Project 1, Part 1:A Christmas Star Quilt, part 1

A CHRISTMAS STAR QUILT:

Here's a very easy one, based on my award winning design, "Starfish Hornpipe". Simple piecing and easy needleturn applique. The stunning effect is in the choice of colours and prints and in the intensive but simple handquilting.

 

 

Project 2 , part 2: -Chinese Coins, Part 2

I'd like to talk about principles involved in making this very simple quilt:

 

April 25/08: Introduction

April 25, 2008:

I will be starting the Quilting Projects section this weekend and will upload 4 complete projects, all of which will be distinctly different from the usual "confident beginner" projects published both online and as kits and patterns. Following the first 4, I will be adding at least 2 projects each month and sometimes more. I look forward to being able to put online some of the creative ideas that are always bubbling to the surface.

Project 1, part 2: A Christmas Star Quilt
Next spread out your blank quilt top on a large table, and with your cut-out star appliques make various arrangements

Project 1, part 3: A Christmas Star Quilt
Once you have finished appliqueing the stars onto the quilt top you will be ready to layer your quilt top and start quilting.

Project 2 - Chinese Coins - Part 1

A while ago, I became very bored while handquilting a king sized and predominantly black quilt. I had to see and use some colour so in between quilting sessions, I went over recent acquisitions to my stash.

I had a large number of fat quarters from Margo Krager's line of indigo and cheddar 19th century reproduction fabrics and a lovely coordinating floral stripe in shades of indigo. Playing around with arrangements and the math I decided to make a chinese coins quickie quilt in dimensions suitable for a lap quilt, a child's quilt, wallhanging or tablecloth - a very versatile size.

Project 3: Amish Strippy Quilt

This is such a quick and simple quilt that you may decide to make more than one. I made 2 in one evening and am now handquilting them to add to the stock in my studio for this summer's tourism season. This is a very versatile size - about 42x58 inches - suitable for a play quilt on the floor for baby, a picnic quilt, a snuggle quilt for toddlers, maybe a wallhanging, or perhaps a tablecloth.

This quilt can be pieced by hand or machine, your choice!

Remember to take a picture of your finished project and send it along to the Forum - we'd all love to see your work! Enjoy.

Project 4: Lavender Parterre

This is a small quilted project I am planning on entering into the fibre arts show of a local Lavender Festival. I think it is very springlike and reflects the beauty of lavender fields whether grown in Provence or right here in this locality.

I thought I'd multitask and give you the directions for it as I work on the piecing and applique. I've decided on a 32 inch square and will add some applique to give it a focal point for use either as a wallhanging or table topper.

Project 5 - Baby's Sweet Four Patch

I want to show you how you can make something out of virtually nothing - a helpful sort of concept in these days of increasing gas prices and fabric at $10 US a yard1

Thus project is very sweet and pretty without being too "cutesie" or babyish, so will be a useful little quilt for babies and toddlers  for a long time.

Project 6 Janet's Indigo Baskets

Baskets is a classic quilt block in several variations. These variations have been used to make quilts since at least the mid 19th century and  still a favourite. In recent years, several books and patterns have been published recently using this theme.

My particular version uses 19th century reproduction fabrics, but it will be equally attractive in some sweet 1930's prints, or perhaps you may decide to use some of the new bright prints.