Projects to keep me busy.

I can't believe that it is almost April. Over the past two months I have been very busy creating and completing a show quilt for AQC (yet to know whether it is a finalist), class samples for terms 2/3 as well as having a go at making some temari balls for an Easter Gift.
The class samples include a kaleidoscope quilt, a Westalee whole cloth quilt and a yet to be complete stain glass quilt that uses steam-a-seam self adhesive tape. Each of these uses different techniques so there is sure to be something there for you.

I have stitched the whole cloth quilt using Westalee rulers and contrast thread on black fabric so it is easier for you to see the designs and I have stitched five different border patterns to show what you can do with the Westalee rulers. Also showcased are four of the Wonderfil Mirage varigated threads so you can see how they stitch out.

I have also really enjoyed making the temari balls that are an ideal project when "watching" T.V at night.
I have used some of the patterns from Barbara B. Suess Book " Temari Techniques - A Visual Guide to Making Japanese Embroidered Thread Balls"
No.5 perle cotton was used for the embroidery/wrapping and I have wrapped polystyrene balls so that they are light enough to be used as Christmas tree decorations.
It took a few nights to complete each one although if your hands are in better shape than mine, it may takes you less time. 

Have a lovely Easter break
It’s all about craft/quilting
Jacqui

Wonderfil's new Fabulux is well named.

Hi everyone,

Further to Anne's post yesterday about Wonderfil's new thread Fabulux, I just wanted to show you what it looks like when graffiti quilted on black. Isn't it just luscious?

I can't wait to use the other colours in the range. 

It's all about quilting.

Jacqui.

Make a Christmas Table Cloth with AccuQuilt and Embroidery

I am counting down the weeks to Christmas, and this year I will be making all the presents I give. It is a big ask, but I know I can do it if I stay focused.  Of course I find making things for the blokes (men) in my world the hardest to do so I have made up a bit of a list.  But more on that in future posts.

Right now I thought I would share something I began this morning. It is a table cloth (ready made) that I am embroidering with a very sweet Sarah Vedeler design that works with a Sparkle-Slim tree die from AccuQuilt.

Have you used these before?

There is some work in preparation, but I cheated a little in using a pre-made square table cloth.  There are instructions for making a table runner from scratch with the die.

I started by starching the table cloth, and using the Sewing Revolution ruler I marked up my north/south/east/west and 45 degree angles.

Then I prepared by appliqué fabric with fusible web.  I used cob-web because I like the fact that there is no paper backing to remove, and that it is quite thin so it doesn't make my appliqué too stiff.

Using my software I loaded the design onto my USB flash stick, and opened it using my new machine.  (I have a beautiful new Bernina 780, which I am still learning so using it for a big embroidery, with careful placement required is a good learning exercise!)

Finally time to stitch out. The first lines in the design are placement, and then the good stuff follows on.

After the second placement lines (I used white thread so it could not not be seen should it peak out from under the appliqué fabric) I removed the hoop and positioned the appliqué fabric.

The fabric is pressed into position using a hot iron, and the hoop returned to the machine.

Finally time to stitch out all those lovely patterns and colours, the finished cloth is in the shop!

Joan's quilt 6

The HQ Sweet Sixteen and smaller table are great for quilting when you don't have much space. Joan's quilt is a double bed size, this is still achievable on a smaller table. I like to bunch the quilt up and puddle it as I go. For this block I am using a combination of the Handi Gadgets Mini Ruler and the Versa Tool.

I know this isn't traditional quilting, but I think this works, what do you think?

After looking at the overall quilt, I realised that this block hadn't any quilting on the lighter background. So I thought that I would have a go at drawing the lines with a chalk pencil and have a go at quilting it without using a ruler. We will see how I go, I may regret this decision.

Well that was easier than I thought. Not perfect, but not too bad. I am going to do some of the other squares like this. If you don't have a ruler foot or rulers to use, I think this is a great option.

Have fun creating,  Anne 

Joan's quilt 5

Joan had hand basted all the layers before hand quilting some of this quilt. This has made it easier to load on the HQ Fusion with some clips rather than pin it to the leaders. After looking through the patterns on the Pro Stitcher, I thought Pam Clark's pc-all-around arcs would enhance the centre block. I did think of trying to fit the design within the points, so using the multi point function, I plotted the shape. Once I had the shape I loaded the design over the top. It didn't look as good as I thought it might. So I rotated the design on the screen and that was the look that I wanted. As WonderFil Fruitti is a 12 weight thread you need a needle size 12 or 14 with a bigger eye, this will stop thread breaks. Time to stitch, I am happy with the result, what do you?

More about this beautiful quilt next time. 

Have fun creating your own memories, Anne

More about Joan's quilt 4

Joan had shadow quilted 3 of the 4 triangles next to the centre block. I chose to use the Bernina Q20 with free motion. The table that is available with the Bernina is fantastic! If I had the space at my home, this would be a must for me. When extended it measures 190cm long and this would be great for bigger quilts.

Have fun creating, Anne

Joan's quilt 3

So now I'm up to the smaller squares. I'm hopeless at straight lines, so the HQ mini ruler made my job easier. It's only small, so much use will it get? Well this would be a must for starting out with using rulers and at only $22, very good value.

This it my first attempt, not perfect but I think I'm improving. What do you think?

My second attempt, better I thought?

Now the question is, do I keep using the straight ruler or try my hand at he HQ Versa Tool? I need to step back for a moment and look at the overall quilt rather than just each square. 

Have fun creating, Anne

Joan's quilt 2

After showing my very good friend the progress on Joan's quilt, I thought I should do some more of the smaller squares. So I decided to try my hand a using the Handi Gadgets VersaTool ruler. I think this is great for some simple petal shapes to enhance the other lines, what do you think?

At this rate I might finish this quicker than I thought. Well on with the quilting.

Have fun creating, Anne