All of a sudden, (Saturday night) I had a big issue with skipped stitches. I tried everything I could think of; have known to do without much success. My husband then just happened to remark to me that a storage door was sticking… and I quickly responded “it’s swelling from all the moisture in the air.” Then… it dawned on me, (duh!) what was wrong. My threads are swelling, just like the door. Humidity. Rain… rain… rain. We’ve had so much rain and flooding! More… on the way. Sigh.
So I instantly switched to a bigger needle; a size 100 topstitch needle, and problem solved. (Relief flooded me!)
Learning the intricacies of playing with sheer fabrics has been a fun challenge! And, I was very happy to find those types of fabrics 60% off at JoAnn Fabrics, Saturday morning. The lady cutting my fabric was quite intrigued with me buying half yards of six different colors. I answered her it was for free motion quilting and applique with freezer paper. She was perplexed, and asked me to come back and show my finished project!
I had a few ‘flops’ (ugh) and I need more practice, but I’m finally getting the swing of it a bit more. I think I’m gonna like using that flimsy organza stuff! It’s so pretty… and ethreal. Here’s a little sample I finished:
I’m playing with ideas for patterns, projects and inspiration which will be the focus of a weekend workshop I plan to teach this fall.
So fun! Much simpler than you may imagine. No fusible web involved! The freezer paper templates were a breeze to work with.
The one above is my own design; it’s not quite finished yet, but close. The source of this little project? It’s Libby Lehman’s “A Day of Threadplay” video.
If you’ve never had the opportunity to be a student in Libby Lehman’s classes, jump on it! But in the meantime, her video is well worth it if you think you might like this type of project.
I enjoyed her techniques, and saw more than a couple good tips that I will put to excellent use!
What do you think? Is this little project something you would be interested enough to try?
Comments 3
Yes, I would love to take this class…go for it…let me know when!! Becky too, of course!!!
I use my favorite threads! Isacord polyester 40 weight in the top with free motion couching. Tri-lobal polyesters in variegated colors from Superior Threads.com for the decorative stitching accents, and a thick thread, Razzle Dazzle – also from Superior threads, for bobbin play around the flowers. They are in the bobbin… and if you search "bobbin play" on my blog, you will find the specific post for that technique! Thanks for asking!
I love these flowers, they are just so pretty, of course the free motion quiting you do is wonderful. I would like to know what you are using for the stitching around the flowers, they really make them pop. I have to shop on line so would love a source link for them. Hope you are having a sun shiny day.