Call me crazy, but I have already done my project for Thanksgiving! This wall hanging is 15" wide by 25" long and features machine applique with a simple pieced border. Although the colors on the picture are kind of funky (weather was not too clear when I took it), you can see they are fall colors with scrappy turkey feathers setting the mood. The background is Osnaburg; I used a high loft polyester batting to provide high relief to the applique and quilting. That chocolate cake would taste so … [Read more...] about Turkey Wall Hanging
Quilt-as-you-go gifts
Can I make something with leftover strips from other projects, one long strip of batting, and assorted leftover binding? That was my question when I went into my quilt room today. I had recently read (yep, I read quilt books cover-to-cover!) a book by Gudrun Erla entitled Learn to Quilt-As-You-Go (which Martingale sent me for review) featuring 14 beautiful projects. I thought that this would be a great time to make one of them as I only had a couple of hours in my quilting … [Read more...] about Quilt-as-you-go gifts
Christmas in August
How about a fast table runner for Christmas? One long rectangle of your favorite print, with Snow Buddies appliqued on both ends? I quilted organic lines on the applique area and lots of rectangles elsewhere. I used Aurifil 50wt thread for the blanket stitching of the appliqued shapes and for the quilting. The backing was pieced and it all come together very quickly. The facial features were drawn with fabric marker giving the snowmen a happy, chubby look. I like to hand stitch the binding so … [Read more...] about Christmas in August
Wool Applique quilt
Oh... the mornings are starting to get chilly again, reminding me that Autumn is not too far away. Is it time to work with wool again? In my studio, it is always time for wool applique! This is my latest wall hanging called Gardener's Delight. Here are some specs for you: Applique: wool (hand dyed, recycled wool clothes) Dimensions: 17" x 19.5" Machine quilted with dark monofilament Embroidered with DMC floss Batting: Warm and Natural I love the recycled wool I used for the basket, don't … [Read more...] about Wool Applique quilt
Quiltmaking Essentials
I am telling you, mitered corners still elude me. When working with them I still need to refer to directions, even after all these years of quilting. It is probably because I don't use them in all my quilts, but some borders won't look good without them. I wish I had someone next to me right as I am doing it... ... but the next best thing is a good reference book. Quiltmaking Essentials 2 by Donna Lynn Thomas covers not only borders but also backings, bindings, sashings, and quilt … [Read more...] about Quiltmaking Essentials
Another Little Gem
Yesterday I finished another quilt from the Little Gems book by Connie Kauffman, this one for my son Ryan who turned 14 at the beginning of June. I was busy trying to meet a couple of deadlines so he had to wait a few weeks for his gift. I think it was worth the wait! Although it measures only 12" x 12", carefully chosen colors and fabrics make it really striking. It will eventually hang in his bedroom but for now he wants it downstairs where he can see it all the time. This is Connie's … [Read more...] about Another Little Gem