by Sandra | August 24th, 2010
You have probably figured out by now that I love to collect fabrics for my birds. OK, I confess, I just love to collect fabric period. I bought these fabrics a couple of weeks ago, but since you all make fabric disappear in minutes rather than days, I though I had better order my share before I reveal it! Sneaky huh?
When I was younger I had a couple of Bantam chickens that I adored and roamed free to be. One was a hen and the other a rooster known as George and Martha. I loved their black and white feathers. I have always wanted to make a quilt that featured chickens like George and Martha. I kind of put the idea on the back burner because of that super popular Maggie Walker pattern that was everywhere. It really was a nice design and I could see why it was so popular. “Mom?, is yours just about finished?”.
When I saw this fabric, I knew instantly it would work for chickens and a variety of birds because it had great scale, color and design that resembled feather patterns. So now that I have ordered all I need, here is the fabric line and an online source for you if you would like some of this fabric too. One thing to note, don’t forget to look at novelty children’s prints when you are shopping online etc., because many times that is where I find the great fabric treasures.
Fabric Line: Calico Kitty by Timeless Treasures
Online source: Fabric Shack
Mmmmmmmm Puuuurty
On another subject, I received my new silk thread I ordered from Superior Threads. I have only played with it for hand embroidery so far and I am really loving it. I always love more options! At some point I will play with it for machine quilting too. The colors are absolutely yummy! Does anyone else fondle thread like they fondle fabric?
The pattern covers are supposed to arrive on Thursday and I should have the Goldfinch pattern listed on my website by Friday. That is the plan anyway.
Until I actually get the pattern for the goldfinch, I have it as my background on my work computer so I can study without playing on the internet all day instead of working. The wren is turning out pretty well. Thank you for all your hard work.
You are BAD !! I’m telling my Husband it is all your fault ! : P
The only thing I have tried the silk thread for was applique and I hated it . I’ll bet it is really nice for embroidery . I’m anxious to see what you think of it for quilting .
You are getting me into trouble again!!! I am really looking forward to the goldfinch pattern – and then your book.
The good thing about being in a group, is that we always tell an inquisitive husband, “it is so and so’s fault!”. LOL
Tammy,
I am so gald your Wren is going well! It is my pleasure to make sure you can succeed.
ok it is pay back time ! LOL !
http://www.todaysquilting.com/cgi-bin/Store/store.cgi?product=Boutique_main&productid=16047-25&tracking4=search%2016047-25&pid=1#16047-25 scroll down and see more : )
oh that was not enough pay back lol !
http://search.myquiltshops.com/cgi-server/quiltshops/nph-myqssearch.cgi?thumbnails=
I love the George and Martha books; James Marshall was (he died) one of my favorite children’s book authors. When I was a girl my best friend had a little bantam hen named Sparkle Plenty –sweet and cluck-y.
I have never tried embroidery with silk thread. Can’t wait to practice it. It would sure beat sitting here at work crunching numbers!
No, that chicken quilt is not finished. I don’t want to break my record.
boop,
I loved your first link. The second one didn’t go through to anything. I would hate to miss anything wonderful that you found!
I think I broke Quiltshops.com, LOL !
Anyway , there are 6differnt colorways
Moda Chez Moi Boutique Ombre Rain
Pretty cool !
Sandra – you don’t applique with the silk at all, do you? I know a lot of people who swear by it, but I don’t remember you talking about that at all (tho I DO have memory issues!)… The new Superior newsletter says that their #100 silk out does all the “others” out there – I assume they are referring to YLI…
So… is “mom” YOUR mom?! I hope we don’t have to start behaving now!!
I DO love Fabric Shack – one of the few where you can order just a quarter yard of something!
I ordered some of the Superior silk tonight. Love my threads.
Michele,
No, I don’t use silk for applique. I am not going to tell others not to use silk for applique as they may feel differently about their results. But, IMO, it is not the optimum thread for the best results with cotton fabrics.
One of the things I like so much about thenew Superior silk is the tight twist on the thread. For hand embroidery, (I use more sewing weight thread than floss), it is fabulous to work with and doesn’t fade away visually.
I believe YLI is the competitor, yes. I think the thing to focus on in comparison is texture. Also color availability and oh yes, just plain availablity period.
I find it darn difficult to find YLI and when I do, it is a restrictive color palette.
One thing I am vary anxious to experiment with is the machine quilting. I think that texture is going to be key here as far as the type of result one is looking for on the surface visually.
And yes, that is my MOM. I don’t behave myself so why should you? Isn’t that right mom?
Boop,
Now why wouldn’t I be surprised if you did overwhelm their server? LOL.
I buy fabric before food. I have no shame.
Mom,
I have a feeling I am going to inherit that chicken UFO. Please finish.
Kathleen,
As I told Michele, I use more sewing weight thread for hand embroidery than floss! For smaller scale applique, it fits much better for scale.
Frances,
Now I have to go look up the George and Martha books. Those two chickens were so fun.
So Sherie,
Do tell, what did you buy if anything?
Oooooohhhhhhh.. I just relooked at the Superior site for the silk threads – there’s a wonderful selection of colors! Did you get the whole bunch? I am toying with the idea…. To be able to have them all in one place and not to have to search online for the right color… hmmm….