Variegated Threads for Quilters – Oh, the Wonderful Variations of You

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Variegated Thread on a purple and pink fabric art quilt

Adding Possibilities to Your Fabric Art Projects with Variegated Threads

Of all the things you need to create a sewing project, thread is the second most important – fabric being the first.  This is really great for me, because of all the different things that make up a sewing project, thread is my very favorite.

I’m like a kid with a new box of crayons every time I open my thread boxes.  And, if you think I have trouble passing by other notions, thread is the straw that breaks this camel’s back.

Two rows of different variegated threads on different sized spools - beautiful, vibrant colors

Variegated threads = endless possibilities

When you go into any quilt store they have racks of the most gorgeous thread colors ever!  And they’re always coming up with new and better types of thread.

A Thread to Rule Them All

Of all the choices available to me, my very favorite are variegated threads.

The “variegated” part of the name comes from the color variations on each spool.  Some variegated threads come with only two-tone variations, others have as many as ten different colors fading back and forth.

These threads are fairly new in the quilting world, so the options available in this category are more numerous every time I go to the quilt store.

The girls actually had to pry some spools out of my hand on Wednesday, and physically drag me away from the thread displays.  They very logically told me I had nothing to use these particular colors on at the moment – and I had too much other stuff to do – before I could come up with a project that would utilize these threads.

I’d like to know what logic has to do with anything when you’re in love.

Four variegated thread spools in blues and pinks

These are all great color blends that work well on a surprising variety of projects and color schemes.  Second spool from the end is the turquoise/lavender variegated blend I managed to snag the other day!

However, since I’m supposedly the voice of reason and common sense (because I’m the Mom you know, and therefore the most mature – ha! – and still setting an example), I reluctantly put those gorgeous spools back.

I did manage to get one spool that’s variegated in soft turquoises and lavenders – which will work beautifully with the mermaid quilt I’m making. Also, since I sew with turquoise and purple a great deal, I’ll be able to use it on different projects as well.

What Variegated Threads Cost

Knowing how much I love these threads, you’re probably assuming that I have a plethora of them in my thread boxes.  Sadly, this is not the case because variegated threads are fairly pricey.

Think of variegated threads as being the “1 percenters” of the thread world, and metallic variegated threads as the “1 percent of the 1 percenters.”

So I’m very careful that what I buy is within my means.

Summer and spring, pink, yellow, and purple colored variegated threads

These are my spring and summer collection – although I have also used these bright and attractive colors on fantasy panels, and to top-stitch quilt my one and only Jinny Beyer beauty.

My advice to you is to be very sparing with how many variegated thread spools you purchase, and think carefully before you buy.

One good rule of thumb is that a new spool has to be usable in at least 3 different projects that you’re thinking of.  If I can’t match it to 3 things, then, as much as I hate not to, I don’t purchase it.  Of course the exception is if a thread is perfect for a large and elaborate project – like my mermaid quilt.

Due to this rule of mine, I mostly have:

  • Autumn themed spools (because I’m always sewing autumn themed projects)
  • Some Christmas themed spools
  • Two-toned spools where one color is white (these work on a surprising number of projects)
  • Metallic variegated threads (because I also love metallic threads, so I double my buck-bang)

3 orange and yellow variegated thread spools

My three favorite “autumnal” variegated threads – these have made their presence known in probably 15 different projects over the last 3 years.

Many variegated threads can also cross “theme lines”.  For instance, my orange/yellow blends can be used in autumn projects, sunset projects, and flower appliques.

Also, these threads come on different sized spools.  If I’m only going to be using it occasionally, I buy the smallest spool available, but frequent use spools, like autumn themes, I buy in the largest spools available.

Available Types of Variegated Threads

Remember Forrest Gump’s famous line: “Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re going to get.

This is the reason I am so enthralled by variegated threads – even though you can see some of the different colors on the spool, you never know exactly what it’s going to look like till you sew with it.  It’s a surprise every time.

Not only are there color variations on a single spool, there are different types of variegated threads on the market these days, which is totally awesome!

How to Use Variegated Threads

Due to the expense and because of their beauty, I never use variegated threads for regular seam sewing.  Variegated threads are made to be noticed, so my advice would be to use them where they can be easily seen:

  • Top stitch quilting
  • Panel outlining
  • And appliqueing

I especially like to use variegated thread when I’m appliqueing with a satin stitch.  The tighter the satin stitch, the more your variegated thread will shine, because only then can the variations in the colors truly be appreciated.

Variegated thread is also one of those rare items where brand and thread quality is of secondary importance.  If you’re going to use variegated thread, then use it for the color and how it compliments your project – not by how expensive the spool is.

Water Lily Summer Table Topper - variegated thread example

This is one instance where variegated thread really, really shows up.  We liked this project.  Then we added the dragonfly appliques and the variegated thread stitching.  Now, we love this table topper.

Bright autumn table topper with variegated thread highlights

This is a perfect example of how variegated threads can take you to the next level.  This particular table topper was an experiment – we used all scrap materials, and leftover batting pieces.  When we had it together, it was really nice.  Then we decided to do the seam stitching with thick variegated thread.  We discovered that not only did it look fantastic – but that it was the way to make these leaf table toppers.  Incidentally, this item sold out within a few months…not bad for an experimental design!

With that being said, these are some of the brands that I have used:

1.     Amann Group-Mettler

They carry a nice line in Silk Finish Multis with spools from 100yds. – 500yds.

2.     YLI Corp.  

This is made in Rock Hill, S.C.  This is their 100% cotton quilting thread with 500m a spool so it lasts almost forever.  And yes, those are my autumn spools.

3.     King Tut Superior Threads

Also 500yds/spool.  They’re made in Japan and are great to sew with.

4.     Coats

They’re carrying some 200yd. spools for machine embroidery, but they work great in regular sewing machines as well.

5.     Isacord

They come on those bigger green spools that are bell shaped and hold 1000m/spool so make sure you’ve got a lot of projects you can use that particular color on.

If you remember to use these threads as the icing on the cake, rather than the cake itself, you’re projects will really shine and the extra expense will be well worth it.

Two neon toned variegated threads - multiple bright primary colors

I honestly don’t know which spools of variegated thread in these pictures belong to which brands – the labels come off easily with these threads, and I forget.

Oak leaves on an autumn quilted panel

Bonus Tip!  Variegated threads can also be used for blending in.  Although you can’t see it, this bright autumn tree panel was heavily quilted with variegated thread in the top stitching line.  

Autumn Rondelle – A Naturally Elegant Candle Holder

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A little fiddler boy in the middle of a elegant autumn leaf candle holder

Rustic & Elegant Autumn Leaf Candle Holder

Original fabric art is an easy way to add a touch of spice and beauty to any home, but this autumnal candle holder goes above and beyond the call of interior decorating duty!

Autumn Rondelle by Princess YellowBelly Designs is stylish enough for a mansion, and yet retains the whimsical appeal of a rustic mountain cabin.  A cool cream background is set on a thin edging of woodland brown and green.  Centering the piece are startling, 3D pop-up leaves in a deep swirl burgundy.

What really makes this piece, however, are the leaves.

Rich golden-brown and understated burgundy-red maple leaves are appliqued onto the top of each cream leaf sectional, giving the entire Autumn Rondelle ensemble its claim to elegance.

Perfect for centering with a candle, or with a treasured knickknack, PYB’s elegant autumn leaf candle holder is sure to impress any visitor.

A candle holder in the middle of autumn rondelle

You can purchase this item right now!

From Nature to Table

At just 20 inches across, this table topper will grace almost any bare looking surface, from side tables to dressers to your main dining table.  It is also perfectly flat on the back, so that it can be hung on the wall like a wreath – if so desired.

This elegant autumn leaf candle holder is a true Princess YellowBelly original, and was made using a variety of unique styles.

1.     Custom Pattern

Although based on another leaf table topper pattern, Princess YellowBelly’s custom table toppers are designed for convenience and simplicity.  They are also thicker and more endurable – with thick stitching that ensures that even if the fabric eventually wears away, the thread will still be there.

2.     Applique

Appliqueing is a key quilting style ingredient in this elegant autumn leaf candle holder.  Not only did we use this advanced technique on the maple leaves, we also used it on the cream centers – or, as we like to call them, sort-of aspen leaves.  (They do kind of make that shape, don’t they?)

The appliqueing allows for two layers of filling, a thin layer of batting in the dark brown and green faux binding leaf, and a thick layer of pop-up foam in the center cream leaves.

Rich golden brown maple leaf on a multi-cream background in our elegant autumn leaf candle holder

3.     Subtle Color Variation

Autumn Rondelle evokes a misty, cool, reserved autumn wood.  This result was achieved by mixing a variety of ivory and cream quilting fabrics.  These varying pieces are stitched together with cream thread, blending them almost into invisibility.

Likewise the maple leaves are subtly varied in color shades and sizes.

Burgundy red maple leaf on a multi-cream background in our elegant autumn leaf candle holder

4.     3-Dimensional Pop-Ups

The most eye-catching feature of this table topper’s rustic design are the 3-D leaves that pop up around the open circular center.  These leaves are in a strongly contrasting dark burgundy swirl fabric that both compliments and defines the more reserved colors in the rest of the elegant autumn leaf candle holder.

Dark burgundy swirl 3D pop up leaves

5.     A Center-Piece Anchor

Unlike many fabric art and quilting projects, Autumn Rondelle is designed not to dominate a room, or a table, but rather to provide a fitting background to a centerpiece of choice.

The open center circle is just large enough for a regular candle or candle holder, or for a bouquet of leaves, or for a treasured knickknack.

Kitten box in the middle of a elegantn autumn leaf candle holder

It’s Time to Add Effortless Elegance to Your Home

Autumn Rondelle is the perfect piece to add a touch of elegance to a rustic setting – for people who have mountain cabins or like to evoke that image, for instance.  This is also the perfect piece to compliment a room with a woodsy or naturalist theme.

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Bonus!

This is a fairly easy project, and we enjoy it so much that we want to share it with you.  We are creating a pattern and a kit for this item so that you can create your own elegant autumn leaf candle holder.  Keep a sharp eye – coming soon!

Material & DimensionsCare & DisplayCustom Orders & Layaway

PRODUCT DETAILS

Autumn Rondelle is a completely original design from Lilies of Grace.  It was based on a popular 3D pop up wreath pattern, but we have customized it to our own needs.

It is a six point star – or round – table topper with an irregular-circular hole through the middle.  Please note that each table topper will have a slightly different shaped hole due to quilting vagaries.

A little fiddler boy in the middle of a elegant autumn leaf candle holder

Autumn Rondelle:

  • Measures 19 ½ inches across at the widest point
  • Has four different colors of cream in the central leaves – all fabrics are high-quality quilting batiks
  • Is quilted with various colored cotton threads in straight and tight-satin stitches
  • Is very thick – each leaf of the table topper is made of four layers of fabric, a layer of batting, and a layer of quarter-inch thick memory foam.
  • Is very 3D. Each new layer of the piece rises slightly above the one below it.  The cream centers stand out from the border, the maple leaves stand out from the cream, and the burgundy pop-ups really are 3D

Autumn Rondelle is comprised of four distinctive layers:

  • The first is the dark brownish-green batik border, or faux-binding, around the outside edge of each leave.

This is actually the background fabric, and is a part of a separate bottom leaf.  This bottom leaf is composed of the faux-binding fabric, batting, interfacing, and the dark burgundy backing fabric.

  • The second layer is made of the cream centers.

These are made of four different cream batiks – each subtly patterned.  The design is that of a crazy quilt, with odd shapes meeting to create the smaller center leaf.  The cream leaves are laid over the thick memory foam and then appliqued with a tight satin stitch to the bottom leaf.  They have a very plush, thick feel when quilted.

  • The gold and brown silk maple leaves

These are actual silk leaves – taken from a fabric bouquet – and have a delicate textured finish that gives them a 3D appeal all their own.  The gold leaves have dark, antique coloring with a little green right at the bottom centers.  The russet brown leaves are dark, and vary slightly in shape from leaf to leaf.  They have a brown central color that is almost burgundy.

  • The dark burgundy pop-up leaves

The pop-up leaves at the center of the candle holder are actually the backs of each leaf.  Each finished leaf is joined to its neighbor by bending back the top edge to form one-half of the pop-up leaves. The dark burgundy fabric has an abstract black swirl pattern that vaguely resembles musical notes.

Care & Cleaning

Autumn Rondelle is fairly easy to keep in mint condition.  It is an applique piece – but it is finish-edge, so no fraying should occur.

  • For normal upkeep use a lint brush to remove eventual dust and lint build-up.
  • Candle wax shouldn’t hurt this piece as long as it is removed frequently and not allowed to grind into the material. Gentle application of detergent and scrubbing should also remove any residual effects.

Small trinket box centered in autumn rondelle

  • Machine washable – gentle, cool cycle
  • Tumble dry – cool, delicate spin
  • Steam Iron on cool cotton setting to remove packing creases – please note that water or liquid spray starch will really make this piece lay flat and smooth. However, be careful of holding the iron over colored sections like the pop-ups and maple leaves for too long, since bleeding may occur and will definitely show on the pale cream background

DISPLAY OPTIONS

Autumn Rondelle was designed to be the center of a table – as a candle or bouquet holder.

It would look very nice in the middle of a round table, or on a living room end-table.  Autumn Rondelle would serve as a centerpiece for a marble countertop, or the back of a large leather couch.

This table topper, however, looks really, really great against a wooden background – especially dark-brown or tawny golden-brown woods.

If desired Autumn Rondelle could also be displayed as a wall hanging – using thumb tacks.

Custom Orders

The Autumn Rondelle table topper can be made into a long table runner instead of a round topper.  We can very easily join up two tips of each separate topper to create a 2, 3, or 4 piece runner.

Kitten box in the middle of a elegantn autumn leaf candle holder

These table runners are actually very easy to make.  They have a 2-3 day turnaround, provided that we have the correct materials and fabrics in stock.  We’ve never made a number of the same color set at one time – but we assume that they might go even faster.  Four table toppers may not take 8-12 days but rather about a week, for example.

You can request any color scheme or seasonal theme that you want.  Appliques can be used, or not.  You decide.

Our custom order process is simple and easy.  Simply contact us with your custom needs for your quote, timeline, and line-item estimates.

Can you think of any other customizations that we could make?  Request one, or drop us a line to suggest it.

Layaway

Sometimes the prices on our artwork can seem a little out-of-reach, which we understand!  We try to charge very reasonable fees, but if you really want Autumn Rondelle, but don’t think you can afford it in one go, please contact us via the form at the bottom and request a custom layaway program.

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We can answer your questions more quickly if we know the general topic of your inquiry or comment - thanks for obliging 🙂

Sewing Within Your Means

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Handing holding cash and coin money over purple and pink quilting fabrics sewing within your means illustration

Creating High-Quality Quilting Projects Cheaply

Sewing within your means is a challenge because, like photography, fabric art is one of those hobbies that is just not cheap.  Creating high-quality quilting projects cheaply, or at the very least for more reasonable prices, is an art form in and of itself.

It gets a lot easier if you remember two simple principles, and learn how to control one with the other.

The Paint & Potato Principle

Do any of you remember the “Happy Days” episode where Howard is sick so Marion takes charge of his Hardware Store for a day?

potato plus a bucket of paint

At the end of the day, Marion greets him by telling him that she sold out his entire paint inventory – for $1 a can.  After Howard’s near heart attack, Marion shows him the receipts, which show the biggest single day of profit they’ve ever had.

Then she explains to Howard that it’s just like baked potatoes – you can’t eat them without toppings:

  • Chives
  • Sour Cream
  • Bacon bits
  • Etc.

Poor Howard is completely confused until Marion assures him that selling paint is the same thing – you make your money on the extras:

  • Brushes
  • Rollers
  • Buckets
  • Etc.

This paint and potato principle is alive and well in todays’ quilt stores.  They have a fabric sale, which is great for us, but they’re making their money on the:

  • Thread
  • Basting spray
  • Scissors
  • Batting
  • Etc.

I want to make you aware of this and help give you the courage not to give in to it.

Series of concentric bright-colored circles corresponding to fabric sale and prices

Being a Sucker

Everyone knows how super-easy it is to just buy everything you need because you’re there, you’re into the idea, and the quilt store has everything right there for you to select.

Especially if you’ve bought a pattern and all the supplies are right there.

I fell for this salesmanship seduction last fall when I bought the 3 specialty bag patterns I used to design my media bag.  There was such a long list of supplies needed, and since I knew the sales lady, I let her talk me into just buying them, then and there.

3 $10 patterns ended up costing me $120!

It was even worse when I noticed in Walmart that they carried the exact same clear vinyl that I had purchased at the quilt store.  Only at the store I had paid $10.00 for a 10” square of this vinyl and at Walmart they were selling it for $3.40/yard and the yard was 60” wide.

I felt like I had been a real sucker – because I had been.

You’ve probably felt badly about fabric art purchases you’ve made once you realized that you got suckered into buying something at a high price, or buying something you really didn’t need.  It’s nothing to be embarrassed about, every truly passionate quilter has fallen into this trap at least once.

I do want you to be aware of the paint and potato principle, so that you won’t be suckered next time. Mastering the art of creating high-quality quilting projects cheaply depends largely upon your ability to resist these emotional impulses.

I enjoy sewing the “upper layer” of my projects the most, so I am extremely susceptible to the latest notions  and supplies that make the upper layers more fun:

  • Panels
  • Thread
  • Trim
  • Unique buttons
  • And all things which glitter

Quilt stores excel in carrying these things.  And, if we’re being completely honest, we love quilt stores.  There’s nothing quite as satisfying as wandering around in a store and discovering new possibilities.

So the girls and I have developed a strategy for avoiding the worst of the pitfalls.

The Chair Control Principle

2 20 dollar bills and a 5 on a background of purple-to-pink fabrics sewing within your means illustration

Just a few fabrics and extras can really add up the dollar signs in the cash register quickly.  Paying close attention to what you pay cash for in the quilt store will help to cut down on overall expenses.

When we find a notion that we’ve never seen before, and that we just can’t resist, we buy the smallest package of it that we can.

Then we use the information to find it cheaper – often much cheaper – online.

The same thing goes for hot-ticket items like printed panels.  We write down the information in the selvage or on the package, and then look it up on our favorite internet retailers.  This one trick alone often saves us around $20 (USD) on a single panel.

This way we often get out of a quilt store for under $100.

Not only is shopping in a chair much easier, it also gives you power and control over what you purchase, when, and at what prices.  The chair control principle will help you to regulate the paint and potato principle, and will save you time, frustration, and the feeling of being a sucker!

Problems with Online Shopping

Some things are very hard to buy online.  These include items like zippers and thread.

Thread is hard to buy because your computer screen may not be showing the colors accurately, and it can be hard to get a feel for the actual texture of the thread.

Items like zippers and certain buttons are tricky because they’re usually shipped from China and you don’t always receive what you think you’ve ordered.  Once I thought I had ordered one 9” sage green zipper.  What I got were 50-7” lime green zippers!  I’m still trying to come up with a project where I can use a whole bunch of them.

You can usually buy fabric from the computer, but it’s not a good idea to try coordinating an entire project this way.  You simply don’t have the quality control over fabrics when you’re using the chair principle.

We usually handle this by getting the cornerstone of a project – like a panel or a certain fabric – online, then coordinating the rest in a quilt store.

Our favorite online vendors help us with creating high-quality quilting projects cheaply

Listed below are some of the best sites we’ve found.  We’re always finding more, which I’ll share with you as we go along, and if you know of any great ones, please let us know.

  1. Amazon.com

This site has many advantages.  For one thing it is easy to use, even for those of us with computer phobias.  Amazon has a huge warehouse along with many independent vendors, and if you buy enough – which isn’t hard to do when you’re shopping for fabric art – you’ll be provided with free shipping.

Screenshot of quilting supplies on Amazon.com

You just can’t beat Amazon for great prices on notions, appliques, and in-bulk supplies like batting, spray starch, and basting spray.

Amazon.com is not great for competitively priced fabric, however.  You can find fabric, but it’s tricky, and you’ll usually wind up paying store prices.

  1. Fabric.com

This is our go-to for quilting fabrics and specialty fabrics like digital prints and printed panels.  They have a great site that is fairly easy to use, a huge inventory, and often have panels you won’t see in stores and magazines for months.  You can also shop by keywords, like “mermaids,” or by colors, or even by designers.

Screenshot of Fabric.com

Fabric.com is another site that offers free shipping when you make a significant dollar purchase, usually $35.

  1. Etsy.com

Etsy is a unique and beautiful site and it can’t be beaten if you want a more personal and special type of item.  You can make custom orders, and shop for finished products, vintage items, and crafting supplies.

Screenshot of Etsy.com

Because Etsy is based on a personal vendor platform – like a farmer’s market – you also get a more personal quality of service.  For instance, once we wanted silver netting and had ordered it from Amazon.  Unfortunately Amazon had discontinued that line and refunded our money.

We finally found a similar item on a hat shop on Etsy.  We contacted the owner with what we really wanted, and she was kind enough to redirect us to their main site where they had exactly what we needed – for many dollars less than we would have paid on Amazon.

  1. JOANN Fabrics

They have a HUGE selection of everything with good prices.  Plus they have continuous sales, and if you’re signed in to their e-mail, you get notified all the time. This is the best place to get your batting in bulk.

Their website is tricky and annoying, however.  You have to know exactly what you want.  The best way to take advantage of Joann’s is to save those coupons from their emails, and take them into a physical store.

  1. Hobby Lobby

They’re not much for quilting fabric, but their notions are fabulous – from all their wedding stuff, to their fake flowers, and beads and crystals.  For instance I found some small, silver poinsettia leaves there, that I’m going to use for fairy wings.

This is another frustrating website to use, but it can be done, and they also offer you large discounts and free shipping quite frequently.  One good tip is to save the packaging from notions you’ve purchased in store.  That way if you need more and you live a distance from a Hobby Lobby (like we do) you can order that item much more easily.

  1. Strapworks.com

If you’re into making projects like purses, aprons, or duffle bags, this site is impossible to beat.  They carry every type & color of strapping available, and you will pay so much less than you would at any physical store.  Then there’s the hardware.  I paid $1.00/per buckle here, instead of the $15.00 for the same thing at the quilt store.

  1. Silk Flower Factory

They have super great deals on their flowers, but you can only get them in bulk.  If you need 50 iris bunches at once – which is something like a hundred flowers – this is the place to go.

Screenshot of Silk Flower Factory

These physical vendors also help us with creating high-quality quilting projects cheaply

  1. Walmart

Walmart’s not so great on fabric anymore, though they do carry a little of everything, and I go here when I need something immediately.  The fabric quality varies though, so watch out for that.

They’re also pretty good at notions, fabric flowers, and zippers.  They don’t have a great selection, but at least you get only one!  I noticed at one of our quilt stores a can of basting spray cost $19.50!  I almost choked, since you can get the very same thing at Walmart for around $7.00.

Walmart’s website is a little goofy, so I prefer to go in personally.

  1. Thrift stores

Besides the fact that I love thrift stores, you can often find notions that are 100% unique.  From clothes with cool buttons – buy the article for 50 cents and cut the buttons off – to large scarves you can incorporate into your fabric art designs.  Thrift stores also sell T-shirts, which can be used to make T-shirt quilts, striped dresses, and straps for bags if you’re into offbeat fabric arts.

Many of them now sell baggies of reclaimed hardware.  The store itself cuts off unique or fancy buckles, hooks, or buttons, and sells them separately.  We found the coolest buckle in one of our thrift stores.  We don’t know where we’ll use it yet, but we couldn’t resist.

  1. Antique Malls

This is touch-and-go, but if you enjoy wandering in antique stores and malls, keep an eye out for unique notions or fabrics.  Antique malls can also be hideously expensive, or ridiculously cheap.  Exercise good judgement, and you can spice up your projects with old-fashioned charm for practically nothing.

Combining These Powerful Principles

If you stay aware of sales gimmicks and emotional impulses, shop smart, and order online as much as you can, you will be able to save quite a lot of money.  Quilting and fabric art will still cost, but by applying the chair control principle over the paint and potato principle you will be surprised at your incredible new ability for creating high-quality quilting projects cheaply.

Turning a Tidal Wave into an Ebb Tide

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A tidal wave carrying sewing supplies; iron, fabric, measuring tape, marking pen, scissors, pin cushion, seam ripper, thread, spray bottle, and more

Getting the Best of Your Quilting Stash – Before it Gets the Best of You

You have a sewing space and sewing supplies.  The problem is that your sewing supplies will always – always – outgrow your sewing space.  Unless you start corralling clutter now, your quilting stash will cheerfully bury you under a massive tidal wave.

All quilters have a stash of some sort.

A stash is any fabric that is left over from a sewing project, or fabric that you’ve bought because you’re intending to do a project that never happens, or just fabric that you fall in love with.  For instance:

  • I absolutely LOVE all fabric that has an autumn theme, so I have a great deal of that.
  • Barb is physically incapable of passing up anything paisley, so her paisley stash is huge.

Keeping it all neat and organized is an issue that has to be answered by every seamstress.  Unless you’re one of those people who work best in an environment of total chaos, then the question of organization has to be addressed for your specific situation before you can even begin to sew.

Ways that I’ve Successfully Corralled Clutter

Over time you’ll develop your own ways to corral the mess and fuss that sewing and quilting generates.

To start with, though, I like to know what I’m going to have to store – and more importantly, where I can put my hands on it when I want it.  Having to search and search for something I know I have and want for a specific project frustrates me out the yin-yang and I become very unpleasant to be around.

I tend to buy ahead on any fabric I see that could be used in a fantasy type panel, so I’m always thinking of how I’m going to keep various materials that go with a specific project together and organized.

I also loathe dust and dusting, so I’m all about storing everything in closed containers.  Here is what I’ve learned.

Start Corralling Clutter by Defining Your Space

Look realistically at the space that is available to you.  Everyone’s situation is different and it changes with the times, so this is fluid.  I like to define how far my sewing tide can spread in the space available to me.

When you’re deciding this, look at places for your:

  • Sewing machine
  • Ironing board
  • Cutting space – typically a counter or table
  • And where you will store your stash.

For years I kept my sewing machine in the bottom of a closet and brought it out to sew with on the dining room table.  Now I have a desk where it sits all the time, and that is much more convenient.

For the first time ever, I also have the room to keep my ironing board set up permanently on my right side.  This is a huge convenience but not at all necessary.

Big canvas shopping bags to hold supplies temporarily for a particular project - corralling clutter in the short term

Large shopping bags can be used to corral the clutter from a particular sewing project.  In this case we are using two big bags to keep the fabric, notions, and batting for a twin quilt in one easily accessed place while we work on various sections.

If you don’t have enough room for a permanent style sewing setup, make sure you put everything back every time.  Otherwise it will become a habit to leave it out and soon the clutter will be driving you insane.

Keep in mind that not all of your stuff has to be all in one space. 

I store my big rolls of batting and my rarely used tubs of notions in a small closet in the spare room. Barb’s sewing “room” is a small walk-in closet in her spare room and she manages to keep all her stuff neatly organized with shelves where she stacks her fabric and a peg board on the wall behind her machine to hang her thread spools on.

See if there are any cupboards, closets, drawers, or a lazy-Susan (cupboard turntable) you can commandeer for your supplies.

What about floor space or wall space? 

I was getting incredibly frustrated with my space when Michael suggested he put up some wire shelves in the 3 foot space on the wall between the cupboard and window.  He put up 4 short shelves for me, and that has made a huge difference to my frustration levels.

I like to keep as much of my fabric in tubs as possible. 

This is because I hate dust – this solution keeps my fabric clean and – as an added bonus – easily accessible.

I took the measurements of my shelves with me to Walmart and found clear tubs that would fit in that space.  Not all of my tubs are the same size.  I use the larger ones for material and then I got a bunch of smaller ones that fit on top of the larger ones for each shelf.  In these I keep my sewing supplies like iron cleaner, fabric glue, Velcro, markers, etc.

All of these tubs are clear so that I can see what’s in them without having to take them down and look.  I also purchased a few of those plastic pullout drawer filing cabinets that Walmart carries.  I set these wherever it’s convenient.  I like to use the big, deep ones for storing fabric.

Organize the way that makes sense to you. 

It doesn’t matter if no one else “gets” the way you corral clutter; it just has to work for you.  Even if it looks like a total disaster to an outsider – who cares?  You’ll know where you’re at.

I organize by theme and color.  I have 3 large tubs of autumn fabric, one of landscape fabrics, a Christmas one, etc.  Then I have my blue/purple tub, the teal/turquoise tub, my water fabrics tub, etc.

Wire shelves to hold sewing supplies, all the clutter corralled in tubs

Wire shelving right above my sewing space helps keep all my most frequently used supplies, notions, and fabrics close at hand and still out of the way.

Large plastic tub full of color-themed grey and silver fabric

I use these fabrics frequently, 4-5 times a year.  Plenty of time for them to get filthy with dust and lint unless they are kept in clear plastic storage tubs.

Corralling clutter with plastic tubs

A variety of ongoing projects and sewing supplies fit great into these smaller tubs.

Corralling Notion Clutter with Genre Jars

(Leiajoy came up with the genre jar name – BTW!)

Storing notions is something you need to give a great deal of thought to.  Because they’re usually smaller (like buttons and beads), or on rolls like ribbon, they can’t be stacked neatly in tubs.

I organize notions just like my fabrics – by color and theme.

A genre jar can be anything from an empty candy tub to a glass jar with a fitted lid (like the kind you use for spices in the kitchen) to a Tupperware or plastic container.

Genre jars should really be clear or clear-ish, so that you can see what’s in them, and they should also have lids (the dust, you know).  Plastic works better for higher shelves – but you can use glass if you have a place to set them where they won’t be knocked off.

For small, easily lost items my solution so far has been to use the smaller plastic containers that have a whole bunch of small compartments for buttons, appliques, my thread, beads and smaller novelty items.  (These are very nice because they’re relatively small and flat, so they can be stacked neatly anywhere.)

Genre jars are also perfect for things like my decorative ropes, spools of ribbon, etc.  And they work well for bigger buttons, and feathers.  (I know that because I’m storing feathers in preparation for a tropical project.)

Another thing I’ve found works great is a hanging shoe rack.

These are cloth tubes with sort-of-shelves inside a canvas canopy.  They’re made to be hung from a ceiling hook, and the outside has small pockets that are just perfect for shoes – or fabric flowers, or large rolls of ribbon.

Plus a hanging shoe rack can be easily hung over any door.

Corralling Clutter with the “Great Thread Roundup”

I used to keep all my spools in a large wicker basket but this was a nightmare with ends tangling up and having to dig through the entire basket to find the spool I wanted.

Now I have a tub of Aurifil quilting thread.  It’s a plastic tub with 2 layers (1 of large and 1 of small spools.  I bought this as a set and I’ve never regretted it. It’s been 6 years now, and even though I quilt with these threads all the time, it looks as though I’ve barely started on it.

Old-fashioned crystal jars with solid lids used for corralling button clutter

These old-fashioned crystal jars are my button genre jars.  They work perfectly for keeping a variety of specialty buttons which come in odd-shaped packages.

Large genre jar made from a plastic snack tub for holding large and bulky sewing accessories like large ribbons rolls, yarn and faux feathers

Junk food hath a few rewards.  One of them being that this once-upon-a-time cheese ball jar has, after being well-washed, pressed into service as my trusty genre jar of odd-shaped supplies like a roll of yarn and faux feathers.

Arguably my favorite method for corralling clutter – ever!  These small tubs are flat, simple, and hold those supplies that really tend to run away from you, like beads.  This is also my preferred case for regular spools of thread.

I also buy a lot of specialty threads, like metallics and variegated, so I bought a deep plastic thread tub with plastic spool holders built in.  This keeps those nicely corralled.

For leftover regular sized spools, I use the same plastic containers I use for my beads and buttons.  I have 4 of these and I organize them by color.  When I need a certain color, it’s only the work of minutes to find it.  These are great because they stack easily and neatly and keep the dust off of everything.

Some threads don’t have a tie-off built into the spool.  You can either stick them down with tape – a major pain – or store all these spools in a separate tub to minimize the damage.

Corralling your Sewing Supplies

For the sewing supplies that I use on an almost daily basis, I purloined a Tupperware tub from my kitchen that had lost its lid.  In this I keep my scissors, pin cushion, rulers, corner turner, seam ripper, etc.

Besides being real handy, this topless solution allows me to simply grab whatever I need without bothering with lids.

Corralling Your Patterns and Books

You will inevitably end up with a great many patterns, books, and even plastic bags with your applique pieces.  My system is to keep all the books on one half of a shelf on the girls’ business bookshelf.

The patterns that come in in Ziploc bags – and the applique shapes – I file in a large plastic basket that I keep in the same closet as my batting.

Here’s to Your Success in Corralling Clutter!

Whatever storage system you eventually adopt you can be sure that the ebb tide will sooner or later swell to a tidal wave and threaten to overwhelm someone else’s space.

When this happens, the only thing to do is go through everything and sort like crazy.  You can’t keep everything so you have to be ruthless.  Give your throwaways to friends, or a thrift store, or your quilting guild, etc.

Plastic tub filled with sewing supplies used for corralling clutter

I can’t say it enough – clear plastic tubs are the way to go when it comes to corralling clutter.

Plastic candy tubs are used to hold specialty ribbons

These flat plastic tubs once contained Christmas candy.  But they are flat, with tight-fitting lids and they stack beautifully.  I generally use them to store odds and ends like specialty ribbons and appliques.  

If you don’t you’ll end up drowning under it all and that wouldn’t be very nice, now would it?

You will eventually develop a kind of working rhythm, but it’s always worthwhile to clean up every time you finish a project.  You’ll be less frustrated, and your clean-up won’t be such a major pain!

All That Glitters is…Metallic Thread

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Quilted mermaid with a treasure chest in a coral reef panel

A Comprehensive Guide to Working With Metallic Threads

Metallic threads are a wonderful, if frequently frustrating, addition to the world of quilting.  Here we’ll talk about:

  • Why we love metallic thread
  • How to overcome the problems metallic threads cause
  • And what types are available

The Science behind Glitter…and Metallic Threads

As all you fashionable ladies know, adding accessories to your fancy outfits can take an ensemble from nice to great in one fell swoop.

If your accessories glitter, that’s even better!

A little glitz really adds a LOT of bang for your buck.  A gold necklace can take a black sweater from austere to rich, or a string of pearls can soften up a business suit.

Some of this is the human appreciation for beauty.  Some of it might be the added perception of value – if it glitters, it must be worth more.  I tend to think that a lot of it is the child within all of us, reaching out for something sparkly.

However it works, just know that most people enjoy sparkles, glitz, and glitter.

Quilted mermaid with a treasure chest in a coral reef panel

This picture of our mermaid in a tropical sea represents why we sew with metallic thread.  The glitz and glitter can create an incredible feeling of 3-dimensional life when working with 2-dimensional mediums.  The question is: “How do I achieve these results?”

Metallic threads are the quilting world’s glittery accessories, and they provide the exact same kind of instant love and attraction for quilters and non-quilters alike.

Metallics aren’t appropriate for every project, but it’s amazing how many places you can add them. And, just like your fashionable bling, they focus the eye, take your project up a bunch of notches, and make others “ooh” and “ahh” over the amazing talent of you.

The Problem with Metallic Threads 

I don’t believe that “no good deed goes unpunished” but I do believe that for every wonderful thing in a quilter’s life – there is a downside.

  • Sewing machines make sewing 100 times easier – until they break down
  • Velvet adds texture and depth to a project – but you can’t iron on it
  • Metallic threads are beautiful – but they are very challenging to sew with

Sewing with metallic threads can drive you zazbatt, because they have an annoying tendency to break, or strip out in the needle’s eye.

I first tried sewing with these sparkly threads about 5 years ago, and I quickly gave it up because they made me want to commit seppuku.

At the time I swore to heaven I would never, ever touch another thread that had a touch of glitz.  However, like all addicts, I eventually got pulled back in because these threads are so very beautiful.  This is where the closet masochism of quilters comes in.

Things in the quilting world had moved on since I’d given up metallic threads, and the new products convinced me to try again.

Different kinds of metallic threads in primary colors

There’s huge variety available to quilters when it comes to choosing the right metallic thread.  From cheap spools that can be found at Walmart, to designer quality only found in quilt stores, there is glitz and glitter available for your budget.

Time, trials, blood, sweat, and tears taught me a few things about using these diva-level beauties, and here is what I learned.  There are two major tricks to handling metallic threads without going entirely insane:

Use the Right Needles

They now make special needles just for metallic threads.  How awesome is that?

Metallic thread needles have been manufactured so that the problem of your thread being stripped as it goes through the eye is greatly reduced.  (I’m not sure how this works, but I sure love the results.)

Some brands of metallic threads are more prone to stripping than others – particularly monofilament metallic – but these needles make the process much more enjoyable.

They’re also widely available, from quilt stores to Walmart.  The most easily available metallic needles are made by SCHMETZ in size 80/12.  You can get needles for metallic threads in various sizes, like any other needle, but I prefer the size 12 needles for my topstitching because they leave smaller holes than the larger ones.

Irridescent purple, gold, and silver holoshimmer metallic thread

These Sulky Holoshimmer threads are the most beautiful metallic threads available today.  However, they are the most difficult to work with.  Do not attempt to use if you are a beginner, or if you don’t deal well with constant breakage in your thread.  

Desperate Times Alternative

Once, when I needed these wonderful metallic needles very badly and the stores were out, a clerk suggested that I try the Jersey needles – also made by SCHMETZ – and surprisingly they work almost as well.  Jersey thread needles are designed to handle slippery fabrics and delicate thread, so I keep a package as back-up.

Proper Bobbin Techniques

The breakage problem with metallic threads can be largely mitigated by working with your bobbin tension and the thread you use in your bobbin.

When I first started sewing seriously I always used the thread I was using in the topstitch line for my bobbin thread, and I almost always left my bobbin tension at its default setting.  I eventually discovered that this is seldom a good idea, and never, ever when you’re sewing with glitzy threads.

*Note: These bobbin rules work for any type of lightweight or monofilament thread, especially invisible thread. 

Finding the Right Bobbin Thread

One nightmare I lived through was using the same metallic thread in the bobbin that I was using on top.  Not only was this a huge waste of this pricy thread – it snarled up within a few inches.

Eye of a fairy quilted with silver metallic thread

Sometimes all you need is a single spot of metallic thread.  On this large panel we used silver metallic thread only in the eyes of the fairy.  This is also a great way to start for beginners – but here’s a tip, loosen up your tension.  If you make a mistake in an eye, and tear the fabric when pulling the stitches, you’ll wreck the entire panel.  (Which might have almost happened with this Sweet Rose quilt – only we don’t admit to it!)

I also found that threads made especially made for bobbins like the Bottom Line threads, didn’t like sewing with the metallic threads.

Neither did Coats thread.

Finally, after a lot of experimentation, I found that for my machines, the best combination was to have a metallic thread on top, and AURIFIL quilting thread in the bobbin.  Since all machines a little different, you will need to experiment with your own on fabric scraps to see what works for you.

The Right Bobbin Tension

Even with the threads right, your metallic thread will still break if you don’t adjust your bobbin tension.

Again, this will vary with each machine, but on mine, the default tension is 4.  To successfully sew with metallic thread, though, I have to lower the bobbin tension to 2.

Play around on a scrap piece of fabric until the threads are pulling evenly through your machine.

Copper and gold metallic thread by Coats

These beautiful colors work well on many different types of projects, and are almost as easy to sew with as normal threads.  

*Side Note on Scrap Experiments:  Your experiments will be useless unless you’re sewing on a scrap that is very similar in texture, fabric, and thickness to the project you’ll be working on.  I try to keep a few scraps from my cutting for experimenting on each project.  For example, if my project has cotton fabric on top and bottom, and 2 layers of batting, then I’ll make my scrap piece the same.  This way you can get a much better idea of how the thread will perform in this instance.

What’s Available in the Wonderful World of Metallic Threads

Quilters have obviously clued into the beauty of metallic threads, since there are now many more brands available, and, as you would expect, they have different applications.

  1. COATS

As of now, Coats carries gold, bronze and silver thread.  Their thread is heavier so that it shows up more when you’re straight stitching.  I use these when I want a very definitive look to my quilting – like when I’m highlighting.

  1. SUPERIOR THREADS

This company now has a large inventory of metallics, and the last time I was in the quilt store, I noticed that they even had some variegated colors.  I’m thinking hard where I can use them so that I can justify buying one or two.  This is a medium weight thread and works well when you have areas where you require heavier quilting like satin stitching.

  1. ULT PAPOS

This thread is made in Japan, and is a nice mid-weight thread.  However, I’ve only found it in the size of Serger spools, and this doesn’t work well on my machine.  You can overcome this irritation by spooling the thread onto an extra bobbin, and then using the bobbin as though it were a topstitch spool.  ULT Papos does make very nice rich colors like royal blue, true red, and Christmas green.

  1. YENMET

This thread also comes from Japan, and comes in smaller spools of 500m.  Once again, it’s a mid-weight thread with lots of rich colors available.

  1. SULKY HOLOSHIMMER

The secret to these threads are in the name – they shimmer because they’ve got lots of tiny iridescent variegations throughout.  I use these when I’m doing fantasy panels like mermaids and fairies.  These threads are my personal favorite because of the amazing colors – but they do have a downside, they break…a lot.  And there’s really nothing to do about it since this is an extremely lightweight thread, and very thin.  I often compare it to tiny strands of tinfoil.  It’s also quite stretchy and so it also strips more easily than the other threads, but if you’re wanting to create an ethereal effect, this is the thread to use.

Coats metallic threads, copper, gold, and silver

Coats Basic Metallic Threads

Large spools of metallic thread in purple, red, green, and blue

A Mix of Metallic Thread Brands

Royal purple thread with flecks of metallic gold thread

Either Yenmet or Ult Papos (the label’s long gone)

Iridescent blue and green variegated metallic thread

Sulky Holoshimmer (this is the thread used on the mermaid)

There may be other manufacturers out there, but these are the ones I’ve found and use all the time.

One Final Note 

No matter which thread you choose to sew with, you will have to dig deep for extra patience.  You can’t zoom along when you sew with these (in fact I recommend setting a low motor speed if your machine has that function), and no matter how careful you are, there will still be more breakage that with regular cotton threads.

I always try to sew with my metallic threads in the early morning, when I’m fresh and my patience meter is full.

Super large spool of red metallic thread

Even though metallics pose a real challenge, I would encourage you to try them, because as I said at the beginning, the bling they provide will take your project from merely great to effortlessly awesome.

 

Help! My Husband Has My Sewing Machines

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Singer sewing machine behind prison bars - representative of major sewing machine trouble

Dear Princess YellowBelly,

Help, my husband has my sewing machines!

My dear, dear husband is a jack-of-all-trades meets shade-tree-mechanic country charmer, and for 26 years I’ve never had to deal with the plumbing, the car, or even screw in a light bulb.

However, since we’ve both retired and I’ve taken up quilting as my hobby, he’s taken up sewing machine tinkering as his.

I have a high dollar Bernina and a Singer workhorse machine to handle all my different projects, and they both occasionally need tuning up – but he absolutely refuses to take either one in for an expert checkup.  And, as the laws of Fate or maybe even Murphy would have it, they always break down at the exact same time.

Sometimes my machines are on his workbench for months (we’re talking four or five at a time) while I twiddle my thumbs, feeling like an addict gone cold turkey.

I don’t want to waste money because he does eventually fix them, or hurt his feelings, because he’s doing it out of love, but I swear I’m about to start having withdrawal seizures.

What would you do?

Sincerely,

Sewing Machine Withdrawal

A

Dear Withdrawal,

Wow!  4-5 months without your sewing machine.  If I see someone crawling up the wall I will assume it’s you, not Spiderman.

That being said – please give your man a kiss from us.  Those hard-working, shade-tree mechanic types are few and far between, and they’re worth their weight in gold.  I should know – I’ve got one of my own.

My darling Prince BlueShoe isn’t such a creative guy, but he takes good care of all of us here, and most importantly – he makes sure that we get what we need to continue being creative.  And yes, I’ve seen the guts of my sewing machines spilled out all over his table more than once.

The Truth About Sewing Machine Trouble

We are all quite sure that there will be no sewing machine engineers – at least not any from the last century – in heaven.

Sewing machines, sadly, have a limited life, and they are created with components that break down over time.

This is especially true of the really fancy and expensive quilting machines from companies like Bernina and Janome.  (They make great machines, don’t get me wrong, but maintenance is a nightmare!)

Here’s some tips to help you out with your problem:

  1. Professional grade sewing machines aren’t supposed to be privately maintained

This standard is pretty regular.  Bernina and Janome both have their own certified technical repairmen for maintenance.

You can take this advice with about a tablespoon of salt, however.

Prince BlueShoe hates taking my Bernina in because it is very expensive, and he’s been doing it so long that he actually does a better job than the repairman – he’s just very, very slow at it.

This is a balance of love and necessity.

Your guy is probably right, constant professional repair is a rip off.  And once you’ve let him dig into your machine once, odds are you’ll never get him to quit.

Besides, who are we kidding?  Is our sewing ever going to trump loving our men?

  1. Allow your guy to regularly maintain your machines

This is something I struggle with.  I love to sew, not wait to sew.

But I’ve found that if I can conquer myself enough and allow Prince BlueShoe to do some basic maintenance after every two or three projects (on one machine at a time) I still get to sew on the other machine, and the sewing machine is back in service a lot faster.

  1. Do non-sewing stuff in the meantime

Your machines will always have the occasional sick day.  And there’s no reason for you to stop your projects cold turkey.

There’s a whole bunch of things you can do that won’t require a sewing machine.

  • You can clean your workspace

This will probably only take a day or two, but it’s always helpful to get your notions, fabric, thread, and other paraphernalia cleaned up whenever the machines are on the blink.

  • Prepare your next project

While your machine is on the workbench you can always do other sewing stuff.  Picking out fabric for a new project, ironing, cutting, or hand sewing.

For those of us who do big quilts without a long-arm machine, for instance, sewing machine woes might be a good time to finish a big quilt that was quilted in sections and needs to be stitch by hand to finish the backing.

Or you can cut out applique shapes for another projects.

  1. Have a “I’m putting my foot down” deadline

Your guy is wonderful, as is mine.  But they will take every inch and multiply it with hours.

Eventually – particularly if he’s messed up one of the computerized components – you may just have to say:

“You’ve had five months, and I want my machine back next week!”

  1. Make your own patterns

Sewing machine trouble time might be a really good time to look over what you’ve accomplished, what you would like to do, and learn how to make a project from scratch.

At the very least it’s a creative challenge – which is what your sewer’s mind is truly missing while your machines are fritzing out.

You’re not alone!  Sewing machine trouble gets to us all sooner or later.  I’ve seen my sewing machines’ guts spilled out across Prince BlueShoe’s worktable more times than I care to admit.

Don’t believe me?  Here’s photographic evidence…

 

Bernina Artista 170 - sewing machine trouble - something is very wrong!

Something’s wrong with the tension.  Off comes the cover, out comes the screwdriver, a couple of months down!

Tension dial on a sewing machine that has been taken apart

The needle won’t go down – off comes the cover, out come the little wooden shims and magnifying glass.  Lovely man – give me my machines back NOW!

Needle drive compartment on a dismantled sewing machine

Ahh!  The agony.  My poor, poor needle driver is completely dismantled.  No sewing for a little while.

Spring on a sewing machine, trouble with a Bernina

This has something to do with something known as “timing.”  For those of you who own a professional grade machine and have a shade-tree mechanic working on it, you will learn about timing – and all the horrible circles of “H-E-double-toothpicks” reserved for the person who linked the timing to (I honestly stopped listening at this point, but it was very complicated).

Inside of a Bernina Artista 170 - sewing machine trouble 101

Icky – more guts.

Close up of the guts of a sewing machine - loose spring

Hmm… That one was almost pretty.  Oh, I forgot – I have no sewing machine! 

What makes your sewing machine go - a look at sewing machines in trouble

Almost there!  Oops, famous last words.  Another month and I still don’t have a machine.  

  1. Read Princess YellowBelly!

You can always come and catch up with the great content on our website.

Finally: you’re not alone!

Everyone has slack periods, busy periods, dead periods, and purely frustrating periods in both life and creativity.

You’re not alone in it – and there’s always something else to be creative about.

With a hug for you and your man from your magically creative friends, and best wishes on getting your sewing machines, trouble free, soon!

Cordially & Sincerely Yours,

Her Serene Highness

Princess YellowBelly

Running Wild – Black Stallion at Sunset Reflection Quilt

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Black stallion running wild against red, orange, and gold sunset backdrop fabric magic quilt

Return of the Black Stallion

Remember the massive horse that charged across the theater of your imagination as a child?  Now he’s back, forever running free on a sunset beach.  Princess YellowBelly’s new black stallion quilt brings the incredible romance of the past together with quilting techniques.

Center your home with a framed picture of a black stallion quilted wall hanging.

You can purchase this item right now!

Powerfully Romantic

For anyone who ever loved the Black Stallion books or movies this is the chance to relive the experience every time you catch a glimpse of our nicely sized (17 ¾” X 22”) fabric art décor piece.

Princess YellowBelly and her friends used a variety of styles and quilting techniques to create this piece:

  1. Silhouette Landscape Quilting

The scene is constructed with fiery orange and yellow quilting material to recreate a sunset beach.

A narrow strand of black material makes a solid beach, setting up the baseline for the black highlights and powerful drama that this piece entails.

  1. Applique Quilting

Both the beach and the black stallion are separate pieces of black fabric that have been appliqued to the gorgeous sunset background of the quilt.

  1. Fractured Quilting

This black stallion quilt features an extra bit of amazing!  A reflection of the horse and sunset is perfectly captured in the water.

This is done using a technique called fractured quilted – where two or more images are cut apart and sewn back together to create the displacement optical illusion.

  1. Fabric Marking Pen Enhancements

The black stallion quilt is made realistic by the addition of fabric pen markings on the horse’s mane and tail.  These carefully replicated markings make the hair on the mane and tail appear to be truly flying free.

  1. Tailored Quilting

Running Wild is quilted in two different sections – and styles.

The top, or single image, is quilted in sun rays and by outlining the black stallion, popping him out of the rest of the quilt.  The bottom, or inverted fractured image, is quilted in uneven concentric circles to replicate rippling water and add to the magically realistic qualities of the black stallion quilt wall hanging.

One-of-a-Kind

Running wild black horse sunset wall hanging quilt

Black stallion running wild against red, orange, and gold sunset backdrop fabric magic quilt

Running wild black stallion on the beach at sunset, black, orange, gold, red fabric art interior wall art

Rippled reflection of black horse running during the sunset

Reflections in water sunset with black horse

Perfect reflection, intricate quilting black horse head reflected

All in all the sunset & black stallion quilt “Running Wild” is a fabric art experience not to be missed.

You can purchase it on our Etsy.com seller platform – Lilies Of Grace – or read more specific product details below.

Buy Now

Bonus!

Princess YellowBelly and her friends (human and magical) love this piece so much that we’re turning it into a pattern and kit.  This will soon be available, keep a sharp eye.

Material & DimensionsCare & DisplayCustom Orders & Layaway

Princess YellowBelly’s black stallion Running Wild panel:

  • Measures exactly 17 ¾” inches wide X 22 inches high
  • Predominant colors are solid black, vibrant orange, fire red, pale yellow, and rich gold
  • Running Wild shows a black horse running along a beach at sunset. His image is “reflected” in the water
  • Is back with true black batik fabric (same as the image of the horse)
  • Running Wild is tagged or named
  • Weighs very little
  • Folds into a surprisingly small and flat package
  • Is a vividly realistic wall art panel

Sunset material is from a collection called “Tuscan Poppies Sunset” and is a batik-quality quilter’s fabric.

The black fabric is solid Kona fabric (sometimes known as true Amish black).

Running Wild is quilted with warm and natural quilter’s cotton batting.

Care & Cleaning

Running Wild is an easy-care piece.

  • Recommended care and upkeep with a lint brush
  • Machine wash (cool, delicate cycle with a gentle detergent) if needed
  • Can be tumble-dried, although air-dry is recommended
  • May be cool-ironed (cotton settings) to remove packing wrinkles. Safe to iron with water or spray-starch

Display Options

We use regular household thumbtacks to secure our fabric art panels for display.  They hold the panel tight and fabric is self-healing, once the tacks are removed the holes will close up again.

If you would prefer to use a hanging or curtain rod to display Running Wild, we offer hanging sleeve options.

Hanging sleeves are only attached upon your order and your selection of your preferred choice –

  • Top Hanging Sleeve for normal hanging
  • Top & Bottom Hanging Sleeve if you would like to weight the panel as well

Hanging sleeves are made of the same material as the backing fabric, and are about four inches wide each (although this can be adjusted to custom requirements).  They are attached under the binding seam line, and are secured with hand stitching to ensure that the seam won’t show through on the front of the panel.

If you would like to discuss customized options, please contact us directly!

Custom Orders

We are always happy to talk about a new piece with your ideas!  If you have an idea you would like to see developed, or if you would like to have us make you something specifically please contact us.

You can talk to us at our Etsy.com shop – or you can use the contact form below to submit your questions & ideas.

Layaway

Sometimes the prices on our artwork can seem a little out-of-reach, which we understand!  We try to charge very reasonable fees, but if you really want Autumn Rondelle, but don’t think you can afford it in one go, please contact us via the form at the bottom and request a custom layaway program.

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Thanks for getting all the way to bottom of this piece!  Please let us know what you think in the comments below, or contact us.

*Photographer’s Note: Due to the intense oranges and red of the background sunset fabric, Running Wild proved difficult to photograph accurately as the color confused the camera’s sensors. 

While every effort was made to clearly capture the colors of this fabric art wall hanging, some color clarity was lost in the photographic process.  The sunset-to-black ratio is much clearer and true-color than the photographs represent.

We can answer your questions more quickly if we know the general topic of your inquiry or comment - thanks for obliging 🙂

What is the Most Beautiful Fabric Available for a Quilter?

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Beautiful Batik fabrics in blue, aqua, turquoise, and purple

Bali Batiks

If you haven’t already heard of beautiful batik fabrics you’re in for a treat.  They are the most gorgeous fabrics available to quilters at this writing.

There are a plethora of gorgeous fabrics available under the heading of “batik,” from metallic rinse to patterns to semi-solids.  The most beautiful of them all are Bali batiks.  Unfortunately, they’re also the most expensive.

So maybe the question is “how do I use these beautiful batik fabrics without taking out a second mortgage?”

That answer is a bit longer and more involved, so to answer it we’ve written a long and involved description of the most beautiful fabrics available to quilters, and the best ways to buy them.

Modern History of the Evolution of Quilting Fabrics

When I first started quilting – way back in the good old days – the only fabrics available were cottons, some patterned and some solid, and I got them mostly at Walmart.  I really didn’t see the point of spending so much more money on fabric, especially as it was “just” cotton as well.

However, I lived and I learned.

I first noticed batiks about 20 years ago, and once I’d tried them, I gave up the old cottons. I think droves of other quilters did the same, as it wasn’t very long before Walmart drastically started reducing their fabric selections.

Artistic Value

The differences between the regular, old school fabrics and beautiful batiks is huge, and once you’ve tried batiks you’ll see this for yourself.

Difference #1: Colors

Batiks are gorgeous. (I will be repeating this, as it is absolutely true.)

Batiks come with deep, rich colors, and they are always patterned, usually in swirls and sweeps.  It looks as though the colors have been washed over the fabric with water, and this is essentially how it’s done, using salt as a permanent fixer for the vibrant dyes.

This is oversimplified, of course, but you get the idea.  You can go to this incredible video to see how batiks are made in more detail.

Many batiks are “only one color,” but that single color will vary from dark to light, with spots, streaks and swirls all through it.  Most batiks, however, have more than one color, and this really ups the possibilities for you in coordinating your fabric choices.

The combinations are truly endless!

Difference #2: No Right or Wrong Sides

The dyeing process leaves both sides of a batik fabric with the same saturation of color.  In essence, a batik does not have a right or a wrong side – which makes it very handy when you’re cutting out directional pieces.

As a person who makes frequent mistakes, I cheer this feature times ten!  If you cut one wrong you only have to flip it over.

Difference #3: No Pre-Wash is Necessary

I don’t have to wash batiks first before I use them.

The old cottons would lose a lot of color and had significant shrinkage value, leaving fabric artists literally no option.  A fabric that had not been prewashed could easily destroy a quilt.

Batiks benefit from the permanence of their dyeing process which makes them:

  • Nearly fade proof
  • Shrinkage is virtually nil
  • Small chance of bleeding (except in some of the darkest red and orange colors)

When I’m using mostly batiks and other high-grade quilting cottons there isn’t enough risk for me to go to all the work of washing, drying, ironing and starching every piece I buy.

Barb still does this, bless her heart, but she’s older than I am and more set in her ways.  She’s also more patient, so maybe we should all take a page from her book. She snips off a corner of every piece that she washes, and then she can tell instantly what has been laundered and what hasn’t, which I think is extremely clever.

The Major Drawback

Beautiful batiks do have the drawback of being more expensive than regular cottons but there are ways of blunting the pain of this.

First of all:

I try to buy only what I need with maybe an extra ½ yard as a buffer if I make a mistake.  If I don’t make a mistake – or only make small mistakes – the extra goes into my stash.  The other benefit to this is that soon your stash will be big enough that you’ll seldom have to buy anything for smaller projects like wall hangings and table runners.

Always check your stash first, before you head for the quilt store.

Secondly:

Check the sale shelves first.  Most quilt stores have fabrics that aren’t selling well, or that have been discontinued by the seller, and if they meet your needs, you can save a bundle on fabric.

This is where I almost always get my backing fabrics.  I also don’t use batiks on the backs of my projects, it’s just too expensive, but on the sale shelves I often find very good quality fabric for half price of less.

Many fabric companies sell extra-wide material, up to 60” wide specifically for backing material, and while the dollar figure is higher $16-$20 a yard, you also need less and will need to do less cutting and piecing.

Orange beautiful batik fabric

This beautiful batik is a prime example of a “single color” batik fabric.  Several different shades of orange swirl and star through it, fading from almost white through to a darker color in the low-tone highlights.

 

Layered fabrics mostly beautiful batiks in ivory cream to dark red shades

This is an example of how beautiful batiks can work together to make something great.  Only one fabric – the dark red swirl – is not a batik in this picture, yet it works beautiful with the others.

 

Orange, brown, and cream beautiful batik fabrics

The same project used multiple batiks and regular quilting fabric.  Here the pattern is coming together, with edging down in embroidery thread which has the effect of pulling the dark colors of the different batiks through to the front.

 

Cowboy on a horse against a sunset made of beautiful batik fabrics ranging dark pink to bright orange

Batiks look especially amazing when used in landscapes, or like this example, with true black fabrics.  The quality of the fabrics is approximate, but the solid black figures serve to make the beautiful batik sunset glow.

 

Beautiful Batik fabrics in blue, aqua, turquoise, and purple

Batiks can be used with other beautiful batiks to create incredible layers within a project.  The turquoise, aqua, and purple batiks above were used in a large landscape quilt to add an “ocean” layer.  

Thirdly:

Check your quilt stores’ website regularly for sales.  Mine often has 10% – 30% discount sales on featured batiks.

Barb always tells me about these, as I always forget to check.

Lastly:

Search on the Internet for fabric websites with good deals.  My favorite is Fabric.com.  They have a great selection and typically sell fabric for anywhere from $1-$4 cheaper per yard than the quilt stores.

Amazon.com also carries a lot of fabric, as does JoAnn’s Fabrics.  So shop around.  Even a few dollars less per yard can make a big difference if you’re shopping for a queen size quilt, etc.  Most of these sites will also offer free shipping coupons periodically, and sometimes if you purchase enough dollar value in product you will also get free shipping. J

Bonus Tip:

I forgot to mention that Nancy’s Notions has fabric on sale in its catalogue a number of times per year, and these are a really good deal as well.

Also if you subscribe to Nancy’s Notions magazine you will get a flyer a couple of times a year with their leftover stock on sale, sometimes for as much as $5 a yard.  This is the long-distance version of a sales rack, and they are not to be missed.

One last thing, (for real this time):  

The difference between Bali batiks and all other batiks.

Bali batiks come from the island of Bali and are hand-dyed by women, which as you would expect, make them more expensive.  They are also even more gorgeous than “regular” batiks.

They are the crème de la crème of the fabric world.

And I don’t usually buy these unless I can’t find anything else that comes close to what I need – mostly because I’m cheap.  But if money is no object for you then go for it.

Your projects will have the most gorgeous fabrics available and will absolutely glow.

 

The Road Less Traveled

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a road less traveled in a yellow wood

How My Road Less Traveled Led to Fabric Art

At my high school graduation Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken” was prominently displayed in the auditorium.  This was the first time I had seen this particular poem and it resonated deeply within me.

It was probably because I had a rebellious gene passed down to me by generations of forbears that had resisted being physically or mentally imprisoned.

I decided then and there that no matter what I did on the outside of my life, my inner life would always be free – I would always follow the road where few others had gone before.

It was a decision that would come to define my life as “unconventional.”

Way Leading on to Way

My liberated attitude resulted in my having quite a few unconventional adventures, and dealing with the fallout and consequences of those adventures:

As you may know from your own life experiences, an adventure is something exciting and dangerous that happens to someone else and always turns out right.  When it’s happening to you it’s just plain terrifying and dangerous and there are often unpleasant consequences.

  1. Adventure: Spending two months on a short-term mission trip deep in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest
  • Consequence: Nearly dying from malaria
  1. Adventure: Putting myself through university to get a teaching degree at a time when my entire family all felt that higher education was not something a good Mennonite girl did
  • Consequence: I became fiscally independent
  1. Adventure: Spending my first year teaching on a Cree (Native Canadian) Reserve in the Northern Bush
  • Consequence: Handling a problem child who – at age twelve had a serious drug problem – and never, ever losing control of a classroom during the rest of my career
  1. Adventure: Teaching on a Hutterite Colony, grades K-9 in one room
  • Consequence: Discovered that I best liked being my own boss and in charge daily program
  1. Adventure: Spending a year teaching at a school for American military kids right on the DMZ in South Korea
  • Consequence: Insomnia – the constant raid drills and tension of living just a few miles from one of the most dangerous borders in the world left a lasting impression

The Road Not Taken

Poem by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less travelled by,
And that has made all the difference.

  1. Adventure: Reluctantly being goaded into sending a letter to a man in America that one of my fellow teachers from Korea knew
  • Consequence: Marriage
  1. Adventure: Moving 2,000 miles to a new country and completely different culture (if you want to change cultures try moving from liberal, proper Canada to rough-and-tumble free-thinking Arizona ranch country!)
  • Consequence: Really, really like being my own boss
  1. Adventure: Raising 3 kids and deciding that, once again, the road less travelled and best for us all would be homeschooling them
  • Consequence: Brilliant, free-thinking children
  1. Adventure: Moving my family from Arizona to Colorado
  • Consequence: Learning to weed
  1. Adventure: Deciding to pursue quilting and fabric art full time as my little chickens graduated their high school and began pursuing their own lives
  • Consequence: Discovered I hate matching corners and love making my own patterns

Which is why we have to make adjustments and take detours on our life’s road.  As the poem so rightly puts it – “As way leads on to way, I doubted I should ever come back.”

Where it Bent in the Undergrowth

Where I started from is so far from where I am now, that an outsider would be left bewildered. But from the inside, my life’s journey has simply been way leading onto to way as I made the best decisions I knew out at every crossroads.  Robert Frost really nailed this concept because it is everyone’s story.

In my case, simply because I have that one rebellious gene that just hates being told what to do and how to do it, I wandered off into interpretive quilting and creating my own designs.  In other words, fabric art.

I will freely admit here that I get a real kick out of knowing that I have created something that is uniquely mine.

I deeply enjoy taking something that someone else has come up with, and figuring out a way to do it quicker, or easier, or cooler. J For instance, my girls needed a briefcase sort of bag to take to a conference, so I went to the quilt store and found 3 different patterns for:

  • A diaper bag,
  • A makeup bag
  • And a classmate bag for pens and notions

Then I took aspects of all 3 and came up with the media bag that is featured in this website.  The girls took it to their conference to test drive it and pronounced it “awesome”!  I deeply enjoy doing this.  I like to learn something new, like fractures, and then take it up another level or two.

Doubting that I Shall Ever Return

I would really like to encourage all of you to do the same, both in your lives and your quilting adventure.

If you’re going to live, live your own life the best you can, taking the road which is less traveled and, sometimes, much more difficult.  Because, in the end, what’s in your heart will be in your life, and the roads you’ve traveled will lead you where you need to be, rather than where other people think you should be.

As another example, I have to say that I find much of the “modern” patterns, colors and material choices less than inspiring.

I particularly loathe the combination of the pale teal and anemic coffee brown that is all the rage nowadays.  I also loathe the boring blocky shapes that they make out of everything – like strawberries and cats.

These colors and shapes really offend my sense of beauty.

You may have noticed that I lean towards bright colors, flowers, fantasy, and bling, so that’s what I sew.  It helps a lot that Suzanna and Leiajoy think the same way I do and that Suzanna is the Queen of Bling.  If you view much of our stuff, you will see that we are liberal in our use of “notions”.  I love what they add to a project!

So, feel free to express your individuality fellow travelers. You’ll have a few wrecks, but many more successes!

“May the road ever rise to greet you”

Overcoming with Fabric Art, A Unique Encounter with Jolene Noyes

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a variety of hand-crocheted bags and purses made from recycled plastic shopping bags

Jolene Noyes is a unique artist.  She has come up with a way to make something valuable, beautiful, and unique using something that most other people would consider trash, at best.

*We would like to thank this artist for agreeing to be interviewed as our first ever unique encounter with a brilliant artist to be featured on Princess YellowBelly.

The Art

Jolene takes plastic shopping bags from stores like Walmart and City Market, and repurposes them into plastic yarn which she then crochets into a variety of beautiful projects like bags, rugs, mats, and even clothing.

This past year she started making her own yarn combinations.

What inspired you to make these larger bags out of plastic bags?

“Roughly 5 years ago – when I was living in Bloomfield, NM – I read an article about some ladies at a church in Farmington who were using plastic bags in this type of project to make mats for homeless people.

I made a mat – then, living in the Southwest – I was inspired to make water battle carriers.  That was where I started, then it went to bigger bags.

I tried making bleacher buddy bags – to carry stuff during games – but they didn’t go over too well in Bloomfield (a lot of stuff didn’t go to well in Bloomfield).”

Do you make a lot of different designs or a basic one?

“My designs are always different, but so far I’ve made water bags, big bags, buddy bags, diaper bags, pipe bags, wallets (custom designed for business cards and money for carrying in a woman’s pocket.)”

The Project

Jolene is very modest about her art, seeing the completed projects as a sort of extension of her life, a natural product of an ordinary appreciation of beauty and economy.

Yet for those of us who never thought of turning trashy plastic bags into a work of art, the idea is both compelling and fascinating.  It’s even more amazing because, like many people, when she’s home she turns on the TV.  But Jolene uses that time to be productive, because she can’t just sit, and so she crochets.

Jolene Noyes overcoming with fabric art

Jolene Noyes is a fascinating and unique Coloradan fabric artist who has found a way to overcome the challenges of being a creative person on a low income, and at the same time created a brilliant new way to recycle plastic bags!

Jolene was born in Tecate, Mexico, but moved to Laguna Beach, California with her mother as a child.   Over the years they slowly moved up the coast from Southern California to Northern California, eventually settling in Sanoma County, Pattaluma.  Jolene remembers it as a country farm town, but notes that San Francisco has “crossed the bridge” and changed her old home town.

Jolene has been a lifelong traveler.  As a child she remembers traveling to Alaska, and then to the Far East in exotic ports of call like Japan, Hong Kong, and across Asia.  As an adult she has lived in New England, and in Southwestern states like New Mexico and Colorado.  Her latest adventure was spending two years on a houseboat in her birthplace – Mexico.

In the midst of her travels Jolene also raised 3 children, and worked as an administrative assistant and secretary/book-keeper for civil engineers.  Keeping in mind that was before they had automated computer programs, and she would write her own programs to keep time and payrolls.

She also worked 4 years in a library, and she fondly recalls some years she spent driving senior citizens and Meals-on-Wheels.

She has finally settled in the beautiful Four Corners town of Cortez, Colorado.

What materials do you basically use…plastic bags, crochet hook (what size), anything else?

“I use a variety of yarns and make my own yarn out of (plastic) bags.  I cut the tops and bottoms off of the bags, then cut them in strips and knot them (together to form yarn-length strings).  All the bags are woven from “double plastic yarn.”

Do you use a standard pattern or is this your own design?

“I’m always learning new combinations as I go along.”

At first I started with just squares, but then I found a couple of circle building patterns in a book.

So I really make my own patterns, but they’re not strictly patterns, I just crochet and then it works out.

How long does each bag take to complete?

“The little water bag takes about a half a day, went to work on the plastic and later that afternoon.

The bigger bags take 3-4 days, the middle bags just a couple of days.  I work for hours at a time, watching TV.”

How many have you made in all (or a rough estimate)?

“Maybe a hundred.  No real idea.  I used to have whole bags filled with the water-bottle bags.”

The Finished Product

Jolene uses her experience to build the next project.

During our interview Jolene told me that she’s been crocheting for roughly 40 years.  She also admits to having tried knitting, but she didn’t enjoy it enough to be good at it.

Her pattern is free style.  She started making handles for a project – now she’s going to figure out a middle insert for a large bag.   Lately she’s also been working on making more patterns in color (theming them) than just letting them grow by themselves.

What is your process; design, prep, work, completion, etc.?

“I come up with the patterns in my head and work it out as I go.

It’s an ever-changing, growing technique.  I’d never made pockets before, but the ones to the show in Santa Fe all had pockets.

I make them in the shapes that they are – rectangular, square, ovalish.

Why do you enjoy making them? 

“It makes me feel so great when I can make something for someone (like the wallet) that turns out just really great and works for what they wanted.”

What’s the Weirdest Thing You’ve Ever Made?

“Some of my little bags – clutch purse wallet sizes – are being used as pipe bags for recreational marijuana.

Lots of applications. [This is Colorado after all, and it’s good business!]

Once I started to make a bathing suit top – and maybe one day I’ll make a skirt to go with it.  My friend wants a clothing design in plastic for her wedding vow renewals.   I’m not sure why she wants that – I find it weird-cool (but it should be a challenge).”

Do you have any other hobbies?

I’m taking up drawing, and would like to get into more arts. My direction right now is in stones, bones, and bags (crochet).”

I’m trying to find a way to use stones that I pick up during my daily walks in my art – either to use with the bags or maybe on some other project.

Investment & Return

The yarn costs her about 50 cents a roll – she gets the cheap stuff at local markets.  The plastic shopping bags are free, most of them she just takes from the free bins at places like Safeway and City Market.

To her own admission, Jolene is not money-oriented.  However, her natural creativity is starting to take off; a friend just took a whole bunch of her bags down to several shows in Santa Fe, and was planning to charge roughly $20 per bag.

What’s Next for Jolene

Jolene’s has also enjoyed making rugs, with the really thick sets of yarn, but lately she’s started to make custom designs for what people ask for.  As long as the project falls within her guidelines, simple crochet patterns, nothing too weird.

Jolene’s next project is a diaper bag for her daughter’s new baby.  She going to try lining it, maybe using an old batik skirt.  The diaper bag is also going to have a snap-over top, then an insert in the middle, plus pockets inside and outside.  She’s really excited about the diaper bag because it’s all new, which means new things to figure out.

She uses reclaimed hardware on a lot of these projects (buckles, D-rings, buttons), which is another example of how thriftiness can turn into something really beautiful.

We all wish Jolene the best life has to offer as she follows her own unique blend of life-experience, irrepressible creativity, and good old-fashioned thriftiness to create wonderful art.

 

 

close up of unique encounter plastic shopping bags

A close-up view of Jolene’s beautiful hand-crocheting work

water bottle bag made out of plastic shopping bags

One of Jolene’s water bottle carrying bags

unique encounters plastic shopping bags made into a purple wallet

A large wallet made using a combination of plastic yarn and purple acrylic yarn

A bag with pockets - unique encounter plastic shopping bags

This bag with both pockets and handles is an example of Jolene’s ever-evolving free-style

One of Jolene Noyes's bags with handles built into the design

A close-up of the comfort-grip handles shows the thoughtfulness Jolene puts into each project

 

a roll of yarn made from gray plastic shopping bags

A roll of plastic yarn made from a gray plastic shopping bag

white and gray plastic hand crocheted bag using Mexican seashells

On this bag Jolene used a small piece of net and seashells she collected during her stay in Mexico 

A recycled bag using seashells

Does this close-up look like a cartoon face or what?!?

A look at the inside of a simple bag made with plastic shopping bags

The inside of this wallet is simple, yet the thickness of the bag makes it both durable and valuable

A Christmas themed wallet using golden reclaimed hardware buttons

Jolene often uses reclaimed hardware, like these gold buttons, to add functionality and style to her beautiful bags

 

*Jolene is open to taking custom orders – if you are interested in having her make a bag, purse, or wallet to fit your needs please drop us a line below to request her contact info.