Italian mosaics are the source of inspiration for intricate, beautiful quilts. The book Bella Bella quilts: Stunning Designs from Italian Mosaics by Norah McMeeking (I found it here) is a great example of such quilts. I have at least two of them on my list of UFOs (Utterly Fun Objects!) In my case, it was the other way around. Quilts inspired this mosaic I pieced together on the back porch of my previous house. First, I designed the block. When I was satisfied, I applied grout to a … [Read more...] about Permanent Wall Hanging
quick projects
The cutest apron ever!
On this cloudy day, my friend Soraya came to visit me with her mother. She came bearing gifts: Brazilian food for dinner (feijoada!), and a gorgeous apron she made for me! Clouds? What clouds? She has no idea how she has brightened my day! The colors are cheerful and the choice of fabrics could not have been better! What would we do without friends and their acts of kindness? … [Read more...] about The cutest apron ever!
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
Messenger Bag Tutorial
Just found this tutorial on how to sew an easy Messenger Bag. I like her choice of fabrics and its size. This can be a great birthday or Christmas gift for a teenager. Just pick some cool fabrics, for boy or girl. Fill it with books, iTunes gift card... and you will have a winner! http://fabricworm.blogspot.com/2010/09/patternless-messenger-bag-tutorial.html … [Read more...] about Messenger Bag Tutorial
Breakfast in Style
I love going to JoAnn's for notions and other craft supplies and hardly ever look at their quilt fabrics. However, this one time... look what I found! I made a set of four matching place mats. Like it? … [Read more...] about Breakfast in Style
MIA
Well, I am definitely not going to the Post Office anytime soon. I will purchase stamps at the grocery store, and will visit the UPS Store all the time for all my shipping needs. Why? Well, this past Christmas I had the stupid idea of shipping Xmas gifts via USPS. Since I always do it via UPS and always get a tracking number, I forgot that I needed to pay for special services at the Post Office, if I wanted a tracking number. Of course, the box with all the Christmas gifts to my husband's family … [Read more...] about MIA