Noel ~ A {Merry} New Quilt Pattern!

Leslie McNeil Art and Collage Quilts, Patterns, Sewing Loves, Tutorial 4 Comments

Hi friends!  It’s been awhile since I’ve updated my blog–but my heart and hands have been full!  I’ve got a new pattern to show you–loosely based on a pallet board project I made last year! Can I just say–THIS. Was So Much FUN!!! Especially since my husband made it for me according to my specs–thanks honey!  I actually took my …

Home for Christmas ~ A Mini-Tutorial ~ Tips and Hints!

Leslie McNeil Art and Collage Quilts, Patterns, Teaching, Tutorial 1 Comment

Morning everyone!  I know… Christmas is almost here, and while I don’t really care for all the pre-October Christmas stuff/advertising, it seems to come in a rush doesn’t it?  Well, anyway… today I am sharing some photos of my working on the new pattern.  I’ve also tried to improve my instruction writing skills and included extra photos of in-detail shots of …

collage basics ~ choosing scale

Leslie McNeil Art and Collage Quilts, Blogs, Patterns, Tutorial 3 Comments

hi everyone! today, i’m showing you examples of recent fabric choices i purchased  not only for the graphic quality they possess, or the size {scale} of each, but even mores because of the variety of scale within each fabric. understanding scale is vital in collage. it helps soften, layer and adds important visual interest, as well as movement throughout any collage, art, or …

reverse applique snowflakes ~

MarveLes Art Studios Art and Collage Quilts, Blogs, Tutorial 6 Comments

snowflakes galore ~ a sweet snowflake inspiration most definitely!   and so, here is the reverse appliqué method.  simplicity, and effectively accomplished with my accuquilt snowflake die and gray and white fabrics: i carefully laid my solid piece of silver gray sparkly fabric on top of the die, being careful to fold a center line, which then was centered in the middle of …

tools of the trade ~ prepping for classes

MarveLes Art Studios Blogs, Teaching, Tutorial 1 Comment

greetings!hey there ~ now is the time to prep for fall sewing and quilting classes!  i was highly motivated myself to do just that, because of a nice little presentation given for students {and teachers} at the open house at the sewing palace bernina, where i am excited to also be teaching this fall! and in “other big news” {lol} …

a double needle ~ triple straight stitch inspiration and a prayer

MarveLes Art Studios Blogs, Tutorial 6 Comments

hi friends ~just three little words… “triple straight stitch” can triple your joy, and multiply into a big impact…a sweet friend who had taken my collage class, recently brought her “a heart to give” collage pillow top to show me one day as i was working at the shop…and oh my. how she blessed my socks off!  bless her heart. you see, …

{lakeside} ~ patchwork bobbin play with decorative stitches ~

MarveLes Art Studios Art and Collage Quilts, Blogs, Tutorial 5 Comments

hi friends ~here’s a little project i took to the lake and just a little ‘happy time’ sewing up decorative stitches.  i love these kind of projects.  for one thing, they aren’t so bulky, and so they’re easy to pack up.  i {only} brought eight spools of shiny, strong and gorgeous100% magnifico polyester thread to choose from… and then my …

just the {fusible} facts ~ misty fuse, steam-a-seam2

MarveLes Art Studios Blogs, Tutorial 22 Comments

hey peeps ~first, i’m not an expert at fusibles…  but i have used them a lot!  so i thought i’d share what i’ve discovered, and why i use  different brands, and types, and why and where i determine to use them. {to the best of my skill!} lolmy most favorite fusible is “steam-a-seam 2” the “lite” version of the original. …

bernina circular foot ~ fun decorative stitching!

MarveLes Art Studios Blogs, Tutorial 6 Comments

hi friends !it’s really been fun to relax, and play with some of the tools i’ve had in my sewing studio, and really begin to explore them, just a bit more.today’s post is about a simple little tool; the “circular foot attachment,” {bernina #83} and it works in conjunction with another foot, such as an open toe foot or clear …

{more} with paintstiks and free motion embroidery

MarveLes Art Studios Blogs, Tutorial 3 Comments

good morning greetings ~still… having some great fun with my paintstiks, and a few stencil patterns, specifically the leaf ones.  {still} love how the pattern of the towel comes through the printed leaf.  the blendability of stencils and color is endless!  and i never tire of it! and what i think gives it so much more depth, sparkle and visual interest… …

stencils, rubbing plates, paintstiks n’ t-shirts ~ fun combos

MarveLes Art Studios Blogs, Tutorial 2 Comments

hi there sweet friends ~here are some fun fall-styled ideas for painting on black t-shirts… but this time i’m using paintstiks, instead of fabric paint, or the silks acrylic glaze paints, either.   {and i had a really good time!} and it will be a real fun time as i’ve been working hard on making samples for upcoming classes at …

a rosey black t-shirt with free motion embroidery ~

MarveLes Art Studios Blogs, Tutorial 1 Comment

hi there, happy monday!well, as i noted in my last post, as i was lamenting the troubles with the bleeding paints… note there is an upside! and that is simply that silks acrylic glazes work beautifully on the black t-shirt.  why?  i don’t know!  i wish i did.  but ~ i washed it and it didn’t run, bleed, nor did it …

trouble shooting silks acrylic glaze paint ~

MarveLes Art Studios Blogs, Tutorial Leave a Comment

hello there ~i’ve been on a fact-finding tour of sorts, using the silks acrylic glaze paints on fabric. they are shimmering, and beautiful, and very blendable, which is one of the facts i love about this product the most.that being said, i have found them to be a challenge in keeping the bright, transparent color once an item has been washed.  so… …

painted apron ~ from my heart to yours

MarveLes Art Studios Blogs, Sewing Loves, Tutorial 3 Comments

good morning!ohhh the summer sunshine is fading… and rainy {perhaps even snowy} weather is headed our way.so the seasons change, and for a little while i am sad to see summer end, but i also get to look forward to autumn!and  “sew it goes…”  today’s feature is a different motif and finish on another apron.  these were packaged in a set …