Hearts for You

Happy Valentine's Day.

We are all thinking hearts this week, 

so I wanted to share some of the hearts that I made.

I started with two fabrics, a light batik and a solid pink. 

After seaming them together, I enhanced them by using crayons over a rough texture. 

I set up my sewing machine for free-motion quilting and quilted a feather design.

Adding a touch of Lumiere paint in each feather provides fabulous detail.

I  invite you to join me for a class exploring these techniques.

"Feathered Art Quilt"

I will be at Sew Smart in Rhinelander, WI on March 13, 2014, 

and at Sew Smart in Wausau, WI on March 27, 2014.

Linked to Off the Wall Friday

The Art Quilt Blog

Tuesday's Tile - It's Not Always Hearts and Roses

Quilter's Tile - alias Tooth Fairy Pillow
8" x 8"
©2012 - Sharon V. Rotz

A Valentine filled with hearts and roses wasn't on the tile this Valentine's Day. Not when you get a phone call with important news. "Grandpa, I've got something exciting to tell you. I lost my first tooth."

Of course, this deserves an important gift. A tooth fairy pillow in which to place that treasured tooth and others to follow.

A lily pad shape was perfect for the pocket.

Nicholas' name was added with machine stitched letters. Because this is not something I do often, this step took a little time as I  had to try several times and get out my sewing machine manual. Now that I am more familiar with the technique, I'm brainstorming on other ways I can use this feature. (Do you have any ideas for me?)

When frogs are in the picture, perhaps the tooth fairy looks like a dragonfly? I made this one from two layers of sheer placed on a stabilizer. After I stitched the shape, I trimmed close to the stitching.

Here is my Quilter's Tile for the week, turned tooth fairy pillow ready and waiting to be stuffed and finished.

I hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day, whether there are hearts (or frogs) coming your way.

Happy Quilted Chocolate Valentines Day

Thinking of those red hearts and sentimental verses?

Try a quilted valentine this year. Here we have a lovely (low calorie) treat. Chocolate hearts decorated with vanilla icing. 

Easy to make. Use a fusible to attach your heart to the backing and stitch around it with your favorite machine stitch (blanket stitch or zigzag works well). Couch down yarn (by zigzagging over it) to decorate.

For those of you who prefer just a touch of chocolate, try it in reverse. Vanilla hearts with chocolate icing.

To double the fun, try free motion quilting (hearts, of course) to finish your piece.

Happy Day to all of you.