October 19, 2024
Happy Saturday,
This is one of my favorite times of year. I love the leaves, pumpkins and watching Penn State Football. We are enjoying “fall like” weather in Florida with the low temperatures in the 50 to 60 degrees. It has been a wonderful change from the “typical” Florida weather. The fall decorations are out, purchased Apple cider candle melts and I am enjoying pumpkin spice tea. Definitely in the fall spirit. What are you doing to enjoy the fall?
As stated before, I am trying to reduce my stash. In full disclosure, I am still buying fabric, so it a very slow process. To help reduce my fabric, I first use what I have. Then buy only what is needed to finish the project. This has helped me not to continue to grow the stash.
Everything in this project was fabric that I already have except for the embroidery design. I cut the fabric for the front, back and batting at 12×18. Also, cut the binding the width of fabric (3) at 2.5 inches then sandwiched the fabric together.
The embroidery design was from Etsy. I really wanted the colors from the pumpkin to match up. Instead of using the suggested colors, I picked colors that matched the binding. It wasn’t a big change from what already suggested. I embroidered the pumpkin and then stippled around the pumpkin. Once, I put on the binding, the colors on the pumpkin popped.
Next time I do this project, I will cut the background and batting at 14×19. This will give me more room to quilt to the edge of the fabric.
It was an easy project; the longest part was just getting the stippling around the pumpkin. There was a lot of starting and stopping to maneuver the designs around the pumpkin. Next time, I am considering, embroidering the entire place mat and then putting on the design. This way, I can get closer to the pumpkin without fear of stippling over it.
I have not tried free motion quilting. It is an easier way to quilt versus using the embroidery machine. I am looking into buying the Janome Quilt Maker pro. Would love to hear what machines that you are using and any tips. Here are some of my questions.
What machines are you using?
Any pros or cons that I need to be aware of?
How did you learn to do free motion?
The 18-inch throat sounds wonderful when trying to manipulate a quilt. The size of the machine will work well since my space is limited.
What are your fall projects? Or are you already starting to sew for Christmas?
Happy Sewing,
Valerie
The Saturday Seamstress 