Friday, January 21, 2011

Potholders

I made these potholders a few weeks ago, and am about to make some more.
I played around with lots of things -- they're the best size for practicing, and you get something useful in the end, too. The one on the right is quilt as you go, and the one on the left was quilted after I pieced the top. They both have different types of bindings and different loops. It's easier to see the loop styles on the back.
The next set (I'm about to make another pair) will have a combination of the binding method on the left and the loop method on the right. Any suggestions for filling? I used a layer of Insulbrite with a layer of 100% cotton batting. I was thinking of trying a double layer of old towels -- has anyone tried that?

Monday, January 17, 2011

James

The letters are now a word, a name! Joining the letters into a word is my favorite part of word play -- so many options! Well, one of my favorite parts -- I like choosing the fabrics, and deciding on variations, and ... you get the idea. :) The little A in my last post was just too small, so I made a bigger one. My pile of extra letters is growing, and most of them seem to be A's. Any relative or friend with that initial could be in luck!
I love using the pattern in a fabric to make a border. I just measured 1/4" away from the line along the circles and cut, and stitched right on the line. You can see the 1/4" on the left side that will be in the seam once I stitch the backing fabric around the name.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Otto has a baby brother

Yes, indeed, it's been awhile since I've been in blogland, and I hope to catch up with you all soon. I have quite a few quilting projects underway!

Remember little Otto? I made him a trip around the world quilt, then decided to put his name on the back, then decided to play a little...until the back became the front! You can see the quilt I made for Otto here.  Well, he's a big brother now!

Little brother gets a match game I Spy quilt -- two squares of each fabric. And can you guess what his little brother's name is?
Sweet baby James -- remember James Taylor's song? I used Tonya Ricucci's wonderful Word Play Quilts book to make the letters! You'll see tomorrow what I did with the name.