Ask Jo: From the Comment Section

Every so often blog readers ask question that I think other blog readers might be interested it too.  I answer them on the blog.  Today is one of those days.

Laurie asked: “What is the name of the white and turquoise gridded template on your sewing machine? Where did you get it? I would like to get one like it for my sewing machine.”  Christine asked about it too.

It’s called a “Seams so Easy” by Lori Holt for Riley Blake.  I blogged about it here.

I’ve been using it since April and love it.  I’m happy to have it on the machine and do feel that my seams are more accurate with it.  I recommend it for sure.  My favorite time to use it with half square triangles.

I got a book recommendation from a blog reader, Sue, “If you ever run a cross it, read “Etched in Sand” by Regina Calcaterra. Fabulous book on the resilience of kids surviving a life that many of us can not imagine.”

I was able to find the book on Hoopla.. Yahoo!!  This comment came just as I was finishing another books so I immediately grabbed this one.  Oh my, so far it’s really good!  Anyone want to read along with me??  Right now our daughter Kayla is listening to it too.

There is a sequel to the book…  “Girl Unbroken“.  I already know I’ll be reading it as this book is good in a sad way so far.  Happily Hoopla has that book too!!

I always feel a little uncomfortable when people ask questions about what I’m sewing on when it it someone else’s pattern.  This question came in after I showed my lazy girl’s way to make braids….Read post here if you missed it.  “What are the measurements of the squares and rectangle pieces?”

The braid technique I used is from a Bonnie Hunter pattern….The border in Bricks in the Barnyard….

and the whole quilt for Texas Braid.

I don’t think there was anything wrong with me sharing what I was working on.  I don’t think there is anything wrong with me going into more detail about how I put the braids together to make the process a little more quick and easy…BUT, I feel uncomfortable sharing the sizes of the pieces….and cutting and trimming instructions.  That is essentially the pattern.  I don’t believe it’s fair to the designer of the pattern for me to share that…so I won’t.  I don’t want to be rude to my readers but I won’t do that to the designers.

If anyone wants detailed instructions, Bricks in the Barnyard is found in Bonnie Hunter’s book Scraps and Shirttails II and Texas Braid is found in her book Leaders and Enders.  I hope everyone understands.

In regards to the Double Wedding Ring Quilt Along: Liz and Carol commented about the Sew Kind of Wonderful ruler.  Both were wondering about quilting along with us but using the instead.  I didn’t know about the ruler so had to go and check it out.  Interesting….

It does look like a double wedding ring and looks MUCH easier.  Find out more about it on their website here.  Pictures courtesy of site.

That sure looks fun….tempting too.  For now, I have to stick with what I’m doing but if anyone wants to use this method, go for it!!

That’s it for ask Jo…if I missed anything feel free to email me at rogjok@iowatelecom.net.