#crafttheparcel - envelope quilt block (free pattern)

Feeling Stitchy was very kindly asked by InPost UK to take part in their #crafttheparcel, you may have seen my tweets about it on Feeling Stitchy's twitter account. The idea was for each blogger to make a quilt square, could be anything, a traditional quilt block, applique, knitting, you name it and each week the growing quilt would pass from blogger to blogger via InPost. InPost is a new service in the UK and as someone who gets quite fed up of waiting in for couriers (and post office counter queues!), I think it could be quite handy. The idea is that you leave your parcel in one of InPost's lockers, with a prepaid label to the nearest InPost locker of the person you're sending it to. InPost then pick it up and take it to the new locker and your friend / relative / customer, gets a text message to say that the parcel is ready to be picked up, along with a special code to allow you entry into the locker.

For my quilt block I decided to go with a post theme to match the idea of #crafttheparcel and I made an applique, openable envelope, with a little 'letter' inside with an embroidered quote from Phyllis Theroux, which I thought was quite apt.

To send a letter is a good way to go somewhere without moving anything but your heart.

If you would like to make your own envelope and letter, you can download the pattern and tutorial here for free (personal use only). You could embroider the quote or maybe something else that is important to you. We'd love to see what you made!

And if you would like to see what more blocks get added to the quilt (there are actually two of them going round at the moment), don't forget to check out #crafttheparcel on Twitter.

(Sponsored post)

State Flower Quilt by Vicki Haninger

Today I'm excited to tell you about a wonderful embroidery and quilt project by Vicki from the Turkey Feathers blog. I just know you're going to love this! Over a period of many months she embroidered every single (US) state flower and then she turned them into a quilt. It's beautiful and inspiring!

You should check out Vicki's blog, Turkey Feathers. And her shop, PatternBee! PatternBee is a wonderful resource for vintage embroidery patterns which Vicki restores and sells both as PDF and iron-on patterns.
She is also an author of two books: Embroidery Craft: Stitching Through the Seasons and Blanket Statement.

I asked Vicki a few questions about the project and here's what she had to say. You can also read more about it on her blog. Thank you, Vicki!


(All images with kind permission of Vicki)

Tell us a bit about yourself
My name is Vicki Haninger, and I live in the beautiful Willamette Valley here in Oregon with my husband and two youngest daughters and various adorable critters, including some that run wild through my backyard on a daily basis!

When did you start stitching?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been sewing and stitching.  Like most stitchers, the biggest influences I had growing up, came from the women in my family who always seemed to have a project of some kind in their hands, mostly out of necessity. But there was also much joy in the making.  I found this out early when at the age of five, I was handed a needle and thread and completed my first embroidery of a tiny cross-stitch chick.  It was a defining moment for me I guess, because I can still remember the thrill of that simple task (over fifty years ago now, ahem!), and then, to realize where it’s led in terms of what I am doing today.

What inspired you to start the State Flower Quilt?
The State Flower Quilt Project was the result of a basic pattern restoration.  (That’s primarily what PatternBee offers, in an attempt to keep the old vintage patterns, which are under public domain, available so that others can access and use them more easily.)  Sometimes an old pattern has little things about it that could be made better though and this was the case with the state flower patterns.

So I tweaked the typography, changed the awkward shortened state names to two letter abbreviations, and made slight changes to the flower blocks themselves.  Then I began stitching them, one by one, and sharing them on my blog as free pattern downloads.  The finished blocks and free patterns can also be found on the Turkey Feathers Flickr page, and the pattern is also available from the PatternBee website as a PDF and as an Iron-On Transfer.

How long did it take to finish the quilt?

My State Flower Quilt was completed in about 18 months, but I didn’t work on it every day or very fast, so that’s maybe an average timeframe for a quilt like this.   The flower blocks are easily done though, with just a few basic stitches, and being small they are travel-friendly; a nice size to stow in your bag and take with you to pass the time while you wait somewhere.  So the fact that there are fifty of them shouldn’t be too daunting!  But if it is, you can always just omit the lettering and use the flowers individually for other projects.

Modern Log Cabin Quilting by Susan Beal

Here at FSHQ (that's Feeling Stitchy Headquarters : ) we were fortunate enough to receive a copy of one of Susan's Beal's newest books for Potter Craft, Modern Log Cabin Quilting.

Susan, who blogs at West Coast Crafty, has put together a quilting book that I would classify as an "instant classic" -- timeless designs, widespread appeal, approachable patterns, and inspirational photographs are all in high supply here. It marries traditional and contemporary quilt aesthetics in a highly impactful and engaging way.

By the way, Susan and I are both UNC-Chapel Hill alums, and graduated only a year apart from one another. Go Tar Heels!

The book compiles 24 original project ideas, ranging from quilts to bags, aprons, pillows, and other home decor items. In addition to the patterns, Susan includes both a history of the time-honored log cabin quilt block as well as a section devoted to quilt-making basics that can get even a first-time quilt-maker started on her way to a new quilt.

My favorite quilt is the book's cover girl, called the Modern Crosses Quilt. The beauty of this quilt in its entirety belies the simplicity of its construction. If you are a beginning quilter, or even a newbie that's been wanting to try it out, I would highly recommend this quilt pattern and this book for its down-to-earth, easy-to-understand instructions.

I've already got about 6 Modern Crosses quilts designed in my head, with different color and print combinations.

"But wait", you're thinking (yes, I can hear you.) "Why are the fine folks at Feeling Stitchy reviewing a quilting book?"

Allow me to introduce a quilt that Susan has named the "Anniversary Quilt":

Using log cabin block-making techniques, Susan has created a memory quilt that frames images depicting memories or milestones that have special meaning to the quilt's recipient, her husband Andrew. The various blocks feature novelty print fabrics, gocco prints, photo transfers, vintage buttons and other embellishments, and ... wait for it ... embroidery!

See? I've been blogging here on Feeling Stitchy about the places where quilting and embroidery intersect, and with this quilt Susan has provided my latest example. Susan blogged about an earlier version of this pattern, called the Modern Heirloom Quilt and featured in Craft magazine, here.

As if you couldn't tell, I highly recommend this book to both seasoned and wannabe sewists and quilters alike. There's something here for everyone.

I'm also considering putting some quilt block techniques to use when it's my turn to host the Feeling Stitchy stitch-along later this year. What do you think?

Want to win a copy of Modern Log Cabin Quilting? Potter Crafts has generously donated a book for a lucky Feeling Stitchy reader. Simply leave a comment on this post telling us if you're an experienced quilter or just wanting to try it out. We'll select a random winner next Tuesday, 17 May.

For more about Modern Log Cabin quilting, visit the following sites:

• Modern Log Cabin Quilting on Amazon
  
• Modern Log Cabin Quilting Flickr group
• Susan Beal's blog (West Coast Crafty)
  
• Modern Log Cabin Quilting blog

The Scrappy { Hoops } - A Modern Swap

In case you don't know by now, Flickr is a hotbed of crafty swaps. I've participated in many, many great sewing and quilting swaps over there, and it seems like embroidery swaps are really gaining in popularity and momentum.

If you've read my other posts here on Feeling Stitchy, you know that I love to blur the lines between fabric, sewing, quilting, and embroidery. And if you want to see some examples of how these different elements can come together to create wonderful works of art -- all framed in a simple embroidery hoop -- look no further than the Scrappy { Hoops } swap.

The Scrappy { Hoops } a group "dedicated to creating and receiving the coolest modern and urban fabric hoops for their homes!" The insanely talented swappers in the group combine different materials and techniques to bring their visions to life.

But enough words. I've compiled a collection of beautiful & inspirational photos to give some flavor of what you can find in the group. Click on each photo to learn more about both the maker and the recipient of each piece.

Want to get involved? The group recently wrapped up round 1 of the swap, and I've heard some buzz about a potential round 2 ...

Photo courtesy of sandy (paperpoppies) on Flickr
Made by JenniferLGB

Photo courtesy of Sarah @ pingsandneedles on Flickr



Photo courtesy of Miss-Print on Flickr



Photo courtesy of Angela - fussycut on Flickr



Photo courtesy of Poppyprint on Flickr



Photo courtesy of stitches&scissors on Flickr
Made by asquared(w)



Photo courtesy of Miss-Print on Flickr
Made by {safieh}



Photo courtesy of rosaechocolat on Flickr



Photo courtesy of bearpawandbearpaw on Flickr



Photo courtesy of Aneela Hoey on Flickr
Made by sewdeerlyloved



Photo courtesy of sewdeerlyloved on Flickr
Made by yearofhandmade



Photo courtesy of badskirt - amy on Flickr
Made by creationsbyrachel



Photo courtesy of verykerryberry on Flickr
Made by safischer1



Photo courtesy of daveandsusi on Flickr
Made by verykerryberry



Photo courtesy of suzettra on Flickr



Photo courtesy of amandaquilts on Flickr



Photo courtesy of mccuisti on Flickr



Photo courtesy of sandy (paperpoppies) on Flickr



Photo courtesy of stitches&scissors on Flickr

Nova's Correspondence Quilt

Prolific sewist and modern quilter Nova Flitter (great name!) recently blogged about the "correspondence quilt" she has been working on in collaboration with her mother.

Nova, who lives in Australia, and her mom, who lives in the UK, have been sticking small scraps of red & white fabrics into their letters to one another over the past several months. In addition, they've been working on small redwork pieces representing the special things they love and have special or personal meaning to them.

The embroidered pieces and the shared fabrics have become this amazing patchwork quilt top, patiently awaiting its final sashing pieces before being carefully & lovingly hand-quilted.

What a beautiful and meaningful piece of art, sure to become a family heirloom. Thanks for sharing your story, Nova!

Read more about Nova's project here.
See the blocks up close in Nova's Flickr set here.

Did somebody say stitched whales?

Better yet, Kurt Halsey stitched whales??

Carina's beautiful post reminded me of a quilt block I made a while back. I just wanted to share it while we're all enjoying the whale-y love.

Yellow Category Winner - Rainbow of Stitches Contest

The winner of the yellow category is Q is for Quilter with her wonderful lion quilt block.
_

ABC Quilt Block - Lion by Q is for Quilter_

_ _

A little bit from Martha -
__
Describe yourself in 10 words or less

Old-fashioned quilter, embroiderer and collector of vintage fabric and children's books

_

What inspired your entry?

A 1964 ABC coloring book illustrated by Vincent & Dorothy Fago - I added the letters. I love to combine quilting, embroidery & vintage illustration.

_

What is your favourite stitch?

Stem stitch with one strand of floss

_

Who or what inspires you to stitch?

Vintage children's book illustrations - both from my collection and from other Flickr members

_

How long have you been stitching and how did you get started?

Over 50 years - My mother taught me to embroider tea towels when I was a little girl.

_

Are there any stitchers in the Feeling Stitchy Flickr pool you have noticed?
Oh yes -- way too many to list, but here are just a few:
Ruffledfeather
Shariub

Spicy-Shots

Mrs Gibson's Atelier

BooDilly's

Kleas'

meaganileana

alexcateye

----

_

Martha has now completed the ABC quilt top and is currently in the process of quilting it. You can see the finished top here. Well done Martha - simply stunning!

Mini Quilt Month on Whip Up

Have you been following along with Mini Quilt month over at Whip Up? To celebrate the release of the new Whip Up Mini Quilts book, the team has been featuring mini quilts and quilt artists all throughout the month of April.

Here's a little more information taken from Whip Up's introductory post:

Mini Quilts have been around for over 100 years, and served a couple of different purposes. They were a fun way for young girls to learn how to sew, sewing simple quilt designs for their dolls. They also were also a great educational tool that mothers and grandmothers could make for their children and grandchildren – these often had letters or motifs appliqued or embroidered onto them. I find it wonderful that mini quilts are still made today, as teaching/learning tools and as play things. And now added to these two uses comes a third – as pieces of contemporary art.

For your viewing pleasure, I've curated a small collection of quilts that have been featured so far and incorporate an element of stitching or embroidery into the overall design. They're great inspiration pieces for combining the two mediums of quilting and embroidery into art pieces that can accentuate your home decor.

Which one is your favorite?

Photo from Flickr user paddlefish

Photo from Flickr user joybucket

Photo from Flickr user mrsmcporkchop

Made by Flickr user Katie Aaberg, who also blogs at Made by Katie

Photo from Flickr user CB Handmade

Photo from Flickr user mamacjt

PS. You can see one of my minis featured here. It's #12!

Woodland Sampler Wall Hanging

I'm loving this wall hanging comprised of some of my favorite embroidery patterns. Joely from Australia (aka Flickr user twolittlefishes) combined these woodland-themed stitcheries with a selection of bright, fun quilting fabrics. Notice how she even coordinated her floss selections?

I was so inspired by this project that I'm hoping to create my own quilt blanket version comprised of the embroidered pieces that I'm receiving as part of the Hoop Up swap. More on that soon!

Blogged (with links to all patterns) here.

Rebekah's Stitchette Quilt

Happy Tuesday, stitchers!

As I mentioned in my self-introductory post, sewing & quilting was my "gateway drug" into the online crafty world. In fact, my first experiences with discovering and reading blogs was when I stumbled upon some wonderfully inspirational quilting sites like Amanda Jean's (now, sadly, defunct) Crazy Mom Quilts site and modern quilter Jacquie's Tallgrass Prairie Studio site.

But there was one blog that I was drawn back to again and again because of this crafter's beautiful aesthetic and her plentitude of amazing projects: Rebekah's blog, dontcallmebecky.

Rebekah is a jack-of-all-trades crafter -- at once a sewer, quilter, embroiderer, and knitter ... the girl can do it all. And she does it all with impeccable taste and an enviable sense of style. Case in point: check out this quilt that, because of its simple beauty, convinced me that quilting was something I could actually attempt. Oh, and it also prompted my first purchase of Denyse Schmidt fabrics. I hope to make a quilt just like this one day ...

Handkerchief Corners Quilt courtesy of jrcraft

But I digress. Since this is an embroidery blog, I wanted to share a favorite project of mine from Rebekah's collection. Take a look at this quilt featuring all 16 of the "Four Season Stitchette" patterns by Wee Wonderfuls. I love how Rebekah used a basic quilt square to really feature her amazing stitching, and selected a bright palette of fabrics that really complements the tone of the illustrations.

Stitchette Quilt courtesy of jrcraft

This project really opened my eyes to the endless creative possibilities that can happen when you combine embroidery and quilting. Isn't it an amazing creation?

Stitchette Quilt courtesy of jrcraft

You can read more about this quilt here.

Oh, and speaking of firsts, this pillow (made by Rebekah for her sister) was my first ever exposure to the world of Sublime Stitching ... and, after seeing this, I promptly placed my first order! It's been downhill ever since ...

Kurt Halsey Pillow courtesy of jrcraft

I just wanted to feature it because I love it so much!

Here's a link to all of Rebekah's embroidery posts from her blog -- she's got so many other amazing projects that I could go on & on ... but too much to feature in just one post.

Go take a quick visit to see what Rebekah's up to over at dontcallmebecky ... and tell her I said "hi"!