A Winning Combination! Cone flowers, fabulous fabric and perfect thread

More fun than a barrel of monkeys - that is how the saying goes...

You see I've been preparing for an upcoming Needle Turn Applique Workshop (more on that later) and wanted to stitch-up a sample for the shop display.
Now what to stitch ?

I looked through my needle turn UFO's and was inspired by a Cone Flower (Echinacea) that was part of a larger block in Blackbird Designs "Quilting the Garden" book.

You remember ? This one...

You can see more images of my "Quilting the Garden" blocks by clicking here.

After scouring the internet (and peeking in my own back yard) I proceeded to draw a "new to me" version of the cone flower.  I added a couple of leaves that would enable me to teach inner and outer points (basically -- I made them up!!) and....

Viola!  Meet my new mini - perfect for teaching basic Needle Turn Applique techniques.

Here's where the barrel of monkeys come into play...  This little guy so much fun to prepare.

1.  Needle Turn Applique - Oh it felt so good to be back in the groove.

I chose fabrics from my stash of  Blackbird Designs Chelsea Boutique for Moda.  It's always hard to part with these precious fabric swatches...  The Chelsea Boutique line is, by far, one of my favorite...

Also, I had loads of fun choosing just the right Aurifil 50Wt Mako Cotton thread for my needle turn hand work.  Aurifil 50Wt is very similar in thickness to a Mettler 60Wt thread and works perfectly for Needle Turn applique.   Here is an image from my Instagram feed that shows the fabric and thread selection in-process - sew much fun!!

{Appliqué Tip} Pulling scraps and threads to stitch a simple design for an upcoming Needle Turn Appliqué Workshop... 50wt Aurifil Mako Cotton disappears into your fabric for perfect appliqué stitches ❤️ thank you @alexveronelli -- How about these @blackbirdalma and @minickandsimpson Moda fabrics?! Oldies but goodies - thank you ladies ❤️ Swoon! ❤️️ #showmethemoda #aurifil #modafabrics #minickandsimpson #blackbirddesigns #chelseaboutiquefabric #aurilove #auriho #aurifilthreadsnob #needleturnapplique #redbirdquiltcoworkshop #threadmatters

A photo posted by Karen L Miller (@redbirdquiltco) on Aug 23, 2015 at 12:49pm PDT

You can learn more about my Needle Turn technique by checking out my free blog tutorial "Teardrops of Love - a Needle Turn Applique Tutorial".  I share my favorite tools along with detailed and illustrated steps outlining my technique for creating beautiful applique. Read and see for yourself at this link.  Teardrops of Love Tutorial  I would LOVE to get your feedback.

As indicated in the tutorial, I use a plastic or freezer paper template to cut out and mark the needle turn line on the right side of the fabric.  If possible, I'll use a soapstone pencil to mark the design -- otherwise SewLine Leads work very well.  I also use my Clover Hera Marker to score the turn line so it folds under easier.  (More details in the Teardrops of Love Tutorial).

next I thread or pin baste my pieces onto the background and use Aurifil 50Wt Mako Cotton thread and Jeana Kimball's Foxglove Cottage Size 10 or 11 Straw Needles to stitch them down.

Here is an image from my Instagram account that shows the front and back of the needle turn.  It's been a few months since I've stitched -- so the stitches are a little inconsistent.  

But just like Free Motion Quilting, the more you practice, the better you get.

Showing front and back {stitches} of my needleturn appliqué coneflower 🌺 Needleturn appliqué is similar to free motion quilting in several ways. 1. Practice 2. Practice 3. Practice 4. The right tools and thread make such a difference ❤️ My stitches aren't always this tiny (less than 1/8th of an inch) but I was a bit out of practice 😜 Happy Saturday all - what are you stitching today? #needleturnapplique #handwork #handapplique #threadmatters #aurifil #showmethemoda #jeanakimballneedles #aurilove #coneflower #stitching #stitches #applique #chelseaboutiquefabric #blackbirddesigns

A photo posted by Karen L Miller (@redbirdquiltco) on Aug 29, 2015 at 9:20am PDT

Once the applique is stitched, I used the Hera Marker to "score" or crease the fabric at 1" on-point lines across the quilt background.  These are used a reference marks for the continuous curve or Orange Peel quilting (coming up in a few steps).

The next fun monkey in this barrel was....

2.  Free Motion Quilting Feathers - I Love, Love, Love to quilt feathers

Oh my goodness feathers are fun!!  I wasn't quite sure how to quilt this mini but I decided to stitch some feathers and I'm so happy I did!!  Whenever I free motion quilt feathers on my domestic machine, I mark the feather spine with a blue water/air soluble pen -- you can also use a Hera Marker (by Clover) or Sew Line leads to mark the feather spine.   This is what it looks like after I've marked the spine.

Now that all my marking is complete, I layer the quilt top, batting and backing and pin baste the mini.  Because I really wanted the quilting to show, I used two layers of Quilter's Dream - Dream Wool batting.  I love how wool quilts...  If you've not tried it you should give it a go!

Before I get started stitching I gather all my 50Wt Aurifil thread to determine which color will work best.  I try to use a color that will complement the background fabric.  Always unwind the thread from the spool to test it against the background fabric.   On the first go-round I misjudged the color match and needed to rip out a bit of feather.  I recovered nicely and switched to Aurifil color #2314 for a perfect match.  
To stitch the feathers, I start at the bottom of the spine stitching bump back feathers up the right side of the spine and adding a top pearl.  Next, I travel (stitch) down the spine and begin again, stitching bump back feathers up the left side of the spine.  It's so rewarding to create feathers.  Even if they are not perfect they are pretty.   In this case I also echo stitched the cone flower and stem/leaves...

Here are a couple progress shots:

Oops - sorry for the image color changes.  Some images were taken using my machine lighting and some were taken using full spectrum lighting.  Rest assured this background fabric is beautiful no matter how you light it.

     3.  Free Motion Quilting an Orange Peel Design - a simple motif that provides so much texture

Moving on to the remainder of the quilting.... I had already marked the background fabric with 1" on-point grid lines (See image above).  I continued using Aurifil 50Wt #2314 to stitch continuous curves on the background fabric, crossing over at the grid intersections.  I stitched one direction and then back in the opposite direction, moved to the next line in the border and repeated.  

 Once I had enough lines stitched on one axis, I stitched a few on the other axis.  It came together wonderfully.

I've recorded a couple of video's for stitching the continuous curve (Orange Peel Grid design) on a domestic machine.  

You can view them on my YouTube Channel here:  Karen's Redbird Quilt Co YouTube Channel   

The one difference is that on the Cone Flower Mini I only marked the grid design, I did not stitch it.

4.  A New to Me Flanged/Piped Machine Binding - wow - fast, simple and really pretty.

And last but not least in the barrel of monkeys was this neat new Flanged/Piped MACHINE binding.

I watched a couple of different tutorials for this binding and then tweaked things to meet my requirements.  Initially I was going to add some actual rope piping, but I decided to take baby steps instead.

Here are the steps and measurements that worked for me.   If you're interested in a real tutorial with images, please leave me a message in the comments and I'll pop that out to My Tutorials page.

1. Choose a primary binding color (rose) - and an accent/piping/flange color (teal).

2. Cut the primary color (rose) 1 & 7/16" wide (by WOF for number of strips necessary)

3. Cut the accent/piping/flange color 1 & 3/4" wide (by WOF for number of strips necessary)

4. Piece the WOF strips of each color into the correct length with mitered (or diagonal) joints to help cut down on bulk.

5. With the single length of the primary (rose) and the same length of the accent (teal), sew them together with a 1/4" seam allowance (long edges).  I'll refer to this is the binding.

6. Now fold the binding in half, wrong sides together (TIP: Press wrong sides together with a steam iron, avoiding pressing the actual fold (I didn't want to flatten the fold of the accent color). Pressing  will help keep the binding raw edges aligned.

7. Next, align the binding raw edges - PRIMARY COLOR DOWN with the edge of the trimmed quilt ON THE BACK SIDE and stitch in place with a 1/4" seam allowance.  NOTE: This is being attached to the back, not the front of the quilt.  Follow the standard process for attaching a binding to a quilt sandwich, folding for mitered corners as you go.

8. NOTE: When I get a 1/4" from the corner, I always stop and stitch a 45 degree line to the corner of the quilt before turning and continuing to stitch from the top.  This helps give a really neat finished mitered corner.

9. NOTE: A few months ago I learned how to Miter finish binding and I just love it.  If you aren't sure how to do this, check out this Lisa Bongean/Fat Quarter shop video -- remember though, this is just how I miter finish the binding (good stuff around the 2:00 minute mark).

10. Next, finger press the finished binding to the front of the quilt, smoothing the seam that you just stitched.   I avoid pressing at this point because I don't like to press my wool batting.   So finger press the batting from the back to the front and be sure the wrap is firm against the raw edge.

11. Use Clover Wonder Clips to secure the wrapped binding in place on the front of the quilt - being careful to fold and secure crisp mitered corners.

12. Now to stitch the binding to the front of the quilt....

12a. Use a 90/14 needle with a complementary color Aurifil 12Wt thread on top and 50wt in the bobbin.

12b. If you have one, use a walking or even feed foot on your machine.

12c. Start stitching with a small stitch length (to lock your stitches) and increase the stitch length to 3.0 or a good "top stitch" length for your machine.

12d.  Stitch just outside of the primary/accent color ditch with the Aurifil 12Wt thread all the way around the perimeter of the top of the binding.   It came out wonderfully -- I really LOVE how it looks, front and back!!

The back:

{Machine Binding Tip} Don't hide your stitches in the ditch -- Top stitch that binding with Aurifil Mako Cotton 12Wt and let your stitches shine! ⭐️ My first attempt at machine binding with a flange/piping and I ❤️ how it looks ❤️ The Cone Flower project was done start to finish with Aurifil thread - 50Wt Needleturn Appliqué, Piecing and Free Morion Quilting - and a lovely 12Wt to Top Stitch the binding... PS - maybe twin needles the next time? Oh so pretty! ❤️❤️❤️ #aurifil #aurilove #machinebinding #topstitch #freemotionquiltingonadomestic #aurifilthreadsnob #auriho #redbirdquiltcoworkshop #quiltbinding #flangedbinding #pipedbinding #showmethemoda #threadmatters

A photo posted by Karen L Miller (@redbirdquiltco) on Sep 1, 2015 at 1:48pm PDT

Here's a full shot of the front:

And a full shot of the back with folded hanging sleeve corners included.

And no new quilt is complete unless we've taken a picture on the dock:

Many thanks to Aurifil Thread, Moda/United Notions Fabrics and Quilter's Dream batting for their awesome products.  I just love it when a plan comes together -- and it really was more fun than a barrel of monkeys.

I would love to hear your feedback - would you like a step by step image tutorial of the binding or any other part of the project ?

Oh - one last thing: I'll be using this mini in my latest workshop, Needle Turn Applique - a Techniques Workshop.  I'll be teaching it for the first time in Arcade, NY at Creekside Fabrics, Quilts and Yarns on October 3rd.

To learn more about my upcoming events - visit my Facebook Events page.   No Signon Required.

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Be sure to visit me on
 Facebook at Redbird Quilt Coand/or
Join our Facebook
 Free Motion Quilting Frenzy groupand/or
Follow Redbird Quilt Co on InstagramI post all sorts of fun things there!!
Plus
I share quilting related
videos on my YouTube*
I'm on Pinterest, Twitterand I share other tutorials and patterns
on My Tutorials (above) and
on  The Moda Bake Shopand on my Craftsy page...

Happy Quilting!!
Karen

Buzzing with Top Ten Freebies - Thanks AURIbuzz!

Woohoo -- did you know that the Aurifil blog "AURIbuzz" is featuring Top Ten projects, tips and tutorials every Tuesday?

Yes, that's right -- and Whoop Whoop - - this week my "Redbird and Berries" Mini Quilt for the Moda Bake Shop was highlighted as one of the AURIbuzz Top Ten Tuesday{Christmas} projects -- it made my heart sing!!  

Last weeks post was: Top Ten Tuesday {Cushion Covers}

The week before that it was Top Ten Tuesday {Bags & Accessories}

and the week before that - Lovely Pincushions

Top Ten Tuesday {Pincushions}

Now be sure to jump over to the AURIbuzz Blog and get signed up for their weekly newsletter so you too can join in the Top Ten Tuesday fun!!

Many thanks to the crew at Aurifil for making quality threads and floss.  

I have another fun tutorial coming up soon -- stay tuned. 

Also, be sure to visit me on

 Facebook at Redbird Quilt Co

and/or

Join our Facebook

 Free Motion Quilting Frenzy group

and/or

Follow Redbird Quilt Co on Instagram

I post all sorts of fun things there!!

Plus

I share quilting related

videos on my YouTube

*

I'm on Pinterest, Twitter

and I share other tutorials and patterns

on My Tutorials (above) and

on  The Moda Bake Shop

and on my Craftsy page...

Happy Quilting!!

Karen

Chevron with a Twist Winners - Plus!

"Thank you" just doesn't seem a sufficient way to express my gratitude for the sweet comments you shared about Chevron with a Twist!    I really appreciate your feedback.  Thank you so much -- you sure know how to put a smile on my face. 

Image courtesy Junelily.com

and...  Before we get to the lucky Aurifil Thread winners - know that, as promised, there are upcoming posts to outline the quilting details for Chevron with a Twist and show how I used the awesome QP Curve Templates by Linda Hrcka from The Quilted Pineapple to quilt it.  Trust me, there's an awesome giveaway that goes along with that post -- so do stand-by for that.    If you're wondering what Chevron with a Twist is -- you can click here to see the introductory post.

On a separate note:

Later today I'll be sharing the stage with some wonderfully talented ladies and participating in a blog hop for Wendy Sheppard's book "Recreating Antique Quilts".   Woohoo!!

Be sure to stop back -- you'll be thrilled to see a book giveaway and a new wool applique quilt that I prepared from Wendy's Ivory Baltimore Wall Hanging design.  That's later today.

**

Now... what do you say we announce some Aurifil thread winners !   Many, many thanks to the great team of folks at Aurifil - they are always so generous with their products - sharing two cases of thread for me to giveaway during this celebration. #aurilove

It's easy for me to support and brag about Aurifil - their thread is great for piecing (it allows your seams to press nice and flat), it's great for hand work like needle turn applique (it doesn't twist and knot and melts into the fabric) and it's awesome for free motion quilting on a domestic machine.  I just love it...  I know you will too.

So.... Winner #1 goes home with 12 large spools of Aurifil thread from the Quilted in Honor collection:

 Random Number generator choose #79

 Comment #79 is:

Congratulations Material Girl - I'll send you an email Tuesday so we can celebrate your thread win!!

Next winner receives 10 small spools of Aurifil thread in the "I Can Fly - Citrus" collection by Mark Lipinski.

Mr. Random Generator choose:

 Comment #173 is:

Congratulation Di!!   I'll drop you an email later today so we can get this package in the mail to you!!  

Many thanks again Aurifil for the awesome giveaway.

To see the complete free tutorial for Chevron with a Twist -- visit it on the Moda Bake Shop.

Have a blessed day!
Karen

Off my Rocker? Aurifil's 2015 Jan Mini-Quilt

Greetings fellow quilters and bloggers -- it's been a couple of weeks since I last blogged and I do apologize. I've been a little under the weather and moving at a snails pace. 

On one of my "good days" last weekend I had a hankering to make something that didn't require my creativity but still allowed me a bit of a challenge.   Turn to... something pieced. 

Ya'll know that piecing is NOT my forte'.  I'm an applique (wool or cotton) girl at heart.   However, when I saw this sweet little mini-quilt, Flurry, designed by Gudrun Erla for Aurifil, I couldn't take my eyes off it.  Isn't it just the cutest little mini?

Image Auribuzz.wordpress.com ~ Flurry by GEQuiltDesigns.com

Gudrun was interviewed by Pat Sloan for Aurifil Thread.  You can get to know her and find the link to the Flurry mini-quilt on the Auribuzz blog by clicking here. 

Now grab a cuppa and work through this sweet mini with me.  I'll share the tips that helped me out and approximate times it took to complete each step.  It really was fun! 

Don't forget... if you share your quilt top on the Aurifil Flickr group you're eligible to win a box of Auriful thread!!  Woohoo -- you can NEVER have enough Aurifil thread.

After downloading the pattern I spent an hour or so pressing and cutting my fabric per the pattern instructions.  Enter, this darling red print "Floral Gatherings" by Primitive Gatherings for Moda.  I've had this little pretty in my stash for a bit -- it was time to put it to good use.  Paired with that, I used "Indigo" by Moda and decided to reverse the colors as Gudrun originally designed.

Before we get too far, let's not forget to discuss the perfect thread.   I used Aurifil 50Wt Mako Cotton in color #2370 (Sandstone).  Aurifil 50Wt thread is fine, so it adds to the accuracy of your piecing... this applique girl could use all the help she could get!!

Here we go... now before you get started:

Here's a tip:  It's really important to know that you have OR test your scant 1/4" seam allowance.  I explained how to do this last year in the Redbird and Berries Mini Quilt recipe for the Moda Bake Shop -- you can see that recipe here.    Pat Sloan did a similar post earlier this year - you can see it here.    In summary, sew (3) 2-1/2" squares together side by side, set seams, press toward the outside, flip right side up, and measure your inside piece.  It should measure exactly 2" wide.   It's really important on this mini to have an accurate scant 1/4" seam allowance.

Image from Moda Bake Shop - Redbird and Berries Mini Quilt

Onto Step 1....   

Step 1 consisted of making 8 Half Square Triangles (HST) and trimming them to 1-1/2"... Feeling confident -- I can do this!!   HST's made... now to press them open.

Here's a tip:  The pattern calls for the HST to be pressed toward the red fabric.  Did you know if you position your sewn piece with the upside being the side you are suppose to press toward that it makes it easier to "set the seam" and then press it toward that direction?  Try it... for each step in the pattern, when you're suppose to press toward "xyz" make sure you lay the sewn piece with that side up.  Press once to "set the seam" then use your fingers to fold the seam back and press again.   It helps to remember that whatever side is showing is the side your seam will be pressed toward.   Does this help?

Here's the image before I opened them -- after I "set the seam":

Here is the image after I set the seam, opened the seam and pressed again.   The seams are all pressed toward the red and they didn't need to be moved again to accomplish this step.  Love that!

Now for the trimming to 1-1/2" square.   By now I'm already starting to curse Alex, Pat and Gudrun for not having an applique mini -- but keeping focused I continued on...   Ha ha ha ha...

Here's a tip:  If you have one, NOW is the time to use the mini rotating cutting mat to trim your HST's.  This way you don't have to reposition your fabric to trim all 4 sides.   My DH gave me one for Christmas 2013 -- finally -- a chance to use it (you see - I never piece). 

Step 1: Total time 23 minutes!! Includes boo-boo  (Can you believe I stitched ON THE LINE -- maybe it was the cough medicine -- ya - that was it!)

Onto Step 2.  Ok lets follow the pattern again -- sew the HST's to the solid pieces.  That wasn't too bad --  I'm back to the "I can do this" mode....

Step 2:  Total time  23 minutes 

Onto Step 3.  Ok here is where I read twice and took care to position the pieces exactly as the pattern calls for - thankfully I did it right the first time.

Having fun again!  Here is where I send an image to my sisters and say "Look, I'm piecing"... ha ha ha...

Step 3: Total time 15 minutes (no boo-boo's)

Onto Step 4:  I had pre-marked the diagonal line on my 1-1/2" squares after cutting them so I was ready to align and sew out of the gate.  (Yay!)

Here's a tip:  Consider chain piecing when you're making these 8 pieces -- it allows you to be more efficient at your sewing, saves time and thread and that means saving money!!  Here is an image after chain stitching 1/2 of this step.   I did cut my pieces apart before I sewed and chain stitched the other side.

OK - both sides sewn, trimmed, and pressed....  Whew...  I'm not sure they're square but I'm rolling with it by now (am I really making this pieced mini quilt ??)

Step 4: Total time 15 minutes (no boo-boo's)

Onto Step 5 - sewing WOF strips, cutting and making 4 patch units  -- I can do this ;)  Here we go....

Here's a tip: This is another opportunity to chain stitch -- feeding each 4 patch unit in one behind the other - FAST!!

Step 5: Total time 17 minutes (don't judge ;)   ha ha ha....

Onto Step 6...  be sure to follow the directions as written -- I had to rip twice on this step (how did I do that ??)   Anyhow... No pictures of this one.

Step 6: Total time 22 minutes (ripped twice ?? maybe to align my points ?? - I forget...)

Onto Step 7.... Now we're making some 9 patches...  Humh.... I guess I can do this piecing thing if I just take my time, enjoy the process and pay attention to details.   I'm not one to do a lot of pinning but:

Here's a tip:  If you're aiming to improve accuracy - be sure to nest your seams and pin there -- it does make a difference, especially if you're a novice like me.   Also, chain piece here too!

No pictures for Step 7 - I'm seeing the end in sight and getting excited -- way ahead of myself and forgot to take pictures :(

Step 7: Total time 30 minutes

Onto Step 8 - If you weren't sure of your seam allowance before, you'll be sure to find out with this step.  If you pre-cut your pieces before sewing then they'll fit a perfect 1/4 " seam allowance or be too big or small otherwise.   Fingers crossed...

Whew - worked out just fine...  Step 8 done.

Step 8: Total Time 12 Minutes

Onto Step 9 -- WOOHOO!!  Happy Dance... I still have hair left on my head...  Lets get this 3 x 3 sewn together now

Here's a tip:  Pin, Pin, Pin -- there are a few seams to align -- I pinned mine.  It only took a few minutes and was so worth it!!   Someday maybe I'll graduate to big girl piecing but for now,  pinning is my piece of mind.

Oh my gosh look -- I'm almost done -- I'm so happy and kinda proud that I could do this...

Step 9:  Total Time 27 minutes

Onto the final -- Step 10.  Adding those borders - here's another case where an inaccurate seam allowance will getcha....  I took a few minutes and squared my block before adding the borders.  A 1/16 trim here and there and the whole block squared up nicely.    Yay !

Step 10: Total Time with Squaring 18 minutes

Oh my goodness I'm completely thrilled to have made this cute mini -- many thanks to Aurifil, Pat Sloan and especially Gudrun Erla for the awesome pattern and instructions.  It was fun to make and total sewing, fussing, pressing time was under 3.5 hours!!

Now to contemplate the quilting -- we'll save that for another day.

Be sure to get your mini quilt made -- and follow the directions on the Auribuzz blog for entering your mini into the Aurifil thread giveaway.  There is no better thread for piecing, needle turn applique and dense quilting.

Happy Sewing and thanks for stopping by!
Karen