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

Iron Quilter Competition at the Kaleidoscope of Quilts

I hope you have all enjoyed the photos of the quilts I posted from the Kaleidoscope of Quilts.  There was also an "Iron Quilter Competition" that was so much fun to watch. 

The Iron Quilter Competition was comprised of  three teams that were selected randomly from the guilds who expressed interest in participating.  Each team was given a bag of fabric and embellishments and they had to create and finish a quilt or wall hanging larger than 20" x 20".   The completed quilts became part of the silent auction raising money for the Victory Center.  The winning team was also  given a check for 100.00 for their guild. 

 Representing the Black Swamp Quilt Guild (I'm a member) was Cindy Hufford and Mary Lee Grabowski.

 AKA "Superfly Cindy & Mary Lee the Flying Nun"

 Representing the Gathering of Quilters (I'm a member of that guild too)  was Amy Reitzel and Debbie Linenkungel.

 Representing the Cellar Sewers were Cheryl Darr and Edie Dyke.  All of these ladies were very brave to have volunteered in my opinion!

Sheila Painter was the MC of the event.

Sorry for all the blurry photos below...but guess what....those girls were moving as fast as they could.

 The clock was ticking and those gals were having a ball.  The crowd was there to cheer them on and then a whistle was blown....what?  A whistle?   

Guess who showed up?  None other than the quilt police....I'm surprised there were no tomatoes thrown. 

There was a lot of laughter as these fellas pulled out their measuring tapes and flash lights. 

And the winning quilt was made by none other than "Super Fly Cindy and Mary Lee the Flying Nun" from the Black Swamp Quilt Guild.

 Second place went to Amy and Debbie from the Gathering of Quilters.

and third place went to Cheryl and Edie from the Cellar Sewers.

It sure looked like all 6 gals had a great time.

 I thought it was neat that stamps and glitter were used....those gals must have planned lots of techniques that could possibly be used and had to decide fast.

 I was very impressed with all three wall hangings and loved the idea that what was done was done and it only took 90 minutes. 

I think this would be a very fun addition to retreats and other sewcials.....not only a challenge but lots of laughter too.

Smiles,
Kelly

More Quilts from the Kaleidoscope of Quilts Show

There are many wonderful quilts at the Kaleidoscope of Quilts Show in Sylvania OH...if you can go today....GO....you'll be glad you did.  My favorite would not load last night...but this morning is came right up...I'm so happy :) 

"Dahlias for Don made by Catherine Lewis of Oak Harbor OH" was my favorite and it took several ribbons: Beast Hand Quilting, Legacy in Stitches,  and Legacy in Stitches Mixed Technique - Hand Quilted.

If it had not taken so long to upload those photos yesterday I would have listed the categories the ribbons took.  I hope you enjoy the rest of the photos :)

The Iron Quilter Competition was a ball and I took plenty of photos....I'll get those ready to share...lots of good fun.

Smiles,
Kelly