Sketch to Stitch and Inktense Watercolors

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Bobbin thread in the top!!!!! So smart

[@stitchesbyjulia]

This was definitely a happy accident. I forgot to change the thread after winding my bobbin. 😁I discovered it’s a great weight for a detailed piece.

[@deannaarmstrong9471]

I disagree with your statement that you aren't an artist - you most definitely are! I love watching your videos.

[@elizabethsawyer5906]

Love it!😍

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Thank you! 😊

[@dianneeverett1633]

Very nice.

[@cherylramey3948]

Awesome sunflower...you have so many clever ideas! TY for sharing

[@janicek9399]

Fun! I love this! Thanks for sharing!

[@kaycrunkilton2817]

Enjoyed this project. You do things that is doable .

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Thank you!

[@esteladelacruz8825]

You really make simple to awesome project!

[@MsMC-vr1jd]

So simple but so lovely! Love your channel, Julia! 🥰

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@kathiemartin3849]

Love watching this. Such a helpful video. Thank you 😊x

[@misstricksmix]

Beautiful

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Thank you!

[@patskelton4202]

Love the sunflower! One of my Grandaughters is wild about them. She even had her Senior pictures taken in a field of sunflowers 🌻!

[@stitchesbyjulia]

I love sunflowers too! We have fields here (MN) in the Fall. So beautiful! Julia

[@sheilaperl4155]

Beautiful sunflowers!

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi Sheila, Thank you! Sunflower fields are a sure sign of Fall in my neck of the woods:)

[@claudiaforrest6669]

Very pretty!

[@ommart8305]

Beautiful art work

[@Lady-Seawulf]

Thank you ! I too am not "an artist" but I like to explore free motion sewing. Your video is inspiring.

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Thank you so much for watching. Free-motion stitching and watercoloring is very relaxing for me. I am so glad you enjoyed this video. Happy sewing, Julia

[@EpicPadfoot42]

Loved Julia.

[@flicshaallen1154]

Hi J. I enjoy your little how toooo's so much . Thank you for all the inspiration , I made your glasses case for my DD Jennie and one for me. Just love it.

[@vivsalittlebitcrafty4854]

How I wish I lived near you, would love to visit your beautiful shop. I love your work and I very much enjoy watching you create too. Alas, England to the USA is just a little bit too far away for a day out 😅 😂.

[@deepikagurunath5074]

Wonderful ❤️❤️❤️

[@Queenread82]

Thank you Julia. I love watching your videos for your creative process but also because they are so soothing. I went to this one for the inktense process.

[@CynthiaKing-tx1vl]

Love it!!

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Thank you!!

[@lucywatson7055]

Wonderful, thank you x

[@amandawilliams2266]

You're so modest Julia ,you're such an amazing artist doesn't matter what you touch it always comes out beautiful 💕💕

[@kerrywalker3005]

Another beautiful project, Julia! Thanks so much. I really want to give this a try. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@janetwest8379]

Hi Julia, I just think your work is wonderful. Perhaps when this pandemic is over, I would love to visit your shop in the summer. We are not that far from Illinois to Minnesota. I would love to meet you. You are very inspiring to me. Thanks for making my day. Be safe.

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi Janet, I would love to meet you too. Hopefully this will be over for next summer. I can't believe this summer is almost over. It sure has been one for the books! Have a great week. Julia

[@jeanwestackroyd2966]

I love your sunflower Julia ! It has come out beautifully, a pleasure to see. Sometimes I have no ideas at all. Other times I have too many, and just don't know where to start ! How do you know on what to begin next- I admire all your work. Thankyou for brightening my day.

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi Jean, I feel your struggles! Most of the time I have too much going on and it's hard to find a balance. I have finally learned to give my self grace. It's OK if I don't get everything done on my list. Have a great week, Julia

[@jeanwestackroyd2966]

@@stitchesbyjulia Thankyou Julia ! Its never too late to learn, and I learn much from you.It is dull and soggy in the U.K. right now- ideal for crafting ! Enjoy your life !

[@marianrooth9514]

Wish I wasn’t so lazy. You show us such great ideas. I love this one.

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi Marian, I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Sunflowers are a sign of Fall here in MN and cooler temps are on the way for next week. Thanks for watching, Julia

[@debbiegunn4487]

Ok Julia, Janet had an excellent idea. So do a little workshop! I live in tampa and would love to come and sew and paint and create with you!

[@charlotted6247]

This is so pretty. You are very talented with the free motion . Your projects are always so beautifully done. Sunflowers represent happiness to me and are my favorite. You never disappoint.

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi Charlotte, Agree! I love Sunflowers and they look happy! Thanks for watching, Julia

[@gretchenwatkin4350]

Hi Julia, I really enjoy your videos. You inspire me.

[@sheilaisom194]

Julia, you're such an inspiration!!! You always come up with something new. I have a book similar to yours, I was wondering what I could do with it. Now I know, thanks a bunch. Love your stuff, I wish I could go to your little summer shoppe.

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi Sheila, I'm glad you found the video inspirational and has given you an idea on how to use your illustration book. This is a fun practice. I love using the watercolor pencils on fabric. It has a muted look that I really enjoy. My summer shop has been different this year with Covid. I'm keeping the small building part closed, ( it's very small and would be hard to social distance) and only displaying out front under a canopy. It is working fine and I am grateful to be open. Have a great week. Julia

[@pamketron]

Hi Julia - This is beautiful. Love how you framed it. Never thought to do that. That book looks awesome. I don’t draw all that well and it would be perfect for me. Sold out right now but I’ll watch for it. Hope y’all are doing well. You can tell Fall is in the air here. Much cooler nights. Stay safe & sane! Love & Hugs! 💕🤗🌻

[@marilynanderson4109]

I bought the flower book on Ebay. There was a woman who is local to me selling one. Looking forward to trying some of the designs!

[@rhondagentry5253]

Hi Julia I love your sunflower, it turned out so cute! Xoxo 😘

[@bellascraftystudio]

This is so inspiring Julia, thank you so much. xx

[@stitchesbyjulia]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching, Julia

[@charlotteminichiello6260]

Love

[@rachelburgener819]

Ohhhhh Julia That is so pretty!!! Thank you so much ❤️😀

[@cjhenderson1607]

Do nice! I want to play along🥰

[@lindadechow3703]

This is so pretty and now I can not wait to get started on a few of these projects. I also found that have medium on Walmart's site in a32 oz for a good price Thank you for the inspiration.

[@sonjagianinazzi2588]

Thank you, Julia! It’s wonderful and you’re the best! 🌻🌻🌻

[@carolg.6838]

I enjoy your free motion artwork. I saw a field of sunflowers on a train ride from Chicago to Seattle. I don't remember which state but it made a big impression.

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi Carol, The sunflower fields are beautiful and are a sign of Fall in my neck of the woods. Thanks for watching, Julia

[@MissPaintalot]

Really enjoyed this. Thank you

[@AppelmoesArtandPhotography]

I have to try free motion sewing again. I know my sewing machine can do that, but I have to practice it. It has been ages since I’ve done it. Thank you, it’s beautiful.

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Free motion takes practice but is so fun! Give it a go! Julia

[@conniesmith3169]

Your so good at this. It's so fun to watch you create. I thought it would be cute to make a sunglasses case with sunflower material and put a saying of "you are my sunshine". If only I could free motion. How do I put the foot pedal down? I've been practising, broke the needle. I can't figure it out.

[@barbaracranford527]

Lower the foot pedal lever. Some embroidery feet don't look as if they have gone down until you begin to stitch.

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Good point Barbara, I have "taken off" without lowering the pressure foot. oops! It is hard to tell if it is down by looking at it. Thanks for your comment, Julia

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi Connie, You mentioned the foot pedal, do you mean the feed dogs? Usually machines have a lever to lower the feed dogs. Some do not, but have a plastic plate to cover the feed dogs. Also Barbara mentioned below that the pressure foot must be lowered before "taking off". This is easy to forget because the foot rest above the fabric when free motion stitching. Also set your stitch length to "0". I hope some of this helps, Thanks for watching, Julia

[@lindak7499]

Thanks Julia, nice video. I only wish your videos were longer!!!

[@TheMinot60]

Yes, I believe you are an artist, you are a textile artist and your work is nice. Your stuff doesn't have to be museum for you to claim your title.

[@FiveandCook]

Will thw inktense be removed when washed...warm wash?

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi, Inktense is quite permanent once activated, dried, and heat set with an iron. I have had good luck with washing when I activating with a fabric medium like I showed in this video. Some of my viewers have also mentioned they have had good luck with regular watercolor paints and fabric medium. The Inktense pencils are an investment, you may want to try regular watercolors and fabric medium first and test the results. Thanks for watching, Julia

[@teresabenefield731]

❤❤❤❤

[@dagmarburrer4913]

Love sunflowers also. I have a set of Inktense pencils but I have not used them on fabric yet. And I didn’t know to use fabric medium with it. Thank you for the link that made it easy. Could you please tell me what kind CB of free motion foot you ate using? Mine just does a lot of annoying hopping. Thanks Dagmar

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi, I got two different types of free-motion feet with my sewing machine. In this video, I am using the open-toed quilting foot. This foot is great if your project is flat (like a quilt top) without varying layers. The other foot is called a "darning" foot and it hops. It is great if you are going over lots of different layers. I just uploaded a video showing this foot. I use it a lot when I am going over laces, or seams etc. I hope this helps. Here is the link to my newest video where I demonstrate the "darning foot"kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXLYXpuhm76mbM0

[@brendabiffibaldovino8306]

♥️♥️Thank you ♥️

[@maggiesmith6519]

Such a great idea to trace a copyright free illustration! I learned about the Frixion erasable pens from you and love them. Is this brand preferable or are they about the same? Thanks as always for your fun and inspiring videos!😊

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi Maggie, Thank you so much for watching. I have not found much difference in the pen brands. The ones I showed in this video comes with extra inks which has been handy. I go through them! Have have a great week. Julia

[@rickiquilt]

Another awesome project!!!! Can’t wait to try this🌻🌻🌻...how much would you charge for this at your market???

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi Ricki, I charge $20 for the 8" x 10" and $16 for the 5"x 7". Thanks for watching, Julia

[@rickiquilt]

stitchesbyjulia thanks so much...

[@cynthiabennett8]

So cute...and to think I almost got rid of my books.

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi Cynthia, I picked mine up from a garage sale:) I'm so glad I found it.

[@sandrinou1329]

Hi Julia, I see your bobine thread and I have a similar bobine. And I would like to know how to use it because thread is more thin and more robust than a classic bobine. On my bobin, the label says "100% polyester" and I thought it was silk due to its thinness. Should we change needle to a thin needle ? Should we change tension ? I try it but thread broken

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi, I usually use pre wound bobbins. They are 100% polyester. Bobbin thread is usually thinner but quite strong. It is great for any decorative stitching. I do not change my needle. My thread does not break- perhaps your tension is off.

[@sandrinou1329]

@@stitchesbyjulia ok I will see. Thanks 🥰

[@edonna7370]

What is the best thread for freemotion...appears a heavy one?

[@stitchesbyjulia]

I used a regular all purpose thread for this project. I also enjoy using multicolored thread. Thanks for watching! Julia

[@stuffbyjulie9866]

Have you ever used clear aloe Vera gel to activate inktense. I haven’t tried but I’ve seen a lot about it

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi, I have not tried the Aloe Vera but have seen other that have. I will give this a try. It's thicker that water so it may be easier to control the wicking. Thanks for your comment!

[@alisonbunce159]

Beautiful art. I would love to try something like this but I'm not sure what a mat board is. I've googled it, asked in an artists shop and checked amazon but have been told mountboard, craft card and even thick watercolour paper. Can you shed any light on this please? I'm sorry I've asked such a daft question 😔

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi Alison, I love using 140lb watercolor paper. It has a great texture. A heavy card stock would also work. Mat board is really heavy and is used to cut the mats around the artwork. I picked up a bunch of scraps from a framer but you do not have to use mat board. Julia

[@alisonbunce159]

@@stitchesbyjulia thank you so much for the helpful reply Julia!

[@bettywammack9170]

Hi Julia. I’ve never seen a free motion foot that is adjustable. Where might I find one? Your work is beautiful! Stay safe

[@bettywammack9170]

Btw I ordered the book.. found it ion eBay.. Amazon was sold out.

[@MargaretJudit]

Piękne (PL) Beautifull 😍

[@debanderson5038]

Please tell me the machine you are working with. Thanks

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi Deb. I am using the Janome Memory Craft 8200. I've had mine for 10+ years but the same model is still available. Thanks for watching, Julia

[@alteriormotiveswithcarrie8546]

Oh my gob. I LOVE the tiny stitching you're doing on the flower! I've been practicing my free-motion stitching after being inspired by you and this just gives me more motivation. And I love how many different ways you do wall hangings. I just made one for a friend and I sort of accidentally used muslin on the front instead of the canvas drop cloth, so it wasn't really stiff enough to hang flat with my two little clips (kind of like your big bulldog clip), so I improvised and glued a flat piece of wood across the top on the back. Works fine! I can't post a picture until my friend receives it in the mail, but then I'll post on my Instagram. Is there a hashtag I can use so you'll see it?

[@49lucky]

Do u have to use the golden medium when painting??

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi, No-not on a project won't be washed. It's something you need to play around with. The medium is a bit thicker than water so the color does not spread as much as with water. Hope that makes sense. The medium does help with washability however I find that many watercolors are very staining and will go through the wash with or without the medium. Again, something to test. Thanks so much for watching, Julia

[@lsangelann]

What do you see with ? What machine

[@stitchesbyjulia]

I am using a Janome, Memory Craft sewing machine.

[@deborahanderson7443]

Where can I get an open toe foot like you are using here?

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi, My advice is to ask a sewing machine dealer. Most machines have them available but it's important to get the right fit. Hope this helps, Julia

[@merrickelsner5520]

What machine are you using

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi, I’m using the Janome Memory Craft 8200. Mines 10 years old but the model is still available.

[@janicegorrell8445]

💓💚💜💙❤

[@karenhorvath8056]

What is the “fabric medium”? Beautiful work. Great for people who can’t afford an machine that does embroidery.

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi Karen, Fabric medium modifies paints for a softer hand, and increased launder-ability. It must be heat set. In this video, I am using it in place of water to activate the watercolor pencils. There are many different brands of fabric medium and most craft store and fabric stores carry it. I hope this helps, Julia

[@munchkinheaven]

Aah a leftie! Is there a relationship between being artistic and being left handed? My youngest son is so talented and can paint really well, he is a leftie, the rest of us can’t even draw matchstick people and we are all righties? What do you all think? Beautiful work by the way !

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi ! Yes a leftie! I married a leftie too and one of our kiddos is also left handed. I'm not sure if their's a connection between begin left handed and creativity. We are all creative in different ways! Have a great day. Julia

[@lisastephens9703]

You voice sounds like Sarah Palin...💜