Polka Dot Finale

Posted on January 13, 2015 by edges

I am crossing the finish line.

Still sewing the binding, but the quilt label is done, the sleeve for hanging is complete and all I have left is the last bit of hand stitching to pull it all together.

The red background is twill, the tree is wool and the rest is cotton, with a wide variety of thread weights for applique.

For everyone who participated in the Polka Dot Fabric Exchange, I THANK YOU! Your fabric is lovely, especially when it’s pieced together with everyone else’s!

I really enjoyed challenging myself with this project, as it was a meaningful way of bringing together quilters from around the world.

For fun, I thought you might like to see the creative journey, step by step in images. Dedicated to quilters everywhere…we’re all on the same family tree!

Scribbling a thought at the breakfast table.

The fabric begins to come in from all across the US and the world.

I am moved by the notes attached to every fabric square, so I saved them.

Testing for applique.

Getting an idea of how the tree will look.

Transferring the drawing of the tree.

Cut out and fused down.

Leaves have been cut out and placed for position.

All appliqued, embroidered, quilted, just about done.

Hugs to my polka dot friends!

When Your Quilt Needs a Time-Out

Posted on December 26, 2014 by edges

If you have followed this blog for any length of time, you know I participated in a polka dot fabric exchange last year. I received 60 – 10 x 10 in. squares of polka dot fabric from all around the world.

I resolved to include them all in a quilt somehow, and managed to cobble together a tree with the fabric as leaves.

But then I had to put the quilt in a “time-out”, as a friend of mine likes to say. Quilts need it, you know. They become unruly, arrogant, resistant. Or sometimes they just become passive or apathetic. Either way, when a quilt reaches that stage of behavior, it’s time to put it in time-out. It makes absolutely no sense to argue or to fight your way through. The quilt needs time to find its way.

So I put it in the guest bedroom where it could have some time alone to ponder its future.

I checked on it occasionally, offering ideas and solutions, a way out. But the quilt obstinately refused. “OK for you,” I would think. And walk away again, to work on another, more cooperative project.

For months it sat, sulking, pouting, depressed even.

Then one day, shortly before Christmas, when I walked in to check on it, the quilt looked eager. Just a hint of it, you understand, but there it was: a small little whisper of earnestness. It had formed an idea about its future.

So I listened.

And I let the ideas float around for awhile with no pressure or desire for any of them to be successful. Tentatively, we tried something. And then another thing, after that.

And now, the polka dot quilt and I are moving forward together, both listening, both asserting, both with renewed vigor.

I’ll let you know how it all works out.

Zen Again

Posted on October 26, 2014 by edges

Don’t even tell me you don’t know what zentangles are. By now everyone has heard of a zentangle. However, in case you’ve been living under a creative rock…here’s a link explaining them.

In playing with Bernina’s Embroidery Software, I’ve been doing a few lessons from a book written by Sue Shrader: “Creative Sewing Machine’s Workbook for Bernina Embroidery Software 7.”

This workbook covers all aspects of Software 7, and can be purchased from their website. I have found it to be a valuable investment for beginners, and even for people like me who use the software on a regular basis, but still don’t know everything it can do.

One of her lessons involves creating a zentangle piece of artwork.

I had fun with this lesson as it changes every time I do it. I settled on one version and went through the motions of stitching it out. I used a heavy-weight cutaway stabilizer in my machine’s jumbo hoop.

After 30,000 stitches, I knew I’d be leaving the stabilizer behind the design no matter what I ended up making. Besides the white stabilizer would show if I cut it out behind the design.

Here’s the finished stitch-out. I spent a lot of time debating what to make out of the design and in the end I just finished it off with binding and did some quilting.

Not sure how much of the detail you can see in the design, but the various stitches actually form unique patterns. I’m always stunned at the number of things that can be done with the assistance of software.

It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, and I’m not sure it even suits me very well. Still, I’d rather push the envelope. It’s the only way any of us improve.

Multi-hooping Challenge, Part 2

Posted on July 31, 2014 by edges

The hardest part is done.

It’s not perfect, I realize that. I would do many things differently if I were to do this project over again.

I still want to add a couple more borders and then quilt it. I want it to be ready by the time I teach a multi-hooping class Aug 23.

Some tips on multi-hooping in machine embroidery:

–Start small. 2 hoopings would be great.

–Use light airy designs.

–The fewer colors the easier it is to follow.

–If you have a machine that has “perfect positioning,” rely heavily on that.

–Grid your fabric before starting so you know what is absolute horizontal and vertical.

–Practice, practice, practice!

I always tell my students that if you’re not making any mistakes, you’re probably not learning anything new. Mistakes, errors, booboo’s and unstitching are the hallmark of a learning curve. Ask me how I know.

Rare is the person who sits down and implements something new perfectly. And if they did, they probably didn’t try something challenging enough.

So get out there and push the envelope! Waste a little thread and a little fabric and a little time! (We both know it’s not really wasted, right?)

Who knows what you’ll be able to create once you move past the fear.

In Over My Head…As Usual

Posted on July 20, 2014 by edges

Silly me.

I thought I would try multi-hooping in machine embroidery.

But I didn’t start with a simple design that might require 2 hoopings. No. Not me.

I didn’t even start with a design (as recommended by Amanda from Bernina) with 3 hoopings. Nope.

My design requires 14 separate hoopings. What could go wrong?

The truth is, it’s a pretty nice design. I used some of the Sepia Petals collection, resized them, wreathed, mirrored and aligned them.

The effect is lovely. But the design is upwards of 157,000 stitches and measures about 2 ft. by 2 1/2 ft.

I used the hoop canvas in Embroidery Software 7. When I went to save, it asked me this question: Would you like the export to split the files-one file for every hooping–SHOW ME first.

The SHOW ME turned out to be the most critical part of the design. It displays a map of every hooping, in relation to every other hooping.

I am only 7 hoopings into this.

Needless to say, after about 2 hoopings I was about to abandon the whole project. The registration marks were pulling out. Nothing was lining up properly. But after about the third hooping I began to get better at facing the challenge.

I relied more on the precise positioning on the machine to help me line things up.

I got good at keeping the software open and showing the view of the hooping that I was stitching (was this number 6 or number 7??) Anyway, at this point I managed to get the second half of the tree stitched…not yet shown in the pic below, and I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

This pic is obviously a work in progress and I don’t have a final to show you yet. I am planning on adding some coordinating fabric and quilting before I am finished. But at least you can see where it’s headed.

Remember, its about a 2 ft. x 2 1/2 ft. design when completed. It hasn’t been pressed in about 3 hoopings. But I think I can make it work. What a learning opportunity this has been!

Stay calm and keep stitching. Amen to that.

I’ll share when it’s done.

Mylar Easter Eggs

Posted on March 19, 2014 by edges

I just ordered some of these decorative Easter egg embroidery designs from Purely Gates. I can’t wait to get them and try them out.

The pics on this page are stunning. They are reminiscent of Faberge eggs.

I know the last thing I need on my list of things to do is another embroidery project, but it’s cold and rainy outside today…and who of us this winter doesn’t need a little colorful spring cheer around their house?

puerlygates.com

Stitching on Paper? Leather? Fabric?

Posted on March 1, 2014 by edges

I don’t really know what to call it.

Technically, I believe it is paper. But, apparently it can be machine washed and tumble dried. Call me skeptical. Even so, it is a very fun product to stitch!

It’s called Kraft-Tex paper fabric. The project is listed on weallsew.com.

The description on the packaging is pretty accurate. It DOES look and feel like leather. It’s also a nice warm brown color, that makes everything pop out a bit. I can see using it in a number of different ways. For me, it borders a little more on the “crafty” side of sewing. But I could see it used in collage work, scrapbooking or anything that requires some dimension.

I went ahead and created the binder cover in the pattern. Of course, I used a different embroidery design. Mine is a medallion from urbanthreads.com.

The feel of this stuff is pretty hard to describe. It’s not rough, it’s rather soft. Which is why it compares to leather.

I have not tried to wash it yet, so that’s an experiment for the future.

The project went together quite easily and frankly, I was impressed by the quality of the paper/fabric. I had never heard of such a thing and it behaves, in my opinion, a little more like paper than fabric.

If you are someone who dabbles in multimedia, you’ll want to give this a try. I’d love to use this for painting and drawing and then incorporate sewing into the mix. If only I had more time in a day, and more inspiration in a night. The products are out there. Might as well find out what you can do with them!

Christmas Embroidery

Posted on December 20, 2013 by edges

Maybe I’m feeling blue this Christmas. Maybe I’m just inspired by all the recent snow we’ve had. Whatever the reason, the other day, I was driving down Randall road and a small grove of trees (weeds?) against a snow bank caught my eye.

On a side road I can usually stop and take a picture to capture the scene and the light. But not this time. This time I was in a hurry, running around doing Christmas errands, etc. No time to stop and enjoy anything. No time to stop and take artsy pictures. No time.

But the little vignette stayed with me.

And eventually, I had to sketch it out.

Within minutes, I had embroidered it in my mind. If I were using paints, it would be so much easier. Mixing a paint color does not require hunting down the right fabric. When you paint, you don’t have to purchase 3 different colors of paint to help decide which is right. You simply mix the colors yourself.

Besides, I wasn’t thread painting. I was digitizing. When you digitize you can start with a very simple sketch. The rest is done in software. I drew and assigned colors in software.

Here’s my little sketch. Squeezed in during the holidays, because it simply wanted to exist. I had no time for it. But it found its own way out.

Merry Christmas to all of you, and a happy and blessed new year. May all your artwork find its way out.

It’s about 12 inches wide

In progress.

The view from the sewing room.

The 30 second sketch I used to start digitizing.

The 30 second sketch I created to start digitizing.

The Problem With Starting Projects

Posted on December 11, 2013 by edges

Yeah.

The problem with starting projects…or buying fabric for that matter…is that you have to finish them. You know what I’m talking about. Every single one of you has a project somewhere that has been lurking for, um, years. You’ve lost interest, moved onto something new and exciting. Or maybe you just haven’t had the time.

Well.

I hearby declare January the “Finish a Project” month. And 2014 the “Get Out From Under” Year. If, like me, you have projects waiting patiently for you to complete them, then let’s all agree to get one done in January.

We can’t do it in December and everyone knows why. Even if you will be completing projects in December they are likely gifts and you are under a deadline and those don’t count. We’re looking for the poor, neglected, procrastinated projects. We’re looking for the ones you gave up because it became tedious, or boring or difficult. We want to clear away that ever-growing stack of projects that get sidelined for a “higher priority”. Usually for me, it’s work or classes, or housecleaning, as if housecleaning will be on my list of life’s accomplishments.

Let’s find at least one that’s worth completing. I’m starting with the three shown below. I have no idea if I will be able to get one of them done in January, but I’m certainly going to try. The others will get incorporated over the course of the new year.

I know, without a doubt, that life will get in the way.

But that doesn’t mean I can’t try.

A fun Christmas Baltimore Album quilt. Needs a bunch more blocks put together, but a good January project. No chance I’ll get it done this Christmas, so a good one to work on during Downton Abbey episodes.

Definitely want to get this one done by spring. Problem is that it’s queen size. Won’t be easy to quilt on my machine at home. Dreaming of a longarm.

This is a grown up quilt. complete with instructions and history of each block. I'm ready.

This is a grown up quilt. Complete with instructions, history of each block and reproduction fabric. I’m ready.

Machine Embroidery Applique

Posted on December 7, 2013 by edges

I know you’re out there….all of you who have heard about applique using your embroidery machine, but have not seen a design created this way or have not had the courage to try it on your own.

No problem.

Last night I stitched out this design from one of the new Bernina collections called “Caravan”. Now when I say “Bernina collections”, it just means that Bernina distributes the designs. You don’t have to own a Bernina. The designs work on any embroidery machine, and come in all machine formats.

First start stitching out the design. I chose a denim jacket to support all the craft stitches included in this design and I used 2 layers of poymesh cutaway stabilizer.

This embroidery machine applique collection contains designs for applique, cutwork, crystalwork, paintwork and a printable. The kit comes with a catalog of designs, as well as suggested thread colors, pattern pieces and even a way to get your designs back if you accidentally write over the usb stick!

: Keep Bernina Embroidery Software 7 open nearby, or you can use any software or none at all. It just helps to keep track of the thread colors as you go.

Because the design was originally digitized as an applique, one thread color will be used as a placement line. This is usually just a simple running stitch.

Add the fabric, then let the next thread color run. It will trace the outline of the applique. Use applique scissors to cut away the fabric around the top running stitch.

I prefer to use these small rounded snips because they allow me to get into tight corners. Because they point up, they’ll also prevent you from poking holes in the fabric underneath. You can find different types of applique scissors on the market.

Take your time with these designs as you will be stopping to lay down fabric, trim it away and the design will layer stitches on top to finish the look. This particular design had 5 layers of applique. Can you see them all?

Looks great on a denim jacket!

I apologize for the darkness of some of these shots. That’s what happens when I work at night! Anyway, here’s the final design! The detail on it is magnificent! Machine embroidery applique is not difficult at all. It’s just knowing when to lay down fabric. Jump in and try this. It will give your designs added dimension, color and complexity without adding more stitches.

Edgestitch

Sewing is life. Life is art.

Category Archives: machine embroidery