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
Nativity Scene
I finished this beautiful wool applique project just in time for Christmas! It is called O Holy Night, by Under the Garden Moon. I haven't appliqued with wool in a long time, and could not wait to do this one. Once you have the pieces cut out, it comes together rather quickly. I happened to have the right floss colors, too, so no last minute shopping trips. The frame will be ordered on Wednesday, but at least I will be able to display it today and tomorrow. Here are some close up … [Read more...] about Nativity Scene
Christmas Row Quilt
This row quilt was another project from our quilt guild this year. Most of my friends must already be enjoying theirs. I was hoping to get this quilt quilted before Christmas, but I am not sure I will have time. It turned out super nice, though. My favorite rows are the stockings and the presents, although the entire quilt has cool features such as buttons on the vine, star buttons as toppers for the Christmas trees, yarn draped over the trees as garlands... One of my friends sewed buttons in … [Read more...] about Christmas Row Quilt
Simply Successful Applique
I bought this beauty on Monday and just about finished reading it. What a spectacular book on applique! Simply Successful Applique by Jeanne Sullivan (I found it here) presents a comprehensive description - with very detailed photographs - of her applique method. I have not yet had the pleasure of being taught by Jeanne, although I felt as if we were in the same room as she, patiently, introduced me to her techniques. This very well written book walks you through every imaginable detail of … [Read more...] about Simply Successful Applique
Wednesday Quilt Group Video
I belong to a quilt guild called Piece of Heaven. A few of my friends from the guild (Sue, Rosemary, Lee, Diana, Connie, Sandi) and I have also been meeting weekly on Wednesdays to hand quilt projects to be donated, for someone's wedding gift, for our guild's auction, etc. A few weeks ago, Jeffrey, Rosemary's son-in-law, asked if he could interview us for a project - he is a communications major at Brigham Young University, in Provo, Utah, and an intern at the Deseret News. Being the fun, … [Read more...] about Wednesday Quilt Group Video
There is a baby coming…
... and it is my first grandchild, a boy! I have been up since 2 am this morning, and look what I came up with: A baby bag - huge, for all the stuff my son Michael and his wife Daniela will put in it. Right now it is filled with Christmas gifts for the little one, which I had a blast wrapping. I used drunkard's path blocks from a quilt I am working on - I did not want more orphan blocks! How will I wait another 4 months until I can hold him? Anyway, here is the back of the bag: Those are … [Read more...] about There is a baby coming…