Redwork Stitchery

Book:

QUILTING for the first time/ by Donna Kooler

Time to reveal my next project... I choose: Project 4 in the Beyond the Basics section of the book, "How do I frame needlework with a lattice-strip border?". 

For any new quilters, this book is a great place to start!

All of the projects are small and need very little time to complete. Here you can find simple projects that will be a great beginning to discover if quilting is what you wish to pursue, under three sections: Quilting Basics, Basic Techniques, Beyond the Basics.

Book, Fabrics

I decided to try the redwork stitchery to see how I liked it. As, is usually the case, one doesn’t wish to spend much time, money, or resources to see if a new technique will work for us.

Embroidery was the first technique I learned when I was a young person. I really enjoyed it and liked sewing with lots of different colors. So, I thought this project would be a good choice for trying out if I liked stitching with only one color.

Also, this project was done about the time we learned that we’d be moving, so a small project definitely helped me stay focused and get it completed quickly.

 Penciled design on fabric, red embroidery thread

Stitchery completed

What I discovered was that I still love color, so found it not as exciting as if I had used more colors. However, it was quick to stitch the small design and put it together. I also found doing the embroidery stitches easy and fun. I would however, use a different hoop and perfer working on a larger design!

Once the lattice-strips are sewn together and then added to each side, the tabs are attached. Then the layers are assembled and stitched, leaving a small opening. It is turned with right sides out and the opening is stitched closed.

Adding the tabs to the top

Layering the top, batting and backing

The following photos show the finished results. If it had been a school project, I would have lost marks as one of the borders was cut incorrectly. However, my results were to see how I liked redwork stitchery and that was accomplished.

Corner

Tab

My Finished Quilt

Approx. Size: 9” X 10” (doesn't include the tabs)

More...
If you wish to see what books are being featured this summer, you can also check out my website for more details. Next project (July 25) will involve using selvages... using the Square In A Square technique.


Enjoy your quilting journey in 2010!

My Button Reveal

What is it about buttons? Are they just practical, decorative, beautiful, colorful or all of these? Or does this photo explain it all?

If so many of us love to collect them, why are they stashed in simple boxes or bags to not be seen, until needed for a project? Hopefully, we aren't embarrassed that we have so many, or else... perhaps it's time to have a button party and share them with others!

I recently blogged about the book, “Turning Twenty... Again” and was honoured to receive such a wonderful email from the author. And when I checked out her weblog, I found she displays her button collection in such beautiful containers, I thought I'd include the link to that particular posting. So, if you wish, go take a look and see if they inspire you to do the same with your buttons!!

Yes, it definitely takes a lot of buttons to fill all those fancy containers….

This inspired me to get my buttons out of their various sizes of ziploc bags and out of that worn old brown box they were stored in and out to where I could enjoy them. I found out that I don't have near as many, but why not display them, anyway!

Two Simple Jars

Buttons On High

I do realize that it will be much harder to get to those on the bottom, but for now they are available to view. And it will be delightful to pour them out into a tray or baking dish when I wish to make selections for that next great project.

Seems to me… that running my fingers through an assortment of buttons is as delightful as playing in the dirt when doing a gardening project. So, there you go…

Enjoy your buttons and all those cool items that make creating so much fun!!

ELEVENTH PROJECT - JULY 2010:

My eleventh project will be shared next week...
Quilting For the First Time/ Donna Kooler



More Books...

If you wish to see what books are being featured you can also check out my website for more details.

Enjoy your quilting adventure for... 2010!!