Bella's quilt finished!

I promised Bella I would get it done, and I did!  I found a piece of backing fabric just the right size from my "I am never going to use that in a quilt" pile.  I loaded it all on Priscilla, and quilted away.  Then I trimmed it and got out the minkee, with great anxiety.  I have heard stories of just how difficult this can be to work with in a larger piece.  I spread the quilted piece and the minkee on the dining room table.

I took my time and carefully pinned it all around the edges.  I am sure I used more pins than I needed, but I really wanted this to work.  I pinned right sides together - quilt top to minkee.  Then, I took this very heavy piece to Betty Bernina.  Together, we sewed and pulled, pulled and sewed until we only had on opening at the bottom to turn it.  I back sewed at each corner to give them extra strength.  After I clipped the corners, I turned the quilt, sewed the opening closed, and put in eight small ties to keep the minkee where it needed to be.  Then I took it over to Bella's house.

She couldn't wait to get it on her bed with all her stuffed friends and her baby dolls.  I fit just right, and she was a very happy girl.  Hard to get a good photo with her bouncing with joy.  I am not fooling myself at all about her liking the fabric or pattern, even though she picked them out.  It was the minkee she fell in love with, 100%.

After I got home, I worked more on my October/November challenge at Modern 8 Create.

Currently, it is 40" x 18".  It makes a very nice wall hanging.  I will leave it up for a couple of days before I decide if it is finished or not.  Sure wish you could see the dark rich purple that is not black.

Tomorrow, I have more projects to work on.  What are you doing this weekend?

Joyful quilting, everyone.



Estate sale finds

I love estate sales!  I went to this sale because I saw a photo of this Santa on the estate sale site.  I collect Santas and haven't had a new one in a couple of years.  I arrived early, and he was just waiting for me.  $4.00

Then, there were these very sweet dolls.  The larger one is about 15" tall with the smallest being about 4" tall.  These beauties cost $7.00.

I wandered into a room with shirts and sweaters on a table, but before I could start looking for 100% cotton shirts, my eye caught something that looked like a quilt coming out of a corner of a basket.  Woohoo!  It was a quilt.



I pulled it out, unfolded it, and started looking for labels saying it was made in China.  Not only was there no label, but there were no places that looked like a label had been cut off.  As I started looking at it, I could see it was hand quilted.  I am not sure where it came from, but it is in very good condition, and fits the big bed nicely.  Are you sitting down?  $8.00.

I also picked up about five yards of fabrics, mostly red, for $4.00.  I haven't taken a photo of that yet.  All in all, a very good estate sale for me.

After I came home, I worked more on the BOM quilt.  Then I built more blocks for the Jacobs Ladder.

I have four more to go if I want it 60" x 60".  I may add another row to make it 60" by 70".  I have just enough florals to do that.  It will be the biggest quilt I have had on my design wall.  I am not going to use a border, I don't think.  I am going to piece the binding out of what is left of the florals.  I will have used every last inch of the Kona Aloe.  I am loving this quilt.

For some reason, the aloe shows up much stronger in the photos than it does in real life. 

Have you been watching all the new fabrics that have been introduced at Market?  I have fallen in love with the newest Fig Tree by Moda, Butterscotch and Roses.  What are you drooling over?

Until tomorrow, joyful quilting, everyone.

11-1-11

Good afternoon.  I find that there is a dilemma about not having photos to post of quilty things, even when I work in the studio all day.  The problem is that the only thing I am working on right now that I can share is the Jacob's Ladder quilt.  I am not sure you want to see any more of those.  I am going to try and work on projects I can show while I am working on Christmas gifts and surprise challenges.  In the meantime, I will share some of the photos I have taken that I think are fun.  The top photo is a curious African Crowned Crane. 

Isn't she a cutie?  This is an alpaca.  Both these animals were found at the Cougar Mountain Zoo and Wildlife Park.  Bella and I made a recent visit there with the Greats (my aunt and uncle).  They have some interesting animals there, including a good size reindeer herd.

Of course, I had to sneak in photos of today's JL blocks.

One important thing I did today was talk to Bella's other quilting grandmother, Diane, about what kind of things we could make for our family members this year that they would appreciate and that wouldn't break us.  We came up with mug rugs, place mats, a gun cleaning kit carrying bag for the hunters, and bags.  We are going to exchange 15" mini red and white quilts.  I have already started on the design for hers.  What kinds of things are you making this year for gifts?

I have guild meeting this evening.  Only three more meetings this year as president.  Next year I will be vice president and in charge of programs.  That will be a different kind of challenge.  Tonight is a working meeting.  I am taking some hand quilting.

Until Friday, joyful quilting everyone.

 

Two new Jacob's Ladder blocks

Loving these florals!

I am getting closer to having two tops complete, the JL and the BOM.  I also need to finish Hokule'a, the Christmas challenge, and some Christmas gifts.  That doesn't include the hand quilting I need to finish.  Isn't life fun when you have projects to look forward to?

Joyful quilting, everyone.

Two ways for quilters to help

Today, my studio time was spent cutting scraps into usable pieces for the string quilt project.  Not really worthy of a photograph.  I loaded the above quilt on Priscilla and started quilting when my knee decided to let me know there would be no standing or walking around for the rest of the day.  After ice, rest, and an extra dose of Univera RegenaCare (a miracle I believe), it is better, but I am still resting it.  Needless to say, the quilt did not get finished.  Maybe tomorrow.  But I digress from the subject of my post today.

I am so impressed with the way quilters rally together to help others in times of need.  When Sarah over at Confessions of a Fabric Addict called for quilts to be sent to poverty stricken families in Romania, bunches of you responded.  When another quilter lost her teenage son, so many of you responded by sending her heart blocks.  Tsunami victims in Japan received hundreds of quilts lovingly donated by so many of you.  Hundred of you have made mini quilts to raise money for Alzheimer's research. I am honored to be a part of this giving group.  I just wanted to let you know about two more opportunities where you can help others in need.

One great project is the BASICs quilt drive being run by Victoria at Bumble Beans Inc.  She and Pat Sloan are trying to gather together 400 quilts for families who are moving from shelters into transitional housing.  Last year, Victoria was able to gather 300 quilts from people all over the country, but there were 700 families in the program.  Do you have a finished quilt or quilt top that just needs to be quilted and bound that you don't have a home for?  Maybe you and your quilty friends can get together and finish up those UFOs that aren't finished because they need homes.  Please read more about the project here and think about how you can help.  If you are a quilter, you might think about taking a few tops from others and finishing them for the project.  That is what I am doing.  The quilt at the top was made by Irene Armok, and it is the second one of hers I have worked on. 

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Perhaps an easier one is the 4 Patches 4 Hope project by Regina at her blog by the same name.  She is raising money and asking people to donate simple 4 patch blocks to be made into quilts for cancer patients.  The rules are simple and these simple blocks will mean much when they are joined with others and made into quilts.








Thanks for taking the time to stop by and read this post.  Thank you for considering helping in these projects.  Every little bit makes a difference.
Have a wonderful weekend, and joyful quilting,

A little of this, a little of that, and a finish - finally

First, the finish.

Ta da . . .

I have been working on this Hawaiian applique for over five years.  After I got it cut and basted, I put it away, thinking I was never going to have the patience or skills to finish it.  I finally decided I would never develop the skills unless I tried, so I got it out a few months ago and did the needle turn applique.  Then I hand quilted it.  I put the binding on today from an old Hawaiian shirt of Tom's.  It isn't perfect, but I am really happy it is done and somewhat presentable.

It is amazing, but I actually got this done in this mess of a studio.

As you can see, I have projects everywhere.  My design wall is off to the left.  The board to the right holds all my inspirational bits and pieces.  The table to the left holds quite a few orphan blocks and UFOs.  The stacks of fabric and books on the end of the table in the middle are waiting for me to put them away in the other room.  I try and keep everything for one project in a separate basket, so you can see them stacked around.  One of these days, I will have to clean up a bit.  Unfortunately, I would rather use studio time to create, not clean.

Today, I also tried something new to me.  I wanted to try string quilting.

I got a 12" and a couple of 4" blocks put together before I decided to put this away for another day.  I did this by creating a largish strata and cutting the block units from that.  There was much too much waste for me.  When I get back to it, I am going to try a different approach.  Besides, I also discovered that the greens, teals, and turquoise fabrics I want to use are all very different sizes, most much to small to make good strata.  At least I like the results.  Tom likes these and hopes I continue.

Here are the JL blocks I made (2 each).

 

And last but not least is the final block for my BOM quilt.

This is the last you will see of this until it is finished and ready to enter in the contest over at 15 Minutes Play on December 1.

I can't wait to see what I get done tomorrow.  I hope it goes as well as it did today.

What are your plans for the weekend?

One block to show

I spent quite a lot of time getting a couple of quilts ready to go on the frame.  They had been stored for a while, and picked up tons of threads and other garbage.  I am a bit anal about hanging threads, so they had to all be clipped or removed.  Then I spent time making more fabric for the BOMs.  Neither of these things was photo worthy.  This is the only block I got put together today.    Hopefully, I will get a JL block or two made tomorrow morning before I have to pick Bella up from pre-school.  That would be nice.

I have been thinking about quilting lately.  Not piecing, but actually quilting.  I have been trying to convince myself that I have to learn how to do fancy quilting if I really want to call myself a quilter. I even started practicing every day for a week.  I finally figured out that it is just not my thing. I would much rather spend time playing with fabrics.  I really enjoy seeing a well quilted piece.  I have a deep admiration for those who enjoy doing this.  That being said, I finally realized that I am really all about the fabric and color and what patterns I can create with them.  I have also realized that is okay.  My quilts are going to continue to have simple quilting unless I win the lottery and can afford to have someone who enjoys quilting do that part of it.

Now it is your turn.  Do you prefer a quilt where it is the quilting that shines, or one where the fabric is the star?  Isn't it wonderful that this art form can be so rewarding for all of us.

Joyful quilting, everyone.  I will be back on Friday.

More progress



Here is today's JL block.  I noticed yesterday, when all the blocks were on the wall, that I needed another pair of really dark ones.  I found this fabric in my stash, but don't know what it is because the selvage was missing.  I think it is going to work very well.  14 down, and 34 to go.

I wanted to tell you about my adventure with Tom at the local chain fabric store.  We went in to get ten yards of my favorite batting, Warm and Natural.  We went to the back, where it is usually hanging, and there was none there. There was Warm and White, and Tom suggested I get it instead.  I don't like the white, and there were not ten yards on the roll, but after looking at the other batting they had to offer, I decided to try it.  I was armed with my 50% off coupon, but of course the batting was already on sale at 30% off so the coupon was no good.  That always seems to be the way.  Tom was amused by this when I explained it to him.  Before we got the white batting cut, I asked the clerk if they had the natural in the back somewhere.  She informed me they don't carry it.  I was flabbergasted since they have always carried it before.  Another clerk, who overheard the conversation, said there was probably a bolt in a box in the back.  We went back and found it.  Hurray!  The first clerk set about measuring the batting and lost count about half way through.  Tom began to chuckle.  Check-out was just as much fun.  Only one register had enough cash to take cash customers.  Of course, we didn't know that until we got our turn at a non-cash register and had to go back to the end of the line for the cash register. It seems as if everyone used cash yesterday.  By the time we got out to the car, Tom was laughing out loud.  It was contagious.  From now on, I will be able to find the humor in my visits to this store.

When I was cleaning out a basket from an old project, I found these fun HSTs and built another quilt for AAQI.  This one is 11" x 7.5".  I love pinwheels, but usually don't make them because I have trouble with the centers.  This piece went together pretty easily.

I made this BOM block using some of the fabric I made yesterday.  Of all the BOMs, this one should be the easiest.  I managed to mess it up a few times before I got it put together.  Hmmmm.



Last, but not least, I did some more building on this piece.  I love these colors together, but I realize they are not every bodies taste.  I also realized I needed more lights.  I dug through the stash and found some pale purple batik.  I will add some in tomorrow.  I also need another dark, but don't have what I need.  Since my palette is limited, I think it needs to be purple.  Today, I added in some red/orange stripe fabric from another thrift store skirt.  I really love this fabric, so I am glad it works with this.

I guess that is all for today.  Who knows what tomorrow will bring.  

Joyful quilting, everyone. 

I love studio time

Here is today's JL block.  The floral in this one is the Western Washington Shop Hop 2011 design from In the Beginning.  I really like this fabric, too.  Each time I grab a floral from the stack, it seems to become my new favorite.  I have 12 blocks done now, so I decided I needed to put them on the design wall and see how it looks.

I am so excited with the secondary pattern that is emerging.  The background fabric is working so well.  I see so many things in the pattern - big fat arrows, chains, Xs, and squares.  I am 1/3 done with the blocks I need for the size I want.  I am so happy Freda decided to host this QAL.  Stop over and see what else she is doing these days.

Today, I also decided to start a project I have been putting off because I was intimidated by the challenge.  If you want to read more about the challenge, go here.

To see my palette inspiration, visit here.  To read more about the process I went through to get this far, read this post.

That is all for today.  I did make more fabric for the BOMs, but decided I wanted to make enough for all the rest of the blocks before I cut into what I made.  I didn't get any more blocks made for the Christmas quilt.  Tom took me to my local chain fabric store to pick up batting.  That was quite an interesting trip.  I will write more about that tomorrow.  Right now, the pizza is ready, and I am hungry.

Joyful quilting, everyone.

Two New Blocks and a finish

I had just enough made fabric left to make another BOM block.  Tomorrow, I need to make another big piece of fabric to finish the blocks.  I have six more to go now.  A couple of them need large squares (9").  I had trouble with the green stem in this As you can see, it is not quite centered.  I have one more stem piece I have to make for this project.  I guess I better read how to do it.  I also have to include leaf triangles on one block, and I think I will use the same green rather than make green fabric.  I hope it turns out okay.  If not, I will just go ahead and make some green fabric.  Maybe I will let you all be the judge.

Here is today's Jacob's Ladder block.  I love this floral.  I had a small piece of it in  my original stash, but didn't know what it was.  Then, on a trip to Sister's Quilt Shop in Chehalis, WA, I found a bolt hidden on a bottom shelf.  I was quite overjoyed, but relatively broke, so I was only able to buy a yard.  It is Christmas Presence by April Cornell for Moda.  Not sure why I love it so much, but I think it is the colors.

I also spent some time finishing this mini quilt top this morning, before I finished piecing Bella's quilt top.  I am so slow at applique.  Part of it is my glasses.  I really need new ones.  Part of it was the light I was working with.  We fixed that a few days ago, so I was finally able to finish it.  I you want to know more about this quilt, hop on over the Quilters, Books and Bindings. I have explained it in a couple of posts there.

Tomorrow, I will be making more cloth, making a new JL block, working on my Christmas quilt, and hopefully doing a little quilting.  What are you planning for your Saturday?

Joyful quilting, everyone.



Help, please

No photos today because I had a ton of other things to do today.  One of the things was to help plan an auction quilt for Bella's pre-school.  It was decided that each family would make a house block.  Please help me by sending links to easy house blocks that I can teach to mostly non-sewing people. 
Thank you everyone.

Bella's quilt progress

I have all the blocks for Bella's quilt pieced together.  I think I need to move some of them around before I sew all the blocks together.  I don't think I am going to quilt it with the minkee.  I will use some very ugly fabric I found to quilt the top, then sew the minkee on pillow case style and tie it in a few strategic places.  I am doing this for a couple of reasons.  I don't want to interfere with the total softness of the minkee with all over quilting, and I have heard that quilting with minkee is a bear.  I think it will work very well the way I am going to do it.

Here is today's Jacob's Ladder block.

I also pulled some fabric for a project I am doing over at Modern 8 Create.



So far, I am really liking the color combinations.

Right now, I am going to go put my feet up and relax for a while.

Joyful quilting, everyone.

Studio Time

I made a couple of new blocks for the Jacob's Ladder.  I seem to be channeling some Victorian persona who loved these chintz like florals.  Each time I make a block, I am reminded of oak furniture, antimacassars, chintz covered couches, and tchotchkes.  I think I would love to have a parlor like that, with lovely quilts everywhere.  I also think I would have to be a better housekeeper to pull that off.  Oh well.  A woman can dream.

Yes, it really is this pale.  I have been working with so many bright colors, this one looks pretty strange on my design board.  These are four little blocks for my guild.  They are for a presentation quilt.  It is hard to believe I used to prefer these pastel colors.

On a completely different note, I received 12 blocks in the mail from an exchange I am in on Mary Lou Weidman's yahoo group.  Here they are in no particular order.

Aren't they fun?  They will have to wait for a little while before I have time to figure out how I want to put them together.  We all purchased the same background fabric and used bright fabrics to make our fish.  They were each supposed to be at least 14" long with no height restrictions.  Whacky and wonky is good in this group.  We are currently doing a Christmas ornament block exchange.  These blocks will be much simpler in construction.

I spent the rest of the day quilting on the BASICs quilt and cutting purple and pink polka dot fabric for Bella's quilt.  Tomorrow, I will finish up one BASICs quilt and load up another one.  I will also start sewing Bella's quilt, as well as working on my BOM blocks and another JL block.

Until then,

Joyful quilting, everyone.

Oh Goodie! New fabric!

Isn't she absolutely adorable?  I fussy cut 15 little fairies from a piece I had of Timeless Treasures for Bella's quilt.  I thought I had enough polka dots to go with to make a nine patch quilt for her big girl bed, but I didn't so I had to go to the LQS this morning.  She has another beautiful one that her Grandma Edwards made, but I just had to make something with these little fairies.  These are all the goodies I have to make this quilt now, including a bright pink Minke backing.

Pinks and purples.  Purples and pinks.  Polka dots galore.  This is going to be fun.

I also had a wonderful time shopping in my friend's incredible stash for the rest of the florals I need for the Jacob's Ladder Quiltalong.  I am pretty excited about finding  such a wonderful group of these old fashioned style florals for this project.  

I have no idea how big this quilt will be when I sew all these into blocks.  I suspect it will be the biggest quilt I have made.  I just have to make sure it doesn't get too big for Priscilla.  She doesn't like anything over 80 inches wide.  She can be so picky.  (For those of you who are new to the blog, Priscilla is my Juki and frame.)  Anyway, tomorrow, I will make another two blocks for the JL.

Until then, have a great evening, everyone.

Joyful quilting.