Sunday, December 27, 2020

And the Winner is.....

 First off, I must apologize.  I created a post that shared the winner of the giveaway from my online store.  However, it seems you have to hit "publish" to let others see the post.  





That being said, congratulations to Sarah Sabatka!  Please go to my online store using this link and chose a pattern or design of your choice.  Then email me with your selection at lindabcreations@yahoo.com.

Thanks to all the new followers!



Just a reminder all my online patterns and designs are on sale until December 31, 2020.  Be sure to use the discount code: LoveandKisses Here is the link to start shopping!


Sorry for not letting you know sooner!




Tuesday, December 15, 2020

The Love and Kisses Blog Tour and My Quilt, "Butterfly Love and Kisses"




Today is my day to share what I have created with Sherry Shish's signature fabric line, Love and Kisses, by Island Batiks.  Sherry is the creative force behind Powered by Quilting, and she has some great quilt patterns available in her shop. Thanks so much Sherry for letting me be part of this great blog hop!

For more information about Sherry's signature fabric line check out this blog post.


I just want to take a minute and introduce myself, I am Linda Bratten, the owner and creator of Linda Bratten Creations.  





I am a National Educator for Baby Lock and I am an instructor on Craftsy. 
 




You can find out more about me and my work on my website: www.LindaBrattenCreations.com.

The Love and Kisses fabrics are a fun assortment of colors that include intense fuchsias, teals and wonderful pastels.  I love that the collection included pieces that read like a solid, this inspired me to be creative with them.  

I started out doodling on my iPad possible quilt designs.  I seem to be creating lots of applique designs lately, and I created a drawing that I thought would really work with Sherry's Love and Kisses fabric.




To get started I enlarged my drawing and traced it onto fusible, tear-away stabilizer with a pencil. I had to piece the stabilizer together to create a piece that would cover the entire butterfly.  


I decided that I would use reversible applique by machine to create the butterfly.  

Reasons Why I Chose to Use Reverse Applique by Machine

1. It provides an easy way to ensure accurate placement of my applique pieces.

2. It provides the stability needed to create a smooth applique.

3. It would result in soft and flexible applique shapes that can showcase quilting, since no         fusible or bonding agent is used.

4. It is all done with my sewing machine!!!

How to do Reverse Applique by Machine

Once the butterfly pattern was traced on the stabilizer, I fused it to the wrong side of  the white background fabric.

Next, I placed the fabric for the upper wings on top of the white background fabric covering the perimeters of the upper wings applique shape.  This fabric is placed right side facing up with the background fabric under it. 

I used some temporary spray adhesive to hold the applique fabric in place.  This temporary adhesive will disappear with time or when the project is ironed and is often used in machine embroidery.  This is not quilt basting spray!  

Pins can be used to hold the fabric in place.  Make sure they are far away from the applique perimeter lines (these will be stitching lines) and I recommend using safety pins so you do not poke yourself.

Note for other projects: I would only use pins if you need to remove center portions of the fabric--it is difficult to lift the fabric to trim it away if you use a temporary spray.

You need to secure this fabric well so it will not curl under and frustrate you as you applique the butterfly.

Then I took it to my sewing machine.  I had my machine threaded with black thread in the needle and the bobbin since I planned on securing the raw edges with a satin stitch in that color. 

 I set the machine up for a straight stitch, attached my free-motion foot, and dropped my feed dogs.  With the stabilizer on top, I stitched on the outside drawn lines of the large butterfly wings, using a securing stitch when I started and stopped.



Once it was stitched, I flipped the quilt top over and using a sharp, curved tipped scissors I trimmed away the excess fabric from around the wings.

Sample of me trimming fabric away from a heart shape.

This is what the top looked like after I stitched the upper wings and the antennae.


I continued then appliquéing the lower wings, the body and then the hearts and paisleys to the background fabric using the same process.


While I loved the way this went together easily, due to the size of the butterfly, I would recommend that you practice this technique on a smaller project first.  It can be a bit tricky to manipulate all that fabric in a small harp space on some sewing machines.  Thankfully, I was able to use my Baby Lock Crescendo, with a larger harp space to accomplish this task!



Once all the applique pieces are sewn to the quilt top, I then finished the edges by using a 1/4" fusible bias tape in black and then using a tight and wide satin stitch in black thread to create bold outlines around the appliqued pieces and to enhance the shapes.


I added the borders and then treated myself to free-motion quilting the quilt on my Crescendo machine. I loved the way it turned out!

Finished size is 49" x 56"

What do you think?

As a special thank you to my blog readers, I am offering a 10% discount on all patterns and designs in my store.  Use the coupon code: LoveandKisses to get the discount.  The discount is good until December 31, 2020 and cannot be combined with other offers.

You can find my store by going to my website: www.LindaBrattenCreations.com and click on this box.


So let's have some more fun! I am giving away one pattern or design of your choice to one of my blog subscribers!  How do you subscribe?  Just go to the right side of this post and look for this:


Click on the subscribe to posts and fill in the information,  and you will be entered into the drawing for the free pattern of choice.  Those of you who already are subscribed will be included automatically!  You must subscribe by 12 a.m. CST on December 20, 2020 to be eligible.  The winner will be announced on Monday, December 21, 2020 on my blog.  

Here are the terms of the giveaway:

This giveaway is in no way sponsored, administered or endorsed by Blogger/Google. By entering you are confirming that you are 18+ years of age that you release Blogger/Google of any/all responsibility and that you agree to Blogger/Google’s term of use. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Open to all our friends around the world. 



I am just one of several quilt pattern designers that have been sharing their projects created with the Love and Kisses fabrics.  Be sure to stop and check the other inspiring pieces made with Sherry's signature fabric line!

December 1st

www.poweredbyquilting.com

December 2nd

Www.dizzyquilter.com

December 3rd

www.sliceofpiquilts.com

December 4th

https://www.desertbloomquilting.com/

December 5th

www.everydaystitches.com

December 6th

https://www.devotedquilter.com

December 7th

https://truebluequilts.com/blog

December 8th

https://prettypiney.com/blog

December 9th

https://websterquilt.com

December 10th

Www.paleofishdesigns.com/blog

December 11th

https://canuckquilter.com

December 12th

http://littlelifeofmine.blogspot.com/

December 13th

https://www.sewjoycreations.com

December 14th

http://katiemaequilts.com/blog/

December 15th

https://lindabcreative.blogspot.com/  You are here!

December 16th

https://anjaquilts.blogspot.com/

December 17th

https://www.seamstobesew.com

December 18th

www.poweredbyquilting.com


#islandbatik #iloveislandbatik #loveandkissesfabric #poweredbyquiling #bestofbali #loveandkissesblogtour #lindabcreative #lindabrattencreations




Finally, you are all invited to subscribe to my free-monthy newsletter, Linda B Creative, just click here to subscribe!










Tuesday, December 1, 2020

The Love and Kisses Blog Tour



Today kicks off the Love and Kisses Blog Tour hosted by Sherry Shish the creative force behind Powered By Quilting.  

I am excited to be able to be part of a team of quilt pattern designers that was able to create some new and inspiring quilts with Sherry's new signature line, Love and Kisses, designed by Kathy Engle from Island Batiks Fabrics.



So starting today, there will be a new post from December 1-18th, that showcases each designer's creative piece using the Love and Kisses fabric.  

Be sure to visit each pattern designer's blog on their assigned date to see how they are using the Love and Kisses fabrics and be inspired  to create your own fun and beautiful quilts!


December 1st

www.poweredbyquilting.com

December 2nd

Www.dizzyquilter.com

December 3rd

www.sliceofpiquilts.com

December 4th

https://www.desertbloomquilting.com/

December 5th

www.everydaystitches.com

December 6th

https://www.devotedquilter.com

December 7th

https://truebluequilts.com/blog

December 8th

https://prettypiney.com/blog

December 9th

https://websterquilt.com

December 10th

Www.paleofishdesigns.com/blog

December 11th

https://canuckquilter.com

December 12th

http://littlelifeofmine.blogspot.com/

December 13th

https://www.sewjoycreations.com

December 14th

http://katiemaequilts.com/blog/

December 15th

https://lindabcreative.blogspot.com/

December 16th

https://anjaquilts.blogspot.com/

December 17th

https://www.seamstobesew.com

December 18th

www.poweredbyquilting.com


#islandbatik #iloveislandbatik #loveandkissesfabric #poweredbyquiling #bestofbali #loveandkissesblogtour #lindabcreative #lindabrattencreations


Off to be inspired!



Tuesday, October 13, 2020

The Garden Party-Show and Tell of the Irresistible Irises

 Today is the day we get to share what our blocks for the Garden Party Row Along look like.  Once again, a special thank you to Marian Pena of Seams to Be Sew.com  for organizing the event and all the great giveaways!  Also, thank you to Northcott Fabrics for sending me some great fabric to work with for my block.

This year I chose to work with Northcott Gradation collection.  I love how you can get a variety of colors that work well together!

Check out the great coordinating colors that I got to work with!

These are the Northcott fabrics that I chose to use in my block.
.


I also used a Northcott Stonehenge fabric for the background.  I thought it add great texture and a nice contrast for the irises.
This is what my block looked like when I was able to fuse all the pieces down.





 When deciding on the threads to use, I like to lay and puddle them on the piece.  Thread will be a bit lighter in color when it is off the spool.



I used both Floriani and Sulky embroidery threads to satin stitch the outsides of my appliqued pieces.
I also used a decorative stitch to create texture with the iris beards.


Here is the finished block!


I also tested the block using fabrics from my stash.  


I hope that those of you who will use my block please share your photos with me.  I would love to see how yours turned out.

To see what the other pattern designers did with their blocks here are the links to their blogs.

Now off to finish the other Garden Party Blocks!







Thursday, October 1, 2020

The Garden Party Row Along-Irresistible Irises

 Today is the day that I get to share with you my pattern, Irresistible Irises.  A special thanks goes to Marian Pena of SeamsToBeSew.com for organizing and hosting the Garden Party Row Along.  Also a special thank you to Electric Quilt and  Northcott Fabrics, for providing great giveaways for this event!




I was inspired to create my block by the irises in my husband's garden. He does a great job creating a visual paradise on our property.  This was the photo that inspired my block.


I decided that this would make a great machine applique block. By simplifying the lines I was able to create a pattern that a confident beginner could complete.



A standard sewing machine is all that is need to create this block. I used a zig-zag/satin stitch to finish the edges and create a smooth texture for the petals and the leaves. For the beard of the iris, I used a decorative stitch that looked like grass.  This created a great texture and visual appeal.


The block is for your personal use.  If you would need a license you can request permission by going to my website, www.LindaBrattenCreations.com  and request so through the contact form.


If you like my pattern, be sure to sign up for my free monthly newsletter, Linda B Creative, where I share other great patterns and tutorials for my subscribers.



The free pattern link has expired, but you can purchase it by visiting my store!







Did I forget to mention that I have some Garden Party Giveaways? 



First off Northcott Fabrics is sharing a wonderful fat quarter bundle from one of them pictured below, a $15.00 retail value!


Please note that prizes will be mailed after the Row Along is finished and postage will be paid by the winner.  This prize is open to all that agree/meet contest rules and regulations. 
Giveaway rules are found at the end of the post.

All Giveaways ended on October 13, 2020.

I loved using their gradation line to create my finished block which you will see on the reveal day.

 Wait, there is more!  Would you like some fall inspired Garden Party goodies? Be sure to comment on my blog and use the Rafflecopter link to enter to win my Falling in Love with Thread Painting Pattern and my Sew Very Sketchy Pumpkin Table Runner Pattern, a $20.00 retail value.




Then you will be entered to win some of my Fall inspired patterns! These are original patterns that can be delivered to the winner via email!


All Giveaways ended on October 13, 2020.



Finally, everyone can be a pattern designer with Electric Quilt!   Electric
Quilt (https://www.electricquilt.com) is offering a 20% discount code
off any products except for EQ Academy during the row along. The coupon
code is: GARDENPARTY20.  

All Giveaways ended on October 13, 2020.

I love using Electric Quilt 8 to create my quilts and test color choices before I head to my studio!


Be sure to check out the other quilt pattern designers as they share their patterns on the following days:
Rules and Regulations for the Garden Party Giveaways are as follows:

You must have commented at the blog of the designer/blogger’s post to enter at Seams To Be Sew, Winners who win from entering at Seams To Be Sew will be checked for the comment. This does not mean that commenting at Seams To Be Sew will get you an entry, it doesn’t.

When you enter a give away that asks you to answer the question asked on the entry form, you do need to fill in that box. No answer means your winning entry will be ignored and canceled.

You are only allowed to enter once at each of the featured day sites. Giveaways are different at each site, thus you can enter those giveaways.

I will start announcing winners on September 15, 2020, and finish announcing winners on October 15, 2020.

You must give a valid email address when you enter the giveaways, any email returned to me, loses the ability to win automatically.

You are given 3 days to answer the email, if you do not answer within 3 days a new winner will be drawn. Check those spam/junk mail folders, you may miss that winning email if you don’t do so because there are no exceptions to this rule.

If you are notified that you are a winner, in all cases except for digital downloads and gift cards/certificates, you will need to provide your name, address, city, state, zip code, country, telephone number, and email address.

No purchase whatsoever is necessary.

You must be 18+ in order to win a gift.

You are responsible for claiming and paying any tax owed on the value of any gift that you win. Prizes valued at $500.00 should be claimed.

All winners are chosen at random.

All winners will be announced on the blogs via the Rafflecopter entry form and/or post by the blogger at the site where they won and here at Seams To Be Sew. All winners must allow for their first name and first initial of their last name to be announced on this blog.

Odds of Winning a prize are based on a total number of rafflecopter entries during each week and in total for all giveaways.

This giveaway is void where prohibited by law.

Participating bloggers/designers may enter any of the giveaways.

The word giveaways in the rules and guidelines are also known as sweepstakes.

Off to collect some great patterns!





Thursday, September 10, 2020

New Virtual Learning Opportunity!


I am so excited to be partnering up with Quilt 4U in Columbia, MO, to offer this online event!

www.LindaBrattenCreations.com


Here is chance to learn more about the Baby Lock Sergers. Find out how to use decorative threads, how to set up for a flat Lock wave stitch, and why quilters love a serger in their sewing studios! This 2 1/2 hours virtual class will be Thursday, September 17, 2020 at 1 pm Central Time Zone, U.S.A. It is being hosted by Quilt4U.com. You can register for the class and kit by going to their website.

Sign up quickly, so kits can be sent!

Who will I see there?



Monday, September 7, 2020

The Garden Party Row Along Starts Today!

 I am so excited to be a part of this year’s Garden Party, hosted by Marian Pena of www.SeamsToBeSew.com.  

Every Tuesday and Thursday different quilt pattern designers will make their blocks available to download for free for one week!

Be sure to also enter to win the giveaways on each day.

Here are this year’s pattern designers and the dates their blocks are available:


Tuesday, September 8, 2020

Blue Heron Quilting
Carolyn Butterfield
Made By Marney
Pumpkin Patch BC
The Devoted Quilter

Thursday, September 10, 2020

Bobbin In Quilts Blog
Kissed Quilts
Patchwork Breeze
Songbird Designs/Brenda's Blog
Stitchin’ at Home

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Daughters of Dorinda
Elizabeth Coughlin Designs
Just Let Me Quilt
Lovingly Lissa
The Quilt Rambler

Thursday, September 17, 2020

Fabric Bash/Carpe Blogum
For the Love of Geese
Kathleen McMusing
Ms P Designs USA
QuilterChic

Tuesday, September 22, 2020

Heleen Pinkster Quilt Design
Patti’s Patchwork
Quilt Schmilt
Scrapdash
Your Sewing Friend

Thursday, September 24, 2020

Charisma’s Corner
Clever Chameleon
Dragonfly's Quilting Design Studio
Kathy's Kwilts and More
Mountain Meadow Designs

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Cynthia’s Creating Ark
Miss Loreen's Schoolhouse
Moose Stash Quilting
Tuning My Heart Quilts
Cheryl LaPlante

Thursday, October 01, 2020

Barbara Dieges
Linda B Creative
Orange Blossom Quilt Design Studio
Sunflower Stitcheries and Quilting
Ursa Minor

Tuesday, October 06, 2020

Bumbleberry Stitches
Charlie's Daughter
Seams To Be Sew
The Quilting Room with Mel
Words & Stitches

Thursday, October 08, 2020

Duck Creek Mountain Quilting
Lynn's Beauty
Quilt Art
Renee's Quilting Addiction
Sew Incredibly Crazy

Off to collect some great patterns!