You’ve been asking for it and here it finally is! A tutorial for how I like to appliqué vines and similar quilt elements. I am using the pattern “One” by Quiltworx for my example.
The first thing you need to do is determine how wide you want your vein. I have 2 samples here. Captains Wheel is the first one, it has a very thin “rope”. The next is ONE and I used a wider cut strip for this one. I make a sample out of scrap fabric and just do the steps to see what I will like. Be sure to use contrasting fabrics for your sample.
This is “rope” on my Captain’s Wheel quilt. I have placed the dime so you can see how small this one finishes. This strip was cut 1″Here it is folded in half and stitched downThis one is 1 1/2″. Press wrong sides together, like a binding stripHere it is pressedStitch down with a straight stitch. All raw edges together. I used 1/4″ seam hereStitched – ready to ironNow iron!Do NOT trim before ironing! In this sample I did trim before ironing – OOPS!In this photo I trimmed the end before I ironed – DO NOT DO THIS! IRON FIRST!See what happened, after I pressed? The angle is wrong! Now I have 2 options, I can take the whole thing off and restitch — or – I can just trim the end of the leaf a little bit? What do you think I did?Now place the second side, leave each end a little long so you can fold it over for a nice finish. If you are comparing my sample to the pattern you will notice I switched sides for the long/short edges. It’s your quilt!
Stitch using approximately 1/4″ seam allowance, all raw edges lined upPRESS – this is the top of the leaf. See how much length I left?Pressed – determine how long you want the stem at the bottomCarefully trim and fold the end over for a nice finishThe stem at the bottom of the leaf after I have folded the end for a nice finish. I did take this back to machine and finish stitching to the end at the top and bottom.Choose your thread colors, I wanted mine to blend, you may want them to accent. You may also want to use your favorite invisible threadI used a button-hole stitch on this one, sometimes I use a tiny zig-zagThis is what the back looks like. The white straight stitch is from the first line of stitching I did. Then you see the yellow button-hole stitchAnd ONE is DONE!
I hope you find this tutorial helpful. I plan to do a few more so if you have any gentle critiques please post them in the comments.
Remember I am available to teach at your local quilt shop or your quilt guild. You can find my schedule here.
We will never forget the day our world changed. I worked for a boating company in Seabrook, TX, MarineMax. I had just left one location and was getting ready to head back to my office, my sister had not been feeling well over the weekend and I called to see how she was feeling. Phil answered the phone and said he was watching the news as a plane had just hit a building in NY – at that time he thought it might’ve been a commuter plane, while we were chatting the 2nd plane attacked and I knew, as did the rest of the world, America was a target. I hung up the phone, called my husband who had not heard yet. Then headed to my office, a co-worker and I headed to my house to pick up a tv to be able to watch the news. Some co-workers headed home, some stayed it was their choice. I did not want to go home to an empty house so I stayed and we tried to make sense of a senseless act.
I watch our news today and we have too many senseless acts, they are not as dramatic as the attacks in NY on 9/11/2001 but they all add up to a great loss of life. Horrible acts of violence are happening everyday all around the world and too often in our own cities and neighborhoods. I do not know the answers but I feel the great sadness!
This is a Facebook post from 2011, a mom of young boys wanted to be sure they would always remember the day our world changed. Maybe if we teach our children compassion and teach them the value of hard work and the great feeling of helping others the world will change……
How will your children remember 9/11 – We Remember
In 2010 I was contacted by someone to see if I could quilt 3 quilts for her. She lives over 50 miles away but she wanted to come show me the quilts and talk to me about them. We had a consultation and I gave her my ideas for quilting them and a quote to quilt all 3. She took them back home to piece the backings together and decide on some quilting options I have given her. The 3 quilts are almost identical, 1 is for her, and 1 each for her 2 sons, 11 and 14. She brought the quilts back to me and I put them in the schedule for January.
These quilts were quite large 102×102 and like I said very similar. I knew once I started quilting them I would be challenged to keep working on them because I enjoy variety! I quilted the boys quilts back to back but had to wait to get more batting for mom’s quilt. During this time she called to ask if I could quilt the boys names into their quilts. I explained that these quilts were completed, but I offered to create machine embroidered labels for her quilts.
She sent me an email with correct spelling and the information she wanted on the quilts.
In Memory of 9/11/2001
Made for XXXXXX
2002-2011
Love, Mom
And then these quilts took on new meaning for me. Her sons were very very young on that day in our history and she wanted them to always remember and this was her way to honor that horrific event in our history. I was touched to be part of her gift to her sons.
A couple of weeks ago I was the guest speaker for the Victoria Area Quilt Guild! They are a very busy guild! And so many nice ladies! It was great to see all the familiar faces in the group too – many of these ladies had been on the Quilting Cruise earlier this year!
They meet on the 4th Thursday of the month – you can learn more about them here.
Here are a few of the show and tells from their guild meeting!
From a previous workshopA smaller option from the same workshop.Love the arrangement on this one….Happy colors!This redwork was done by one guild member and another guild member made the quilt. Exquisite needle work on the redwork.A great setting for those prints that scream to be seen.And this adorable barn quilt for a young child – when I grow up I want to needle turn like that!Beautiful appliqué mixed with log cabin blocks. The subtlety of the colors really was very attractiveA fun little woven projectThis is their October workshop – I really would love to learn how to make this quilt! (I will be in Houston at Market)Love how the block ending!This Show and Tell is our CRUISE QUILT!!! Quilted and Bound with Applique!
After the meeting and a quick bite to eat we started our workshop. Compass Rose Table Runner! This is a great pattern and the there are enough papers included in the pattern to make 2 table runners. This block is also the center for Mariner’s Compass (retreat in October). It is also a featured block in Captain’s Wheel.
Here are a few photos from the workshop.
Workshop Photo!Workshop Photo!Lined up and ready to SEW!!!Workshop Photo!Workshop Photo!Workshop Photo!Workshop Photo!Workshop Photo!
Thank You Quilt Guild of Greater Victoria! I had a wonderful time!
As I promised yesterday – we have our 2nd post for the Beginners and Finishers Retreat from a couple of weeks ago!
We had 2 styles of beginners – the first being those that are new to paper-piecing and/or Judy Niemeyer Patterns. In this group we had some working on Total Eclipse and 1 working on Dancing Batiks.
Pat’s “Dancing Batiks”Total Eclipse by Maggie!Linda’s Fire Island Hosta – teal is the magic color in this one. She is making it king size and I really hope to see a photo finish of this one – it is going to be awesome!Susan’s “Total Eclipse”Here is Carol’s Total Eclipse
In our other group of beginners – we had those that are familiar with Judy’s patterns and paper-piecing in general and they chose to BEGIN new projects! (not included in the photo’s is Ronda’s arcs for her Flowers for My Wedding Ring – can’t wait for September’s Wedding Ring Retreat to see more of this one!) I also missed getting pictures of Terri’s Glacier Star she left a day early to play with grand babies!
JoAnn worked on her Prairie Star. She had this quilt top all together and decided she wanted to brighten it up…. so she took it apart and remade the Geese and H units with lighter background. She also took out the center CS units and went with a lighter background and then added the absolute last square inch of the lighter background to her LS units! Not something I would’ve done BUT the it was a dramatic difference and really added a lot of zing to her quilt!Vernell started her Glacier Star!Forgot to include Belinda’s Fire Island Hosta in yesterday’s post!
I did not have any finishes myself, but I did get a good start on some new beginnings!
From the new Geese Migrations Book – “Always Chasing Rainbows”Indian Summer using Kaffe’s with Black/White.Prismatic Star was so much fun I had to start another one. This one has my fabric choices and all of the diamonds will be identical!
And just some other fun stuff to share! I should’ve taken photos of the food – Ronda always takes really good care of us in that department!
Terri’s show and share – I may not have captured her Glacier Star but that is ok but this quilt was AMAZING. She did NOT strip piece those 9 patches – they are each individual squares!The bobbin in the photo gives you some perspective on the size of those 9 patches!And we had at least one beautiful sunset – I think I missed the others!And we had at least one beautiful sunset – I think I missed the others!And we had at least one beautiful sunset – I think I missed the others! While we were there we were also able to observe Jupiter and Venus converging – my amateur photography skills could not capture this (especially without my tripod!)
For those of you that follow the blog you will remember I taught a fabulous group of quilters way back in January at The Wimberley Quilt Ranch. Our quilt of choice was Fire Island Hosta. If you want to re-visit that blog post click HERE!
The end of June found me back at the Quilt Ranch and this will be a 2-part post. This is part 1 (well part 2 of the Fire Island Hosta, part 1 of the June Retreat!) This retreat was for “Beginners and Finishers!” We had 2 finishers from our January retreat and I would like to highlight those quilts here along with “Lucy’s” Fire Island Hosta which is HOT OFF the Long Arm! I had so much fun quilting her quilt – I love whimsical quilting and her quilt was just the key for some of that fun!
So here is to our Fire Island Finishers!
Click here to get your pattern! What to join us for a retreat? I have several on the schedule!
Mary’s finish! I am so excited for Mary! Her 2nd Paper-pieced quilt! She also got her borders on her quilt during the retreat but I did not get a photo! (She also started another quilt – see part 2)Diane’s finish! Her colors were scrumptious! She added a little 3d accent around her leaves to make them stand out a little more!And now to “Lucy’s” quilt. Lucy is also known as Ronda! She is the fuel provider at our Wimberley Retreats AND she is the owner of a fabulous retreat center in LaPorte TX – learn more here!Quilting Photos!Quilting Photos!Quilting Photos! – See the dark outline around her leaves? That is piping!!!Quilting Photos!Quilting Photos!Quilting Photos!
Sometimes I think I must have the best “job” around! Thanks to all of you for being part of the fun!
Once Upon a Time – a long, long, long time ago……..
Well really it was just May, but that seems a long time ago! Where is 2015 going?
Oh yes, back to my tale….. Little Toot was in a PLAY! And she had not one, but TWO minor parts! And she was the cutest bluebird and granny I ever did see!
In Webster, TX there is a hidden treasure for aspiring young actors and actresses – Upstage Arts! You should really check them out!
Hubby and I were quite impressed with several of the young voices in this group – these kids were really amazing!
Not acting! Just Snarky!Hamming it up when she sees us taking photos!Jack needed an old-fashioned toy – my daughter-in-law pulled out a little horse grandpa had made for Little Toot a few years back!When she exited the tent; her wig stayed inside so she was trying to adjust while saying her lines…..Hoping no one notices!In character – well she is being a character!This cow costume was resurrected from a years-old performance – it reminded us of our old dog – I LOVED the COW!!!The cow tries to take a bow!Grandpa goes behind the scenes to capture some of the group cast shots!Grandpa goes behind the scenes to capture some of the group cast shots!Grandpa goes behind the scenes to capture some of the group cast shots!Grandpa goes behind the scenes to capture some of the group cast shots!Precious!She is a hammmmmmmm!Grandpa goes behind the scenes to capture some of the group cast shots!Granny with Granny!What!?The girl loves flowers!I love to watch her interact….and just watch her…..It was late; she was tired! The adrenaline was wearing down….Theatrical words to live by……
Life is short – do what you love and love what you do!
Get on a boat! And sail the high seas with a bunch of fun quilters!
A special thanks to Veronica Cox of Bear Threads Designs for coordinating of our Quilters Cruise!
I would also like to acknowledge the minute of silence held on the ship to remember the reason we have Memorial Day! Several tributes were held through-out the ship during our week on board! The folks in TX were always on our mind as the state experienced un-precedented flooding over the Memorial Weekend and days that followed!
Our view as we were getting ready to leave Galveston in a drizzly rain on board The Navigator of the Seas for 7 days of fun packed sewing, sight-seeing and sipping! (Be sure to read to the end as you will not want to miss the final photo!)!
Who else sees flying geese?
Our first full day at sea was a class taught by Winnie Fleming. All of her kits were pre-cut and the students got right down to sewing! Our machines were Janome Horizon machines and were provided by Scott from Citrus Sewing Center of Ocala, FL.
The blocks and setting for the quilt Winnie chose for her class! Made with Hoffman Bali Pops, pre-cut by Winnie to the perfect size for piecing the blocks!Another pretty one!This photo is straight – the quilt on the design wall? Not so straight! Were the seas that rough?Kat photo bombing!One of 7 Linda’s hard at work!Sara’s quilt is going to be fabulous!
The evening class was taught by Susie Seed, she is an educator for Sulky! She had a fun project called split personality and students were able to try all kinds of threads and stitches while constructing their projects.
Susie Seed – Sulky Educator! And a fun lady!Split Personalities – make two faces, slice them down the middle, swap them around and you have a split personality!Split Personalities – make two faces, slice them down the middle, swap them around and you have a split personality!Split Personalities – make two faces, slice them down the middle, swap them around and you have a split personality!Split Personalities – make two faces, slice them down the middle, swap them around and you have a split personality!Split Personalities – make two faces, slice them down the middle, swap them around and you have a split personality!Split Personalities – make two faces, slice them down the middle, swap them around and you have a split personality!Split Personalities – make two faces, slice them down the middle, swap them around and you have a split personality!
My day to teach did not arrive until day 5 of the cruise, after 3 port days, Cozumel, Belize and Roatan. I was worried my students would be worn-out by this point as they had had a busy several days so far. But, my fears were quickly set aside, they were all excited and ready to jump in and learn something new! Only 1 photo from my class because I was having too much fun sharing my passion for paper-piecing!
The quilt I taught on the cruise. Landscape Table Runner – The only photo I took during the class!
There is so much to do on the ship!
When we weren’t sewing or sleeping, we were sight-seeing or enjoying ship performances. I did not take photos at most of the performances, we saw an ice-skating show, a tribute broadway, karaoke, comedians and lounge acts. My favorite was when the staff performed on the promenade with a tribute to the 70’s including The Village People! If I had not been laughing so hard I might have been able to snap some photos!
On the promenade getting ready for the circus paradeOne of the interior cabins, someone was peeking out to watch the parade. Hubby and I had a cabin on deck 2 (by the ice-skating rink)Some of the circus parade performersThe camera setting was just a tad off!
Highlights from our excursion to Cozumel….
Our first port was Cozumel, I had been here a very long time ago, probably over 30 years ago. The island has really grown up. It has a community college, a Sam’s store and lots of restaurants and shopping.We chose a short Mayan Ruins tour and scenic overview.We chose a short Mayan Ruins tour and scenic overview.All of the stones for the ruins were “mined” from underground tunnels! There are miles and miles of tunnels under the island where the stones used to be!The scenic overview! This side of the island is still in its natural form except for a couple of roadside tourist shops. No resorts etc.My handsome man!We are back on board the ship – watching other passengers que up to board.2 smaller carnival ships were also in port.
Our group after the 2nd formal dinner. A big thank you to my husband for being our photographer!
Our group after dinner Friday evening!Our group after dinner Friday evening!
Our group after dinner Friday evening!
We skipped early dinner one evening which meant I got to see a sunset!
I may not have dipped my toes in the ocean or the pool BUT I did see ONE sunset!
Sipping with our 3 favorite bartenders! Thanks Alice, Elle and Juana for keeping us entertained and “hydrated!” Our favorite place on the ship was the R Bar winding down with friends!
Alice! Classic beauty and charm! And a GREAT bartender!Elle preparing cocktails!Shaken!Double-Time!Juana – the boss! After giving the girls several dark chocolate bars we were in big trouble because they stayed up til the wee morning hours!A whole lot of shaking going on!They know when to stir it and when to shake it!The essence of Juana!Winnie, Linda and Me posing in the big framed chair – time for a little unwind!Kat joins the party!Then we added Kathy!And the party just keeps growing!Hubster was feeling left out!
A friend and piecer from Clear Lake made this beautiful quilt top and asked me to be her quilter! Her quilt was flat and very well pieced and pressed nicely too! 3 of my favorite things when I am getting ready to quilt a quilt.
Her backing was also large enough which ALWAYS makes me happy!
I love feathers, in case you have noticed! And of course Debbie’s quilt spoke to me and said “feathers please”. How could I refuse?
The overall quilt – fabulous!A second view of the overallCloser up of the centerQuilting in center setting squaresThe center starsOuter setting squares and borders
I have a few random thoughts and photos to share with you today!
First sending thoughts and prayers to those who are struggling with things that are beyond their control. You are loved and it will take some time, but it will get better. Life is truly good! But dang some of those bumps in the road are extreme!
I am constantly reminded how amazing God is – we see evidence all around us, but it is the daily reminders that I cherish!
On Monday, March 16th we closed on the sale of our “old” house. We lived there 18 years and made so many memories there! As we drove east on I-10 towards Houston there was the most amazing pre-sunrise. The sky was red in between the clouds. Hubby was driving so I pulled out my camera and tried to capture it. You can see the color even with all the noise in the photo.
Sunrise traveling east on I-10 in the early hours of March 16th.
Later that week I was invited to my friend’s house for a quilt retreat. There is nothing like time spent with friends that are family!
Each time this little guy would come out we would stop sewing and chatting to just enjoy him.
Swiper!Swiper!
And the sunsets at her house are phenomenal
Here is the first evening
And here is the second evening – caught at the perfect moment!
While I was there I worked on my Paradise in Blooms Quilt – my goal was to have it done! Ha Ha Ha – I did get the center all done, not completely assembled yet though. Now I am piecing the outer border to make it queen size. Maybe this weekend will see a finish!
Laying it out after adding the appliquéStamp of approval from Ripsy!Had to move to the other room to see it with the baskets – Ripsy likes this too!
This past weekend I was teaching at a quilt til you wilt at “Country Living Quilts!” To see photos go check out their Facebook page! (Or mine, I will post some phone photos there too!) I arrived home early Sunday evening, as hubby showed me what he had worked on I noticed the moon and Venus? Grabbed the camera and caught this.
A sliver moon and is that Venus? I know nothing of astronomy! Sorry folks!
And then this morning as I stood at the quilting machine I spied with my little eye the red stag deer. They were playing on one of our sand piles. I hope you enjoy!
Now that I have shared these I can gather some more wool to share later!
Have a great week and maybe I will see you again here in the cyber world before the week is over!
Dee
PS – Timeless Treasures shared my blog tutorial – they have a very nice blog here is the main page so you can see the recent topics!
Earlier this week Shirley and I met up at the dealership while I was waiting for them to complete my oil change and a minor recall issue so I could give her a quilted quilt! That means now that she has it in her possession I get to share with you!
Full view of the quilt – lovely batiks!Some of the individual blocks….Some of the individual blocks….Some of the individual blocks….Border appliqueBorder cornerstoneFeathers in the border with variegated thread – king tut!
I love quilts with dark backgrounds – Amish with a Twist is a great quilt and this one was done as part of the block of the month program at Pinwheels and Posies in Dickinson, TX.
What are you working on this weekend? I will be at a retreat with friends working on my Paradise in Blooms. Stay tuned for photos next week! Would you like more information on Paradise in Blooms? Click HERE!
