Be My Valentine Kitchen Towels - a Bernina project

Hi everyone! Finally the time has come to share my first BERNINA project: Be My Valentine Kitchen Towels!

To work for a sewing machine company is a dream come true for me! Not to mention that I'm working with one machine like no other: the new BERNINA 780. Should it be to obvious to put this into perspective and tell you that is like driving a Ferrari? Well, kind of this... lol!

It is so fun to do something that you love like sewing and then make it double fun when sewing in a machine that has so many features. I want to tell you everything about it and don't know where to start!

What's not to love about her... but one of the first things that caught my eye is the new dual feed system that will make us quilter our job much easier (more of that on another post). The other is the zillions of decorative stiches that are loaded inside. I was always a big fan of decorative stitches, because you can create textured fabric in a 1-2-3! You can maximize this having a 9 millimeter stitch width and the freedom of regulating the length. It's like you having many stitch choices coming from the original :) How cool is that!

For my first project, having Valentine’s Day around the corner, I decided to create a cute and fun project for your home for this sweet day that celebrates love and happiness. This duo kitchen towel project is perfect to enjoy a romantic dinner with your husband, giving them to your loving mother or a great friend as a gift! Working with appliqué let me explore different decorative stitches that the 780 had to offer.

This baby glides over the fabric when stitching dense and intricate stitches. It's like spreading butter over warm bread! Why this machine is so stable when it's sewing time? The all-metal, one-piece presser feet makes all the difference for me... Those who own a BERNINA know what I'm talking about. It was pure sewing pleasure :-)

Check out my tutorial on the WeAllSew blog where I give my tips and tricks on perfect appliquéing and how to create various looks with just rotating the stitching direction!

Enjoy and have fun creating :)

XO,
Pat

Using Decorative Stitches in Modern Quilting Pt. 3

Happy Monday my loves! First of all, I would like to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all the wonderful comments you made about my Bernina dream coming true! I can truly say that you are all the absolute best and I'm happy I was able to share that special moment in my life with you.

Now, I know it's been a while since I've written. As you can see, I've started my own little color inspirations to add a bit of brightness to your day with love from me. So today, I'm going to continue my four part tutorial on how to use decorative stitches in modern quilting and hide your stitches by hand. We've already explored how to create an intriguing quilt block by using solids and explored the many decorative stitches out there that can give your quilt a different look.

So let's begin...
The Blanket Stitch on this block creates a visual interest that is both daring and modern. Its linear structure appeals to the absolute modernist some quilters have inside.

Taking the last block further, I chose to use the Double Blanket Stitch, but this time I placed it on a completely new palette of Pure Elements to demonstrate how simple alterations to an idea can create a whole different mood on a quilting block.

I call this our Variation Fancy X- Hemstitch. The combination of what is considered a traditional stitch plus the modernity of the colors chosen for this block make it the perfect match between classic and contemporary.

Last but not least, in order to add a sweeter touch for all the hopeless romantics out there, I decided to create a what-other-than pink block with the Blanket X-Cross Stitch. Did you notice how all the X’s symbolize kisses? The combination of the traditional straight stitch with the “x-kisses” carries the modern element while keeping the essence of this quilt close to the heart.

Now that all the blocks are done, I will demonstrate how to hide those loose threads for a crisp finish on your blocks:

For this, you will need a hand-sewing needle:

1. Grab the loose end and thread the hand-sewing needle with it.

2. Pass the threaded needle through the last whole that was created when making the decorative stitch with the machine needle, making sure NOT to go through the batting but rather assuring to hide the thread in between the fabric and the batting. This applies for both the front of the block and the backing.

3. Pull gently to obtain a smooth surface and voila! Trick accomplished.

4. Hopefully you loved this post and I was able to open a little window of love from you toward the sometimes forgotten buttons on your machine. Experimenting with combinations of different fabrics and different stitches can immerse you in a whole new world of quilting, where the rules and styles are created as you go. 

Enjoy and explore!

Love,
Pat

Decorative Stitches for Modern Quilting Pt. 2

*As I am trying to update this new blog of mine, I'm bringing some content I wrote previously on the Art Gallery Fabrics' blog. This post was written on May 1st, 2012.

Hey everybody!

In the 1st installment I've talked about how straight lines or geometric quilting create more impact and how that can be complemented with thread color as well. I also showed you how to do this block step by step here.

In this installment I'll show about different decorative stitches and how the stitch can portray a certain style. By altering the combinations between stitch and color you can create infinite moods with the same elements. In the following blocks I will demonstrate exactly what I mean:

The first of our decorative stitches is what I call the Triple X-Cross Hemstitch. This could be an easy transition for the craftier quilter going into the modern quilting trend. The pattern of the stitch adds an element of the “homemade” style while the freshness of the fabric colors highlights the contemporary elements in this block. If you like this crafty, heavy stitching look, this one is for you!

This is what the finished block looks like...

The second block displays a Rick-Rack Stitch. In fact, this is a triple zig-zag stitch. It is the solid example of how a simple change in the density of the stitch can make the quilting motif more special and interesting. When combined with uncommon color groups, the stitch adds to create a more cultural block.

Here is how the block looks when finished...

The third stitch is the Tribal Hemstitch (shown below) merges modernity in the geometric stitch and in the background it works with a classic yet refreshing palette. Its tribal-looking quilting motif brings in an ethnic air that makes this block an eclectic one; catering to many different styles. If your machine has this stitch, go for it because it's really fun!

Ohhh look at how nice it is coming out....

And this is the final result...

On this fourth block you can see a Ladder Stitch. This intricate yet geometrically simple stitch is very modern. Its straight and enclosed angles provide a depth within the block; almost providing a 3D effect that earns this block an award for “The Most Modern”.

This is the finished block...

The final stitch is the Single-Diamond Overcast Stitch. This stitch provides subtlety against the greens and blues chosen for this block, and it offers a soft approach toward the modern world of quilting. It’s a simple transition that will go a long way.

I love the look of this block...

These are the first set of examples of how a change of stitch can unwrap an infinity of styles, and create a greater impact when used instead of the regular straight stitch. If you have all these stitches in your sewing machine, it's time to put them to good use... don't you think?

I love this kind of tutorials and I hope you like them too!! If you have any questions or comments, please let me know, I love to read your comments :)

Stay tuned for the final set of examples and I'll teach you a trick on how to hide the threads that remain when you are quilting blocks individually.
  
XO,
Pat

Using Decorative Stitches in Modern Quilting - part 1

*As I am trying to update this new blog of mine, I'm bringing some content I wrote previously on the Art Gallery Fabrics' blog. This post was written on March 27th, 2012.
 
Modern quilting is a growing trend and as more and more blogs begin to feature this style we see that many favor the straight line for quilting motives. Because solids are used alone or in combination with prints, quilting thread colors and quilting motives take a new and central stage in the look of the finished quilt.

Do you have decorative stitches built in on your machine?

Have you ever thought that if you choose a geometric quilting motif as a design for your finished quilt, these forgotten "I don't know what I can use them for..." stitches can give your quilt a terrific and oh... so different look? Why only use our first choice, the all time known straight stitch? Another reason to use geometric quilting motives is that is much easier to handle under a home sewing machine, so no necessity to send it to the long arm quilter and you can practice yourself!!

In these tutorial series I want to show you how different decorative stitches not only break free of the norm but can also add a high contrast visual appeal to your blocks.


For demonstration purposes, I'll work with blocks instead of a finished top. This idea can work great with any quilt as you go project. All blocks will be created with my Pure Elements Solids to maintain a modern look but showcase how much impact one stitch can make. I also used white thread on all blocks, so there is a consistency and you can look at the stitch itself. You'll use the color of your choice, of course :)

In order to get a very straight line, you will have to do some some markings:

• Using a washable fabric market, draw the motif you would like to quilt. In this case, I've done a 16 patch grid as an example.

For the first block, I want to show you a stitch that is used for fabrics that have spandex in its composition: the TRIPLE STRAIGHT STITCH. It's a fairly simple, but will have the simplicity of a straight stitch combined with the boldness of 3 threads in each stitch.

• Choose this stitch in your sewing machine and start stitching following the lines of the grid (please note that each sewing machine brand and model may have the stitch in a different location on the menu).
• Stitch very slowly (because this is not the usual straight stitch and the needle will move to the left and the right or back and forth depending on the stitch).  

Here I am almost finishing with the stitching :)
The straight line or geometric quilting has more impact when solids or open prints and contrasting color threads are used.

This is how the finished block will look at the end.

I'm sure you are asking: "why do I have to leave that long thread tails?" If you plan to do a quilting motif that doesn't cross over between blocks, you need to hide the threads. Be sure you leave a long thread tail before start each quilting line and when you are about to cut the thread. At the end of this tutorial we'll show you a trick on how to hide all threads.

The finished block ironed (lightly from the back for demostation purposes).

 Here is a close-up view of the stitching. Cool, right?

In the next installment of this tutorial, I'll show you 5 new decorative stitches that can transform the look of your quilt.

Hope you enjoyed it! If you ever quilted this way, let me know how you liked it and what stitch you used!

XO,

Pat