My quilting thoughts and inspirations sprinkled with a glimpse of life down on the farm

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Free Motion Mail

aka 2013 FMQ Challenge #4
Another of the opportunities offered by SewCalGal for this year's challenge was the Postcard Swap. I did not join the swap that she mentioned but have been taking part in the swaps run by Sheila, as well as doing a couple of private swaps. Regular readers will have seen the postcards dotted around my posts over the last few months, so I have kept the photos to a minimum.
These shots show proof that I fmq-ed my cards :-)
A nice little challenge deciding what to do and how to do it.
My two yellow cards. The top one has quite a few pebbles
in the background, the bottom was echoed.
The red cards. Again, echo-ing and swirley backgrounds
completed each card.
I had a lot of fun doing these cards and have joined up for another, Christmas, swap. It took me a while to work out how to make them but ended up by backing my front fabric with a soft, slightly padded iron-on stabiliser. I then did all my free-motion stuff. I found that using my embroidery hoop (top picture) at times was really helpful. Using Quilters' Muslin for the back, I then ironed on layers of interfacing, giggly cloth and visofix until I was happy with the firmness (using up scraps from days gone by!). Satin stitching around the edge finished them off. Here I found the heavier quilting threads were better to use. For the one that I used a standard sewing thread I went around twice to get the finish I was happy with.
My nephew, on the other hand, used cardboard and glue in the middle of his postcards. We needed to develop a method that he could use at home, away from a stash of years of sewing's leftovers! A couple of his were 'scenic' (note the cows in the paddock in the photo below, complete with rays of sunshine and fences!) the others were 'appliqued'.


His parents, Nana and sister were all going to be unindated with cards. Thank you to Sheila and JoAnne who also agreed to swap cards with him :-)
Thank you for visiting, happy stitching, have a lovely day,

17 comments:

  1. We just had our big quilt show last weekend. I did a demonstration on making fabric postcards. I shared your nephew's with them to prove that they can make a great card if he can! They loved it! That is mine that I received from him on the top of the pile. I loved that it had fabric featuring both kinds of kiwi (bird and fruit!)

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  3. All your cards look fabulous. Your nephew is doing a great job with his. Would he like to swap one with me and send it over the ditch?

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  4. All your postcards are sooo lovely Raewyn ... I even love your nephews ones. A lady sent me a postcard once with a golly appliqued on the front - I have it on my notice board. I am hoping to try some work with my hoop & walking foot after this wedding - seeing you work with your hoop has reminded me :-)

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  5. It looks like you and your nephew have had fun with this. They are all very beautiful and creative!!

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  6. Wonderful, Raewyn! These cards are what finally motivated me to try this challenge. I used echo quilting and swirls on most of my cars, too. I like the look. But you did a much tighter satin stitch around the edges than I did. If I ever do more, I will try to do a better job on the edge.
    I have forgotten to take my cards with me when I have been in town this week, so tomorrow I will be sending your card to you. Thanks for the inspiration. : )

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  7. Your cards are masterpieces, Raewyn and your nephew is a very talented young man; it must be in the genes!
    I can learn a lot from you too, when it comes to quilt postcards.
    Cheers,

    Jeanneke.

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  8. Postcards would be perfect for me to practice my FMQ. I seem to only be able to work small. Kudos to your nephew. It's delightful that he has found these postcards engaging.

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  9. I loved looking closely at your postcards seeings I am also trying to hone up my FMQ skills.... it's a great way to practice small designs isn't it... Going around twice on the sides is a great idea... seems logical but I never thought of that... I do love your postcards and your nephews are just amazing.... I would love to swap with him if he is still keen ....
    Hugz

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  10. A great way to practice Raewyn and your young nephew obviously has talents too.

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  11. Nice to see the cards you made together. Your quilting looks wonderful and i didn't know quilting bubbles. How nice your nephew made cards also, he certainly has talent! It's in the family for dure.
    Happy stitching, have a lovely day, also, Cisca

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  12. Just wonderful!!! I love them all.

    I can see that you have been stitching away!!

    Blessings and hugs!

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  13. looks like you and your nephew are having fun exchanging cards. I love that pumpkin quilting.

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  14. fun postcards and great way to practice machine quilting!

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  15. Many thanks for having a go at the challenge for the fabric postcards, you are obviously great at them, such fun to do. Love that your nephew had a go too, would he like to swap one with me at all??? email me and let me know I would be delighted to swap. Love your work, keep quilting and making the little gems....

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  16. Oh, the pohutukawa is gorgeous! It is such a great thing that your nephew is getting involved with quilting. I hope he continues with it at home.

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  17. I love to look at your creations :)

    Hugs,
    Tatyana

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