It is Give Away Time!

Who would be interested in getting my Craftsy class, Exploring Natural Machine-Quilting Motifs for free?  

All you have to do is leave a comment on this blog post, and follow my blog.  To follow my blog, just click on the "Join this Site", found on the lower right side of my blog, and enter your information in the section .  Then you will be informed when I post something new on the blog.

This is what you are looking for!

To comment, just go to the end of this post and leave me a note.  That’s it and you will be entered into the drawing to get my class.  Tell your quilting friends and family about this opportunity!  

 

Look for this at the bottom of the post to leave a comment!

I will close the opportunity at 12:00 a.m. CST on Wednesday, December 16^th, 2015, and will announce the winner later that day.

I also want to let you know that from now until December 12^th Craftsy is offering extra special savings.  This is a great time to give yourself a gift!  Use this Craftsy link to find those special deals.

Don’t forget to comment and sign up for future posts, along with a chance to get my class, Exploring Natural Machine-Quilting Motifs!--Linda

Dancing with the Dresden Plate--Looking Back

I know I have said it before, but I have the best students! 

They encourage me to be a better teacher.  This year in my Quilting Quickies class, I had taught a basic Dresden plate class.

I created additional samples to inspire them. They were so inspired that we have been meeting once a month to create a new Dresden plate block for a total of 12 different blocks. 

We just finished block 11--The Big Split, and have only one more block left! 

I want to send a big shout out to all that continued on this Dancing With the Dresden Plate Block of the Month journey with me, it has been a blast!

Planning our next BOM, Linda

An Apology

Sorry about missing the weekend posts.  Some special guests came, and we had a wonderful time! 

I have always enjoyed getting together with family and friends.  One thing I love to do is set a pretty table when entertaining. 

I want my friends and family to feel that the extra effort was just for them.  Also it feeds my creative side.  

 Any guesses as to my favorite color?

Be sure to take the time to enjoy your family and friends, Linda

Just Did It!

I usually don't enter contests, but this one sounded easy enough, so I did.  The Threads Machine Embroidery Challenge sponsored by Bernina caught my attention.

My peacock shawl measures 84" x 22".

I submitted a shawl that I created using my own machine embroidery designs and a thread painted bird.

Here is a close up so you can see the thread painting.

You can see my entry and read more about the piece by going to Threads Magazine Website.

Wishing all a good night, Linda

Dancing with the Dresden Plate

Today I am preparing for my next Dancing with the Dresden Plate class.

We have been completing a variety of different types of Dresden Plate blocks, getting the full use of our wedge acrylic  rulers.  The next session is the "Big Split".  This is an easier way to piece and finish the block, so we are going to spice things up a bit by using different center shapes!

Test out some different centers!

Looking forward to seeing what direction my students will take, Linda

Three Demensional Thread Applique

I wanted to share with you how much fun I had at last night’s Fiber Fun class.  We are working our way through the book, Embellish Your Life with Sulky.

I like to have the students leave with a small project if they are not completing the journal page.  This month’s small project was to use the three dimensional thread applique technique to create a poinsettia pin.  

I really enjoyed this project because first of all, it used free-motion sewing techniques.  I love stitching shapes with my sewing machine—I like it even more when the results resemble the project I was attempting!  This project contains what I call “training wheels”.  These are hints and helps to allow us get the results we want.  This class used water soluble stabilizer to assist us in creating the pieces of the pin that we filled in and outlined with our sewing machines.

The second reason I loved this project is that it used the zigzag stitch to fill in and create shapes.  Many did not know that they can use the zigzag stitch when free-motion sewing.  You need to make sure that your machine’s presser foot will allow the stitch to zigzag.  If your free-motion foot is a very small circle, you will need a different foot.  

Be sure to stabilize the fabric and use a hoop to support the fabric and reduce puckers and waves.  

Also, I want you to know that if you move your fabric to the left and right you will get straight line.  But if you move the fabric front to back you will a stitch that resembles a satin stitch or a step stitch, and will be able to fill the area with stitches fast.  This is a great way to thread paint elements to enhances, quilts, bags, and other projects.

Next, I loved this project because the techniques learned can transfer to a variety of different applications.  I hate to waste time, so I love when techniques I learn have a wide range of uses.  We are busy people that love to learn and create.

Finally, I loved this project because my students were fantastic!  I love sewing with fun people!

 

Stay tuned for more, Linda

Let the Fun Begin!

It will come as no surprise that blogging is not my favorite thing.  That being said,  I have accepted a challenge to improve my skills and give it a fair chance! 

You can find out more about this opportunity by going to The 31 Day Blog Writing Challenge!

A special shout out to Cheryl Sleboda for organizing and hosting this opportunity.  So let's have some fun in the next 31 days!

Open for suggestions on posts, Linda