Another precious book came in the mail this week: Japanese Quilting by Yoko Saito . I had seen Yoko's work in magazines, but this collection of projects is a gem. Her signature taupe fabrics and wonky blocks adds whimsy and charm to her designs. Yoko's fabric colors appeals to traditional quilters, while her modern bag designs redefine this old staple of every woman's accessory arsenal. I am glad she incorporated Sashiko into some of her offerings, as I have fallen in love with this … [Read more...] about Japanese Quilting
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So true…
Just saw this cartoon at Live a Colorful Life. Is it true for you? More often than not it describes my creative process, particularly when faced with many concurrent deadlines... ... and deadlines will be the last thing on my mind today, with all that is going on: my mom arrives from Brazil at noon, and my son Michael graduates from BYU at 2 pm. My sewing machine and ironing board will enjoy a restful day. Sapphire, the cat, will sleep undisturbed on my chair, as I will be driving up and down … [Read more...] about So true…
Disappearing Four Patch Tutorial
Every year, each of us makes a quilt block for that year's guild president; those blocks are given to her so she can make a quilt. It is our way to say "thank you" for all her hard work. Today I had the chance to piece my block for last year's president, Diana. I am happy she chose the Disappearing 4-Patch, as I had seen it but had not yet tried it. Just in case you have not pieced this block, I made a tutorial as I went along. Here is what you will need: 2 - 5" squares of white fabric 2 - 5" … [Read more...] about Disappearing Four Patch Tutorial
Machine applique
This is my other source of relaxation: machine applique. I can't show you the whole quilt as it is for our round robin... The colors turned out so nice, I may even make a quilt for myself with them. I am adding some embroidery on the corners, but am not sure I like the thread I am using (too thick) as the French knots are not turning out right. It looks like a do over... Applique is a great technique to use when the quilt blocks are very geometric, and the whole project could benefit … [Read more...] about Machine applique
Handmade baby gifts
Just purchased the Quilt a Gift for Little Ones book by Barri Sue Gaudet. This book has so many adorable gift ideas to make for babies! Barri Sue's designs are gorgeous! The booties will be my first project. They can be made for either boys or girls. Although the pattern is for newborns to one month old baby, I will enlarge it and make a few different sizes. The embroidery is dainty, easy, and fast. My second project will definitely be the overnight bag! The ultimate in cuteness! The … [Read more...] about Handmade baby gifts
Spring Cleaning
I had dozens and dozens of quilt magazines in my studio. This week I decided to look through them, remove the pages I wanted to keep, and throw the magazines away. In the evenings, when I had no energy left for anything else, I would put my feet up and look through each magazine. I kept favorite patterns, pages with tips and tutorials, inspirational pictures, and nothing else. Yesterday I purchased two binders and plastic sheet protectors. In one binder I placed tabs for quilts, gift and small … [Read more...] about Spring Cleaning