Tool Time Tuesday...Portable Design Wall

First, I would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers for our neighbor who was struck by the pick-up truck while on his bicycle. He was air lifted to our children's hospital that day. His mom said he is one lucky boy...he is waiting for surgery and has alot of healing to do. He is the nicest boy in the world and so is his little brother. They are both polite and well mannered and we love them to pieces. We can't wait til he gets to come home!!
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Now, onto Tool Time Tuesday...in the Plumbing Section!
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How would you like to make this...and use it for
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this...A Portable Quilt Design Wall. Woo Hoo!!! Finished size is 32" x 32".
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The next few pictures are your list of ingredients and the price tag for each at the hardware store. I used 3/4" pipe for everything. Make sure you purchase all the parts that go together...meaning all 3/4". If you buy 1/2" pipe makes sure you buy 1/2" parts to match it.

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This picture has 3 PVC pipes that are 10 feet long and 3/4" wide. For a design wall that is 32" x 32" you will need 2 of these 10 feet pipes. If you would like a smaller wall that would be 23" x 23", you will need 1 pipe that is 10 feet long. (I used these 3 pipes for another larger design wall, which I will be posting probably this weekend)

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one 3/4" , 10 foot pipe is $1.62

Here are all the other parts you will need, which will be explained in detail below. You will also need a tape measure, pencil, hack saw and a rubber mallet.

You will need:

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2 -90 degree elbow pieces for the top corners. Make sure they are smooth on the inside, not threaded.

They are 30 cents each.

Next, you will need 2 -90 degree angled pieces that has a reducer on it. These will be your 2 bottom corners and support legs. I used the 3/4" that reduced it 1/2". You'll see why later.

These were $1.63 each.

These 2 are the parts that go with the above picture. They are called reducing male adapter (what a name!!! I hope you find it on your own and don't have to ask for it by name!!!) They reduce from 3/4" to 1/2".

These are 64 cents each.

These are little caps that just finish off the raw edge on the support feet. You will need 2.

3/4" cap at 32 cents each.

Ok...here we go. This is super easy, but looks long because I'm describing every step through pictures. These instructions are for the 32" x 32" design wall. (If you want the smaller 23" x 23" wall you will need one pipe and cut it into 6 equal parts at 20" for each piece...4 are for the sides and 2 for the legs. You will follow all the same directions below)

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First, take one of the 10 foot pipes and make four pencil marks at 30" each. That will give you the 4 sides. From the second pipe cut 2 pieces that are 12" long. Sorry I didn't take a picture of the 12" mark.

Have the super strong man in your life cut all the pieces for you. You can do it yourself too. I did the rest myself and it's pretty easy. Just start slow with the first movement of the saw, then have at it.

You can also put the pipe in a vice to hold it while you cut it...just don't squeeze the vice too hard on the pipe, just enough to hold it firm. I think you can also ask the hardware store to cut it for you.

This is what you will have:

4 pieces for the sides, top and bottom... 30" each

2 pieces for the legs 12" each

2 top corner angles
2 bottom corner angles with adapters in

2 caps

This is a close up of the adapters for the lower corners. The 2 angles are smooth inside and the smaller one is threaded to screw in the adapter, which is where the legs will go in.

Just screw it in and hand tighten.

Place the lower corners so that the adapters are facing the back and place a 30" piece in the 2 corner pieces as seen below. If they are a little hard to insert, this is where you would use a rubber mallet to tap it in. Use mallet where ever needed...even to tap it apart.

Now add the left and right side (30") pieces into the 2 holes on the top part of the angle.

Take the last 30" piece and place the 2 -90 degree angle corner units on each end.

This is how it looks when assembled. See the adapters facing the back.

Place the 2 caps on the 12" leg pieces to finish off the raw edges. My husband had a great idea for the legs. I tried to make the legs short so they wouldn't stick out too far, but I was worried that it wouldn't keep it steady. He recommended using a funnel and filling the legs with rice when the cap is on, then place them back on the adapters. This way it will weight in down. If you are traveling with this design wall to your guild or retreat, buy 2 more caps to keep the rice inside the legs when you break down the design wall for packing.

Here is a close up of the leg together.

and here is the finished frame....easy peasy. and CHEAP, CHEAP, CHEAP. Total for pipes and corners is $9.02 plus tax from your state. That is a big WOO HOO. For the 23" x 23" design wall you would only need one pipe so that would be $7.40!! This doesn't include the flannel or felt that you would use to cover it. The fabric directions are next...see below.

Fabric Cover Directions:

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You can use either flannel or felt. For this smaller one, I used flannel that I already had on my design wall and just cut it up. For the larger quilt design wall that I will show you this weekend, I used felt. Both are great for blocks to stick to, but you can always stick them up with pins too.

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First, you need to measure the height of the pvc design wall. Below, I placed a tape measure over the top of the top pvc pipe. Hold the beginning of the tape on one side and measure the distance at the other side.

Mine measured 64". Yours should be close, but it depends on how hard you tapped the pipes into the corner pieces.

Next, you need to measure the width all the way around the whole piece. Place tape measure around the middle and pull a little tight. You want it tight so the fabric will be taught around the frame.

The width of mine was 66 1/2".

This is the only math you have to do... take the width measurement, divide by 2 and add 1/2" seam allowance.

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here is my example:

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66.5 divided by 2 = 33.25 + .5 = 33.75

or

66 1/2" divided by 2= 33 1/4" + 1/2" = 33 3/4"

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So now you will cut a piece of fabric 64" long by 33 3/4" wide (if you get the same measurements as mine on your frame).

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Fold fabric in half right sides together (I don't think there is a right or wrong side of the fabric, but oh well). The picture below shows the square of fabric with the fold at the top. Sew only the left and right sides with a 1/4" seam, leaving the bottom open. Turn right side out.

Slip over frame like a pillow case, with seams lined up the side pipes. If too loose, sew alittle more to tighten it up.

Here is your finished Portable Quilt Design Wall all set to go next to your sewing machine, cutting table or to your next quilt retreat.

This will help you see what blocks may look like in different configurations before you sew them together.

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I really hope you like today's TTT and hope you can use it somewhere in your quilting world. You can make these in any size to fit your needs and they can always be taken apart for traveling (tap apart with the rubber mallet if it gets too tight).

spaceHere's a preview of the second part to this week's Tool Time Tuesday. I was going to add it to today's, but this post was already too long for you. This is the Mama Bear of quilt walls...it's 6 feet by 4 feet and is great to use for whole quilt designs and if you have the space for it. So stay tuned...

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Hope you have a great week,

~Karen~

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also coming soon...is maybe a little carry bag for all the parts so you can take it on the go!!

TTT postponed...prayers needed

I'm postponing this week's Tool Time Tuesday to Wednesday. I usually write this post on Monday, but today was a very difficult day for our neighbors. Their son, who my daughters babysit for, was hit by a pick up truck on his bicycle. Out of respect for the family, I won't give any details (not life threatening, but you can only imagine). We stayed with their younger son, who was riding with him, until late tonight. My heart goes out to his mom, dad, brother and their whole family. We've been praying for them all day. Please keep them in your prayers and send good thoughts their way.
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Many Thanks,
~Karen~

Friends on Friday...

Hi everyone,
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Just wanted to do a little post about all my wonderful blogging friends who have some great ideas for my Tool Time Tuesday posts. I just love all the brain storming that goes on after a TTT post. I can't thank everyone enough for sharing.
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Remember this TTT about the eye bolt thread holder?

Well, look at this beauty from Erin at A Prairie Home Quilts. The eye bolt thread holder is attached to the cutest needle holder ever. This is such a great idea... I love the fabric and the design on the case. Thanks Erin for sharing!!! Go for a visit and see her awesome hexagon flowers and the cutest kitty.

Cathy from Cabbage Quilts had a Tool Time of her own. Is this not the best idea for pins, needles and all those scrap threads? The best part is eating all the Pringles to get to the empty can!! Cathy, you are so nice to share this, thanks! You must visit this blog...she has the most beautiful quilts with fabric to die for.

and this weeks TTT was the name badge holders.

There were so many great ideas for these from a few bloggers, I wanted to share them with you.
Mel from Mel's Own Place thought to use the badges for all those punch cards...the ones where they keep track of what you purchase and if you buy so much, you get something free. I have those for coffee, subway etc. Love this! Go visit Mel and see the wonderful re-do on an old VW, so cute.

Catherine from Quilt Obsession is going to use her badge to hold her hexagons when she's sewing. Go see her work with Inklingo it's amazing! She prints all her templates directly to the fabric and then uses a running stitch.

Jackie, from Canton Village Quilt Works, had a great idea... we could all keep the business cards from all the quilt shops that we visit or our favorite machine quilter's business cards in one place, so they're easy to find. Thanks Jackie! This is another fabulous blog...click on her website and go see her gallery of quilting...she is the best!!

These really made me think again...so how about all those appointment cards for doctors, dentist, hair salons etc. One ring of badges for one topic.

A big thank you to everyone for all your wonderful comments, emails and super great ideas. This is one more reason why I love blogging.

Have a wonderful weekend and if you are in the states, an extra long one for the holiday on Monday!!

~Karen~

Tool Time Tuesday...Name Badges

Tuesday is the day to find different uses for everyday items found in hardware stores, the automotive section and today...the office supply store. Take a look back at my second post about organizing and how I use name badge holders. Here are a few more ideas for these little treasures that only cost $1.88 for 12. (make sure you buy the badges with the holes on the top. they come either vertical or horizontal)

The first idea is for fabric swatches for your quilts:

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If you're out shopping for fabric for an up and coming quilt project, place a little piece of the fabric that you already have in each name badge.

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Place all the holders on a key ring. The picture below is of the key ring that hinges open...easy to add or remove the badges.

And here they are, all ready to drop in your purse. Just take them with you to your favorite quilt shop to match fabric for that certain project. You can also slip in a piece of paper that has the yardage you need and in what color. The badges will keep the fabric neat, clean and all in one place.

Another thought was to use the badges for decorating projects. Place paint chips, swatches of curtain, couch, chair or pillow fabric in the badges and your off to shop, shop, shop!!

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Another goody is the name badge holder is perfect for wallet size pictures...a little brag book if you will.
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This is Courtney's senior picture...isn't she pretty!! I don't have a school picture of Kelsie, because she forgot to hand in the picture form. She's beautiful too.

Here they are in a dance picture. Kelsie is on the right, see she's a cutie.

The brag book idea is great for little children or grandchildren too. You can place all the pictures of siblings, mommy, daddy, grandma and grandpa in the badges and the pictures will stay clean and easy to look through. How about animals or the alphabet...the possibilities are endless.

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Hope you can find a use for these badges...quilting or other wise.

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I wanted to let you know that next week's TTT is going to be soooo good. I'm very excited about it and wanted to tell you not to miss it. I have all the parts, but haven't put it together yet. I spend most Friday mornings roaming around stores looking for inspiration and I found it. I'll give you a hint for next week... I was in the plumbing section!!!

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Not sure why I just said all that, because if it stinks you'll be disappointed. It won't stink though and I know you'll love it!! (I hope)

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Have a great Tuesday,

~Karen~