ARE YOU READY FOR SPRING?

If you are then you will like this project. It's using the endless embroidery function on the BERNINA 830 machine. I'm using kona cotton fabric and it's been pretty quick to put together. The side panels take three hoopings with the mega hoop. The end panel is just a single hooping.
I think it's the perfect project to start preparing for Spring.

I've got 3 sides embroidered, one of them has had the stabilizer rinsed out and is currently drying. One of the long panels is all that's left to stitch. My goal is to have it stitched by Saturday so we'll see how that works out. Once I get them all embroidered and attached then I'll top stitch the edge of the panels all the way around to secure to the main panel.
I tell you, using Best Press by Ellen sure does make the kona cotton have a really nice feel to the fabric. Not stiff as if I used spray starch but firm and a wonderfully fresh smell- love the lilac flavor!

Cleaning

Wouldn't you know while trying to straighten up my sewing room I ran across a project that I started at least a couple of years ago. So of course I couldn't help myself and had to sew out 4 of the flowers to complete one block. Hopefully I can work on it again a little bit at time to finish it.
It's from the same company that created our wonderful Wildflower embroidered quilt - Smith Street Designs. This quilt is named "Tulip Time".

I think there a couple more large floral blocks like this I need to embroider and construct and then I can start on the smaller embroidered blocks, then the rest of the piecing begins. There are 6 different floral blocks. It's been so long since I gathered the fabrics for this that some of them I have no idea where they came from but I expect I'll have to add more:). Some of the fabrics though, I liked them so much I've also used them in other projects too.

I even found a new pair of those squeezy scissors that are perfect for machine embroidery applique - it's like I was made to find them after finding this UFO. I found at least 3 other UFO quilts that I need to finish up. Some have machine embroidery but not all. I figure if I work on them a little each evening that's good therapy and the bonus is I'll be finishing up some of the old projects. I even found a bag with fabrics and all for the first mystery quilt retreat that Suzanne held! I didn't know I still  had that one.

This was like a mini vacation, spent in my sewing space. First real sewing therapy for 2011~ Ahhhh



TUTU CUTE

While poking around in the internet this am found this darling bag just had to share.

Found this picture here
With our nifty embroidery machines this can be made in a very short period of time.
Ask me how I know.

New Boot Bash And Other New Projects!

Margo forwarded this new blom using the cowboy boot! Perfect for Bakersfield! Click here.

I've also just discovered another new blom here

This site link above is for this block. She started this in 2011 but posted the layout and fabric requirements on her old site/blog before the end of 2010. Luckily you can still access this information here. Both of these are good projects for those of you wanting to work on your digitizing skills.

CIVIL WAR 2011 SESQUICENTENNIAL COMMEMORATION

Barbara Brackman has started a new free BLOM in honor the Civil War. Check it out here.

What's interesting is that she's also posting bits of facts related to the Civil War. So with the history factor it's more than just another free quilt pattern. These are an 8 inch finished block. So dig out the scraps and start making your first block. She's designed this quilt using a new line from Moda that's due in the shops next month. Look for the "civil war reunion" fabric line to enhance this project.
Keep stitching.

New Year at BUNNY HILL DESIGNS

Ann Sutton now has the new pattern series started for 2011. Click here to get started.

Wall Art

Here is Pam's runner she worked on during the 2011 New Year Day's class. Isn't it fabulous. And the girl doesn't like purple so she make this for her sister. What a gal. Pam also was the lucky winner of the Sharon Schamber "Delicate Sitch Quilting Designs" from OESD.



It was a fun class. Started off by showing the group how to use the Bernina V6 software to create the circular designs. The feather embroidery is a quilting design from the Sharon Schamber designs. Then the stipping done with the use of the BSR to fill in around the feather quilting.
If you also attended the class please send me a picture of your runner and I'll post it here for everyone to see.
Thank you all for joining us for the class.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

HOLD ON TO YOUR HAT - IT'S 2011~~

We're starting the day off right by participating in a mystery class of sorts at the shop today. The project includes embroidery, quilting by both embroidery and BSR (or free motion) so should be a lot of fun. I have some in the crowd today that have never used an embroidery machine so this will be an eye opening for them, and one of those is my own sister, Jean! She's led a sheltered life for the last 19 years living in Ohio. We had a lot of fun just showing her how to use a rotary cutter while getting her fabric and all ready for the class today so I'll be sure and post pictures from the activities today. We're liable to have some *memorable* kodak moments.

I hope all you quilters and embroidery enthisiasts have a wonderful new year and that the year 2011 will be memorable in a positive light!
May all your sewing never encounter a dull needle:)