I had a nagging feeling that if I were to put last week's Malka Dubrawsky inspired String Blocks aside until the joy of wonky piecing returned, they may well disappear into the RPQ world of UFO's and never be seen again.
And so, I have instead turned my free form string blocks into three sets of potholders; the instructions of which are found in Malka Dubrawsky's book Fresh Quilting: Fearless Color, Design, and Inspiration.
Malka's book has step by step instructions for piecing, layering the batting (including a layer of Insul-Bright insulating material), basting, and binding.
The free-motion spiral quilting was a challenge and a defining moment, forcing myself to at last embrace the wonk. Free motion quilting requires practise, there is no quick tutorial, or magic sewing notion. With each of the pot holders the motion required felt less forced, the stitching line smoother, rounder ... until the next bump... and wobble (every time I took a breath!).
Although there were lots of doubts along the way I am very happy with the finished pot holders; I think they'll make great handmade Christmas presents.
Thank you for stopping by,
Rita
I have three sisters,
not all are crafty, but they all do cook/bake. Just sayin'.
Thank you for stopping by,
Rita
Beautiful! I love all the colours, and the wonk works with them... that's my two cents :) I'm sure your sisters are going to be thrilled with them.
ReplyDeleteThey look bright, happy and will make a wonderful addition to any kitchen. I'm sure your sisters will love them.
ReplyDeleteI used my 'A Stitch in Color' fabric to make placemats :) http://www.sameliasmum.com/2011/11/its-charm-placemats-tutorial.html
These blocks would make fantastic child's quilt. Really stimulating.
ReplyDeleteReally nicely made and the colors are so vibrant and bright. How well they blend together. Love the binding too.
ReplyDeleteLove the colours in this range. Great gift idea too!
ReplyDeleteLove love love them all. The colors are so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThey look lovely and would make any kitchen look cheery!
ReplyDeletecooking would be a pleasure with those potholders!
ReplyDeleteYes, thanks ... I love them. If the others don't like them I will happily take more than one set.
ReplyDeletelovely bright colors make you happy!
ReplyDeleteI love those! The quilting really makes them :)
ReplyDeleteThese are definitely winners! Wish you were MY sister!!
ReplyDeleteI love your choice of black and white bindings. Yes free motion is a challenge. I started doing it 2 years ago and still cringe when I start. I may make mistakes along the way but it always looks great when finished.
ReplyDeleteLoving the free-motion circles...I have to try that!
ReplyDeleteI love that you turned them into pot holders. They turned out great!
ReplyDeleteSo cute! Smiles~Beth
ReplyDeleteYou do wonky as brilliantly as those perfectly aligned blocks! These look great.
ReplyDeleteThese are great Rita. The lemons stand out for me as food/kitchen style. Very clever.
ReplyDeleteSo lovely and bright and easy to see in a cluttered kitchen!
ReplyDeleteGreat size to practice FMQ. And the bright colors with the black/white binding is perfect.
ReplyDeleteThey look wonderful and so bright and cheerful!
ReplyDeleteLove the colours! And the black/white binding - must get some of those!
ReplyDeleteThey are gorgeous. Your sisters are lucky to be getting such great gifts. The black/white binding is perfect.
ReplyDeleteThey're gorgeous! I love your log cabin quilt too, and they way you quilted it. I've been trying to figure out how to quilt my log cabin quilt and you gave me some other ideas. Thanks for all you do!
ReplyDeleteThese look wonderful. I'm sure your sisters will enjoy them a lot.
ReplyDeleteDid you mean Insul-Bright? I would like to put something in potholders and mug rugs (so they can be used for trivets as well). Searching for "ultra-brite" didn't come up with much on the web. But, it is my husband's toothpaste of choice!
ReplyDeleteHi Dianne: LOL! Hehe! Yes, I meant Insul-Bright. I even remember googling the correct name for this product when writing the blog post. Not sure how I got that so wrong!
ReplyDeleteToo funny! We've all been there! And your potholders are great! If it were me, who has only played around with free motion quilting, I would have been tempted to go around and around and around with the walking foot to get the spiral circle on the potholders! You were brave to grit your teeth and stick it out just so you could be practicing! Good for you!
ReplyDeletetotally wishing i was your sister right now! they are lovely!
ReplyDeleteGreetings RPQ! I am a long time lurker and silent follower. Since I started my own blog I wanted to come out of the woodwork and introduce myself; to let you know that You Inspire Me. Thank you for entertaining and inspiring. Please visit me at http://fromheadtofabric.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteLove the pot holders. What size are they?
ReplyDeleteThe way you grouped them, I could see them up on my wall...
Thanks for the inspiration.
So happy looking!!!!!!! Very cool!
ReplyDeletehow cute!!! :D
ReplyDeletei swear i just love everything you make.
not. even. joking.