Category Archives: swirls

Still in “table topper” mode………..

Posted on January 9, 2021 by treadlemusic

As I hinted(?) in my last post, another star topper was pieced and at the ready. Ditch stitching commenced and ended up being every stinkin’ seam…….but, I just kept thinking about the fun that was right around the corner! Once … Continue reading →

Posted in Connecting Threads, Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly thread, FMQ, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, matchsticks, Ms Juki, ruler work, Star quilt, stars, swirls, table topper, Texas | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Just a simple Single Irish Chain……………….

Posted on January 14, 2020 by treadlemusic

Took on a very different look! I had in mind the mantra “keep it simple”, but…………something just happened when this sandwich was slid under Ms  Juki’s needle!!! It’s humble beginnings: began to morph………….the center portion (initially, in my head) was … Continue reading →

Posted in Connecting Threads, Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly thread, echo quilting, feather swirls, Feathers, FMQ, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, Isacord, matchsticks, Ms Juki, piano keys, ruler work, swirls, table topper | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Starting the next project……….

Posted on August 11, 2019 by treadlemusic

On a weekend doesn’t usually happen around here but I had a few moments so………………….. Making the “sandwich” and ready for the stitching…………. It’s a military quilt that was pieced by a friend who isn’t able to finish it due … Continue reading →

Posted in Connecting Threads, Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly thread, E2E, feather swirls, Feathers, FMQ, Glide thread, Handi Quilter, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, lap quilt, Star quilt, stars, Sweet 16, swirls | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

A Monday’s time of play…………………

Posted on July 1, 2019 by treadlemusic

Was perfect! Hot and humid outdoors, A/C, music and the hum of Ms. Sweetie indoors. A bit of McTavishing fun………………….   Thread: (Top) Glide, 40 wt.; (Bobbin) Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly, 70 wt. Batting: Hobbs Heirloom cotton/poly (80/20). More storms … Continue reading →

Posted in banana bunches, Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly thread, echo quilting, FMQ, Glide thread, Handi Quilter, headbands, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, McTavishing, micro-stippling, Sweet 16, swirls | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Saturday report: A Friday finish…………

Posted on May 25, 2019 by treadlemusic

The binding is on and a small label is attached. Martha Washington Star quilt is officially a UFO no longer! It’s especially nice that my stash didn’t increase much with leftovers from this kit and I used all but 25” … Continue reading →

Posted in applique, Bernina 440QE, Charity, Connecting Threads, Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly thread, echo quilting, FMQ, Glide thread, Handi Quilter, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, leafy vine, loopy flowers, Ms Juki, Star quilt, stars, Sweet 16, swirls | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

There’s just something so appealing about…………

Posted on May 22, 2019 by treadlemusic

Star themed quilts…..what do you think? They can be done with a more traditional look but adapt so well to a more modern setting. “Martha Washington Star” (see here) seems to have the comfy cozy more traditional “feel”. The fun … Continue reading →

Posted in applique, Bernina 440QE, Charity, Connecting Threads, Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly thread, FMQ, Glide thread, Handi Quilter, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, lap quilt, Ms Juki, Star quilt, Sweet 16, swirls | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

No more “starts”…..for now……..

Posted on April 12, 2019 by treadlemusic

but I must continue stitching something! This Christmas panel seems to be the answer. Begun a while back (see here), I’ve managed to get a bit more of the background fill done. Nothing really planned, just random stitching………..                    A peek … Continue reading →

Posted in banana bunches, bananas, Christmas, Connecting Threads, Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly thread, echo quilting, Feathers, FMQ, headbands, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, McTavishing, micro-stippling, Ms Juki, pebbles, Superior Variegated Gold metallic thread, swirls, Texas | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Passing the time with FMQ fun……………..

Posted on February 28, 2019 by treadlemusic

I picked up a Christmas/winter themed panel quite a while back with thoughts of……….hmmmm……well, really, no thoughts at all! I just liked it! When gathering things together to head out to Texas, this little (24”x 33”) piece hopped right into … Continue reading →

Posted in banana bunches, Feathers, FMQ, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, Ms Juki, pebbles, Superior Variegated Gold metallic thread, swirls | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Binding is on, soon to be gifted……..

Posted on February 2, 2019 by treadlemusic

Although, I really haven’t been working on this quilt all that long it seems like forever (in my world!)..only 3 weeks! Some photos to finish this one…………    I was able to share this at the last “Killer Bees” group … Continue reading →

Posted in Connecting Threads, Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly thread, echo quilting, Feathers, FMQ, Glide thread, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, Isacord, Ms Juki, Star quilt, stars, swirls, Texas | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Closing in on a finish……………..

Posted on January 26, 2019 by treadlemusic

But first, I’ve been asked about the pattern for this piecing. It’s “Grandma’s Stars” pattern. I purchased this as a kit a few years back but the pattern is still available for purchase from Connecting Threads at this link.   … Continue reading →

Posted in Connecting Threads, Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly thread, echo quilting, Feathers, FMQ, Glide thread, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, Isacord, Ms Juki, Star quilt, stars, swirls, Texas | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

2 out of 3……………….

Posted on January 24, 2019 by treadlemusic

Borders completed. (To see the center completion, see this post.) The first/narrow border was ditch stitched and will remain unquilted. The 2nd/green border is now “feathered”. Quilting on a print such as this one will not show off the actual … Continue reading →

Posted in Connecting Threads, Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly thread, Feathers, FMQ, Glide thread, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, Isacord, Ms Juki, Star quilt, stars, swirls, Texas | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

One Word Wednesday: Progress………….

Posted on January 23, 2019 by treadlemusic

From this………….               To this…….. What’s next?? Stayed tuned…….

Posted in Connecting Threads, Feathers, FMQ, Glide thread, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, Isacord, Ms Juki, Star quilt, stars, swirls | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Client quilt—–a finish…………

Posted on November 17, 2018 by treadlemusic

It was a “frosty” one and perfect for the wintry weather we have been experiencing (especially over last night with the addition of 2”+ of the white stuff!). The top (approx. 53”x70”) was pieced by a friend for her home … Continue reading →

Posted in Bethanne Nemesh, Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly thread, E2E, FMQ, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, McTavishing, ruler work, Spring Grove, Sulky Sliver metallic, Sweet 16, swirls | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

“Aurora”…final chapter………

Posted on November 5, 2018 by treadlemusic

The binding is on/stitched and this one is a “finish”………………………..The purple was perfect for binding… Just a reminder, the stitching was done on my Juki 2010, w/o any stitch regulation. This “Dream Big” version has become a favorite in this … Continue reading →

Posted in banana bunches, bananas, Bosch square, Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly thread, Dream Big panel, E2E, Feathers, FMQ, Glide thread, Grid stitching, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, laser marker, micro-stippling, Ms Juki, paisley, pebbles, Purple, ruler work, swirls | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Onyx “Dream Big”……..

Posted on November 1, 2018 by treadlemusic

Has found its home………….. Have thoughts of Christmas giving entered your planned stitching? Or are you one who works on such projects all year long?? Til next we meet………………

Posted in banana bunches, bananas, Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly thread, Dream Big panel, Feathers, FMQ, Grid stitching, headbands, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, micro-stippling, paisley, pebbles, ruler work, Superior Variegated Gold metallic thread, Sweet 16, swirls | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

“Aurora” dreaminess……………

Posted on October 30, 2018 by treadlemusic

The dimension that’s created, when stitching is added to these “Dream Big” panels, never ceases to amaze me and is even more apparent through the lens of the camera. The current panel is 3/4 complete and this flower is incredible! … Continue reading →

Posted in banana bunches, bananas, Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly thread, Dream Big panel, Feathers, FMQ, Glide thread, Grid stitching, headbands, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, micro-stippling, Ms Juki, paisley, pebbles, Purple, ruler work, Spring Grove, swirls | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

On a dreary afternoon, we “petal”…………

Posted on October 27, 2018 by treadlemusic

Closing in on the “finish”(?)…….A few new ideas here but this becomes quite the challenge for variety by the time the outer areas are to be done!!!!That’s it til Monday…..a Harvest/Halloween gathering at the neighbor’s this evening and tomorrow afternoon … Continue reading →

Posted in Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly thread, Dream Big panel, Feathers, FMQ, Glide thread, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, Ms Juki, Nova Star, paisley, pebbles, Purple, swirls | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

A Friday (top) finish and a ‘Back to it’………….

Posted on October 26, 2018 by treadlemusic

The “Nova Star” is officially a finish (at least as a ‘top’!)……… It measures a nice 80”x 80” (still not fond of the “square” idea) and DH’s “wing-span” had a bit of a difficulty holding it! You can trace this … Continue reading →

Posted in Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly thread, Dream Big panel, Feathers, FMQ, Glide thread, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, micro-stippling, Ms Juki, Nova Star, paisley, Purple, Spring Grove, Sweet 16, swirls | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Okay…….A Friday Finish!!………..

Posted on September 28, 2018 by treadlemusic

After a trek to LaCrosse Hobby Lobby, I was able to cover the buttons needed to complete this ‘swag’ border/binding treatment. I cut 4 bias fabric pieces (one for each side) that were 10” wide and the length of the … Continue reading →

Posted in banana bunches, bananas, Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly thread, Dream Big panel, Feathers, FMQ, Grid stitching, headbands, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, micro-stippling, pebbles, ruler work, Superior Variegated Gold metallic thread, Sweet 16, swirls | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

“Dream Big”…revisited……….

Posted on September 1, 2018 by treadlemusic

The stitching is completed. This panel was incredibly wonky from the start (off the bolt) and there’s a huge challenge to keep the stitching density reasonably even so the piece will lay flat. The next step is to “square” it … Continue reading →

Posted in banana bunches, bananas, Bosch laser square, Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly thread, Dream Big panel, E2E, Feathers, FMQ, Grid stitching, headbands, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, Kelly Cline, laser marker, leafy vine, micro-stippling, pebbles, ruler work, Superior Variegated Gold metallic thread, Sweet 16, swirls | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Feathers!……I see feathers!………

Posted on August 15, 2018 by treadlemusic

And pebbles. Such a great combo but let me add another ingredient: micro-stippling=perfection! First, without that awesome texture-defining addition: and with that addition: This was a tad tricky, as metallic thread does not take well to such tiny, tight stitching. … Continue reading →

Posted in Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly thread, Feathers, FMQ, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, micro-stippling, pebbles, Superior Variegated Gold metallic thread, Sweet 16, swirls | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Tote mode with a vintage flair…..

Posted on July 19, 2018 by treadlemusic

Is what’s on the table at the moment. A donation request was made, from a member of our long term care facility board, for an upcoming fund raising event/auction. Hmmmm…..what to donate…….there’s always a table topper (we always can use … Continue reading →

Posted in banana bunches, bananas, Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly thread, crochet edge, Feathers, FMQ, headbands, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, micro-stippling, pillowcases, Sweet 16, swirls, vintage | Tagged , , , , , , | 9 Comments

A Friday (Vintage) Finish………

Posted on June 15, 2018 by treadlemusic

If you wish to backtrack a tad, see this post.    Note:Right”click” on any photo to enlarge.   The covered beading strips are applied on opposing sides/edges so that the beading meets at the corners without a break. As you can … Continue reading →

Posted in Alvin French curve set, Bethanne Nemesh, Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly thread, FMQ, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, Kelly Cline, micro-stippling, pebbles, piano keys, ruler work, Sweet 16, swirls, vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Vintage Update #2…………..

Posted on June 8, 2018 by treadlemusic

But first……my day began in the kitchen with a batch of sourdough craisin pecan bread. Follow the link to the long-ago post that has the recipe.  Then, I was able to get back to my little vintage project and all … Continue reading →

Posted in Alvin French curve set, Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly thread, E2E, Feathers, FMQ, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, micro-stippling, pebbles, piano keys, recipe, Sweet 16, swirls, vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Update…….

Posted on June 7, 2018 by treadlemusic

It was a very good afternoon. The center portion is done…..   Micro-stippling heaven!!!! A couple of close-ups……………….. I did play around with a couple of templates from a French curve packet……. The second photo shows the one I used the … Continue reading →

Posted in Alvin French curve set, Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly thread, Feathers, FMQ, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, Kelly Cline, micro-stippling, pebbles, piano keys, Sweet 16, swirls, vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

It’s Friday, and………

Posted on June 1, 2018 by treadlemusic

I’ve not finished anything I’m at liberty to share (), but I have gotten 2 things ready to stitch….sandwiched and pinned……first, the smaller one is 10”x 15” and will (hopefully) finish in short order—it’s really speaking loudly!!!    Adding texture, … Continue reading →

Posted in Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly thread, Feathers, FMQ, Glide thread, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, micro-stippling, pebbles, piano keys, Sweet 16, swirls, tablecloth, vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

It’s MUG RUG MONDAY!!!!………………

Posted on April 2, 2018 by treadlemusic

With a vintage twist……of course!!!   Sandwiched and ready to go.          One completed; one to go……..  . Details- Thread (top and bobbin):Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly, 70 wt. Batting: Hobbs Heirloom cotton/poly, 80/20. Machine used: Juki 2010Q (domestic sewing machine). Mug … Continue reading →

Posted in Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly thread, Feathers, FMQ, Grid stitching, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, Ms Juki, ruler work, swirls, vintage | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

The completion of………………

Posted on March 29, 2018 by treadlemusic

Any project always brings mixed emotions. Satisfaction in the finishing/rescue of another vintage piece, the anticipation of “what’s waiting on the horizon” and bidding farewell to a “friendship” that grew as I spent all those delightful hours listening/getting to know … Continue reading →

Posted in Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly thread, Feathers, FMQ, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, Isacord, micro-stippling, Ms Juki, pebbles, swirls, tablecloth, vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

“Quilt as desired………..”

Posted on March 28, 2018 by treadlemusic

What happens to you when you read those words? A “blank canvas” staring at you can be an intimidating thing! At the end of a set of piecing directions, some magazines have provided wonderful diagrams/suggestions for this next step in … Continue reading →

Posted in Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly thread, Feathers, FMQ, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, Isacord, micro-stippling, Ms Juki, swirls, tablecloth, vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Where have I been??????………..

Posted on March 23, 2018 by treadlemusic

In one sentence (without elaboration!!!): DH and I…yes, both!…. were hit with the influenza AND strep throat infections—-enough already!!!! Ugh! Hubbs still is plagued with the ever-lingering cough but yours truly is back in the land of the living! On … Continue reading →

Posted in Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly thread, Feathers, FMQ, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, micro-stippling, Ms Juki, pebbles, swirls, tablecloth, vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

Moving to the border……….decisions……..

Posted on March 8, 2018 by treadlemusic

Last time I finished with the beginning of the end of the center portion/the vintage cloth itself. See here. The micro-stippling is complete. Photos…………….from this: to this:.  .  .   The dime helps to see the scale of the stitching…….contrast. … Continue reading →

Posted in Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly thread, Feathers, FMQ, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, micro-stippling, Ms Juki, piano keys, swirls, tablecloth, vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

The next step……………….

Posted on March 7, 2018 by treadlemusic

In this vintage process is to emphasize the quilting motifs even more than they are at present. The quilt stitching, especially of a “whole cloth” type (mostly “negative” space) is most effective when the stitched motifs/designs are dramatically different in … Continue reading →

Posted in Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly thread, Feathers, FMQ, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, micro-stippling, Ms Juki, pebbles, piano keys, swirls, tablecloth, vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Monday’s meanderings…………..

Posted on March 5, 2018 by treadlemusic

Further into “feather land”…………..  I’m thinking I’m really going to love these corner designs—-with the added plumes!!! . For those of you who may have missed my initial information:The machine I’m using is a Juki 2010Q, straight stitch (only) industrial … Continue reading →

Posted in Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly thread, Feathers, FMQ, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, micro-stippling, Ms Juki, pebbles, piano keys, swirls, tablecloth, vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

(Far from a) Friday Finish!!…………..

Posted on March 2, 2018 by treadlemusic

But having such a great time!!!! To catch up, see here. The center portion is reeeeeeelly close to a ‘finish’. I did the 4 sections that complete the center circle. Photo before stitching……   and after some ‘playtime’……   The obligatory back … Continue reading →

Posted in Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly thread, Feathers, FMQ, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, micro-stippling, Ms Juki, pebbles, piano keys, swirls, tablecloth, vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Feathering………………

Posted on March 1, 2018 by treadlemusic

Yesterday’s start has taken the expected direction……..   Feathers, petals, and…….well, lots more fun ahead…. And the flip side……..   To see the unstitched beginning, see here. Thanks so much for tagging along on my (exciting to me) journeys. These results amaze … Continue reading →

Posted in Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly thread, Feathers, FMQ, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, micro-stippling, Ms Juki, pebbles, piano keys, swirls, tablecloth, vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

One Word Wednesday—-“Beginning”……..

Posted on February 28, 2018 by treadlemusic

 

Posted in Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly thread, Feathers, FMQ, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, micro-stippling, Ms Juki, pebbles, piano keys, swirls, tablecloth, vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A new week and a new vintage stitchery…….

Posted on February 19, 2018 by treadlemusic

The vintage piece that’s next up is a 33” square piece I picked up in Harlingen (TX) at an event known as “Market Day on Jackson”. Several blocks of historic Jackson Street are dedicated to street vendors of various sorts … Continue reading →

Posted in Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly thread, Feathers, FMQ, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, micro-stippling, Ms Juki, pebbles, piano keys, ruler work, swirls, vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Friday Finish…..……..

Posted on February 16, 2018 by treadlemusic

My latest endeavor draws to a close. Begun here, it rapidly moved forward. First, quilting the back piece………. . On to the front……………Of course, it just must have some feathers……….    Using a Frixion marker, I lightly gave myself some guidelines. … Continue reading →

Posted in Connecting Threads Essential Pro poly thread, Feathers, FMQ, hangers, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, micro-stippling, Ms Juki, pebbles, piano keys, pillowcases, ruler work, swirls, vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments