Weekend Update + Valentine Sewing Inspiration

Checking in with a weekend update of what I've been working on in my sewing room over the past few weeks. These projects include: catching up on the Riley Blake Block Challenge, playing with is the machine embroidery function of my Baby Lock Destiny to make some heart/Valentine mini quilts and projects, and starting another hand-embroidery project. (of course!) Plus lots more Valentine-sewing inspiration if you're looking for some quick handmade projects to make for Valentine's this year.

Riley Blake Quilt Block Challenge #4

First of all - this week Riley Blake released Block #4 from the 2022 Quilt Block Challenge. This block is called Tulip and designed by Jill Finley. I'm using Liberty of London Flower Show prints to make monochromatic blocks.

You can find the free printable PDF pattern here for this week's block and information on the whole 2022 challenge here.

Playing with Machine Embroidery and Applique

The first part of this year has been really nice. I haven't had any major deadlines so I've been free to play more creatively. At the same time, I feel like my capital C Creativity (meaning the inspiration to create a new quilt pattern or something unique) has been on hiatus so I'm enjoying working on projects where I'm following other people's patterns or playing with learning new skills.

One of the areas I've been working on is learning more about how to use the machine embroidery and quilting function of my Baby Lock Destiny II machine. I'm having a lot of fun sitting and experimenting and watching online classes to learn how to work with all of the built-in features and how to create my own projects and designs. 

I finished the little Liberty of London applique heart sampler that I started here and added some machine stippling - included in the programed quilting features of the machine. It's not perfect, but it was a fun little practice project.

I also made this little heart applique sampler using the machine embroidery and quilting options on the Destiny II.  Hindsight, the quilting is too dense and covers up the fabric prints, but it was still really fun to try something new and experiment with what the machine can do.

If you're looking for a similar heart applique mini quilt pattern that can be made on any sewing machine, check out Amy Chappell's Bring the Love pattern here.

Last sample of mine - playing with the built in decorative shapes and stitches. It was really fun to sit and watch the machine do all of the work.

Handwork Projects

Update on my handwork projects: I'm almost done with my Starlit Snowflake cross stitch pattern. It has been so satisfying to sit and sew. As you can see, I chose just one color, but I changed the thread count to mimic the ombre effect in the original pattern. (For the central part I used 2 strands and the outside snowflakes used only one strand.) 

Materials information: Cloth is Noble Grey 16 Count Aida from Cosmo, Floss is DMC 3865. I bought the pattern, cloth and snap frame from the Fat Quarter Shop.

We have had next to no sew since new year's and I'm kind of sad about that. I'm hoping finishing this snowflake will some how break the spell and send us some fresh snow.

And since the snowflake handwork project is almost done, I decided I needed to start another hand-embroidery project. Of course! I mean, the Olympics started last night, so I'm probably going to need multiple handwork projects these next two weeks. 😉 

This is a free All You Need Is Love embroidery design from Beverly at Flamingo Toes. You can find the printable pattern here as well as tutorials from Bev about how to use the various stitches for this designs. I also got my cute needle minder from Bev. 

Over 30 Valentine Sewing Projects and Ideas

If you're looking for other heart or valentine-themed sewing patterns and tutorials, you can find a whole bunch of them here. And some are really simple and perfect for last minute Valentine gifts.

Last of all I had to grab a quick picture of this LOVE hexagon project before I finally hung it up in my sewing room. I can't take any credit for this one (nor do I have a pattern.) I bought this hand-pieced lovely a while back from the makes at One Common Threads quilts. If you're looking to spread a little extra love to someone this month, these ladies can always use some love and support. ❤❤❤