This is the first block for a wall hanging I am designing using wool and embroidery. I worked on it the other night until 1 am... I only stopped because I knew the boys would be up very early in the morning (6 am or so as usual), and I'd better get some shut eye. Wool applique using slip stitch is very relaxing to me. Then, figuring out how to embroider each piece is fun as you decide on stitches and floss colors. I am so glad I organized my embroidery floss the way I did (see picture below)! … [Read more...] about Wool – newest addiction?
What to do with ‘orphan’ blocks
I joined these leftover four patches a while ago but had no idea what to do with the block. After Christmas, I was looking for a project I could work on quickly, as all the interruptions I was sure to have would not be conducive to a more involved quilt. So, I decided to make a small wall hanging using a block I already had. This one jumped at me, and this is what I did with it. I framed it using osnaburg fabric (also spelled osnaberg...) because I liked its open weave. The embroidery sort of … [Read more...] about What to do with ‘orphan’ blocks
Hand Quilting with Stab Stitch
In 2010, a group of ladies from my quilt guild was hand quilting a project to be donated to, and auctioned by, the Intermountain Research and Medical Foundation (previously known as Deseret Foundation). One day, they asked me if I wanted to join them. Although I did not know the first thing about hand quilting, they told me I could learn. And so I did, from the pros! Since then we have quilted many projects together (including a beautiful queen-size quilt for my son and his wife Daniela - read … [Read more...] about Hand Quilting with Stab Stitch
Mug rug
Melanie, from our quilt guild, gave us mug rugs for Christmas. Isn't it cute? It is made of flannel, with a small button on one of the corners of the cuff. I have seen square or rectangular mug rugs, but this is the nicest one yet. Not quite seven inches, it is perfect for small spaces. Now I do not need napkins on my cutting table... Thanks, Melanie!!! … [Read more...] about Mug rug
South America Blogosphere
Hello, bloggers in Brazil! I am hosting a giveaway for Maria do Carmo (tubilinha tiacarminha) who is offering some cool prizes for lucky visitors to my blog (is she nice or what? If I weren't so old I would say she has decided to adopt me!!!). Just leave a comment on this post for a chance to win one of her prizes. For a second chance, leave another comment telling me you are following my blog. She will ship prizes within Brazil after I randomly pick the winners. You will have until … [Read more...] about South America Blogosphere
Fleece Blanket Tutorial
Fleece feels good to the touch, but it is sort of weird to sew: regardless of how careful you are when measuring and cutting it, as you sew it, one side will stretch and the whole thing will look wonky. Since I do not like fleece blankets with knots, sewing is the solution for me, although I have used a couple of different alternatives to knots when I did not have time to sew it. So, here is my version of a fleece blanket, which includes one fringed side. You will need: Solid fleece, 72" x … [Read more...] about Fleece Blanket Tutorial