Introducing Prism, A Brand New EPP Kit

Say hello to Prism, my newest EPP kit created for stitchers of all levels! This lively design is full of movement and flickering light, and is a lot of fun to make! Using just two shapes, you can create your own unique layout and have it stitched up in no time. Visit the shop listing for all of the details.

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Original design using the Prism kit, made by Marion Lutz, Homer, NY, 2020

With all of my kits, I aim to offer functional projects that can be completed in a reasonable amount of time, offer value and are hopefully a pleasure to make. Pillows always seem to fit the bill, however, as with any of my kits, pillows aren’t the only project that can be made. The Tales of Cloth papers are reusable, and you can configure the papers in any arrangement you’d like plus make a larger project or multiple projects!

This stunning pillow shown at right was made by my friend Marion Lutz @fauxsister. She used about half of the papers in the Prism kit and a combined fabrics from her stash with my naturally dyed sateens. Marion’s vision pays homage to the quilters of Gee’s Bend. Aren’t they exceptional?!

Prism under way, Tierney Barden, 2020

A few shop notes:

• All kits and patterns will remain on sale through the month of May.

• Gift cards are now available!

• 100% of the proceeds from my Mask Pattern PDF go to our local food bank. The support continues to be awesome! Let’s keep putting food on tables for those in need.

A final word, with Prism now available in the shop, my efforts return to developing new quilt patterns. These designs have long been in my imagination and it feels amazing to finally be stitching them and soon making them available to you! I’ll share more in an upcoming post, but know for now that new work is emerging, my hands are busy and my heart is full. I’m wishing all the same for you!

New Workshop at Owego Street Makery

New Workshop: Introduction to English Paper Piecing

Learn how to English paper piece with textile artist Tierney Barden in this relaxed two hour workshop at Owego Street Makery. Join the slow stitch movement and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of (portable) hand stitching. You’ll learn the techniques needed to make Tierney’s Bloomin’ Jewels pillow (the top only), or you can rearrange the pieces and make a mug mat, mini quilt, etc.. You will leave with the skills needed to finish your pillow top plus go on to make any EPP project.

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Enjoy the modern rustic atmosphere at Owego Street Makery! (Photo courtesy of OSM)

• A special kit has been assembled, and is included in the workshop fee. The $18.00 kit includes everything you’ll need except fabric, thread and scissors.

• This is a hand sewing class. Complete instructions for making the pillow (including machine sewing the pillow cover together) are provided in your kit.

• If you have them, please bring fabric scissors. Rotary cutter and mat are optional.

• Fabric will be provided from my own stash; however, feel free to bring assorted fabrics and coordinating thread from your stash. Light and dark solids, prints and low volumes are all great! Should you wish to fussy cut your Bloomin’ Jewels, acrylic templates will be available for purchase at the workshop.

• This workshop is appropriate for ages 14 and up.

INTRODUCTION TO ENGLISH PAPER PIECING

August 24th, 2019

1:00-3:00 PM

$48.00 (includes kit)

Owego Street Makery, Cortland NY 13045

Coffee and cookies provided

SIGN UP HERE

To see more of my textile life, follow me @tierneybarden

As always, I enjoy hearing from you! Please share comments and questions here, or email me.

Is This the Year Of the WIP?

WIPs on trays for portability and easy access.

Lately, I’ve felt compelled to finish my piles of WIPs before I have a chance to add even one more to their numbers. Today, I’m sharing helpful tools for organizing WIPs, and I’m inviting you to share your best tips for completion in the comments below. I’ve also made a place for us to share our WIPs and cheer each other to the finish line: #finishedwips2019. Join in the fun!

If the sheer number of online quilters posing the challenge to finish their WIPs this year is any indication, this just might be the Year Of the WIP! We all have them, and I’ve seen some excellent organizing and planning tools. For printed pages to document and track your WIP progress, Patchwork Posse offers this free set. Also, there’s the Quilter’s Planner. (I’m not paid for endorsing these products, I just appreciate them and want to share.) You can also make your own chart to suit your needs. While I don’t use one, I have a feeling there’s probably an app for this, too!

Arrowhead quilt blocks, machine pieced

Here are four of my WIPs to tackle this year. I’ve made my own tracking page, and I’ve tacked it to my design wall so that it’s always in plain sight. I store my WIPs on trays, uncovered, on a bench in my studio. The portable trays are stored in the open within easy reach of the sewing machine or to take up to my hand sewing nest. I also store the spool(s) of thread, bobbin(s) and any instructions, notes and templates on each tray. It’s all about removing hurdles that could slow my progress.

Any amount of success is going to depend on finding the right storage and organizing methods for you. For example, I know that if I cover my WIPs or store them under a bed, I’ll forget they even exist, let alone where I put them, so I know I need to see them. It’s the same reason why I tack up my progress chart on my design wall. It can’t get misplaced, and it’s in plain sight to remind me to make the most of my sewing time.

Postage Stamp blocks, individual 1” squares, machine pieced

Antique Stars, hand pieced

My WIPS are a mix of techniques, and these four are my personal quilt projects rather than for my business. They have no deadline, and each was started because I was curious about the technique and the construction process. I like to have a project under way for each sewing method I enjoy, that way, what ever my mood or energy level there’s a project at the ready. I suppose that’s a double-edged sword.

You can see that I have a few methods represented, including machine piecing, hand piecing and English Paper piecing. As far as how each quilt will be quilted, I’ve decided to wait and see what’s best for each as the tops are completed.

My own “Liberty” Stars, English Paper Piecing

My goal for steadily working on these is to try to sew for 30 minutes each morning before my day really gets under way, and then to sew for any amount of time on either Saturdays or Sundays. They say it takes 30 day for a new habit to become routine, so hopefully at the end of the month I’ll have some real progress to share.

Having said that, life happens and I’m not going to beat myself up if any of these are still staring at me from across the room in December; however, in the spirit of the Year Of the WIP, newly organized and with a sewing plan in place, I’m committed to giving it my best shot! How about you?

I’ll share my WIP journey here and on Instagram. Join in: #finishedwips2019! Before you go, in the comments below tell me how many WIPs you have, how you plan to tackle them or what stops you from working on them…after all, there’s safety in numbers!

Gallery Talk: Resplendent

At last, we've reached the final post about the making of my art quilts recently shown at Squam Art Workshops. 

While the previous five quilts focused largely on their story telling element, this quilt's story is in its making. Enjoy a closer look at Resplendent's inception, techniques and artistry. For the complete view of "My Enchanted Wonderland" installation, please click here.

Resplendent, 2018

Title: Resplendent, 44.5" x 46.5"

Materials: Naturally dyed organic cotton sateens, commercial cottons, metallic and cotton threads; two layers wool batting

Techniques: English Paper Piecing, hand and machine piecing, fused applique, hand quilting

Date: June 2017 - May 2018

re-splend-ent, adjective

attractive and impressive through being richly colorful or sumptuous

Looking back over the months that this quilt was being made, I can honestly say that resplendent is the best word to adequately convey how I felt through the entire process, including how I felt when I saw it finished for the first time. From the initial design idea, to fabric choices, exploring paper shape combinations, cutting paper for the center medallion, and hand piecing and quilting - at every stage, I felt a sort of inner radiance mixed with thrill and eagerness to keep going. 

1" hexis cut from paper and wrapped with fabric. I'm a fan of glue basting.

In the beginning, this quilt was intended as an attempt to satisfy my curiosity about medallion quilts (their history, variety of quilt components and assembly methods). At the same time, I had been anxious to start an English Paper Piecing (EPP) project using my naturally dyed fabrics. Just at the early stages of designing this quilt, Elizabeth Duvivier invited me to teach at the June '18 session of Squam Art Workshops. We had discussed paper cutting being a large part of the class, and then with a little more play time and sample making, I bridged paper cutting to fabric by way of fused applique - more on that a little later in this post - but it's important to note this time of play was a key moment in the planning of the workshop, as well as the evolution of this quilt. Lesson: make more time to play. 

First things first, I began the process of making Resplendent by cutting piles and piles of 1" paper hexagons. I also pulled a stack of my naturally dyed silks and cottons in colors that I see around me every day during summer months. I laid them out to create a transition from light to dark and noticed darker greens were needed, but because they aren't in my standard dye palette, I turned to Nancy Rink's New Aged Muslins by Marcus Fabrics. Feeling the need for a little bit of visual texture, I brought in just a few batiks, and a stripe by Moda and stars by Andover. 

EPP hexis being sewn into units before being sewn together to create the center panel of the quilt. 

Making the most of every piece of fabric, especially my hand dyed indigo.

A few of the jewel shape paper pieces used in the outer border being wrapped and glue basted. 

One unit of many forming the outermost border. The center diamonds are all lovely, soft shades of peaches and pinks from my dye pots.

A tray made transporting the English Paper Piecing units much easier!

I chuckle when I recall how I used to think sewing by hand must take ages! Having done a bit of hand sewing before embarking on this quilt, I knew that with an efficient set up (tools, posture, support, etc.), hand work actually moves right along. Stitching one color and shape to the next is satisfying, relaxing and enjoyable. I'll even admit to finding it slightly addicting. Sewing EPP is like solving a puzzle - as soon as you put two pieces together you can't wait to see the next piece put in place, and the next! 

Speaking of puzzle pieces, once the center panel and outer borders pieces were stitched together, the four outermost corners were in need of a solution. They presented a fun design challenge, for example, I knew I wanted the colors to flow around each corner, keep the eye moving and maintain a coherent design, but I also had to keep in mind that a paper cut design would be applied over this space, so how not to compete with that design? Below are photos of my solution, and with that portion completed, I moved on to the paper cut motifs. 

A corner in need of a solution. 

One half of the corner unit.

One half of the corner unit meeting up with the border.

Two corner units sewn together, inner border added.

In the quilt world, there exist a few applique methods. I tend to do a lot of needle turn applique, of which you can see an example here, here and here, but when it comes to my paper cut designs I find fused applique to be the most appropriate method. Generally, if it can be drawn and cut, it can be fused. It's a fairly simple process, and any one can use this technique with beautiful results. I enjoy sharing the technique with fellow creatives, not just quilters, and you can see the work of talented Squam students in my Instagram feed here.

On the left is a paper cut that didn't quite hit the mark for Resplendent's center medallion. I must have cut four or five different designs, fine tuning each time, getting closer to what I felt was just right. 

The final paper cut design ready for transfer to fusible web, which had already been adhered to fabric. When cutting, I first get my head in the right place: patience, steadiness and staying in the flow. 

The paper cut design is cut and turned over to the right side. 

Fusing the center medallion onto the quilt top. Tiny, sharp scissors trim any stray threads before fusing. 

Once the quilt top is completely assembled, at last, all of the paper pieces can be removed! Aa a mountain of paper pieces grows, one can see the wisdom in reusing papers.

The assembled quilt top, paper pieces removed, and the entire top pressed. The next steps include layering the batting and backing, basting, machine quilting the paper cut motifs, hand quilting the rest, and then binding. 

The day to begin Resplendent's hand quilting was memorable. It was 7:00AM on Saturday May 19th, 2018, and I was in my Nest with fresh hot coffee to my left and my small wooden tool bowl on my right, and the TV was airing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding. There was one specific moment after the ceremony when a reporter commented that this wedding was "resplendent". I could hardly believe my ears. Of all the adjectives to describe the wedding, he chose the word I had named the very quilt I was stitching. Without slowing, my needle simply continued to weave glinting gold metallic thread through all the layers, holding them together for a lifetime.   

Big stitch hand quilting, detail. Metallic thread and Aurifil cotton thread.

A view of the back of the quilt. Topography comes to mind.

One last look, Resplendent surrounded by Specimen (L) and New York Beauty (R)

How's that for a fairytale ending? Thank you all for the time you have taken to read my posts about this special body of work. I value your interest and your feedback. Many of you have been so kind to share your own reactions and thoughts with me, and I've sincerely enjoyed those conversations. 

A heartfelt thank you goes out once again to Elizabeth Duvivier @elizabethduvivier and Meg Fussell @squamlove for the opportunity to produce and show this body of work, as well as their support. This has been an epic stitched journey and I've enjoyed every single moment. I remain open to traveling with this show, and would appreciate any potential locations/events you may know of.  

Please continue to share your questions and comments below or by email: tierneybarden@gmail.com. I read them all. You can also follow my natural dye works and daily life on Instagram @tierneybarden.

FREE "Winter Wonderland" Hexis and Black Friday Sale!

A mug mat makes a fast and beautiful gift, especially for the holidays. Pair it with hot cocoa and peppermint sticks, and make someone smile! Striped Hexi Tutorial below.

I sincerely hope you've enjoyed a hearty Thanksgiving with friends and family (if you celebrate), and are now ready for some you-time, perhaps even including some sewing. With the recent release of my "Harvest" quilt pattern, I'm now feeling ready to embrace all that is winter, which is almost upon us, by offering another FREE printable page of 1" hexagons. "Winter Wonderland" is the theme, and the above photo provides a glimpse. In the right side bar you'll find a link for the FREE PDF. Available in the shop are pre-printed card stock pages just like those shown above, and are mailed as whole sheets. 28 inspiring hexis per page.

"Winter Wonderland" hexis really add something special to your hand work. Evoking cherished memories, these words are meant to keep you feeling all the warm fuzzies all season long. Share these with an EPP friend! You can download the FREE PDF and print on your own printer, have your local copy shop print on card stock, or order them already printed in my shop. I hope you'll enjoy using them for your next EPP project, big or small!

To make the Striped Hexis shown in these photos, check out the tutorial below.

The annual Black Friday SALE is on right now!

The entire shop is 20% off now through Monday. This is the time to pick up stocking stuffers for your stitchy friends, or treats for yourself! NEW: Dye kits! The entire shop is brimming with exquisite products chosen and dyed with your stitching experience in mind, offering you only the best! 

Contact me with any questions. Happy shopping!

STEP 1

If you're interested in making the Striped Hexis shown in the sample above, here's a quick tutorial:

Step 1: Arrange your paper hexis into sets of seven per flower. I've used my "Winter Wonderland" cardstock hexis, but any paper hexis will do nicely. Choose two contrasting color fabrics and a background fabric. Fat quarters or scraps are great choices. For one flower, cut one 1-1/4" x 15" strip for the interior stripe, and one 1-3/4" x 15" strip for the exterior stripe. Use approximately 2.5"x2.5" squares for the center hexi and background hexis. 

STEP 2

STEP 3

Step 2: Place the two contrasting strips right sides together and align edges on one 15" side, shown in photo. Stitch 1/4" seam allowance. Press seam open for minimal bulk when basting and sewing. 

Step 3: Cut the sewn strip into six sections, each 2-1/2" long. 

STEP 4

Step 4: Take one paper hexi and measure 1/2" down from an edge, draw a line across the paper as shown. Lay the paper on a fabric section and align the drawn line exactly over the seam line. Trim the fabric, leaving 1/4" seam allowance around all sides of the hexi. Keeping the drawn line and seam line aligned, glue or thread baste each hexi.

STEP 5

Step 5: Baste the center hexi. Lay out all of your hexis as shown. Sew your hexis together in your preferred method of stitching. Baste and layout the background hexis according to your project. Stitch them to the center flower. 

A sweet pink and gold hexi flower.

Finally, layer, quilt and trim your piece as desired. Add a binding, and if it's a gift, consider adding a label on the back.

What will you do with your Striped Hexis?! We'd all love to see: #tierneybarden