Should You Use a Walking Foot to Sew a Rag Quilt?

 

I often receive this question: Should I use a walking foot to sew a rag quilt? 

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Sadly, and like most things in life, its not a cut and dry answer.

There are several factors that run into my decision, and possibly yours, when choosing a walking foot over a regular sewing machine foot. 

Fabric chosen for rag quilt

If I am using cotton or flannel fabrics only, I opt to use a regular sewing machine foot. If I am using minky fabric, then I always use a walking foot. Cotton and flannel don't have a lot of natural stretch to the fabric, and minky is very stretchy and slick. The walking foot helps the fabric move through evenly

Machine used to sew rag quilt 

If I am sewing on my industrial Juki DDL 8700 I don't have a choice. No walking foot for me. If I am looking for speed and a better quality stitch then I am using the Juki. 

Seam Allowance on rag quilt


Using a 1/2 inch seam allowance is kinda annoying with a walking foot. The foot is wider and it seems to grab the fabric and fold it over as I am going. So often I get frustrated and switch back to my regular foot. Not all sewing machine feet are the exact same width. This may  not be an issue with your machine or where you're comfortable with your seam allowance on your rag quilt

In conclusion, it really is a personal preference whether a walking foot is for you or not. And just like most things in rag quilting, there really isn't a right or wrong way to do things. 

Give the walking foot a quick go, if you like it, keep it! No harm in trying

How to Make Vanilla using Vodka using Vanilla Beans (Grade A of Grade B)

Vanilla is one of the most versatile flavors and can be used in a variety of desserts and dishes. While vanilla extract is commonly used in baking, making your own vanilla extract using vodka and vanilla beans is a fun and easy DIY project that can also save you money in the long run.


 

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Here's how to make vanilla using vodka and vanilla beans:

Ingredients:

Equipment:


 

Instructions:

  1. Choose high-quality vanilla beans. Look for plump and oily beans that are flexible and have a strong, sweet aroma. You can find vanilla beans at most specialty food stores, as well as online.

  2. Cut the vanilla beans in half lengthwise using a sharp knife. Use the tip of the knife to scrape out the tiny seeds from the inside of the bean.

  3. Place the vanilla beans and seeds into a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.

  4. Pour the vodka over the vanilla beans until they are fully covered.

  5. Give the jar a good shake to mix the vodka and vanilla beans.

  6. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least 8 weeks, shaking it every few days. The longer you let it sit, the stronger the vanilla flavor will be.

  7. After 8 weeks, strain the vanilla extract through cheesecloth or a coffee filter to remove any small particles or debris.

Tips:

  • You can reuse the vanilla beans to make a second batch of vanilla extract by simply adding more vodka to the jar and letting it sit for another 8 weeks. I have done this several times and just keep adding more vodka and letting it sit until it is a dark rich brown. 


 

  • You can also experiment with different types of alcohol, such as bourbon or rum, to create different flavors of vanilla extract.
  • Make sure to label your vanilla extract bottle with the date it was made, so you know when it's time to make a new batch.
  • In the jar above: the large uncut vanilla bean is a grade A. Just split it down the center and add to jar. The diced up ones at the bottom are grade B. Not sure why, but the oh so powerful internet told me to do them that way. So that is what I did. Right, Wrong, or Indifferent. But the Vanilla is full of taste so it worked regardless. 

Making your own vanilla extract is a simple and rewarding process that can add a delicious and authentic flavor to your baked goods and desserts. By following these easy steps, you'll have a homemade vanilla extract that's ready to use in just a few weeks!

 

Make sure to checkout all of the recipes on our blog.

These recipes include the delicious vanilla we made in this recipe. Try them out including yummy 4th of July bars

How to Memorize The Proclamation to the Family

Another memorizing sing for you to do. Memorizing the family proclamation has been a goal of mine for many years. If it’s yours too sure you go we’ve made it easy for you.


 

For me, I have found that memorizing with the first letters left in the sentences helps me to learn it.

Then once I get it down with about half of the words removed and first letters remaining, I go to only the first letter of each word

I haven't gotten good enough to be able to move to first letter of each sentence and after each punctuation yet. But eventually I will get there. 

Make sure to check out all of the inspirational quotes and documents that I am working on memorizing. Most are religious and from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 

 



Enjoy! Let me know if this helps you too

How to Memorize the Family Proclamation

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

W, the F P and the C of the T A of The C of J C of L-d S, s p that m b a m and a w is o of G and t the f is c to the C’s p for the e d of H c.

All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

A h b—m and f—are c in the i of G. E is a b s s or d of h p, and, as s, e has a d n and d. G is an e c of i p, m, and e i and p.

In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

In the p r, s s and d knew and w G as their E F and a H p by w His c could o a p b and g e e to p t p and u r their d d as h of e l. The d p of h e f r to be p b the g. S o and c a in h t m it p for i to r to the p of G and for f to be u e.

The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

The f c that G gave to A and E p to their p for p as h and w. We d that g’s c for H ch to m and r the e r in f. We f d that G has c that the s p of p are to be e only b m and w, l w as h and w.

We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.

We d the m by which m l is c to be d a. We a the s of l and of its i in G’s e p.

Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. 

Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

H and w have a s r to l and c for each o and for their c. “C are an h of the L” (Psalm 127:3). P have a s d to r their c in l and r, to p for their p and s n, and to t them to l and s o a, o the c of G, and be l-a c w they l. 

H and w—m and f—will be held a before G for the d of these o.

The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. 

Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

The f is o of G. M b m and w is e to H e p. C are e to b within the b of m, and to be r by a f and a m who h m v with c f. 

H in f l is most l to be a when f upon the t of the L J C. S m and f are e and m on p of f, p, r, f, r, l, c, w, and w r a. By d d, f are to p over their f in l and r and are r to p the n of l and p for their f. M are p r for the n of their c. In these s r, f and m are o to h one  as e p. D, d, or other c m n i a. E f should l s when n.

We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

We warn that i who v c of c, who a s or o, or who f to f f r will o d s a before G. F, we w that the d of the f will b upon i, c, and n the c f by a and m p.

We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society. 

We c upon r c and o of g e to p those m d to m and s the f as the f u of s. 

First Letters Only:

W, t F P a t C o t T A o T C o J C o L-d S, s p t m b a m a a w i o o G a t t f i c t t C’s p f t e d o H c. 

A h b—m a f—a c i t i o G. E i a b s s o d o h p, a, a s, e h a d n a d. G i a e c o i p, m, a e i a p.

I t p r, s s a d k a w G a t E F a a H p b w H c c o a p b a g e e to p t p a u r t d d a h o e l. T d p o h e f r t b p b t g. S o a c a i h t m i p f i t r t t p o G a f f t b u e.

T f c t G g t A a E p t t p f p a h a  w. W d t g’s c f H ch t m a r t e r i f. W f d t G h c t t s p o p a to b e o b m a w, l w a h a w.

W d t m b w m l i c t b d a. We a t s o l a o i i i G’s e p.

H a w h a s r t l a c f e o a f t c. “C a a h o t L” (P 127:3). P h a s d t r t c i l a r, t p f t p a s n, a t t t t l a s o a, o t c o G, a b l-a c w t l. 

H a w—m a f—w b h a b G f t d o t o.

T f i o o G. M b m a w i e to H e p. C a e to b w t b o m, a t b r b a f a a m w h m v w c f. 

H i f l i m l t b a w f u t t o t L J C. S m a f a e a m o p o f, p, r, f, r, l, c, w, a w r a. B d d, f a t p o t f i l a r a a r t p t n o l a p f t f. M a p r f t n o t c. I t s r, f a m a o t h o a e p. D, d, o o c m n i a. E f s l s w n.

W w t i w v c o c, w a s o o, or w f t f f r w o d s a b G. F, w w t t d o t f w b u i, c, a n t c f b a a m p.

W c u r c a o o g e t p t m d to m a s t f a t f u o s.

 

Screenshot Pictures of Memorizing the Proclamation to the Family










 

Rag Quilt Fabric Requirements

Are you planning on making a rag quilt but not sure how much fabric you need? We've got you covered! Here's a general guide on how many yards of fabric you'll need for each size of quilt.


 

Crib Size Quilt:


 

 For a crib size quilt, you'll need 2 yards of cotton for the top and 2 yards of flannel for the back. This will give you enough fabric to make a quilt that's approximately 36 inches by 52 inches. This size is perfect for a baby or toddler to snuggle up with.

Mini Quilt:


 

 If you're making a mini quilt, you'll only need 1.5 yards of fabric. This will give you enough fabric to make a quilt that's approximately 30 inches by 40 inches. This size is great for wall hangings or for a small lap quilt.

Baby Quilt:


 

 For a baby quilt, you'll need 1.25 yards of fabric. This will give you enough fabric to make a quilt that's approximately 30 inches by 30 inches. This size is perfect for a baby to use as a play mat or to snuggle up with.

Twin Size Quilt:


 

If you're making a twin size rag quilt, you'll need 7 yards of fabric. This will give you enough fabric to make a quilt that's approximately 70 inches by 90 inches. This size is great for a child's bed or for a smaller adult bed.

Of course, these fabric requirements are just a general guide. Depending on the pattern you choose and the size of your blocks, you may need more or less fabric. Always double-check your measurements and calculations before making your final fabric purchases.

In conclusion, knowing how much fabric you need for each size of quilt can help you plan and budget for your next rag quilt project. Whether you're making a small mini quilt or a larger twin size quilt, we hope this guide has been helpful. Happy quilting!

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Memorizing President Russell M Nelson’s Joy Quote


 

I’ve been working on memorizing while I run in the mornings. It keeps mg kind occupied so I don’t get bored. As I add to my memorizing stack, I’ll share with you what I’ve got.

For all of the memorizing quotes I have added so far to A Vision to Remember click HERE, including The Restoration, The living Christ, Family Proclamation, and many Book of Mormon, New Testament, and conference quotes.

Todays quote is from president Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
It says

the joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.


When the focus of our lives is on God’s plan of salvation, which President Thomas S. Monson just taught us, and Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening —or not happening —in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him. He is the source of all joy.

Russel m Nelson
Here is the memorizing (copy and paste it or select this part and print). You can also just come back to this post as you need if you’re using a device to memorize 

the joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.


When the focus of our lives is on God’s plan of salvation, which President Thomas S. Monson just taught us, and Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening —or not happening —in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him. He is the source of all joy.

Russel m Nelson 


the joy we feel has _ _ do with _ circumstances of our _ and _ to do _ _ focus _ our _. 

_ the focus _ _ lives _ on God’s _ _ salvation, which President _. _ just taught _, and Jesus Christ and _ gospel, we _ _ joy regardless of what _ _ —or _ happening —_ our _. Joy _ from _ _ _ Him. He is _ source of _ joy. 


t j w f h l t d w t c o o l a e t d w t f o o l. 

W t f o o l i o G p o s, w P T. M j t u, a J C a H g, w c f j r o w i h —o n h —i o l. J c f a b o H. H i t s o a j. 

R m n

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How to Memorize the First Vision

I’ve been working on memorizing as I run on the treadmill to keep my mind occupied. Today I’m sharing the way I’m memorizing The First Vision. Make sure to check out all of the inspirational memorizing tips here on my blog


 

 It makes it so much easier when I don’t think about what I’m doing


I first work on removing some of the words

Then I remove all words and leave only the first letter. This is as far as I’ve gotten, because I need to read to occupy my mind

So here you go:


 

 Make sure to check out all of the inspirational quotes and documents that I am working on memorizing. Most are religious and from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 

Memorizing the First vision

In accordance with this, my determination to ask of God, I retired to the woods to make the attempt. It was on the morning of a beautiful, clear day, early in the spring of eighteen hundred and twenty. It was the first time in my life that I had made such an attempt, for amidst all my anxieties I had never as yet made the attempt to pray vocally.


In a with t, my d to a of G, I r to the w to m the a. It w on the m of a b, c d, e in the s of e h and t. It w the f t in my l that I had m s an a, for a all my a I had n as yet m the a to p v.


After I had retired to the place where I had previously designed to go, having looked around me, and finding myself alone, I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God. I had scarcely done so, when immediately I was seized upon by some power which entirely overcame me, and had such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. Thick darkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction.


After I h r to the p w I had p d to g, h l a me, and f m a, I k d and b to o up the d of my h to G. I had s d so, when i I was s u by some p which e o me, and had s an a i over me as to b my t so that I c n s. T d g a me, and it s to me for a t as if I were d to s d.


But, exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon me, and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into despair and abandon myself to destruction—not to an imaginary ruin, but to the power of some actual being from the unseen world, who had such marvelous power as I had never before felt in any being —just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.


B, e all my p to c upon G to d me out of the p of this e which had s u me, and at the v m when I was r to s into d and a m to d—not to an i r, b to the p of s a b f the u w, who had such m p as I had n b f in any b —just at this m of g a, I s a p of l e o my h, a the b of the s, which d g u it f u m


It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—“This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!”


It no s a than I f m d from the e w h me b. W the l r u me I s t P, whose b and g d all d, s a me in the a. O of t s unto me, c me by n and s, p to the o—“T is M B S. H H!”


My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that all were wrong)—and which I should join.


My o in g to i of the L was to k w of all the s was r, that I m know w to j. No s, t, did I get p of m, so as to be a to s, than I a the P who s a me in the l, w of all the s was r (for at this time it had n e into my h that all w w)—and which I s j.


I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that: “they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.”


I was a that I must j n of t, for they w all w; and the P who a me said t all their c were an a in his s; that those p were all c; that: “they d n to me with t l, but their h are f me, they t for d the c of m, h a form of g, but they deny the p t.”


He again forbade me to join with any of them; and many other things did he say unto me, which I cannot write at this time. When I came to myself again, I found myself lying on my back, looking up into heaven. When the light had departed, I had no strength; but soon recovering in some degree, I went home.


He again f me to j with a of t; and many o t did he s unto me, which I c w at this t. When I c to m a, I f m l on my b, l up into h. W the l had d, I h no s; but soon r in s d, I w h.


I a w t, m d t a o G, I r t t w t m t a. I w o t m o a b, c d, e i t s o e h a t. I w t f t i m l t I h m s a a, f a a m a I h n a y m t a t p v.


A I h r t t p w I h p d t g, h l a m, a f m a, I k d a b t o u t d o m h t G. I h s d s, w i I w s u b s p w e o m, a h s a a i o m a t b m t s t I c n s. T d g a m, a i s t m f a t a i I w d t s d.


B, e a m p t c u G t d m o o t p o t e w h s u m, a a t v m w I w r t s i d a a m t d—n t a i r, b t t p o s a b f t u w, w h s m p a I h n b f i a b —j a t m o g a, I s a p o l e o m h, a t b o t s, w d g u i f u m


I n s a t I f m d f t e w h m b. W t l r u m I s t P, w b a g d a d, s a m i t a. O o t s u m, c m b n a s, p t t o—“T i M B S. H H!”


M o i g t i o t L w t k w o a t s w r, t I m k w t j. N s, t, d I g p o m, s a t b a t s, t I a t P w s a m i t l, w o a t s w r (f a t t i h n e i m h t a w w)—a w I s j.

 

I w a t I m j n o t, f t w a w; a t P w a m s t a t c w a a i h s; t t p w a c; t: “t d n t m w t l, b t h a f m, t t f d t c o m, h a f o g, b t d t p t.”


H a f m t j w a o t; a m o t d h s u m, w I c w a t t. W I c t m a, I f m l o m b, l u i h. W t l h d, I h n s; b s r i s d, I w h.

 
Just copy and paste to a word document or select the words you want printed and print the selection 

 

Make sure to check out all of the inspirational memorizing tips here on my blog

Glowforge Pro Vs Aeon Mira for Laser Cutting


The summer of 2020 found us busy with our handmade business, possibly the busiest we have ever been in the 12 years of operation. 

We were working long hours

We were busting our bums

It was awesome.

But it was kinda boring.

It was the same everyday

It was amazing and we felt so blessed

But I was getting bored with the same ol same ol

Maybe it was all the time spent at home (which I loved)

Maybe it was the time not spent running around and feeling like I had time to spare.

Whatever it was I talked my husband into looking into buying 2 different things

For the sake of this blog post, I will only talk about 1 of the 2 new things

You already know exactly what it was that I talked him into...

But for those that didn't read the title

I talked him into buying a laser

Not any laser, but a Glowforge.

We talked, and debated, and talked some more

and landed on the Pro

Here is why we chose the Glowforge Pro as our first Laser Cutting Machine

  • It is a plug and play (or pretty close to that) - we plugged it in, my husband created a window attachment out of 1x8" board with a dryer attachment, and we started on our first cut.
  • The online program is really intuitive to use - it was seriously as easy as typing in tractor, and telling it to cut to create this large tractor cutout for our son


  • The Glowforge Pro came with a sample pack that we were able to get cutting as soon as we plugged it in.
  • Lasering was a completely new form of creating from what I was used to. I didn't want to be struggling with a machine while struggling with building a new business line
  • Glowforge website (I pay for the monthly subscription) has a ton of graphics, tons of different ready to cut files, and was freakishly easy to get started with.
  • The Glowforge has slowed down considerably with a lot of use. I am pretty sure we have worn it out. Or it needs a better cleaning than I am able to do. 

Conclusion:

I am so glad we started with the Glowforge. I was able to pay it off in a matter of a few months. My friend asked me to make one thing for her, and that one thing ended up paying for my machine after making 6,000 of them for customers over the course of the Christmas season that year. 

I was able to slowly learn how to create with a laser machine while not having a large barrier to entry in logistics of running the machine. 

Looking back, I would do the exact same thing. I wouldn't change a thing

Now what? 

We outgrew the Glowforge after only a couple months. We were facing growing pains. The Glowforge is lovingly called the Slowforge in our home. It was too slow and it was frustrating when we had begun to rely on it for consistent sales and cuts. 

Our solutions?

The Aeon Mira 9 to the Rescue!

W adore our Mira 9. Let me just list a few of the ways

  • It is lightening speed fast compared to the Glowforge. 
  • It has more consistent cuts. We used to do a lot of hand cutting with an utility knife
  • With a compressor, we have very little laser burn. No more masking!
  • There are several 1/4 inch material (we mostly cut with 1/4 inch) that the Glowforge just didn't like. 
  • Customer support from Aeon has been amazing. 
  • Engraving tumblers and metal insulated waterbottles has been so much fun
  • Lightburn is easy to use, and even though it isn't as robust as Inkscape it definitely has its place in our designing

Conclusion:

Though we would never change the way our journey started, we also would never change the second machine we purchased. In fact, even though we still have our slowforge ready to be used as 2nd, we plan to upgrade it to either a mira 5 or mira7 in the near future (in time for Christmas orders hopefully).

We often share videos on youtube of our sewing projects, but also of the lasers working their magic. Make sure to subscribe to our channel so you don't miss the updates. *Channel is AVISIONTOREMEMBER just like here.

Want to check out a beautiful project we created using our Mira? Check out this beautiful Mother's Day Sign.

 

 

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Memorizing Scriptures: Doctrine and Covenants 76


One of our goals the last couple years is to memorize important scriptures and quote. I’m going to start sharing them in hopes that it might help someone else with their goals and to keep them organized for me

The memorizing sheets include the entire scriptures, some words left out with the first letter remaining, and then the first letter remaining for each word. 

This scripture is from Doctrine and Covenants 76:40-42 and talks about the gospel and the purpose of it. Christ Died for our sins so that we can be saved. So grateful for this knowledge. 

The Doctrine and Covenants is a book of scripture for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was compiled by Joseph Smith and is revelations and commandments given to Joseph Smith from our Savior, Jesus Christ.

40 And this is the agospel, the glad btidings, which the voice out of the heavens bore record unto us—

41 That he acame into the world, even Jesus, to be bcrucified for the world, and to cbear the sins of the dworld, and to esanctify the world, and to fcleanse it from all unrighteousness;

42 That through him all might be asaved whom the Father had put into his bpower and made by him;

 



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