Beautiful Couched Threads and Free Motion Embroidery by Jean Overmeyer

Jean is going to be teaching, "Expressions of the Heart" at the Kaleidoscope of Quilts this July for the Glass City Quilt  Commission.  I'm a big fan of Jean's and was fortunate enough to have taken her class this past Sunday.

PLEASE NOTE:  The Glass City Quilt Commission will post a list of classes for the Kaleidoscope of Quilts on March 1, 2013 and registration for classes begin March 15, 2013.

There were lots of samples and ideas laid out on the front tables.  My camera started to make noises....I just knew I was going to be at  it's mercy.

One might think this was staged, but Jean actually keeps her fabric on these mini bolts.  I love this idea because I'm so tired of sorting through bins and containers.  I want mine all nice and neat like this too.  I've actually added Fabric Organizers to the IHAN® website.  I'm definitely going to start the process....but that is a side point...sorry for digressing.

Jean has embroidered the name of child on this one.  Since it takes so much time to make a baby quilt, how about a baby mini quilt for the wall instead?  I love Jean's idea....so much faster to put together for a baby shower gift.  This design would be lovely as a wedding gift as well.

 

 As you can see, the heart theme doesn't have to be for Valentines day....this design can be used for almost any occasion.  This one in Christmas fabrics is fun. 

See, I told you my camera was noisy!  It has a mind of it's own, I'm telling ya.

"Expressions of the Heart" incorporates thread couching, free motion embroidery/ thread painting, applique, and free motion quilting.  

Before the class started, Jean showed us several examples of these techniques that she has used on several pieces she has made.  

Here is a close up.  The thread work just makes this quilt outstanding in my eyes.  And check out this hidden creature:

Jean made this quilt for one of our guild challenges and won "the quilt you would most like to have hanging in your home" category.   I know I'd love to see it hanging in my home for sure!

A few more samples were shared.  I know it seems like all we did was look at Jean's work, but we only spent a few minutes drooling on her quilts.

 

I know this post is getting long, but if you are like me....ya love the photos :)

OK, now the class begins!

Well, you would have been able to see Jean stitching except for the beam of light from her Bendable Bright Light.  Don't have one?  Well, this is the proof that you get tons of light! 

This is the color way Waldo and I choose.  I'd never worked in oranges before so I thought it might be fun.  I was surprised by how many pieces of orange batiks Waldo and I have.

This is my "Expressions of the Heart" piece.  I spent so much time playing with the decorative threads that I didn't end up couching any down.  I sure did have fun playing though :)

This is my practice piece.  I found the free motion embroidery to be lots of  fun.  Couching decorative threads can be very addicting....just warning you.  I spent quite a bit of time twisting a combination of threads together to preview them on my piece.  The stitching on the far right is nothing more than a thin slice of fabric I couched down.  I can see myself now....couching down anything that doesn't move!  LOL...true!

Smiles,

Kelly