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.

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.

Mug Rug Monday - Free Mug Rug Pattern - Sugar Rush

Click here to get the free mug rug pattern

Here's another free mug rug pattern - thanks to Marcus Fabrics. Designed by Pam Buda.

Look at what I got today!

I finished my final project in the Martha Pullen Licensing class yesterday. I used my BabyLock Ovation Serger and my BabyLock Destiny to complete this Madeira Window Pillow.





Both machines made this project a breeze - especially the ruffles!

Click here to see teaching menu

So today, I got my diploma! And I am excited to be a Martha Pullen Licensed Teacher! I love sewing and I love quilting....and even more, I love sharing tips, tricks, techniques, and ideas with others. It is why I love the world of sewing and quilting so much - because sharing is at the core of this community.

While my Martha Pullen licensing is the newest addition, I have a few other tricks in my bag as well. I have created a new page listing my areas of knowledge. If you have a guild or a sewing store or even a group of friends who just want to get together and learn something new, please contact me. I would enjoy the opportunity to meet you and your group!

Must Make Monday - Crows in the Corner - Free Quilt Pattern

I've decided to add a "Must Make Monday" into my rotation. I don't know about you guys, but I frequently run across patterns that I REALLY want to make, and in my life, there is simply no time to get it done "right now."

But I really like the pattern and want to be able to find it, when the time opens up on my schedule. I need a go-to place to find them, so I decided to start posting links to them, that way, they are here when I need them. I thought you might enjoy them as well.

This one is a combination of piecing and applique. It is antique looking in the photo, but could easily be modernized, just by a change in fabric. If you didn't want to do all the half square triangles, you could just substitute a 9" finished square of your favorite quilt block. I would love to see a photo, if you make this quilt.

This one is brought to us by Windham Fabrics and designed by Jill Reid.

Mug Rug Monday - Free Mug Rug Pattern - Valentine

Click here to get the free mug rug pattern

Here is one for Valentine's day - I know we missed Valentine's, but it is still February right? Besides how many of you are just collecting patterns to use later? Would love to see photos of ones you make! This one is from Connecting Threads and designed by Mari Martin:

Free Charm Pack Quilt Pattern

Click Here to get the pattern

This pattern uses a charm pack - got any of those lying around and wondering what to do with it? As always a well-written pattern with great cutting instructions. If you don't have a charm pack, you could cut 5 inch squares from a fat quarter pack or from standard yardage. I think this quilt shows off those fabrics you fell in love with! Another great pattern from Robert Kaufman.