This is a sample for my upcoming online class called Stitch Journal, which I will present through my teaching site, The Clever Guild. In this class, we will create a stitch-able sample, using the techniques you see here, reverse machine appliqué, fusing, raw edge hand appliqué and Mistyfuse and more. And then, we will handContinue reading “Base Layer!”
Author Archives: Melanie (Melly) Testa
Stitching, embroidery and telling stories with thread
Stitch is a gentle and impactful manner to tell stories, create imagery, and spend time. Take, for instance this graffiti, a snapshot taken while in Barcelona, Spain, just over five years ago. I love birds, and am smitten with the quick, illegal stroke of the graffiti artists’ hand. Combine the two, and I definitely feelContinue reading “Stitching, embroidery and telling stories with thread”
Jazzy Paper Dolls! (Make Art that Sells BootCamp 2016)
Recently, I joined the Lilla Rogers, Make Art That Sells, MATS Bootcamp 2016. This is a self directed 6 month class with deadlines, design ideas, many dedicated participants and lots of fun. (For the next 48 hours, you too can sign up for the class, if you would like to join in the fun). PleaseContinue reading “Jazzy Paper Dolls! (Make Art that Sells BootCamp 2016)”
LESS, a documentary and help with funding it
Hello Good People, Friends and Family. Many of you know that just over 5 years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer and I chose to forego reconstruction and to embrace my body as it is, without wearing breast forms or presenting a shape that is not my own. Since my diagnosis and much toContinue reading “LESS, a documentary and help with funding it”
Gathering my color.
The Gather your Sew-plies!! purse is just the right size to stitch, explore and complete. It is 6″ wide and 14″ long and given how it folds to make the purse, that can mean that you can stitch just the front area, making the stitchable area 6×7″ or so. Of course, I like to stitch theContinue reading “Gathering my color.”
Gathering my wits.
I think I may have started this Gather your Sew-plies purse in 2012. This purse was made using this pattern (I call this Pattern #1), it is constructed differently than the pattern that was published in Quilting Arts Holiday 2014, (which I call Pattern #2). There will be an updated pattern coming out soon (Pattern #3), andContinue reading “Gathering my wits.”
Gather your Sew-plies!! Part 3 and beyond!
The Gather your Sew-plies series continues with this video start, part 3. Above. Intro, Click Here. Youtube VIDEO Content. Part 1, Click Here. Youtube VIDEO Content. Part 2, Click Here. Youtube VIDEO Content. Pattern found in Quilting Arts Holiday 2014 Above links embedded in similar order: and also: and then, Part 1: Part 2 Phew. Are youContinue reading “Gather your Sew-plies!! Part 3 and beyond!”
The Peacock Quilt by Melly T
Big contented sigh. It took energy and focus to prepare for Craft NAPA and I am glad to say, The Peacock Quilt is helping me transition back into studio life. And as it comes to completion, I am beginning to think of my next project. I am not as excited about finishing the Peacock Quilt as IContinue reading “The Peacock Quilt by Melly T”
Stitches pile up, life and CraftNAPA: an update
It has been more than 2 weeks since returning from the magical event called Craft NAPA. I feel blessed to have participated. I stood among friends, watched their connection to one another, ate chocolate covered strawberries and drank deep cups of coffee while also teaching and meeting new friends. This is the view from Pokey’sContinue reading “Stitches pile up, life and CraftNAPA: an update”
Loving Goodness
Happy Holidays, all. May peace reside within each of us, this year, this day, this moment. Life is short. Let’s all enjoy every minute of it. We have just returned from a holiday visit with family. We ate great food. Lasagna, salads, bread. Ham with all the sides. Nuts, a cheese ball. Shrimps. Hugs, family,Continue reading “Loving Goodness”
Melanie Testa 