59ANeedlePullingThread

A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD QUILT SEW KNIT CROCHET CROSS STITCH EMBROIDER HOOK RUGS 8 Inspired by Gardens #TheSewGoesOn 76 20 72 Make & Stay Calm

SEW TO NEW D E S T I N AT I O N S sewing and embroidery machine mySewnet™ CONNECTED LARGE COLOUR TOUCH SCREEN 10.1\" (217x136mm) JoyOS ADVISOR™ deLuxe™ STITCH SYSTEM Download full-project instructions for the IMPROV COZY QUILT at HusqvarnaViking.com/ en-CA/Be-Inspired/ Blog HUSQVARNA® VIKING® 150TH ANNIVERSARY special edition sewing machine Tribute™ 150C 5 Bonus Presser Exclusive SEWING ADVISOR™ Feet Included! See the stitches in real size on the Graphic Display Large sewing surface 200mm 3 Programmable built-in fonts VIKING, MYSEWNET, DESIGNER RUBY, JOYOS ADVISOR, DELUXE, SEWING ADVISOR, and TRIBUTE are trademarks of KSIN Luxembourg II, S.a.r.l. HUSQVARNA and the “H” Crown Device are trademarks of Husqvarna AB and are used under license. ©2022 KSIN Luxembourg II, S.a.r.l.All rights reserved. 2

Editor's letter I admit I have a great love for flowers, so great Is it any surprise then, that I would choose gardens as Make & Stay Calm that I have bouquets in every room to match its a theme? I say it's long overdue. decor. Their look is kept ever fresh as they are artificial flowers, but they do the trick of offering One surprise that arose (I swear the pun just visual beauty just the same. I deeply understand happened) from working on this issue, is that most Claude Monet's quote, “I must have flowers, needleworkers are also avid gardeners, and some always, and always.” are skilled artists in other creative forms like drawing. Imagine my delight when I found out that Jo In the garden in summertime, the feeling is Gatenby’s remarkable Cross-Stitched Black Rose was exalted with live scented flowers and the feeling created for this issue from a pencil sketch, she did that comes with the joyful observation of nature's long ago in an art class! What skill and what beauty! beauty. To take a break from working at the computer, I'll refresh my eyes by looking up close This issue explores a wide variety of blooms and at a flower in my garden, paying close attention leaves beautifully stitched, quilted, and knitted to its colour, shape, and the shadows cast by the up too! The idea is to create beauty and soak in lighting of the day. At that moment the birds the therapeutic properties of our stitches and feel are chirping too. It's a blissful zone to be in like a refreshed again! spot in heaven for a few fleeting minutes. It’s an experience I miss all winter long. Cheerfully, A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59 3

80 70 94 32 Contents 64 issue 59 44 61 90 40 68 36 28

08 Jennifer Houlden 43 quilting 58 On the Other Side of the Picket Fence Wall Quilt 56 3 Editor's Letter 20 Michelle Hartrick 6 Mark Your Calendars! fibre art and machine embroidery Mini Flower Bouquet Cushion 6 Advertiser Index 28 Paul Léger 43 Brandy Maslowski quilting More Joy Less Overwhelm Hope Springs Eternal Wall Quilt Fibre Art Flowers 32 Elaine Theriault 56 Rosalie I. Tennison quilting Flower Power Wall Quilt Supporting Stitches 36 Clodagh Coker In times of crisis, sewers and quilting knitters get out their needles Garden Therapy Banner 58 Cynthia MacDougall 40 Laurie Russman Knit Together fibre art Double knitting. It’s a term On Steichen's Pond Wall Quilt with several meanings 44 Olesya Lebedenko in knitting. hand sewing and appliqué Owl-Flower Pencil Case in98 Business Directory every 52 Ana Buzzalino issue quilting 52 Making Hexagon Quilt Blocks by Machine 61 Cynthia MacDougall knitting Fractured Flower Trivet 64 Lorraine Thompson knitting Sunflower Socks 68 Nancy Lekx knitting Leafly Vines Wrap 70 Jo Gatenby cross stitch Cross Stitched Black Rose 72 Nancy Devine embroidery Garden Lady Hooped Wall Art 76 Kim Beamish embroidery Cottage Garden Needlebook 80 Bunny Goodman crewel stumpwork The Challenge: A Floral Crewel Stumpwork Design 90 Lorna Vogel rug hooking Blooming Beauties Rug 94 Christine Baker punch needle For the Love of Sunflowers Wall Art A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59 5

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! To list your event in this space call 1.866.969.2678. PUBLISHER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, ART DIRECTOR Carla A. Canonico Haus of Stitches Knitting Retreats June 1 - 10, 2023 [email protected] Fall | September 16 - 18, 2022 Saskatchewan Stitches Conference Spring | April 14 - 15, 2023 St. Peter’s Abbey, Muenster, Saskatchewan PUBLISHER, ADVERTISING SALES St. Peter’s Abbey, Muenster, Saskatchewan The Saskatchewan Stitches Conference offers John De Fusco Imagine being able to knit without interruption? creative classes with renowned fibre and needle [email protected] Share the enthusiasm with other knitters, be work artists and attracts participants from across inspired, discover new techniques, get fresh Canada who love to sew, knit, quilt and rughook. PHOTOGR A PHER S ideas and knit, knit, and knit some more! Forms Forms and details at www.saskstitches.ca or call Carla A. Canonico, John De Fusco and details at www.hausofstitches.ca or call 1.800.344.6024. 1.800.344.6024. QUILTING CONTRIBUTORS GRAPHICS ASSISTANT Advertiser Index Heather McArthur Sondra Armas Saturday October 15, 2022, 9am to 4pm [email protected] 13th Annual WoolstockON Fibre Festival 100 Amodex Elaine Theriault SOCIAL MEDIA Paris Fairgrounds, 139 Silver St, Paris, Ontario N3L 3E7 06 Brampton Sew N Serge [email protected] Alessia De Fusco This annual event showcases fibre artists, 99 Brother Paul Léger producers, demonstrators and guilds to share 98 Business Directory [email protected] I.T./Web ASSISTANT everything fibre! This show incorporates 67 Canadian Guild of Knitters Alejandro Araujo workshops and vendors carrying everything from 39 Canadian Quilters' Association KNITTING CONTRIBUTOR raw fibres to quality finished products. See and 89 Crochet Designs by NanaRuth Cynthia MacDougall purchase supplies and equipment for spinning, 51 Embroiderers' Association of Canada [email protected] weaving, knitting, crocheting, rug hooking and 89 Hardanger House felting. Food Trucks, 4-H Llama demonstrations, 89 Haus of Stitches Website : www.ANPTmag.com Facebook: ANPTmag Flax demonstrations and Angora Rabbit Care 02 Husqvarna Viking demonstrations held throughout the day. 06 K & A Quilt Studio Toll Free: 1.866.969.2678 Ravelry: ANPTmag Workshops, vendors and demonstration times listed 06 Kelly's Creative Sewing at www.fleecefestival.com. Admission is $8.00, under 89 KNITmuch SUBSCRIPTIONS 10 free. Visit the website for all updates. 89 Lowery Workstands A Needle Pulling Thread (ISSN 1715-4650) is a quarterly publication. 07 Odif Subscribe online, by phone, or by mail. 902-435-7380 93 Ontario Hooking Craft Guild 06 Ottawa Sewing Centre In Canada: In the USA: www.kellyscreativesewing.ca 31 PFAFF A Needle Pulling Thread A Needle Pulling Thread 50 QUILTsocial Subscriber Services Subscriber Services 804 Main Street 97 Quiltworks Studio 1025 Rouge Valley Dr PO Box 197 Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2W 3V1 89 Rypan Designs Pickering, ON L1V 4N8 Niagara Falls, NY 14304-0197 06 Sew Inspired [email protected] 06 The Quilt Store Subscription rates for 4 quarterly issues: Specialize in Sewing, Embroidery machines, 67 The Yarn Guy 92 WoolstockON PRINT: Canada: CAD$59.95/year USA: USD$59.95/year. Sergers and Long arm Quilting Systems 51 X's & Oh's DIGITAL: Canada: CAD$39.95/year USA: USD$32.95/year. 55 SUBSCRIPTION FORM PRINT + DIGITAL: Canada: CAD$67.95/year USA: USD$67.95/year. Ottawa Applicable taxes extra. For back issues please visit our web site or call Sewing Centre us for availability. Also available on iTunes and Google Play. RETAILERS If you are interested in carrying A Needle Pulling Thread in your store, please call 1.866.969.2678 or email [email protected]. Also visit www.CRAFTalytics.com to find out about our new digital marketing services specially designed for craft retailers. EDITORIAL Designers and other contributors who would like to be considered for future issues please email Carla with a brief description of your work and your proposed project for the magazine. SPECIAL THANKS TO All the contributors, Simon Pelletier, Alessia, Adriano, and to our moms. A Needle Pulling Thread® is a registered trademark. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. ©2022 A Needle Pulling Thread. All rights reserved. Issue 59. Sales & Service of Baby Lock, Brother, and Elna All designs, patterns, and information in this magazine are sewing machines, and Q'nique longarm quilting machines for private, non-commercial use only, and are copyrighted material owned by their respective creators or owners. 613-695-1386 www.ottawasewing.com Funded by the Government of Canada. 1390 Clyde Ave, #107, Ottawa, ON K2G 3H9 Your Authorized Dealer for: K&A Quilt Studio Ottawa Valley Authorized Dealer BRAMPTON SEW N SERGE Where Friends and Creativity Meet! Sewing, Knitting & Having a Good Time www.BRAMPTONSEWNSERGE.com Authorized distributors Arnprior Shopping Centre 905-874-1564 375 Daniel St S, Arnprior, ON K7S 3K6 Phone: 519-425-4141 7-289 Rutherford Rd S, Brampton, ON L6W 3R9 [email protected] Your Authorized Dealer for: 90 Samnah Crescent Ingersoll, ON N5C 3J7 613-623-0500 www.sewinspired.ca www.kaquiltstudio.com [email protected] 6 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59

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On the Other Side Hi, I’m Jen from Quilts by background for the sky of the Picket Fence Jen - I’m a quilt/pattern which creates a colour designer, instructor, wash effect with three Wall Quilt and speaker. I’m also blue fabrics that blend. passionate about using The fence and flowers colour and motion within are appliquéd to the my designs. This little piece background to give highlights both colour them dimension and and motion and was a lot be the focal point of of fun to create. It uses the piece. – Jen a curved checkerboard Photo on this page by Michael Houlden 8 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59

quilting skill level Intermediate notions Facing • rotary cutter • Med Blue fabric - cut 2 - 5” x WOF strips; finished measurements • cutting mat 16½” x 26½” [42 x 67cm] • square ruler either 8”, 9” or 12” sub-cut: • 6½” or 8½” x 24” ruler • 1 - 5” x 31” piece materials • small sharp scissors • 2 - 5” x 13½” pieces fabric • needles: • Lt Green fabric - cut 1 - 5” x WOF strip; • 11” x WOF [0.30m] light blue fabric for sub-cut: 2 - 4¼” x 5” pieces »Universal or Microtex 80/12 for • Med Green fabric - cut 1 - 5” x WOF sky piecing strip; sub-cut: 1 - 5” x 31” piece • 21” x WOF [0.55m] medium blue fabric »Topstitch or Microtex 90/14 for Backing and Batting quilting and appliqué • Cut a piece 20½” x 30½” [52 x 77.5cm] for sky • Teflon pressing sheet or parchment from each the backing fabric and • 11” x WOF [0.30m] dark blue fabric for paper batting • 39” x 12” [1.0m] fusible web for appliqué TIP Use 2 rulers to cut the wider widths of sky fabric rather than the lines on the cutting • 8” x WOF [0.20m] light green fabric feet mat; for a tutorial on cutting wider pieces • 8” x WOF [0.20m] medium green fabric • ¼” foot with or without guide for of fabric check out my blog post: https:// • 4” x 20” [10 x 50cm] green for stems quiltsbyjen.ca/what-to-do-when-the-ruler- • 8 assorted colours and fabrics for piecing isnt-wide-or-long-enough/ • walking foot Photo 6 flowers ranging from 4” [10cm] - 8” • free motion foot (darning foot) [20cm] squares • open toe embroidery foot for appliqué 1 • assorted scraps for flower centers to complement flower fabrics stitching 2 • 8” x WOF [0.20m] white/textured white/ white with print fabric for fence equipment • 5⁄8 yd [0.5m] fabric for backing - solid • iron colour or busy print • ironing board or mat • 5⁄8 yd [0.5m] of 45” wide low loft batting • sewing machine such as 100% cotton • extension table for sewing machine Note: the blue-sky fabrics are all on the abbreviations lighter end of the value spectrum but do graduate between light - medium - dark WOF = width of fabric within a lighter value range. The green WS = wrong side fabrics are of medium and dark value. For RS = right side more information on value and colour RST = ride sides together check out my blog post: https://quiltsbyjen. Sq(s) = square(s) ca/what-is-value-in-relation-to-colour/ Lt = light Photos 1, 2, 3 Med = medium Dk = dark thread • neutral coloured thread for piecing Cutting Instructions • thread for quilting and appliqué Background stitching • Lt Blue fabric - cut 1 - 10” x WOF strip; »blue for the sky - one that blends well with the three fabrics sub-cut: 2 - 10” sqs »colours to match the flowers, centers, • Med Blue fabric - cut 1 - 10” x WOF strip; and stems »white for the fence sub-cut: 4 - 10” sqs • Dk Blue fabric - cut 1 - 10” x WOF strip; Note: the thread can be a solid colour or variegated - use cotton, polyester, or rayon sub-cut: 2 - 10” sqs - for more information on thread check out • Lt Green fabric - cut 1 - 2½” x WOF strip; my blog post: https://quiltsbyjen.ca/the- thick-and-thin-of-thread/ sub-cut: 1 - 2½” x 27” piece Photos 4, 5 • Med Green fabric - cut 1 - 2¾” x WOF strip; sub-cut: 1 - 2¾” x 27” piece Instruction photos by Jennifer Houlden A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59 9

36 Creating the Quilt Top 4 Sky 7 • The sky uses curved checkerboard 5 blocks rather than a regular square 8 checkerboard - this gives the sky more dimension and an illusion of 10 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59 movement behind the flowers. • It is created using the 3 blue fabrics to create 8 blocks - 4 using a Lt/Med blue fabric combo (Block X) and 4 using a Med/Dk blue fabric combo (Block Y). TIP Check out my blogpost on curved piecing and the curved checkerboard: https://quiltsbyjen.ca/curved-piecing-it-is- easier-than-it-looks/ https://quiltsbyjen.ca/sparkling-snowflake- mug-rug-2/ Curved Piecing 1. Place a Lt blue sq on top of a Med blue sq with RS facing up. Photo 7 2. Using a rotary cutter cut 4 gentle curves which will result in 5 pieces. Photo 8 TIP Do not make exaggerated concave or convex curves as they will be harder to sew together. 3. Alternate fabric strips to create 2 blocks - label 1a to 5a and 1b to 5b. Photo 9 4. Place pieces 1a and 2a RST with the top left corners matching and sew together with a ¼” seam - no pinning or clipping are required - repeat with pieces 1b and 2b. Photos 10, 11, 12 TIP Hold the top piece up off the bottom piece slightly to guide the fabric along with sewing the 2 pieces together - this will result in a more even seam allowance - don’t worry if the seam allowance isn’t exactly ¼” as this method is quite forgiving. 5. Repeat step 4 with pieces 3a and 4a and 3b and 4b, make 2. 6. Press seams in either direction with a steam iron. Photos 13, 14 7. Sew pieces 5a and 5b to the unit made in step 5 matching up pieces 4a and 5a and 4b and 5b, press seam - make 2.

8. Sew units from steps 4 and 7 together 9 12 matching up pieces 2a and 3a and 2b 10 13 and 3b, press seam - make 2. Photo 15 14 Note: when the blocks are completed, they will have a straight edge on each side while the top and bottom will be uneven. 9. Repeat steps 1 - 8 for the remaining Lt/Med blue fabric combo and the Med/Dk fabric combo for a total of 4 blocks of each fabric combo. Photos 16, 17 Curved Checkerboard 10. Place 2 on top of each other with RS facing up and curved seams oriented horizontally, using a rotary cutter cut 4 gentle curves which will result in 5 pieces - the same method as in steps 1 and 2 of the curved piecing. Photo 18 11. Alternate fabric strips to create 2 blocks - label 1a to 5a and 1b to 5b. Photo 19 12. Follow steps 3 - 8 to sew blocks together, make 2. Photo 20 Note: do not try to match up seam allowances - some seam allowances may meet up but most will not. Photo 21 13. Repeat for the remaining Lt/Med blue combo and the four Med/Dk blue combo - 8 blocks in total with 4 of each fabric combo; square up all blocks to 7¼”. Photo 22 Note: for accurate squaring up check out my blog post: https://quiltsbyjen.ca/how-to- square-up-blocks-with-precision/ 11 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59 11

15 19 Background 16 1. Sew checkerboard blocks into rows 20 alternating the blocks, press seams 17 towards the darker block. 2. Sew the rows together - row 1 will 21 start with the Med/Dk block and row 2 will start with the Lt/Med block - this 18 way the seams will nest together. 22 Photo 23 3. Sew the 2 green strips together, press 12 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59 the seam towards the darkest fabric. 4. Sew the green fabric section to the bottom of the sky unit, and press the seam towards the green fabric. Photo 24 Quilting the Background 1. Press backing, batting, and pieced background; layer the 3 layers - baste together by using either curved safety pins or spray baste. Photo 25 2. Quilt sky as desired - stitch in the ditch, echo quilting, free motion quilting - the sample has been echo quilted using a walking foot and blue cotton thread that blends in with the blue fabrics to create texture. Photo 26 Note: quilting can be minimal or as much as you like - the appliqué stitching will also be done through the 3 layers. 3. Stitch in the ditch along the seam where the two green fabrics have been sewn together to anchor them to the batting and backing. 23 24

Adding the Appliqué 25 28 • All templates have been reversed. 26 29 • Trace templates onto fusible web. 27 30 Note: for a tutorial on fusible web and appliqué see my blog posts: https://quiltsbyjen.ca/how-to-use-fusible- web-for-applique/ https://quiltsbyjen.ca/how-to-create- applique-pieces-with-fusible-web/ 1. Trace 1 of each flower, center, and stem - make sure to number each piece, trace 9 fence posts and draw on the fusible web a rectangle 3” x 14” to be used for the fence rails. TIP Use a hard leaded pencil to prevent smudging of the lead on your hand which can inadvertently be transferred to the fabric. 2. Cut pieces out a ¼” from the pencil line - do not cut on the pencil line. Photo 27 3. Fuse pieces to WS of flower fabrics, stem fabrics, and fence fabric. Photo 28 Note: use a Teflon pressing sheet or parchment paper over the pieces to prevent any glue from getting on the iron. TIP If fusible web glue does get on the iron a fabric softener sheet run over the hot iron surface will remove it - be careful not to burn your fingers. 4. Once cooled cut out on the pencil line with a sharp pair of scissors for the flowers and stems and a rotary cutter and ruler for the straight edge fence pieces. Photos 29, 30 5. Cut the rail fence piece into 2 - 1” x 14” pieces and 2 - ¾” x 14” pieces - use a rotary cutter and ruler. A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59 13

31 34 6. Peel the paper from pieces and place 35 it on the background using the image below as a guide (the flower centers 32 have not yet been added in the photo) - start with the stems as they 36 need to be behind the fence. 33 a. Place the bottom of stems about a ¼” below the seam line for the 14 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59 green fabrics. b. Place flowers and flower centers on top of stems starting with #1 on the left side and #8 on the right side. c. Place top rail ¾” wide pieces 4” from the bottom of the quilt - 2 pieces to meet in the center which will be covered by a post - the rail also covers the seam line between the sky and grass. d. Place bottom rail - 1” wide pieces ¾” from the bottom of quilt covering the seam line for the 2 grass fabrics. e. Place fence posts 1½” apart starting 1½” from the left side - stems should fall between posts. Photo 31 7. Fuse to the background, cover with pressing sheet - do not slide iron back and forth as it could move the pieces, just place down on the sheet, let sit then pick up and set back down until all pieces are fused in place - follow manufacturer’s instructions for fusible web being used. 8. Audition threads to stitch down pieces - use threads that contrast with the fabrics or blend in - see photo 5 in requirements at beginning of the pattern. 9. Stitch around appliqué pieces using your favourite stitch. Stitch Widths for zigzag/satin stitch used in the sample: Flower centers - 3.0 Flowers - 2.5 Stems - 2.0 Fence - 2.5 Note: the sample has been stitched with a free motion zigzag/satin stitch - other stitches such as blanket stitch, zigzag, straight stitch can also be used - for a video on how to do the free motion satin stitch check out my blog post: https://quiltsbyjen. ca/how-to-free-motion-satin-stitch/ Photos 32, 33

10. Tie off and clip any loose 37 40 thread ends. 38 TIP Self-threading needles work 39 41 great to tie off thread ends - check out my blog post: https:// quiltsbyjen.ca/burying-threads- with-self-threading-needles/ Facing the Quilt Facing a quilt is an alternative way to finish off a quilt rather than using a traditional binding. Prepare quilt for facing by trimming off extra backing and batting around the quilt. Trim off the bottom of the quilt along the bottom of the fence posts. Photo 34 Vertical Sides 1. Sew the Lt green pieces to the short Med blue pieces, and press the seam open. Photo 35 2. Press units from step 1 in half with WS together. 3. Pin to the vertical sides of the quilt matching the seam in the facing to where the sky and grass meet. Photo 36 4. Sew in place with a ¼” seam - press facing over the edge of the quilt. Photo 37 5. Turn over to the back and sew an 1⁄8” seam between the ¼” seam and edge of the quilt. Photo 38 6. Press facing to the back of the quilt with a hot steam iron to form a stiff edge. Photos 39, 40 7. Hand sew in place to the back of the quilt. Top and Bottom 8. Press the top (blue) and bottom (green) and piece WS together. 9. Pin to the top and bottom of the quilt - there will be a 2” hanging over each end. Photo 41 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59 15

42 43 44 45 10. Repeat step 4-6 for the top and bottom pieces. My passion is everything quilting especially colour, 11. Make a mitered corner on each edge and fold under fabric, thread, and sharing this passion with others. facing. Photos 42, 43, 44 I am very fortunate to have a wonderful off-grid 12. Hand sew in place to the back of the quilt. cottage studio surrounded by the beautiful landscape TIP Leave the ends of the facing open to be used as a of the Canadian Shield, where I create one-of-a-kind art hanging sleeve. Photo 45 quilts, patterns, workshops, modern, and traditional Hang quilt up and enjoy! quilts as well as charity and memory quilts. Jennifer Houlden My love of textiles, quilting, teaching, and designing first manifested itself while living in the Arctic and Quilts by Jen further developed when living in the Australian FB QuiltsByJen Outback. This led to my label, Quilts by Jen upon my 705.835.3064 return to Canada. 16 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59

On the Other Side of the Picket Fence TEMPLATES Actual Size 1 2 41⁄2\" x 57⁄8\" 31⁄4\" x 33⁄4\" 3 43⁄4\" x 51⁄4\" 4 4\" x 43⁄8\" A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59 17

On the Other Side of the Picket Fence 5 21⁄2\" x 27⁄8\" 6 57⁄8\" x 61⁄2\" 7 TEMPLATES Fence post Actual Size trace 9 37⁄8\" x 41⁄8\" 11⁄2\" x 6\" 8 18 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59 23⁄4\" x 23⁄4\"

1⁄4\"x 81⁄2\" 11⁄4\" x 11 1⁄4\" x 7⁄8\" 1⁄4\" x 101⁄4\" 1 3 1 3 5 6 3⁄4\" x 1⁄8\" 7⁄8\" x 11⁄4\" 1⁄4\" x 75⁄8 1⁄4\"x 75⁄8\" 1⁄4\" x 81⁄4\" 2 2 4 7 3⁄8\" x 1\" 1⁄4\" x 63⁄4\" 8 5 1⁄2\" x 3⁄4\" 6 7⁄8\" x 11⁄2\" 7 1⁄2\" x 1\" 8 1⁄2\" x 5⁄8\" 4 3⁄4\" x 1\" A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59 19

Mini Flower Bouquet Cushion During the journey to The Design Appliqué Of course, you can create a memory of feature on my choose whatever letter my mother and our HUSQVARNA® VIKING® you like for your project. shared love of colour sewing and embroidery Once I completed my I was inspired to machine allowed me to embroidery, create a project with create a template for my I turned it into a a large monogram small floral designs in decorative cushion. letter filled with small, the shape of the letter M. embroidered flowers. – Michelle 20 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59

fibre art and machine embroidery skill level Intermediate • Sensor Q-Foot (included with machine) software finished measurements • 260 x 260mm Mega Quilters Hoop or • mySewnet™ 17” x 17” [43 x 43cm] materials 200 x 200mm Quilter’s Hoop Embroidery fabric • Utility Foot A (included with machine) Software • 1½ yds [1.5m] satin or home decor (optional) • Decorative with access fabric Stitch Foot B to mySewnet trims (included with Library • silver metallic fine fringe for waterfalls machine) (optional) • gold metallic fine fringe for grass • mySewnet stabilizers • Quilter’s ¼” Account • INSPIRA™ Fusible “No Show” Mesh Piecing Foot • INSPIRA™ Tear-A-Way needles • INSPIRA™ Light & Soft Fuse-On • Clear Invisible • HUSQVARNA® Zipper Foot threads VIKING® • assorted colours of Robison-Anton® • Mega Piping Embroidery Foot needle size 90 40wt rayon • HUSQVARNA® • thread 60wt bobbin thread • Zigzag stitch VIKING® • 50wt sewing thread plate and Universal sewing feet and accessories Straight stitch needle size 80 • HUSQVARNA® VIKING® DESIGNER plate (included with machine) other EPIC™ 2 or DESIGNER RUBY™90 • 2¼ yds (2.0m) or DESIGNER SAPPHIRE™ 85 sewing and embroidery machine cotton cord for piping size 3/16” (5mm) • invisible zipper 22” (55cm) • pillow form 18” x 18” SINGER® Steam Iron • HUSQVARNA® VIKING® 4.5”/11.4cm Easy Snip Scissors • marking pen/ chalk rotary cutter, ruler, mat • pins • small binder clips • pressing cloth A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59 21

Cutting Instructions 7. Select the Satin Stitch (narrow) to Note: See the section on Accessing Designs load it to the shape line. via the mySewnet Library or Accessing Satin SuperDesigns from the mySewnet • 1 (20” x 20”) cushion front Note: this is just for placement, and it will Embroidery Software for instructions on • 1 (18” x 18”) cushion back not be stitched, it will be removed later. how to access those designs. • 1¾” strips cut on the bias for piping 8. Change the size of the appliqué 12. As you fill your shape with designs (approximately 80”) design so it fills your hoop area. Select you may want to save your design INSPIRA™ Fusible “No Show” Mesh the Scale icon and use the Scale - from time to time. See your User’s • 1 (20” x 20”) cushion front Control Center to increase the size of Guide for directions on how to Save INSPIRA™ Light & Soft Fuse-On the letter. your design. • 2 (18” x 18”) 9. Touch OK to confirm and return to Creating the Design embroidery edit. 1. In the JoyOs ADVISOR™ select 10. Start filling in your letter shape by Embroidery. adding small flower designs and leaves. Place them side by side but not 2. Select Start New. overlapping. 3. Choose your hoop size 260x260 TIP Resize designs to fill in areas, also you or 200x200 depending on your can fill in blank spaces with leaf stitches embroidery machine. behind the embroidery to cover the area more completely. 4. Open Design Appliqué in embroidery 11. You can access designs from the edit to start your appliqué design. following: 5. To the right, in the Shape Menu, » The N Small Designs menu on your you will find different shapes, letters and numbers to choose from when machine. creating your appliqué design. » Designs you already own. » mySewnet Library Designs 6. Touch a letter to load it. I chose the letter M for Mom. (included with your active mySewnet Subscription) or purchase individual designs from the mySewnet Library without a mySewnet Subscription. » SuperDesigns found in the mySewnet Embroidery Software. Instruction photos by Annette Janca 22 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59

13. Once the Appliqué letter is filled in 2. If you’re using other machines or don’t with flowers and leaves, select the first have an active mySewnet subscription design element, which is the Satin and want to purchase individual Stitch Appliqué letter, and delete it designs: since you do not want to stitch it out. Use the Layers Tool to easily select it a. Go to mySewnet.com. in the long list of designs. b. If you are not signed into 14. Save your design to your machine or mySewnet, sign in. your mySewnet Cloud. c. Click on the dropdown Tools Menu Accessing Designs via the mySewnet in the upper right corner of the Library mySewnet home page. 1. If you’re using a direct browsing d. Choose Library. mySewnet Enabled Machine with an active mySewnet Subscription, you e. Use the filter available to narrow Sewing Machine Preparations are able to access the designs and the search results to designs less search tools right on your machine. than 25mm in height and width. 1. Insert a HUSQVARNA® VIKING® Embroidery needle size 90 into your f. Purchase the designs you need machine. and transfer them to your machine using either the WiFi send options 2. Thread your machine with Robison- (if applicable) or transfer using a Anton® 40wt rayon thread for your USB stick. designs on top and 60wt bobbin thread on the bobbin. Accessing SuperDesigns from the mySewnet Embroidery Software 3. Change your stitch plate to the Straight Stitch Plate refer to your User’s 1. Launch your mySewnet Embroidery Guide for instructions on how to Software on your computer. change the stitch plate. 2. Open a Blank Canvas. Note: the Straight Stitch Plate is recommended for embroidery, because it 3. Select a hoop in the Hoop Selection. has a smaller hole in the plate that supports the fabric closer to the needle. 4. Go to the SuperDesign tab. 4. Remove the presser foot ankle and 5. Under Category choose - Flowers attach the Sensor Q-Foot. and Leaves. 5. Attach your embroidery unit. 6. Select a flower, enter the size desired and click Apply. 7. Send it via WiFi or Export it and transfer it to your machine. 8. Repeat for any additional SuperDesign flowers you want to use. Fabric Preparations 1. Fuse the 20” x 20” INSPIRA™ Fusible No Show Mesh Stabilizer onto the 20” x 20” piece of satin by placing the fusible (shinier) side of the stabilizer onto the wrong side of the satin. Use a pressing cloth to apply the stabilizer to the back of the fabric using a SINGER® iron set on the Silk setting without steam. Press and hold then lift iron (without sliding) until the entire area is fused. 2. Center the INSPIRA™ Tear-A-Way stabilizer and 20” x 20” piece of stabilized fabric in the 260 x 260mm Mega Quilters hoop or the 200 x 200mm Quilter’s hoop. A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59 23

Embroidering your project Fabric Preparations 1. Select GO to switch to Embroidery 1. Press your embroidered fabric using a Stitch Out mode. pressing cloth and a SINGER® Steam 2. On the Preview Screen – choose Color Iron. Block Sort and Color Block Merge to 2. Trim your embroidered piece to 18” reduce the number of colour changes x 18” centering your design in the required during the stitching process. middle. 3. Select Continue. 3. Fuse INSPIRA™ Light & Soft Fuse-On 4. Embroider your design onto your fabric. stabilizer to the wrong side of your cushion front and back by placing the 5. When you have finished embroidering fusible (shinier) side of the stabilizer the design, remove the fabric from the onto the wrong side of the satin. Use hoop. a pressing cloth to apply the stabilizer to the back of the fabric using a 6. Remove the INSPIRA™ Tear-A-Way SINGER® iron set on the Silk setting stabilizer from behind your embroidery. without steam. Press and hold then lift iron (without sliding) until the entire area is fused. 4. Slightly round the corners of your cushion front and back, so the bias piping will go around the corners nicely. Sewing Machine Preparations for Piping 1. Insert a HUSQVARNA® VIKING® Universal needle size 80 into your machine. 2. Thread your machine with 50wt sewing on top and on the bobbin. 3. Change your stitch plate to the Zigzag Stitch Plate. 4. Remove the Sensor Q-Foot. Attach the presser foot ankle. Attach the Quilter’s ¼” Piecing Foot. 5. Remove your embroidery unit. 6. Select the straight stitch. Sewing Piping Strip 1. Sew the 1¾” bias strips together using a ¼” seam allowance (make sure all the ends are cut at a 45-degree angle). Offset the ends as shown when stitching the strips together. 2. You will need approximately an 80” long strip. 3. Press the seams open. 4. Trim off the extending points. 24 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59

Sewing Machine Preparations Sewing Piping on the Cushion Front Sewing Machine Preparations 1. Attach the Mega Piping Foot, this foot 1. Sew the piping to the front of the 1. Attach the Utility Foot A. is perfect for creating and inserting cushion adjusting the needle position piping into your project. It can be as necessary. 2. Select a zigzag stitch. attached to the right or left of the needle whichever side is the best for 2. When going around the corners, clip Zigzag Raw Edges inserting the piping into your project. into the seam allowance of the piping to make the seam lay flat. 1. Zigzag around all four sides of the 2. Select a Straight stitch. front and back fabric to stop it from fraying. Inserting Cord into Piping Strip 1. Lay the cording on the wrong side of the fabric strip and wrap the fabric around the cord. 2. Place the fabric and the cord under the Mega Piping Foot with the cord to the left of the foot. 3. Sew along the length of your strip. Adjust your needle position using Stitch Positioning so that it is close to the cord. TIP When you sew this piping into your project, adjust the needle position so the second row of stitches is one needle position closer to the cord, to cover the first stitching. 3. Once you get back to the start, overlap the piping and stitch across. 4. Trim off the excess piping. A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59 25

Sewing Machine Preparations for 6. Lay your cushion back on your work Bartack Zipper Ends Invisible Zipper surface, right side up and place a 1. Attach the Decorative Stitch Foot B. mark 1½” up from the bottom and 1½” 2. Select a Backtack stitch. 1. Attach the Clear Invisible Zipper Foot. down from the top. 3. Bartack each end of the zipper and cut 2. Select a Straight stitch. 7. Zip up your zipper. off the excess zipper. Sewing Machine Preparations Sewing Invisible Zipper 8. Place your cushion front onto your 1. Attach the Mega Piping Foot. cushion back with right sides together, 2. Select a Straight stitch. 1. Open the zipper. Prepare your invisible aligning all the edges and corners. Finishing the Cushion zipper by ironing the zipper coils flat Take the side of your zipper that is NOT with a SINGER® Steam Iron set on a attached yet and place it onto the 1. Open the zipper just enough to Nylon setting. The right side of the right side of your cushion back. turn the cushion through once your zipper is the one with the zipper pull. stitching is complete. 9. Pin or use 2-sided tape to hold the TIP Buy an invisible zipper that is longer zipper in place. Open the zipper. 2. Lay your cushion flat, use binding than the zipper opening. clips to clip the 3 open sides together 10. Stitch the zipper in place making sure matching your corners. 2. Lay your cushion front on your work you are starting and stopping at your surface with the right side up. Place a 1½” markings. 3. Stitch the rest of the cushion stitching mark on your cushion on the side that right up against the piping adjusting you will be attaching the zipper, 1½” 11. Zip up your zipper. your needle position as necessary. up from the bottom and 1½” down from the top (avoid applying the 4. Turn the cushion right sides out zipper to the side that has the piping through the open zipper, poking the join). corners out. 3. Place the zipper on the side edge 5. Insert your cushion form. with the right side down and the coils pointed towards the center of the cushion, make sure the zipper tape is at least 1” from the top and bottom of your cushion. Pin or use 2-sided tape to hold the zipper in place. 4. Start sewing at the first mark, your needle should be in the down position and your cushion extending out to the left. Make sure the coils of the zipper are in the guide on the underside of the foot. 5. Sew the length of the zipper until you reach your second mark. 26 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59

DESIGNER RUBY™ 90 DESIGNER SAPPHIRE™ 85 HUSQVARNA® VIKING® DESIGNER EPIC™ 2 Michelle Hartrick Event & Product Specialist SVP Canada Inc. https://husqvarnaviking.com/en-CA/ https://mysewnet.com/ VIKING, DESIGNER EPIC, DESIGNER RUBY, DESIGNER SAPPHIRE, MYSEWNET, JOYOS ADVISOR and INSPIRA are trademarks of KSIN Luxembourg II, S.a.r.l. HUSQVARNA and the “H” Crown Device are trademarks of Husqvarna AB and are used under license. ©2022 KSIN Luxembourg II, S.a.r.l. All rights reserved. A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59 27

HOPE Springs Eternal wall quilt 28 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59

Being a regular contributor quilting 5. On the paper side of HeatnBond to A Needle Pulling Thread interfacing draw free-hand two magazine has many Instructions curved flower stems, approximately advantages. My favourite 18” to 20” in length. Fuse interfacing to advantage is knowing 1. From grey fabrics cut 16 – 8½” x 8½” the back of the stem fabric. in advance the theme squares. Sew squares into a 4 x 4 grid. of upcoming issues. This gives me the chance to 6. Trace four of the smaller petals on the explore and create project HeatnBond interfacing and fuse on ideas, hopefully, try new the wrong side of the stem fabric. techniques or rediscover an old one. Case in point, for 7. Place stems and leaves on the this issue I created a wall background fabric. quilt using the stain glass technique I learned years 2. Using the larger of the two petal ago, and in doing so, I gave it shapes, trace 12 petals on HeatnBond a whimsical cartoonish feel. interfacing. As I was selecting the fabrics, I decided to use colours 3. Fuse six of the traced petals on the that show my support for wrong side of each of the two fabrics Ukraine. – Paul selected for the flowers, yellow and blue in this case. skill level Confident Beginner 4. Place petals in a circular pattern on 8. Once the placement of these the background fabric. Do not fuse to elements is pleasing to you, fuse finished size 32½” x 32½” before quilting the background. leaves and stems. technique Bias tape with twin needle 9. Fuse the Clover Quick Bias Tape all along the edge of the leaves first. materials Using a SCHMETZ 80/12 Twin Needle fabric sew along the edges of the bias tape. • 1 yd [0.91m] fabric for the background, A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59 seven shades of grey were used in the sample • 2 fat eights for the flowers in yellow and blue • ¼ yd [0.23m] fabric for stems and leaves • 1⁄3 yd [ 0.30m] fabric for binding • 1 yd [0.91m] fabric for backing • 36” x 36” batting • 1 yd [0.91m] of stabilizer notions • 1 Clover - Black Quick Bias Tape roll – ¼” x 11 yds [6mm x 10m] • 1 SCHMETZ Twin Needle - 80/12 - 4.0mm • 1 yd [0.91m] HeatnBond Light Weight Fusible Interfacing Instruction photos by Paul Léger 29

TIP When using a twin needle, it’s a 10. Ensure the ends of the bias tape 11. Once stems are completed, fuse the good idea to use stabilizer underneath used on the leaves are covered when flower petals in place. Ensure the ends the background fabric to avoid pulling. placing and fusing the bias tape on of the stems are covered by one petal. Although with enough pressing and both edges of the stem. Repeat this quilting it disappears. step on the second stem. Hope Springs Eternal 12. Starting in the center, fuse the bias wall quilt tape around the petal’s edges sewing from one petal to the next. Using this TEMPLATES method, I’m able to fuse three petals at a time. Repeat this step until bias Actual Size tape has been placed along each petal’s edge. Petal 5¾\" x 2½\" The crisscrossing of the bias tape adds interest to the center of the flower. Leaf 3½\" x 1\" 13. Baste and quilt. 14. Attached binding Paul Léger Paullegerquilts.com 30 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59

WORLD’S FIRST WORLD’S FIRST BEST IN CLASS 31

Flower Power Wall Quilt I love learning new tools and keeping things simple, which almost sounds like an oxymoron. While I'm very comfortable with my Husqvarna Viking Designer EPIC™ 2 for the piecing and the appliqué, I decided to learn how to cut the appliqué shapes with the Brother Scan N Cut. You can cut them by hand if you don't have a Scan N Cut. There are numerous ways to construct this wall quilt; I decided to make three small quilts with one flower per quilt and tack them to a quilted base. Remove the tack stitches and switch out the small quilts for something else. If you prefer to make a table runner, piecing the flower blocks right into the sashing will make the project flat, preferable for a table runner. You could make just the flower quilts or add more or fewer blocks to suit your needs. The appliquéd flowers are large, with gentle curves, so the appliqué is FAST and easy. It's a super easy project and will add a fun splash of colour where you need it. Enjoy! – Elaine 32 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59

quilting skill level Easy • decorative thread (40wt embroidery The green was a bit more random, with thread works fantastic!) for the edges the seams going vertical and horizontal finished size 14\" x 33\" [35.5 x 84cm] of the raw edge appliqué (can be as I found scraps to fit. I pieced one contrasting or matching) section of the sashing at a time until it Note: PLEASE READ all instructions before was large enough to be cut down to you start, as there are two different ways to • thread for quilting the appropriate size as outlined in the create the sashings and the backgrounds (50wt works great in matching colours) materials list. for the appliqué. notions PART ONE materials • open toe foot for the sewing machine fabric The appliquéd flower quilts • 19¾” [0.5m] of white (or use scraps (appliqué) You will make three individual small quilts • sharp scissors for cutting the appliqué that get tacked to the quilted base. If you to make the backgrounds for the wish to piece the blocks into the project appliqué) shapes rather than use them as a 3-D element, - Cut THREE (3) squares at 7½\" square • 12½\" square ruler then appliqué the flowers and trim the for the quilted base. These squares • 8½\" x 24\" ruler blocks to 7½\". You will need to reduce the will not show, so you could even use • 6\" x 12\" ruler size of the flower slightly. muslin. • rotary cutter Step One – Creating the appliqué shapes - Cut THREE (3) squares at 8½\" for the • cutting mat 1. Trace the flower shapes onto appliqué backgrounds. Note: instead of cutting the pieces from the fusible web following the • 35½” [0.9m] of green for the sashing yardage, you may wish to \"make\" fabric and manufacturer's instructions. and binding (or use scraps to make the use up your scraps. I took some scraps of white 2. Fuse the fusible web to the wrong sashing pieces) and randomly sewed them together to get side of the 8\" squares of flower fabric - Cut TWO (2) strips at 3½\" squares from which I could cut an 8½” square. and the 5\" squares for the centers. » Sub cut FOUR (4) pieces at 3½\" x I repeated the process with the green for the 3. Cut out the shapes with sharp scissors. 14½\" (the horizontal sashing) sashing as well. I find this makes the piece from an old blouse, anything goes. » Sub cut THREE (3) pieces at 3½\" x more exciting and is one way to use up scraps. ALTERNATE METHOD 7½\" (the narrow vertical strips) It takes time, but since this is our hobby and You can use your Brother Scan N Cut to - Cut ONE (1) strip at 4½\" we're always learning, it's fun to \"make\" fabric. scan the fabric shapes. » Sub cut THREE (3) pieces at 4½\" x 1. Cut a square of fusible and fuse it to 7½\" (the wide vertical strips) Keep joining the scraps together until the wrong side of each fabric square. - Cut SIX (6) strips at 2½\" wide for the you can cut the pieces as outlined in the 2. Remove the paper from the fusible binding (join THREE strips with a materials list. Instead of making one large and firmly adhere the fabric square to diagonal seam and press the seams piece of scrappy fabric, I work on creating your cutting mat with the right side of open). Each of the remaining three “fabric” large enough to cut one sashing the fabric facing up. strips is to bind one of the small quilts. or background piece at a time. A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59 • THREE (3) 5” squares for the flower There are numerous names for this center technique – I call it using up scraps! If you don't have scraps, cut the pieces as • THREE (3) 8” squares for the flowers mentioned in the materials list. • 31½” [0.8m] for the backing - Cut ONE (1) rectangle 17\" x 36\" Here’s one background for the appliqué. - Cut THREE (3) squares at 11\" for the I made it simple and joined strips of white scraps together until I could cut backing of the small quilts an 8½” square. - Cut TWO (2) squares at 5” to make the corner hangers) • batting - 17\" x 36\" for the backing of the quilted base - THREE (3) pieces of batting at 11\" square for the small quilts • HeatnBond Lite fusible web thread • neutral sewing thread • bobbin thread (60wt – white or black) for the appliqué Instruction photos by Elaine Theriault 33

3. Scan the templates to create the cut files. 2. I used a mossy satin stitch for the PART TWO41⁄2\" x 71⁄2\" 31⁄2\" x 71⁄2\" 4. Use the Thin Fabric Auto Blade (beige) outer petals (one edge is smooth and the other is irregular), and a star stitch Creating the project base31⁄2\" x 71⁄2\" 41⁄2\" x 71⁄2\" to cut the shapes. for the centers. Step One – Use tUhnenpamroedvided diagram to PLEASE READ your user instructions or 41⁄2\" x 71⁄2\"piece the top. 31⁄2\" x 71⁄2\" refer to the Reference Chart for more TIPS information. ™ Experiment BEFORE you stitch Overall Size: 14.00 by 33.00 inches TIP I used my Singer Steam Press for all the fusing, and it took mere seconds to on. your piece, as you'll need to 31⁄2\" x 141⁄2\" fuse everything in place. understand the stitch sequence to help pivot around the points and the 71⁄2\" x 71⁄2\" Step Two – Fusing the appliqué to the circular edges of the petals and the background center. 31⁄2\" x 141⁄2\" 1. Take one flower shape with the ™ Pivot often on the tighter curves ™ Use your needle down function to 71⁄2\" x 71⁄2\" fusible on the wrong side and center make it easier to control the fabric it on an 8½\" square for the appliqué ™ Always pivot on the fuller side of 31⁄2\" x 141⁄2\" background. the curve. 2. Position the flower center in the Step Four – Quilting the flower quilts 71⁄2\" x 71⁄2\" middle of the flower. Once the appliqué is complete, layer 3. Fuse all pieces in place. each flower onto the 11\" squares of 31⁄2\" x 141⁄2\" 4. Repeat for all three flowers. batting and backing. I free-motion Step Three – Finish the raw edges with quilted a pattern with swirls and curves Step Two – Quilt the project base decorative stitching for the white background, and I used I used an overall (Edge to Edge) leaf motif 1. Using the bobbin thread in the white thread. I used straight lines across for quilting the entire piece, but any bobbin, and the decorative thread on the flower center and stitched in the background pattern will work. The large top, finish the edges of the centers ditch around the center. The petals have white squares will not show once the and the flowers. Try different stitches no quilting on them. smaller quilts are attached. on your sewing machine instead of Step Three – Bind the quilted base the usual satin or buttonhole stitches. Step Five – Finish up the flower quilts 1. Fold the 5\" squares in half on the Trim the three flower quilts to 8\" and bind each. diagonal. Baste one folded triangle in each corner of the top of the wall hanging. 34 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59

2. Using one strip of binding per small Flower Power Wall Quilt TEMPLATES quilt, attach the binding by machine or hand. 7\" B Flower 7¼\" Enlarge by 200% Step Four – Secure the flower quilts to the quilted base Center each small quilt over one white square in the quilted base. I used the Automatic Button Sewing (A58) stitch on my Husqvarna Viking Designer EPIC™ 2 to attach the three flowers to the background. This stitch is for attaching buttons to your garment by machine, but you can also use a zigzag with a length of 0. Flower Center ActuaC l Size And now your wall quilt is complete! Elaine Theriault 35 crazyquilteronabike.blogspot.com IG crazyquilteronabike [email protected] A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59

Gardening and sewing are two lifelong passions of for a veggie garden. There’s nothing more rewarding mine so this issue was filled with opportunities for and delicious than a fresh garden salad. Several inspiration. I easily get lost in the tranquility and years ago, I received a gift of a wooden sign with the creativity of both pastimes. I started gardening saying “Gardening is Cheaper than Therapy and you alongside my mom as a toddler. Mom enjoyed the can get Tomatoes”. company in the garden, but I’m not sure how much help I provided! While I love every season, spring It has been hanging in my kitchen ever since. It is is truly my favourite as you see new life emerge the inspiration for this project which I discovered in the garden. Every spring I can hardly wait to is equally as therapeutic. Blanket stitching around check out what new growth is poking out from the all the appliqué seemed like a daunting task at the previously frozen ground and plan the annual trip outset, however, once I found the rhythm of the to the local nursery to buy annuals and seedlings machine stitching, I found it to be very relaxing. – Clodagh Garden Therapy Banner 36 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59

quilting skill level Intermediate provided in two pieces. Attach the 5. Sew 2½” x 16½” sashing to the top appliqué pieces together with tape of the banner. Press seam towards finished measurements matching the dotted lines and sashing. 20¼” x 26” [51.5 x 66cm] corresponding letters. 6. Sew 2½” x 19” sashing to each side materials 2. Trace all pattern pieces onto fusible matching top edges. Press seam fabric web. Dotted lines are for positioning, towards sashing. • 195⁄8” [50cm] cream for background do not cut on dotted lines. Cut around each piece, leaving approximately ¼” 7. Trim bottom edge of sashing to align fabric for seam allowance. with angled bottom as per Diagram 2. • 195⁄8” [50cm] blue fabric for sashing and tabs 3. Apply the fusible web to the wrong 8. Sew 2½” x 16” sashing onto one of • 9½” [25cm] very dark blue for lettering side of the fabric. the bottom angled sides. Press seam • 15” x 3½\" or 0.1m scrap piece light blue towards sashing. for banner 4. Carefully cut out each piece precisely • 2” x 3” [5 x 7.7cm] scrap piece of dark along solid lines. 9. Trim edges of sashing to align with blue angled side and bottom as per • 5” x 5” [13 x 13cm] scrap piece of red for 5. Remove paper backing from the Diagram 3. tomato pieces. Place on the background fabric • 3” x 2” [7.7 x 5cm] scrap piece of green in the center, positioning the top of 10. Sew remaining 2 ½” x 16” sashing for tomato stem the design approximately 1” - 2” from onto the other angled bottom. Press • 23½\" [60cm] for backing fabric the top. Fine-tune the placement of seam towards sashing and trim as per the pieces. Press into place according Diagram 4 batting to the fusible web manufacturers’ • 75cm Battilizer OR 22” x 28” batting directions. 11. Press the 8” x 20” strip in half. Open • 23½” [60cm] Steam-a-seam fusible web and press each raw edge towards the • Tear Away Stabilizer (optional) 6. Blanket or satin stitch around the center fold. appliqué to secure in place using threads contrasting or coordinating polyester 12. Press 8” x 20” strip in half. Open and • Aurifil 50 weight cotton thread for embroidery threads. Gamut threads press each raw edge towards the piecing were used in the sample and a center fold. Refold on the center fold • Gamut thread for blanket stitching coordinating thread was chosen for all as per Diagram 5. You should now pieces except for the banner where a have a tab that measures 2” x 10”. Instructions contrast thread was used to make the banner pop. You may wish to place 13. Using the edgestitch foot, topstitch Cutting Instructions a tear-away embroidery stabilizer both long edges. behind your work, however, this is not 1. Cut background fabric 20” x 24”. Be necessary. 14. Cut in half lengthwise to create two sure to square off both ends. 10” hanging tabs. Finishing the Banner 2. Cut three 2½” strips of sashing. 15. Backing and quilting can be done 1. Use ¼” seam allowance unless using one of two methods. a. Sub cut into: 16½”, two 19” and two otherwise specified. 16” pieces. a. You can create a quilt sandwich and 2. Trim the banner to 16½” wide quilt through to the backing and 3. Cut 8” x 20” strip for tabs. ensuring to center the design. apply binding to finish the edges. Appliqué 3. Trim top of banner to 1½” above top b. Using Battilizer, you can quilt the of the appliqué banner without backing and then 1. Please note that all pattern pieces sew the backing and banner front have been provided reversed. The 4. Fold banner in half and cut the angled right sides together and then flip and appliqué piece for the banner is bottom according to the Diagram 1. turn it, finishing with a top stitch. Diagram 5 Diagram 1 Diagram 2 Diagram 3 Diagram 4 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59 37

Garden Therapy TEMPLATES Banner Enlarge by 200% 131/4\" 31⁄8\" Enlarge by 200% 21/4\" 41/4\" Actual Size 111⁄8\" Enlarge by 200% 101/2\" Actual Size Actual Size 38 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59

Actual Size Designed, pieced, and quilted by Clodagh Coker 40-17817 Leslie St, Newmarket, ON 905-853-7001 1-695 Plains Rd E, Burlington, ON 905-631-0894 www.thequiltstore.ca Visit Quilt Canada 2022 Rhombus Rules by Tannis Fahlman RECONNECTED June 15-18, 2022, Vancouver, BC Opening Night Gala & Award Ceremony – June 15, 7 pm Evening Keynote Speakers: Sandra Chandler – June 16; Jacquie Gering – June 17 National Juried Show | Concurrent Quilt Shows | Merchant Mall Lectures & Workshops | Daily Door Prizes Watch for updates at canadianquilter.com. A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59 39

On Steichen’s PondWall Quilt Nature is a constant source of skill level Intermediate • To maintain your sanity when using many inspiration for my fibre art! Working thread colours, use monofilament in the in raw-edge fused appliqué and finished size 40” x 19” [102 x 48cm] bobbin (to avoid having to change each (often dense) free-motion quilting is, time you change the top thread) quite simply, pure joy. Having never materials taken an art class, the advent of • Remember, sometimes the best thread smartphones and tablets fueled my fabric colour is two colours together if your creative practice which enabled me • half yard backing fabric machine has a second spool pin. Blend to interpret a photo in colourful and • 42” x 22” [107 x 56cm] batting threads the way painters blend their paints! tactile ways. • half yards of fabrics in colours to notions I created this summer landscape piece represent the sky, water, and ground • 18” x 24” cutting mat from a photo I took a few years ago; - these will be sewn to make the • rotary cutter the famous photographer Edward background of the quilt • fabric scissors Steichen lived in a dramatic glasshouse • fat eighths and scraps for mid and • fabric ink pens to add accent (black and at the water’s edge in my Connecticut foreground smaller elements hometown. An important part of my dark blue) art practice is to take lots of photos, thread • bottle of white fabric ink /correction fluid you never know which one could • 40wt thread in colours to match the sky, • fusible webbing for fabric provide the spark for your favourite • large pressing sheet for fusing art quilt! – Laurie ground, water, trees, flowers, etc • monofilament for bobbin feet/machine accessories suggestions • free motion foot Notes: • quilting/extension table for your machine • Thread is your palette! Select threads in • if available for your machine, a stitch- various colours to match/enhance your regulator foot fabrics when heavily quilting or thread- painting, it’s as important as the fabric itself to the overall composition. 40 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59

equipment fibre art • iron • ironing board Instructions • sewing machine • computer, iPad Fabric selection and prep Hand-cutting the large pieces of the scene • Procreate iPad app or Windows 1. These instructions are based on Hand cutting grass and lily pads Butterfly digital pattern alternatives working from a photograph. Choose a • digital cutter photograph of your favourite subject • sketchbook and pencil if not using or use my original photo if you prefer. 2. Select batik fabrics that will ‘sing’ Procreate nicely together; I believe that batiks • printer are much better suited to this process • light box given their higher thread count, hence, less fray on all those tiny Inspiration photo and palette of fabrics pieces. 3. Choose a range of colour values to Playing with image in Procreate ensure good contrast! One way to check this is to take a photo of your fabrics and edit it to black and white mode - you may be surprised to see the relative values of your fabrics. 4. Fuse your fabrics with repositionable fusible web before you begin; this boring step will save so much time as you compose the piece. 5. I work in reverse and like to fuse my batting to my backing piece, then fuse the background. Note: I’m allergic to pins and like to have all layers fused before I quilt anything…it makes for a much more pleasurable free- motion quilting experience! Drawing it out 1. Sketch the elements of the photo you would like to include. Think in terms of background (ground, sky, water), mid-ground (trees, lily pads, and grasses), and foreground (add elements like butterflies and bees). A photograph is invariably too detailed to render in precise details, so think about simplicity at this stage. If you have an iPad, do try the Procreate app as it will allow you to draw each piece in a separate layer and send precisely shaped pieces to your digital cutter. 2. According to your sketch, begin to rough out the large background areas of the piece (sky, ground, pond, and so on) by free-cutting the designated fabric with a rotary cutter. Relax when you do this part. Nature does not always strive for perfect symmetry! Roughing out the layout Butterfly fused and inked Photos by Laurie Russman A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59 41

Butterfly partially stitched 4. Consider the small but important finishing accent elements. I moved the house 1. Time to finish the edges! Trim the quilt. Butterfly finished and made it more colourful, then 2. Consider applying a faced binding imagined a friendly frog sitting on one SO many stitches of the lily pads, gazing at a butterfly. instead of a traditional quilt binding. Search the internet for copyright-free A faced binding is like quilt binding 3. Free-cut and add a mid-ground of grass images of these elements and trace except that it's sewn on the front and and more trees. For organic shapes such them. turned completely to the back so there as the lily ponds, it’s fun to cut a stack of is no visible binding around the front small rectangles with your rotary cutter, Notes: edge of the quilt. I also prefer this easy then hand-cut each pad…again, do • If using Procreate, import the image into method because the hand stitching not go for the perfect shape, a slightly a layer and trace it for your digital cutter. required at the end is easier. There are irregular shape looks more natural. • If using a paper sketch, draw elements many helpful videos online to guide and shapes you want to include in your you through this easy technique. Part design keeping in mind their size in of the fun of art quilts is not feeling the proportion to your quilt. You’ll need to cut need to create perfect mitered corners the pieces by hand including the fabric on your bindings! pieces too. Jackson’s TIP A quilt is always more interesting when it includes a cat. 5. For critters such as the frog, it is fun to give them facial expressions. Cut NeonKittyQuilts.com tiny circles for the colour of the iris… IG NeonKittyQuilts then use that black fabric ink pen to carefully ink in the pupil. To give Laurie Russman is a Louisville, your animals life, add highlights to KY-based art quilter who adores their eyes: for tiny subjects, use the bright colors and believes that tip of a pin to dot in a touch of white everyone is creative! A frequent fabric ink or white corrector fluid from teacher at International Quilt your office. You’ll be amazed at the Festival’s “Open Studios” and difference one small touch can make! the beloved City Quilter in NYC, Laurie appeared in Series 2000 Fusing and 2100 of Quilting Arts TV on PBS. She is a regular contributor 1. Using a repositionable fusible is to fiber art magazines in North a huge help when working with America and Europe, and is landscapes. Prior to committing to a featured artist in Quilted, your final collage of elements, you Volume Q of the Uppercase can press lightly and decide if you’re Encyclopedia of Inspiration. Her happy with your layout. If not, peel off art quilts have been juried into and move pieces to another spot. the National Juried Show at Quilt Canada, International Quilt 2. When you’re happy with your layout, Festival in Houston and AQS put a pressing sheet on top of the QuiltWeek Paducah. quilt and fuse the pieces into place with an iron. 3. Fusing is permanent after the quilt is pressed firmly with the iron. Thread painting 1. Ready to stitch, start with the large background areas using appropriate “fill” patterns. I stitched leaves into the tree fabric and gentle ripples onto the surface of the pond. Then work on the smaller pieces using precise stitches. 2. A quilt always tells you what it needs! The house deck looked empty so my cat Jackson moved in…then I realized he must be looking at a butterfly…and so it went for nearly 160,000 stitches! 42 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59

More When I first moved to the Okanagan, Joy British Columbia, Canada over a decade ago we dreamed of a life of outdoor adventure, but I never imagined how much I would learn and grow in the skill of photography. I still consider myself quite an amateur at capturing the world in snapshots, but I’ve been delighted at how my photography has inspired my I picked six of my work as a fibre artist. favourite flowers and Our goal from the start was to do printed them out in Fibre Art Flowers everything for free in B.C., which we reverse. I then outlined found to be a challenge because BC is the main flower parts Brandy Maslowski known to be expensive. As we camped, in chunks with a black marker and traced hiked, biked, and travelled around BC them onto paper-backed fusible. I poured quilteronfire.com on day trips and over the weekends I through my fabric scraps to choose the [email protected] began taking hundreds of photos as right colours to start fusing and I pulled FB quilteronfire we explored the wilderness, waterfalls, out all my perle cotton threads to match. IG quilteronfire vineyards, orchards, and flower gardens. My hands would be busy stitching as YT quilteronfire we drove. I was imagining delicate raw The first garden we visited was called edge flowers on a chunky greenery Linden Gardens in Kaleden, B.C. It was background with a lot of textured no Butchart Gardens by any means, but stitches. it was a strolling colourful array of every I was able to hand stitch 4 flowers on that flower I could imagine. I fell in love with trip between the chatting, snacking, and the colours, the textures, the smells singing that we generally do on a drive. of each variety, and the acres of lush My friends would raise a brow as they serenity. The gardens were different every saw the unfinished stages where I was time I visited with cherry blossoms in the stitching and unstitching and restitching, spring giving way to the giant peonies but I kept on despite my doubts that and soft scented roses of early summer. these would ever be showable in a Soon I had hundreds of photos of the gallery setting. Back home as I did the natural beauty of the willow trees, the final trim to size and mounted them on streams, the gardens, and of course, the wood cradle, I was delighted at how they individual flowers. turned out. You never know what your I have so many photos on my devices, mind can create from nature to photo to over 33,000 to put a number on it, that I fibre art flower unless you give it a try. often spend time sifting through them to Brandy Maslowski is the founder and delete, organize and keep only the best. host of the Quilter on Fire Podcast, and Recently, I was organizing flower photos you can find her everywhere online as and came across dozens of keepers from the Quilter on Fire. our first visit to the Linden Gardens. I had an art challenge due a few weeks later and we were about to go on a weekend golf trip to the Kootenays with a lot of Less driving. So, the challenge was on. I was going to stitch some fibre art flowers on Overwhelmthe drive. Photos by Brandy Maslowski A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59 43

Owl-FlowerPencil Case Elements of flowers as animals have been floating through my imagination for several years. The year my family and I moved to Canada was the year I first read Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland to my daughter. Sometime later, we were walking our dog, and I saw an open backyard garden full of gerberas, looking so curious and as if smiling in the grass. I envisioned them with owl faces surrounded by colorful petals. Although they didn’t talk like the flowers in Wonderland did, I am sure they winked at me! But how to take a flower wherever you go? With this case, you will always have a flower in your pocket! I travel for classes and workshops, I always bring along my favorite pens and pencils. This matching pencil case helps me to stay organized while being able to enjoy a bit of my ‘Wonder Garden’ no matter where I may be! – Olesya 44 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59

hand sewing and appliqué 1 skill level Intermediate 2 Instructions finished measurements 3 The overall process is sewing and quilting 4 basics and appliquéing the flower on the 2” x 6½” [4.8 x 16.8cm] front side of the case using blind stitching by hand or sewing machine if you prefer. materials The basic process is to cut the piece to be appliquéd, roll the edge under, then fabric sew with blind stitches. Numbers on the template give the order in which to stitch • 3” x 7” [7.7 x 17.8cm] piece of fabric for the pieces. front appliqué design • 3” x 7½” [7.7 x 19cm] piece of backing TIP To prevent frayed edges and for safety fabric while cutting pieces, I recommend pinking • 3” x 3” [7.7 x 7.7cm] piece for the top of shears. the case • 3” x 15” [7.7 x 45.7cm] piece of lining How it’s done fabric • 2” x 14¾” [5.1 x 37.5cm] piece of one- 1. Use a water-soluble marker to trace sided fusible fleece the placement of the appliqué design • 3” x 6½” [7.7 x 16.5cm] piece of fabric for (stems, leaves, and frames of the front flower stem and leaf side) on the right side of the main fabric. • 4” x 16” [10 x 41cm] piece of fabric for Photo 1 petals • (2) 2” x 2” [5.1 x 5.1cm] pieces of off- 2. Trace and cut out the pieces with a ¼\" white and brown fabrics for owl head [0.6cm] seam allowance. Pin a piece in thread place with the right side down. Make a running stitch along one side. Photo 2 • piecing thread • embossing threads for quilting stitches 3. Turn and gently press. Photo 3 • embroidery floss for decorative stitches and creating owl feathers 4. Use the tip of the needle to turn the seam allowance under along the notions marked line, then blind-stitch. Photo 4 Continue applique according to • pencil and water-soluble marker numbers on the template. For easy • translucent tracing paper for tracing appliqué draw a new line over the templates attached leaf and continue according to • sharp scissors and pinking shears the template. Photo 5 • cotton swab • craft cover metal button for flower face, 5 size 45 (11⁄8\" [2.8cm]) • sew-on snaps, ¼\" [0.6cm] • embossing stylus (1.2mm or 1.8mm) for owl’s face details • fabric paint (or multi-surface satin acrylic paint) in black and moon yellow for detail work • stiletto and fabric glue pen Photos by Olesya Lebedenko A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59 45

5. Remove the drawn lines with a damp 8 12 cotton swab. Photo 6 9 13 14 6. Trace the templates of the case to the wrong side of the fabric. Trim the edges if needed. Photo 7 7. Pin the top, back, and front piece with the appliqué design along the short sides with right sides together. Photo 8 Stitch with a ¼\" [0.6cm] allowance and press the seams open. 8. Put the fusible fleece to the wrong side of the back and press with steam. Photo 9 Align the lining and assemble the top with the right sides together. 9. Sew around the shape, leaving an opening. Photo 10 10. Clip the corners, being careful not to clip past the stitch line. Photo 11 11. Turn right sides out. Photo 12 12. Press with steam. Blind-stitch the opening. Photo 13 13. Mark the fabric for quilting as desired. Quilt all layers. Photo 14 6 10 7 11 46 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59

15 16 17 14. Mark 7⁄8” from the edge of the front 21. Use a button as the base for the owl's 18 side. Photo 15 face. Cut a circle of fabric that is at 19 least ¾\" [1.9cm] larger in diameter 15. Attach the snap base piece with than the button. Using a running several loop stitches through all layers. stitch, sew around the edge of the Photo 16 fabric circle and place the button in the center. Pull up the stitches to 16. Fold the case according to the stitch cover the button. Photo 23 lines and press with steam. Photo 17 Make several stitches to secure. 17. Clip or pin the sides of the case 22. Cut a template for the owl’s forehead together Photo 18 and blind stitch. with the extra seam allowance along Photo 19 the outward edge (approximately ½”). Photo 24 18. Trace the button base on the top of the case where the flower center 23. Trace to the wrong side of the fabric. (face) will be. Photo 20 Cut the curves with a ¼\" [0.6cm] allowance. Clip the curves, being 19. Fold the top and mark the stop for the careful not to clip past the traced line. second part of the snap. Photo 21 Photo 25 20. Stitch the top part of the snap with 24. Glue the curves. Photo 26 several loop stitches through all layers. Photo 22 25. Fold the curved seams with a stiletto. Photo 27 20 22 21 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59 47

23 28 24 29 33 30 34 25 26 26. Press and hold to glue the seam. Gently take out the template. Photo 28 31 27 27. Press with steam. Cut the extra fabric. Put a piece in place with right side 32 down. Make several long stitches to create the owl’s beak. Photo 29 48 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59 28. For ear tufts cut 6” [15cm] embroidery floss. Make a long stitch leaving a loose edge of 1½” length. Make a knot to fix the second edge as shown. Photo 30 29. Make the second ear tuft in the same manner. Using a running stitch, sew around the edge of the loose edge. Photo 31 30. Pull up the stitches to cover the button. Make several stitches to secure. Photo 32 35

38 36 Sewing Cozy Craft Projects 39 Create adorable 3D Characters! Filled with 9 patchwork quilt blocks and 12 craft projects including step-by-step instructions, Olesya’s new book was created for crafters who love to stitch, quilt, and knit! Adorable projects include fabric postcards, gift tags, ornaments, treat bags, miniature boxes too. These project ideas can be expanded into other project possibilities you can imagine! Landauer Publishing ISBN 978-1-947163-70-6 37 40 31. The owl’s face is surrounded by petals Olesya Lebedenko to add 3-D elements to the design. Fold the fabric right sides together. Olesya Lebedenko Design Trace 14 petals. Photo 33 olesya-l-design.com FB 365daysquiltscraps 32. Pin and stitch around the outside IG olesyalebedenkodesign edges, leaving the bottom of each patreon.com/olesyalebedenkodesign petal open. Cut each petal out with a ¼\" [0.6cm] seam allowance. Turn right sides out and press. Photo 34 33. Pin all the petals in position. Photo 35 34. Place the owl’s face in the center of the flower, on top of the raw edges of the petals. Photo 36 35. Attach the face by stitching through all the fabric layers and taking the pins out along the stitching. Photo 37 36. Cut the floss to 7⁄8” length. Photo 38 37. Apply the eyes using an embossing stylus or thin paintbrush, and black and yellow moon paint. Photo 39 38. When the yellow of the eyes is dry, make black dots for the pupils. Photo 40 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59 49

Owl-FlowerPencil Case 2\" 1/2\" TEMPLATES Actual Size 1 6\" 5⁄8\" 2 Cut 14 2\" 13⁄8\" Petal x 14 11⁄8\" diameter O UILTsocial EAT, SLEEP, QUILT, REPEAT! { daily blog *projects { weekly giveaways *techniques { monthly newsletter *product reviews { quarterly magazine { fun Facebook page and ALL { yummy Pinterest page { app on iTunes/Google Play FREE! { ALL of the above! visit QUILTsocial.com and download a FREE ebook: Elaine's Tech Tips, Quilting with Elaine Theriault! 50 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 59