A Slashed Cushion

Yesterday I managed to get my piece of slashed work finished ... I turned it into a decorative cushion.

Once all the slashing was done and the beads and sequins sewn on, it realy took no time at all to finish off.

I sewed the backing on wrong sides together then used pinking shears to cut fringes into the edging.

It was the obvious thing to do really as all the layers of the fabric inside were a ready- made fringe.

Here you can see exactly what I mean.
So quick and easy.

Close up of a leaf - I used about 6 - 8  layers of fabric and it was pretty tough to cut through.

I think I will find a little spot in my workroom for this cushion and just enjoy looking at it.

See you all next time.

Rhianon.

Slashing !

Hello

You are probably wondering why this post is called 'Slashing'......  well, it is technique I learned at quilt group this week.  Irene always comes up with some interesting things for us to do and I can see myself using this in an art quilt in the future. TY Irene!

It involves layering lots of scraps on a base fabric, then covering with a whole top piece and quilting a design.
The fun begins when that part is done.  Simply attack it with a sharp pair of scissors, cutting through all the layers ( but not the base one!) for this fantastic frayed effect.  Clover actually make a special tool for this job but a pair of sharp pointed scissors does the job just as well.

Isn't it a great effect?? 
I have started to add some bead and sequin embellishments and I will probably make it into a decorative cushion, mainly because the fullness of the cushion will make the slashes open more.

                                           I'll come back and show you it when it's done.

Other things I'm up to this week .... I'm starting work on a new commission today for a lady who loves feathers.  Can't wait and I have the whole day - uninterupted!
The last couple of nights I worked a test block and like it so much I decided to turn it into a Christmas present.  For that reason I can only show you the back...... here it is:

Okay, I'm off to my sewing room now. Enjoy your day!

Rhianon.

Prairie Point Quilt in Batiks,

A while back I started a quilt-as-you-go project.  I had never done one before and thought I should try this method.

Making up the blocks was a breeze and they were fun to quilt, especially as I could turn the block as I quilted - the only benefit to making a quilt this way- I discovered.

The blocks measured 18.5" square and I did a 3 x3 arrangement.  The trouble started when I decided to add borders.  It was time consuming and fiddly work having to splice wadding, then backing fabric and finally quilt.

To get the puffy effect I wanted, I used a 4 oz polyester wadding.
A mistake I think as the quilt has turned out to be pretty heavy.

I needed the extra support of my ironing board whilst quilting it.

The border quilting went well - more feathers. and why not?  I love them.

All the coloured fabrics I used are gorgeous batiks.  I get them from a shop in Southport, UK.
Twice a year they come to the quilt show, so I get to stock up.  They are called Crafts and Quilts.  You can find them on Facebook too.

                                                                  Back of the quilt.

I'll be keeping this quilt for myself just because I love the batiks.

Linking up with Confessions of a Fabric Addict fo Can I get A Whoop Whoop and TGIFF

Enjoy your weekend quilty friends :)

Rhianon.

A BIG Thank you!

I want to say a BIG thank you to everyone who voted for my Butterfly quilt in the Blogger's Quilt Festival over at Amy's Creative Side........I won!!!!

It was in the favourite applique quilt category but that was won by someone else, so I think I won viewers choice. I'm not too sure but I don't mind I am just so thrilled !!!!!!

Rhianon :)

Machine Quilting and another Table Runner

I've had a fairly good week as far as finishes go.  I got my feathers piece finished and bound...

I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out and it is now hanging in my workroom.

Just thought I'd indulge you in a few close ups....

.... I hope you don't mind :)

and finally!

I also managed to get another table runner finished.

This time in pretty lilac and creams...

.... with lemon flowers.

This one measures 27" x 18"

I nearly have a quilt finished but it's been a nightmare.  I'll tell you all about that next time.

Linking up with Sarah's blog for Can I get a Whoop Whoop? and M R's blog Quilt Matters for TGIFF.

Enjoy your weekend.
Rhianon.

Blogger's Quilt Festival

A quick post to bring you up to date with my good news....

......  My Butterfly quilt has made it to the finals of the Blogger's Quilt Festival.
I must say a huge thank you to everyone who voted it into the finals.    My quilt is in the Favourite Applique Quilt category, so if you feel like voting again - please click the link above. - plus you can vote on all the other beautiful entries in the other categories.
I would be over the moon if my quilt won :)

I must say thanky you to Amy for organising all this - it's been a blast.
Rhianon.

More Free Motion Feathers

Hi there

I did get a few things finished this week but I can't show you as they are Christmas presents and I wouldn't want to spoil a surprise....... but I did get some feather practice done which I can show you.

It started as this...

a doodle on my daughters school jotter

First I worked the feathers using Gutermann Sulky varigated threrad

Then I worked into the feathers with a metallic pink thread.

Followed by some pebbles in a contrasting sparkly blue metallic thread.

I'm using a 4 oz polyester wadding for this piece.

I took this photo at night and I love the lighting in it - really shows up the texture.

This shot was taken in a rare moment of sunshine

After working the pebbles arounfd the feathers, I decided to do some Mc Tavishing.  Only my second attempt at it.  I find it quite a difficult pattern to do.... but I like it.

It's quite a big piece - this is my daughter holding it up for me in the kitchen,  Approx. 3' x 2'

I'm not sure what I'm going to do with this when it's done - maybe make a bag?  Whatever - I'm just enjoying working on it - hope to do some later today.

Just to remind you, it's nomination time over at Amy's Creative Side for the Bloggers Quilt Festival.  You have until 4th November to cast your vote.  My entry is #57 The butterfly quilt.  If you'd like to vote for me I would really appreciate that.  Thank you.
See you all again soon.
Enjoy your weekend.
Rhianon.