Aurifil Artisan Challenge :: Multiple Threads

When I started out with this mini quilt (10.5" x 11"), I wasn't intentionally making it for this month's Aurifil Artisan challenge, which is to make something using multiple thread colors. In fact, it wasn't until I was ready to quilt it and started pulling out threads in a variety of weights and colors that it dawned on me that I could.... and should! 

Early on, I named this piece Downtown, inspired by the print scrap in my original fabric pull. I had in mind something fairly small, as I chose more scraps and stash fabrics to pair with the print. Honestly, it may be a while before I'm ready to make a big quilt. I feel like I'm still in recovery mode after last year's big tryptich. So when I had a couple of hours on Friday afternoon and felt like digging into my scraps, I just went for it. I initially thought I'd do something with a variety of print scraps, but once I found that scrap - the last of a 2012 Jay McCarroll Center City print - I decided I wanted it to be the feature.

The piecing was random, as I created a few small blocks, then puzzled how they might fit together. At this point, it was just a relaxing way to spend a couple of hours at the start of the weekend. 

The backing was pre-determined - also a scrap of fabric already spray-basted to batting - and though I'd intended on making a quilt front that coordinated better, I let that go for convenience and the pure joy of using that dot fabric.

It was as I began mulling over quilting that things got more interesting. There were so many colors in this small piece, and any one thread color didn't seem to fit. So I began to search for thread colors that matched the fabrics, and in doing so, pulled several different weights as well. The quilting plan at this point? Decide as I went.

In all, I ended up using 10 different threads! I put Aurifil 40wt in the bobbin, and then just started in, quilting basically from the center out, one color at a time. The threads I used for piecing were:

Aurifil 50wt 2225 [Salmon], 2479 [Medium Orchid], 2975 [Brass], 6010 [Toast]

Aurifil 40wt 2692 [Black]

Aurifil 28wt 2625 [Arctic Ice]

Aurifil 12wt 2000 [Light Sand], 8530 [Puce Magenta Pink]

The quilt is bound in Kona Sangria, and just to let the thread show off, I machine-bound it, top-stitching with more of the 12wt Puce Magenta Pink. 

At some point during quilting, it dawned on me that I could add in a couple of more thread weights and colors by doing a little hand-stitching on the print sections. That also solved my issue of not really wanting to machine-quilt on them, but knowing they would still benefit from a little something. Thus, after the quilt was bound, I used Aurifloss 6722 [Sea Biscuit] and Aurifil 8wt 2420 [Light Blush] to add some outlining and filling stitches to those sections.

I love that this little foray into the scrap basket pretty much decided what it wanted to be along the way! Creating Downtown was refreshing, and I'm anxious to see what's next.

Linking up with Quilting JETgirl's Favorite Finish March.

Aurifil Artisan Challenge :: Leather Pincushions

A new year as an Aurifil Artisan means a new calendar of thread-use challenges; and besides sharing an unboxing of our welcome pack, we were asked to use any of those new threads in a project to share. As it ended up, I used four new threads, chosen primarily for their colors. But considering they were in varying weights, it was a good opportunity to mix and match with them.

photo by Lindsey Jeske

The threads I used were:

• 50wt 2225 [Salmon]
• 40wt 6722 [Sea Biscuit], 1135 [Pale Yellow]
• 12wt acrylic-wool blend 8530 [Puce Magenta Pink]

photo by Lindsey Jeske

It all started when I was given several partial rolls of leather a few weeks ago. I mean a lot of leather. It felt lightweight enough to machine-stitch on, but I'd yet to give it a try. And of course, I'd been mulling over what in the world to make with it. Then I remembered the leather pincushion I'd been gifted by Hillary Goodwin @entropyalwayswins a few years ago (similar to this one), and it dawned on me that I should try something similar. [Hillary and Kitty Wilkin @nightquilter also wrote a tutorial for an Easter Egg version if you'd like to see theirs.]

Happily, all the thread weights I used worked beautifully. I used 50wt in the bobbin when stitching with the 50wt thread; 40wt when stitching with the 40wt and 12wt. The focus fabrics were a variety of substrates - woven, quilting cotton, and linen - and all were either double-layered, or backed with a layer of linen. 

A size 90 needle was already in my machine, and stitched just fine on this weight of leather, though I did stitch a little slower than normal. I began and ended with a 1.5 stitch length, stitching about 3.0 for the majority of the stitching. 

I was really happy to see that all the threads performed so well. If color wasn't a consideration, I think I'd select a 40wt for piecing with this leather in future projects, it being slightly thicker/heavier than the 50wt. I'm still mulling over what else to make with my leather stash, so if you have ideas, let me know!

2023 Aurifil Artisan

After an enjoyable and productive year as an Aurifil Artisan, I was happy to be asked to join the team for a second year. The group of makers is varied, which I love; and I look forward to seeing the results of their creativity. Besides being inspiring, you never know what you'll learn and be inspired by from other makers, right?

Meanwhile my Aurifil Welcome Pack just arrived and here's what it held:

• 50wt cone 2225 [Salmon]

• Forty3 40wt cone 1246 [Grey]

• 50wt large spools of 2214 [Golden Honey], 2479 [Medium Orchid], 1104 [Neon Orange]

• 40wt large spools of 6722 [Sea Biscuit], 1135 [Pale Yellow], 1148 [Light Jade]

• 28wt large spools of 2021 [Natural White], 2710 [Light Robins Egg]

• 12wt large spools of 2430 [Antique Rose], 2000 [Light Sand]
• 12wt large spool of acrylic-wool blend 8530 [Puce Magenta Pink] edited to correct
• spool monofilament

• small spool of 80wt #2930 [Golden Toast] and floss #4669 [variegated Stonewash Blues]
• 50wt small spool Orchard collection by Jill Finley @jillilystudio, colours included: 1114 [Grass Green], 2886 [Light Avocado], 2115 [Lemon], 2420 [Light Blush], 2410 [Pale Pink], 2430 [Antique Rose], 4020 [Fuchsia]

• Aurifil color card

• brochure about all the threads, what needles to use, suggested uses etc.
• and an Aurifil sticker!

It'll be fun to see what these threads inspire! We were invited to share an unboxing post, and unfortunately, mine was too large to share here. But if you missed it, check it out! Our first official challenge is to create something using a thread(s) from our welcome pack, so I'm mulling that over!

Aurifil Artisan Challenge :: Neon Threads

The Aurifil Artisan Neon Challenge was an 'extra' challenge available to the artisans as Aurifil was working closely with Freespirit Fabrics and Tula Pink on an influencer tour. Our challenge was separate from that, but still highlighting the new limited edition 50 wt neon threads - 7000 [Neon Orange], 7001 [Neon Yellow], and 7002 [Neon Pink].

We each received three small spools of the neon threads, and our challenge was to use all three - in one project or several. I chose to combine them in one project - a small quilt inspired by Minimal III from Gwen Marston's Minimal Quiltmaking. I thought a simple solid quilt design would be an ideal vehicle for showing off those neons. The fabrics I chose were Kona Black, Key Lime, Persimmon, Acid Lime, and an unknown pink. 

Once my simple design came together, I created a pieced quilt back with project leftovers and a few coordinating stashed prints.

Early on, I had a quilting plan in mind - both vertical straight line and 'fancy' zig zags across the quilt. 

I'm really pleased with that choice, though I learned as I began that the threads showed up best on the black fabric. In retrospect I would have used more black fabric in my design, but still, I'm happy with the resultant look. And of course, the texture is divine.

The quilt finished at 40.5" x 41.5" with matched binding, an obvious choice. It's a fun one, and I'm really glad I got the chance to play with those neon threads.

Linking up with Meadow Mist Designs' Favorite Finish Monthly Linkup!

Aurifil Artisan Challenge :: Favorite Weight of Thread | Open Up Box Pouch

When I saw that the theme for this month's Aurifil Artisan Challenge was 'Favorite Weight of Thread,' I didn't have to think twice. As much as I've been loving experimenting and using a wide variety of thread weights in the past year, there's no doubt I use Aurifil 50wt the most. And my most recent small make shows one reason why.

I'd recently purchased a new pouch pattern from Minki Kim @zeriano, her Open Up Box Pouch, and because it began with quilt-as-you-go with a bunch of scraps, I chose a neutral thread - Aurifil 50wt 2600 [Light Gray]. I pulled from my stash of Carolyn Friedlander scraps (yes, I keep them separate, as I do solid scraps), and subsequently pieced and quilted the necessary panels. For this step alone, selecting a thread that works well for piecing and quilting was an obvious choice.

Just for the record, I purchased the double slide zipper from Minki's shop, though I did cut it down by several inches as the pattern asked for. Gotta say, Minki's pouch has an extremely easy zipper installation, which was great.

Though it may look metal, the zipper is actual nylon, so I could easily sew over it to add my personalized zipper tabs. Not sure what made me think of using leather scraps for those tabs, but I really like them, and it's super easy to do. First, I used a little Fray Check on the cut ends of the zipper tape. Then I used my rotary cutter to cut two 1 1/4" x 2" tabs. I have good luck using a big glue stick on the back sides of the leather, pressing them in place over the zipper ends, and then stitching across the edges. For my JUKI, at least, it's easily done, and though I changed my thread to black for that stitching, 50wt worked great both on top and in the bobbin. Love that it was strong enough to handle that added detail.

One reason I like to try a variety of pouch patterns is for the exploration itself - just to see how it comes together; and also to try different techniques or hardware. The 'open up' feature of this pouch involved an interesting - and easy - construction technique, as did that double-slide zip.

And quilt-as-you-go isn't something I've done a lot of. I'm not sure I've done one of Minki's patterns before, but a terrific feature is that she provides a video of the construction. That really helped me as I did the QAYG, and the zipper as well.

In case it's not obvious, the above photo is of the pouch bottom. I also loved that this pouch pattern suggested quilting the exterior panels - just another way to let that Aurifil 50wt shine.

Aurifil Artisan Challenge :: New-to-me Thread Weight | Sunshine

So I just finished another DropclothSampler and I really changed things up this time. I've traditionally used size 8 perle cotton when stitching my samplers, but when I saw that this month's Aurifil Artisan Challenge was 'doing a project featuring an Aurifil thread weight you have never used before, or have not used often' I just knew I had to try using Aurifil 12wt to stitch the "Sunshine" sampler.

Let's just say it was lovely to use, and stitched the sampler beautifully. I used a double thread, and incorporated just a bit of 100% wool for the couching. The 12wt is the heaviest thread Aurifil offers*, and after trying it for hand quilting in my recent Italiano antico; and now here for hand embroidery, I'm definitely a fan.

As you've probably noticed, this particular sampler was printed on a yellow background, with all the stitch markings in different colors. It was surprising how the colors of the markings happened to be similar to the 12wt threads I had on hand. Together, they definitely played a part in my creating the palette for this particular sampler.

I had a hard time calling this one done, so I added in extra French knots and straight stitches. Over the course of stitching these samplers I've embraced the notion that I can 'add to' the printed design, and I've really enjoyed that.

As a kind of postscript, I want to mention that I was using a new hoop on this project. I've often had trouble keeping my work taut, and had recently purchased the 7" Morgan No-Slip Embroidery Hoop from Snuggly Monkey. It has a "unique tongue & groove design" that really did the trick. I heartily recommend it!

*P. P. S. I love that the Aurifil website has a page for each weight of thread they make showing suggested uses, as well as other helpful information on using that particular thread, such as needle recommendations and other tips. Good to know!

Italiano antico

You may remember I shared with you several weeks ago about the Old Italian blocks I was making, and the dilema I was facing that would complicate the trimming later. I liked my plan, and spent the next several weeks making blocks, piecing a top, and quilting. But when that quilting was done, rather than trimming at an angle as planned, I trimmed the quilt square and proceeded to bind it right up that evening. It was only as I was editing photos yesterday that I remembered!! OH WELL. Hubby and I really like it as it is, though, so I guess it was meant to be.

So more about the quilt, as it really was an enjoyable process. It all began with a stash of crossweaves, chosen in an intentional analogous color scheme. All of the 6.5" X blocks were made with them, using a tutorial by Barbara Black/@bbquiltmaker. They made up pretty quickly, and it was fun to mix up the colors. Then came adding background squares to create the layout, in a part of the original plan that I actually followed through with! I cut squares in Kona Rich Red, Cotton Couture Paprika, Cotton Couture Cherry, Kona Red, Kona Cosmos, Kona Cardinal, Kona Pimento, and Kona Flame; and you may be able to tell that the colors change left to right across the quilt top.

For the pieced backing, I chose primarily Kona Cosmos, the 2022 Kona Color of the Year. I had stashed a couple of yards for a project featuring it, but after piecing the Old Italian quilt top, I knew it was too perfect not to use here. And I love it. As you can see, I incorporated several other solids, and a striped scrap that also found its way into the front.

So for quilting, I chose three Aurifil 28wt threads, #2260 [Wine], #2265 [Lobster Red], and #2270 [Paprika]. They were used in an orderly fashion, but unfortunately with the bold colors of the quilt, their differences aren't really obvious in photos. 

But the diagonal grid quilting went very well, and using a 50wt #2250 [Red] (not shown) in my bobbin worked nicely too. I did find I needed to stitch just a tad slower than normal, but I like the result.

I intentionally left the Xs unquilted, and later went back in for some big-stitch quilting with Aurifil 12wt #2260 [Wine]. Perfect it's not, but I love the look, and it was a pleasure to stitch.

The quilt was bound with a traditional hand-sewn binding in Kona Rich Red, and measures 56" x 56". Even though it's not quite what I had in my mind's eye at the outset, it was a joy to make, and I'm more than happy with the finish. That's more than enough, I think.

Aurifil Artisan Challenge :: Appliqué

During the pandemic, when we did more online shopping than normal, one of the things hubby got interested in was reduced waste items. I think it might have begun with eco-strips laundry detergent, which totally eliminated the plastic jugs our old detergent came in. Another item we tried were TruEarth wool dryer balls. So I'm not really here to laud the praises of these products - though we are still using several of them, and do check out their website if you're interested. But the little (7" x 8.5") bags the dryer balls came in were perfect for a small appliqué project - the theme of this month's Aurifil Artisan challenge. Basically, I wanted to repurpose the bags, cover up the advertising (no offense!) so they could be reused as fabric gift bags.

After mulling over a design to appliqué, I finally settled on Carolyn Friedlander's Bow pattern. Originally designed as a quilt, I printed out the pattern at 71%, which was perfect. It seemed an obvious choice to use some of my CF fabric scraps, and also used Carolyn's method of basting, though I did do mine by machine, where she usually bastes by hand. I'll be sure to try that another time!

As you can imagine, the rainbows were pretty quick to needle-turn. And perfect for the job was a spool of Aurifil 80wt #6722 [Sea Biscuit]. This thread is super thin and sleek, yet strong, and would also be great for English Paper Piecing. It took very little effort at all to hide my stitches with such a thin thread. After I stitched each curve of the rainbow, I removed the related basting stitches, which worked really well, and then I didn't have to dread doing all that at the end.

Once the rainbows were done, I trimmed 1/2" around the top curve, and turned all the edges under and pressed well. I used small, fine Little House glass head pins to place the rainbows on the bags, then appliquéd them on with the same 80wt thread. It worked perfectly, though I did learn two things, unrelated to the thread.

1. With using such a light background fabric, the lettering on the bag faintly shows through on the left rainbow above. 

2. Stitch the bottom of the rainbow first. When I started with the curve, the bottom of the bow shifted ever so slightly by the time I got to stitching it. 

Neither are deal-breakers, but things to remember in the future. Another note - because the bags were already constructed, it was just a tad finicky stitching the rainbows on, basically with one hand inside the bag so I wouldn't stitch through to the back. Appliquing before constructing the bag would obviously be a little simpler. But still, I'm super happy with how they both turned out, and am glad I gave it a go. Plus it felt good to repurpose those cute little bags!

And honestly, I'm glad I had a project that was able to use that 80wt thread, as it's lovely to work with. I'll definitely keep it in mind for my next appliqué project, that's for sure.