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Thursday, March 31, 2016

2016 Free Motion Quilt Along - Part VII Landscape & Background FMQ

Greetings Fellow Quilters!
&
Welcome to Part VII of the
2016 Redbird Quilt Co.
Free Motion Quilt Along
using the whimsical 
Lewe's Balloons Growth Chart
by Susy Bleasby
for World of Susybee

We're in the home stretch and it's sew exciting!
If you're just joining us be sure to checkout the previously published
Free Motion Quilt Along Posts:

Introduction => here
Sponsors =>  here
Supplies =>  here
Part I Pieced Borders =>  here
Part II Pin Basting ==>  here
How to Quilt That =>  here
Part III Tools, Setup + Practice => here
Part IV Let's FMQ => here
Part V More FMQ => here
Part VI Echo, Pebbles, Loops & Swirls Oh My! => here

Also, do checkout our fabulous Sponsors and their generous Giveaways....
You can read all about it  ==> here

This week we're going to get busy quilting the Lewe's Balloons Landscape (at bottom of panel) and Background.

Lets start with the Landscape quilting.
There is 1 video and a few still images (below) to check out.

On the landscape quilting....
Yes I did -- I changed my mind on the thread color .
(Isn't that a quilters prerogative ?)

In our "How to Quilt That" session I thought we would go with the Aurifil 50Wt in Creme Brulee -- but at the last tossing of the colors on the quilt top, the Aurifil 50Wt Spring Green color won!

It just spoke to me.
Does that ever happen to you ?

Of course you should always do what speaks to YOU!
It's a personal choice.

Take a few minutes and watch the YouTube video by clicking the image below:
Here are a few close up images of the landscape quilting:
This one addresses the "Ghost" quilting that I mentioned in the video
 Of course I quilted both Susybee's the same as we had before. Pebbles on the flight path and a slight echo around everything.

The landscape Susybee was a bit of a challenge.
My stitches were a little small and the quilting area was TINY.

Feel free to make bigger pebbles here - you don't have to pebble every
flight path dot.

Remember though - no stressing - we're in learning mode.
 I also tried to follow the landscape lines in this area.  it worked out pretty well.
The Spring Green color was just right.
Next up:
Lets Talk Background motif ideas and a
ways to Test Drive the motif on your quilt top.
Click the image below to watch the video:
I used my nifty Dritz Longarm Transparent Quilting roll to "test drive" a motif.

I love being able to "test drive"
a motif on the quilt top.

Unfortunately, I could not longer find the product on the market.

In its absence though you could try one of these alternatives:
Clear Vinyl Sheets
Plexi Glass
Press-n-Seal
Other...
Be sure to use a dry erase marker so you can try a variety of designs.

If you decide to go with Windy Swirls on your Quilt top, use the images below for a guide in placing them.

NOTE:  Now that my quilting is complete -- I have a few "things to consider" before your quilt your "windy swirls"

It may be easier to quilt a nice looking "windy swirl" by making them short and keeping a nice curve along the way.

Also -- consider stitching your Windy Swirl echos further apart.

I made mine a little tight and, if I were to do it again, I would make the echos a little further apart to use up a bit more of the background fabric.

Does this make sense ?

The last video of this lesson shows you how I quilted the
"Windy Swirls"

See disclaimers above on length and echo width for your Windy Swirls.
Here are still images to help you consider placement for your Windy Swirls.

As I mention in the video, use an air or water soluble pen to mark a windy swirl guide line on the fabric.  No need to mark each line in a Windy Swirl - just one should do the trick.
Also -- it's only a guide, don't let it control you.

My positioning for the Bottom left panel area:
Middle right:
Top left:
Top right:
And finally -- I also used my FMQ foot and the Aurifil #4241 Very Dark Grey to stitch the growth chart lines up the left side of the panel.
And here's a view of the top of the panel:
I am just LOVING the way this panel is finishing.
I must admit though, it's hard for me to NOT quilt every open space.
I tend to quilt very dense on my home machine.  It's quite a hard habit to break.

For the purpose of our QAL and our Growth Chart though, there is no need to do dense quilting in the background.   

I hope you're enjoying our progress. 
I sure am!

Finally:

The next lesson will cover the two outside border fabrics.
I'll add in a short tutorial on the hanging sleeve and binding and we'll be all set.

Are you excited ? 
How is your quilting coming along ?
Be sure to leave me a comment on the blog,  any YouTube Video, or over on Facebook. 
I would love to see your progress and hear your woes (if you have them).

Happy Quilting!
Karen

More Info:


I'm booking Redbird Quilt Co. Lectures, Trunk Shows and Workshops for 2017.
If your Shop, Group or Guild is looking for programs or workshops I would love to hear from you.
Domestic Machine Quilting,  Wool & Needle turn Applique - Technique or Project oriented workshops are available.

Send email inquiries to karen at redbirdquiltco dot com
or redbirdquiltco at gmail dot com
*
Social Media:
*** Follow Me ***
Did you know you can visit me on
and/or
I post all sorts of fun things there!!
**
If you love to Free Motion Quilt consider joining my 
Facebook Community Group
*
Plus
I share quilting related
videos on my YouTube Channel
*
I'll soon be sharing live feed TV on my Periscope
*
I'm also on Pinterest and Twitter 
and I share other tutorials and patterns on
My Tutorials on my blog
*
I have a few patterns available in my Craftsy Store
Thanks again for stopping by...

Monday, March 28, 2016

We Have a Winner! Simply Spring Fleur Giveaway

Woohoo!   

Many thanks for all the really sweet comments on my latest fun creation, Simply Spring Fleur 
You all are the best!!
Simple Spring Fleur was created
 with Bari J's beautiful
Millie Fleur Fabrics
for Art Gallery Fabrics 
and features Aurifil 50Wt thread
for piecing and quilting
and Aurifil 12Wt thread
for crochet and embroidery.
Love, Love, Love!
It was quilted on a home sewing machine
(Janome 7700)
with the center diamond and border swags 
hand guided along
The QP Curve Templates by 
Linda Hrcka
I LOVE working with them and I'm never disappointed in the results.

There are two layers of Quilter's Dream batting
One Dream Wool One Dream Blend
Love the texture!
 If you missed the original Simply Spring Fleur blog post you can read all the details and see a boatload of images here.

I used my Printed Quilt Label tutorial to prepare a label for Simply Spring Fleur.
*
All was well until I pressed it with starch and the colored ink started running.  I had to wash the label again and settle with faded colors. 
I'd not seen this happen before -- It was just plain odd.
Anyhow, I realized the color actually matched the back of the quilt so I stayed with it.
Don't you just love this fantastic fabric line by Bari J?
#milliefleurfabrics 
Thanks for sharing your talents with us Bari J

Finally -- as promised... 

The very generous Linda Hrcka of The Quilted Pineapple 
is sponsoring a giveaway of an entire set of 
The QP Curve Templates
 That's an amazing giveaway and one that won't disappoint.
Thank you so much Linda.

There were 205 comments on the blog.
Mr Random.ORG chose comment number 131
And congratulations go out to Fran!


Fran - I'm sending you an email message so we can get this awesome set of
The QP Curve Templates shipped off to you.

Again many thanks to all that joined in the fun -- thanks for support and sweet comments too!

More Info:

I'm booking Redbird Quilt Co. Lectures, Trunk Shows and Workshops for 2017.
If your Shop, Group or Guild is looking for programs or workshops I would love to hear from you.
Domestic Machine Quilting,  Wool & Needle turn Applique - Technique or Project oriented workshops are available.

Send email inquiries to karen at redbirdquiltco dot com
or redbirdquiltco at gmail dot com
*
Social Media:
*** Follow Me ***
Did you know you can visit me on
and/or
I post all sorts of fun things there!!
**
If you love to Free Motion Quilt consider joining my 
Facebook Community Group
*
Plus
I share quilting related
videos on my YouTube Channel
*
I'll soon be sharing live feed TV on my Periscope
*
I'm also on Pinterest and Twitter 
and I share other tutorials and patterns on
My Tutorials on my blog
*
I have a few patterns available in my Craftsy Store
Thanks again for stopping by...

Friday, March 25, 2016

Quilting and Free Classes - Creative Quilt Backs Class Review

Greetings Fellow Quilters ~ Welcome!

Continuing with my Quilting Classes -- Class Review Series
I recently finished this Free Online Class
"Creative Quilt Backs"
with Elizabeth Hartman
Image w/ revisions Courtesy Craftsy
*
Oh My! 
Elizabeth is a girl after my own heart.
*
Her approach to preparing a Creative Quilt Back not only feeds the artful side of my brain it also feeds the process oriented side.
*
I've spent the last 35 years as a programmer so logic is meaningful to me.
Elizabeth is very logical...
but...
You should SEE the creations that come out of this logical designer's brain!
*
Beautiful and Creative
Quilt Backs 
Image Creative Quilt Backs - Craftsy
And 
Awe Inspiring Quilt Fronts too!

Elizabeth's pattern, Clementine, is included as a Free Pattern Download
Isn't this awesome?
Look at all that Negative Space to Quilt!
Design Elizabeth Hartman - Image Creative Quilt Backs - Craftsy

Ok - on with the Lessons and my feedback for each one.

Lesson 1:  Welcome 
This lesson shares information about how to use your Craftsy Class and the Craftsy Class Guarantee...
Good information to know.

Lesson 2:  Introduction
Here's where you get to know Elizabeth Hartman, learn about her amazing designs and her latest adventure designing fabric for Robert Kaufman - talented woman, beautiful fabric!
Rhoda Ruth by Elizabeth Hartman for Robert Kaufman

 Lesson 3: Quilt Back Math
This is the amazing part for me... It's all process oriented.

Elizabeth takes you through laying-out and calculating how much fabric you'll need for your quilt back.  She discusses different width fabrics and different backing layouts.
She also discusses sizes of quilt batting & backing compared to the quilt top size.

This information is very useful for a domestic machine quilter.

Elizabeth shares the "why" -- love that !

Her lessons take the guesswork out of preparing your quilt back -- it's so straight forward!

Great information to bookmark for the future!

Lesson 4: Using Large-Scale Prints
HERE is where the creative side of the brain kicks in...

Elizabeth talks about integrating large scale prints into the quilt back -- you know those prints you don't want to cut to pieces... a fantastic way to use them to pop a quilt back.

Love this lesson!
Rhoda Ruth by Elizabeth Hartman for Robert Kaufman

Lesson 5: Adding a Pieced Strip
Running just short of fabric for your quilt back?

Elizabeth will help you add a little flair to your quilt back and avoid having to purchase more fabric!   
She helps with design decisions and calculations.  
Great information and approach for any quilter.

Lesson 6: Back Block
Leftover blocks from your quilt top?

Elizabeth will show you how to integrate your extras into the quilt back.  She discusses layout and calculations to take advantage of those complementary quilt blocks...  

Lesson 7: Super Scrappy
OK - This lesson gives you amazing insight into the eye of a master designer.

Elizabeth shares her thought process as she works through a super scrappy quilt back.
**
I just LOVED this lesson too!

Image w/ revisions Courtesy Craftsy

Summary
I can't believe this class is Free...  Really!

I can't wait to watch this class again - it's full of information and inspiration!
With the Craftsy platform you can watch it as many times as you like.
*
The images she shares are amazing!
The class is inspirational.
The piecing tips and tricks are fantastic for quilters of all skill levels.
*
Don't miss out on the chance to be inspried.
Thank you Craftsy and Elizabeth Hartman.

Click here for the Free Class - Creative Quilt Backs
*
Also, in honor of
National Craft & Quilting Month
Craftsy has discounted 100's of
paid classes to $19.99 or less
through end of day 3/28/16.
*
Craftsy Online Classes are all on Sale...
100's for $19.99 or less through 3/28/16
*
If you're interested, click here to peruse all Craftsy classes.
My list of completed classes grows longer each week!

Paid Craftsy Classes come with a 100% Money Back Guarantee

If you take Elizabeth's class I would love to hear your feedback - I was really impressed!

More Info:
I'm booking Redbird Quilt Co. Lectures, Trunk Shows and Workshops for 2017.
If your Shop, Group or Guild is looking for programs or workshops I would love to hear from you.
Domestic Machine Quilting,  Wool & Needle turn Applique - Technique or Project oriented workshops are available.

Send email inquiries to karen at redbirdquiltco dot com
or redbirdquiltco at gmail dot com
*
Social Media:
*** Follow Me ***
Did you know you can visit me on
and/or
I post all sorts of fun things there!!
**
If you love to Free Motion Quilt consider joining my 
Facebook Community Group
*
Plus
I share quilting related
videos on my YouTube Channel
*
I'll soon be sharing live feed TV on my Periscope
*
I'm also on Pinterest and Twitter 
and I share other tutorials and patterns on
My Tutorials on my blog
*
I have a few patterns available in my Craftsy Store
Thanks again for stopping by...

Note:  This post includes affiliate links and I may be compensated for purchases made using the links.  Rest assured I will only share sales and promotions for products I know and love myself.  Many thanks for your support of my very small business.



Sunday, March 20, 2016

Home Machine Quilting with Templates and Giveaway Reminder

I can't say it enough -- quilters are the very, very best in the crafty community. 
*
Thank you all so much for your encouraging and supporting words associated with "Simply Spring Fleur"

Simply Spring Fleur was made from
 Mille Fleur Fabrics by Bari J
for Art Gallery Fabrics
and
Quilted on my Home Machine using
 The QP Curve Templates for the center diamond and border swags.

Sew much fun!!
 This particular quilt, fabric, and quilting just spoke to me - I loved creating and sharing it with you.    Thanks again for the positive feedback.

In case you missed it, the Information & Giveaway Post can be found here ==> Simply Spring Fleur
and is open to domestic and international followers -- so be sure to get in on all 3 Giveaways between now and Saturday, March 26th.  
Many thanks again to Bari J,  Aurifil Thread and The Quilted Pineapple for their awesome products and generous giveaway offerings.

Some of you asked how I quilt on a domestic (home) machine using acrylic templates or rulers.
I started my learning adventure with Linda Hrcka's QP Curve Templates last year when I created Chevron with a Twist for the Moda Bake Shop.  (A free pattern and tutorial)
Medallion scallops, curved cross hatching and feather starburst --
What an adventure!!

I wrote a few blog posts and shared a few videos in the beginning stages of working with The QP Curve Templates.
These may be helpful to you.


If you have questions please leave them below -- I'll answer best I can!

There are also a few Craftsy Classes geared toward quilting with rulers and/or templates.
You can see the Quilting related classes here.

If you're new to Free Motion Quilting on your home machine be sure to checkout my latest Quilt Along series, Redbird Quilt Co 2016 FMQ Along.  
We're using a beautiful whimsical panel by Susy Bleasby for the World of Susybee.

It's geared toward those just starting out their FMQ adventure.
*
To date I've shared 8 blog posts and more than 10 videos.
*
Join in the Quilt Along or Review the series in hopes of finding a few new tips and tricks.
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a complete list of series posts.



Thanks again for your continued support and shares of the Simply Spring Fleur Giveaway -- I can't wait to choose a winner.

Happy Quilting!


Social Media Details....

*** e-Mail me ***
karen@redbirdquiltco.com or 
redbirdquiltco@gmail.com

*** Follow Me ***
Did you know you can visit me on
and/or
I post all sorts of fun things there!!
**
If you love to Free Motion Quilt consider joining my 
Facebook Community Group
*
Plus
I share quilting related
videos on my YouTube Channel
*
I'll soon be sharing live feed TV on my Periscope
*
I'm also on Pinterest and Twitter 

and I share other tutorials and patterns on
My Tutorials on my blog
*
I have a few patterns available in my Craftsy Store
Thanks again for stopping by...


Note:  This post includes affiliate links and I may be compensated for purchases made using the links.  Rest assured I will only share sales and promotions for products I know and love myself.  Thanks for your support of my very small business.



Saturday, March 19, 2016

Simply Spring Millie Fleur - Quilt Day Giveaway!

A luscious collection of fabric!
Mille Fleur by BariJ for Art Gallery Fabrics
*
I'm so thankful for the opportunity to work with it.
I must admit, it was love at first sight.
Those Ripples!
Perfect for needle turn applique
AND
for quilting...
Blue and Ivory Lace
to make your heart sing....
*
And how about an endless supply of unique BariJ art!
*
It was calling my name!
Fantastic colors, beautifully textured designs, 
and I must mention
the hand...
Yes, the hand!

Hand - The way the fabric feels when it is touched. Terms like softness, crispness, dryness, silkiness are all terms that describe the hand of the fabric. A good hand refers to shape retention without stiffness.

I'd never worked with Art Gallery Fabrics - what a wonderful experience.
The hand was soft, silky, and pliable.  
When cut there was little fray.  
It was perfect for needle turn applique -- perfect in every way!
I used a lovely collection of
Aurifil 12Wt thread
to embroider and crochet the edges of
Bari's awesome fussy cut flowers.
*
The 12Wt thread was part of BariJ's own Splendor 1920 12Wt Collection for Aurifil.

I so enjoyed preparing the tiny shell stitch flower edge...
#slowstitching
Another beautiful piece of Art by BariJ
This flower is my favorite...
Aurifil 12Wt #2530 edged with # 2375.
Love!
I used the versatile QP Curve Templates to quilt the center diamond
and border swag designs.
Sew much fun!
I love how this came out!

The QP Curve Template #15 was
used for the center diamond
and curved crosshatching.
Love!
Working with acrylic templates or rulers on a home machine is very rewarding. 
All quilted on my home machine
Woohoo!
*
I used Quilters Dream batting.
One layer of  Dream Wool
and one layer of Dream Blend
*
Quilts like a Dream - Quilters Dream!
I fussy cut Ripples for a traditional binding...
In Love!
Now lets take it to the dock
(I won't mention the 16 degree temps... brrr)
Love, love, love...


How about sister Janet's Home...
Simply Spring Fleur makes a beautiful
table topper for Easter 
Or Valentines Day!
A few "extra" shots
Some photographs from the cottage
Love that binding
Those scallops!
It brightens the whole room!
Love how the low angle lighting
highlights the texture.
How about the beautiful BariJ  Collage Poise Glam
fabric used for the backing!! 
I hope you've enjoyed the whirlwind tour of 
Simply Spring Fleur
featuring
Millie Fleur Fabrics
by Bari J
for 
Art Gallery Fabrics

You can see the complete line here.
*
We can't let this quilty post and Worldwide Quilt Day get by without 
a Giveaway Celebration....
*
Actually, there will be 

3 Giveaways!

The 1st Giveaway will take place on 
Instagram
The most talented and generous BariJ
is sharing 
a collection of 
Millie Fleur fabrics 
used in
Simply Spring Fleur
and Aurifil is including BariJ's
beautiful new Aurifil 
Thread AND Floss
Collection
Maximalist Style
Isn't it Yummy ?
Now is your chance to give
Aurifil Floss a try!
*
It's a pleasure to stitch with.
*
Thank you @bariJ and @aurifilthread !

Click image below for the Instagram Giveaway 


The 2nd Giveaway is
on Facebook


Where someone will win a
Collection of 
Bari J's Maximalist Style 
50Wt thread from Aurifil.  

There are 12 large spools of bright
and beautiful colors in this collection.

Thank you so much Aurifil Thread on Facebook.
Visit BariJ on Facebook too!! 

I love this collection!  

Click the image below for the Facebook Giveaway



Last, but not least,

Here on the blog, the generous Linda Hrcka of The Quilted Pineapple
is sharing a complete set of
The QP Curve Templates
with one lucky winner!!


Woot, woot!
These gems are worth their weight in gold.
I just LOVE what they add to my quilt designs! 
Thank you Linda!
Linda is on Facebook and Instagram

To Enter the QP Curve Template Giveaway


.... leave a comment below telling me what machine you quilt with and what design you would like to try with Linda's QP Curve Templates.  
If you have questions, leave them in the same comment.
*
Make sure I have a way to reach you  - many new bloggers are showing as NoReply leaving no way to contact you.

For an extra entry, share this Giveaway with your friends on any Social Media platform. 
   
If you do, be sure to come back and leave me another comment.
The entry will go toward the giveaway for
The QP Curve Templates.

Giveaway Entries will close in a week,
end of day Saturday March 26th.

Open to domestic and international followers.

I leave you with a chilly Simply Spring Fleur
on a frozen February day in the Finger Lakes
Keuka Lake

Best of luck everyone!

More Info: 
I'm booking Redbird Quilt Co. Lectures, Trunk Shows and Workshops for 2017.
If your Shop, Group or Guild is looking for programs or workshops I would love to hear from you.
Domestic Machine Quilting,  Wool & Needle turn Applique - Technique or Project oriented workshops are available. 

Send email inquiries to karen at redbirdquiltco dot com
or redbirdquiltco at gmail dot com

Also...
Be sure to follow me on Social Media so you don't miss out on upcoming shares, sales and celebrations... 
*
*
You can see my available
patterns on Craftsy
and see a wealth of
tutorials on My Tutorials
*
Also - be sure to join the Free Motion Quilting Frenzy group on Facebook 
amazing inspiration and technique is shared there! 

Happy Worldwide Quilt Day!