Kaleidoscope Tesselation Table Topper

Finished the table topper using this cool method.

Kaleidoscope For Mom

I just love the stained glass window effect of the pieced kaleidoscope.





Love it!

Kaleidoscope

When I saw the  Kaleidoscope Quilt-Along  I really wanted to run~along and join Elizabeth . I downloaded the templates ….and then I got scared..all those pointy points…I’m no good at matching the points. Then I thought, hey, I can EPP the kaleidoscope! EPP is very forgiving….with a little nudge, you can make the points meet!

So, I headed off to my favourite free Graph Paper Generator to get my isoceles triangles and squares.

At this page, choose these settings to get the squares paper pieces.

 

At this page, choose these settings to get octagons. I used an octagon to get eight kaleidoscope triangles.

 

You will get two octagons.Join the points to get eight isoceles triangles with a 2” base.  ( Yeah, after a few attempts, I figured out the  right measurements.)

Make as many paper pieces as you like.I didn’t make too many because I removed and reused the paper pieces as I went  along.

 

Because I didn’t stitch through the paper, I had one step less when I removed the paper. I just leave the basting stitches on. I find that it holds the seams in place and not open out.

 

Can I call this Kaleidoscope Tessellation ?

 

Here, I quilted triangle shapes in the octagon….

 

and here, I quilted the octagon shape.

I did the backing using my cool method.

 

My Kaleidoscope Tessellation Table Runner .

Yes, I have made many many table runners! My daughter advises me to start giving some away!

I Love Jack !

 

I’ve started chaining the Jack’s Chain blocks …..and I’m loving it! I’m making a table topper/runner. Then it dawned on me….it’s going to be a nightmare to finish it with bias binding the curves! But I want to keep the curves…so I came up with this method. If you have done needleturn applique and love hand stitching, this will work for you too .

 

First I lay the finished top on the batting, baste with long running stitches along the edges to hold them together. Then trim the batting 1/8 of an inch inside the curves.(That means the batting piece is smaller the the top piece.)  Next, I lay the finished Jack’s Chain top on the backing fabric, right sides together. Pin in place. Trim the backing fabric with a 1/2 inch allowance.

 

Then, using whip stitch, stitch the two layers together as you would applique.

 

 

This how it looks like on the back. Leave an opening to turn it right side out. Remember to trim and cut notches where necessary. Turn the whole piece right sides out and slip stitch the opening close.

 

Top stitch all around the curves and quilt . I wanted to finish fast, so I just stitch around each hexagon….not that I am any good at any other quilting designs except straight line quilting!

 

After a good press at the ironing board, it’s now sitting pretty on my coffee table .

 

And I am starting on the next one. This time it’s blue!

 

……did I mention to remove the paper pieces …

Faire la Bise

 

I took days to decide what to do my my Faire la Bise block. I wanted something fast and practical.

 

 

I quilted around the hearts….

 

 

…added some strips and quilted both sides with this lovely stitch …..

 

 

…added broader strips and quilted straight lines….

..and I made another table runner!!!

Very soon, all the tables and counter tops in my house will be covered !

Disappearing ‘Flowers’ Placemats

 

Finally completed the matching placemats for my Disappearing ‘Flowers’ Table Runner. This time the nine patch is looking more ‘disappearing’. I placed the dark fabric where I’d be cutting into, so it ended up with smaller squares, hence the dark fabric is less overbearing. Looks much better .

 

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Remember I won this ?

 

 

Well,  I made this!

It’s block #116 Faire la Bise by Helen Stubbings of  Hugs ‘N Kisses.

There are so many more gorgeous block to make!  I’m just into applique right now!

 

 

Applique and stitchery… I love it!

Snow Hearts

If you have been checking out my BOMs list,

Claudia just released the third Snow Hearts…

and I all of them!

January

February

March

I’m making a table runner…again…and matching placemats, of course .

And yes, I’m still doing the disappearing nine patch .

The previous blocks are still there if you want to catch them!

Thanks Claudia !

My First Mug Rug!

 

 

I’m officially in the mug rug craze!

 

 

Did you know there are heaps of free patterns at FatCat Patterns ?

This is a from the Ethnic Flavored Designs page. I’ve had this in my Applique folder of my Google Bookmark for too long a time…I really do have a long list of To~Do’s !

 

 

 

Used blanket stich for the applique. Have I mentioned before that I love to hand stitch? Did this while watching re-runs of ER :)

 

 

 

Quilted simple straight lines. Wanted to try stippling but I have not practiced enough yet .. and I didn’t want to spoil my first mug rug!

Quilting Tutorials @ Cluck Cluck Sew

 

 

Allison of

 

 

is collecting quilting and quilt pattern tutorials from all over blogland!  If you have a tutorial or pattern to share ….

 

 

 

click the image above and add your link!

 

 

Thanks Allison !!!

Easily Charmed Graceful Gifts Quilted Table Topper

 

Quite a mouthful! 

 

 

Waaay back in July, I won a giveaway from Khris (Sew Prim Khris) . I got this quilt pattern called  SEW EASILY CHARMED.

Then at about the same time, I started stitching GIFTS OF GRACE by Val Laird.

And because I always like to have my hands in many projects at the same time,

( that sure explain my many UFOs!)

Sew, I Easily Charmed the Graceful blocks of Gifts to make this….

 

 

 

Easily Charmed Graceful Gifts Quilted Table Topper!!!

 

These are my favourite blocks.

 

 

 

 

 

Another down …and many more to go !!!

 

 

 

 

Edit : The Gifts of Grace BOM  will be available only till December 2010. So hurry over to get all the BOMs !