Aurifil Evolve Collection - 8wt cotton thread set

The challenge for Aurifil Artisans this past month was to choose and use our favourite thread within the Aurifil family. As artisans, we've been challenged to create with different threads which has helped us (me) decide on the one we like to use the best.

My current favourite thread is the new Aurifil 8wt cotton thread. It has a beautiful sheen, is strong and in a beautiful array of colours. It's slightly thicker than the 12wt which makes it just about as easy to thread for hand sewing, but with a more visible stitchy/quilty effect.

My final Aurifil project is a combination of curves and big stitch quilting. I made a large European size pillow using solid fabrics which complimented the colours of the Evolve collection by Suzy Quilts. 

In Australia, we call them European or Euro Cushions (or pillows) and they measure 65cm x 65cm. They look great on a large lounge or bed. I'm guessing that in Europe, they're just called cushions?

I purchased a drunkards path template from Spotlight a few weeks back and was happy to have a play with it. It's a finished 5" drunkards path block and much easier to sew than the smaller 3.5" curves that I've enjoyed playing with in the past. I could have placed the curved blocks to create full size circles or even half circles, but I really like having the blocks all face the same way.

Rather than my traditional white/cream/grey for piecing, I used a lovely golden Aurifil 50wt thread #2920 which I also used to stitch in the ditch between the blocks once I'd sandwiched everything together.

The hand quilting was kept simple with only a line of stitched within each curve and across one side of the seams. Less is more in this case, where usually I go with more is more is more. I finished off the cushion backing with a stripe fabric in warm colours and a long (hidden) zip.

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Creating this curvy project with big colour stitches has been mindful, very relaxing and joyful. I incorporated some of my favourite techniques to finish on a high. After two years of stitching fun, challenges and unexpected discovery, this is sadly, my last Aurifil Artisan project as I decided not to apply again. Life has been busy lately as you can probably tell from my lack of blogging and creating. Even though I won't be a part of the artisan program next year, I will continue to use and love Aurifil threads and I thank them for all of the support and fun.

   

Click through to visit the Aurifil Artisans and see what they have created as their final favourite hurrah.