Seams French

Sashiko and Patchwork Play Together While her mother-in-law was visiting a year ago, my daughter was working on a quilt in which she will incorporate some sashiko. When her MIL took an interest in what she was doing, we both thought it would be fun to involve her in the process. With limited stitching experience of any kind, but showing some enthusiasm, (and being a very good sport), she let us persuade her to try her hand at sashiko. With our own limited experience of the technique, we made up the sashiko pattern using one of my many books on the subject, gave some basic instructions to MIL and set her loose. Before she left that summer, she had completed the stitching on this little 15" x 10" piece of indigo. Amazing work for someone who is not only new to sashiko, but a novice to most kinds of needlework. Well, I thought that type of enthusiasm deserved a reward, so before she came back to visit this past summer, I used her stitched sashiko to make a bag for ...

What to wear for that first important meeting with extended family and friends?  Baby Bee (or Little H, Lady H, etc. - nick names are still evolving) was recently faced with this dilemma when she and her "staff" flew off to the prairies for various birthday celebrations, wedding showers, dinners, picnics, etc.. But no worries! Lucky for her, Bee's got a Gram, who is always itchin' for stitchin'. First stop, the stash. The beautiful mint green bug print from Birch Fabrics (bottom of the photo), was already there and provided the theme for the party ensemble. Three coordinating Birch prints found their way into the stash after a quick visit to a favourite local quilt shop. A length of white linen, also from the stash, was the perfect canvas against which to set these playful prints.  Along with a great choice of fabrics, there also needed to be a choice of styles and patterns. Of the 4 patterns and the one book that I used, all but one of the patterns made...

Even though it's been years since my daughter was a student, decades since I taught school, eons since I was a student myself, there's something about the end of summer/early September that seems to push a refresh/reset button in my brain. Because I relate well to routine and a certain amount of structure, the references to a school day seem to recall routine to my life. That having been said, it's time to dust off the keyboard and push the reset/reboot key on the blog. The break from the "blogisphere" did not transfer over to a break from either sewing machine or needle and thimble. Over the last few months both have been gainfully occupied and have produced some finishes and, as always, new starts and more Phd's (Projects half done). First on the priority list was the little "High Flying" baby quilt.  It was finished and sent off to it's new little owner in June, where hopefully it brought sweet dreams with it. Completed baby quil...

Do you find that certain milestone events seem to happen to you and all of your acquaintances at the same time in life? When you're younger, everyone seems to be getting married and having children at the same time, then the kids grow up, get married and have their own kids.  Well, now seems to be that time in life when my generation is experiencing "grandparent hood" for the first time. That, by way of explanation, is why there is another baby quilt in the works. This one, for a sweet newborn baby boy, is all about kites and rainbows and lots of sunshine. It's another machine applique quilt, but this time, the pieces are simpler and more manageable then the stars in the Star Quilt and came together quite quickly and without too many unexpected difficulties. The 3 design motifs: rainbow, kites, sunshine. For this type of applique, freezer paper is my go to method. First I trace and cut out all of the templates, to actual size, onto the freezer paper, iron t...

This is the latest of my little boutis pouches. Every piece that I create is an experiment with design, materials and stitches. This little pouch was made using traditional materials and techniques: boutis cotton batiste (front and back),  cotton cording specifically for boutis (purchased in France) and white cotton hand quilting thread. The stitches that I used are the 3 most common stitches found in boutis: running stitch, back stitch and outline stitch. The pouch is tri-fold, with 3 different design elements; a butterfly on the front flap, a shamrock on the front of the pocket (underneath the flap), and the " point de Vauvert " pattern on the back. Because "point de Vauvert " is quite heavily corded, it gives the pouch more structure and stability. The finished pouch has been washed and is tacked to a sheet of foam core to square it up as it dries. The piece has been primarily stitched with the running stitch ,  the most commonly used stitch in boutis.  ...

(or) "Grams gives a Hoot !" At almost 5 months old, Grandbaby H has already outgrown several sizes of her first little wardrobe. Of course, included in every discerning baby's wardrobe are such fashion essentials as the ever warm and snuggly hooded bath towel with matching wash-mitts. Having out grown her first one, (already!)  H submitted a gentle request for a replacement. Below is my new, improved version of this years " hooted " bath towel. Last years bunny theme is so " last year "! Ho-hum! This year, it's all about the owl. Presenting the Owl Towel ! Now which discerning baby wouldn't want this in her/his wardrobe? Ready to warm, dry and cuddle at a moments notice. Runway Ready: The Owl Towel Ensemble. Perfect for any occasion that requires instant warmth and "snugglability". (Sorry about all of the hootin' around; I just couldn't help myself!)

Le Mireille: "Des études de piqûres" ("A Study of Stitches") The central motif of "Le Mireille". Back in July of 2012, while we were still living in the south of France for part of each year, I had the privilege of taking classes in boutis with Madame Francine Born, as well as participating in the local boutis association . All of the women in the group are talented stitchers, skilled in the traditional technique, yet not afraid of allowing creativity a place. Less conventional types of threads and yarns, fabrics and stitches would sometimes be successfully incorporated into their work. Since that time, I have been eager to work on one of Mme. Born's traditional boutis designs, experimenting with the variety of stitches and threads being used by contemporary boutiseusses. "Le Mireille" is one of Madame Born's traditional designs. In her own class sample (below), she has used several different stitches as well as different weight...