About Me

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Pacific Northwest, United States

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I've been crafting things for myself and others since my teen years. Designing and creating is not just what I do.....it's Who I Am. Thanks for stopping by.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Design Wall Monday - Feb 27, 2012

I have been quilting the asterisk block baby quilt.  

I used spray basting to create the quilt sandwich and then heat to set the basting.  I find that this method works well and keeps the fabric from shifting while I quilt on my home machine.  Then I used invisible thread and my walking foot to stitch in the ditch around the quilt interior and between the blocks.  I've only recently started using invisible thread and I like the result.  It really is forgiving and hardly shows.   

It took me a while to decided on a stitching design.  I didn't want to detract from the colorful triangles, so I chose to use white thread, top and bobbin, and have been quilting the blocks with small leaves.  

After quilting the interior of the blocks, I plan to quilt leaves in the sashing strips.  I'm not certain how I will quilt the patched borders, but they will most likely be leaves as well.


More Feather Practice
I have also been practicing quilting feathers.  I added some smaller plumes to my circle of feathers I did for the 2012 Free-Motion Quilting Challenge.

At this point, it looks out of balance so I'll probably add  some more plumes in the blank areas.

 
For this practice plume, I used a variegated thread by King Tut.  This pic barely shows the colors.  I like this thread and will use it again for quilting.  

Monday, February 20, 2012

FMQ February Challenge

The February FMQ Tutorial, by Diane Gaudynski is the “Echo Feather Plume”.  Check out this link to see her work and the tutorial.  

I'm really glad that I decided to participate in the challenge because it has given me incentive to try new quilting designs and, most importantly, to practice. 

I have always liked the look of those beautiful feathered circles.  Here is my attempt. 

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Craftsy BOM - Feb, 2012

This is block number 3, Balkan Puzzle Block.  I decided to make it red and white in honor of Valentine's Day.  

Happy Valentine's Day to all!!!

Monday, February 13, 2012

Design Wall Monday Feb 13, 2012

Saturday we worked on our quilted sweatshirts in our little quilt group.  I finished applying the fabric strips and stay-stitching before reconstructing it.  It's a little big, so I plan on taking out the side seams and sleeves so I can reduce the amount of fabric in those areas.  Once I get a better fit, then I'll apply the binding around the bottom, center openings and neckline area.  Because I have enough overlap, I'm thinking of using buttons down the front for closure.  I also have some squares cut and partially sewn for a pillowcase on the wall behind the dress form. 

Be sure to check out Patchwork Times with July L so see what others have on their design walls this week.
 
Happy Sewing, y'all!!!

Thursday, February 9, 2012

FMQ February Feathers Practice

Well, I've been practicing quilting feathers.  Don't look too close!  This has been a real challenge, but I'm feel more confident than when I started.  I tried to quilt from one orientation position and found that I can make better quilting lines in some directions than others.  My speed was also a factor that I haven't quite figured out yet.  If I go too slow, the lines get a bit jerky and if I speed it up then I tend not to slow down when I should.  I also tried a bit of filler quilting between the plumes.  It's my hope to be able to quilt feathers on a quilt when I think they would be appropriate. 

Monday, February 6, 2012

Design Wall Monday–Feb 06, 2012

DWM-02-06-12
Here is what’s on my wall today.  This will be a pillow case for the living room.  (I tend to use a bed pillow on the couch and have been known to fall asleep watching t.v.) 

I wanted to use some of my teals and purples with a splash of accent color (yellow).   

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Kitty Blankie - done!

Here's the final scrappy block quilt.  It measures 34" square.  

I did a lot of quilting practice on this piece, but my kitty does not care.  She loves her new blankie and has given her approval.  I had to snatch it back from her to take the pic.  

I had to do some planning and thinking about how I would add the borders and then attach them.  I chose to continue with the quilt-as-you-go style and use the thin black sashing strips to connect the outer borders and corners.  I was able to use up a bunch of scraps, but I still have a ton to go, so I'll probably make one for my other cat, too.  

Happy Sewing!
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