Playing with Appliqué

After a few weeks of spending time, including six hours of instruction, on my new Husqvarna Sapphire I’m really starting to get the hang of it.  I made this 20”x 20” flimsy so I could try appliqué for the first time.

I used the Best Buddies cat and dog patterns from the free patterns page at This n That Fabrics.  There are many fun patterns there so be sure to check them out.

After blanket stitching with brown Aurifil thread around the pieces I’m really pleased with the final result. 

Next I’ll try some machine quilting and bind my little quilt in the red fabric of the heart.

 I just bought this book. These quilt patterns were inspired by the diary kept by a young woman during the Civil War. There are family photographs and interesting daily life diary entries to read as well as fourteen patterns. Kathleen Tracy, the author, has a wonderful blog A Sentimental Quilter.  I really admire her miniature quilts and can’t wait to try out some of her patterns.

This week I go to the last two hours of instructional classes that were included with the purchase of my sewing machine.  We will be covering heirloom sewing and appliqué techniques. These classes have been a great introduction to the ‘ins and outs’ of my machine and have given me a wonderful starting off point. I have thoroughly enjoyed them,  the first I have ever attended at a quilt shop. They have inspired me to take advantage of the many great classes these shops provide.

I hope you are also able to spend some creative time with your sewing machine the week.

In Friendship,

Diane

She’s a Gem!

  

Introducing my new Husqvarna Sapphire 835. She’s soooo lovely!!  Maybe some of you received diamonds for Christmas but I’m over the moon with this little gem.  After struggling for years with a real junker I so look forward to quilting and sewing now. I’m also thoroughly enjoying the instructional classes that were included with my purchase and learning what my machine is capable of. So stay tuned and I’ll hopefully have some wonderful quilty goodness to share very soon.

Speaking of sharing – here’s the one and only mug rug that I’ve made.  It’s a very lucky mug rug as he is now Living The Dream  in France.

I’ve been very lucky too lately and won the pattern for this “Tulips in Bloom” tablemat from Vicki(formerly Tozz’s Corner) at her revamped blog.  Thanks very much, Vicki! And if you head on over there right now Vicki’s got another giveaway going!

 

I also want to thank Tiffany from Pinks Sweet Treats for my win of some fantastic fabric.

 

Well, I guess I am all set - a new machine, a pattern and some fabric.  I sincerely hope you are also ready for an exciting 2011. 

My best wishes,

Diane