10.30.2008
10.26.2008
It's done!
Yay! It's done. I finished my mom's table runner in record time. I'm so glad I'll be able to give it to her on her 40th wedding anniversary party this afternoon.
This is the paper pieced block before quilting. The block is called Night and Day.
...and after quilting
Front
Back
This is the paper pieced block before quilting. The block is called Night and Day.
...and after quilting
Front
Back
10.25.2008
10.19.2008
Stash Story
I was reading a post by Caron Mosey: Michigan Quilts! in which she discusses the state of her stash. So I thought I'd share my stash with ya'll.
This is most of the cotton quilting fabrics* in quarters to full yards...
Yes they are folded neatly and organized by color. Yes it's a pain in the butt to keep it this way but on the other hand I don't want to get sidetracked by looking for fabric when I should be (want to be) quilting it! So I keep it up. It's not too difficult. I wrap the fabric around a long 6" wide quilting ruler and then fold it over. Nice consistently sized squares. Am I perfect? Is it always this way? HECK NO!
There is a pile of "scraps" that lives on the end of my ironing board.
Recently most of this pile (and more!) has moved into a large box so I don't have to look at it. I like things out of sight; I have a hard time working in clutter. I'm trying to keep the "pile" to the size of the box. These are all odd sizes usually ranging from 2" or so up to about a fat quarter but not much larger.
I used to take the time to cut these scraps up into predetermined sizes and put them into baggies: 2" squares, 4" wide strips, etc. for ease of use. This has come in handy but I'm finding it's almost too obsessive. I can just grab the random shaped bits and cut them as needed so I may discontinue this habit.
*Quilting fabrics are the majority of my stash but I also have other types of fabrics that are randomly mashed into large rubber bins that live around my sewing room. I rarely venture into them unless I need something for a Halloween costume or on the rare occasions that I'm making something other then a quilt.
This is most of the cotton quilting fabrics* in quarters to full yards...
Yes they are folded neatly and organized by color. Yes it's a pain in the butt to keep it this way but on the other hand I don't want to get sidetracked by looking for fabric when I should be (want to be) quilting it! So I keep it up. It's not too difficult. I wrap the fabric around a long 6" wide quilting ruler and then fold it over. Nice consistently sized squares. Am I perfect? Is it always this way? HECK NO!
There is a pile of "scraps" that lives on the end of my ironing board.
Recently most of this pile (and more!) has moved into a large box so I don't have to look at it. I like things out of sight; I have a hard time working in clutter. I'm trying to keep the "pile" to the size of the box. These are all odd sizes usually ranging from 2" or so up to about a fat quarter but not much larger.
I used to take the time to cut these scraps up into predetermined sizes and put them into baggies: 2" squares, 4" wide strips, etc. for ease of use. This has come in handy but I'm finding it's almost too obsessive. I can just grab the random shaped bits and cut them as needed so I may discontinue this habit.
*Quilting fabrics are the majority of my stash but I also have other types of fabrics that are randomly mashed into large rubber bins that live around my sewing room. I rarely venture into them unless I need something for a Halloween costume or on the rare occasions that I'm making something other then a quilt.
10.18.2008
So busy
I've been so busy! I can't believe the month is half over and I have hardly touched my sewing machine. I did get a chance to work a bit on the winding ways quilt but not much else. I'm trying to get set up and going on a Christmas table runner for my Mom. She's had some fabric stashed away in a drawer for a few years now with the intent of making something of it. (Don't we all?) So I took it from her with the promise that I'd have it done by Thanksgiving. I think I'll send her some block choices and let her pick one out. It's in her court now so I just have to wait and see which one she picks. ::grin::
Do you have a favorite?
A.
B.
C.
Do you have a favorite?
A.
B.
C.
10.02.2008
Round Robin - Border 1
I finished this round up a little early. I figure I have the time now and it's just going to get more crazy with the end of the year holidays coming up plus I have some other obligations to work on . Technically I didn't have to get this out till Nov. 1st. but I'm glad it's done so I can work on those other projects.
This is the center block that "Cinlynn" sent me.
These are the borders I added. It was difficult as her sewing wasn't very precise. I had to skew my allowances and even then it all came out warped. I added the big border around the outside just so that I could cut it down to a perfect 21 1/2" square. At least it should be easier sailing for the next person in my group.
This is the center block that "Cinlynn" sent me.
These are the borders I added. It was difficult as her sewing wasn't very precise. I had to skew my allowances and even then it all came out warped. I added the big border around the outside just so that I could cut it down to a perfect 21 1/2" square. At least it should be easier sailing for the next person in my group.
9.26.2008
NW Quilting Expo
Lots of quilty goodness from the NW Quilt Expo held in Portland OR. this weekend!
While I really enjoyed a lot of the quilts I think this one was my favorite. There were so many beautiful pieces being shown it was very hard to choose! I also didn't get a chance to go back through all the quilts and take pictures of some of my favorites so I know a few of them are missing. I did get a chance to go back through at least half. Hope you enjoy the show!
This one also really appealed to the realist / portrait artist in me.
Cross stitch quilt and details...
Harry Potter themed quilts...
her hair was all that metallic fuzzy yarn laid out and sewn over to attach it to the fabric. I wish now I'd gotten a closer picture. It was pretty cool.
All 200+ blocks, was made using reverse applique! I wish the lighting had been better - it wasn't quite this yellow...
Such bad lighting - but this was beautiful. There were quilts more technically stunning but the fabrics and colors were so ugly - this! This one I would love to have and hold and use and snuggle under. What you can't see was the variegated "rainbow" thread they used to quilt it. The quilting was impeccable. It really popped off the black fabric and of course I love batiks. I thought about slipping it off the hanger and making a mad crazed dash for the exit with it clutched in my greedy paws. I figured I could fend off any of the off the old ladies who tried to stop me on my way out... if it wasn't for those pesky security guards by the exit doors I would've tried! ;^)
The colors and fabrics on this Hawaiian quilt were subtle and bright and beautiful. Sadly the lighting is crap and I didn't get a good shot of it... but none the less here it is.
Ah, Poison Green.... something or other was the name of this quilt. Fascinating really. I guess in the 1800's fabrics made in this color used a dye that was quite poisonous. Of course the interesting title drew me in but the subtle beauty of the quilt kept me staring for quite a while. All 20 blocks are perfectly placed applique. Sick really. I wish someday to imitate the feel of this little gem.
This one was a bit unusual as it was made of woven wool fabrics.
Pineapple quilt's strips were all about 1/2" and the quilt was at least a full if not a queen!
While I really enjoyed a lot of the quilts I think this one was my favorite. There were so many beautiful pieces being shown it was very hard to choose! I also didn't get a chance to go back through all the quilts and take pictures of some of my favorites so I know a few of them are missing. I did get a chance to go back through at least half. Hope you enjoy the show!
This one also really appealed to the realist / portrait artist in me.
Cross stitch quilt and details...
Harry Potter themed quilts...
her hair was all that metallic fuzzy yarn laid out and sewn over to attach it to the fabric. I wish now I'd gotten a closer picture. It was pretty cool.
All 200+ blocks, was made using reverse applique! I wish the lighting had been better - it wasn't quite this yellow...
Such bad lighting - but this was beautiful. There were quilts more technically stunning but the fabrics and colors were so ugly - this! This one I would love to have and hold and use and snuggle under. What you can't see was the variegated "rainbow" thread they used to quilt it. The quilting was impeccable. It really popped off the black fabric and of course I love batiks. I thought about slipping it off the hanger and making a mad crazed dash for the exit with it clutched in my greedy paws. I figured I could fend off any of the off the old ladies who tried to stop me on my way out... if it wasn't for those pesky security guards by the exit doors I would've tried! ;^)
The colors and fabrics on this Hawaiian quilt were subtle and bright and beautiful. Sadly the lighting is crap and I didn't get a good shot of it... but none the less here it is.
Ah, Poison Green.... something or other was the name of this quilt. Fascinating really. I guess in the 1800's fabrics made in this color used a dye that was quite poisonous. Of course the interesting title drew me in but the subtle beauty of the quilt kept me staring for quite a while. All 20 blocks are perfectly placed applique. Sick really. I wish someday to imitate the feel of this little gem.
This one was a bit unusual as it was made of woven wool fabrics.
Pineapple quilt's strips were all about 1/2" and the quilt was at least a full if not a queen!
9.23.2008
WIP's
I dragged my sick dead self off to the fabric store yesterday evening. I had to get out of the house. While I blew the very last of my personal rainy day fund I didn't squander it on random bits of fabric for new projects*. I'm so proud of me! That's so my MO. lol... I actually found a backing fabric for my super outdated celestial navy / yellow log cabin that works.
I wandered all over looking at the seasonal in-line fabrics and couldn't find anything. It's all marbles and florals and repos and retros.
So I started poking around in the Christmas fabrics which I normally don't look at too closely. I found the *exact* fabric I was envisioning! A mottled navy/cobalt back ground with a smattering of bright yellow stars. Perfect. The best part? I needed seven yards. I think they had 7 1/2. lol... It was so close - I was nervous that she'd unravel the bolt and there wouldn't be enough. I also managed to pick up some more black fabric to finish the borders on the twisted sisters quilt. I think the next time I get a chance to sew I'll start there.
I'm also excited to head off to the 2008 NW Quilting Expo on Thursday. I hope this cold is waning by then.
*Okay that's not total honesty. I did buy 1/2 yard of really cute fabric that I have in mind for the Bento Box. But I'm not working on that quilt so it doesn't really count. lol ;^)
I wandered all over looking at the seasonal in-line fabrics and couldn't find anything. It's all marbles and florals and repos and retros.
So I started poking around in the Christmas fabrics which I normally don't look at too closely. I found the *exact* fabric I was envisioning! A mottled navy/cobalt back ground with a smattering of bright yellow stars. Perfect. The best part? I needed seven yards. I think they had 7 1/2. lol... It was so close - I was nervous that she'd unravel the bolt and there wouldn't be enough. I also managed to pick up some more black fabric to finish the borders on the twisted sisters quilt. I think the next time I get a chance to sew I'll start there.
I'm also excited to head off to the 2008 NW Quilting Expo on Thursday. I hope this cold is waning by then.
*Okay that's not total honesty. I did buy 1/2 yard of really cute fabric that I have in mind for the Bento Box. But I'm not working on that quilt so it doesn't really count. lol ;^)
9.21.2008
To do, to do
Sorry there hasn't been much to share here lately. It's the end of summer and I've been spending a lot of time working in the garden, we also have company here for a few weeks. I did get one block done for a Bento Box quilt I'd love to make. I have a round robin border I need to be working on. I've got it all figured out in my head I just need to get it done. I think I owe a Birthday Block for that swap too. I really should check up on that.
That is all - happy quilting everyone!
That is all - happy quilting everyone!
9.08.2008
D8 - Dee Dee's Delight
Block: D8 - Dee Dee's Delight
Started Quilt: 07/02/08
Block Completed: 09/08/08
Number of Pieces: 9
Description: Appliqued and Reverse Applique, by Hand
Blocks: 19
Triangles: 3
Kites: 0
Total Pieces: 234
Well I can see why Dee Dee was so delighted to work on this block. It's my favorite so far! I love it and think it came out quite well. Of course as with all of Jane's blocks I learned something. And that something was this: If you have a point and want it to stay exactly in the spot you've placed it, don't start with the midpoint of the mellon - it'll shift by the time you get to where you want it to be. Start at the point so it sticks. I think there maybe a life lesson in here somewhere too but I won't get all philosophical on you. ;^)
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