Sister's Choice Quilts

My interests are quilting, reading, cooking, family, decorating, and matters of style. I post regular quilting tutorials and book reviews of current fiction.

Exploring New Crafts

Winter 

Autumn-pillow 

I spent yesterday afternoon in the company of some very pleasant women, who all came together to stitch embroidery projects.  I left the group feeling so excited about exploring this new craft further.  My camera is acting up, so the pictures I am showing are various ones I got off the internet.  They do reflect the types of projects the women in the class were working on however.

The favored patterns seemed to be by Crabapple Hill.  The instructor had completed a gorgeous pillow from the Autumn/Winter/Spring/Summer series.  Another woman was working on a pattern called "Nesting", which is one I must make for myself. 

Nestingweb 
Isn't that stunning?  She told me that she plans to make it the center medallion of a quilt, and surround it with pieced quilt blocks.  There is a new fabric collection called "Lilac Hill" by Brannock and Patek that is due out in March.  I am thinking this group could be lovely, made up into various star blocks surrounding that center medallion.  I better email Fatquartershop to reserve my bundle!

LilacHill-bundle-200 

My goal for 2011 is to immerse myself more completely in the world of embroidery and applique.  I love how these embellishments enhance the look of a quilt, and it would make me so happy to improve my skills in those two areas.

So, if you were to make a resolution to try out or gain expertise in a new craft, what would it be?  Scrapbooking?  Rug hooking?  Knitting?  Tell me what you would like to do.

76 responses to “Exploring New Crafts”

  3. I’m glad you’re exploring the world of hand embroidery – the sky is the limit.
    You already know how I feel about handwork – it’s truly blissful. I hope you experience the same.

  4. I’m glad you’re exploring the world of hand embroidery – the sky is the limit.
    You already know how I feel about handwork – it’s truly blissful. I hope you experience the same.

  5. I so agree with you . . . my goal is to become proficient in Sashiko . . . but I do love embroidery too . . .
    I am trading teaching with a Sashiko guru on Friday this week . . . she teaches Sashiko at several of the shops I go to . . . but I haven’t had the $$ for the classes . . .
    she wants to learn English Paper Piecing . . . which I have taught at one of the shops . . .
    so we’re getting together on Friday . . . she will teach me Sashiko . . . and I will teach her EPP . . .
    good trade I think !!
    I really love those seasons pillows . . . will have to look for those patterns myself . . .
    on Karen’s comment . . . my eye doctor made me a pair of bifocals . . . the top is my reading prescription and the bottom is a magnifying prescription . . . he had me bring my hand sewing in with me and I sewed while he tested my eyes . . . from there he worked out what I needed . . . they are terrific . . .

  6. I so agree with you . . . my goal is to become proficient in Sashiko . . . but I do love embroidery too . . .
    I am trading teaching with a Sashiko guru on Friday this week . . . she teaches Sashiko at several of the shops I go to . . . but I haven’t had the $$ for the classes . . .
    she wants to learn English Paper Piecing . . . which I have taught at one of the shops . . .
    so we’re getting together on Friday . . . she will teach me Sashiko . . . and I will teach her EPP . . .
    good trade I think !!
    I really love those seasons pillows . . . will have to look for those patterns myself . . .
    on Karen’s comment . . . my eye doctor made me a pair of bifocals . . . the top is my reading prescription and the bottom is a magnifying prescription . . . he had me bring my hand sewing in with me and I sewed while he tested my eyes . . . from there he worked out what I needed . . . they are terrific . . .

  7. Nicole-Embroidery is one of the crafts that I would like to learn also. But, I plan on taking a beading class soon. I would also like to get back into counted cross-stitch someday. With working fulltime, I just don’t have enough hours in the day. I’m sure your embroidery will be beautiful and I love that new fabric line coming out in March. Peggy

  8. Nicole-Embroidery is one of the crafts that I would like to learn also. But, I plan on taking a beading class soon. I would also like to get back into counted cross-stitch someday. With working fulltime, I just don’t have enough hours in the day. I’m sure your embroidery will be beautiful and I love that new fabric line coming out in March. Peggy

  9. I would like to become better at knitting – I come do a great scarf or dishcloths but that is about the limit of my abilities. Hats, scarves, purses, socks, – all look so wonderful.
    Main resolution for 2011 is to finish my son’s t-shirt quilt by graduation and to try to work on something everyday (to many WIP sitting on the shelves).

  10. I would like to become better at knitting – I come do a great scarf or dishcloths but that is about the limit of my abilities. Hats, scarves, purses, socks, – all look so wonderful.
    Main resolution for 2011 is to finish my son’s t-shirt quilt by graduation and to try to work on something everyday (to many WIP sitting on the shelves).

  11. Gorgeous work in those photos. I want to become more adept at applique and plan to work it into my “to do” quilt list for 2011.
    I’m glad I read the comments. I may be in the market for glasses like Cheryl has if things get any worse. The joys of aging!

  12. Gorgeous work in those photos. I want to become more adept at applique and plan to work it into my “to do” quilt list for 2011.
    I’m glad I read the comments. I may be in the market for glasses like Cheryl has if things get any worse. The joys of aging!

  13. I love embroidery and Applique. It is just so gorgeous. To say I’m not proficient enough is a copout. I admit to using the excuse. I recall the scene in Pride and Prejudice where Lizzie tells Mr Darcy that he would never get good at social interaction unless he practices. I need to remember this more often. I honestly don’t do much hand work at all. Just like everyone that has commented, I have horrible eye sight. Many people sit in front of the tv and do thier hand work but I either wear my contacts and use reading glasses (which I hate and are clunky) or I take off my contacts and then I can see what i’m doing but can’t see far away. Honestly, more copout excuses. Maybe I just need to set a goal and get it done. Good Luck on your resolution!

  14. I love embroidery and Applique. It is just so gorgeous. To say I’m not proficient enough is a copout. I admit to using the excuse. I recall the scene in Pride and Prejudice where Lizzie tells Mr Darcy that he would never get good at social interaction unless he practices. I need to remember this more often. I honestly don’t do much hand work at all. Just like everyone that has commented, I have horrible eye sight. Many people sit in front of the tv and do thier hand work but I either wear my contacts and use reading glasses (which I hate and are clunky) or I take off my contacts and then I can see what i’m doing but can’t see far away. Honestly, more copout excuses. Maybe I just need to set a goal and get it done. Good Luck on your resolution!

  17. I’ll make the resolution to learn to knit socks. I know how to knit, so it’ll be just learning how to knit a pair of socks. I just love all the colorful yarns there are now to pick from.

  18. I’ll make the resolution to learn to knit socks. I know how to knit, so it’ll be just learning how to knit a pair of socks. I just love all the colorful yarns there are now to pick from.

  19. Gorgeous pillows! I love Crabapple Hill’s things – she has a way of putting things together in such a sweet way. I want to fine-tune my ‘bit-more-than-beginner’ quilting skills. Need to finish up some projects and start new things. If the tendonitis in my wrist will settle down and let me knit, I’d like to knit up a storm this year!
    ~Adrienne~

  20. Gorgeous pillows! I love Crabapple Hill’s things – she has a way of putting things together in such a sweet way. I want to fine-tune my ‘bit-more-than-beginner’ quilting skills. Need to finish up some projects and start new things. If the tendonitis in my wrist will settle down and let me knit, I’d like to knit up a storm this year!
    ~Adrienne~

  21. I used to do a lot of handwork. Not so much anymore, but I can’t really figure out why. I do all machine quilting – I’d love to try some hand quilting (starting small…), also I’d like to hook some rugs!

  22. I used to do a lot of handwork. Not so much anymore, but I can’t really figure out why. I do all machine quilting – I’d love to try some hand quilting (starting small…), also I’d like to hook some rugs!

  23. Cross-stitch was my first crafty love, though I also learned to knit and crochet. I still do an occasional cross-stitch project and have some unfinished ones!
    I would love to try needlepunch or rug hooking but really have to limit myself to one hobby due to space and time. But since I selected quilting as my focus, I too would like to combine stitchery, applique and patchwork. I just love that look.

  24. Cross-stitch was my first crafty love, though I also learned to knit and crochet. I still do an occasional cross-stitch project and have some unfinished ones!
    I would love to try needlepunch or rug hooking but really have to limit myself to one hobby due to space and time. But since I selected quilting as my focus, I too would like to combine stitchery, applique and patchwork. I just love that look.

  25. I’d like to learn how to make stained glass. I hesitate to start due to the lack of space and the need to collect another complete set of tools/supplies costing mucho bucks when I’ve already committed so much to quilting.

  26. I’d like to learn how to make stained glass. I hesitate to start due to the lack of space and the need to collect another complete set of tools/supplies costing mucho bucks when I’ve already committed so much to quilting.

  27. I used to love cross-stitching and embroidery – now I seem to be more enamored of quilting. I’ve tried applique for a Round Robin my Guild is doing but don’t think that it is “my thing” at least I don’t seem to be very good at it, but as they say Practice makes Perfect. I also enjoy knitting but there just don’t seem to be enough hours in the day even when you are retired – in fact the days seem to have shrunk.

  28. I used to love cross-stitching and embroidery – now I seem to be more enamored of quilting. I’ve tried applique for a Round Robin my Guild is doing but don’t think that it is “my thing” at least I don’t seem to be very good at it, but as they say Practice makes Perfect. I also enjoy knitting but there just don’t seem to be enough hours in the day even when you are retired – in fact the days seem to have shrunk.

  31. Those are beautiful embroidery pillows. My two crafts are quilting and scrapbooking, and I can’t really afford to try anything new due to money, time, and space. I can sure appreciate everyone else’s crafts though!

  32. Those are beautiful embroidery pillows. My two crafts are quilting and scrapbooking, and I can’t really afford to try anything new due to money, time, and space. I can sure appreciate everyone else’s crafts though!

  33. Nicole…I love how you are immersing yourself in embroidery. I love the look…not sure I have the patience. I hooked rugs for several years, but then got turned on to quilting (have been sewing all my life but never was excited about quilts…go figure!). I know how to embroider and applique…sometimes think I would like to do more. Counted cross-stitch, knitting, crocheting…all learned years ago. Who knows what I’ll add in.

  34. Nicole…I love how you are immersing yourself in embroidery. I love the look…not sure I have the patience. I hooked rugs for several years, but then got turned on to quilting (have been sewing all my life but never was excited about quilts…go figure!). I know how to embroider and applique…sometimes think I would like to do more. Counted cross-stitch, knitting, crocheting…all learned years ago. Who knows what I’ll add in.

  35. Yes that fabric would set off the embroidery beautifully! Get it, so I can drool over it!! I want to rug hook so bad. I am making a resolution to try that next year. I love the look of wool hooked rug! I almost took a class this fall, but schedule was way too busy.

  36. Yes that fabric would set off the embroidery beautifully! Get it, so I can drool over it!! I want to rug hook so bad. I am making a resolution to try that next year. I love the look of wool hooked rug! I almost took a class this fall, but schedule was way too busy.

  37. Having bounced from handcraft to handcraft in years past, I love piecing quilts the most. I still love embroidery and made two shams to go with the Log Cabin quilt I made for my mother’s bed. Those are red-work and they came from lacetales.com about 15 years ago.
    crabapplehillstudios has some charming patterns that combine patchwork with embroidery. I hope to use a pillow pattern I got from them to make at least one pillow before Christmas.
    My goal in the new year is to finish some UFOs, to make at least two quilts from bundled fabrics that have been waiting patiently for years, and to finish those last three counted cross stitch projects that I abandoned in 1992 when I began my 1st quilt.
    I’d like to get back to stained glass and have always wanted to learn to hook rag rugs and to weave. I think I can, I think I can!
    Hugs!

  38. Having bounced from handcraft to handcraft in years past, I love piecing quilts the most. I still love embroidery and made two shams to go with the Log Cabin quilt I made for my mother’s bed. Those are red-work and they came from lacetales.com about 15 years ago.
    crabapplehillstudios has some charming patterns that combine patchwork with embroidery. I hope to use a pillow pattern I got from them to make at least one pillow before Christmas.
    My goal in the new year is to finish some UFOs, to make at least two quilts from bundled fabrics that have been waiting patiently for years, and to finish those last three counted cross stitch projects that I abandoned in 1992 when I began my 1st quilt.
    I’d like to get back to stained glass and have always wanted to learn to hook rag rugs and to weave. I think I can, I think I can!
    Hugs!

  39. I have tried just about every craft out there, but what I’d really like to get into is applique. That’s the one thing that I’ve been avoiding. I’d done machine applique, but now want to feel the fabric in my hands as I stitch.
    Crab Apple Studios has some of the greatest designs. I’ve accumulated a few of them. Embroidery is the first thing that I ever learned. My grandmother taught me.

  40. I have tried just about every craft out there, but what I’d really like to get into is applique. That’s the one thing that I’ve been avoiding. I’d done machine applique, but now want to feel the fabric in my hands as I stitch.
    Crab Apple Studios has some of the greatest designs. I’ve accumulated a few of them. Embroidery is the first thing that I ever learned. My grandmother taught me.

  41. I’ve made a goal to get good at sock knitting. Finding a group to stitch with is one of the best helps. I’m hoping to find a sock knitting group to meet with on a regular basis.

  42. I’ve made a goal to get good at sock knitting. Finding a group to stitch with is one of the best helps. I’m hoping to find a sock knitting group to meet with on a regular basis.

  43. I am very interested in rug hooking. Alot of the quilt patterns can be used for rug hooking patterns. I am going to start dying my own wool. I have been collecting wool for 5 years. I can get so excited over a wool skirt from the thrift store!

  44. I am very interested in rug hooking. Alot of the quilt patterns can be used for rug hooking patterns. I am going to start dying my own wool. I have been collecting wool for 5 years. I can get so excited over a wool skirt from the thrift store!

  45. I want to become more proficient at knitting. I have completed a couple of projects, and have a few in the works. After the start of the new year, I am going to take a couple of classes to learn from the pros.

  46. I want to become more proficient at knitting. I have completed a couple of projects, and have a few in the works. After the start of the new year, I am going to take a couple of classes to learn from the pros.

  49. I would love to learn how to do rug hooking. Its hard to find a teacher in Florida. All that wool people think its took hot to be fooling with wool. If you or anyone know of a good how to book, video or wool supply store that would be fabulous. Good luck with the embroidery.

  50. I would love to learn how to do rug hooking. Its hard to find a teacher in Florida. All that wool people think its took hot to be fooling with wool. If you or anyone know of a good how to book, video or wool supply store that would be fabulous. Good luck with the embroidery.

  51. I have been admiring the Winter Crabapple Hill pattern myself. I’m not very good at embroidery and I don’t enjoy it a lot, but I hope to do a bit more and learn to like it. I am working now on improving my applique skills. I also hope to do more complicated quilts. I have also designed five of my own and enjoyed that a lot.

  52. I have been admiring the Winter Crabapple Hill pattern myself. I’m not very good at embroidery and I don’t enjoy it a lot, but I hope to do a bit more and learn to like it. I am working now on improving my applique skills. I also hope to do more complicated quilts. I have also designed five of my own and enjoyed that a lot.

  53. You are doing well with your embroidery I would first like to master my quilting still learning then I think I wiuld like to learn how to do tatting.I love Lilac one of the things I miss here in Australia is the smell of the lilac flowers.
    Hugs Mary.

  54. You are doing well with your embroidery I would first like to master my quilting still learning then I think I wiuld like to learn how to do tatting.I love Lilac one of the things I miss here in Australia is the smell of the lilac flowers.
    Hugs Mary.

  55. Nicole, The skills I plan to work on are also stitchery and applique. I have done very intricate embroidery and cross stitch all my life but after losing the feeling in the palms of my hands and my fingertips 6 years ago, I had to give it up. That is why I started quilting by the way. I HAD to have a creative outlet in my life and quilting happened along about 3 years after my health declined. However when I saw some quilts done with both stitchery blocks and pieced blocks I knew I had to try to re-teach my hands to the tricks of embroidery. I can do the simple stitches fairly easy now after much trial and error. I now moving on to more involved things, chain stitch (pretty easy) and even boullion roses that are ‘coming along’. Now it is a habit in the evening to pick up my stitching and do a little bit when I sit down for some quite time. Also, now that I have my very own sewing room I am going to learn applique (something I have never done). Whether my fingers can do needle turn applique is yet to be seen, but we are gonna give it our best effort. Like you, I love the embellishments on so many patterns and want to learn and enjoy the skills. It opens up an entirely new door in the quilting world so let’s do it!!!

  56. Nicole, The skills I plan to work on are also stitchery and applique. I have done very intricate embroidery and cross stitch all my life but after losing the feeling in the palms of my hands and my fingertips 6 years ago, I had to give it up. That is why I started quilting by the way. I HAD to have a creative outlet in my life and quilting happened along about 3 years after my health declined. However when I saw some quilts done with both stitchery blocks and pieced blocks I knew I had to try to re-teach my hands to the tricks of embroidery. I can do the simple stitches fairly easy now after much trial and error. I now moving on to more involved things, chain stitch (pretty easy) and even boullion roses that are ‘coming along’. Now it is a habit in the evening to pick up my stitching and do a little bit when I sit down for some quite time. Also, now that I have my very own sewing room I am going to learn applique (something I have never done). Whether my fingers can do needle turn applique is yet to be seen, but we are gonna give it our best effort. Like you, I love the embellishments on so many patterns and want to learn and enjoy the skills. It opens up an entirely new door in the quilting world so let’s do it!!!

  57. Oh, knitting is on my list and has been for a while…I’d love to make myself new socks. But, I have a pile of cross stitch that I barely touch, so have promised myself not to pick up knitting needles until I finish the two big cross stitch projects that are UFOs. I love Crabapple Hill too and have a couple of their patterns – have you seen the witch hat? That’s got to be my favorite of theirs!

  58. Oh, knitting is on my list and has been for a while…I’d love to make myself new socks. But, I have a pile of cross stitch that I barely touch, so have promised myself not to pick up knitting needles until I finish the two big cross stitch projects that are UFOs. I love Crabapple Hill too and have a couple of their patterns – have you seen the witch hat? That’s got to be my favorite of theirs!

  59. HI Nicole,
    I used to embroider because my mother taught me to do many of the basic stitches. She did lovely embroidery on pillowcases and tablecloths- Lately I have been beading as well as quilting- occasionally I knit- I sometimes think about doing wool felt projects but I have too many quilts to make yet.
    I love your idea for the spring quilt- It would be a soft very elegant looking quilt.
    Regards,
    Anna

  60. HI Nicole,
    I used to embroider because my mother taught me to do many of the basic stitches. She did lovely embroidery on pillowcases and tablecloths- Lately I have been beading as well as quilting- occasionally I knit- I sometimes think about doing wool felt projects but I have too many quilts to make yet.
    I love your idea for the spring quilt- It would be a soft very elegant looking quilt.
    Regards,
    Anna

  61. I’m glad you’ve fallen in love with embroidery. I love my patchwork & quilting, but I also love embroidery and am totally obsessed with applique. There are so many embroidery patterns around too – the sky is the limit!

  62. I’m glad you’ve fallen in love with embroidery. I love my patchwork & quilting, but I also love embroidery and am totally obsessed with applique. There are so many embroidery patterns around too – the sky is the limit!

  65. I’ve always admire the Crabapple Hill patterns. They are gorgeous. It sounds like a nice day out to be inspired.
    I want to rug hook!! I have a little kit that I started years ago, but I had too much fuzzy stuff blowing around my nose so I put it away. I think it was because i don’t have the proper background. I’m not even sure I know how to do it anymore.

  66. I’ve always admire the Crabapple Hill patterns. They are gorgeous. It sounds like a nice day out to be inspired.
    I want to rug hook!! I have a little kit that I started years ago, but I had too much fuzzy stuff blowing around my nose so I put it away. I think it was because i don’t have the proper background. I’m not even sure I know how to do it anymore.

  69. Love that Winter pillow. I have been looking at the pattern online for a while now. And I love that they used Winter fabric on the sides. Clever, clever, those Crabapple people are…

  70. Love that Winter pillow. I have been looking at the pattern online for a while now. And I love that they used Winter fabric on the sides. Clever, clever, those Crabapple people are…

  75. Nicole,
    Noticed your comment of wanting to learn or improve upon your applique process. I have been saying the same thing this year. I have been searching the internet for tips and have practiced a little but haven’t come down to the method for me yet. I noticed Anne Sutton from Bunny Hill has a DVD she sells (someone else has made it) on “how to” applique. Am pondering sending for that. Are you aware of any good “how to’s”, for applique?
    Beverly in WA state

  76. Nicole,
    Noticed your comment of wanting to learn or improve upon your applique process. I have been saying the same thing this year. I have been searching the internet for tips and have practiced a little but haven’t come down to the method for me yet. I noticed Anne Sutton from Bunny Hill has a DVD she sells (someone else has made it) on “how to” applique. Am pondering sending for that. Are you aware of any good “how to’s”, for applique?
    Beverly in WA state