Welcome back to Ask Kodiak, a cozy corner of the internet where quilting questions find thoughtful answers. Whether you're just threading your first needle or have been piecing quilts for decades, this blog is here to guide, inspire, and connect quilters of all kinds. From step-by-step tutorials to honest takes on trends in the quilting world, I’m here to share what I’ve learned (and what I’m still learning). Curious about a technique, tool, or quilting debate? You're in the right place.
Your favourite way to quilt on your domestic machine.
My favourite way to quilt projects on my domestic machine depends on the size of the project. I recently finished a small quilt that is on top of a dresser in my home that is completely match stick quilted. The density of the thread and how many lines I quilted added structure and stiffness I was hoping for with the project. Another recent finish I had in the studio was the quilt top highlighting fabrics I purchased on my travels to Paris in 2023 for my birthday. It is a simple checkerboard with 9-patch blocks, I quilted on the diagonal with a variegated thread that has been on my thread wall for quite some time and I love it. Thread is King Tut quilting thread that transitions between blue, green, and yellow - my favourite colours.
What are you making with the gold fabric in the previous slide?
This stack is a whole lot of “Potato Chip” pieces. A Potato Chip piece measures 2.5" x 4.5", just like real potato chips you can’t have just one. It’s an easy size to use when you’re working through scraps. In this case, I’ve had some Lion King fabric in my stash for a while, I figured it was a great time to turn it into something beautiful.
I’m using this project as my “leaders and enders” while I sew other things. Leaders and enders are usually small bits of fabric that you feed through the machine at the beginning and end of chain-piecing, to keep your thread from tangling and to maintain smooth stitching. Instead of running the same little scrap through over and over, I’m sewing pairs of Lion King pieces together. So essentially, I’m working on two projects at the same time without any extra effort. I’ll keep this as a thread in the Ask Kodiak section so you can follow along with the progress of the Potato Chip project.
Are the quilt Christmas ornaments back this year?
They ARE BACK! Long awaited ornaments that are traditional with a little modern twist, you can even make your own in Edmonton with me because I am teaching again at Fern's School of Craft. Watch out for a shop update for completed ornaments!
Where can I use a longarm? (renting time to quilt my own quilts on a longarm in the Edmonton, Alberta area)
You can go to Quiltessential in St. Albert, Alberta to rent their Gammil long arm machine. Be sure to call and book ahead of time. There are may great quilters in Edmonton that offer long arming services if you are looking to hire out your quilting as well. My go to gal is Gingerberry Quilts https://www.gingerberryquilts.ca/
Project Update!
Men's Classic Raglan Pullover by Jane Richmond - the project is complete! Blocking and all, just in time for Christmas. My husband has tried it one so it isn't a total surprise and I know it fits him well.
Scrap bins - I have been working on scrappy quilty fabric bins to hold my scrap fabrics and use a bit of them up. The exteriors have been done for awhile and I want to start working on the interiors. I am using my crumb piecing method to finish them up so it does take a bit to finish up. I have completed the blue bin and hope to have the rest of the bins done by the end of the year.
Big Woods Quilt - I completed all the bears paw blocks and on the way to complete all the background piecing before diving into the needle turned applique.
Quilt: ZIA BAKULA by GiucyGiuce with Nonna fabric, custom longarmed by Carolyn. Photo taken in Nelson, BC
Thanks for stitching along with me! If you have a question you'd like to see featured on the blog, feel free to email me at kodiakquilting@gmail.com or reach out on Instagram at @kodiak.quilting Until next time, stay excellent.