Nature is a constant source of inspiration for my quilts, whether traditional or artsy. Once I get an idea, it stays with me for a while until I finally get a chance to work on it. For art quilts, I start the design process by choosing the fabrics I would like to work with, instead of sketching the layout! I am not quite sure why, but paper and pencil do not work for me when composing art quilts, probably because I do not know how to draw... So, I go straight from brain to fabric. Occasionally, … [Read more...] about The process of quilt design
New Favorite Quilt
My first medallion quilt is complete, and I think it is my new favorite quilt! Although the top has been done for weeks, I needed a block of hours to quilt it. Yesterday, I lost sleep at 4 am. Huhmm... the house is quiet, my brain is already running at 400 mpg... I might as well tackle it! First, I quilted in the ditch using the walking foot, monofilament (polyester) on top and green thread in the bobbin. Then, I ventured echo quilting around the scalloped border. However, I stopped after two … [Read more...] about New Favorite Quilt
Flower Block
This iris was completed during a class I took at Thimbles and Threads in Draper, Utah. The class was taught by Lea Hardee, using Ruth McDowell's straight line method of piecing. Although not for beginners, it was a lot easier than I thought it would be. Batiks are so awesome, aren't they? Ruth has published many books. The one I have is called Design Workshop, and I find it indispensable in my library. If you also enjoy creating landscape quilts, you may want to have at least one of her … [Read more...] about Flower Block
Landscape Mini quilt
My latest landscape quilt is finished. This quilt was created for a class on art quilts so my friends can practice selecting fabrics, composing a scene, painting with thread, etc., always keeping in mind that art quilts can be as true to nature or as abstract as one desires. This one measures 15 1/2" x 17", a good size project for an all day class. I would like to add an animal, but will need to let it hang on my designing wall for a few more days before I figure out what animal, its size, and … [Read more...] about Landscape Mini quilt
Stain-proof, self-binding table runner
Make this easy stain-proof, self-binding table runner, and do not worry about staining the fabric! Laminated fabric is gold in a household with little ones! [Edited on 01/04/204] Today my middle name is 'problem-solver'! I am so excited! My family loves having my quilts all around the house, but they are sometimes afraid to handle them at the dinner table. I have beautiful table quilts and runners that are confined to the dining room as the kitchen table is disaster-prone... This … [Read more...] about Stain-proof, self-binding table runner
Fall Decor Tutorial
Fall in June? Well... I just had an inspiration, dropped what I was doing, and created it. I love decorating the house with miniature squashes and pumpkins, but I do not like throwing them away afterwards. Problem solved! The tutorial below will help you, and in no time at all you will have a fun decorating project for the harvest time. Can you think of all the people who might enjoy these as gifts? Supplies: Yellow and green felt or wool Green Floral wire Quilting thread Needle Decorator … [Read more...] about Fall Decor Tutorial