Blog Archives - Nicola Foreman Quilts

Many Thanks - Block 7 - Give Thanks

29/10/2024

It seems ages since I've stitched any hand applique, and after spending so many hours at my sewing machine stitching a very challenging quilt, I culdn't wait to get back to this project! This is from the Many Thanks book by Nancy Halvorsen of Art to Heart, was originally bought as a kit back in 2005. The instructions in the book suggest using raw edge applique with fusible web, but I'm using this project to practise my needleturn applique skills. Initially I struggled to stitch this wreath, as the curves were quite tight for needleturn applique, so decided to deconstruct it, and stitched the leaves seperately. I like to mix things up a little bit too, and rather than applique the "flower circles" I made some Suffolk Puffs in a variety of sizes to add some texture and interest to the block...

...the words have been hand embroidered. As usual, I traced the words with a very fine Micron Pigma pen (size 005 nib) in a pale brown colour, and used a lightweight fusible interfacing on the wrong side of the background fabric. Once the embroidery and applique were completed, the borders were added. It just needs a final press, then I can start the next block.

Kate Quilt Finally Revealed

27/10/2024

I've finally finished piecing and pressing my latest project. I've moved all my dining room furniture out of the way to make space for a photoshoot as it's so big! Pattern is Kate, by Carrie Nelson of Miss Rosie Quilt Co and used fabrics from the Rosewood collection by 3 Sisters for Moda - this was purchased as a kit from Kis Quilting Ltd back in 2019. I started the first blocks while I was away with friends on a quilting retreat in Yorkshire a few weeks ago, and have spent every spare minute since then, cutting fabrics, pinning, stitching, pressing and watching the pile of pretty 6" blocks growing bigger and bigger. This has probably been the most challenging quilt that I've ever made, and is definitely the largest, at 78" square. Now it just needs a date with the Longarm Quilter to be transformed!

Kate Quilt - Ready for Pressing

26/10/2024

Over the past few days I've been busy putting all those 6" blocks together and now my Kate quilt is ready for a final press before a photoshoot. This is a much bigger quilt than some of my previous projects, and has been the most challengng quilt that I've ever made!

A Birthday Stroll Along the Beach

20/10/2024

We're spending a few days away in North Norfolk, and what better way to spend your birthday than strolling along the beach at Well, in Norfolk. Unfortunately the weather isn't brilliant, but it's lovely to get away and enjoy the sea air and spend some quality time alone together.

Kate Quilt - Centre Panel

19/10/2024

I'm away from my sewing studio until Thursday (busy weekend away, followed by nanny duties) so here's a little peek of yesterday's sewing - the centre panel, which consists of the 4 large blocks from Part 1, has been put together with a pieced border. Pattern is Kate, by Carrie Nelson of Miss Rosie Quilt Co, and made with fabrics from the Rosewood collection by 3 Sisters for Moda.

Kate Quilt - Part 7 - Setting Triangles

17/10/2024

Part 7 of my current project - Kate, by Carrie Nelson of Miss Rosie Quilt Co - involves making the setting triangles for the outer border. There's still lots more cutting, pinning, stitching and pressing, before the quilt top can finally be assembled.

Kate Quilt - Part 6 - Pinwheel Puzzle and Constellation Star Blocks

16/10/2024

The final 6" blocks have finally been stitched! These are Pinwheel Puzzle and Constellation Star blocks and make up Part 6 of Kate, designed by Carrie Nelson of Miss Rosie Quilt Co. It's taken me much longer to get to this stage than I originally thought when I started it back in September on a quilting retreat, however it's been worth the wait - these pretty little blocks have been such a pleasure to stitch. Now I can start Part 7, which includes the pieced setting triangles for the border, and start to piece the blocks together.

Kate Quilt - Part 5 - Homegrown and Cypress Blocks

12/10/2024

Once I'd caught up with my housework after a couple of days being on nanny-duty, I was able to spend a few hours in my sewing studio, piecing together the blocks for Part 5 of my Kate quilt. The Homegrown blocks were a little bit tricky, with lots of stretchy sisdes to contend with when piecing the small triangles together, but I'm really pleased with the results. The Cypress blocks were quite simple to make, and I even had time at the end of my sewing session to cut the pieces ready for Part 6.

Many Thanks - Block 5 - Birds That Sing and Block 6 - The Stars Above

11/10/2024

The next 2 blocks for the Many Thanks quilt, designed by Nancy Halvorsen of Art to Heart have been pieced together. Block 5, Birds That Sing, and Block 6, The Stars Above, were both needleturn appliqued and hand embroidered. The buttons that are used for berries, along with the star buttons, are all from my stash and will be stitched in place once the quilt is completed. Block 6 has 2 small log cabin blocks stitched to the top edge - the seams for these have all been pressed open to keep it flat and accurate. I'm really impressed how my needleturned applique is coming along with all this practise!

Kate Quilt - Part 4 - Crystal Stars and Duck Tracks

10/10/2024

I spent a few days away from my sewing studio last week while I was house sitting fror friends, but thanks to my travelling cutting mat/pressing board, I was able to cut the pieces ready for the next 3 blocks for my Kate quilt. The pieces were stored neatly in envelopes until I was back home and could have a few uninterrupted hours in my sewing studio. The smaller pieces were chain pieced, and each set had the seams pressed open, to allow the block to lat flat. This prevents the seams being lumpy where several seams intersect. I usually give the completed block a quick spray with Flatter, or Mary Ellen's Best Press...

...this shows the Crystal Star blocks in three different colourways, followed by three sets of Duck Tracks blocks. These blocks make up Part 4. These will be set aside until the remaining small blocks for Part 5 and Part 6 are made.