Geta's Quilting Studio

Boxes with Love

2012-02-02T11:45:00.001+01:00

You might remember the gift I sent to my friend Sanda for Christmas.
I thought Sanda needs a container to keep all these together and because I couldn't find any beautiful tin for this purpose, I had to be creative and make my own tin.
And because working with metal still has secrets for me (some day I will have to learn how to work with that wonderful Mod Podge), I had to work with fabrics.

So I made these 6 triangular boxes.

And one large hexagonal box to keep them all together.

Here is! Sanda loved it.

Then, I couldn't stop. And I made these...

for my sister Nina,

to match her quilt.

Then I made these, for my niece. I was lucky that I had polka dots in the perfect size.

A 25 year old girl has a lot of treasures to keep there.

I worked hard ( read: pure coincidence!) so that I can arrange the boxes around the center box in this way...

or in this way...

Then I made these for a little girl...

And so a new passion/obsession for boxes was born.

I apologize I show you empty boxes. But I don't feel any pressure to fill them. This is the recipient's job! But such a fun job!

If you want to make boxes like these or to learn how to design your own, here are the patterns.

Happy Sewing!
Geta

Pattern Sale

2012-01-30T07:12:00.000+01:00

START SHOPPING!

Geta

Free Motion Quilting Tips II

2012-01-27T10:14:00.003+01:00

For beginner quilters - a few thought about free motion quilting.

When I bought my sewing machine,11 years ago, I wanted that someone be able to show me all the secrets so I can stitch easily. But no one could do that for me, because the only secret is PRACTICE.

In my first years of quilting, I did not have major problems with piecing or straight line quilting (with a walking foot) but free motion quilting was a real challenge to me.
So here are a few things I have learned over the years, I hope some of them will make your quilting life easier.

Please read the older tutorial I wrote a few years ago. I don't repeat here what I wrote there.
Pay attention to the position of hands- in my opinion this is the thing that helps me most! Actually, it is the most important thing for me!

Adjusting the tension of the threads for free motion quilting was the hardest thing I had to do. I don't exaggerate when I say that I spent even 2 hours trying to achieve the best stitching.

If you are a beginner quilter, DO NOT BOTHER so much with the thread tension. You may know very well what theory says about the perfect stitching but still you might not be so happy with the quality of your stitches. Perfect stitching comes with practice!

The same thing for the length of the stitches - try to keep some consistence in stitches but it won't be the end of the world if not all your stitches have the same length.

Here is a little help with thread tension.
In the picture below:
- the top thread could be too tight, you have to loosen the thread tension;
- or the bottom thread could be too loose, then you have to tighten it.

In the picture below the stitching is too loose, you have to tighten the top thread.
Don't be afraid to modify the tension setting; just do it in small increments.

One more example in the picture below: top thread too tight and bobbin thread too loose.

Stitching curves is easier than stitching straight lines!

Straight lines will be more straight if you stitch them on small spaces; you could stitch a perfect straight line on 3 inches but not so straight if you want to stitch it on 10 inches.

A good option for big blocks/patches is to stitch slightly curved lines rather than straight lines(see below).

Beautiful texture can be achieved using the same pattern for stitching, just stitching it in different directions.

I don't like to transfer designs on fabric so I like to free motion quilt without a pattern. One of the easiest ways is to stitch spirals following the shape of the patch you are stitching on.

This is an example.

Using straight lines you can make many beautiful and easy patterns.

These patterns are stitched in a continuous line, from left to right then from right to left.

And here are a few examples of easy curved stitching.

There are many voices that say the stippling is overused. I will never be bored by stippling. A busy pattern made with busy fabric doesn't need a fancy quilting.

Free motion quilt following the fabric's pattern.

See a few examples here:
http://cadouri-din-inima.blogspot.com/2010/10/aid-for-free-motion-quilting.html

A few more thoughts:
1. Start with small quilts; practice on small sandwiches, no larger than a letter/A4 page. If you don't have major problem in stitching them, there is no reason you could not quilt a queen size quilt.

2. Thread
- A quality thread for free motion quilting is a must. But every machine is different and you have to find that thread. If something doesn't work (the thread keeps breaking) try another one.

- If you can choose between a thin and thick thread to work with in the bobbin, choose the thin one. You will have less bobbins to wind.

3. Needles
Be sure you use a quality needle too. The only needles I use for free motion quilting are Topstitch #90/14.

4. Batting
Quilt with flat cotton batting rather than polyester batting. It helps a lot - the quilting fabric sticks nicely to it and it doesn't shift.

5. Basting
- I baste most of my quilts on the floor and I found it is fast and easy.
- Starch your backing if it is flimsy. Starch also your finished top, it helps too.

6. Backing
For large quilts I usually like to buy wide fabric for backing instead of piecing the backing; It is cheaper and faster.

7. Binding: see this tutorial:

8. A few thoughts about sewing machines
If you want to buy a sewing machine for quilting, here are a few things to think of:

- the space under the arm is the most important thing; the bigger the better.

- decorative stitches (these increase the price of the machine): I have about 15 on my machine but I use only 2; color+fabric+patterns+quilting are enough for my quilts and I don't need too many decorative stitches.

-the zigzag stitch is very useful;
-when I quilt with the walking foot, sometimes I like to use a "waved" stitch, see the picture below.

If you like to do applique and want to stitch down the edges with decorative stitches, then a few more decorative stitches are welcome.

For a few years I used the same machine for piecing and free motion quilting. Switching from one foot to another, changing the needle and adjusting the thread tension for free motion quilting are things I don't enjoy. So when I was able to buy a second machine, I looked for one to help me with free motion quilting. And I found an industrial machine. I am very happy how I work with it. You can find out more about it here:

http://cadouri-din-inima.blogspot.com/2010/08/my-sewing-machines.html

I use it only for free motion quilting. It can make only straight stitches.

Happy Free Motion Quilting!
Geta

Hexy cubes

2012-01-23T09:05:00.004+01:00

In case you need one more reason to paper piece hexagons, here is a new one. Try some hexy cubes.

You could use this design....

or this one.

The quilt should be a wallhanging, it has to hang on the wall so that you could see the 3D effect.
You can make how many cubes you want. A quick project needs only three cubes.

For every cube you need three shades of the same color. Try to have some contrast between them.

You could use even different colors for the same cube. Just keep the same rule about contrast.

In the picture below, the combination "dark green-medium purple-light blue" is better than "dark green-dark purple-dark blue ".

Here is the difference between the two design.

One of them requests more hexagons.

Make the center hexagon of cube in a neutral color. It could be made out of the same fabric you will use for background.

Plan ahead what color you want to use for the hexagons that surround the cubes. It should offer some contrast with the cubes and with the background as well.

I plan to make my cubes with 3/4'' hexagons. They don't require too much time or too much fabric.

If you use 1’’ hexagons, the size of the design will be 47’’x 45’’ hide.

If you use 3/4'' hexagons, the size of the design will be about 35’’x 34’’.
The cubes will be appliqued on a background fabric so that the final quilt will be even larger.

This design requires 61 hexagons for each cube.

For this design you need only 37 hexagons.

If you use 1’’ hexagons, the size of the design will be 38’’x 36’’ hide.

If you use 3/4'' hexagons, the size of the design will be about 28’’x 27’’.

And here are my fabrics.

Next time I will post some templates.I hope you will give it try!

Have a great sewing week,

Geta

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Click on any picture then print it if you need.

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Quilts from My Book

2012-01-15T14:29:00.000+01:00

Here is the quilt that ended up on the cover of my book.

It's so ironic because blue is the color I like the least!

There were three quilts considered to be on the cover and none of them was green!
It wasn't my choice and it was such a good thing because I could not have chose one.

It is a small quilt, about 22'' square".

I love the back, the white fabric allows the design to shine.

I made a few green quilts too, here is one of my favorites.

I love the back as much as the front!
You can see how the design looks quilted, all the designs in the book could be used not only for shadow trapunto, but also for trapunto or just quilted on a wholecloth.

Happy Sewing for the next week!

Geta

Have Fun Making Snowflakes

2012-01-12T12:09:00.002+01:00

Do you like it ?

What do you think about it now?

Tatting is the new passion of my friend Teodora ( you can see many precious little things on her blog).
She plans to send me every year a new snowflakes so I can make a Christmas tree only with tatted snowflakes. I complained :)) that I want to make the tree before I turn 70:)

I watched a few videos on YouTube to see what tatting is, well, I don't think I could ever make something like this.

Meanwhile, I waste precious time making digital snowflakes.
Here:

http://snowdays.popularfront.com/

http://snowflakes.barkleyus.com/

Definitely, there are so many wonderful crafts out there, besides quilting. I pinned a few pretty little things on Pinterest.

New Fabric Boxes

2012-01-10T22:13:00.000+01:00

I did not buy a new camera, I did not change the photographer, outside it is still winter and a cloudy weather so the next photos are not good at all...sorry...

Here is a small part of what keeps me away from quilting.
I started to make new boxes and now I can't stop.

I finally find a use for this fabric! I fussy cut a few dolls...

made a few boxes and now I am wondering what to make with the other dolls.

I love these little boxes, they measure 4'' x 6.5''.

There is still a lot of work to do for this project. Updates soon!
Geta

Happy Quilt

2012-01-09T11:23:00.000+01:00

I finished this top before Christmas. It is a beautiful quilt, I am disappointed that I can't take better pictures.

I wanted to make an aqua and red quilt for my sister Oana, just I don't have too much aqua and red in my stash!

The quilting still has to wait a few days, I have to continue/finish another project.

Have a great sewing week,
Geta

A Present for a Busy Quilter

2012-01-06T10:35:00.001+01:00

Do you recall this? I told that it is a project I will never stitch.

Well, I was wrong...A last minute idea and I made these:

and even a little more...

This was my Christmas present for my friend Sanda. She is extremely busy and she can't enjoy quilting as much as she would like to.

How often would you put at work the sewing machine if you have only 10 or 30 minutes to sew? So I thought a kit with everything you need for hand stitching is great for a busy quilter. So I shared my love (obsession) for hexagons and solids with Sanda.

After I shipped the package to her I started to wonder ( and worry) if she enjoys stitching by hand. But no worries anymore...
The hexagons measure 3/4''. Sanda was amazed by the small size. For me this seams to be the perfect size.

You can't say from these pictures, but this gift idea started from my obsession for dots... that turned out in an obsession for tins...it is a whole story that I will tell you about soon...

Preview of my book

2012-01-04T22:56:00.005+01:00

Have a look and see what you could expect from my book!
On the C&T Publishing website, press the button "Google Preview".

Excited ? Nervous? You can imagine!
Geta

Hexy Flowers Report

2012-01-01T12:12:00.002+01:00

Happy New Year!

I wish you a 2012 full of health and peace,
with lots of time to stitch and share beautiful quilts!

Do you remember this?

Now it looks in this way...2 more rows to add...

And this is the back.

Lots of seam allowances, this quilt will weight a lot...

Tomorrow, me and 2 of my sisters will stitch hexagons, we hope to finish the top soon... the deadline is March 12!

Are you ready for a New Sewing Year?

Geta

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-21T12:48:00.004+01:00

Thank you for being part of my quilting world!

Geta

Add cool effects to your photos with Picnik - it's free.
But the hexagon wreath is made by me:)

2011-12-16T13:55:00.000+01:00

A project I will never stitch... but I am so excited about it...

More about it soon...
Have a great weekend!
Geta

A Quilt a Day

2011-12-13T21:56:00.001+01:00

Yesterday I decided I need two quilts for tomorrow.

I made this quilt for a 10 year little girl. As she is sick, I thought that it could bring her a little joy and warm in the long days spent in hospitals.

The quilt is soft and cozy. The back is a polar fleece and in the middle there is a thick, fluffy polyester batting.
Of course I had trouble with the quilting, I could free motion quilt only from top to bottom with slightly curved stitching. I planned to stitch some very large pebbles - no way!

I love the back more than the front!

So, the little girl has 3 brothers. I could make only one more quilt and I made it for a 4 year little boy.
I found this cute print in my stash, I added 2 borders and the quilt was finished in a few hours.

I found that a fun print is a must in the stash of a quilter. You don't know when you need a quilt for tomorrow!

New Quilt

2011-12-12T11:42:00.000+01:00

Here are a few blocks for one of my next quilts. The quilt I said I will start after Christmas. Sometimes (well, many times) I am too impatient! I have to put the blocks aside because I just started other two quilts. And I have to finish them in 2 days.

Have a great sewing week!
Geta

New Free Design

2011-12-09T10:31:00.001+01:00

For my newsletter subscribers. Sorry for the delay - better late than never!

Weekend again! Have fun!
Geta

New Quilt Pattern

2011-12-06T14:19:00.000+01:00

If you asked for a pattern for this quilt, it is available now here.

I am so glad I finished it, my UFO list is longer than ever.
Thank you for your visit and for your support!
Geta

New Puff Quilt

2011-12-05T07:16:00.002+01:00

Look what I made for my sweet little nephew Alex!

More details on Madame Samm's blog, Sew We Quilt!

Enjoy a new sewing week!

Geta

Testing...

2011-11-29T12:06:00.001+01:00

new blocks for new quilts.

I am so excited about these...I already chose the fabric for two quilts.
This one will be made with prints...

and this one will be made with solids...
I am so anxious to start them, after Christmas.

Inspiration found in Romania...

Enjoy the week!

Geta

Having "FUN"

2011-11-25T19:30:00.000+01:00

So, I started the "mysterious" quilt.
I don't need too much colored fabric - 2xA4 pages from each color.

I need very accurate applique pieces so I thought the best idea is to print the templates directly on fabric (instead of making templates and drawing around them on fabric, which I really hate). So I backed every fabric piece with freezer paper and here are some of my applique pieces.

I ironed the freezer paper on one side (right side) and the printing is on the back side.
With almost 500 pieces, I had to add labels on every piece ( this is the reason I did not print on the freezer paper).

Cutting out the pieces works wonderfully with the freezer paper still attached.

44 sheets are waiting for printing...

Sometimes everything runs smoothly ...

and sometimes... see for yourself....

But it could be even worse... I had to print the same page three times (sorry for the bad picture, it is already night here).

If you want to try this some day, be sure the freezer paper sticks very well to fabric (especially at the corners).

I had two big reasons not to use some fusible web:
- my quilt will be stiff enough even without it;
- when you need a lot, this stuff doesn't seam to be cheap.
And anyway, what I have at home wouldn't have been enough for the entire quilt... so the option above was the best... but next time I will work with fusible web!

And the pattern ? It was "fun" to assemble 98 pages in 2 patterns. For the same quilt.

Well, I already showed you too much of this quilt! I want it to be a surprise!

Wishing you a great weekend!
Geta

New Quilt

2011-11-22T11:52:00.001+01:00

This could be my best quilt or my biggest UFO! I could love it or I could hate it. The next months will tell!

And there is more than you could see in these pictures.
I am really not sure what I am doing here. But I have big hopes!

Looking for...

2011-11-21T20:13:00.001+01:00

Edited to add: Testers found ! Thank you!
two testers for my new pattern.

If you have a little time and would like to try this pattern, please send me a message. My email address is in the right side bar.

Could you make the top (without quilting) in the next 7-10 days ? Maybe someone who doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving ?

NOTE
This quilt is made with free motion stitching.

Thank you!
Have a great week!

Edited to add: Testers found ! Thank you!

Christmas Present

2011-11-17T14:41:00.002+01:00

Bought with the birthday money... for this Christmas and the next Christmas...and the next one...

I don't know when Robert Kaufman started to sell these collections but I always wanted one. It's Fusions 5573 collection.
I dreamed of winning some lottery so I can buy it...

100 fat quarters and only a few colors are duplicated...

These are small prints, like these ones:

I will start to make hexagons for my hexy cubes, after Christmas.

Dreaming is good! Keep dreaming!

Dresden Quilt Finished

2011-11-16T13:53:00.001+01:00

Finally! I made it for my 25 year old niece, Andrada. She loves pink.

I can't wait to find out what she thinks about it...

What could I say about it ? "Heavy quilting" is my name!

Even tough at first I thought I can't finish it before my retirement, it was actually a quick quilting. I looked at the clock: 20 minutes for a block with 24 wedges. Thanks to my speedy Jack - the sewing machine.
But I couldn't do it all in one day!

Initially I wanted to stitch some radial or circular motifs, then I thought the bubble quilting matches better the dot fabric.

I am so glad I used a little black! I took the advice of one my friends: "I add a little black to all my quilts!". Thank you, Michele! It's a good advice!

Surprisingly, I don't feel sorry that my dot stash is substantially reduced!
I could make this pattern again and again...

I hope you are having a good week. Can't wait to show you tomorrow my Christmas present!
Geta
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You can see here and here how I made this quilt.

New Free Quilt Design and Patterns on Sale

2011-11-14T11:23:00.001+01:00

I finished the quilting on the Dresden quilt . I love it! Now I need a push to wash it!

All my patterns are on sale this week.

I love my Urban Delight quilt made in solids but I am in love with this one made by Jan with prints. She was one of my wonderful testers. Thank you, Jan, you did a wonderful job! Her quilting is awesome, you can see here more pictures.

The inspiration finally hit me and this is the new free design I made for my newsletter subscribers.

Enjoy a new sewing week!
Geta

One more step...

2011-11-09T09:33:00.000+01:00

I just can't find the "to do" list for this week! So I basted the new quilt and can't wait to start quilting!

I am glad you like it!

Dresden Quilt Top Done

2011-11-08T13:22:00.000+01:00

Finally! It is done!
I love this pattern! A lot!

Next time when I will make it again, I would like to make 2 quilts. One with the blocks that look like circles and the second one with the blocks that look like octagons.

The block is huge (17'' square) and the top measures 68'' x 85''.
The pattern requires a lot of fabric. I used about 5 yards just from the white fabric.

Despite of so many seams for one block, I think this is a quick and easy pattern.

The quilting for this top is not on the "to do" list for this week, but I think I can't make anything else until I will finish it!

Hexy Flowers Report

2011-11-07T09:31:00.000+01:00

Being more sick than healthy in the last two weeks, the only thing I could do was stitching hexagons.

I am so glad I made some progress. From this...

to this:

It's unbelievable how much work is needed to join the flowers.

I am dreaming of a whole Saturday, from morning to midnight, of stitching with all my three sisters.
I hope it will happen soon...That would be progress!

Happy Sewing Week!
Geta

From octagon to square

2011-10-31T18:19:00.001+01:00

For every octagon we need 2 squares cut in half diagonally.
The four triangles are stitched in four corners.

I covered the center of the block with an octagon.

Octagons...

2011-10-28T14:00:00.000+02:00

... to cover the center of my blocks.

Happy (sewing) weekend,
Geta

New Quilt Pattern

2011-10-27T15:40:00.005+02:00

Thank you all so much for taking the time to send me "Happy Birthday" wishes - you all made my day yesterday!

Do you remember this quilt...

and this quilt ?

If you have asked for a pattern, here is:

Happy Sewing!

Geta

43!

2011-10-26T14:14:00.002+02:00

I am turning 43 years old today. How time flies!
25 years ago I thought that people over 40 are so old! We were still under the communism and the young/cool people wore jeans (the fortunate ones, of course, at the time jeans weren't for everyone). The old people wore ugly pants made out from boring fabrics (at least this is what I was thinking).

I did not even dare to think about me at 40! But today I don't feel I am old! I am happy with myself and with what I am doing. I don't have too many regrets, one of them is that I lost many creative years of my life because I discovered quilting when I was 32 years old.

Here is the present I made myself. A few more solid fabrics added to my stash. I hope I will find now those 21 colors I need for a new quilt.

I enjoy fabric more than anything else. I am not like the woman in the below cartoon, but I always dream of fabrics! My sisters gave me money today to buy something nice but they did not mention not to spend them on quilting!

source:Pickledish

This is such a funny cartoon. I found it on the blog of Pickledish, the home of Kansas City Star Quilts (Mary, you must know them!).I browsed today almost the entire site to see all the cartoons.
There is even a book - I put it on my wish list! Do you think our husbands would enjoy it ?

I hope you are having a happy day!
Geta

PS. Thank you all for the lovely comments about my raw edge applique quilt! It was so much fun to make it!

Raw Edge Applique

2011-10-25T09:18:00.003+02:00

Here is my latest quilt. I made it for a baby girl.
I enjoy raw edge applique more than I expected.

I enjoyed playing with dots...

and making trapunto under all the center flowers.

I love the look of the edges after washing.

I love everything about this 40''x 40'' quilt.

Pattern available here.

I hope you are having a great week!

From circle to octagon

2011-10-20T11:27:00.004+02:00

Or how to turn dresden fan blocks into octagons.

I wanted octagons because it is easy to turn them into squares.
My dresden fan blocks have 24 wedges. I use a 15 degre fan ruler to make them.

An octagon has 8 sides so all I have to do is to turn 3 sides of the dresden block into 1.
The first step is simple.

Step2 Rotate the block counter clockwise and cut the next 3 sides.

Step 3 (picture below). Rotate again. This time keep the first side you created aligned with a vertical line of the cutting mat and be sure the new side you are cutting is aligned (parallel) with an horizontal line of the cutting mat. It is easier to place the block with the corners/points that have to be cut on the horizontal line of the cutting mat.
This step is important and you have to keep it in mind while you cut the other sides. It assures 90 degree angles to the final square blocks.

You can see below the vertical and horizontal sides aligned with the lines of the cutting mat.

Repeat until you cut all the sides.
Below is the finished octagon. Love, love, how it looks and I did not waste too much from the original block.
The sides should be all equal in size. Not all of mine are but the differences are minor, I don't think I will have problems when joining the blocks.
Now I have to add triangles in the four corners and I will have a square.

What to do if the dresden block doesn't have a number of sides divisible with 8 (the number of sides of an octagon).
Example: 20 wedges dresden plate block.
Here is what you can do:

Fold the dresden block in half. Mark the 2 half points onto the edges.
Fold in half again. Mark the 2 points onto the edges (you have now 4 points).
Fol one more time, you will have now 8 points marked onto your block. Using the ruler, cut between 2 adiacent points.

Or , you can make a template. Use the same technique described above. Start with a circle and make the octagon. Place it on top of the dresden block in the position you want and cut around it.

I just found here a calculator for different regular shapes, in case you need it.

I am busy now piecing 16 more dresden blocks for my quilt.
Happy Sewing!
Geta

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See also:
From octagon to square
Finished quilt

My assistant

2011-10-19T21:55:00.001+02:00

I managed to change the shape of my blocks. I took pictures but I need to edit them and write a few words. It is almost middle of the night, at this time I don't think I could write something clear so I show you a few pictures of one of my assistants.

I can't do anything without their knowledge/approval.

New Project

2011-10-18T20:20:00.000+02:00

Thank you so much for the love you sent me through your comments and emails about my book.
One year ago I finished the last quilt for the book. It is hard to just work, work, work for months... Then, for other months, you have to wait, wait, wait... Still a long wait...

Meanwhile, I started another quilt. I love, love this pattern.

I would love to keep the shapes of these blocks but I have never pieced circles. And I don't want to try something new now... And I don't want to applique them. So I have to make something with them... I will show you tomorrow.

These are the fabrics/colors I will play with tomorrow.

I Wrote a Book!

2011-10-17T07:14:00.004+02:00

Dear quilting friends,

I am so happy I can finally share with you the secret I kept during the last 18 months: I wrote a book! About my shadow trapunto quilts - some of you know that this is my favorite quilting technique.
The book will be released in February 2012 by C&T Publishing.

Ten years ago when I started learning quilting I was exactly like a child learning the alphabet. I would not have imagined that someday I could write a book.

I still recall the day when I read the first quilting book. I wrote down on a piece of paper the difference between "batting-backing-binding-basting", because I did not know how to translate these words in Romanian and it was so confusing (more about the beginning of my quilting journey here).

Quilting is an unknown craft in Romania to most people. During my first two years of quilting, I made quilts, but I was not sure whether they were really quilts or not because I hadn’t ever seen a real quilt - only pictures in a book and on Internet.
I remember how amazed I was when I received my first fabric order from the USA and I saw how fine the quilting fabric is. I made my first quilts from decorator fabric.
Or how I studied the pictures in the book with a magnifying glass to understand what "stitch in the ditch" is and how perfect the free motion quilting or piecing should be.
Or how excited I was about the cotton batting. When I asked in our shops about cotton batting, the angry answer was: "Lady, don't you know, the batting is made out of polyester!".

I love many quilting techniques but it happened that I enjoy shadow trapunto more than anything else. My shadow trapunto technique is about what I love most: contrast, circular designs, repeats and symmetry. I also love using computer to draw my designs.

I learned what shadow trapunto is and because I could not find here what is usually used for this technique, I had to improvise.
Seduced by the technique, I looked for materials that make it easier.
And so it became my biggest love in quilting.
Then I wanted to share it with many quilters.
This is the story. So when I am feeling sorry that I live in Romania, far away from the quilting world, I remember that even this thing brought me on this road.

All my love for quilting is in this book. I gained so much experience working in the last four years and all I learned is there.
You will find in the book:
- a step by step tutorial for shadow trapunto technique, with lots of tips and tricks;
- 30 projects with patterns, in a wide range - from postcards to pillows, table runners and wall hangings. There is something for everyone.
- full size patterns on CD.

The book is available for pre-order on Amazon.
The book cover will be up on Amazon within the next few weeks.

I hope this book will reach a special spot in your heart!

I will share more from the book with you in the next months.
-Geta

Out of my comfort zone

2011-10-14T10:12:00.001+02:00

I am still here! After too much play at the computer with new designs, I finally chose one to work with.

I am making applique. I am not too happy. But it could be worse. Fortunately, the pattern is symmetrical and I can cut two and even four pieces at once.

At this point I would have liked a serious reason to give up! But I spent way too much time with the pattern so I felt that I have to go on.

What do you think I am doing here ? Yes, I am that crazy! I am gluing the applique pieces on the background fabric- on the floor. It looks like I am basting a quilt. And it is 9 PM.

I am lazy. For applique I don't transfer the pattern to fabric. I tape the paper pattern on the window and on top of it I tape the background fabric. Then I glue the pieces on the background, on the window.

But where to find natural light at 9 PM, when I finished cutting the applique pieces?
I especially drawn the pattern with thick lines so it can show up more easily through the fabric. And because I work with white fabric, I noticed that I don't need natural light and window to see the pattern through fabric. So I taped the paper pattern to the floor and on top of it I taped the background fabric.

And I did it! And it worked! But I used too much glue and the paper glued to back of fabric!

Now I am wondering: should I add trapunto under the applique or not? We will see!

Happy weekend to you all!

Geta

Special Quilts...

2011-10-13T22:58:00.002+02:00

A few days ago, Ms. Lilly Doggendorf (www.lillypad.tk) from the US and originally from Romania wrote me and sent in my email box many pictures of lovely quilts. I found out that she has established a non-profit organization to help needy children in Romania (Ortisoara, Timis). She wanted to share pictures of the quilts made by a few quilters in the USA especially for the kids who attend a free after-school program.

Then I found out more about the quilts. Nina Godfrey, one of the quilters, wrote me a short message:

"I felt that I could do something to help out with the skills that I have, so I decided to make quilts for the after-school kiddos in Ortisoara. Two of my friends agreed to help me and we managed to make enough for every child in the program. I think it is probably the best project I have ever taken on. It has been very satisfying, and also fun, to work on quilts that young children might like."

Thank you all for your hard work and for bringing joy to those in need! I am sure the kids appreciate your effort and feel your love stitched in every quilt!

Rock You like a Hurricane

2011-10-10T10:33:00.002+02:00

Millions of fans of the German band "The Scorpions" know what I mean.

I saw them Saturday night in concert, for the fourth time.

You don't have to be rocker to love them- they have so many wonderful ballads!

Unfortunately, everything has an end. They are now in the last tour, after a 46 year career.

I will treasure forever their concerts: passion, enthusiasm, optimism, joy, happiness!

I hope you will have a great week!
Geta

Small Cube Quilt

2011-10-05T15:37:00.002+02:00

I am so tired lately that the only thing I can do is browsing the Internet.
But yesterday I had to try something on the sewing machine and I though it is a good occasion to quilt this top.

I quilted it in half hour- I love when the machine is so good to me and sew!

My mother wanted a small and colorful piece and now she has it. It measures 13'' x 25''.

These are the first cubes I made and at the time I though it is a time consuming pattern. But this was before I made this quilt. Meanwhile, I changed my mind! It is a fun and easy pattern - maybe some day I will make a big quilt.

I hope you are having a good week!
Geta

New Free Design

2011-10-03T10:57:00.000+02:00

To my newsletter subscribers - enjoy playing with colors!

Coming soon!

2011-09-29T21:56:00.002+02:00

I am going to start a new hexy project! I know I have another one in the works, but I just can't help myself.

Would you like to join me ? There will be a lot of options! And templates, tips in choosing the colors, many design options...

I will start the project in a week or so.

The project from the previous post has to wait. I tried many fabric combinations and none of them worked. It has to be done in two solid colors. Otherwise, the illusion is gone.

Disappointed...

2011-09-27T15:43:00.002+02:00

I spent all day long playing with this:

I am disappointed that I don't have enough yardage from two solid fabrics to make one of these; I do have one colored print and enough neutral to make it - but I think these designs look better in solids.

Tomorrow I will try something else...I hope it will work because I really want to make such a quilt. And I want to start it tomorrow!

Now I have to clean the house and cook something for dinner!

See you here tomorrow!

Geta

PS. Forgot to say: I will piece it. No applique!

New Projects

2011-09-23T12:35:00.004+02:00

This week I stitched NOTHING!
I learned something new and now I have a new toy for playing and designing new quilts.
What I love most is that I will use solids again - I already ordered a few but I don't have all the colors I need.

I am so excited about the new designs, even though the quilts will be made with appliques. I am not fond of appliques at all, but I intend to make them the easy way- raw edge with fusible web.

Lost of wall hangings in the future!
But until then, I have to make 3 bed quilts! Two of my sisters and my niece need them ! I will put at work those dots and some other prints!

Enjoy the weekend!
Geta

PS. For dots lovers - lots of dots here. They can ship 10 yds International in a Priority envelope.

Happiness is...

2011-09-18T12:33:00.003+02:00

Is it bad or is it good ?

My newest addiction: dots!

There will be lots of dots in my next quilts.

Flannel for Alex:)

Obsessed by apples too...

and these are FAVORITES:
"Wonderland" by MoMo, an older collection,

and "Wrenly Wildfield" by Valori Wells

Enjoy Sunday!

Boring binding ? Not anymore!

2011-09-15T21:54:00.001+02:00

This article was originally posted on Sew We Quilt.

I want to talk today about binding - do you think it is boring? Not anymore!

Do you pay attention to the binding you add on your quilts ? For years I considered it just a necessary thing. The raw edges of the quilt have to be hidden so adding binding is a must.
Usually I make it from one of the fabrics used in the quilt and I always choose the fabric I less like. If I have an ugly fabric then I use it for binding.

But a few months ago I took the time to make a pieced binding and now I see the binding with different eyes.

I like to make it from strips of the same length- it is easy to calculate the number of pieces needed.

I join the strips with straight seams (no bias seams!) and I press the seam allowances open.

And since I take the time to make a pieced binding, why to make it only 1/4'' wide ? I want a more interesting binding so I make it wider. About 1/2'' finished width. This means that I cut the binding strips 3 1/2'' wide and I stitch it on the edge of the quilt about 1/2'' away from edge (you have to move the needle to the left).

If the pattern used on the quilt top has sharp points (like triangles) where you have to add binding, don't use this method, you will cut them off. You can use other method, read further.

I also like to stitch the binding entirely by machine. I turn the binding to the back and I insert pins on the front of the quilt, keeping them parallel with the fold of the binding. Then I stitch in-the-ditch along the binding, catching the binding edge on the back of the quilt at the same time.

Do you keep the binding rolled while you are stitching it on the quilt? It really helps. Do not throw to the trash the empty spools - it is very easy to roll the binding on them.

But wide binding is not just for beauty and fun. It could solve a serious problem! What to do if your finished quilt, after quilting and washing, is smaller than the size you need? Many quilts shrinks - the shrinkage depends by the materials used and the amount of quilting.

The good news is that you can add a few inches to a quilt - just make a wide binding.

You have to trim the batting and backing larger than the quilt top.Measure from the edge of the top.

Naturally, you need more fabric for a wider binding.

The double folded binding below is about 1 1/2'' wide. I made it with 6 1/2'' wide strips. I trimmed the batting and backing 1 1/4'' larger than the top.

Binding on front of quilt

Binding on back of quilt

Two more tips:

Too wide binding doesn't look good.
Always use walking foot when adding the binding.

Here are a few quilts I made recently with wide binding.

I love strippy bindings but I don't add them on all my quilts. On this quilt below there are so many colors and I thought a plain binding would look better.

Have fun making binding for your new quilts!

Boring binding ?

2011-09-14T06:43:00.002+02:00

I am guest posting at Sew We Quilt today! Come on over and check it out! :)
I am talking about binding. Do you think it is boring ? I thought so for 10 years. But not anymore!
There is a giveaway too!

After months of staying folded in the closet, I finally managed to bind this quilt.

New Quilt and Pattern

2011-09-13T12:38:00.000+02:00

I LOVE this quilt. I can't even remember when I finished it, now I am happy it is washed and delivered to my hubby. It's a lap size quilt, with perfect colors for a man!

My hubby loves it but he anyway loves everything I sew:).

In the first stage of piecing I was disappointed that I did not have white fabric to use as neutral but now I can see that the beige fabric was a better option. It matches perfectly with the other colors.

Oh, too many pictures ! I just can't help myself!

I enjoyed the quilting and even though the thread broke many times, it wasn't too bad!

I quilted it with wavy lines - it was quick and easy.

For variation I quilted some circles on the sashings.
I am happy again with the texture of the washed quilt.

Thank you all for the wonderful suggestions you sent me for a name! It was really hard to choose just one!

Marilyn, you won!

If you would like to make a quilt like this, here is the pattern:

I am afraid I forgot how to sew with prints!
Thank you for stopping by!

Mylene Farmer Anniversaire

2011-09-12T05:57:00.001+02:00

Today, my favorite singer, Mylene Farmer (one of the most successful artists in France) turns 50 year old.

Two years ago she celebrated her birthday performing on Stade de France, in Paris. 80000 fans sang her "Happy Birthday". I was there!

Do you remember this quilt I made for her ?

I really wanted to make her another quilt for this special day. I spent many hours on Internet looking for good photos I could print on fabric. This was the plan, but I didn't manage to make it. I am sad and furious that I did not keep this project on top of my to do list.

Happy Birthday, Mylene! There are no words to thank you for the happiness and excitement you bring in the heart of millions of fans.

I love her music as much as I love quilting. I am so lucky having both in my life!

My favorite song, "Point de Suture".

I was there!

Black Quilt Finished

2011-09-10T21:16:00.002+02:00

Even my family noticed: "You have never used black until now"!

I tried to use colors I know my nephew loves. From me it's only the green!

I added a little blue to my initial color palette, I felt there is too much orange-yellow-green. Anyway, the blue was the only solid I still had in my stash so it wasn't difficult to make the choice.

It measures 62'' x 86'' (155 x 215 cm).

The pattern is the same I used for this quilt, I just modified the size of the patches.

The quilting took a lot of time and a lot of thread. I thought the black fabric requires a little more attention from my part so I quilted double-bubbles/pebbles.

How many times everything goes smoothly with your quilts ? Without any difficulty from start to finish? To me this doesn't happen often. So this time I was happy that I had cotton batting but the thread kept breaking. I changed it three times! Please don't ask how it looks on the back!

Love the scrappy and wide binding - my new favorite way to finish a quilt.

I hope my nephew will love it for at least 8 years!I sure love it!

Thread and...mountains

2011-09-05T22:46:00.001+02:00

I am busy this week with non-quilted things. But I hope to find a little time to add the binding to my latest quilt.

Yes, I finished the black quilt for my nephew. Could you believe I don't know how it turned out? I didn't have a chance to look at it after I finished the quilting. I admired it after I quilted one row then I quilted on it for two days from morning to late in the night and when the quilting was finally done, I folded it and put it in the closet with the intention of looking at it after I will clean the mess from the floor/studio (ha, ha... bedroom). That was on Friday night...and I am still wondering how it tuned out...

But I can say that it is not too black because I quilted 3000 yards of light colored thread on it. I hope the quilting added some more personality to it.

Speaking of thread, one thing I learned/remembered while I worked on this quilt: if you could choose what thread to use in the bobbin: thin or thick, choose the thin one so you don't have to fill too many bobbins for a quilt. I changed my bobbin thread after I quilted one row and used more than 10 bobbins (filled very well on my industrial machine). Keep the thicker thread for using in the needle.

My new candy box

And here is one of the reasons I haven't inspected my new quilt yet: I was there ( look at the red arrow)!

Yellow poppies

Have a wonderful week!

Geta

I need your help

2011-09-01T15:11:00.006+02:00

I wrote the pattern for this quilt. But it doesn't have a name. I always have difficulties in naming my quilts.

Does this design inspire you a name ? If you could suggest me a name and if I will use it, I will gladly send you the pattern.

Also, would you like to help me and test this pattern? I need 2 testers. There is not much work to do. Just to piece two blocks. But I need your feed back in a few days.

If you could help me, please send me an email. My address is in the right
sidebar.

Thank you!

Geta

Edited to add:

Testers found! Thank you all for your kindness and wonderful names!

Playing with Hexagons

2011-08-29T14:08:00.001+02:00

New design to play with!

Made with EQ, of course.

Have a happy sewing week!

Geta

WIP

2011-08-25T21:54:00.001+02:00

I am still wondering how my quilt will turn out! For years I thought that 10 colors in a quilt are way too much, now I am wondering if these colors are enough.

But I make this quilt for a young man so it can be too colorful, right?

I can't disturb my hubby with my noisy sewing machine now so I will have to wait until tomorrow to see! Can't wait to add the black!

I am more and more in love with solid fabric. I think I have to order a Kona cotton color card.

Wide scrappy binding

2011-08-24T13:32:00.004+02:00

I am more and more in love with wide scrappy binding.

I like to cut scraps of the same length - the binding looks great and it is easy to calculate how many pieces you need.

My pieces were cut 3.5 inches wide and my finish binding is 0.5" wide.

I have to wash it then to take some good pictures.

But only after I will handed it to my hubby. Today is his 44 anniversary!

I hope you are having fun today!

A New Beginning

2011-08-23T15:43:00.000+02:00

My next quilt (for my 21 year nephew) will be black.

I don't like black color. Here in Romania when someone dies the familly usually wear black clothes for a few months. I think that is why I have such an aversion to black color. I don't have too many black clothes.

But I hope I will love this quilt - I added many happy colors! Still there will be a lot of black.

Bag and Quilt Patterns On Sale

2011-08-22T09:03:00.001+02:00

START SHOPPING!

Learn how to make these:

Happy again...

2011-08-21T16:23:00.000+02:00

I had a few pieces of colored poplin, very wide(more than 100 inches) but short (1 yard). And I pieced two striped backings for my next quilts.

I did not use the rotary cutter and cutting mat! I just ripped strips from the width of the fabric, then I pressed them and stitched them together.

The strips ended up perfect straight and it was so easy to piece them together.

Too bad I did not make them narrower!

I started quilting the last solid quilt I have. And I am happy again because the quilt is not too large and I still had a piece of cotton batting.

Assistant at work :)

Half of quilt is already done and I am in love!

Lesson learned from the cube quilt: can't make long straight lines of stitching - make them waved! Which I do and the quilting looks wonderful!

Can't wait to wash it!

Happy Sunday!

Geta

Lovely!

2011-08-20T16:31:00.000+02:00

Isn't this pouch wonderful ? My friend Teodora made it for me a few months ago. She knows very well what I like: green color and kitties. Fabulous assorted !

I carry it in my tote bag but it is too sweet to be hiden there, I have to find another use for it!
The kitty panel is a paper napkin. The pouch is washable, YES! The technique is called "decoupage" and Teodora has a tutorial on her blog.

Have a lovely weekend!

Lunch Bag

2011-08-17T12:04:00.000+02:00

I made a lunch bag for my hubby.

I don't have too many fabrics in my stash suitable for man projects and I am glad I found this navy velveteen.

I made for the first time this type of cover and it turned out great.

He wanted something that folded could fit in his pocket, let's see if this could change his mind:).

Too bad I don't have at hand some oilcloth - I could make in minutes something like a paper bag - maybe he would like it more! Next time...

Thank you!

2011-08-16T08:54:00.002+02:00

This little guy kept me busy in the last 3 days.

My spools kept him busy too...

"Thank you" for your comments about the cube quilt. My sister loves the quilt- she doesn't see anything wrong with the quilting or the texture.

I have to make three new projects until August 26!

Happy Stitching!

Geta

2 in 1 Quilt Finished

2011-08-12T15:59:00.000+02:00

What a terrible week I had! Just because I ran out of cotton batting.

While I worked on this quilt my only thought was: "I ruined this quilt, I ruined this quilt!" . So I started hating the quilt instead of hating me that I did not wait with this quilt until I have the batting I wanted.

143 cubes, 75"x87" the final size.

I wanted to quilt the blocks with perfect straight lines and evenly spaced and of course I couldn't have all the lines like they were stitched by a computer.

My puffy batting made the quilt sandwich bulky and I hardly moved it under the needle. Moreover, the top did not stick so well on polyester batting as it sticks on cotton so the whole week I struggled to move the quilt and keep the top flat!

A cotton batting would have hidden the imperfections - but from a plane the quilt did not look so bad, what do you think?

Every cube was quilted in one continuous line.

I already told to my youngest sister (Alex's mother) that I have a quilt-surprise for her. "What's the occasion?" she asked. Alex's first birthday (which will happen in a few days)! So she is now anxious to see it.

I forgot to say her that actually there are two quilts. Look in the picture bellow:

It's like seeing the empty part of a glass (on the left) or the full glass (on the right). Just by rotating the quilt 180 degrees. A side for every mood!

Here is the back -unfortunately the colors faded a little after the first wash -stuff bought from Romania!

So I am still sad that I did not make the best quilt, especially with this time consuming pattern. I usually don't make compromises with my quilts but this time I had to work with what I had in my stash.

-----------

For "International Quilters" who can't find cotton batting in their countries:

Hancock's of Paducah offers a few times a year free shipping for international customers. I think the order is limited to 2 battings but it is great to have them without paying expensive shipping.

WIP

2011-08-11T07:17:00.001+02:00

I started quilting the cube quilt - and I am not having fun!

Today is the fourth day and I don't think I am brave enough to finish it.

The quilt was too wide and since I did not have such wide batting I trimmed two vertical rows from the both sides.

I am not sure if I will hate or love this quilt - I have to wait to finish it! Right now I hate it!

I hope you are having fun!

Memories...

2011-08-09T08:40:00.003+02:00

... from years ago.

8 years ago I made this quilt for my nephew Dragos for his 13 birthday. Tomorrow he is turning 21 and he needs a new quilt. Until Alex's birth he was the youngest of our nephews and we have always spoiled him- he was the first in the family who had a bed quilt.

This was my 2003-quilting style! At the time I was a big fan of batiks.

The quilt was washed many times, the colors are a little faded but they still look great.

I took these pictures a few days ago and I was surprised to see how good the quilt looks after 8 years of everyday use.

Minimalist stitch-in-the-ditch quilting - one of the very few quilts stitched with the walking foot.

A pieced border - something I don't make anymore these days...

He needs a modern quilt now - I already planned it - just have to wait to arrive a few fabrics.

I sure loved the fabrics, colors and pattern because I made another quilt, just bigger and without pieced borders.

No stitching...

2011-08-08T09:17:00.002+02:00

at all this last week.

Just a few trips in nature.

on the "Piatra Craiului" mountains

My sisters and my niece were very brave and climbed up to the ridge,
at 1850 m (6070 ft).

Then we spent a day with Alex at the foot of the mountain.

and here is a view of Brasov. Yes- this is me!

Happy Stitching Week!

Simple Quilt Finished

2011-08-02T09:21:00.005+02:00

Quilting done since Friday! Delivered to the 7 year little boy - he was more interested in playing with the two cats! But his mother was in love!

Here is, made in 3 days and washed twice (because Alex wanted to try it too).

I am in love now with simple fabrics, simple patterns and SIMPLE quilting.

Straight lines done with free motion - I did not struggle to keep the lines perfect straight or evenly spaced and I did not care about the lenght of the stitch. Any "mistake" is washed by water, especially if you use cotton batting.

Really, why someone would struggle to quilt fancy designs when these simple lines are so effective ?

Quilting went like a breeze - yet time consuming. It took me about 8 hours and the quilt is only 50'' x 60'' and I stitched on my speedy industrial machine. But it was so relaxing!

Can't wait to quilt the other 2 solid fabric tops!

Have a great crafty week!

Linking up to Sew Modern Monday, stop over and check out beautiful new creations.

In love with white too

2011-07-28T17:19:00.002+02:00

Isn't white the best color? Even if you have only a few pieces cut on bias? That is why I have so narrow sashing.

Very happy how it turned out...

That special boy will leave the country in a few days so I would better go to quilt it!

Still in love with solids

2011-07-27T19:51:00.001+02:00

I put to good use the last pieces of my solid collection - 9" squares.

I spent some time wondering which fabric would look best as background: tan, black or white.

White color won. Black looks too dramatic and anyway I think it is not a proper color for a young boy.

I have no idea what I am making here but it should be something beautiful because this quilt will be for a special 6 year boy.

There will be 56 blocks - I am struggling now with 1.5" white squares.

These are leftovers...

Pepe thinks I shouldn't throw them to trash!

Tomorrow the top should be done.

2 in 1 quilt

2011-07-26T00:27:00.002+02:00

So, this is my quilt of (too) many colors! You can see here 9 rows, the top has 13 rows.

- 90"x90" ( what size is this ? I made it 10" wider that I planned!);

- 163 blocks;

- It was a challenge to make it!

All the steps in making this pattern are time consuming and cutting the triangles from strips and pressing are the most annoying ones.

I pieced the top in vertical rows and I worked with half of blocks - I don't like at all this. And pressing long seams - the worst thing!

But I think all the effort worth it.

Could you see this pattern in 3D? Look at this picture below...

and look at this picture below... Could you see the difference ?

You can see it better in this picture below. This is my "2 in 1" quilt. The same pattern - two different designs. I just have to rotate it 180 degrees.

I love it, even if the piecing is far away from perfect. I hope the quilting will hide all the imperfections and will make it even more beautiful!

Tomorrow I will start a new project so the quilting on this one will have to wait a few days.

Making progress on a new quilt

2011-07-20T10:46:00.000+02:00

Do you remember that I am working on a quilt with many colors? I am using all the colors from three Kona cotton jelly rolls.

This will be indeed a very colorful quilt- I need many blocks so I had to use even brown, gray, tan and all these neutral colors that I am not too fond of.

This is probably the less urgent project I have to make in the next month but I have a thought that I will not let it from my hands until I will finish the top.

Could you guess what it is ? I will give you a hint: two quilts in one! And I am not talking here about reversible quilts. The back will be beautiful as well, though.

Anxious to piece the blocks now!

Jewel Box Quilt Finished

2011-07-19T12:26:00.000+02:00

I am so happy I finished an UFO. Many others are still waiting....

The quilting ? Nothing fancy - quick and simple.

I made it for my mother. She already saw it (and she loves it) but she thinks it is mine.

I still have to add the binding then I will lay it on her bed and I will be prepared to listen that she loves it very much but she really, really doesn't need a new quilt.

But this quilt is great for her- lightweight, small size (perfect for her bed) and it is not a magnet for cat hair!

Well, this will be her new quilt until we will finish The Grandmother Flower Garden quilt.

Happy Sewing!

Quilt Top Finished

2011-07-14T10:10:00.002+02:00

Here is the top of my new quilt. I would have loved to add some pieced borders (because it is a little shorter) but I ran out of tan fabric.

I was a little nervous while I pieced the blocks because I did not know how all these colors work together but I think the tan fabric tie them wonderfully! I love it !

Sure I would have loved it even more with white fabric instead of tan. But I ran out of white fabric too (and generally of neutral fabrics) so this was the only option I had on hand.

The design of the block is fat quarter friendly (even fat eight) and I used most of the solid stash I have.

My husband looked at the top and suggested me another design. He told me that I should pay him for this :) I did not tell him that I already thought of that design!

I loved the piecing, the block involved a few steps though.

Pepe loves the top too and he would be happy to let it un-quilted because it is hot here.

I am planning a variation of the design.

Happy Sewing to you all!

New Patchwork Quilt

2011-07-13T08:29:00.000+02:00

42 blocks done !

Anxious to finish the top- two more rows to add !

Looking forward to a productive sewing week

2011-07-10T21:03:00.000+02:00

Am I crazy or am I crazy? About green...

Alex found my green fingernails very interesting and all the time he wanted to eat them.

My sister just called me to say he ate cherries and it shows very well on the little castles quilt.

Hopefully the stains will disappear after washing. If not, we can say that was a loved and used quilt.

Tomorrow I will start to sew again on my noisy sewing machine (I used it just for a few hours in the last 5 weeks). I have big plans!

Wishing you all a fun week!

Geta

Rows of Hexy Flowers

2011-07-09T21:47:00.002+02:00

Two rows almost finished - I still have to add two flowers.

A very good news- we need 60 flowers and we already have 42! We hope we will finish it by Christmas.

My mother has no idea what surprise we prepare for her. She is always amazed by the patience we have to stitch the flowers (like we did not inherit it from her!).

A little too colorful for my taste, but my mother loves it!

Assembling the rows is not as much fun as making the individual flowers but it is definitely more rewarding.

Happy Sunday to you all!

Colors, colors, colors...

2011-07-08T20:39:00.005+02:00

For 10 years I have dreamed to have the entire Fossil Fern collection (at least in fat quarters!) and finally I managed to buy a charm pack! It doesn't matter these are just small squares, I have 100 colors!

I don't know what I will use them for, but I am happy just looking at the wonderful pack.

Here are the colors of the new quilt I started last week. These are the "leftovers" from Alex's quilt (I used the "happy" colors on that quilt and these are the remaining ones).

I am so anxious to finish the blocks- still a lot of sewing to do.

I have no idea how it will look like!

I will show you tomorrow the first two rows of our GFG quilt.

Happy Weekend to you all!

New Free Design

2011-07-06T21:53:00.000+02:00

Here is the new free design for my newsletter subscribers. If it is too hot in your part of the world, make a lemonade!

Enjoy!

An old project

2011-07-01T11:08:00.001+02:00

Here are my latest bags. I started making them in February.

I wanted to make a pattern for an easy and quick tote. With other pressing projects, I abandoned this idea.

Here is the first version - it doesn't show in the picture but the two straps weren't the easiest things I have ever sewn.

So I changed this and the second version was made with just one strap. I loved it but I found the tote a little too large.

I changed the shape a little and I made a smaller version.

And I made other two just to have the chance to work with these gorgeous fabrics. My newest obsession: dots!

I did not like too much these versions so I made another one, again with two straps.

I made a few quick versions too- using just one fabric and unquilted.

After six months and eight totes made, it seams none is exactly what I want!

I will try soon a new design.

New Hexy Flowers

2011-06-28T11:22:00.001+02:00

Here is what I stitched in the last three weeks: a few hexy flowers in new colors for our GFG quilt.

I am not in vacation, I just want to spend more time with my husband- he had a surgery and now he is recovering at home.

I love this portable project! It's something happy to play with and it keeps your hands (and sometimes even your mind) busy.

We have now 40 flowers in all the colors and I can't wait to assemble a row or two.I am starting right now!

Happy stitching to you all!

3D-Pinwheel Quilt

2011-06-07T13:49:00.002+02:00

Here is the 3D-pinwheel quilt finished. I made it for Alexa, the 7 year old little girl of a special friends.

I am always so happy to make quilted gifts for her - it was the time for a new quilt.

It was such an easy and quick quilt to make, maybe because it measures only 62x86?

The piecing needed a few tricks because of the bulky seams but the only step that bored me was pressing the blocks.

As you can imagine, more fabric is needed for the 3D pinwheels but I think it is worth it.

I did not plan ahead to make it so that I had to use only fabric from my stash. I can't say this is the look I wanted, but I hope someday I will make another version with the exact fabrics I want.

The entire design was dictated by the amount of white fabric I had (only 3.5 yds).

The quilting - quick and easy, I couldn't afford to spend more than 8 hours for this.
I let the space under the pinwheels un-quilted and this makes the pinwheels pop even more.

For the pinwheels I used squares that are 0.5'' smaller than the background squares.
They are easy to make, I don't have pictures to show you, but you can search on Google if you want to learn how to make them.

I hope Alexa will love this quilt.

I wish you all a great week!

Free Quilt Design

2011-06-02T11:41:00.003+02:00

Hello everyone,

I am glad you like the pinwheel quilt - I hope I will finish it tomorrow, today I am working on something else.

I made this design for you all, the readers of my blog, I hope you like it and maybe use it someday. I think it would look wonderful on a pillow or on a tote bag.

Download the design

It is 16" square - print it smaller if you need a smaller version.

It could be used on point too.

I am having fun coloring different versions.

Have a creative day!

3D Pinwheels in a Quilt

2011-06-01T11:04:00.000+02:00

I just finished this top.

I am in such a hurry to quilt it and I can't write too much about it right now, but here are some (unfortunately, not too good) pictures.

My colorful quilt- WIP

2011-05-31T07:51:00.000+02:00

Lots of sewing and cutting... this quilt will take me much longer to make it than I anticipated.

I need 140 blocks, I cut pieces for 50 and I already pieced 20.

I will have to use all these colors so the quilt will be even more colorful than I intended it to be...

Even my assistants are tired...

so today I will work on the other quilt...

I hope I will show you some pictures tomorrow...

Basket from swap

2011-05-30T07:40:00.002+02:00

Look what came in to the mail from my swap partner! All the way from New Zeeland!

Thank you Susan, for such a wonderful basket and for the other goodies!

You can see here how Susan made the basket- so creative!

How cute are these lollies (8 inch squares) ? And no calories at all...

Thank you Michele, for hosting this fun swap. I love checking the Flickr Group and seeing how everyone uses the same pattern, yet makes totally different and gorgeous baskets.

Colors, colors, colors...

2011-05-26T09:19:00.000+02:00

I am working now on the most beautiful quilt. I just abandoned another one to work on this.

It's for my youngest sister, with a pattern that she likes a lot. She can't even imagine how beautiful it will be! Alex (her little baby) will love it too!

I need strips and I need many colors and these jelly rolls were the best option.

I am so excited that I almost forgot about my allergy - but I am working in front of the open window.

Until now I have never used so many colors in just one quilt ! I pieced seven blocks and they don't look scrappy at all! I might add even more.

More about this quilt soon! I hope!

Hexy Flowers Report again

2011-05-19T11:43:00.000+02:00

We already have 30 flowers!
I will use this chocolate fabric to connect the flowers.

We made a few flowers just from solids - gorgeous!

For a few we mixed solids with prints.

I gave up to the idea of joining the flowers with diamonds.

I tried to make one and I couldn't do it.

I really can't imagine how those sharp points could be achieved (regardless of the size). Probably a sturdy template is a must ( I made mine from regular paper).

I know many people do it - they are my hero! Could you give us a hint?

So I decided to join them with hexagons - my sisters are very happy!

At least 30 more to make!

Have a beautiful day!

Quilted Basket

2011-05-16T09:11:00.003+02:00

Here is what I made with the 3D pinwheels.

It's the basket for the swap. I hope my partner (her niece, actually) will like it!

There are not two baskets, just two different sides.

I made a nice boxed bottom just with the help of the iron.

In this way I iron all the bags with boxed bottom. If you bought my bag patterns, maybe you will want to try this on your bags.

At the end I press well the top edges.

Here is the flat basket, ready for shipping in an envelope.

It was fun to make it! And it is even more fun to see the endless possibilities!

3D Pinwheels

2011-05-06T09:14:00.000+02:00

Fun! Fun! Fun!

I need only 8 blocks for my project but I dream of a quilt for a girl.

Happy Weekend!

And "THANK YOU" for your nice comments about Alex's quilt.
I am glad you like it.

Inspired by a Baby Boy

2011-05-02T13:27:00.003+02:00

I am happy and excited to share with you my latest quilt! I enjoyed so much working on it - no wonder- I made it for Alex, my 8 month old nephew.

He can't yet build himself little castles from wooden blocks,

so here are the 12 little castles I built for him.

I started cutting and piecing the blocks thinking that this step will take me forever because all the blocks are different and I was surprised by how quickly I finished the piecing -in a day.

I love everything about this quilt!

- the solid fabric, the color palette -

- the design of the blocks -

- the fabulous textured quilting given by the cotton batting- something I don't use every day so that I can appreciate it even more -

- the wide binding (almost 3/4'') -

I am glad that I took the time to piece it from many colors - it's great!

The quilting was fun, I mean FUN! And easy! SUPER-EASY!

If you are interested in free motion quilting, follow my blog because I have a few new ideas for a few FMQ lessons.

If you want to build yourself little castles, the pattern is available here:

I finished the quilt two weeks ago, I already gave it to Alex (pictures soon) and I am still excited !

I should work now on my abandoned summer bags!

New Quilt Design

2011-04-30T19:47:00.003+02:00

Here is the new design for my newsletter subscribers.
It measures 15 inches, the perfect size for a pillow.
I designed it with EQ software.

If you need a smaller design you can print the pattern at a reduced scale.

I am not the best at appliques, but a springy table runner is so tempting!

Have a great weekend!

Patterns on Sale

2011-04-19T11:57:00.006+02:00

I just finished the special quilt I made for my little nephew! It turned out even more beautiful than I expected and now I am writing the pattern for it.

Until the new pattern will be released (in a few days), all my patterns are on sale, Click here for huge saving!

Almost done!

2011-04-15T22:12:00.005+02:00

I finished quilting on Alex's quilt- my sewing machine was my best friend!

I am too lazy to add borders on quilts. Most of my quilts don't have borders, still on this one I added one- simple, white.

But I wanted to finish the edges of the quilt in a colorful way so that I pieced the binding. And just to be sure the binding is colorful enough, I made it wider - 3 1/2''. I love wide binding!

While trying to find inspiration to name Alex's quilt, I found this video:

In the city of Tarragona, Spain, castellers gather every two years to see who can build the highest, most intricate human castles. It requires astonishing strength, finesse, and balance. Not to mention courage.
Amazing!

Enjoy the weekend!

Hexy Flowers Report II

2011-04-14T15:45:00.006+02:00

My sisters sent me the flowers they finished...

for taking a picture to keep us motivated ...
I am kidding, we are motivated anyway, but it is nice to see a preview of the future quilt!

I laid the flowers onto a black fabric, but I will use a chocolate brown fabric, I have to buy it.

What do you think ? I don't have too much of those fabrics so I will have to add other and other fabrics... It seams a little too "scrappy" for my taste, but I know my mother will love it!

These pictures keep me warm, it is snowing here like in December.
I hope you are enjoying a better weather in your part of the world.

Hexy Flowers Report

2011-04-13T10:59:00.007+02:00

All I was able to do yesterday, after a stressful day and night, was to pull out of the closet a few beautiful fabrics, cut them and ...

stitch hexy flowers.

I will show you in weekend the progress all the 4 sisters have made!

Sneak Peek of Alex's Quilt

2011-04-11T12:47:00.003+02:00

I built little houses for my little nephew.
Now I am quilting them.

QuiltAlbum Winner

2011-04-07T11:26:00.004+02:00

Sorry I am late in announcing the winner of the QuiltAlbum software.

Here she is:
Connie - http://conniekresin.blogspot.com/

Congratulations, Connie! You will receive soon your copy of QuiltAlbum.

Thank you all for participating in this fun event.

Have a great sewing day!
I am working on Alex's quilt and I am more and more excited!

Another WIP

2011-04-05T08:10:00.001+02:00

Just to be sure that I don't give up to the idea of making the Jewel box pattern (that I made for my mother) in two small sizes, I started to piece the blocks.

One version will be half of the size of the bed quilt and the other will be quarter of the size.

These are the 2" units. I made 160.

Now I have to make the 1" units.

Have a great sewing day!

Current project

2011-04-02T14:59:00.005+02:00

Well, one of them!A colorful quilt for my little nephew Alex.

I made all the blocks - 12. I designed a different pattern for every block.
I have to redo 4 of them -there is too much green and just a bit of blue and generally, too many colors for my taste.

Enjoy Sunday!

Ready to cut...

2011-04-02T13:48:00.004+02:00

into my solid fabric stash, washed and pressed.

Fat quarters, fat eights and 10" squares - a lot of frayed edges after washing. But I managed to hide most of them when I folded the pieces.

Not as much green as I would have wanted!

I am not fond of these colors but they look nice in this pile.

Happy Saturday!