Monday, January 20, 2020

Improv Tumbler Wall Quilt from African Wax Prints


This is one of my recent quilts in a series made with African wax prints, an improv tumbler design with a solid khaki (Kona) background. I source the fabrics on Etsy.com from sellers in Africa, the US and the UK. Buying a scrap bundle now and then adds even more variety to my collection.  Wax prints are a little bit shiny and stiff, but soften with washing. The fabrics come with large stickers attached. Sometimes it's hard to get the stickers off, and then there's the adhesive to deal with. So I just cut around the sticker if it's a tough case. JoAnn has started carrying similar prints in cotton (not wax) for three times the price ($30). They are found in the apparel section of the store.
Interestingly, African wax prints are made primarily in Holland. 

The quilt measures 55" x 65." It's available for purchase






Friday, January 3, 2020

Fifty-Nine Empty Spools in 2019!


I save my emptied thread spools and count them at year end. This year clocked 59 spools, compared to the usual 20! Increased machine quilting is the main reason. It was all Coats & Clarks Dual Duty, the least expensive choice. I've been thinking of trying fancier threads. Do you have a preference? 

I know how unscientific this measurement is. But it's kinda fun anyway. 

Wishing you all a very happy new year!!