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 …

tutorial ~ making a fitted binding

MarveLes Art Studios Blogs, Tutorial 4 Comments

hi everyone ~    i’ve known for a while now, that there was a so-called, “easy” way to join the binding ends so they fit perfectly on the quilt, but also to stitch that seam diagonally. a diagonal seam reduces the bulk of butted binding strip ends.  but ~ i never quite understood the directions i’d read….? until now! recently …

make life sweet ~ sweetwater placemats

MarveLes Art Studios Blogs, Sewing Loves 9 Comments

hi everyone ~i finally had time to delve into this charming yardage i’ve had on the back burner; it’s “noteworthy” by sweetwater for moda fabrics.  and so i combined my love of writing and text onto the classic round placemat shape: when i was teaching recently, at the local Quilt-A-Way quilt shop here in Great Falls, this book really caught …

kitchen towels ~ tutorial

MarveLes Art Studios Blogs, Sewing Loves 5 Comments

weekend greetings to all ~ gosh, i think i’ve done about 30 of these towels now!  … and i’ve so enjoyed it!it’s really a simple, straight-forward process, but here are tips and hints {as promised}, that {i think} make for a more relaxing process, and… a more professional finished look.i begin with a purchased towel, but of course, you can …

at your request ~ applying microbeads ~ tutorial

MarveLes Art Studios Blogs, Mixing It Up 14 Comments

hi friends and blog readers ~today’s post is by special request of rike… who recently wrote this comment in response to my watercolor cards, and my microbeading “frenzy!” she said: “no, i’m not really tired by your postcards, and paintings.  they are so beautiful and full of power!  can you please show us how you apply the microbeads?  I cannot …

crafty goodness ~ christmas snow doodled glass ~

MarveLes Art Studios Blogs 5 Comments

hi y’all!   here’s a little crafty tutorial that is sooo dang simple to do.  it does require a bit of a steady hand, perhaps… {perhaps not!}  that is to say, no matter what you do ~ this white painty pen and glass doodling tutorial is a fun project, wavy lines… or not! even younger kids {supervised} will love this too, …

it’s a hoot ~ baby blanket tutorial

MarveLes Art Studios Blogs, Tutorial 8 Comments

hi there everyone ~ here’s my tutorial for applying a scalloped edge treatment on a simply made flannel baby blanket.  it’s fun to make, it’s practical, and a beautiful gift!just one caveat.  this tutorial is based on bernina feet, using a bernina machine.  that’s just the way it is… cuz that’s what i do.  it’s what i have, what i teach, and what …

a custom sweatshirt ~ tutorial

MarveLes Art Studios Blogs, Tutorial 11 Comments

hi friends ~i purchased a new {bright hot pink} sweatshirt this weekend. i was actually looking for something more interesting… but then i thought i would just embellish it with fabric.  but i changed… my mind!  and i love how it turned out.  i began my design process with a screen print, using a favorite designer and friend, terri stegmiller’s  …

The Dream Team ~ Gelli Plate & Joggles Stencils

MarveLes Art Studios Blogs, Mixing It Up 8 Comments

Hi there friends~it’s a wonderful Wednesday ~ And, the Stencil Parade continues… It’s time to bring that Gelli plate out of the cupboard and prime it with some beautiful paints… and Margaret’s beautiful stencils from Joggles.  Can you say “dream team?!” There are many gelli-printing videos on the internet, and Gelli Arts is a great way to begin, if you don’t already …