Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Patriotic Celebration

I haven't ever sewn anything patriotic other than a potholder ... until now.  And I think I have learned why.  Nothing really grabs my attention and makes me feel like I've just got to sew that.  And red white and blue aren't my favorite combination for sewing. 

I noticed a couple of weeks or so ago on flickr where my friend, Carol (mamacjt) suggested a patriotic themed mug rug swap.  That threw me immediately into a patriotic sewing mood.  But I didn't want to sew for a swap.  But I felt like I wanted to sew ... something.

I thought of fireworks and how I love them, and wondered if I could make one with fabric and thread.
29" X 33-1/2"

I haven't decided if I was very successful or not.  I do think it's kind of fun though.  The gold tinsel thread really helps to define this patriotic burst a lot.  Without the glitz it was pretty darn boring.


  It's been a whole lota years since I've sewn with metallic thread and we won't discuss the grief it doled out to me here and there.  The point is I won in the end.

Happy 4th of July, America!
Annie
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30 comments:

  1. LesleyJune 26, 2012 at 6:22 AM

    Oh my goodness, Annie, this is amazing! Sorry for your grief using metallic thread, but the results are stunning. This is simply gorgeous!

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  2. Carol SwiftJune 26, 2012 at 8:01 AM

    Beautiful! The metallic thread really makes it blingy--love it!

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  3. Daryl @ Patchouli Moon StudioJune 26, 2012 at 8:35 AM

    I've never had much luck with metallic thread either, so I use it more with my hand sewing rather than machine sewing work. The metallic thread really does give your fireworks quilt the pizzazz it needs. Very nice.

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  4. AliceartJune 26, 2012 at 8:36 AM

    It's very successful! I love this one! Glad you persevered.

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  5. Cindy SharpJune 26, 2012 at 8:44 AM

    Annie- this little quilt is stunning! Well done!

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  6. KarenJune 26, 2012 at 9:28 AM

    That is a success for sure! I cannot stand working with metallic thread, love how it looks if I can get it to work in the machine, but it is flaky. I love this!

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  7. Diane NJune 26, 2012 at 9:42 AM

    That is AWESOME! Very nice!

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  8. carolJune 26, 2012 at 10:36 AM

    The metallic thread really adds that special sparkle to an already beautiful quilt! I must get me some! So glad I gave you the inspiration to make this beauty! Now you can put on some marching music and pretend you're at a parade. lol Happy 4th, my friend!

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  9. waggonswestJune 26, 2012 at 10:39 AM

    Congratulations on your victory (over the thread)! It is a beautiful quilt. I particularly like the patchwork background.

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  10. West Michigan QuilterJune 26, 2012 at 11:10 AM

    I love your mug rug. I'm like you in that I've never done anything patriotic. I love the added sparkle. Glad you persevered with that. Looks like a winner to me.

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  11. Judy D in WAJune 26, 2012 at 11:15 AM

    Very cute and sparkly. Way to win over that pesky metallic thread. It was worth the battle. :)

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  12. KatherineJune 26, 2012 at 11:55 AM

    Oh! I think I can hear those fireworks....

    Beautiful, Annie. You're right the metallic thread can be a bother to work with, but oh... it adds just the right touch. Love that sparkle!!

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  13. Terry@ a quilting blogJune 26, 2012 at 12:19 PM

    OMG Annie...this is just amazing!!! Love the design and the metallic thread is perfect (even if it was a big PITA to work with!)

    I received my butterfly postcard in the mail...it is even more beautiful in person...thanks again!!!

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  14. Mrs.PicklesJune 26, 2012 at 12:25 PM

    wow that is beautiful!!!

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  15. sheila 77June 26, 2012 at 2:33 PM

    Great fireworks display with the exploding stars. Some metallic threads are more friendly than others, but this metallic fizz is really worth it. Clever background and red and blue borders too. Can you tell I like it?

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  16. Jane's Fabrics and QuiltsJune 26, 2012 at 4:17 PM

    Your not sure if it works, believe me it works for me! That is stunning Annie, just stunning!

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  17. ellen gets craftyJune 26, 2012 at 4:47 PM

    Great quilt!

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  18. AnitaJune 26, 2012 at 5:41 PM

    Very cool! I hate working with metallic thread too, but I can see it was totally worth it :)

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  19. CynthiaJune 26, 2012 at 10:01 PM

    That is darling!! I totally love it!

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  20. BarbJune 26, 2012 at 10:42 PM

    sooooooooooooo fabulous!

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  21. BeezusJune 26, 2012 at 11:52 PM

    Wow - I think you nailed it! And I won't even ask about the metallic thread. It's one of those love/hate relationships that I can't give up just yet. ;)

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  22. Crafty Tokyo MamaJune 27, 2012 at 3:16 AM

    Success, definitely success! This looks amazing and the gold thread makes it come to life. Wow...

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  23. SusanneJune 27, 2012 at 4:51 AM

    That's really great :)
    Susanne

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  24. MicheleJune 27, 2012 at 5:20 AM

    Absolutely! I cann that a huge success and I love it.

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  25. SnoodlesJune 27, 2012 at 6:45 AM

    Oh, Annie, this is stunning -- I simply sat and gazed at it for a while. I'm so glad that you won the battle with the metallic thread, cos this is incredible! You rock!

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  26. DorisJune 27, 2012 at 1:47 PM

    I'd call it a success--before i even read a word, your photo popped at me and I thought "oooh! She quilted fireworks!" Very cool.

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  27. Quack Quack22July 2, 2012 at 10:50 AM

    This is amazing. congratulations on a fantastic piece of work and Happy 4th 0f July to you all in America

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  28. SusanJuly 3, 2012 at 7:40 AM

    It's gorgeous, Annie! Love the subtle background, subtle but rich at the same time, and the shape of the exploding firework is perfect, the shiny glitz is just the right touch and the stars are the icing on the cake! LOVELY!

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  29. PattiJuly 4, 2012 at 2:08 PM

    So wonderful and the metallic thread makes it glow.

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  30. Quilter KathyJuly 5, 2012 at 2:24 PM

    I lOVE it Annie!

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