Summercrafter

This was so satisfying to finish. I just really enjoyed putting this together, partly because I really like these fabrics and I got to try so many new things.  Not to mention this one is a keeper, even though the new kitchen is on the back burner again. No Problem.  For progress up until this post, click here . One of the serendipitous things that happened with this little table topper was that I used a low loft batting that was not my preference because it is kind of poofy and thick. I used this because I wanted to use up whatever I had lying around (waste not, want not) but I know a flatter, needle punched batting is better for table toppers and wall hangings. Initially, I was going to do this loopy "heart in a heart" (below) type quilting design (to add to the "Valentine" theme of it) but since the fabrics are so busy this totally did not work.    So, I opted for the one heart per square option which, up until this t...

For starters, I think I am going to change the name of this quilt. For one, the Valentine Quilt has red and pink but really nothing else that is "valentine-ish" except for The Love Note. So, even though it started out as the 9 square block Valentine Quilt. I think The Love Note Quilt conjures up more sentiment, don't you think?  Here it is in stages: Part One , Part Two. Here is how the actual embroidery went. CHAIN STITCH: Must be continuous since they link, or it's quite the challenge to get back in the loop. DOTS: Not just to "trace" letters but to determine even stitch separation.  Actually, I did start "doodling" with the thread (backstitched)  much as I would have with a paper and pen, despite trying to draw out a plan, sometimes you just gotta experiment your way through.  Added pearl detail for contrast, almost melted it while pressing. TIP: Iron on the backside!! ...

There are several options when publishing a blog post. I can either give you the whole scoop at once, or give you bits and pieces and update as I go. Unfortunately, (or fortunately) I have had to do the latter.  And although I can't get my hands on it soon enough, my mind is working on this project at almost every spare thought! For my love note square,       I pulled out this embrodery book I bought in December of 2011.  I think it's important to learn things formally and correctly in order for the result to be its absolute best.     I am ashamed to admit that before, I really hadn't looked through it thoroughly.     Not only does it have a "how to" section with various types of stitching, (which I am eager to learn)       but it also has themed pages with samples and templates.   It also has projects that you can do   and a CD that lets...

The thrill of seeing a quilt come together is like the completion of  a painting, the birth of a child, the publishing of a book!  Yes, some quilters do get giddy and do a little dance (guilty) during the process. As I was whining saying...      in the previous post, I had added this color option.     And really spent way too much time coordinating prints.  I should know by now, that when I sew them together, it's all for naught!   Squares assembled, check! That was fun!     Then I put the sashing between the squares, I love the contrast!     I added little white squares in the center, even though that is not my accent block, but it was a measurement thing.      There on the bottom right, is where I am going to write my love note.  More on that later! I was stumped as to which fabric to use for the backing,   ...

Finished this off and shipped it, check!     This letters below were my favorites and newer ideas.    Can you guess what the "R" is?       These robots were programmed too.     And I added a color option to my Valentine's Quilt.      More on why it wasn't finished in time for this year later!