Well, it is no secret that I LOVE hand quilting! And hand quilting (or pick stitching) with perle cotton is my all time favorite form of quilting.
Carolyn Forster asked me to be a part of the Blog Tour for her new book and I was thrilled!!!
The book, Utility Quilting is a must have for anyone who would like to learn to hand quilt with perle cotton....OR....for those who love to hand quilt and are looking for new ideas.
I adore this book! There are several great stitches that can be used to finish a quilt. One of my favorites is Crows Footing {even the name is fun} and then there are the little X's in the Running Cross Stitch! So Cute!!!
One of my pet peeves with quilting books is that they don't really explain both in words and pictures the complete process of quilting...
Not so with Utility Quilting!
You will find complete instructions from gathering the tools to making the templates to laying down the stitches.
I decided for my part in the blog hop, I would quilt my Anthro-knock off Triangle Quilt - following Carolyn's instructions.
I did somersaults when I saw Carolyn includes instructions for making a Mennonite Fan template!!!
So I chose the Mennonite Fan as my quilting design....
and followed her instructions to make my template.
Then I transferred my design to my quilt using Bohnin chalk pencils.
Aurifil Wool Thread was my thread of choice for this quilt.
Utility Quilting offers recommendations regarding stitching supplies... as well as tips for starting and ending your stitches....basting and binding. Even complete instructions for several quilts!
The Mennonite Fan design for this quilt just ripples across the quilt. For the top border I used a technique Carolyn calls thumb quilting. I simply echoed the fan design using my thumb as the a measuring tool.
I love the look of these fans stitched in wool! The back of my quilt is Essex linen and I think it shows off the design so nicely....
A sea of Mennonite Fans.....with a little thumb quilting thrown in....what could be better?
Well, maybe winning a copy of Utility Quilting for yourself would be better! Pop over to Carolyn's blog and comment....you may win a book and some other fun stuff as well!!! Yay!
Thank you all for your prayers and well wishes for my mom. I appreciate every single positive thought....keep 'em coming!!!!
big hugs,
mary
It's always a treat to see your hand stitches! This sounds like a fantastic book!!! Hugs to you Mary.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for the inspiration! I love hand quilting, too, but I`ve learned it the traditional way, so I`m interested in new ideas. Best wishes for your mom!
ReplyDeleteMary what a great way to quilt this beauty! Big hugs back to you and your family is in my thoughts and prayers!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely book, beautiful stitches! Much love to you and your Mum.x
ReplyDeleteYou are such a talented and generous quilter Mary! This quilt is going to look amazing! I love the Aurifill wool thread- it moves through the layers so effortlessly. Thank you for sharing with us during this difficult time. Hugs and prayers from down under. S xxx
ReplyDeleteYou should have your own book Mary!
ReplyDeleteCant wait to see the end result.
Hope the sun is shining for you today. Big hug from England xxx
I agree a book by you please :) The quilting looks fantastic.
ReplyDeleteMore hugs from England too xxx
The quilting suits the quilt top perfectly and looks brilliant! Another big hug from England xx
ReplyDeleteI just finished my first pick-stitched quilt this weekend! I really enjoyed the technique!
ReplyDeleteAlso, Josh and I missed seeing you in the shop on Saturday - Best wishes for you and your family.
Beautiful. I so want to learn to quilt with perle cotton but never know what to do with the knot. Seems it would be so big to pull thru the top.
ReplyDeleteI headed to Carolyn's blog to sign up but for the life of me I can't find how to comment. I can find all the other comments but nowhere to add mine. :( I guess I will just look for the book in the store. Thanks pam
The book looks great! I love your quilting. I couldn't comment on Carolyn's blog, though. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLovely blog and your quilts are amazing xx
ReplyDeleteI am sending caring vibes and prayers your way for you and your mother.
ReplyDeleteI just think you are amazing!! I totally luv everything you do! Your color choices are fantastic your projects are always current,well done and soo very attractive! And you give us great tips and advice even when things are tough at home!!!
ReplyDeleteWow -you ARE TRULY AMAZING!!!
Hope all goes well with Mom-prayers are being said!
ooh this book looks wonderful Mary!
ReplyDeleteLove the fan quilting on what is still my fave quilt EVER!
Sending love, light, kisses, prayers and hugs xxx
p.s. It's so much my fave quilt that I've used the pic as my desktop :)
ReplyDeletei love your use of the fan on this quilt! it looks awesome! and i look forward to reading this book--sounds like so much information i need.
ReplyDeleteAnother vote for your own book, Mary! And a hug from Texas, my last full day here. Keep an eye on your mailbox! :) love your quilting above- will def check out this book.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fabulous book! I'm self taught and maybe should learn the right way. I tried following the links but her sights won't come up. I even googled her. Any suggestions?
ReplyDeleteYour fan quilting looks so nice. the book sounds like a good one. i like written instructions and pictures too.
ReplyDeleteLovely! Do those chalk pencil marks come off easily?
ReplyDeletemolly'm from Argentina, where you bought the chalk pencils?
ReplyDeleteAnna! I hope you see this! Good for you hand quilting :) I would love to see it when things settle down and I am back in the shoppe. I miss Josh too....he is a very special little guy! It is a treat to see him on Saturdays :)
ReplyDeleteA simple note to say I love everything you do. You are so talented! I send my heartfelt wishes to your mom and family. Thinking of you!
ReplyDeleteWhat I really want is a full picture of your quilt. I absolutely love the colors and fabrics. Now I want to make one like it. Picture please. Beautiful quilting.
ReplyDeleteMary - I'll certainly bring the quilt in when you are back! In the meantime, if you like, you can also take a peek at this picture: http://www.flickr.com/photos/peachyseam/6938512157/in/photostream
ReplyDeleteTake care!
Different shapes and different color of strips are look so beautiful on the fabrics.I really like this designs.
ReplyDeletemicro scooter
Different shape of fabrics stitch with each others and make wonderful designs in the fabric.It look so fabulous.
ReplyDeletemicro scooter
Wow, this looks great!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing what you think of the book and showing us how you used what you learned. I've put it in my Amazon wish list--this is the kind of thing I have been looking for!
I had almost bought this, and you just convinced me to do so.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was interesting that that quilting design was called Mennonite Fan. I'm actually Mennonite Brethren (think Baptist...) and WE always call it Baptist Fan. Isn't that funny?