Embroidery 101 - Chain Stitch

I have a new panel available in Quilt Shops now! It's called Bundle Up. The Bundle Up BOM is available thru participating quilt shops. If you google it you will find shops selling it as a packaged kit.

Today I want to focus on the Bundle Up and snowflake sections of the panel...

As I mentioned in my previous post,I like to use pearl cotton from Valdani. I typically use #12 or #8 thread. You can also embroider using 3 strands of DMC floss. I like to use a small needle to embroider with. I feel like needles are a personal preference. I also recommend a needle threader and an Ott Lite (or other good lighting) You will also need an embroidery hoop. I have hoops in various sizes. Again, using a hoop or not using a hoop is a personal preference. I have also been known to not use a hoop while stitching. When I work with my panels, I line the panel with an iron on interfacing on the back side. I then stitch along the edges using my sewing machine to hold the interfacing in place.

I felt I needed a bolder look on a couple sections on the Bundle Up panel. On the larger snowflake blocks the lines are thicker and harder to cover with embroidery so I needed a bolder stitch to cover the lines. To achieve this a chain stitch works nicely. 

As you can see on this snowflake, I used a chain stitch and a #12 Valdani variegated thread. I used a 'star stitch' to embroider the large dots on the snowflake design.

For the Bundle Up I use a #8 gray variegated thread to stitch a continuous chain stitch. I overlap the stitch in places. I love how the chain stitch reminds me of knitting. It's a cozy stitch for a winter themed design.

You can see how a thicker thread really makes the Bundle Up stand out on the panel. You can also use a double strand of the #12 pearl cotton too.

As you can see, you don't need to learn a ton of stitches to be able to embroider the Bundle Up panel. The Bundle Up panel featuring the Lost and Found Snowman can be found on my Website and Etsy Store. I also have the Blue Ribbon Panel and Woodland Getaway panels available on my Website and in my Etsy Store. I also have Valdani Pearl Cotton and thread kits available.

Happy quilting!

Cindy and Belvedere

Embroidery 101

As many as you know, I have a couple of panels available thru Marcus Fabrics. They are fun to work with and embellish. So I thought I would talk about embroidery over the next couple days. Growing up, one of the first needlework projects mom started me on was embroidery. I remember mom had a small 'how to' book she let me use that listed a bunch of embroidery stitches. I remember working on a kit that had flowers that was done all in crewel work. Many different stitches using a lightweight wool yarn to stitch with and a big needle. 

I have a new panel available in Quilt Shops now! It's called Bundle Up. The Bundle Up BOM is available thru participating quilt shops. If you google it you will find shops selling it as a packaged kit.

I like to use pearl cotton from Valdani. I typically use #12 or #8 thread. You can also embroider using 3 strands of DMC floss. I like to use a small needle to embroider with. I feel like needles are a personal preference. I also recommend a needle threader and an Ott Lite (or other good lighting) I'm of an age that I'm blind as a bat as soon as the sun goes down so I love my Ott Lite. You will also need an embroidery hoop. I have hoops in various sizes. Again, using a hoop or not using a hoop is a personal preference. I have also been known to not use a hoop while stitching. When I work with my panels, I line the panel with an iron on interfacing on the back side. I then stitch along the edges using my sewing machine to hold the interfacing in place.

 My three favorite stitches are the French Knot, Backstitch and Lazy Daisy. These were also the first stitches I learned when I was a little girl. Let me show you how I used these stitches on my Bundle Up Panel.

I used french knots on the tips of the snowflakes. I wrap the thread around my needle 3 times.  For a smaller knot you can wrap the thread 1-2 times and for a larger knot you can wrap the thread 5-6 times. Another way to get a larger knot, if you want a bolder look is to double your thread.

I'm in love with this sweet little bunny... the bunny block is all done in a backstitch.... I like to use variegated thread while I'm stitching. It adds extra interest and depth.

Instead of using a backstitch, I stitched a single lazy daisy to give my snowflakes a lacy look. The snowflake picture I used for the French Knot picture also features some lazy daisy stitching.

As you can see, you don't need to learn a ton of stitches to be able to embroider one of my fabric panels. I love to embroider in front of the TV watching the Hallmark Channel. It's a relaxing way to spend an afternoon when you need a break. I'll be posting more stitch ideas over the next few days. The Bundle Up panel featuring the Lost and Found Snowman can be found on my Website and Etsy Store. I also have the Blue Ribbon Panel and Woodland Getaway panels available on my Website and in my Etsy Store. I also have Valdani Pearl Cotton and thread kits available.

Happy quilting!

Cindy and Belvedere

Chickens!

Spring is here, my sister has her new baby chicks! They are so adorable! I would like to show you a fun way to use the hen and chick designs on my Blue Ribbon panel from Marcus Fabrics. I have a limited number of panels and I also have the Blue Ribbon BOM quilt kit. Perfect to welcome spring! The quilt kit and panels can be found at the Quilt Doodle Website The design can be embroidered or left plain. It's totally up to you. I did not embroider the panel sections for the projects I'm showing you today. If you decide to embroider your hen and chick panels, do not trim up to the block sizing stated in the table runner pattern until you have completed your stitching. 

This is a fun table runner to make using the hen and chick sections of the panel along with scrap pieces of Aunt Grace's Apron fabric by Judie Rothermel from Marcus Fabrics. You can also dig thru your stash for reproduction 1930's fabrics to go with the panel too.  What I love about the Aunt Grace fabrics is they look lovely mixed up, even between different collections. As you can see the runner is pretty simple and can be easily pieced in an afternoon.

I did simple meandering for the quilting around my mama hen and her baby chicks. To quilt on the border I used my walking foot and quilted X ‘ s in each of the squares. 

I hope you enjoy this little freebie pattern using my Blue Ribbon panel. It’s the perfect table runner to put out during the spring and summer months. If you happen to love and raise chickens, not only do I envy you but you could keep your runner on display year round!

Happy quilting,

Cindy & Belvedere

Double Magic Binding

Every so often I will repost a tutorial. I always think it's good to revisit items that are basic to quilting for those who may have never seen them before. I've been wanting to do some tutorials on binding quilts so I thought it would be in order to revisit my favorite way to bind a quilt. It's what I call my Double Magic Binding. I discovered the technique a many years ago, it's a fun way to bind a quilt.  I can't take credit for coming up with the idea, there are several tutorials out there describing the same or similar process... but I want to share this wonderful technique with you again. It's a nifty way to bind a quilt and it finishes the edge off so nicely and it's all MACHINE DONE! (SCORE!!!-HAPPY DANCE....) As you may have all heard me whine before, I hate hand binding a quilt. Well maybe hate is too strong a word, but it's not my favorite part of finishing a quilt. No... now that I think of it, I really do dislike hand binding a quilt, it takes f-o-r-e-v-e-r...... So here is my little tutorial on how to do this wonderful binding to finish your quilt...


For this binding method you will need two 'colors' a main binding color and an accent color.
Here are the two fabrics I'm using for this quilt. Measure your quilt edge to bind and add another 12" or so ... Then cut enough strips from your main color to piece together a binding strip long enough to go around your quilt. You will then cut your strips 1 1/2" x wof (40-45")

Then cut enough strips for your accent color. These strips will be 1 3/4" x wof.

Sew all the strips together end to end using a mitered seam to reduce bulk. You will then have a super long strip of your main color and a super long strip of your accent color.

Sew your main color strip and your accent color strip together
long sides together using a 1/4" seam.

Iron your seam to go towards the 'main' fabric.

Then iron lengthwise with wrong sides together to make
your binding. See it makes a narrow decorative edge. Looks like piping!
So cool!

Sew the binding onto the back side of you quilt with your 'accent' color facing up using a 1/4" seam. The decorative piping edge is facing down on your quilt. Miter the corners like in my Machine Binding 101 Quilt Tutorial. Sewing your binding on is the same process as 'usual' at this point.

Here's where the magic happens.... Wrap the binding around to the front side of your quilt and stitch in the ditch between the main fabric and accent fabric. I used an 'invisible' thread to sew my binding on. You can also use a thread that matches your fabric. Miter the corners matching up the 'piping' seam. Sew all away around your quilt.



Doesn't it look like piping? I love how this finishes off the quilt edge.
Makes it special... to make a wider accent on the quilt binding you could add 1/4" to the width of the accent strip when cutting your strips out for the binding.

It also looks fabulous from the back!

 I love this method! It takes a little extra prep work but it's totally worth it in the end!

This technique adds a little special touch to your finished quilt. It's really worth the extra time making the binding strips.

Let's bind some quilts!!!

Happy quilting,

Cindy and Belvedere

Coneflower Table Runner Monday’s with Marcus

Today is my turn for Mondays with Marcus! I'm excited to show you how to make my Coneflower Table Runner. It's the perfect spring/summer project. I used the Collectable Calicos from Marcus Fabrics by Laura Berringer. This project would also be adorable made up in some 1930"s reproductions fabrics too! The pattern is a free PDF download on the Quilt Doodle Website. Check out my how to video below... 

Visit the Mondays with Marcus page each Monday thru May 17 for another fun free project from your favorite Marcus designers. This time around, several projects will also be redone by other designers, in their own signature styles, for a wider variety of creative options… You’ll find the complete line-up of projects on the Mondays with Marcus page, and our Facebook page. Join us!

~ Coneflower Table Runner ~
Order Your Coneflower Table Runner Kit here.

I will be doing a fabric giveaway too, LIKE/FOLLOW/SHARE my facebook page, Instagram page or become a follower on my YouTube channel for a chance to win!

Wishing you a Happy Monday!

Cindy and Belvedere

Woodland Deer

 

Happy April!  We've had several deer visiting our yard lately. There's not much for them to eat this time of year and the hostas aren't sprouting up yet. The deer are usually munching on my hostas that I have planted in the yard and it seems they are visiting those areas in the yard. Belvedere is excited whenever he sees a deer in the yard. 

Woodland Deer is a fun design to applique, the PDF pattern is available on the website. Remember the PDF pattern is free for the month that it is out. As soon as a monthly pattern is available, the older patterns will be available at a cost of $2.50 each. The skunk pattern from last month is no longer available for free. So go on over the the website and download your pattern. This month we will only be working on the deer design. So if you bought the quilt kit, we will only be using the cream primo plaid and the fat quarters. Let's get started...

From the cream primo plaid, cut a 10 1/2" x 10 1/2" square for the moose block.

Go on over to the Quilt Doodle Website and download and print up this month's pattern. I've pulled the colors that I will be using for the applique deer design.

Trace the shapes onto the paper side of the fusible web.

I rough cut the shapes out and rough cut the fabric to fit. Then iron the applique shapes onto the back side of the fabric following the manufacturers directions.

Then cut the pieces out. Peel off the paper. Following the layout page, lay the deer pieces onto your 10 1/2" x 10 1/2" background cream square. Notice how some of the shapes overlap.

Iron the design in place following the manufacturers directions.

I set my machine to the same buttonhole stitch that I've used for the other blocks. Make sure to use the same width and length.

~ Woodland Deer ~

I hope that you join me in this years BOM. It's an adorable quilt when it is done. Remember it's a mystery. You will get a new block each month and in December 2021 we will assemble the quilt together. The finished size of the quilt is 65" x 80". Each month the pattern is a free PDF instant download after that it will be available for $2.50 on my website and also in my Etsy shop. I have a limited number of Woodland Holiday fabric kits in my Etsy and on the website. It's not too late to order one!

 There's also a Facebook Group, please join and post your progress! It's also fun to see everyone else progress too! I post links and sneak peeks throughout the month so you are to be sure not to miss anything. I hope that you have a wonderful relaxing day and find some time to quilt.

Happy quilting,

Cindy and Belvedere

Easter Gnome

Easter weekend is just around the corner. March has just flown by. It's hard to believe that a year ago we went into Covid lockdown and hubby started working from home. We have developed a nice work routine over the last year. I lost my office to hubby but I have enjoyed working from the kitchen table and watching the birds and walkers as they go by. I have also enjoyed having lunch with hubby everyday. He went into work yesterday and the house was too quite. So lockdown has been a blessing in disguise. Oh, enough of me bathering on.... let me show you another sweet gnome! An Easter gnome! Isn't it sweet? I love the light colors and whimsical design. The pattern is written up for a mug rug. It's quick and easy and a great design for a beginner to applique. It has some nice easy shapes.

I traced two sets of everything onto the paper side of the fusible web. (I'm going to make two Easter gnomes.) I then ironed the fusible web to the backside of my fabric.

I then cut all the shapes out using my applique scissors.

Following the design placement page, peel off the paper and arrange the pieces onto the 8 1/2" x 10" background fabric and then iron in place. You can see some of the designs overlap to create the gnome.

I then layer the backing, batting and mug rug top together to make a mini quilt sandwich. This way, my applique stitching will also serve as quilting all at the same time. I am also using white thread to go around all of the raw edges. After I'm done stitching the buttonhole stitch around everything I do a little more quilting on the background.

A floral binding is a nice finish to my Easter Gnome mug rug.

I couldn't stop at making one, I also ironed an Easter Gnome onto a tea towel for in my kitchen.
I lined the bottom edge of the gnome's beard with the bottom edge of the tea towel.

I love it! I draped it over the door to one of my cabinets. 

It's a fun mug rug to stitch up, I bet you even have fabric in your stash that you could use!

~ Easter Gnome ~

This sweet gnome can be found in the Etsy Shop and also in the Quilt Doodle Website as a PDF instant download. I hope that you enjoy the design and find a chance to do some stitching. On a side note, tomorrow the new block comes out for the Woodland BOM, so watch out for that. On Monday, my Mondays With Marcus project comes out. Make sure to visit the website for the FREE pattern download and make sure to visit and like the Mondays with Marcus Facebook page for a chance to win some fabulous prizes!

Wishing you a happy spring! My chives are starting to peek up, I'm thinking of clipping some for an omelet for lunch. 

Happy quilting!

Cindy and Belvedere