Thursday, September 10, 2015

Sweet Tweets

Simple truth: I was tickled to be invited by Erin/Why Not Sew? to participate in her blog hop for her new book, Sweet Tweets: Simple Stitches, Whimsical Birds. I've admired her work for ages, with the delightful combo of cute birds and sketch stitching.

I couldn't resist making a project right away, and I chose the Early Bird Place Mat. Besides the bird, of course, the patchwork called to me. And the tree looked like good practice for a novice sketch stitcher like me.
Of course, as soon as I decided what I wanted to make, it was time to decide on fabric, and immediately, Ayumi Mills's Lighthearted came to mind. Oh it was fun to use it again, and I think it is a perfect fit for Erin's Sweet Tweet projects. (I was pretty pleased that when my project called for a crocheted edging that wasn't in my skill-set, I was able to substitute with a flange made with one of Ayumi's prints.)

Erin's book gives a helpful overall description of raw-edge appliqué for the birds, then each project has a more detailed diagram and tips for the sketch stitching (aka sketch appliqué or free-motion appliqué) necessary. In my case, the tree was easily manageable, and I really had fun with it.

As part of the blog hop, I'm able to offer a giveaway for an e-version of Sweet Tweets! Just leave a comment on this post, and I'll choose a winner Friday night, September 11. This giveaway is now closed - thank you! Congrats to #56, OhioLori! Meanwhile, enjoy the rest of the blog hop, and check out the Instagram hashtags #sweettweetsbook and #sweettweets to see more darling projects!

Sweet Tweets Blog Hop
Tuesday, September 8 - Erin (Introduction post) Why Not Sew?
Wednesday, September 9 - Heidi Fabric Mutt
Thursday, September 10 - Debbie A Quilter's Table
Friday, September 11 - No Post
Saturday, September 12 - Jacque Brown Dog Prims
Monday, September 14 - Amy nanaCompany
Tuesday, September 15 - Svetlana s.o.t.a.k handmade
Wednesday, September 16 - Renee Sewn With Grace
Thursday, September 17 - Martingale Stitch This! The Martingale Blog
Friday, September 18 - Heather Vintage Grey Handmade
Saturday, September 19 - Clara and Jennie Clover & Violet
Monday, September 21 - Amanda Jean Crazy Mom Quilts
Tuesday, September 22 - Cindy Live a Colorful Life
Wednesday, September 23 - Carla Grace and Favour
Thursday, September 24 - Mary Molly Flanders
Friday, September 25 - No Post
Saturday, September 26 - Erin, Big Giveaway Post!!! Why Not Sew?

Sweet Tweets
Posted by at 12:00 AM
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57 comments:

  1. LeanneSeptember 10, 2015 at 2:19 AM

    This is so cute, I love the bird. Thank you for the chance to win the book too.

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  2. AnitaSeptember 10, 2015 at 2:23 AM

    This book looks like a must have!

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  3. SusanSeptember 10, 2015 at 3:26 AM

    Oh so cute! I have long admired Erin's sketchy birdy designs! Yours is very sweet too!

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  4. Judy @ Sew Some SunshineSeptember 10, 2015 at 3:59 AM

    Your placemat is so SWEET! Love how that edge looks like crochet and the back fabric is great also!

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  5. MartinaSeptember 10, 2015 at 4:03 AM

    So lovely and I especially like the sweet red border inbetween. Adds a special pop and makes the birdie
    just cute!

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  6. UnknownSeptember 10, 2015 at 4:23 AM

    Love your blog!

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  7. AnnikaSeptember 10, 2015 at 5:06 AM

    Your placemate is sooo sweet! Thanks for the opportunity to win!

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  8. DeborahGunSeptember 10, 2015 at 5:55 AM

    such a perfect use of the Lighthearted fabric! And I would love to learn how to sketch stitch like that!

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  9. Charlene SSeptember 10, 2015 at 5:59 AM

    Your tree sketch is adorable as is the placemat.

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  10. Kathy@KayakQuiltingSeptember 10, 2015 at 6:08 AM

    That's adorable! Sketch stitching is on my list of skills to try. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  11. AnonymousSeptember 10, 2015 at 6:11 AM

    Your placemat is tooooooo too tweet ;-)
    The fabric is so fun and modern
    Anna

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  12. tink's momSeptember 10, 2015 at 6:38 AM

    This looks like a fun project. I love how you used the fabric to make the flange, terrific idea.

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  13. UnknownSeptember 10, 2015 at 6:51 AM

    Your birds are so cute - the simplicity adds to the charm of the projects.
    The place mat would make a great mug rug in a smaller size version!

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  14. EllynSeptember 10, 2015 at 6:52 AM

    what a cute book, and the Lighthearted fabric was perfect indeed! I love your substitute for the crochet edging, might just borrow that idea in a future project. Awesome.

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  15. Quilt GrannySeptember 10, 2015 at 7:15 AM

    Too cute for words. I would love to try this. Where have I been that I never saw this before.

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  16. CarlaSeptember 10, 2015 at 7:18 AM

    Isn't it just darling? You nailed it Debbie and nice substitution for the crochet ; )

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  17. Mrs. JSeptember 10, 2015 at 7:19 AM

    This looks like a great opportunity to do some FMQ to improve stitching technique, I'm always in need of improvement with the goal of a finished project!

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  18. barbaradougherty126September 10, 2015 at 7:25 AM

    those place mats are adorable!!!

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  19. ruthshelton10@att.netSeptember 10, 2015 at 7:27 AM

    The Sweet Tweet birdie patterns are soo cute. Reminds me of days gone by of simpler good times.

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  20. JaniceSeptember 10, 2015 at 7:53 AM

    thats so cute!!

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  21. AmySeptember 10, 2015 at 8:13 AM

    I'll bet the grandgirl will want to use this placemat when she is at your house! Love that you used Ayumi's fabric to create it from Erin's design.

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  22. marySeptember 10, 2015 at 8:19 AM

    Cute. I love the flange.

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  23. RebeccaSeptember 10, 2015 at 8:19 AM

    Love how you used the "flange" to create the lacy look on the placemat!!!

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  24. KbabySeptember 10, 2015 at 9:04 AM

    I love these placemats. How "tweet" are those birdies? I enjoy these projects so much. Kwarren2985@gmail.com

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  25. ~DianaSeptember 10, 2015 at 9:07 AM

    Very cute!

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  26. Danette September 10, 2015 at 9:22 AM

    Adding this book to my wish list. Hubby will have to buy it for me (but would like to win it first). thank you, peterstankovich@comcast.net

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  27. Stacy V HandmadeSeptember 10, 2015 at 9:40 AM

    Super cute!

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  28. GinnySeptember 10, 2015 at 10:16 AM

    Adorable placemat and perfect use of the "crochet" trim piece :)

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  29. Vicki HSeptember 10, 2015 at 10:22 AM

    I love how you quilted the 'tweet' birdie and the tree.

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  30. Crafty CoffinSeptember 10, 2015 at 11:11 AM

    Such a cute project! I love your substitution for the crochet - looks great! Thanks for the giveaway.

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  31. IndiannaSeptember 10, 2015 at 11:50 AM

    I love the little bird and I'm capable of the tree, but like you I would have to miss off the crochet. Ayumi's fabric is the perfect substitute.

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  32. Lisa EnglandSeptember 10, 2015 at 11:51 AM

    Oh so cute! I'm a fan of quilts with birds so this book looks like one I would love.

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  33. LynneSeptember 10, 2015 at 1:26 PM

    Darling bird, love your sketch stichiing.

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  34. Allison SewsSeptember 10, 2015 at 1:57 PM

    How fun! Yours turned out adorable and I would like to try a little more thread sketching myself.

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  35. MarianneSeptember 10, 2015 at 2:10 PM

    Your project really turned out cute! I love anything with birds. Thanks!

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  36. KirstenSeptember 10, 2015 at 3:20 PM

    So cute - love the little bird! I did sketchy stitching on one of the first quilty projects I made a few years ago and really need to try it out again:)

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  37. MareMareSeptember 10, 2015 at 4:23 PM

    Oh, I absolutely love this style! I need to try some thread sketching!

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  38. UnknownSeptember 10, 2015 at 5:24 PM

    Your sketching is inspirational! I haven't tried any because I lack drawing talent but yours came out so beautifully - I think I'll have to give it a try. Love the birds, the colors you used, and of course the patchwork!! Thanks for the win opportunity :-)

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  39. OhioLoriSeptember 10, 2015 at 5:29 PM

    Thank you for such a sincere review! This book is on my Wish List already...and now has become a Gotta Have!! You are so creative..to use the fabric instead of crocheting edging! :) AWESOME job!

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  40. UnknownSeptember 10, 2015 at 5:36 PM

    Love your little project from this book. This sketching stuff looks like fun! Thanks for a chance to win a copy of this new book!
    I thoroughly enjoy following your blog and your creative ideas!

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  41. lauraluvsloonsSeptember 10, 2015 at 5:47 PM

    I've admired Erin's little bird quilts for ages and would love to win her ebook. You did a great job on the thread sketching:)

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  42. Linda GaglianoSeptember 10, 2015 at 6:02 PM

    This is on my wish list!

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  43. JoyceSeptember 10, 2015 at 6:06 PM

    Love your fabric choices and the adorable little bird. Thanks for the chance.

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  44. Joye with an eSeptember 10, 2015 at 6:11 PM

    Your placemat is so pretty. You did a good job with thread sketching. I haven't tried that yet but would like to. Thanks.
    joyecox@yahoo.com

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  45. KnapkeHSeptember 10, 2015 at 6:24 PM

    I would love a chance to win this. Thanks!

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  46. Kim P.September 10, 2015 at 7:16 PM

    This is the perfect placemat to wake up and have your coffee on!

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  47. ScheibsdebSeptember 10, 2015 at 7:38 PM

    So cute! I want the book!

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  48. AnneSeptember 10, 2015 at 8:45 PM

    Great first attempt at sketch stitching! This whole book is chock full of projects I would like to make!

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  49. Anita GambrellSeptember 10, 2015 at 10:36 PM

    I love the placemat! What a great book!

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  50. qwilltrSeptember 11, 2015 at 5:24 AM

    I love whimsical birds! Thanks for the chance to win this ebook!

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  51. SuzanneSeptember 11, 2015 at 5:35 AM

    I'm so impressed with your stitching on the bird and the pairing of fabric for the edging. I'd love to see more! Thanks.

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  52. LorraineSeptember 11, 2015 at 6:19 AM

    Love your placemat! Would love to win the book.

    Lorraine

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  53. UnknownSeptember 11, 2015 at 8:41 AM

    Sorry about the late post, but I'm just a little behind on my blog reading. I've been thinking about and doing a bit of research on stitch sketching, too. My machine has some great decorative stitches and I want to use them. This looks like a great place to start. Cute placemat.

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  54. Lori V.September 11, 2015 at 12:31 PM

    Oooohhh...I would love to own this book!!

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  55. JenniferSeptember 11, 2015 at 1:53 PM

    This is so beautiful! I don't know anything about sketch stitching. This looks like a fun new technique for me.

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  56. KathleenSeptember 11, 2015 at 7:40 PM

    Oh I bet I'm too late, but trying anyway! Love Erin's style.

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  57. RachelSeptember 19, 2015 at 4:35 PM

    I saw this book when we went for the Martingale tour. It's has such cute little projects.

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