Thread catcher

I adapted a pattern I found on the internet for this thread catcher. I wanted one that I could store a few key pieces of equipment that I use all the time whilst sitting hand sewing. This one lives by the sofa and is in permanent use! I still love my frog one though!

Since taking this picture I have pinned a small square of wadding to the pin cushion. I use this for needles rather than pushing them into the main cushion and loosing them.

These snippets are one of my favourite pieces of equipment. Sharp, thin and so easy to use.

I have used net curtain plastic to keep the top open and it works really well. I have not waded the bag, but think I would next time to give it more shape.

Christmas Place Mats

These were made from small fabric labels and then framed with cotton lame, this gives a luxurious and Christmasy look. The trick was working out the widths of each frame to make sure each place mat was the same size. Quilted very simply in the ditch with a gold metallic thread.  All used and enjoyed every year.

Name Label

At our quilt group we have all nagged each other to make name labels. Being the main organiser pretty much everyone knows my name, however that was no excuse not to make one.

Here is my first attempt at free machine embroidery qriting. I used the computer to type my name in a font I like, printed this and traced it onto freezer paper, then ironed onto a piece of fine calico. I used Ricky Tims Stable Stuff underneath and carefully sewed along the line. I went over it twice. This was attached to a piece of crazy patchwork 2 ½ square. Basically this was tiny scrapes of fabric bondawebbed onto a piece of Stable Stuff and very thin wadding and free motion quilted.  The name is fixed in place with tiny circular stitches and embellished with beads.

Another piece of Stable Stuff and the backing were all stitched in place with a satin stitch binding.

The back has a magnet (eBay) rather than a pin.

Frogs

I saw the pattern for this pin cushion and bits bag at the AQS Quilt Show in 2003. I really enjoyed making him and love the idea of using straws and buttons for the eyes. I use him all the time, hence he is starting to look a little tatty.

Once I heard about my friends orange frog she had in her garden, I made one for her to.