Friday, December 28, 2012

Sewing Resolutions and a Cat

Happy Feline Friday!
It is resolution time again.  2012 was my year to improve and learn more about free motion quilting.  I had a great time following Sewcalgal's Challenge each month.  I also decided I needed to sew what I've got before buying more.  It sort of worked.  In 2013, I have decided to focus on fabric collage with free motion quilting.  I will try to do new work frequently (notice how non-committal I am). 
 
And here's the cat.
Happy New Year!


Friday, December 21, 2012

Peace on Earth

'Twas the first day of winter, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a cat.

  The felines were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of tuna danced in their heads.

They had just settled down for a long winter's nap...

Best Wishes for a Peaceful Holiday!
 


Tuesday, December 18, 2012

It's Not Too Late!

No need to panic!  You can still purchase PDF patterns and have them sent directly to your gift receipient here.  For immediate downloads- check out craftsy.  For locals, I offer prepaid sewing lessons and alterations!

Friday, December 14, 2012

Feline Friday- The Battle Begins

We put up the tree, decorated it and immediately the Light Block Battle begins!  The cats love this glass block with lights in it.  It warms up and they start hissing.  Here is Emma, temporarily Queen of the Block.  They woke me up this morning at 5:30am arguing over it.
Alice, looking pleased with herself.
 



Wednesday, December 12, 2012

12 Months of Free Motion Quilting

No, they are not sewn together.  I used a mishmash of scraps for the samples, 17 in all.  I learned so much this year!  I had only dabbled in free motion quilting, but now I feel confident to at least attempt to add stitching to my projects.  I learned about marking, threads, using a pattern, free handing (my favorite), borders etc.  I had never stitched a feather before!  I expect some of these to become pot holders, tote bags, pillows.  I made Valentine's Day cards from one.  Thank you for hosting and organizing this challenge Sewcalgal!


Free Motion Quilting Challenge

December's quilting expert is Patsy Thompson.  She instructed us in borders.  Sorry it is so hard to see in the picture.  There are several different designs.  I loved what she calls "hyper quilting"  where she will add a second color and design inside of a feather.

I added a snail to the middle.

Here is where my feathers meet in the border.  I don't think I'll be so scared of feather borders anymore.  This wraps up a year of Free Motion Quilting with experts provided by Sewcalgal.  I have really enjoyed the journey and have learned a lot!


Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Artist Trading Card Slice Swap

We all made 9 cards of this pansy photo.  I used a cereal box with pretty paper on the back.  I glued fabric and paper scraps on the pansy photo.  Then I drew on top with oil pastels.  It still needed something so after cutting the cards apart, I glued beads and sequins on top and sealed it all with Modge Podge.

After the swap, here is the result!