22" x 22"
The theme for this month's Island Batik Ambassador quilt is Adventuresome Applique.
I think this piece definitely conveys my adventuresome spirit. I have ridden my bike in the PA, DE, VA, NY, Utah, Florida, PEI, Spain, France, etc, etc. It's a great feeling to have the wind blow in my face and smell the countryside. My favorite thing to do on my bike is to ride over a bridge or take it on a ferry. And the tired feeling that you have after being on the bike all day is empowering.
For 2 months in Key West, I try to get on my bike every day with my favorite companion, Bailey. You'll have to excuse her fur color change. She would have blended into the background if I hadn't taken a little artistic license. And if I'm not on my bicycle, I'm at my sewing machine.
I originally made this quilt for my quilt guild's anniversary with a theme of what does our guild mean to you. There was a designated size and fabric to be used as the background. Since joining this guild about 20 years ago, I went from an eager novice quilter to someone that travels the country teaching and sharing my quilts and techniques.
So when I needed my adventuresome applique quilt using Island Batik fabrics, I knew I had to make it again! It was fun and easy and I'll share my quilt as you applique technique.
1. Layer the background, batting and backing fabric and quilt. I used linear organic quilting with Superior Threads, Fantastico, a variegated polyester thread. I like a bit of shine.
2. I used my original drawing to create the fusible appliques from the Island Batik fabrics. Since you end up with a mirror image, I flipped it over and used the wrong side to create the appliques.
3. I then placed a piece of parchment paper over the drawing, positioned the appliques and pressed. This forms an entire bicycle.
4. I repeated the process for the letters.
5. I placed all the appliques on the quilted background fabric, making sure I was pleased with the placement and pressed all the appliques in place.
6. I used a straight stitch with a free motion foot and lowering the feed dogs to stitch around all the appliques. (Securing the appliques in this way also acts like quilting.)
7. I also stitched the binding on by machine.
Well that is adorable. I love the dog in the basket. I actually had a dachshund that would ride in my bike basket when I was growing up. Brings back memories of a great dog.
ReplyDeleteThat is so clever and fun....
ReplyDeleteCheryl, when I saw this I got the biggest grin on my face. It's wonderful! I thought that if I spotted it in a group of quilts I'd know right away it was yours from the bike, sewing machine and mini-Bailey, even with his new fur color. In some cooking competition shows the contestants are told "Put yourself on a plate." This piece certainly puts YOU on the quilt!
ReplyDeleteAll the best,
Nili