Stitching from the Back

Big bold thread can be stitched by machine. Some threads are too large for the needle, just place them in the bobbin. Turn the quilt over and sew. Stitching from the back can be intimidating, how do you know where to stitch? In order to know where the boundaries are, I hand baste with a large needle and contrasting thread.

Memorial Day Celebration

The Northwest Folklife Festival, a celebration of ethnic arts and cultures, is held every Memorial Day weekend at the Seattle Center. The Northwest Folklife Festival is a festive, interactive event that appeals to all ages. One could almost pretend it is summer. We haven't had a 70 degree day since early November.But most of all Memorial Day commemorates U.S. soldiers who died while in the military service.

Quilts of Valor - make a block!

About the Quilts of Valor Foundation: The mission of the QOV Foundation is to cover ALL those service- members and veterans touched by war with Wartime Quilts called Quilts of Valor (QOVs). This foundation is not about politics. It's about people.

I received the following from Carol Olsen the Region 2 Coordinator for Washington & Oregon:

“I'm sending a massive email to every quilter I know! I have had a request for 105 quilts for returning reservists who will be attending a Returning Warriors weekend in July. This is a huge amount of quilts that need to be created, assembled and delivered.”

If you don't have enough time to make a complete top or quilt, how about making one block? Please use red, white, and blue -- or come combination of the them, and make the block 12" finished size (12 1/2 with seam allowance). Mail to Carol at:

Carol Olsen
8717 Potlatch Ave NE
Bainbridge Is., WA 98110

Thank you so much for supporting our troops!

Sneak Peak

I am happily stitching on quilts for my new book; Stitching Through the Layers; The Art & Elegance of Straight Line Quilting. Thought I would share one of the quilts with you. Topsy-Turvey was quilted using WonderFil Specialty Threads - Tutti.

This thread is 50wt Multi-Color Cotton Double gassed & mercerized. Tutti is fantastic for quilting, longarming, thread painting, cotton lace, serger, embroidery, and more.

Congratulations on a Great Show

Evergreen Piecemakers presented a wonderful show this past weekend at Kent Commons, with featured artist Barb Frasier.

There were wonderful quilts, like this one by Nan Naubert.



And this hand quilted beauty owned by Kay Taylor.




Special Exhibits included the Small Quilt sale and Community Service quilts.



And last but not least the Merchant Mall. With booths that included The Quilted Gipsy and Trains Fabrics Etc, (253) 779-0219, 1315 S 23rd St, Tacoma, WA 98405
.

Emerald Valley Quilters

Emerald Valley Quilters, Eugene Oregon meeting


We had a lot of fun in the Simple Surfaces workshop.

Running Stitches Fabrics

No more field trips for me! (Well maybe). The newest quilt shop in the Pacific Northwest just opened about 2 miles from my house. Cute shop. Nice fabrics. Good selection of books.
Running Stitches Fabrics
Owner: Alice Marshall
213 - 1st Ave. S., Kent, WA 98032
253-277-2248t is next
www.runningstitchesfabrics.com

If you visit this weekend May 21 - 22, 2011, be sure to check out Evergreen Piecemakers Quilt Show at the Kent Commons: 525 4th Ave. North, Kent WA

Saturday 10 - 5 p.m. Sunday 10 - 4 p.m.

Metallic Thread

Lavish Leaf, is one of my painted quilts. Paint sticks are easy and fun. But what I really want to talk about is the metallic thread that I used for the quilting. The thread helps fool the eye and lead the viewer to think that it is some kind of fancy applique done with a shimmery fabric.
It's not. Iridescent paint sticks and flat film thread (probably Sliver). A couple of pointers about the thread. Use a metallic needle, the smaller the better, I like an 80/12. Choose a polyester bobbin thread, my favorite is The Bottom Line by Superior Threads. And be sure to loosen the top tension as much as necessary to get a good looking stitch. Most important of all, have fun!

Evergreen Piecemakers Quilt Guild Presents 2011 Quilt Show

May 21 - 22, 2011

@ the Kent Commons

525 4th Ave. North, Kent WA

Saturday 10 - 5 p.m. Sunday 10 - 4 p.m. $5.00 Admission

Over 200 quilts

Peer judging by attendees. All awards to be made at the quilt meeting following the show.

Featured Artist: Barbara Frazier

Special Attractions: Vendor Mall, Dessert Café, Small Quilts Booth, Gift Boutique

Exploring Thread

I'm working on the quilts for my new book Straight Line Quilting: The Right Quilting In the Right Way In the Right Places. It's fun for me to make the quilts, thinking of all the ways to quilt them as I piece. The actual stitching is the most enjoyable part of all. Well let's face it, I love the process!

So it occurs to me you might be interested in how I use different threads. I'll quilt with any thread I can get into the needle and if it doesn't fit, put it in the bobbin.

The easiest of all threads is 100% cotton. Buy the best thread available makes the sewing a lot easier. Choose a needle with a sharp point; quilting, jeans, & microtex/sharp needles. Pick one that corresponds to the size of the thread. Small thread- small needle; large thread-large needle.

The sewing is fun and rewarding when you use a walking foot for the actual stitching.

Studying Green

Just in case I don't have enough projects going, I am beading on a large quilt and writing a new book (Straight Line Quilting), but I just cannot stop thinking about my next quilt. I am very inspired by all the shades of green. Hawaii is my latest influence.

Kent Relay for Life

Team Renaissance would like to invite you to join them on May 6th from 5-8 PM for an open house.

There will be lots of baskets and goodies to raffle, snacks and beverages
door prizes
Please join them and let's be a part of the "CURE"

Renaissance Yarns in the Kent Station
417 Ramsay Way #115
Kent, WA 98032
(253) 852-9276

Raffle tickets for my quilt Red Stars will be available!