Someone asked me recently what I have been working on lately.
I have finished the Kingfisher wool applique by machine pillow top project (basic design without the eye pupil, which is a very small black button, shown above). I haven’t made the pillow yet, but will in a few days. I have some really black stretch denim I think would make a nice pillow back for it. I think it needs to be something kind of heavy to balance the wool which I have sandwiched and quilted, and a little stretch will help the pillow look good. I haven’t decided whether to put cording in the seam or not. I like it a lot even though it is relatively simple. Two videos will come out of this project. One will be published soon…probably this coming weekend. It’s being edited and there will be a free pattern available for it on my website which I really hope you will download. I will provide a link to it when my video is published.
Also, just yesterday, I got a stack of color cards for Wonderfil Threads of various types and a few sample spools, which are really a fun way to shop for threads. I don’t have a local source for my favorite threads so I have to order them. I have a Thanksgiving table runner project that I plan on using their threads for embroidery, applique, and quilting for that. So I have to hurry, because it’s already August!!!
I love figuring out threads this way. I can take my time, try out the thread samples, and see the actual threads.

Magnifico by Superior color card image
I also have some color cards for Superior Threads. If you have to order your threads to get the kind you like, I highly recommend getting some of these sample cards even if you have to buy them. Sometimes they give them away at big events like quilt shows or cut the cost for them a lot. But even so, they provide color accuracy and coincidentally they are fun to look at if you love threads like I do.
So I have also been adding to my stitch library with pages for Wonderfil, Superior, and Miscellaneous thread types. Today I made a page for different Wonderfil types, with a line of decorative stitches per type. I encourage you to make your own library of stitches and thread types pages. It’s not only fun to stitch these pages but really useful.
And last, but not least, I worked up, but not yet printed, a full sized guide for my next deep space quilt. That’s the closest I ever come to a pattern for this style quilt. Basically, it’s a placement guide for the space objects. I also print out the NASA picture or pictures of the space scene or objects and then build the scene on fabric using a little background paint, and Angelina Fibers hot fix fiber (they stick to themselves not the fabric) appliques, and I cover the whole quilt top with black nylon veiling. I sandwich it all together and baste it down. So then I use quilting and free motion embroidery to build the space objects and quilt the whole thing. It’s one big whole cloth quilt with big appliques, and different sizes and colors of hot fix crystals. It’s loads of fun, but does require a placement and sizing guide to make it even start to look right. I will be showing just some of the making of this quilt for fun…but not a how-to like some of my work.
Sew I have been having fun in my studio. That’s what I am working on.
Sew happy everyone. Have fun in your studio too!