Good Morning, Quilters!
As I began stitching Ladybugs this morning, a light dusting of snow began to fall from the skies. While I was photographing the tutorial in the afternoon, the sky turned gray and the white dust turned to large wet flakes. As I write this post, we are in full blizzard conditions. All you can see is white–with fast falling snow!
Because my family is all home and tucked in, I can relax and enjoy Minnesota quilting weather!
Seems ironic to be stitching a quilt tutorial for Ladybugs–but that’s part of the fun of quilting!
THE LADYBUG MOTIF–MACHINE QUILTING TUTORIAL
This motif can be stitched any size. For the purposes of this tutorial, the Ladybug motif is about 1 inch and requires slow, precise stitching. Stitch the Ladybug larger if you are a beginner or you want to fill a block–any size will work!
Begin by stitching a clockwise circle–1-1/2 revolutions, ending on the top of the circle.
Stitch from the center to the left a few stitches, then stitch a semi-circle.
Stitch over the previous line of stitching and end on the top of the semi-circle. Add two short antennae.
Stitch on the right half of the semi-circle and on the right side of the Ladybug’s body. Stop at the center and stitch into the center of the circle.
Stitch a line from the bottom of the circle to the top of the circle. Reverse direction–as you stitch back down, add circles, alternating on the right and left sides of the centerline.
At the bottom of the Ladybug, add a loopy line to begin another Ladybug, anywhere on your quilt.
Adorable!
Wouldn’t this be perfect on YOUR next quilt?
Or add one to YOUR signature?
What about YOU?
Do YOU have a favorite motif? Do YOU love ladybugs?
Do YOU long for summer?
We’d LOVE to hear!
Happy to be stitching!
#winterwhiteout
Lori
PS…If you like these motifs and tips, be sure to check out my book, Free Motion Machine Quilting 1-2-3 or any of my Craftsy Videos!
PPS…All tutorials, images and information are the property of Lori Kennedy at The Inbox Jaunt and are intended for personal use only. Feel free to re-blog, pin or share with attribution to The Inbox Jaunt. For all other purposes, please contact me at lckennedy@hotmail.com. Thanks!
