Sleeve for Featherweight sewing machine with monogram

Finally I made a sleeve for the side panel of my Singer Featherweight sewing machine to protect shiny side of the panel from scratch and accidental touch of metal parts.

 If I ever had a daughter, I would name her Katherine. But I have sons only. So I gave this name to my Featherweight. Katherine the Great. And I dressed it up! It's made of leather vinyl and black nylon lining with embroidered monogram.

If you want me to make you one, you can place your order in my Etsy store, choose the letter and customize the color.

Happy sewing!

Natalie Quiltessa 

Cactus bloom

Recent class in my guild on paper piecing of tulips inspired me to write a tutorial on another method of piecing using a freezer paper. 

You can find this tutorial in my Etsy store.

Why freezer paper? Here are some advantages of freezer paper method vs paper piecing, which makes this technique more attractive.

-Freezer paper stabilizes the fabric, prevents it from moving and distorting, making more accurate points;
-You don't have to precut fabric and be precise; you can use scraps and pieces of any size; stitch them and trim excess after sewing;
-When stitching on the edge of the freezer paper fold you can always see the fabric and the seam allowance; the fabric will not be getting under the presser foot, which happens often while covering fabric with paper and stitching blindly;
-You don't have to tear away the pattern! Peel it off and use it again multiple times! No mess and saves your time!

Try to make just one flower and I believe you will be doing it again and again!

Happy sewing!

Natalie Quiltessa

Unbelievable: Crayons challenge results...

Last year it was decided to organize Crayons challenge in our guild.
We draw two colors and had to make a quilt due June 9th, 2016.
I picked "Wild strawberries" and "Peach".
I knew I was going to use my "Twisted log cabin triangular in a square" with both of these colors.
But when the center was already made, I found in my stash a piece of real strawberries! So, I decided to expand it a little bit to a bigger square.
When that square was done, I couldn't resist to add piece of pretty batik in peach and strawberry mixed colors! I posted the process in my previous posts.

Finished it with Prairie points.

Today we had 23 quilts done!!! What a team of enthusiastic ladies we have!!!

Everybody in the guild could vote for the quilt they like the best, even those who did not participate. Three winners would have the prizes.

And results were unbelievable! Just unbelievable!

Numbers were equally shared for three quilts - EQUALLY! So we had three first places!

Yes, my "Strawberry patch" was one of those!

And the prize was: "Oh, wow!" book about miniature quits, a new pattern and a bundle of reproduction fabrics.

Thank you ladies for participating and voting for my quilt!

I also personally like this quilt, made by Rebecca Tucker, very well done and unique design!

All these Crayons challenge quilts now will be exhibited at our annual local show "Quiltes in the Boro" August 19-20, 2016 in Murfreesboro, TN.

Please, visit our page and come see us!!!

Happy sewing!

Natalie Quiltessa

New pattern: Pyramid wristlet & cell phone stand

Last year I was inspired with a little gadget for my phone and made a little stand. I filled it with rice, added several drops of essential oil and enjoyed it for a while.

I could use it sometimes when working at the desk, but most of the time my phone is mobile... but the stand is NOT!
I made this pyramid now more usable: wristlet with a key fob makes it now portable, zipper allows some room inside, Flex foam makes it lightweight and sturdy and a pen in the pocket instantly creates a firm bottom for the phone.

You don't have to use it all the time, but it's nice to keep it vertical in front of your eyes, especially if you are waiting for a message or email, listening to the music or watching little videos...
Take it with you to the coffee shop, put it on your desk or nightstand and hang it on the hook when not in need!

Make one for your kids or make them to make one! Keep them busy and stay online!

The pattern now is on Craftsy!
You  can also order one or customize your order in my Quiltess.com store or in my Quiltessence store on Etsy.
Looking for a key fob? You can order it in my Quiltess.com store.
Enjoy!

Happy sewing!

Natalie Quiltessa

"Strawberry patch" is finished!

My favorite colors and activity

Finishing quilt with the binding is the most exciting part!

 It will be finished soon! I have never done double-side binding on Prairie points before, this is my first attempt. So good so far...

I used my remnants of beautiful bright color batik for my featured "Bee tape measure" 

 You can find it in this or other colors in my Etsy store.

I always enjoy using my pretty scraps for something useful and practical! You might find some more of those cuties in my Pinterest board "Cute little things".

The pattern for my Strawberry patch is in my Craftsy store as "Twisted cabin triangular in a square".

Happy sewing!

Natalie Quiltessa

My strawberry patch is on the way!

So good so far!

This is how I decided to complete my "Twisted log cabin in a square" 15" x 15" block (my original pattern on Craftsy)

I added some strawberry patches on the sides, and then larger size triangular of bright color batik.

It was not easy to decide what color/size/layout of borders I would like to finish it with, so I made some samples in a software and asked my Facebook friends and followers to help me with the best option. 

 

Thank you so much for their time and inputs!  I was hesitating between 2 and 5, but came up with a little different decision. Using gradation of colors on the fabric, I decided to make a Prairie points as a last border.

 Here's where using of magnetic ring holder is extremely helpful! Interested? Please, visit my Etsy store and see more designs.

So, now the next challenge: to choose the layout of prairie points: in or out?