Aurifil Thread GIVEAWAY

Let's start the New Year with a giveaway! If you are new to my blog, I am happy you are here! As you can see I *love* threads, especially thick Aurifil 12w and 28w threads.

Let me show you how I do a FUN practice piece before I start any project using these threads.

I could never begin with a white piece of fabric so I came up with this design which includes all the basic quilting lines: straight, curves and angles to help me started.

How it works: on a white piece of paper draw the design with a black sharpie. Pass over the lines with Sulky iron-on transfer pen. You can skip this step and draw directly on your fabric but I like the versatility of this pen because it prepares the design for future use.

As you can see, I only drew half of each shape so when it is time to sew first I follow the line and then freely complete the rest of the shape.

Cut two pieces of the same fabric you would use in your project and following the manufacturer's directions, transfer the design with the help of an iron.

Sandwich your fabrics with the same batting you would use in your project. First, load your sewing machine with 12w Aurifil thread on the top and 40w thread in the bobbin, insert a new 90 or 100 needle and start to sew at a slower pace. Once finished, load your sewing machine with 28w Aurifil thread on the top this time and 40w thread in the bobbin and complete the exercise as before.

 This is how it should look in the back after sewing with 12w Aurifil thread.

Final practice pieces are pictured. The picture above shows the 12w Aurifil thread and bottom picture shows the 28w Aurifil thread.

Make any adjustments in your machine with your tension if necessary.

Now that you are familiar with these threads, why not do a small project?

I made this small quilt with my TRAPUNTO technique published in Quilting Arts magazine  Dec.13/Jan14 (you can find the article on page 54) and a combination of Aurifil 12w and 28w thread sewn by machine and  by hand. In my next post I will show you how I did it.

Now let's talk about the GIVEAWAY:

Aurifil is giving away two sets of 7 spools each of 12w and 28w thread

It's open to all readers-International shipping

If you are interested in winning this giveaway just leave one comment telling me what would be your first sewing project of the year.

Please make sure to leave your contact information if you are a no-reply blogger.

I do usually respond to comments, but with the volume received for giveaway day, I apologize in advance if I am not able to do so.

For a BONUS entry you can become a follower and/or LIKE my Facebook page and comment again telling me you have, but it's not required.

 

THE GIVEAWAY DRAWING IS NOW CLOSED!

Learn how to add *Texture* in your work with my NEW Article in Quilting Arts Magazine

 

The Dec2013/Jan 2014 issue of Quilting Arts magazine is out, you can find it here. In there you will find my latest article where I teach you how to add *Eye Popping Texture* to your work.

 Let me show you another idea on how I use this technique by doing Christmas ornaments.

For the hearts I use one of my drop cloth fabrics with a variety of Aurifil 12w thread colors.

After observing the marks left on the cloth I decided which parts to enhance with hand embroidery and I started to work.

Once finished, I cut the hearts out and pasted them on a red fabric.

 After following the directions from the magazine article and having sandwiched the layers together I started free motion sewing around each heart with red Aurifil 28w thread. Then I cut around the heart shape leaving approximately 1 inch of border. Afterwards,I finished the edges with a close zigzag/satin stitch. I then sewed a colorful string on the top and I made a hole in the bottom for little messages.

I hope you will try this technique and start adding texture to your work with an easy way to do trapunto.

 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!