All "Puffed" Up

One of the techniques that we explore in my "Puffs, Tucks and Pleats" class is making puffs. This simple technique can be used to add excitement to your next quilting project.

To make a puff, cut a circle that is twice the desired size. The outer edge of the circle can be left raw-edged or can be finished off by any number of sewing (or serging) stitches.

Make a secure knot at one end of your thread and hand stitch an inner circle. I like to use a quilting weight thread so it is less likely to break as I draw up the stitches.

Next step: Draw up those stitches, gathering the fabric into a puff. Pull the gathering thread to the wrong side and knot.

Yes, it's as easy as that.

Here I've used free-form circles to make flower shaped puffs. Three puffs grouped together created a fast and easy corsage.

Teaching at WI Quilt Expo 2011

I had a wonderful time at WI Quilt Expo meeting so many enthusiastic quilters. We had a fun time in class learning dimensional techniques to add to our quilts. We "yo-yo"ed and "puffed" and "ruched" and "flounced". 

Serendipity Surfaces

Today, I am back to an earlier post. I was busy quilting this piece, another quilt from my "Pod" series. You have followed me through the stippling and quilting following the leaf design. I have also quilted vertical lines to pop up the curving shapes. A wonderful surprise happened when I stitched over the striped silk. It developed a woven look.

Don't you love it when serendipitous things creep into your projects enhancing them beyond your expectations? Ah, the moment of discovery. This is worth your time and efforts. 

May you, too, have an exciting moment of discovery today. 

(Now, I have to go measure my quilt to see if it is as crooked as it looks in the photo. Hopefully, my quilting skills are better than my photo skills indicate.)

P.S. It's not done yet. Look for this piece to show up again.

Join Me in Madison, WI

Puffs, Tucks and Pleats class

Sharon V. Rotz

Join me in Madison, WI for the Quilt Expo on September 8-10, 2011. This is a marvelous opportunity to meet quilters, take classes, view outstanding quilts, and learn fresh ideas during lectures with top quilting teachers.

I have the privilege of sharing with you through a class "Puffs, Tucks, and Pleats", full of ideas for adding three-dimensional details to your quilts. 

Looking for new ways to use your serger? Join me at a Stage Presentation as I demonstrate ideas for using your serger as a quilting tool. See quilts from my book "Serge and Merge Quilts" and new ideas that have popped up since publication.

We are not always ready to jump into making a large quilt. I have had so much fun making smaller projects and I would love to have the chance to share these with you. We will have fun digging into my trunk show of small quilts in my lecture "Not Bed Size".

It's not too late to be a part of the action. See you in Madison.

Look for me and stop and say "hi". I would love to have the opportunity to talk to you.

No, Not This Time!

Lizard Tails

25" x 39"

Sharon V. Rotz

In my last blog, I was commenting about choosing my quilting pattern based on the design of the fabric. This is often a fast and easy choice and, in this case, I do have a fun fabric design to follow. But, some quilts demand a different approach, no going with the flow here. These lizard tails have a mind of their own, and there will be no lizard trails on this quilt.

In Lizard Tails, the quilt blocks are simplified. There are no complicated paper piecing units nor intricate applique details to design around. This gives me the opportunity to add drama with my quilting. Complexity and excitement are created with flowing lines that cross the quilt top with no relationship to the blocks nor the fabric design. 

To me, this seemed the perfect choice to finishing my project. Would you have chosen differently?

If you have been following my previous blogs, you've seen this block before. Yes, it is the same one that I have used in my pattern "Branching Out". Did you recognize it?

As always, your comments are welcome.