When I started quilting, I used to go to the local quilt store, Patches Quilting in Mount Airy, Maryland, and show my work. As they were looking at my quilt I would say: "I messed up here, the corners there did not match, I made another mistake there..." Jackie, the owner, told me she did not like when customers came in and showed their beautiful work, and then proceeded to point out all that went wrong. It makes sense... Quilting is another form of art, and have you ever stood in front of a … [Read more...] about The art of having fun
Pieced Borders
At my quilt guild this year we are working on a round robin with a medallion block. We were encouraged to research pieced borders, since we will be adding borders to each other's medallion, or center, block. The organizer of the round robin suggested a few books we might look at, with one recommendation in particular: Pieced Borders, by Judy Martin & Marsha McCloskey. It is out of print but I found it here. It is a wonderful book! It explains, in minute detail, all you need to do in order to … [Read more...] about Pieced Borders
My secret to perfect machine applique stitches
Over the years I have made many quilts using machine applique. I like the look of the machine blanket stitch, particularly because it is neater than what I can do by hand, although I have done it by hand when working with wool. The first time I used machine applique I noticed that the foot was in the way of my seeing where the needle was touching the fabric, on the edge of the piece as well as inside the applique piece. So, I ran to the quilt store and ordered a presser foot with a clear sole … [Read more...] about My secret to perfect machine applique stitches
Quilting after applique
When you quilt around the applique in your block, whether you machine or hand applique, it makes the design stand out. I free motion around it slowly and with small stitches. I use the same process when I quilt panels. It enhances the design and turns a wall hanging into something more special, since I usually use a panel when I do not have much time for piecing. A few borders and you are done. I do, however, spend more time on the quilting part of the project, and the results are wonderful. … [Read more...] about Quilting after applique
Turtles wall hanging
I designed this wall hanging for my younger son and he loves it. I fussy cut the turtles and used machine applique' around each turtle circle. Since they are moving in every direction, it was easy to get movement on the design... Oh... it suddenly reminds me of our last vacation in Maui, when we were swimming with the sea turtles right on shallow waters by the beach. … [Read more...] about Turtles wall hanging
Red and White
Drunkard's Path is a block that had never appealed to me until January. After a class I was so excited about the possibilities! Here is my design, and first quilt in two colors. The red fabric is from Moda's collection for this year's Valentine's Day. BTW, Syntrapol (http://www.gkcraft.com/), available at your local quilt store, is wonderful for when you need to wash your quilt and want to prevent color bleeding. Never mind how I found out! How do you like it? … [Read more...] about Red and White