Quick Table Runner

I just wanted to share this quick table runner idea.  I took the batik fabric left from my sister's quilt and cut everything into 2-1/2" strips using my Go!Cutter strip dies.  Randomly sewed the strips together, subcut the strip sections to 15" wide then kept sewing the sections together.  I also made a very long table runner/dresser runner for her to match her quilt.  This little runner is a leftover from leftovers!

Here is a picture of the original quilt that I made for her.  The pattern is from Karla Alexander's book "New Cuts for New Quilts"  It's made from all batik fabric and is quilted with the pantograph pattern "Waterworld".

New Toys!

My new Oliso iron finally arrived!  I just love it - it has little feet that retract when you touch the handle.  This allows you to leave your iron in a horizontal position at all times.  When you are ironing large pieces of fabric or small pieced blocks that allows you free use of your hands.  Takes a little bit of getting used to, but once your're accustomed to it you'll find it very hard to go back to a conventional iron.  It turn itself on and off and steams like a dream.  This is my 2nd Oliso; the first one is 5 years old and was beginning to show it's age a little.  When you use an iron everyday in your studio it does take some wear and tear.  I will be taking both Oliso's to the retreat so that everyone can play with them too!

Last night during "Cupcake Wars" I decided to cut out a project that I could sew during our retreat free time.  I used my Go!Cutter "Tumbling Block" die and cut up all the red and white fabric left from my stash.  Using the free pattern that came with the die I will make a twin size quilt to use as a quilted sample for by booth in April.  I was curios as to how long it would take to get organized, iron the fabric and cut:  1 hour!  Just enough time to hear the end of "Cupcake Wars"

Last weekend I started this table runner project using the Go!Cutter "Rose of Sharon" die.  It's very quick, as you only have to make 3 blocks, set on point with a nice focal fabric.  I finished the fused raw edges with a very small zig-zag and Superior Rainbows thread.  It's still a little puckery, but that will go away when I quilt it!  Love that fused applique!

Dixie's Exploding Pineapple

Just thought I would share Dixie's quilt with you.  A beautiful purple and cream batik quilt.  The purple blocks are "Exploding Pineapple" blocks.  Dixie made this quilt in a class at the local quilt shop.  She brought it to me for quilting, wanting to display it on the back of her sofa.  Her custom quilting includes modern feathered wreaths designed especially for this quilt.  The borders are quilted with feathers and piano keys.