Monday, November 21, 2011

Strings Attached

I had a nagging feeling that if I were to put last week's Malka Dubrawsky inspired String Blocks aside until the joy of wonky piecing returned, they may well disappear into the RPQ world of UFO's and never be seen again.


And so, I have instead turned my free form string blocks into three sets of potholders; the instructions of which are found in Malka Dubrawsky's book  Fresh Quilting: Fearless Color, Design, and Inspiration. 


Malka's book has step by step instructions for piecing, layering the batting (including a layer of Insul-Bright insulating material), basting, and binding. 


The free-motion spiral quilting was a challenge and a defining moment, forcing myself to at last embrace the wonk.  Free motion quilting requires practise, there is no quick tutorial, or magic sewing notion. With each of the pot holders the motion required felt less forced, the stitching line smoother, rounder ... until the next bump... and wobble (every time I took a breath!).

Although there were lots of doubts along the way I am very happy with the finished pot holders; I think they'll make great handmade Christmas presents.
I have three sisters,
not all are crafty, but they all do cook/bake.  Just sayin'.

Thank you for stopping by,
Rita

33 comments:

  1. Beautiful! I love all the colours, and the wonk works with them... that's my two cents :) I'm sure your sisters are going to be thrilled with them.

    ReplyDelete
  2. They look bright, happy and will make a wonderful addition to any kitchen. I'm sure your sisters will love them.

    I used my 'A Stitch in Color' fabric to make placemats :) http://www.sameliasmum.com/2011/11/its-charm-placemats-tutorial.html

    ReplyDelete
  3. These blocks would make fantastic child's quilt. Really stimulating.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Really nicely made and the colors are so vibrant and bright. How well they blend together. Love the binding too.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love the colours in this range. Great gift idea too!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Love love love them all. The colors are so beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  7. They look lovely and would make any kitchen look cheery!

    ReplyDelete
  8. cooking would be a pleasure with those potholders!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Yes, thanks ... I love them. If the others don't like them I will happily take more than one set.

    ReplyDelete
  10. lovely bright colors make you happy!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love those! The quilting really makes them :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. These are definitely winners! Wish you were MY sister!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love your choice of black and white bindings. Yes free motion is a challenge. I started doing it 2 years ago and still cringe when I start. I may make mistakes along the way but it always looks great when finished.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Loving the free-motion circles...I have to try that!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I love that you turned them into pot holders. They turned out great!

    ReplyDelete
  16. You do wonky as brilliantly as those perfectly aligned blocks! These look great.

    ReplyDelete
  17. These are great Rita. The lemons stand out for me as food/kitchen style. Very clever.

    ReplyDelete
  18. So lovely and bright and easy to see in a cluttered kitchen!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Great size to practice FMQ. And the bright colors with the black/white binding is perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  20. They look wonderful and so bright and cheerful!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Love the colours! And the black/white binding - must get some of those!

    ReplyDelete
  22. They are gorgeous. Your sisters are lucky to be getting such great gifts. The black/white binding is perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  23. They're gorgeous! I love your log cabin quilt too, and they way you quilted it. I've been trying to figure out how to quilt my log cabin quilt and you gave me some other ideas. Thanks for all you do!

    ReplyDelete
  24. These look wonderful. I'm sure your sisters will enjoy them a lot.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Did you mean Insul-Bright? I would like to put something in potholders and mug rugs (so they can be used for trivets as well). Searching for "ultra-brite" didn't come up with much on the web. But, it is my husband's toothpaste of choice!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi Dianne: LOL! Hehe! Yes, I meant Insul-Bright. I even remember googling the correct name for this product when writing the blog post. Not sure how I got that so wrong!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Too funny! We've all been there! And your potholders are great! If it were me, who has only played around with free motion quilting, I would have been tempted to go around and around and around with the walking foot to get the spiral circle on the potholders! You were brave to grit your teeth and stick it out just so you could be practicing! Good for you!

    ReplyDelete
  28. totally wishing i was your sister right now! they are lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Greetings RPQ! I am a long time lurker and silent follower. Since I started my own blog I wanted to come out of the woodwork and introduce myself; to let you know that You Inspire Me. Thank you for entertaining and inspiring. Please visit me at http://fromheadtofabric.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. Love the pot holders. What size are they?
    The way you grouped them, I could see them up on my wall...
    Thanks for the inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  31. So happy looking!!!!!!! Very cool!

    ReplyDelete
  32. how cute!!! :D

    i swear i just love everything you make.
    not. even. joking.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment! I really appreciate it.

Comments are published after review.

Feel free to ask questions and I will answer either here or by email, as is appropriate.