Free Motion -- Practicing

My goal to get better at free motion quilting has been languishing in the back of my mind for a while, so this week I decided, with the help of lots of on line assistance, to jump in.

This is my first attempt, and very simple and effective, I think. I drew lines to follow to start, then the outer lines of lollipops are done by eye. I think I would actually use this design on a smaller quilt as an all over pattern . . . Maybe a baby quilt.

This practice piece started with the chain. . . Then paisley. This needs LOTS more work! I dated my samples so I can note progress.

I also scored at the library today with this haul: Beginner's Guide to Free-Motion Quilting by Natalia Bonner; First Steps to Free Motion Quilting by Christina Cameli, and Machine Quilting with Style by Christa Watson.

Gotta love the library . . .

 

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Wide Open Zip Bags for Teachers

After making two of these last week, my granddaughter asked me to make two more for gifts for her teachers. I said yes in a second, as they are great fun and a satisfying quick project. I love the diagonal quilting: three layers, interfacing, fusible fleece, and the exterior fabric.

One is for Mrs B, her teacher (medium size), and one is for Mrs H, her music teacher (the small one.)

Made from Noodlehead's wide open pattern. It finishes so neatly! Gotta love Noodlehead!

Linking up this little finish with Crazy Mom Quilts. Have a look at her big finish this week.

 

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Baby Ball

Going to see Little Miss C today, so I whipped up a ball this morning.

She is 7 months old, and maybe ready for a ball rolling game.

You make 12 wedges, sew them together with yarn, then form the outside wedges into a ball. A fun little gift for a little one . . .

 

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Zip pouches

This is my second "Open Wide Zipper Pouch" by Noodlehead, and it's my favorite. It's the small size.

I quilted the Metro Living circles in a grid. I used both fusible fleece and interfacing. I fused the fleece to the interfacing then quilted the outer fabric to that.

It's a little birthday gift to a 14 year old. I hope she likes it as much as I do!

Tutorial for the wide open zipper pouch is here.

 

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Two Sided Baby Quilt

It really did turn out to be two sided. I put the label on the boat side, but it goes either way.

Spiral quilting, and boom, DONE! Louie slept on it one afternoon, so I'll wash it before my daughter mails it off to her friend in NYC. The sweet baby boy was born at the end of May, so I'm glad for this quick finish. You've got to love making baby quilts . . .

The center of the spiral is this cute bear driving his truck . . .

The eye-spy side has lots of conversation starters: birds, fire truck, "the little old lady whispering hush" from Goodnight Moon, cowboy boots, balloons, and NYC taxis.

Designed by me, quilted and pieced by me on my dsm.

Measures 38" X 44".

Made almost totally from stash. Wool batting for softness and loft.

Linking up this finish with CrazyMomQuilts.

 

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