Bias Tape Table Runner {Finished March IBA Challenge}

This month's Island Batik Ambassador challenge was to try a new-to-us technique using the fabrics provided in our Ambassador boxes. I chose to try out bias tape applique and I made these four blocks before I went on vacation:

I had originally thought about making a mini quilt from the blocks, but decided to add four purple squares with the blocks and made a table runner instead!

Another new thing I got to try with this project is my BRAND NEW SEWING MACHINE!

Meet Marcie, my Janome Memory Craft 6600P. As I remarked on Instagram, the only thing that's missing is a cupholder! Working on a little project like this table runner was perfect to test out the different settings for straight stitching, free motion quilting, and all of the different feet!

For the quilting, I used a purple and pink variegated thread from Superior Threads with purple 50 wt. Aurifil in the bobbin and did a simple all over meander. The backing is an aqua coordinate of the Sunflower Serenade line. I used a fat quarter of one of the pink floral prints for the binding and used one of the decorative stitches on my machine to do the top stitching (also using the variegated/Aurifil top/bobbin thread combination!).

All in all, I'm very excited about my new machine (which I can guarantee you'll hear more about!) and adding bias tape applique to my portfolio of quilting skills!

Don't forget to join in the Blocked Rainbow QAL! Block directions don't start being released until April 2nd, so you have plenty of time to start gathering fabrics! Our Kona sale is for a short time only so grab what you need for the QAL or just stock up!

Sharing at Finish it up Friday and Linky Tuesday!

My new love: Magnolia

I spent the afternoon yesterday warming up by setting up my NEW sewing machine. This thing is nifty beyond belief. I'm going to have to undertake projects to use all of its features.

I actually took a whole bunch of pictures of close up of the machine and my quarter inch foot (with fabric guide--what what!) but then I realized how dorky that was. I will save them on my computer, but I will spare you the time of looking at them.

So I am now working on finishing the top of my snowflake quilt. Next up: sashing the blocks together. Here are all my blocks laid out:

Here are the sashing pieces that were the first thing I sewed on my new machine!

So have a happy Sunday. Rest, recharge, and of course, refill your bobbins.

A Surprise

Something exciting...

MY NEW SEWING MACHINE!

My mom surprised me with it when she came this weekend and I am going to work on setting it up tonight/tomorrow. The box is lighter than my old machine with its case attached so its a good sign.

But that's all new on the sewing front. Once the new machine gets set up I will get to setting and sashing the snowflake blocks. Then I'll have to see how big it is and all that to see what kind of borders will be happening with this thing. Although, I'm very tempted to find a little bit more dark blue fabric and make some more blocks. I'll just have to lay it all out on the floor and stare at it for a while. Maybe a quilt with snowflakes is better as a wall hanging or throw just because its so seasonal. Or I could do some fancy schmancy borders on it. How exciting would that be? Yeah. Let's go with that as "the plan" for the next 6 hours.

Also. I have decided that the next quilt project will be the Quiltmaker Mystery Quilt from this past summer/fall. So what if it's not a mystery to me... And as a reminder these are the fabrics I am planning to use:

Super pumped. What are your new sewing/decorating/life projects you are undertaking??

PS. The baby quilt still is on my kitchen table. It will be sent tomorrow, I promise.