24
Measure the length of the
centre panel down the middle
and cut two 1in blue and green
strips to this measurement. Sew
them to the left and right edges
of the quilt and press the seams
outwards.25
Measure the width of the
quilt across the middle and
cut two blue and green strips to this
measurement. Sew them to the top
and bottom edges of the quilt and
press the seams outwards.MICHELLE’S
FREE-MOTION
QUILTING TIP Before
you start free-motion work on
your quilt top, make a separate,
small quilt sandwich with the
same batting as your quilt. Do
a test run using the threads
and style of quilting you plan
to use on your quilt to check and
adjust tensions on the sample.
It saves unpicking on the quilt.MICHELLE MARVIG
How would you describe your particular craft
style? Traditional patchwork with a twist. I love
starting with a traditional design, but updating
the technique or layout to create something
new. I generally piece and appliqué by machine,
however I also enjoy hand piecing.
Did your distinctive style happen over time or
was it immediate when you started stitching?
When I first started making quilts, I simply
made quilts from other people’s patterns. But
then I started to work as a sample quiltmaker
for a fabric importer and needed to be able to
publish my own original patterns. I have been
designing my originals for 25 years now. As
I develop my skills, my patterns change to
reflect the new skills. Also, a change in house
has altered my quiltmaking style, as my new
home has a more modern feel.
Are you good at all the crafts you’ve tried?
I used to knit and make clothes and dolls, but
since patchwork, I’ve not really had the time
or inclination to go back to these crafts. But
I now have a granddaughter, so making
dresses for her may be in my future. I love the
look of crochet but have never mastered the
art. Can’t keep the loops even!
What sorts of crafts do you avoid like the
plague? Paper crafts. I have so much sewing
paraphernalia that I could not fit the tools
required for papercraft in the house. Or
another stash.
Other than crafting, how do you like to
spend your time? Working as the creative
director for Quilters Companion magazine,
taking various Quilters Companion tour
groups overseas for patchwork adventures,
designing fabric ranges for Leutenegger
and spending time with family.
Is your stitching a great diversion from tasks
you’d prefer to avoid (eg: housework)? My
husband would say yes, however, I need tohave the house fairly clean before I can work.
Otherwise, I can’t settle at my sewing. Now,
gardening is another issue!
If the good fairy granted you three wishes,
what would you like them to be? More hours
in every day! A housekeeper and someone to
run my computer, so I can get back to my
sewing machine.
Do you listen to music/radio or watch TV
while you sew – what do you like to listen
to/watch? I listen to the radio or will have the
TV on while I sew. I enjoy home shows, travel
shows, cooking shows and documentaries.
Something that I can learn from.
Do you like craft shopping alone or with
friends? I love shopping with other people.
I’m lucky that I get to take people shopping
overseas while on tour for Quilters Companion.
It is fabulous to help others select fabrics,
throw in a few pieces they may not have
considered, and open up the possibilities of
fabric combinations. Actually, it is the same
when I teach. Helping select fabrics for a new
project for a student and seeing it through
to the end result is very rewarding.
What are your top five favourite craft blogs?
Due to my busy schedule, I don’t have time to
read blogs. The only one that I’ve followed is
Barbara Brackman (barbarabrackman.blogspot.
com.au), who writes about antique quilts. We
can learn a lot from those who came before us.Gett ing to know ...