Framed Moments

I have noticed that in quilting there are few special moments that tell you if the project is going to the right direction. Nowadays I know to seek for these moments and I work until I reach that step before I continue crafting. First step for me is choosing the right colors. After I have drawn the first sketch of a pattern I begin to go through my fabric stack. I make color families, some with harmony, some with contrasts and some with unexpected pairs. One method I use too is to take one print fabric and then choose colors to support it's palette. Usually when I am drawing a new pattern I have an idea what colors I will use, is it going to be more about red, blue, or green hues. I could also choose to have all the colors of the circle in bright graffiti shades. When the color combination begins to form I might need to buy one or two new fabrics that I don't have in my fabric cabinet. It is more of a tradition that I need to visit a fabric store. Because quilting is a craft that is time consuming I allow myself to purchase new equipment and materials quite often, there is no point using colors that don't feel exactly right and then spend weeks planning, sewing and stitching a pillow or months when a bigger project is in question. 

When colors have been chosen I begin to draw detailed color sketches. I draw 4-10 sketches where different parts are colored with different fabrics. After this process one or two begins to feel right and I choose one for further development. I plan and count the cutting as precisely as possible. Then I cut a sample of fabrics according to my cutting plan and begin to sew sample blocks. It might be that the pattern doesn't actually work in that size or with that fabric and I have to make corrections. Then I sew some blocks more. I begin with the blocks that have most seams and cuttings and then continue to count other blocks according to measurements of the most difficult ones. Like for example in my latest project I first made all triangle blocks and then measured and cut the rectangles that go between. I had a quite detailed color palette but one fabric I had planned to use between triangle blocks was too dominant and I left it out and went with no pattern fabrics that give space for the design. I cut few rectangle samples and played with the blocks. Then one setting looked interesting  and it had some challenge. I don't like too much harmony and every work needs to have spark. In every project I also make a test. I have a bad eyesight and when I take my glasses off all I can see is color blur. So I use my special power and take off my glasses to see if the colors are working. If there is for example too much yellow in one corner and then a bunch of red in another I make corrections so that the work looks even and colors go smoothly. 

Then it is time to cut the last blocks, sew and iron before one of my favorite parts comes. Stitching the batting. To be honest I used to hate this part. I have a small apartment and stitching a larger project is difficult or even impossible. When I understood that I can make smaller projects it was a heureka moment. With pillows or table runners it is easy to get an even batting. Embroidery hoop stays tight, you can sit and embroider in a comfortable position and there is no horrible back ache that comes from working with heavier projects like blankets. Now I love to plan the stitching and even if I stitch every block decoratively it doesn't take ages to finish. The ultimate framed moment is when the first part of the work is attached to the embroidery hoop and I have made the first stitches. It is the moment that tells if the project has succeeded. Because a successful project is a piece of modern art framed with embroidery hoop. It works as itself and could be hanged on the wall. Its colors please and challenge the eye. Lines cross in harmony creating an interesting pattern. It is the moment I am hooked in quilting and it encourages to start a project after project.

What are your framed moments? Do you love quilting or do you have another form of self expression?

Inspiring and creative week to you all!

Sannu

DIY Modern Quilted Pillow

Happy Weekend! Here is the second part for my quilting tutorial I wrote a week ago. Last time I showed how to quilt this simple and bright colored quilt block I named Brisk Winds, Warm Stoves, click here to learn more! Now that we have the quilted pieces we can do the batting and stitching and sew these to modern pillows. I stitched these traditional way by hand as it makes pretty finish. You could also do this part by machine if you like. With beautiful embroidery yarns this part is a pleasure to do by hand and see how the patterns form to the fabric and complete the quilting work. I will also show an easy way to sew a pillowcase that needs no zipper! Lets get making!

For one pillow you will need:

Quilted square 57*57 cm.

Batting (I used thinnest on store)

Cotton fabric

Sewing yarn

Embroidery yarn (seven colors that match to the fabric colors)

Needle

Embroidery hoop

Pins

Cotton fabric for sewing the back piece ( I used green)

Sewing yarn

Sewing machine

Iron

Step 1. Cut from fabric and batting pieces that go over the quilted piece. Put layers as you can see from the picture, fabric first then batting and quilted piece.

Step 2. Pin the layers together.

Step 3. Take sewing yarn and needle and sew layers together to keep all together when doing the final stitching with embroidery yarn. Remove pins.

Step 4. Choose embroidery yarns to mach the one colored triangles.

Step 5. Attach the embroidery hoop to one triangle and start stitching simple front stitches. I divided the triangle to four sectors with stitches. To get straight lines use pins.

Stitch all one colored triangles (leave out striped triangles).

Step 6. After you have stitched all triangles cut off the extra back fabric and batting.

Step 7. Then lets make the back piece. Cut a 77*57 cm piece from the fabric.

Step 8. Fold twice the short ends with iron and pins. Sew the folds.

Step 9. Cut the piece to two parts so that you measure 28,5 cm from one side. Now you should have one 28,5*57 cm piece and one 43,5* 57 cm.

Step 10. Put the finished ends together as shown in the picture so that the smaller piece is on the top of the bigger piece for 15 cm. Sew pieces together with 7 cm as shown on the picture. This way you get a handy pocket behind the finished pillow where you can put the pillow in.

Step 11. Put right sides together and pin. Be sure the pocket comes to right direction according to what you keep as the right way to keep the quilted pattern. Sew pieces together and finish the edges with zig zag. 

Step 12. Before you cut off the extras check on the right side that all is OK.  

Your pillowcase is ready! Now you can turn the right side out and put in a pillow!

I really enjoyed making these pillows. This was not too huge project and allowed me to pay attention to details like stitching. It would be possible to make these in two or three weekends. I am now planning to make more quilting projects like these. Pillows are always needed, laugh, and this would also make a stylish gift for a person who appreciates the craft. Currently strong and honest colors are trendy and these will fit to many kinds of interiors from ultra modern to bohemian. In modern decor these would be like abstract paintings. 

Are you interested in quilting and sewing projects? Do you agree that quilts can be a stylish elements in modern home decor?

Have a wonderful and relaxing weekend! If you found this tutorial helpful and/or inspiring please share on social media :)

Sannu

DIY Project: Embroidered Lampshade

This colorful DIY project is relatively easy to make though it takes some time. These sunny days offer a good light to work with embroidery technique. You will need: a basket style lampshade, spray paint, woolen embroidery yarn (yellow, 2 shades of green, coral, 2 shades of red) and cheap transparent nail polish.

These lampshades cost only 1€ per each at the flea market. I spray painted these with pink color.

I was surprised how difficult it was to find woolen embroidery yarn. I looked at the internet and local shops but did not find any place that would sell these. Finally when I asked at the local yarn shop they had little bags of embroidery yarn in their drawer. I remember that couple of years ago every yarn and craft shop had a special stand for these. Maybe these do not sell nowadays so well.

The design is simple. Count the middle of the work from your lampshade and begin at the middle of the pattern.  Take a short piece of embroidery yarn to tapestry needle and work one color at the time making cross stitches.

To finish the yarn ends use transparent nail polish to fasten the knots and cut off long yarns.

The white cord was too pale so I decided to crochet a cover from cotton yarn. Chain 6. *Chain one to turn and crochet one simple crochet in every loop (6 loops). * ** repeat. Measure the height of the cord and crochet accordingly. End the work when you reach the height. Fold the piece around the cord and sew the long seam by hand with the same yarn you used for crocheting.

I changed summer curtains but these are too white for my current taste (these are old curtains I had in my storage). Now I have plans to dye these with machine color. We will see how that goes :) I have already bought a coral color package.

Colorful DIY moments to your all!

Sannu