! Thanks for the chance!

    ReplyDelete
  151. How about reverse applique featuring that wonderful fabric? the background could be any complimenting solid and it still could be constructed as "a quilt as you go" technique.

    ReplyDelete
  152. Thanks for the chance to win!!
    I love your blog's design.. Simple and neat!!
    I am a new follower too!

    ReplyDelete
  153. Those are some muted colors, why not place some unexpected appliques in contrasting colors for a pop of color.

    ReplyDelete
  154. Oh, the colors are great for my blue and yellow kitchen. I hear a new tablerunner call me.

    ReplyDelete
  155. Thank you for the review!! I love to have a chance to win this fantastic tool. pick me, please!

    ReplyDelete
  156. This just looks like so much fun..it would be wonderful to have one. Thank you for all of the information!
    I am way down on the list...but who knows..possibly I will be picked!

    ReplyDelete
  157. There is a QAL just starting run by simply Solids called Log Jam and its quilt as you go too - and you can use the 2.5 inch die to its full potential. Take a look here

    http://madewithlovebymandy.blogspot.com/2011/08/log-jam-qal-is-launched.html

    ReplyDelete
  158. I haven't done any quilt as you go quilts. And I have only done stitch in the ditch machine quilting. (have only done 3 quilts).

    However, I can recommend a few books: Water for elephants, the help, the time travelers wife, the in death series, hunger games, black eager brotherhood(vampires) series, and the fever series(faeries).

    Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  159. I haven't tried QAYG yet, but I was thinking that a Bento Box might be nice with your Little Folks? That would let you show off some nice large squares of the pretty fabric. Thanks for an excellent review - I, too, would choose drunkard's path or applique shapes that are difficult to cut by hand. Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  160. I would love to win....of course!....grin. I'm in love with the GGo Cardinal, Tulip, and Rose of Sharon.

    ReplyDelete
  161. Great review and, as always, lovely fabrics! I have a stack of AMH voile that I feel I am not experienced enough yet to cut into so can't help you there. Looking forward to seeing what you make!

    ReplyDelete
  162. No experience with the little folks but a fun dissappearing nine patch would be a great quilt along project.
    ~Kimberlee
    spunkydiva at live.com

    ReplyDelete
  163. No idea about quilting the little folks, but a wonky log cabin would be a great QAYG block :) Great igveaway, and really apreciate your advice on dies. Very helpful Thank you :)

    ReplyDelete
  164. I was very grateful to hear your review of the usefulness of the GO Baby! I have been trying to figure out if I want it, (I do I have decided!) and what dies would be helpful. I use lots of little triangles so that one with all the little triangles would be SOO helpful! pinwheels are the bane of my existence when I am working on a quilt with them! Lots of triangles all over! I would love to win the Go Baby as it would save me lots of time!

    Sarah
    sarahfromorient@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  165. I would recommend Leah Day's website also for freemotion quilting. I would definately choose the strip for the Go Baby. Fan4may at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  166. Go with a nice long stitch, and quilting gloves!!
    Thanks for the chance. I've got GO envy, so here's hoping for some go love. I'd love a circle die, strip cutter and triangles (well, that's just for starters really!).

    ReplyDelete
  167. No suggestions for your quilt but I will recommend to you a few things: 1. The show 30 rock. Its not new, but its my favorite thing right now. 2. Peanut butter on your waffles. If you like peanut butter at all, try this with some syrup. It might change your life. 3. Tina Feys book Bossypants. Bonus points if you listen to the audiobook (which you can likely find at your local library) because she reads it and it makes it even more hi-larious.

    ReplyDelete
  168. I'm so glad you asked about sewing with voile. I've never tried voile but have learned a lot just reading these comments!

    I have a cupcake blog to recommend: http://cupcakeblog.com/ Her early recipes (2005-06) are some of my favorites. Thanks for the chance at the Go!

    ReplyDelete
  169. I am very excited for your courthouse steps pillow!! I haven't quilted voile but I did sew with it and was blown away but how soft it gets (and easier to handle) after washing. I thought it was soft before the wash but, nope! Practically stiff before washing ;)

    ReplyDelete
  170. Great review! And I love the Courthouse Steps pillow!

    ReplyDelete