Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Free Quilted Pillow Pattern

Click here to get the pattern.

Here is a great project that gives you an opportunity to practice your free motion quilting and have an actual finished project to show for it! You get a pretty pillow and new skills to boot!

Try the recommended quilting patterns, or use it to try some others you have been wanting to practice. Not a quilter? What about using some of those small machine embroidery designs? How cute would a button in each square be!? This project is from Bernina.

Monday, March 13, 2017

Three free patterns - Bunnies


How adorable are these bunnies!? Not only do you get the bunny applique patterns, you also get full instructions for making the ruffle trimmed towels from start to finish. The free applique patterns are quite simple. Don't have time to make the towel from start to finish? The appliques can be added to pre-made towels. Thanks to the folks at Janome and Sew4Home for the free pattern and instructions.

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Embroidery work




I have been a Baby Lock owner for 15 years and for the most part, have been really happy with the brand. In May of last year, I purchased a Destiny, on which I do mostly quilting. Recently I decided to do a couple of large embroideries that I plan to make into throw pillows. Here is the first of those two embroideries.

































The Blue Heron is a Baby Lock Exclusive built-in designs on the Destiny.  It is approximately 12" tall, so it is a large design.
















The thread used was a Madeira and the colors were exactly as recommended in the design.












I used a cut-away stabilizer. This photo is of the back side of the completed design.

The design is on a heavy linen fabric, which was basted on top of the cut-away stabilizer.











Thread used: Madeira Polyneon Polyester #40
Colors used: As directed on the design
Design: Baby Lock Destiny Exclusive designs #2
Stabilizer: Cut-away
Fabric: Heavy linen
Hooping method: hooped stabilizer, floated linen and basted linen
Tips: be sure the hoop is very tight. After the first color is stitched, check to see if there is any pulling/warping on the fabric - if there is, tight the hoop some more.




It is always a delight to watch the machine paint the design and to see it come to life. Stay tuned for the reveal of the second design.



Monday, March 6, 2017

Mug Rug Monday - Free Mug Rug Pattern

Click here to get the pattern



Don't have time for a whole quilt, enjoy making this mug rug by Karen Styles. Mug rugs are great scrap busters and skill builders - instead of orphan blocks, you get a usable piece when you are done! Thank you Marcus Fabrics for the free mug rug pattern.

Beautiful Classic Floral Spray - Machine Embroidery Design

Click here for machine embroidery file Watch this design come to life on your fabric canvas. This gorgeous design has been thoughtfu...