Building Houses - With Needle and Thread

Last week we met for the monthly "Quilting the Garden" applique along hosted by our sweet friend Debbie Wick, and with two other special ladies -- my sister Janet and friend Bonnie.

We meet monthly to drool over Debbie's completed Quilting the Garden Quilt (a design and book by Blackbird Designs) and plan out the fabric and stitching for our own blocks. 

Our versions of Quilting the Garden are being completed with various methods of Needle Turn Applique.    Bonnie uses a back basting method, Janet uses freezer paper templates attached while stitching, and I use a freezer paper marking method. 

If you're interested in learning my method of Needle Turn Applique check out "Teardrops of Love - a needle turn applique tutorial" on my blog by clicking here.

Back to Quilting the Garden -- Janet, Bonnie and I have nearly completed our house blocks so I wanted to share them.

First is Debbie's House block from her completed quilt.  Isn't it beautiful?  Debbie always adorns her blocks with the sweetest embroidery.  Check out the flower box flowers and the sign on the door -- sweet! 

Debbie's quilt recently won 2nd place in the Large Bed Quilts Category at the Sauder Village Quilt Show in Archbold, OH!  Congratulations Debbie!!

Debbie's Completed House Block

Next up is my block -- it's almost done.  I need to finish up the upper flower box and the special window on the front door.   That beautiful pin-stripe background was gifted to me from Debbie - it was her last piece of fabric of this type - really pretty!  Thank you Debbie...

Karen's House Block

Next up is Janet's House Block -- I just LOVE the pink flowers and the paisley eaves on the roof!  Janet has yet to finish up her flower boxes and embroidery but the block is beautiful!  I love how the blue door and blue leaves draw out the blue paisley....

Janet's House Block

Finally there is Bonnie's House Block - I love the background fabric on Bonnie's block - isn't it beautiful?  Combine it with the delicate pinks and blues she used and it all comes together perfectly!!  It's just really pretty isn't it ?

Bonnie's House Block

Check out the embroidery on Bonnie's flower boxes -- SWEET!!   We won't mention who stitched these flowers boxes but I can say it wasn't me (or Bonnie or Janet)!!

If you're interested, you can see the house block being constructed (with some tutorials and other block progress) by clicking here and here.

*

Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,

Karen

PS - Linking up to some great WIP/Fabric linky parties -- check them out on my sidebar to see tons of beautiful and inspirational work!

Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day!

Hello and Welcome to Sew Mama Sew's Giveaway Day!!

If you're new here and found me through the giveaway registry at Sew Mama Sew - Welcome Aboard! 

I'm a 50 something gramma who loves to sew, applique (with cotton and wool), and free motion quilt!  

I live in the Finger Lakes Region of NY, USA and I just love Songbirds!!

 I recently created "Redbird Quilt Co."

a design, instruction and free motion quilting adventure.

On the blog you'll find * free patterns and tutorials * along with ramblings about sewing and applique, favorite threads and tools, and other quilting musings.

Every now and again I'll share a new quilt pattern on the blog - available for purchase on the Redbird Quilt Co. web site or my Craftsy store.

I hope you enjoy your visit.

Here is a sampling of my designs that are all *free tutorials or patterns*:
(Click images to visit the tutorial/pattern)

Redbird and Berries Mini Quilt on the Moda Bake Shop:

 

Family Tree - Quilted Envelope Pillow on the Moda Bake Shop:

 

Redbird Christmas - Quilted Envelope Pillow:

Teardrops of Love - a needle turn applique tutorial:

 

Computer Printed Quilt Label Tutorial:

Bouquet Memories Wall Hanging on the Bear Creek Quilting Company's Blog:

Little Wool Blue Bird tutorial - including links to the Beginner Wool Applique Series:

For the Sew Mama Sew giveaway I want to share a copy of my latest pattern - "Spring Basket".

Spring basket is an 11" x 16" mini quilt made with Wool pieces stitched to a Cotton background.

The pattern is perfect for a beginner.  It includes all of the templates and instruction required to complete the project.

If you've never worked with wool, you will LOVE it -- you don't need to turn the edges of wool under -- once woven wool is washed and dried the edges won't fray when cut.

You can read more about Spring Basket on my blog post by clicking here.

You can see a review of Spring Basket on Carrie's blog  by clicking here.

I will be giving away one Spring Basket pattern on this blog post and another Spring Basket pattern on a Facebook Giveaway. (Be sure to jump over to my Facebook page and follow the directions on the giveaway post to be eligible for that giveaway).

A winner in the domestic USA will have their choice of a Printed or PDF version of Spring Basket.  If the winner resides Internationally, I will e-mail a PDF version to them.

To claim your chances to win, use the Rafflecopter widget below.

If you don't have a Facebook account -- no worries - simply enter your name and email address instead.   International entries are welcome!!    

The Raffelcopter will give you one mandatory (blog comment) and several optional ways to win -- try it out! 

If the Raffelcopter widget doesn't load right away, refresh your screen and give it a minute -- sometimes it's fussy!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


After using the Rafflecopter to enter my giveaway, jump back to Sew Mama Sew's Giveaway posts (Fabric & Patterns & Supplies click here  &  Handmade Items click here) and enter all the fabulous giveaways!!

The winner will be chosen on May 16th at 9pm EST and will be notified via email.   Best of luck everyone !

Thanks for stopping by,
Karen

Redbird and Berries Mini Quilt - Mask and Beak Tutorial

Hi everyone - those that are working on the "Redbird and Berries" Mini Quilt in cotton (Recipe published at the Moda Bake Shop) and now available as a free download on My Craftsy Store,  I've put together a little tutorial to help position the Redbird mask and beak.  I hope you find it helpful.   

If you are new to needle turn applique please be sure to review "Teardrops of Love - a needle turn applique tutorial" under my blog header or by clicking here.  The 4 Part tutorial shares tools, steps, tips and tricks for basic needle turn applique.

First up:  Using template plastic, cut out the full bird template with face, mask and beak intact.  Additionally, cut out separate mask and beak templates as shown on the pattern.  (Pattern found on the last page of the Printer Friendly PDF at the Moda Bake Shop recipe - click here.)

As outlined in Teardrops of Love Part 2: Marking, Cutting and Basting Shapes, using the template plastic, trace the outline of the redbird on the fabric of your choice.

Place tick lines/marks on your fabric where the top and the bottom of the mask will border the red face of the cardinal.   This will help with mask alignment in a later step.  Be sure to mark the lines on the INSIDE of the face (the outside edge will be trimmed away).

As outlined in Teardrops of Love Part 1: Tools -- I used a Sewline Fabric Lead in Pink to trace the  redbird on the grunge fabric, skipping over the area where the mask and beak will be positioned.

 

After tracing around the perimeter of the template for your redbird, mask and beak, cut around the traced lines leaving appx 1/4 inch allowance to turn under.  Don't worry if you leave more than that, you can always trim as you go.

Next, as called out in Teardrops of Love Part 2: Marking, Cutting and Basting Shapes, baste the Redbird to the background fabric. I started stitching just above the upper tick mark and worked my way around the Redbird to the bottom tick mark.

When you get to the bottom tick mark for the mask you'll want to trim the excess fabric that is nearby the mask location.  There is no need to turn this fabric under - -the mask will be positioned here for a finished edge.

I used a running stitch to travel along the raw edge that will not be turned under.  This helps keep the fabric stable when you stitch the next layer over it.

Don't travel too close to the edge as you will be turning the black mask fabric under here and you don't want your running stitch in the way of that.

 

Now, grab that template, position it over the redbird, and align it with the traced lines on the mask to aid in positioning the mask. You can see from the image below that it fits fairly well -- just be sure it also aligns with the tick marks under the black fabric.  The turn or traced line on the mask should be resting on the tick mark you made on the redbird.

Once you find the right position for the mask, use applique pins to secure it for stitching.

The mask should include markings where the beak will be positioned.

Before you begin to sew the mask, trim excess fabric so you have a scant 1/4 inch (or less) to turn under.  There is a fine line between leaving too much bulk to turn under or having too little fabric to turn -- you will find your comfort zone after stitching for a while.  I'm confident that over time your comfort zone will change -- allowing you to leave a smaller seam allowance.

You can see I used black thread for sewing the mask.  Rule of thumb: Try to match thread to the color of the applique piece you're stitching, not the color of the background.

 

OK, before you begin to sew the mask, check once again to ensure that the inside mark on the mask aligns with the tick mark you put on the redbird.  I goofed my first time around and it was not aligned correctly.  That old seam ripper comes in handy at times ;)   When positioned correctly, needle turn it in place like you would any other applique piece.

Stitch around the perimeter of the mask, trimming and turning as you go.  In this case, because the beak area is so small, I decided to needle turn the entire mask. (I did not leave a raw edge where the beak will be positioned).

Once the entire mask is sewn on, then finish off the black thread on the back of the background fabric as described in Teardrops of Love Part 3: Long Edges and Easy Turns

Next up -- get that beak sewn on!!  Before you begin to stitch give yourself a little jump start and finger press the bottom edge of the beak (see below).  This makes it a bit easier to start turning and sewing the beak on.

Referring to the redbird template, position the beak such that that top of the beak is somewhat flush with the top outer edge of the mask - and the bottom of the beak is buried within the mask area (see below).

Pin in place. 

You may notice that I broke the Rule of Thumb when sewing the beak -- I did not have any thread the correct color so I stuck with the black (which really wasn't so smart).  Best to try to match the color of the applique piece - and if you can't exactly match go darker (but not as dark as black (?What was I thinking ?)).

You're almost done, now sew around the perimeter of the beak, bury and tie off your thread on the backside of the background and Admire Your Work !!   Don't be hard on yourself - it doesn't have to be perfect.  It will look beautiful when you're done.... Woohoo!

That's a wrap!!  If you have any questions please leave them in the comments section or send me an email - I will do my best to answer them.  Also remember, if you have pictures of quilts made from Moda Bake Shop Recipes you can share them at the Moda Bake Shop Flickr group.

Also remember you can download the PDF version of Redbird and Berries is available as a free download from My Craftsy Store.

Now be sure to stay tuned for the 100th post milestone giveaway!  I'm getting my thoughts, and some prizes together to share with you!!  Thanks for being loyal followers - it's so much fun... 

Have a wonderful weekend all -- I need to get some rest as we're sledding with the grandchildren tomorrow (oops - today - oh my!!).

Hugs,
Karen

Work in Progress Wednesday

Hello dear friends -- this week brings with it a few items that need to be finished in short order.  I hope you enjoy the journey with me while I share some Work in Progress.

* The Redbird and Berries Giveaway is open until Feb 15th  -- click here to enter *

I'm still humbled by the positive feedback on the Redbird and Berries Mini Quilt.  Not only on my blog but also on the Moda Bake Shop post -- thank you all so much.  I tried my best to keep up with replies on the comments but a few things got in the way -- Soo many of you were "No-Reply" Bloggers and did not provide your email address in your comment :(   Please, please, if you've never checked, be sure to check to see if you are a "No-Reply" blogger.  Click here to see one of the many great tutorials for "No Reply" blogger syndrome.  Thanks again for all of your fantastic feedback !!

On with the Work in Progress....

I'm working on completing a pair of wool appliqued, envelope backed, quilted pillows.  The last two nights I finished the pebble quilting on them.  I still debating on doing an outline or stem stitch around the wool pieces using Pearl cotton - not sure - what do you think ?

I had a blast quilting these pieces -- they were small and manageable.   I do, however, need to design a new quilting foot that works well with wool applique with a 1/4 inch (or more) rise on it.  Does anyone have any input or suggestions for this ?   Hoping to turn this project into my first pattern and share on Craftsy - very exciting!!

Next up -- I'm nearly done with the applique on "Teardrops of Love - a needle turn applique tutorial".  Sorry about all the wrinkles...  I haven't pressed it yet   :(

I think it needs a few more hearts appliqued before it's done.  That won't take long.  I just LOVE the French General charm pack that I used - have I mentioned that I'm addicted to birds ?

 

One thing I realized while stitching this piece is that with every new needle turn piece I learn something new or just feel more comfortable - this is why with needle turn applique as well as Free Motion quilting "practice, practice, practice" is always the motto...

 I had fun doing some fussy cutting of the fabric for these teardrops.

Once I get Teardrops of Love quilted I'll finish up the tutorial and post Part 5 - Wrapup.  At that point maybe starting an advanced Needle Turn Tutorial would be in order ?  What do you think  - more on layering, large pieces, etc ?

Finally...  Redbird and Berries in Wool is ready to be layered, basted and quilted...

This piece (above) looks a little wonky because I originally made bias (cotton) stems and machine appliqued them onto the background.  I did NOT like them but rather than ripping them out I decided to stitch the wool stems on top of the cotton stems.  I hope this does not come back to haunt me when I start quilting.  Keep your fingers crossed.

I used a hand blanket stitch on the wool Redbird using Valdani 12 Wt Cotton thread, an overhand or whip stitch on the wool stems with DMC Cotton and, to finish the berries, I put a stitch or two in the center of them and left the edges raw to add dimension.   What do you think ?

Amongst other ongoing projects like Benjamin Biggs Wedding Quilt and Quilting the Garden BOM, the "to-do" list includes writing a post for layering of the cotton Redbird (mask and beak) -- I haven't forgotten ;)  

One other thing I wanted to share -- for those of you that LOVE applique, please stop by and visit my friend Wilma from the Netherlands -- she blogs here at Quilting Willempje.  Her most recent post shows the lovely handwork she has done on Esther Aliu's Love Entwined 1790 Marriage Coverlet.  You have to see this -- oh it makes my heart skip a beat - just beautiful!! 

Lastly, here in the Northeast, we had a foot of snowfall overnight.  This is a view out to the barnyard.

I'm thankful that I can work from home most days -- no trekking into Campus for me (thank heavens).

Happy hump day all!
Hugs,
Karen

Teardrops of Love Part 4: Points Inside and Out

Welcome to Part 4 of "Teardrops of Love - a needle turn applique tutorial".

Part 4 - Points Inside and Out is where we needle turn the applique heart on our previously appliqued teardrop. 

If you're joining for the first time, Welcome! - -  you'll want to review Parts 1 through 3 of the tutorial - just click on the links below.

Part 1: Tools - a few of my favorite things
Part 2: Marking, Cutting and Basting Shapes
Part 3: Stitching Basics - Long Edges and Easy Turns

You can also download the "Teardrops of Love" PDF Summary and Shapes Template  from my sidebar.  It will be updated to include Part 4 in the next few days.

In today's post we will cover many of the same skills that we learned in Part 3 but in less detail.  Specifically: 

• choosing a thread color
• hiding your knot
• needle turn stitch
• easy curves
• making a turn at an outer point
• (NEW) making a turn at an inside point
• finishing off your stitching

If you need more detail on any of the above items -- skip on over to Part 3 by clicking here.

Thanks to everyone for their great feedback on Part 3 - I love it when comments help me learn and grow (or make me blush)....  Comments are the best -- thank you, thank you !!

Ok - Lets get started:

This is where we left off - the Teardrop was appliqued and the coordinating heart was marked, creased with the Hera marker, and pinned. 

Baste the heart to the Background:

...as outlined in Part 2 - use YLI basting thread to baste your heart shape on the background fabric - in this case the "background" is the Teardrop that we previously appliqued.

Audition applique thread color:

... as we did in Part 3 choose a thread color that matches your applique piece (not the background).  If nothing matches exactly lean toward using a slightly darker shade of thread - I think it blends better.  

For the heart shape I decided to go with Aurifil Mako 50Wt Color #2000.  The color worked perfectly...

Have I mentioned that I love Aurifil for hand stitching as well as machine quilting ? No?

Prepare your needle, thread, and Quilters Knot:

...As we did in Part 3, cut about 18 inches of thread from the spool.  Thread with the "Ultra Fine" threader and tie a Quilters Knot.  Need more detail - click here.

Bury the knot:

...bury your Quilters Knot by drawing the needle from the back of the applique fabric. Come through on the marked line to prepare for your first stitch. 

Time to Stitch - Woohoo!

...we're ready to start the wash (ha ha ha).  You know what to do.... Turn, Crease, Stitch and Repeat...

Use your needle to turn the seam allowance under immediately in front of where the knot was buried.  Use your marked and Hera creased line as your guide.  Turn just enough to take a stitch.

Turn, Crease, Stitch, Repeat:

... once the seam allowance is turned under, align the tip of your needle where the thread came up (from burying the knot), drop behind the applique crease, bury your needle through the background fabric, travel appx 1/8th of an inch and when the needle comes back to the top fabric grab "just a pinch" of the applique crease to secure it to the background.   (Whew - that was a mouthful).  If you need more review click back to Part 3.  

• Now work your way down the side of the heart toward the point.  
• Remember as you approach the point you'll want to take smaller stitches to begin to stabilize your fabric to turn.   
• When you reach the point where you need to turn, take a stitch at the point of the turn, and then take another stitch to secure the point.

• At this point you'll want to trim any excess fabric at the tip of the point.  When we stitched the teardrop there really wasn't any excess fabric.  On the outside point of the heart there is.  
• Use the Elan scissors and trim the excess - it makes the turn easier and allows for a smooth point.

• Now you're ready to turn the point seam allowance under.  Use the needle to grab both layers of the applique fabric and turn both layers under the heart point.  
• Note:  The needle does not go through the background fabric here - it is only use to turn the applique.

• After you sweep the fabric under the point immediately use your left hand thumb to hold the fabric stable - now you want to get a stitch in there to stabilize the turned fabric.   Celebrate !!

• Here is the first stitch going in after the turn - Yippee!

Now that the outside point is turned we're back to Turn, Crease, Stitch and Repeat.  These steps are the foundation for needle turn applique:

1. Use the needle to turn the seam allowance under to the marked edge (the inside mark)
2. Crease the turn with your left thumb and left hand fingers
3. Place the tip of the needle under where your last stitch excited the top of the fabric
4. Travel behind the background fabric approximately 1/8th of an inch
5. Bring the tip of the needle through the background and grab "just a pinch" of the creased applique fabric to secure it.

When you're on a straight edge it's ok to turn the fabric ahead of your stitching -- that way you can take several stitches without using your needle to turn.

As I worked my way down the side of the heart I ran into some trouble where my seam allowance was cut a little short.  The fabric starts to fray and I realize the secret weapon must be brought out.  So a plain old toothpick dampened helps solve the turning trouble.   Just a little help and we round the bend without a mess. 

• Now we're on that Turn, Crease, Stitch and Repeat roll - as you work around the curve be sure to take smaller stitches so your curve will be smooth and not choppy. 

 

• Continue to to wash, rinse and repeat until you can't easily turn the fabric near the inside point.
• When you approach the inside point of the heart it will be necessary to trim the fabric.  You'll know it's time when you can no longer easily turn the fabric under.  
• Use the Elan scissors and trim to within a few threads of your marked line directly at the point.

• Continue by turning the near fabric under.  No need to take any stitches at this point. 

• Shift your needle to the fabric on the far side of the inside point.  The needle should turn the far fabric under, sweep under the point and end at the near side fabric.  
• This part is a little tricky but with some practice you'll get it.  The key is to have both sides of the point turned under before you place too many stitches.

• If the first sweep doesn't turn the allowance under nicely, try again.   
• If necessary use the damp toothpick or use your fingers.  
• Don't work it so much that the fabric frays and becomes unworkable.

• Stitch your way toward the point now.  When you reach the point your stitches will be so small they are nearly like "stay" or in place stitches.

• Slow, small, but sure!

• No need to over stitch the inside point. 
• If you have fraying dampen your needle or a toothpick and gently sweep them under.  
• Soon you'll find yourself coming up the other side of the point.  Congratulations!

• You're in the groove now -- keep stitching -- taking small stitches on that curve so it will be smooth when you're done.

• Rounding the bend to the home stretch -- Wash, rinse, repeat !

•  Keep going...

• When you use the a Hera Marker to crease your fabric it makes it easier to turn ahead - even on a curve.  
• Turn ahead as long as you're not jeopardizing the shape of the applique.

• As you near the original starting point starting thinking about turning your fabric ahead all the way to the starting point.
• The more room you leave yourself to smooth the turned fabric the nicer the junction finishes.

• Continue to stitch past the starting point by a couple of small stitches.

• Push your needle and ALL of the thread through to the background.  
• Make sure there are no loose or knotted or caught threads on the right side of the applique.

•  Take 3 small stitches in place to secure the applique thread on the back.

 

• Now bury your thread by traveling between the background and the applique piece.  
• Trim the thread flush where it exits the travel.

• Nearly done... snip a few sections of the basting thread and remove them.

Ta-daa!  It's not perfect but it's hand made by YOU!!  Congratulations!

This concludes Part 4 of "Teardrops of Love".  We've covered alot of information since we started this journey and I hope that you find it beneficial for your needle turn skills.  At this point you're prepared to stitch the remaining teardrops and hearts onto the background fabric.

We'll be back soon with a wrap up, Part 5.   In part 5 I'm considering covering applique berries and stems -- let me know if this would be helpful.

Thanks so much for sharing the journey.

Until next time.

Hugs,
Karen