Good Morning, Quilters!
Thank all of you who left comments in our Pretty Pink Sulky Thread Giveaway.
Please read yesterday’s post and get your mammogram!
Today we are stitching right along on our Sunflower Sampler.
Last week we marked the fabric and stitched the center oval. (See last week’s directions HERE)
Your quilt should now look something like this:
MARK THE QUILT
To mark the quilt for the next step, add a 2-1/2 inch margin around the stitched center.
When you are finished, the quilt should look like this:
The petals will fill this space.
Add wide petals all the way around the oval.
When you are about 3/4 of the way around the oval, stop and look at the spacing. Draw in the last three petals to be sure the final petals are evenly spaced.
When you have completed the first row of petals, your Sunflower should look like this:
(Don’t you just LOVE it already!?)
The next step is to echo stitch and add a second set of petals–it’s easy!!!
Echo stitch the first petal–but stop in the middle…
Add an inset petal between two adjacent petals…
Continue— echo stitch the tip of the lower petal and add another inset petal.
Continue around the entire Sunflower.
When you have added all the inset petals, add a row of echo stitching around the entire flower and knot off…
Isn’t it lovely?
The reason it works?
We’ve built in contrast–density contrast.
The center of the Sunflower is densely quilted and the petals are less densely quilted–this gives them “POP”!
And we’re going to “POP” the petals even more by adding dense quilting motifs around the outer edge…
Can YOU apply this technique is YOUR quilts? It always makes quilting more interesting!
MORE FROM SULKY
I understand that some of you are still struggling with thread choices. We will talk more about thread in coming posts (I can talk for hours and hours about thread–I’m kind of a thread nerd…)
In the mean time, just look at the thread you already own…choose the best color–something with a little contrast is nice.
Start really examining your threads right on the spools. Some are finer, some are thicker. Some have sheen, some are dull. Some are wiry, others are smooth.
Some feel better in your hand than others.
Comparing threads is the best way to learn about the different qualities.
Sulky is going to create a sample package of threads along with a color card for readers of The Inbox Jaunt. I’m not sure when it will be ready, but it’s in the works…
In the meantime, buy a new thread fiber or brand every time you go shopping and start developing YOUR favorites!
LOTS MORE QUILTING THIS WEEK
Including a sneak preview of a Secret Project that’s had me chained to my sewing machine for the past two weeks!
Until then…
Schedule your mammogram and stitch your petals!
Lori
PS…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!
