Aurifil Blog Hop - The Letter L

I was LUCKY to be asked by Pat Sloan to participate in the Aurifil blog hop.  But then everyone that visits all of the participating blogs are lucky as they also get a free pattern and a chance to win some yummy Aurifil thread.  As, I am the last of this blog hop, I was also asked to think about the letter "L".  Hmm.  What creative and inspirational insights would you come up with for the letter "L"?

LEARNING is fun!  And when it keeps our creative juices flowing, it is even more fun.  So, I want to confess that I'm truly a new convert to Aurifil thread. I heard from Kelly Jackson (IHAN), Pat Sloan, Sarah Vedeler, and many others how wonderful Aurifil thread was.  But it was when my friend, Nini Frank gave me a spool of thread that I began to try it and quickly fell in love with it.  I've used it for piecing, free-motion quilting, machine embroidery, threadplay and more. And, in every case I've found it to stitch out with ease and always looks great.   This was definitely a positive learning experience. 

LEISURE time is something we all want more of but can't buy.  Using Aurifil definitely makes my leisure time more fun!

I LOVE color.  And, Aurifil comes in some yummy colors.  I definitely need more color in my life, aka I need more Aurifil too!

LOFT seems to be getting thinner lately.  Hard to believe, but I remember making quilts in the 70's when I wanted them so thick & fluffy that I actually used two layers of batting on some quilts.  OMG they were hand quilted too!  I am truly happy to see all the new battings that have a low loft.  And, Aurifil really does a great job quilting regardless of the loft.

LAVENDER is a yummy color.  And, I wish I had a spool of Aurifil Lavender for the block I made to share with you.  But, I think it is still cute, even without Lavender Aurifil thread.

In general, I don't have LUXURIOUS taste, except for quality thread and fabric.  Aurifil definitely is a luxurious thread.

LINT is something that builds up in our sewing machines and we need to remember to clean out on a regular basis.  And, I must admit using 100% cotton Aurifil threads stitch out beautifully.  I haven't noticed more lint when sewing or quilting using Aurifil, if anything less.  But as I typically do machine embroidery with non-cotton or blends, I have seen a bit more lint when doing ME work.  On the other hand, the quality of Aurifil and beauty is well worth it for ME projects as they look spectacular with Aurifil.    First 100% cotton thread that I've seen able of handling high speed machine embroidery (doesn't break while doing ME).   

I had oodles of ideas to create blocks for this blog hop, but somehow the amazing colors of Aurifil thread just called out to me to do some ThreadPlay.  And I decided to create an applique block that could be created using standard templates, or with the AccuQuilt GO! and the GO! Rose of Sharon dies.  This design is adaptable to machine applique, needle turn, or freezer paper.  But, I must admit I had fun using Aurifil threads for some fun threadplay on this block designed to go on point.

If you want instructions to make this block click here.  It also has some simple insights on ThreadPlay embellishment.  The utility that I used to upload the file allows for a free download.  After you click the link you may need to scroll down slightly and you'll see a button that says download.  It is free.


This blog hop started February 21st and today, Kelly Jackson (IHAN) and SewCalGal are the final stops on this hop.  Nine blogs have participated, each sharing a free block pattern and a giveaway for a 5 pack of Aurifil Thread.  Plus, Pat Sloan will be giving away a lovely kit of Aurifil thread to one lucky winner. 

If you haven't yet visited all the blogs in this Aurifil blog hop, I recommend you go visit them and look for their post on this hop ASAP.

Feb 21st - Pat Sloan
Feb 22nd - Pink Chalk Studio
                - Dream Laugh Create
Feb 23rd - Once Piece at a Time
                - Thimbleanna
Feb 24th - Stitchen Heaven
               - Quilting Gallery
Feb 25th - SewCalGal (where you are now)
               - I Have a Notion

And, remember to visit Pat Sloan's blog to get info on how to assembly all of these blocks into a cute quilt.

Did you catch that every blog participant is giving away Aurifil thread?  Leave a comment here for a chance to win a 5 pack of Aurifil thread.  SewCalGal will be selecting two winners (randomly) that will each receive one of these beautiful 5 packs of luxurious Aurifil thread.

And you will also have a chance to win a thread kit, by leaving a comment here, that Pat Sloan will give to one lucky winner.

Deadline for this giveaway:  Saturday, February 26th noon PST.

AccuQuilt is also giving away 22 free quilt patterns for those that sign up for their newsletter. Simply click on the image below to sign up.