Sewing On Air Art Quilting Technique. . .

On Wednesday, we held our monthly art quilt workshop.  This month's technique was "Sewing On Air" by Nancy Green as featured in the October/November 2012 issue of "Quilting Arts Magazine."

Following along with the instructions, this is my quilt base.  I fused fabric to fabric using Mistyfuse, and layering front and back right sides together with fusible batting.  I then used the no binding technique I described here.  Once layered and with the fabric turned inside out, the piece was quilted.

The circles were left unquilted as my sewing on air will be done within one of the circles.

The center of the circle was cut out.

The circle is then heavily zigzag stitched.  Heavily means going around the circle four times with a free-motion zigzag stitch (my favorite :). 

The fun begins as the needle is placed to the back of the circle and straight-stitched across its diameter at a medium speed.  Once across, the fabric was turned 180 degrees and gone across again.  I did this three times, always with free-motion stitching.  The three lines of sewing were then zigzagged over with my machine set at 2.5 width.  And, whalaa, there is a strong cord-like thread line running through my circle.

This was an easy technique, much more so than I realized it would be.  If you would like to try this technique, let me give you a few hints that were learned in the workshop.  First, the magazine technique does not require a stabilizer for the stitching.  However, I used fusible web,  fusible batting, lots of quilting, and heavy stitching around the perimeter of the circle which all acted as a stabilizer for the stitching across the diameter of the hole.  I also noticed that the smaller size of my hole seemed to matter in being able to keep its shape compared to larger holes done by others.

If you do give this a try, please let me know of any tips or hints you find to be helpful.

Until next time,

Bringing You Up to Speed. . .

 Since last I wrote, I've been busy, busy, busy with many happenings and changes.  In my attempt to bring you up to speed,  I will begin where I last left off:  on my way to Texas.

My trip to Texas began with a speaking and teaching gig in Beaumont at the Golden Triangle Quilt Guild.  It was my first opportunity to speak and teach on a national level and I was excited.  The guild members were welcoming and friendly.  Two classes were taught.  Here are student photos of my Henhouse Whimsies Rooster.

The next day I taught my Shapes II abstract quilt and its technique.

The most exciting thing to happen was my seeing this surprising creature on a sightseeing journey.

I then headed to Houston to attend Quilt Market.  It was my first market and fun being a buyer for my new quilt shop.  The one advantage to attending Market is the opportunity to view the International Quilt Show without the crowds that would be coming in the next week.  Many beautiful and inspirational quilts were viewed and photos taken.  I include only one quilt here, one that I felt was quite innovative, made with pipe cleaners.

I head home with a full moon in the sky, a perfect ending to a perfect journey.

I will continue to catch you up on happenings in my life in my next blog so stay tuned.

Until next time,

Folded Log Cabin Class Photos. . .

Yesterday I taught the Folded Log Cabin technique I previously blogged about here.  The students enjoyed the technique and the texture it creates.

One of the pleasures of teaching is observing the many styles and tastes of students.  This student's blocks have a subtle, elegant look in neutrals,

and this student's work was vibrant and full of energy.  I was unable to capture the blocks of my other student as I didn't get my camera out soon enough.  Bad me :(.  I have to remember to have the camera out as soon as class begins.  I'll do better next time (I hope).

This student completed her three blocks and is ready to add this green for borders and sashing.  I like being the observer during class, seeing the students' progression, and appreciating how each individual learns, works, and participates.  The more I teach the more my eyes open to the idea that there is no right or wrong in quilting.  There is just the satisfaction of creating.  I am glad that I am able to facilitate that process.


Please view my "Classes" page to check out my upcoming classes.


Until next time,

New Studio - New Quilting Opportunity

You may remember that in May of last year I moved into a studio space and posted photos here.  Then in November of last year I was asked to move into a different space and I couldn't help but say "Yes!"

The new space has a great floor space for my working studio.  There is a nice-sized closet which holds all of my stash and supplies.  And there is plumbing and space to create a wet studio as well.

Additionally, it has GREAT retail space.  This is classroom space.  The interior is warm and welcoming and I didn't have to do a thing but move in.  How great is that?

Can't you see class supplies in this space?

And how about fabric in here?


I have been very, very blessed to have the opportunity to move into this lovely space and am thankful to my landlords for needing me to move.  My current plan is to begin holding classes immediately.  The timing couldn't be better as our local quilt shop is closing and this will allow me to continue to do what I love:  teach.  Having said that, my first class schedule is posted and under the tab "Classes" above.   I am excited about this new opportunity.  Wish me luck.


Until next time,