miscellany: label fonts, washing fabrics, and repro fabrics

Lots of little things going on, and some big ones, too.
Today, just reporting on little things.

First, This is my complete stash of reproduction-like fabrics. I want to make just one block, a basket, and I think I'll use one of the reds. 

Second, Anita Grossman Solomon recommends basting yardage together before washing, because it will prevent severe raveling. I'm not so sure it's truly easier and faster, but this little pile is my test group.  There's also a closeup of the stitch, it's just a long zigzag

Finally, I'm getting the hang of these labels. These have become my favorite fonts. Consistently pretty, stitch out well.

Digitizing feathers

My digitizing skills are improving, even though there's still a lot to learn. This week I digitized feathers in a heart shape, and while I'm not satisfied with the final result, I've made a lot of progress.
There are too many jump stitches, and the resulting trims look bad when I use Sulky poly thread - it just frays enough that you can see the jump, yuck.
On the other hand, I improved my skill at hand tracing a design and converting it to stitches. The Bamboo graphic tablet is a big help here. Also the Bernina software, which has a great smoothing tool.

Here's my design, and later I'll add a photo of the stitchout.

Baltimore class upcoming

I have the privilege of attending a class on applique taught by Judy and Diane. This is the book we'll be using, Baltimore Bouquets by Mimi Dietrich.
That book is out of print, but Amazon had some for sale. This exemplar even came from within Germany. The pages are yellowed a bit, but it seems to be in marvelous condition for a 20 year old book. The only marking inside the book is a comment on the inside cover: "Dicker Stengel - ca. 3 1/2 cm, halb bügeln."
We'll see if I need to make the thick stem 3 1/2 cm wide. :)
What I don't know yet is if there have been any corrections to the book.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to the class, and I've been looking at different patterns for my project. The pattern that looks most promising at the moment is from Pearl Pereira, her Virginia Bouquet.
Link here.

My Mardi Gras Quilt

Quilt design by Toby Lischko, published in Fons & Porter July 2012.
http://www.fonsandporter.com/articles/Mardi_Gras

Fabric from Paula Nadelstern mostly Patternista line. This was my first serious attempt at fussy cutting.
I loved the fabric before I cut it, and I love the finished quilt even more.