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
Tips
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
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
Winter Wonderland
Crabapple Hill Studio has amazing quilt patterns with embroidery blocks. Inspired by some friends at my quilt guild I started working on their Winter Wonderland pattern. Instead of doing redwork, I decided to work with varigated floss in blues and grays. I cut, marked (using Pilot FriXion pens), and basted all the blocks for the quilt and am almost done with the first block. Although I anticipate it will be a few months before I get it done, I put the block I am working on, along with a couple … [Read more...] about Winter Wonderland
Storing Embroidery Floss
Here is my solution to the mess of colorful floss I had when I started embroidery work. I got the plastic sleeves at The Container .Store during my last trip to Denver. They are meant to store photo negatives, but work well for the floss. Tell me what you think... … [Read more...] about Storing Embroidery Floss