Fun times with my Ruby

What fun I have been having! Last Saturday I had class to show the new Cutwork Needles put out by Inspira. Who would have thought I would have so much fun. My favorite project fabric covered journals. I embroidered the designs in tone on tone on the fabric first and then stitched them out in a contrast and had the needles "cut" them out.

I have also been using my embroidery machine for machine quilting..... I LOVE IT! You just hoop the whole quilt with backing and batting, select your design and off you go. So easy and the tension is great everytime. I made up this Christmas quilt to showcase the designs and I never thought I would like it this much.

 I was recently visiting a friend in Parksville, we stopped by a second hand store and I couldn't believe that there were these brand new crocheted baby blankets. I bought 2, to set aside for future baby gifts, they are so soft and sweet. Get this they were only $3, it costs more for the yarn!

Paulette over at Sweet Pea Quilting has photo's of a quilt show held at Cloth Castle and mentioned that she didn't get a full photo of this quilt so here it is. I adjusted the pattern to make it into a quilt rather than a wallhanging. I apologize but I don't know who's pattern it is.

Happy quilting and sewing, Natasha

Friday Night Sew In

      Last night I decided to join The Friday Night Sew In group. It was a great way to work on projects, by the time I got home it was after 9pm so I didn't have a lot of time. I had to get a baby gift done for Saturday so I worked on that. I love Minkie fabric, there is a new brand put out by Shannon Fabrics called cuddle, it is so nice for baby gifts and quilt backings. I made a little stroller blanket for the baby with machine embroidery on it.

    This past week I have been working on a sample for one of my classes, Strip Tube Quilt. That was a lot of fun. If you haven't tried the strip tube ruler you should, really quick and easy. You can use Jelly Rolls for this quilt and make up top in a weekend easily.

This is what the ruler looks like, from Cozy Quilt Designs.

Sew 2 Jelly strips together and then cut a plain strip to match the width of the 2 sewn strips, should be around 4 1/2" wide.

Follow directions on ruler and cut the correct triangle.

And  open up your triangle and you have a really great 1/2 square triangle.



And here is the quilt all put together, I still have to add borders but looks pretty good!

    I better sign off it is 7am and I have to get ready for work. I have Victoria, BC's version of Friday Night Sew In...... Cloth Castle Quilt Till You Wilt tonight from 6pm -12am. I'm teaching last session of Beginners Quilting this morning, working at the store, baby shower and then Quilt Till You Wilt, busy day ahead! My beginner class, their quilts are looking really great will try to post photos!

    Have a great weekend!

Natasha

What a Welcome, Thank you!

    Wow, thank you everyone for your welcome and your comments. I have been pretty busy this week and just had time tonight to check out my blog and surprise.... I have many new friends! I was so excited! Paulette you are so generous to send your friends over, thank you. I would like to make one correction, The Deck The Halls Wallhanging is not one of my patterns, I can't remember the designer but I will get the info and post asap.
     I can't believe we are on our way to fall already, with fall comes the beginning of classes. We had quilt club this week, I love the September class. It is like the first day of school for quilters! The ladies haven't seen each other all summer and now they are catching up, all in 2 hours. It is great, the enthusiasm and excitement is contagious. The show and tell was so great, I was so busy that I couldn't even take photos. I will try to get one the ladies to take pictures next time. The pattern I designed is called Polka Dot Panache, I love dots in all sizes and colours!

You can't see them but the center of each circle has a button. So cute.

 Have you ever tried the Olfa Circle Cutter? This is the best tool ever, I love it. It can cut up to 8" circles in no time at all. Makes cutting the circles for this quilt super easy.

You can just see the pivot point and where my hand is a 28mm blade. You hold the handle (above my thumb) and away you go. Have I mentioned I LOVE this cutter. It would work also for scrapbooking and card making too.

     I fused all the circles with Heat'n'Bond on base of Muslin. After the quilt was done I washed it and it came out looking very vintage. It is really cute. The night before Quilt Club I started the quilt but with Christmas prints it is also really cute.

      My sister has been working on some cross stitch and thought I would share some of them with you. They are really pretty, hope you enjoy them.

     Well I better sign off, I want to start playing with my Strip Tube Ruler for a class I have coming up. I'll keep you posted and once again thank you everyone who has become a follower and leaving comments....this is so exciting!

Natasha