Monday 5 July 2010

Down beside the Seaside Giveaway



My first giveaway on this blog courtesy of Janet Clare designer of this lovely wall hanging . The pattern is for a quick machine pieced and raw edge applique wall hanging.
I spent a wonderful weekend sewing with Janet at a class organised by Kim at the fat quarters in Blackhall Mill. Janet was such a kind, patient teacher and a wonderful artist using her sewing machine. Her she is with her original wall hanging.



We learnt how to use the free motion technique for embroidery and free motion drawing with the machine. This was the bit to really get your head around that you draw the picture by moving the paper and not the pencil ( moving the fabric not the needle).
Once we had it worked out we moved onto drawing a street of houses with thread on a piece of woollen blanket , as Irene is showing here.
Then we move the technique on a step with applique and the free motion embroidery combined. I was quite proud of this little house.


Then, having learnt all the techniques it was on with the project. First the easy little beach houses.
Then a little more complicated, onto the sea gull. At this stage I had to add some vilene as a stabiliser on the back of the fabric to stop the work being eaten by the sewing machine.
Then onto the real fiddly bits, this tiny little girl flying her kite, I was quite proud of the sewing I did on the kite string.

And finally My finished wall hanging - well not quite - it still needs wadding and hand quilting. Call back next week for the next installment.

In the meantime, don't forget to leave a comment and on Sunday 11th July , I shall draw one name out of the hat to win the pattern Janet so kindly donated. Don't forget to check out her website here for hints and techniques and details of the classes she is teaching. It is a fabulous technique to learn and she is such a great teacher - we went from knowing nothing to completing a wall hanging in 2 days.

Happy quilting xx

13 comments:

colourblind said...

well you look as if you had a great time ,i know i couldn;t do it so i would never start it as i would end up pulling my hair out, and i have no where to hang it, !!!!!

Chris said...

What a lot you achieved. I love your little house.
I'm looking forward to a day with Janet in October & hoping to have as much fun as you obviously did!
Chris x
P.S. Janet says hi! (I found you on her blog!)

Anonymous said...

Oh, I'm jealous! I found you via Janet's blog, I'm from Gateshead so not too far from Blackhall Mill and I have a visit planned in the next week or two to the FQ shop, I had no idea they did classes though and it looks like I missed out!

Anonymous said...

Wow, you got more than me to comment this week!!! This is Amanda (aka Mandy) signing in as my usual anonomous. I will try that technique on my machine and let you know how it goes. I had my class sewing this week.......mom sent the mini quilts over and the kids stuffed them and sewed the tops. great skills to learn.

Linda B. said...

Looks like a fantastic workshop - I love the way your faces developed as you practised the technique! Can't wait to see what you do next.

I usually "lurk" but the chance to win tthis pattern has brought me out of my shell!

Pat said...

I really enjoyed your post. It looked like wonderful fun. I came to you via Janet Clare's post. I do so enjoy her drawing on the sewing machine. Looks like are developing into "proficiency" as well.

Alix said...

Hello! I have just come over from Janet's blog. I think both the wall hangings are lovely and your description has inspired me to have a go at something small myself - thank you!

WoolenSails said...

I love Janet's work, how lucky to have a class with her.
I really love this pattern, perfect for the summer.

Debbie

Amanda Clare said...

what a great workshop you achieved so much. I love Janet Clare's work and you seem to already have the technique sorted.
It has made me want to have a try.
Mandy

Del said...

Wow, a workshop with Janet! How lucky you were Pauline! I love Janet's work, and was pleased to find the link on her blog, to yours! You're a new addition to my bookmarks list!

Hope you have a good weekend.

Please can you enter me for the draw?

Delx

Jenny said...

The workshop looked so much fun. You must be so proud of the pieces you made :)

Lyn said...

Just popped over from Janet,s blog.(she says Hi!) What a lovely wall hanging, well done I love it. I would like to have a go at that one....one day!
Love
Lyn
xxx

Anonymous said...

I'm trying to learn how to do free motion embroidery on my machine. I love your designs like the one above, and I've included this in my blog post http://handmadebyclairebear.com/2012/05/05/sewing-outside-the-lines/ (with a link back to your blog, of course).
ClaireBear