June 9th, 2011
It’s been a tough few months as I recently had my left thumb joint completely replaced. I spent several weeks with pins and a cast but now I’m down to just a brace! It’s been a challenging but growing experience.
Before my surgery I began work on Bittersweet Briar by Kim Diehl. Bittersweet Briar is just one of 14 projects in Simple Graces by Kim Diehl. You can get it at your local quilt shop or online.
I so love the interest, texture and depth that using wool accents or elements gives to a quilt. Like many designers, Kim’s latest book has many patterns that provide you the directions for using both cotton and wool.
Felted wool in a quilt washes great. Don’t be afraid to use it!
Felted wools today come in a variety of overdyed colors as you can see from the pictures. There are colors that are bright and whimsical and colors that are dusty and primitive. There are colors to suit anyone’s taste.
I glue my piece at the same time. That way I can take the entire project with me no matter where I go. I use wool thread instead of floss or Perle cotton because I feel that it does not tend to tear into fabric itself – that is loosely woven. I also use a #24 chenille needle for my stitching.
To keep creases out of your project you can roll your project on an empty paper towel roll – or what I do is to go to a home decorator store or JoAnn Fabrics and ask for a roll that their home dec fabric comes on. These rolls are very sturdy and last from project to project.
I am not sure when this will be completed, as I’m working on it a little at a time. When ever that is, I have a place in my home already for it. I know it will bring a bright and cherry feel to the room and me every time I look at it.
Here are some pieces I’ve completed so far…
