My First Quilt: Appliques Attached

I'm so excited about how my first quilt is coming along!  It was quite a long process, but I completed attaching all the appliques using a satin stitch!  I've never used this stitch on my machine before!  Here are a couple of close up views:

I am very happy with the results.  I had no idea my machine, a Janome 4618LE, was capable of a satin stitch!  I guess I should read the owner's manual more often!

When I started this quilt project, I didn't realize  that a quilt top is actually several inches smaller than the chosen batting and backing fabric.  I assumed the top, batting, and backing would be the same size.  My batting size is 34" X 45."  My quilt top is 31" X 41 1/2."  I bought my backing fabric today.  I purchased 1 1/3 yards.  I hope to fold over my backing fabric to use as binding.  In case that doesn't work out for me, I bought a few packages of quilt binding.  No, I'm not being negative about it, just realistic.

My other purchases include a walking foot, quilting needles, transparent thread (and natural colored machine quilting thread), and labels.  I've never used any of these items before!  Wish me luck!  I'm going to start quilting as soon as my backing fabric comes out of the dryer!

Tootles!

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Sewing Wild

Sew Wild by Alisa Burke

I've gone wild!  Well, maybe unrestrained might be a better word to describe my stitching style for the past couple of days.  A few weeks ago, I bought Alisa Burke's Sew Wild.  This book is about Burke's style, her process and "messy approach to sewing."    Throughout the first part of the book, Burke describes different surface design techniques including using paints and inks, dyes, glue and bleach.  Burke discusses different stitching tools and is a big advocate of using the darning needle, or free motion foot, on your sewing machine.  She also explores color theory and pattern.  There is also a section in the book about finding inspiration for your design.  Burke uses a variety of techniques to create several different projects, including a hat, bag, scarf, and a quilt.  Burke encourages us to Go Wild!

I decided to release my inner wild woman and create a panel of stitched layers.  This lesson begins on page 82.  Basically sew bits and pieces of fabric, in layers, on top of a background fabric.  Burke uses her own fabrics, those she has created using paints, dyes, etc.  Since I haven't created my own fabrics, I used scraps left over from my Mug Rug.  I started with about a 12" X 12" piece of muslin, backed with batting,  and then began laying out my scraps in a rough layout.

I stitched the scraps down using straight and zig zag stitches.  Next, I took smaller scraps and placed them on top, in between to fill in the spaces.  I sewed these pieces with varying stitches as well.  I got a little messy wild here.

Before I was finished, I sewed even more black lines all over the piece!  I decided to make a little bag, so I cut a square from the piece and whipped up a 4" X 4" Shabby Chic Scrap Coin Purse.  I added a little frayed edged fabric flower.  I've added this little purse to my Etsy Shop!

  

Although I'm pleased with my results, I must say it wasn't that easy for me to get Wild and Messy!  Don't get me wrong, I've been known to "wing" some sewing instructions and measurements, but purposely being messy is hard!  It was difficult to "let go," but it was fun.  I really like this book and will definitely try more techniques, including stenciling, masking, and monotype printing!  So, look for more posts about the projects in Sew Wild.  First up:  Fusing Plastic!  Doesn't that sound fun?!  I'm off to round up Target bags!

Tootles!


P.S.  Thanks for the positive feedback regarding the Sew Loquacious Handmade Holiday.  Remember, you can add any handmade holiday post by completing the link information on the Handmade Holiday page!