Living This Creative Life

I have two favorite quotes. The first one is by Emile Zola, "If you asked me what I came into this world to do, I would tell you that I came to live out loud". I don't know who the second one is by, but it goes like this, "If you're not living on the edge then you might as well jump". Both of these sentiments sum up my personal philosophy of this experience we call life on earth. Enjoy!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

block #10 in the Machine Quilting Challenge

Good Evening,

It's snowing like gangbusters here in Denver, Colorado. We're expecting anywhere from 8" - 12". Lovely, wet, Spring snow that truly adds to the water table!

Enough about the weather. Here is today's new stitch-out. I really like using this design. The visual appeal of curves mixed with lines is always luring to me.

This is yet another stitch-out that will increase your skills with straight lines. It's a great one for anyone who finds themselves artistically somewhere between a Classic and a Romantic.

Remember to doodle the design first with pencil and paper before you try to stitch it out. In the beginning it's easiest to do this stitch in vertical rows.

Begin at the top of your square. Begin by making a swirl that is about 1 1/2" - 2", swirl from the inside out. This first swirl is the only one that you don't have to swirl back out of. Once you have completed the swirl, continue moving down and away from it for about 2 1/2" then make another swirl by swirling in and leaving yourself room to swirl back out. Swirl back out then fill in the area between the two swirls with straight lines that are anywhere from 1/4" to 1/2" apart (just keep it consistent). Take the last line past one of the swirls making it about 2 1/2" long and make another swirl. Swirl in then out then add lines between the new swirl and the last one. Continue in this manner till you have completed one vertical line then move over and make the next vertical row and so on.

Enjoy,
Heather

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