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The Result of Me Cutting Up a Quilt
Last week, if you read my blog post, you knew I was about to head to the cutting table and cut up a perfectly good quilt which only needed binding to finish - well I did it - yes I cut it up into strips and it was more fun than it should have been! ..... let me also say here, that last week, in one of my groups - unrelated - there was mention of 'falling down a rabbit hole'. I think this is a great description of what happened with this project too.
A Challenge - in more than one way!
I don't know if you've heard, but we are back in lockdown again.... I was hoping we were over that but no, it continues into 2021... and to be fair, right back at the start of last year when we first went into that dreaded level 4, I predicted we'd still be having problems this time next year!
The Importance of Numbering and Overlaps in Applique
Many applique patterns don't have any numbering sequence. Simple designs simply don't need them, but for more detailed patterns, it certainly helps make construction easier so this is why I include them in my patterns.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Wherever you go – slow down – take the time to look around you. This is one of my biggest forms of inspiration, especially in art quilts. Do not look at just the scenery though.... also look for shapes, color, and contrast.... stretch your imagination. If you see something of interest, sketch it, write notes or take a photo to remind you. Almost all of us have smartphones on us these days so there should be no excuses to take a snapshot. Don't just think ‘wow that’s so cool, I could use that in a design. I will remember it’. Trust me, you won't. It will get stored somewhere in the back of your mind and you will never retrieve it. However, if you have a note or sketch, you have something to jog that memory or thought of the moment. Keeping a notepad and pencil in your purse or pocket so you have something to write your thoughts and sights with or get familiar with the camera on your phone so you can snap photos anytime. You can even record your thoughts!
Change from 2011 into 2021
As I mentioned earlier, it's been 20 years since I started online teaching so today I decided to take a look at what I was doing 10 years ago and a leap forward into what's happening this year.
Advanced Layered Applique
There are many applique techniques around and in a sense, they can all be considered "layered" as small pieces are piled on top of each other, but there are very few that include full layers of fabric such as in the technique I have developed and taught over the years.
Stained Glass Applique
Stained Glass applique is a really fun way to applique and can be really fast using store-bought bias. I've made a number of quilts using this method - one of my favorite being Scarlet Rose.
A New Year - 2021
I realized a couple of weeks ago that 2021 means I have been teaching online for 20 years. Over this time I have written numerous lessons and tutorials plus 26 workshops for all sorts of techniques. Over the next few weeks, my plan is to review some of these workshops. Today I'm going to start with the very first one I wrote and the very last one. This will give you an idea of how the workshops have transformed over the years.
Wishing You....
Today, I'm simply going to wish you all a happy festive time - well as happy as it can be in this pandemic we are going through. Many of us cannot be with family and friends during this time which is really sad, but let's all hope that changes for next year. I'm personally looking forward to some new quilty adventures so I hope you will join me.
A Wintry Sight Earning Its Place on the Wall
Wow how did Christmas get to be just a week away? This year has sped by quickly, yet seems so long... if that is possible! But being so close to Christmas, I decided it was way past time to get out my Christmas quilts so went digging in my quilt chest. While looking through them, I found my Fractured Winter quilt - one I don't often display yet it is so crisp with its blues and whites - definitely a wintry sight and one that should be out on display around this time of year.