Asters….the last wild flower of the season

By on 10-10-2010 in art quilts, Original Pattern, Original photos

asters

When the wild purple asters appear you know summer is over and autumn has begun. My favourites are the deep purples. Beautiful against the greens and turning autumn leaves they seem to bloom forever. I think these asters would look great embroidered on a pillowcase edge.

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Here is a pattern for the aster. I created the pattern by working from a photo in Photoshop, printed out and then traced around the petals and center of the flower. It would look great embroidered by either machine or by hand along the border of a table cloth. A quilted table runner or place mat could have one giant flower.

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Halloween Cats are Holiday “Purrfect”

By on 9-24-2010 in Embroidery, Vintage Patterns

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These cats from McCall’s Fall/Winter 1965-66 magazine are ready to “strut their stuff” under the moon on the spooky night. They were appliqued on a black pillow and would look just as good on a wall quilt along with ghosts and goblins. Created in less spooky colours and smaller eyes they would look great in a child’s room. One little cat would make a pin cushion stand out from all the others.

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Christmas in August

By on 8-26-2010 in Christmas Patterns, Embroidery, Vintage Patterns

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August is the month to start preparing gifts for Christmas. Jams and jellies from this year’s fruits and herbs would make great gifts. As gifts they need to be presented with frills and covers. Crafts Plus October 1995 magazine published some very pretty, but easy and quick covers to make during this busy month. Susan Bolton designed the apples in the basket which could be put on apple butter, apple sauce or apple jelly or anything else apples. Mary Driscoll designed the ‘cool mint’ stencil. Mint jelly was a favourite with my mother-in-law at all her turkey dinners. There is also a palm tree which would look great on a jar of jelly made from tropical fruits. A hardanger cover is also included which could go on any jar you give at Christmas.

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You can download all four patterns shown, plus the hardanger cover instructions here. It is a 222kb pdf document Jam Jar Covers, Crafts Plus Sept/Oct, 1995

Vikki Pignatelli’s Quilting by Improvisation

By on 8-16-2010 in art quilts, Artists and Authors that I love

null Quilting by Improvisation: Exploring Curves, Openwork and Dimention by Vikki Pignatelli. Published by Dragon Threads, 2006.…….. Vikki creates beautiful, bold landscapes using new techniques that capture your imagination. She passes along her keen understanding of colour and fabrics. Chapter 2 has the best instruction on colour I have read. Through the chapters she covers tools, fabrics and technique. There are lots of stunning photos and step-by-step guides. This book is a must have for anybody who wants to take their quilting to the next step and into the realm of art.