Author: lynkeoghquilts

I have been designing a new appliqué quilt, hoping to showcase some lovely crotchet work done by my great aunt. The crochet lace was originally the outside trim on a large bed spread. My mother kept it and gifted it to me, hoping I could do something with it.

I had a lovely collection of French General fabrics, which were perfect for the appliqué design, and the lace was added to the outside border. I managed to keep the lace design symmetrical on each side, more to good luck than good management. I can’t believe that it went on evenly on each side, allowing me to mitre the corners.

The appliqué was based on examples of vintage Spanish lace.
Now for the fun of working out how it will be quilted…….

I can’t believe it is 4 months since I posted. Lots of things have happened ‘quilt wise’ in this time.

The Quilt NSW show displayed lots of beautiful quilts made by members. I had 2 quilts entered in the appliqué section ‘Eternity’ and ‘My Imaginary Garden’. It was a lovely surprise that ‘My Imaginary Garden’ was awarded a judges commendation.

I also had a quilt juried as a finalist in the Houston International Quilt Show this year. ‘Isabel’ is now making her way back home from her holiday to the United States.

I also had the pleasure of being invited to judge the Queensland Quilters Annual Exhibit. It was a lovely experience getting up close and seeing all the creativity and beautifully executed work of their members.

On the home sewing front I have been dabbling with several projects. I have designed another needle turn project, which is slowly growing, with lots of fussy cutting. It is enjoyable seeing it come together.

I also used up some of my stash in an ‘aboriginal print’ inspired pieced quilt. I adapted a design found on Pinterest and machine quilted it on my new Bernina Q20.

I have also been making some small projects, which I started in workshops. I have made several journal covers and have finished some fabric bags. The bags proved a bit fiddly at times, but I am happy with the finished result.

I have a new addition to my sewing room, a sit down Bernina Q20.

I was given the opportunity to upgrade to a 20 inch throat and change of brand….and I have been trying it out over the last few days. I love my Sweet Sixteen and my quilting has developed and improved using this machine over the last 12 years, so it was with much trepidation that I ventured to the Bernina. The sewing room has been rearranged and the new machine fits perfectly..

To familiarise myself with the new machine I found a cot panel in my stash and practiced with free motion manual mode for outline work and then moved to the stitch regulator for ruler work. I am really happy with the result. The machine is easy to navigate and sews beautifully.

I love finding a range of fabrics that contain all my favourite colours. The Sacre Bleu, French General, fabrics have beautiful hues of blue and beige, along with pretty small prints.

I wanted to design a pattern that would showcase the lovely soft hues and shading of these fabrics. Of course it needed to be needle turned appliqué. I have worked out the main panels and will design what type of sashing treatment is needed after I have completed the panels.

The design is inspired by old Spanish lace patterns, simplified and drawn so that the appliqué pieces create a floral design. The centre panel depicts flowers and leaves radiating from a main stem with birds perched on the branches.

This quilt was inspired by my eternity ring, bought by my husband on a family holiday to The Isle of Skye, Scotland. The Celtic symbol of eternity is depicted in the intertwining bands. The floral design and colours are based on Scottish thistles, inspired by my husband’s Scottish heritage.

It is a small wall quilt, measuring 130 cms square.

As the appliqué was quite intricate, it needed to be fusible raw edge to keep the pointy ends of the thistle leaves. I then machine appliquéd the edges using a small blanket stitch in a matching machine embroidery thread. The intertwining celtic knot border proved a bit tricky, but I am very happy with the finished look.

I used fine french cotton prints for the appliqué as they are finely woven and worked well for fusible appliqué with minimum fraying.

I wanted to leave some negative space in the design to provide the opportunity for free motion quilting designs to extend the appliqué pattern.