This photo is a completed half of my first Star and Sprigs border. The first one of 4 borders. I am enjoying every one of those leaves and buds.
I also included my tools. They are: Crayola washable markers of many colors. They have thin tips and wash off by leaving the fabric in cold water for about half an hour or so. I also use chalk pencils for the dark colors. My needles are size 10 and 11 straw needles. Small appliqué pins (about 1/2'' long). My trusty thumb thimble (hot pink blurb). Where I keep several needles threaded with threads of various colors plus the pins. It fits on my thumb or index finger. Not shown is a washable glue that I used on those vines. The egg cartoons are organizing the various sizes of leaves and buds. I am all for recycling. The threads are size 50 -100% cotton from Gutermann, Aurifil, and some silk threads. I am mostly using what I have on the color I need. I am left handed and good quality thread is a must. Oh! I also sometimes use "Thread heaven" which is a thread protectant and conditioner.
Your border is gorgeous! I love the egg carton organizing.
ReplyDeleteDo you make up a bunch of leaves and buds and place them as you sew..or choose the colors ahead of time? You have such a nice balance of color.
I showed this picture to my son, he thinks we are crazy to do that much sewing by hand *smile*
ReplyDeleteI also use the Crayola pens, have for years. My daughter gave me a set of Pip Squeaks to keep stashed for myself. [granddaughter still found them]
Looks very lovely! The egg cartons are a great idea. I use a mini muffin container for all my circles on the Roseville, but the egg cartons might be an improvement (deeper, and more sizes could be stored).
ReplyDeleteLovely border, gorgeous colours! Glad you're enjoying this quilt, I did too. How do you find the Aurifil threads compared to the silks?
ReplyDeleteGreat container ideas. I use shoe boxes everywhere, including in the pantry, that way I don't have to pull out all the jars and tins!
I wondered what people are using Crayola markers for! Duh. Kim McL
Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI'm also a lefty; I use Aurifil and Masterpiece thread. You're right-quality thread is a must!
ReplyDeleteI love your borders-great colors. The egg carton is a very good idea.
I just gave my granddaughter a pack of those markers. What was I thinking? I want them back.
ReplyDeleteYour work is beautiful--both the colors and your workmanship. And thanks for including your tools; that's always fun.
nice job. I have used Crayon washable markers to mark quilting lines before, but never for applique.
ReplyDeleteThat border looks like excellent fun--lovely shapes and endless fabric variety. I marvel every morning to find yet another organizational or stitching hint I haven't heard before, so I am slapping my head with a "Duh" about the egg carton organizing! Now, does anyone have any tips for chairside organizing of thread spools?
ReplyDeletehmm i must be missing something. I'm assuming you use the crayola markers for outlining the design on the backing fabric, buy why do you need differrent colours? Is that so you can match your applique piece to the coloured outline? i used a lead pencil on my first square and if it doesn't wash out then i'm done for! i lay out all my applique pieces on the outline of the backing fabric and then take a photo on my phone so i remember where all the pieces go. mind you i've only done one square so i'm no expert!! please let me know how the crayola markers help!! thanks kay
ReplyDeleteYour Stars and Sprigs border is looking wonderful! I especially like your fussy cuts, and your use of polka dots. : )
ReplyDeleteThanks for including your tools and tips too! Egg cartons is clever. I use vintage muffin tins to hold small bits, and pie tins to corral a block and its pieces when I'm stitching. I have a cat who enjoys "pushing" things around, so something with sides and a little bit of weight really works in my household.
Thank you for your wonderful feedback. I use the crayola washable markers to trace the leaves and shapes of appliqué pieces. The various colors are easy to see in different colors of fabrics. I use a very light touch to trace the shapes. I do cut quite a few leaves and than I "audition" them where I want them. It is a lot of fun. I start with the bigger shapes and than I add the smaller ones. Kay, please be careful with lead pencil. I have a quilt that has been washed a few times and I still can see the pencil mark. A judge on a show pointed out to me that I had lost points and a chance of a blue ribbon because of it. I organize my threads on a pencil box. It is the right size for them. Mine is plastic and fits quite a few spools. I like the Aurifil because it is thin and cotton like the fabrics. The silk is nice; but it was pointed out to me that the silk is a lot stronger than the cotton fabrics; and might cut into the fabric years from now. I hope this help. thanks again.
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