Connecting Threads Spring 2012 Batiks
 

I received the latest Connecting Threads magazine this past week. Oh my. I just couldn't resist the FQ collection of the Spring Batiks. I have some leaf/flower patterns that I have been itching to try from my HI leaf/flower needleturn applique' book, but just couldn't find the right fabric. Well, these batiks are it!

They are gorgeous - so far, I have resisted temptation...but I'm sure to cave in any time now. LOL Did you already receive them? How do they compare to the pics in the catalog?

I "had" to order some other stuff for CT & I couldn't resist a charm pack of these batiks. Have you gotten their batiks before? I have and YUM! Please post when you finish your project with these beauties!

I am fighting temptation :) But they are gorgeous

Are they called Spring Batiks?, just went to their site and I didnt see anything called spring batiks :(

I ordered the fat quarter sampler of all the new groups as soon as I got the catalog. They are more beautiful in person.

I was drooling over those as well. I have ordered many CT kits and have been really pleased with the quality of the fabric. And, I always order my thread from them. It's good quality cotton thread and a great bargain.

I dogeared all the pages with beautiful things I drooled over. REALLY want fq groups of several of their lines. Then threw the catalog away. When I have piles on top of my piles DON'T NEED MORE FABRIC! But... I know how to go online, too. (step away from the computer. hands in the air.)

I was wondering about the thread. I have always used the Robison Anton Rayon. Suebee - it is called Summer 2012 Bakit Sampler #5178 They are the FQ at $41.76 And you can also order the fabric by yard for $6.96.

It was the first time I did the sampler myself. I usually hit the Quilters candy - I love the Mirage collections. They blend in so well with all of the other fabric in my stash.

All this talk of new batiks is so tempting... but I just went to weigh some fabric & can't find my scale on the fabric table. Probably not a good sign so I shall resist, for the moment.

I got my catalog and decided I just had to have a fat quarter pack of each of the Quilters Candy. But I talked myself out of it. May have to change my mind again. They put out a gorgeous catalog and everything is so tempting.

quiltsRfun - I am guilty of this as well....drool and add to cart, then shut down before the final process. This time, however, I just had to go for it. I have all the patterns enlarged, the background fabrics selected....where IS that postman?

Deb, there's always something in my cart at Connecting Threads. Don't always buy it but it's fun to add it to the cart. :)

The postman came and didn't even have to ring the doorbell once. I was so delighted.....anyway, I cut out the bird of paradise pattern for my block.....but was so chicken about using the new fabric that I did a tester with my stash fabric. I know I am teasing you without a picture....but let me get the 'real' one done....then I will post. These shadow applique blocks are going to be so stunning. And when I get to do the Hawaiian applique (I know traditional HI blocks are solid colors) I am sure all of you will drool as well. Promise it won't be too much longer......now I am tempted to look at the other FQ sampler packs.....I am so bad.....

Deb, you've got my attention! I'll be waiting.

Oaky, I have tried 5 times to upload the pic of this great block. No luck. Followed all the directions.....

[ATTACH=CONFIG]338927[/ATTACH]Success......only about 8 more tries. This is the Bird of Paradise block from the book Shadow Applique' by Hetty van Boven. Three layers - fabric, applique' (heat and bond light), then organza on top. Took two hours to do the 1.5 basting grid, THEN inside and outside stitching. Believe me, the basting is an absolute must. Once the organza starts to shift, there is NO fix to it. (and don't ask me how I did this posting, I only it has something to do with resizing the pic.....and if I could only do it again...hahaha)

Your photo may be too big. I had a similar problem awhile back. Now, don't ask me how to resize it. My computer guru did it for me.

I figured out how to do it, but not sure if I can do it again.....give me fabric, needle and thread, and I can do anything. computer....not so much.

I am quite new to machine quilting and not sure about which thread I should be using - the first quilt I used Star 100% cotton - don't remember the weight - but I know it was balling up and breaking alot when I was free motion quilting - might have been the 301 I was soing with - I have since switched to a Singer 15-91 - the start thread was fine for the piecework -but for the free motion, I will be using Sulky this time. Any thought certainly would be appreciated. I love doing free motion - this time I am getting gutsy and doing it with several different colors :)
All info would certainly be appreciated
Thanks
Patricia

Deb, this will be gorgeous. Can't wait to see the whole thing.

I like their thread except I'm not crazy about the spools it comes on. Oh well...

I got an email from CT today, advertising their new solid & mirage samplers & all I can say is... YUM! Check'em out...

http://www.connectingthreads.com/cfp...MirageSamplers

It's taking all of my will-power not to order this Mirage sampler... YUM!

http://www.connectingthreads.com/kit...rs__D5382.html

http://www.connectingthreads.com/kit...rs__D5181.html

I got the charms in my last order & they are stunning! I'm thinking about getting a couple of jelly rolls to make a 1600!

I bought a package of charm squares from each of the fabric collections plus all the solids too. I have about 4 collections of charm squares I bought from Missouri Star last winter so when I finish all my projects that are laying around, I plan on doing some of these charm square quilts. The fabric charm squares I bought are really beautiful.

Burch - I know what you are saying. I saw the Mirage sampler - like the light colors (more pastels) and my fingers are itching to hit the ORDER button. Noticed that I also need some more greens to go with the batik collection for my flower panels.....oh - that $50 free shipping won't be a problem....

Won't you need more than 2 rolls? The 1600 takes two 40 strip rolls and it looks like the CT ones are 24. Three CT jelly rolls will have 72 strips which is closer. I love all the spring batiks and the pastel Mirage fabrics. CT will be busy. They must love the QB.

Deb, I just discovered shadow trapunto and now you show me shadow appliqué. Well, there's always the doll quilt swap to try it. Fortunately, the 5 yards of skitter organza I bought for my niece's wedding dress is still in my sewing room. She changed her mine, and I thought. "well, there are still three more". That was five years ago. And yes, the merry go around is turning and will complete its rotation by the end of next week.

Since I know nothing about any new techniques, clearly I need to get out more, LOL.

Wow! What a beautiful block. Thanks for showing us.

A Jelly Roll 1600 only takes 1 jelly roll. (1600 inches / 40 strips = 40 inches per strip, which is about width of fabric.)
So two sets of CT jelly rolls will be about right, since most include 20-24 strips.

I LOVE the CT batiks, but have convinced myself NOT to purchase any...

Oh, and I have the Morning Glory block applique'd, have decided to unpin the organza and sashiko a butterfly near each flower. I know, I am just a tease. It will be posted soon......I am really hooked on these.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]342131[/ATTACH]This is the second block from Shadow Applique' that I promised to post. This is for my Uncle. My Aunt died last November. Uncle loves Morning Glories, and Aunt loved butterflies. I am hoping this will bring him some comfort when he sees how much I loved her.

Deb those are stunning !

Can't find words Deb. Your blocks are beautiful.

Batiks are so pretty but I have none. I don't really know how to use them.

The shine-y part of this is the organza over the block. All the stitching is done on top of that. At first one thinks,"Oh, all those tiny pieces", but once they are 'stuck' on, the whole block comes together very fast. Batiks are really the best for these blocks, but I am thinking that Asian fabrics with small print would also be stunning. Looking for the next pattern to do! OH.... and I placed another order from CT for the summer FQ marbled sampler.....and then saw the SALE fabric, and ordered some of that as well.

I got the charm pack (just to see if they were as yummy in person).You will LOVE them! I love their limited collections!

The Jelly Roll Race pattern (that I got off the board here) I've been using 40 strips so I figured 2 rolls would be enough. Plus I usually add in a couple of extra strips of the border fabric I'm using to tie it together a little bit. What 1600 pattern do you use? How big does yours end up being?

They are super yummy! My DH "needs" another lap quilt & since he likes earth-tones, I was thinking about getting the dark selection. They are just yummy... no two ways about it!