Summer Solstice Quilt Pattern

My 'Summer Solstice' quilt pattern is finally available for purchase!

I started this project in mid December last year, and the 'idea' of pattern writing was still just a dream and a goal I aspired to reach.  The encouragement I got from so many of you was astounding, not just here on my blog, but on instagram too.  I just knew from the first moment I shared the pictures of my finished quilt top, that I had to make it a reality! 

With the help of a wonderful team of ladies who has been testing the pattern and who kept me on my toes these past couple of weeks with changes and requests made to the pattern, it is finally ready.  

For the time being the pattern is only available in one size, but I do want to include different sizes that will appeal to more quilters out there.

The pattern is available in my Craftsy Store and for easy access I included a link to the sidebar of my blog.

Thank you, to each and everyone of you for your support, encouragement and help in making this dream a reality.  The first in many more to come, I am sure!

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Dot to Dot Quilting

Its no secret what I've been working on this past week, well that is if you're following me on Instagram and Facebook.  I've enrolled to Angela Walters' Dot to Dot Quilting class on Craftsy some time ago, but after watching all the videos I was a tad bit intimidated by quilting straight lines using my free motion quilting foot.

But I was determined and I really wanted to try it out.  I felt that if its a total flop and that if proves to be too difficult for me, at least I'd know and I could move on.  So I quickly made the quilt top as part of the class materials and started quilting right away.  You can imagine my surprise as I went along how easy it was.  Sure the straight lines aren't perfect but when you step back it actually looks okay, what I think works to my advantage is that I used a thread that blends into the fabric so the designs really pop.    

Of course when quilting shorter distances it is much easier getting the lines almost straight, but when having to go over a longer distance it got a bit tricky.  So inside the green fabric, I decided to add circles filling in the open center spaces hoping it would distract from the lines that are not perfectly evenly spaced and straight.  I think it works well, it adds so much texture and it really pulls your eyes towards the diamond shapes.

I used two layers of low loft poly batting for this quilt and it really makes the quilting stand out more.  I have only the border to finish up.  I am completely sold, it is possible to quilt beautiful straight line quilting using your domestic sewing machine, I had my first try on my asymmetrical diamond quilt, only filling in small spaces and now of course this quilt.  

What I am most proud of, is that I did not mark a single line OR dot quilting this quilt.  

I should be done very soon and I cant wait to have it bound and hung.  I am excited about the possibilities of quilting dot to dot designs on my future quilts, it really adds different dimensions to a quilt.  I love it...

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Learning to use my serger

When I sat down in front of my serger the very first time I was a little bit scared, looking closely at the machine I was rather intimidated by it.  All of those tension dials, loopers and gadgets had me totally confused.  And to be honest, I still am.  BUT I am learning, slowly but surely, bit by bit it is making more sense....I think!

I've had my serger for almost two years now, and I have not really made an effort to learn how to use it.  Sure I tried it out when I first got it, but I found it was just too complicated figuring out on my own, and since I never had the chance to go to classes because my little one was-, still is so busy and demanding, taking classes is almost impossible.  

So I was just too happy when I found 'Beginner Serging Machine Basics and Techniques' on Craftsy.  I can watch each lesson as often as I like, go back and forth if I'm stuck, not to mention all the money I am saving having to drive 100km for a lesson.  

   

Images from Craftsy

I loved taking this class.  I watched each video lesson front to back right up to the end, and jumped right in participating with each lesson.  Sure there where times I felt like pulling out my hair, but I quickly got hold of myself and carried on.

In this class I really got the chance to learn each part and aspect of my machine.  Which was very helpful, especially because I only know how to sew a quarter inch seam allowance and how to change the settings on my home sewing machine for free motion.

Here are just a few examples of the different stitches I have learnt.  I still want to learn the decorative stitches using yarn and embroidery threads, but for now I am happy learning and stitching out these samples.

two thread wrap stitch

It is still a work in progress and most certainly not perfect yet but I am going to get there.

two thread flat lock

I really want to broaden my sewing skills to not only piecing quilt tops and quilting.  Thus far I have only experience using quilting cotton, so this will be quite an adventure sewing with different types of fabric.

Hope you'll stick around seeing what I've learnt and made.

Thanks for stopping by.

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