Design Wall Cleaning

It goes without saying that it has been awhile since I have been on the blog.  It has been a busy and productive time for me with all the "things" I needed to accomplish.  It has also been a dry spell on the creativity front, mostly because of lack of time.

I had a rare day today to be at home with nowhere to go and nothing pressing to do.  Spring cleaning in my quilt studio caught my fancy today.  It is wonderful to have a dust free and tidy space to create again.  The sun shining outside was inspiring and absolutely wonderful.  Lunch on the patio today!!!!

While cleaning I noticed how much dust has settled over my design wall and the million and one threads also stuck to it.  My favorite and quickest way to clean my design wall is with the hardwood floor cleaning head and vacuum the board.  In minutes the threads are gone and the dust is spinning inside my Dyson.  Maybe you have another way to clean your wall, if so, I'd love to hear about it.

On Wednesday I am off to Paducah, KY for the Quilt Show and am so excited to get the chance to do this.  It has been on my bucket list for quite a while.  Thank you to some wonderful friends who have a room they are willing to share and will be traveling with me for the company and laughs.

Enjoy all the Beauty around you,

Dee

It Has Finally Happened

I am ecstatic!!!!!  After a long time of waiting and saving I bought a new sewing machine on Friday.  It is the Bernina 770 QE and I LOVE it.  I've been playing with it every free minute I've had this weekend.  Christmas definitely  came early this year.

The newest project in my sewing room is a modern paper pieced quilt.  I like the graphic look and the complicated block made easy by paper piecing.  Following is a picture of some of the blocks parts.  I am loving Alex Anderson's and Florianni's new print and piece paper.  I don't have to tear it out after sewing which makes me happy.  You can leave it in and when the quilt is washed it pretty much disappears.  It is very soft and pliable.  Love it.

May all your days be filled with new delights both big and small.

Dee

Trends

Trends come and go and a few stick around for the long haul.  Lately, in my life, I have noticed a trend or a desire to learn the different methods of appliqué.  What I have found interesting is that requests are so diverse.  Quilters want to appliqué for children, try out wool appliqué, make quick felt decor for the home, reverse appliqué for art quilting, etc....  I thought I would outline briefly the six methods of appliqué I am aware of and use periodically in my work.

Raw Edge - I find this best for small projects but can certainly work for any project.  It is sewing without turning or finishing the edges after fusing the motifs to your project.

Fused - This is a form of raw edge with machine top stitching using a decorative or blanket stitch.

Reverse - A type of layering fabrics, stitching on top and then cutting away sections to reveal fabric below.

Machine - Satin stitch or blanket stitch over raw edges.

Felt - A clean edge stitched on by hand or by machine.

Hand - Using needle and thread and a blind stitch to attach turned under motifs.

Applique quilts are such a beautiful works of art.  May you be inspired to tackle one in the near future.

Here is a file from Laura Wasilowski on fusing tips that you may find helpful.

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