tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40015663437785551212024-03-15T21:11:15.999-04:00Happy AppliquerSharing my adventures in quilting and my love of applique.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14935945785304234555noreply@blogger.comBlogger394125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001566343778555121.post-6067071298006028172016-06-09T16:11:00.001-04:002016-06-09T16:11:33.259-04:00A quick update<p> Today I received a sweet email from Lynn S wondering if I was OK since I had not been blogging. Thanks Lynn, I was rather shocked to discover that my posters were missed. Well, rest assured that I am alive and well and stitching more than ever. I decided at the beginning of this year that I was getting so distracted by online activities that I was not actually getting the things done that I really wanted/needed to be working on and as a result, I took a break from blogging. I still have been posting on Instagram under happy_appliquer as that is quick and easy but certainly not as in depth. Anyway, here is what I have been up to lately. </p><p>As I mentioned in my last post, I am working on the Splendid Sampler. I am just loving these blocks and have kept up to date with all the blocks and bonus blocks and have even added a few extras. Here is where I am so far with 49 completed blocks. I suspect I will have lots more than the 100 blocks when I finish!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--wFWMX-kR50/V1nNJPVHCgI/AAAAAAAAC4c/XZcrmVz6K-I/s2048/Photo%25252020160609161003686.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--wFWMX-kR50/V1nNJPVHCgI/AAAAAAAAC4c/XZcrmVz6K-I/s500/Photo%25252020160609161003686.jpg" id="blogsy-1465503092022.0583" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p>I am also keeping up to date with the 1857 Album quilt by Sentimental Stitches. These blocks are only 10" and with my controlled color palette they make great portable blocks as I don't need many thread colors. That is good as this spring has been very busy with guests and travel to see family.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Z1fRBPC3xW14SetkLaeJkVkDGxP_NoEHZGqMEvliHMaQfaarimcp1FZX_59Zpf451rZx-MyyoRgQSc0QEe7KLgK5q6STNALqYgSx4lRtxAY93ZIOuvEh735zpO61xtuIp9RkP2zk26a-/s2048/Photo%25252020160609161003922.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Z1fRBPC3xW14SetkLaeJkVkDGxP_NoEHZGqMEvliHMaQfaarimcp1FZX_59Zpf451rZx-MyyoRgQSc0QEe7KLgK5q6STNALqYgSx4lRtxAY93ZIOuvEh735zpO61xtuIp9RkP2zk26a-/s500/Photo%25252020160609161003922.jpg" id="blogsy-1465503092021.661" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="249"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8gZgbwjLj7Q/V1nNLoDaJtI/AAAAAAAAC4s/jxer2oC0GW0/s2048/Photo%25252020160609161004293.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8gZgbwjLj7Q/V1nNLoDaJtI/AAAAAAAAC4s/jxer2oC0GW0/s500/Photo%25252020160609161004293.jpg" id="blogsy-1465503091976.864" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="498"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lXUBVkdEIyo/V1nNNBkIasI/AAAAAAAAC4w/eeqlm58Mbvc/s2048/Photo%25252020160609161004680.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lXUBVkdEIyo/V1nNNBkIasI/AAAAAAAAC4w/eeqlm58Mbvc/s500/Photo%25252020160609161004680.jpg" id="blogsy-1465503091971.438" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C0zthdyH_i4/V1nNOvWGRzI/AAAAAAAAC44/gXav4ZdpLX4/s2048/Photo%25252020160609161005047.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C0zthdyH_i4/V1nNOvWGRzI/AAAAAAAAC44/gXav4ZdpLX4/s500/Photo%25252020160609161005047.jpg" id="blogsy-1465503091972.8984" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="506"></a></div><p>I also started a Baltimore Album quilt that I had been planning for years. I had collected fabrics and patterns and saw that a FB friend was also going to start this quilt which encouraged me to begin. I just need to add the embroidery and this block will be finished. I just loved adding broderie perse and some shading to the flowers as it seems to add such depth and dimension to the block.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwoJFxCI9H_1yG89Yb8Vy2luxP443Pv2P5VRRMSHjDx-QfQ1o7hl1OPghamP6wYPpwjYGOHf0-xbGx_8vto7eF1x12FaIEqw47JbydeCP9qn-tO_NZRQVznaXevHr5Nh_tTxt3OAoa_go/s2048/Photo%25252020160609161005455.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwoJFxCI9H_1yG89Yb8Vy2luxP443Pv2P5VRRMSHjDx-QfQ1o7hl1OPghamP6wYPpwjYGOHf0-xbGx_8vto7eF1x12FaIEqw47JbydeCP9qn-tO_NZRQVznaXevHr5Nh_tTxt3OAoa_go/s500/Photo%25252020160609161005455.jpg" id="blogsy-1465503091984.2114" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="558"></a></div><p>In April my son, Kevin Kosbab of Feed Dog Designs, who is a quilt designer came for a visit. He spoke at the Modern quilt guild and we played in my sewing room. I had this large paper pieced rosette on my wall and he asked what I was going to do with it. It is actually the first rosette in Katja Merek's Millefiori quilt and I knew would probably never complete. So while he was here I drew the peacocks, pulled a background fabric from my stash and began turning it into something else entirely. It was fun bouncing ideas off another quilter and I worked on it while he finished quilting a quilt of his on my longarm machine. Now on border ideas.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DWfoUiRYtN8/V1nNRBWzSTI/AAAAAAAAC5A/MhNx4HKTBPU/s2048/Photo%25252020160609161005874.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DWfoUiRYtN8/V1nNRBWzSTI/AAAAAAAAC5A/MhNx4HKTBPU/s500/Photo%25252020160609161005874.jpg" id="blogsy-1465503091991.1396" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p>I also went to Paduch where I took a class on hand piecing from Carolyn Konig, a quilt designer from Australia. It was a wonderful class and I even completed the class project once I got home, however, I cannot find a photo of the finished product. Here is it partly complete.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ay03zaA-A2s/V1nNY3jo3eI/AAAAAAAAC5I/U7QVvV5gGEo/s2048/Photo%25252020160609161006267.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ay03zaA-A2s/V1nNY3jo3eI/AAAAAAAAC5I/U7QVvV5gGEo/s500/Photo%25252020160609161006267.jpg" id="blogsy-1465503091981.565" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><p>In Paducah I found some great wool patterns from Carried Away designs. I loved this so much I finished it my first week home. So sweet and different from the usual primitive wool designs that are out there.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYkpCPxPyKgooQpnopdeYd-ZGXWGhwlS757hPi0dw2GkGCczkWxSVErE8z9hIOXd1n5VmQbpq4fC37aZuO4KkgJL-4tyPxyL95L4K02FNkpO-l2qfckj7P-9nDgqeZiba2F2r3gJ00RaB/s2048/Photo%25252020160609161006677.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYkpCPxPyKgooQpnopdeYd-ZGXWGhwlS757hPi0dw2GkGCczkWxSVErE8z9hIOXd1n5VmQbpq4fC37aZuO4KkgJL-4tyPxyL95L4K02FNkpO-l2qfckj7P-9nDgqeZiba2F2r3gJ00RaB/s500/Photo%25252020160609161006677.jpg" id="blogsy-1465503091999.3152" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p>Unfortunately all of these things require lots of handwork and I have been struggling to come up with some machine piecing work that will keep me going. With that in mind I pulled out these little blocks for my Phebe quilt by Di Ford. I started making these blocks several years ago but stalled due to moving and constant distractions. I now have completed just over 1/2 of the total required of these stars.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UYqIBwqx1bg/V1nNbMSKiuI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/TzkhTZwrDTM/s2048/Photo%25252020160609161007209.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UYqIBwqx1bg/V1nNbMSKiuI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/TzkhTZwrDTM/s500/Photo%25252020160609161007209.jpg" id="blogsy-1465503091995.4995" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p>And finally right now I am working on prepping my center for Phebe. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E1e437YCv6g/V1nNc2huLGI/AAAAAAAAC5g/FlZhJYZksbk/s2048/Photo%25252020160609161007771.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E1e437YCv6g/V1nNc2huLGI/AAAAAAAAC5g/FlZhJYZksbk/s500/Photo%25252020160609161007771.jpg" id="blogsy-1465503091955.0613" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a></div><p>I am enjoying this one and am again reminded to focus on the projects I love and want to complete. Blogging is fun and I do love sharing but my little break has been a great time for me to rediscover the parts of quilting that are the most special to me. I still feel the pull to jump into the latest project that I see online but more and more I am content to just do my own thing. </p><p>Til next time, Happy Stitching!</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14935945785304234555noreply@blogger.com60tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001566343778555121.post-70606558575159417002016-03-01T17:21:00.001-05:002016-03-01T17:24:48.444-05:00Still here and still stitching<p> Looks like I am going to be lucky to post once a month these days. My new plan to focus on some unfinished projects is working quite well but that new focus has resulted in less time for blogging and more time for stitching. And I am not even reading blogs as much as I am really trying to have fewer distractions so that I can put some concentrated effort on working on some of my own designs. I discovered the world of quilting blogs about 5 years ago and have taken much delight in what others in the quilt world are working on and have certainly been inspired to try many new things. But unfortunately I put many of my own designs aside and have decided that I need to look for my own quilting voice again and find a way to enjoy the fun sew alongs that I see online and love to do without losing myself in the process. It is a very difficult balance for me, I love seeing what is new but I end up being drawn into what everyone else is doing and my own ideas seem to recede. Does anyone else feel this way? Anyway, I have been busy stitching. First up is my Miss Porter by Di Ford. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hP5znMW7bMg/VtYVz25TlQI/AAAAAAAAC3s/3wAdWF6a_4A/s2048/Photo%25252020160301172057224.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hP5znMW7bMg/VtYVz25TlQI/AAAAAAAAC3s/3wAdWF6a_4A/s500/Photo%25252020160301172057224.jpg" id="blogsy-1456871053552.8271" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><p>One of my biggest influences since I began blogging is Australian quilts and designers. I just love what is happening in Australia in the reproduction quilts, modern fabrics, great color and fabric arrangements. There seems to be more people doing handwork including EPP, embroidery and hand piecing and such wonderful hand applique. Why it just all makes my heart sing and I am so inspired. And that is what got me hooked into The Splendid Sampler. Another sampler of all American designers I might have been able to resist, but one organized by an American and an Australian and including designers from all over the world had me intrigued. I am all caught up and am loving each and every block. Here are my blocks so far.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d_7FA8p_LBU/VtYV1tjMWZI/AAAAAAAAC3w/dEBwyjvP95A/s2048/Photo%25252020160301172057526.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d_7FA8p_LBU/VtYV1tjMWZI/AAAAAAAAC3w/dEBwyjvP95A/s500/Photo%25252020160301172057526.jpg" id="blogsy-1456871053587.9534" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div><p>There are also 2 extras in that group, both by Lori Holt. I am not sure if they will be included but any time I have a chance to make an extra 6 " block I am trying to make it in colors that will blend in case I want to use it in the finished quilt. The extras are the bee and the little Instagram camera which was a little mystery block Lori did via Instagram.</p><p>I am also working on this year's BOM by Sentimental Stitches, the 1857 Album Quilt. I am not doing the traditional colors of red and green. As part of finding my own voice, I decided to use "my colors" and may make a few changes along the way to personalize my blocks. This one is fun and easy, a nice break when I am looking for some simple stitching.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V14FwCAjBjQ/VtYV3HanopI/AAAAAAAAC30/NYWTh2ofwf0/s2048/Photo%25252020160301172057978.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V14FwCAjBjQ/VtYV3HanopI/AAAAAAAAC30/NYWTh2ofwf0/s500/Photo%25252020160301172057978.jpg" id="blogsy-1456871053607.695" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n6SeeX6ddpI/VtYV4j1YZiI/AAAAAAAAC34/CI7kklgW5-4/s2048/Photo%25252020160301172058368.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n6SeeX6ddpI/VtYV4j1YZiI/AAAAAAAAC34/CI7kklgW5-4/s500/Photo%25252020160301172058368.jpg" id="blogsy-1456871053613.4639" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p>I am also working on an old project of my own design which I started before I began blogging and which I have decided not to share right now. It is a pretty intense project with lots of applique and I have dreams of entering it in a national show (if I ever finish the thing) so for now it remains secret which is another reason my blog posts will probably remain infrequent. Hope to be back soon with some more stitching to share.</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14935945785304234555noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001566343778555121.post-1758951676772778732016-01-26T13:33:00.001-05:002016-01-26T13:33:52.022-05:00Starts and Finishes and everything in between<p> Seems like forever since I did a blog post but that certainly doesn't mean I haven't been stitching. As I mentioned awhile ago, I am finding blog writing, reading and commenting a little cumbersome these days and I am sharing more and more on Instagram ( under the name happy_appliquer if you are interested) these days. I guess I am getting lazy but it is much easier and quicker and that leaves me more time for stitching. But it doesn't work quite as well for journaling my quilting progress so I will continue to be posting now and then.</p><p>Anyway first up is my new start, Irish Circles by Karen Cunningham a wonderful Austrailian designer. I have long admired the quilts based on an Antique Irish quilt by Jane Pizar but had been unable to locate a pattern. When one of my applique group friends mentioned that she was in a new group about to start this project and there might still be time to join I jumped at the chance. This was a few months ago and while I only got the pattern last week, I started thinking about colors and fabrics immediately. I decided to use a palette that feels early 1800's to me, teals/aqua, browns and pinks on a beige background.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kw8rUIce_3o/Vqe71fSKqII/AAAAAAAAC2M/bnyefb6tt3o/s2048/Photo%25252020160126133245402.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kw8rUIce_3o/Vqe71fSKqII/AAAAAAAAC2M/bnyefb6tt3o/s500/Photo%25252020160126133245402.jpg" id="blogsy-1453833230667.9807" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p>Brown is not a color I have used much in the past so it is rather strange that both my new starts this year feature brown. The quilt has a large central medallion of a pieced circle surrounded by some applique but I decided to start with some of the smaller circle blocks. You make 2 of each of these smaller blocks and I am trying to vary my fabric choices so that the blocks look quite different from each other. A great lesson in value and fabric selection and lots of fun. These blocks are hand pieced and then the circle ring is prepped using starch and freezer paper and then hand appliquéd. Here is block 5.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-POrRpiq8LGs/Vqe73Lg6PpI/AAAAAAAAC2U/i1dVA-GyvMU/s2048/Photo%25252020160126133245774.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-POrRpiq8LGs/Vqe73Lg6PpI/AAAAAAAAC2U/i1dVA-GyvMU/s500/Photo%25252020160126133245774.jpg" id="blogsy-1453833230633.9753" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1mczzsmZV_Y/Vqe74hx0vSI/AAAAAAAAC2c/mgXBaRYOkVo/s2048/Photo%25252020160126133246152.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1mczzsmZV_Y/Vqe74hx0vSI/AAAAAAAAC2c/mgXBaRYOkVo/s500/Photo%25252020160126133246152.jpg" id="blogsy-1453833230692.068" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p>And Block 7</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--0rVH-ruNmw/Vqe758s7OfI/AAAAAAAAC2k/SdatXt4rxcQ/s2048/Photo%25252020160126133246537.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--0rVH-ruNmw/Vqe758s7OfI/AAAAAAAAC2k/SdatXt4rxcQ/s500/Photo%25252020160126133246537.jpg" id="blogsy-1453833230698.6035" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNeEMh1KTtwzQsO3BWbaBVejxCCxtgoE3wyhNp6_eWa585_KcB9kIz0pZaKqTSQi3UnzB1njpWk-zmh01ehRjs3cNxyEX9jvt6wIxxF5X3SgdYeSOiOZMNvfbyxa0IjruWNJO4393wChL/s2048/Photo%25252020160126133246965.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNeEMh1KTtwzQsO3BWbaBVejxCCxtgoE3wyhNp6_eWa585_KcB9kIz0pZaKqTSQi3UnzB1njpWk-zmh01ehRjs3cNxyEX9jvt6wIxxF5X3SgdYeSOiOZMNvfbyxa0IjruWNJO4393wChL/s500/Photo%25252020160126133246965.jpg" id="blogsy-1453833230641.24" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><p>I have also prepped the appliqued borders for Miss Porter and have stitched one. Amazing to see the before and after of needlturn applique.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61vRv3JKaP_NJG3u7vwVgbWda9ahd2ppFTCKKQ6cWzWs8ARBfCFkAh_B_8TrDMh6K95eAQsbgvvmVmJRYeaAkZB4TeZwhmxuzWMu59GTqOrQkqcBEpz92lrCCkYbzF6PGqXtifhyy7AUr/s2048/Photo%25252020160126133247252.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61vRv3JKaP_NJG3u7vwVgbWda9ahd2ppFTCKKQ6cWzWs8ARBfCFkAh_B_8TrDMh6K95eAQsbgvvmVmJRYeaAkZB4TeZwhmxuzWMu59GTqOrQkqcBEpz92lrCCkYbzF6PGqXtifhyy7AUr/s500/Photo%25252020160126133247252.jpg" id="blogsy-1453833230641.985" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div><p>I have also been busy on the longarm machine trying to catch up with the huge pile of finished tops. Here is "Bright and Jazzy", my version of Jen Kingwell's Gypsy Wife. The name is a nod to an outfit I wore in the 90's that my children were not too fond of and referred to as Bright and Jazzy. Those memories just make me smile and so does this quilt.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--oM6YPqMblE/Vqe7-juJUiI/AAAAAAAAC28/hnS9p_vKVrc/s2048/Photo%25252020160126133247713.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--oM6YPqMblE/Vqe7-juJUiI/AAAAAAAAC28/hnS9p_vKVrc/s500/Photo%25252020160126133247713.jpg" id="blogsy-1453833230662.0852" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p>This morning I sewed my Moda Sampler Shuffle quilt together and am now deciding on borders. This is not the suggested setting but I have long admired 6" block samplers put together with background sashing and scrappy cornerstones and decided this was a perfect look. I think a simple border in one of the light blue fabrics that I have in my stash is the way I will finish this off.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFFfE3QsX6ahASipXx-WNqRtzAkM4ev5keMmofQqhFqD-cmAO7RSrrvHdcZA4TFckKVuYb5Jig8bDcGApvwuNkwFOnUpmEtm1sbLKxbTuG2i3aFHd-Q4aEcSMTRKm0B5Osl2tv4kPGaDv/s2048/Photo%25252020160126133248105.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFFfE3QsX6ahASipXx-WNqRtzAkM4ev5keMmofQqhFqD-cmAO7RSrrvHdcZA4TFckKVuYb5Jig8bDcGApvwuNkwFOnUpmEtm1sbLKxbTuG2i3aFHd-Q4aEcSMTRKm0B5Osl2tv4kPGaDv/s500/Photo%25252020160126133248105.jpg" id="blogsy-1453833230666.5085" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p>And I loved the colors in this so much I am using a similar palette in the Splendid Sampler. This is a new free online sampler of 6" blocks hosted by Pat Sloan and Jane Davidson. If you google The Splendid Sampler or look for it on Facebook you should be able to find all the details. It sounds so fun and exciting, 100 blocks released 2/week by over 80 different designers. Lots of different techniques to be explored including applique, piecing, EPP, and even embroidery and a huge Facebook group where we can share ideas is something I just could not resist. And it doesn't start until Feb 14 so you have plenty of time to check it out if you are interested. Here are the fabrics I pulled for this one. I started with pre cuts from the Ambleside collection and some yardage I had from the same collection. I then pulled a few darker fabrics from my stash that I think will work and grabbed two different pieces of yardage, Kona Snow and a white on white dot in the same snow color, to use as background. Since the sampler is a mystery I am not really sure how much I will need of any fabric but the general requirements are 30-35 fat quarters with a good mix of light , medium and dark. I am really looking forward to a bit of spring each week!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzAM1da5q04YuZQkjgDceG0aBVk6pv0BTFUR1zpJbwzpMEfe9sESyYj3BIPlNZzL4UijBhT_FsVm7A_WDA5zzjtYtkSxHLxzJHIA9coyOMf0Hhw0ID1W8CforOcWHEcHRkrP6Urb2AIOyq/s2048/Photo%25252020160126133248542.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzAM1da5q04YuZQkjgDceG0aBVk6pv0BTFUR1zpJbwzpMEfe9sESyYj3BIPlNZzL4UijBhT_FsVm7A_WDA5zzjtYtkSxHLxzJHIA9coyOMf0Hhw0ID1W8CforOcWHEcHRkrP6Urb2AIOyq/s500/Photo%25252020160126133248542.jpg" id="blogsy-1453833230663.0483" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="366"></a></div><p> And finally my leader ender project of brights continues to grow with. I am using those 4" blocks from my previous post as the centers of these bigger stars. Not sure yet exactly where this project is headed but I love the bright happy colors.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-byGWocrRkJo/Vqe8CxklwPI/AAAAAAAAC3U/XpIcsm2nW7Y/s2048/Photo%25252020160126133249040.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-byGWocrRkJo/Vqe8CxklwPI/AAAAAAAAC3U/XpIcsm2nW7Y/s500/Photo%25252020160126133249040.jpg" id="blogsy-1453833230695.4812" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14935945785304234555noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001566343778555121.post-67699160490192608532016-01-12T16:02:00.001-05:002016-01-12T16:02:20.770-05:00Miss Porter and a Mountmellick update<p> As I said in my last post, my word for the year is Focus. Already I can feel myself wavering, but a quick look at my list and I decided that a new start at the beginning of a new year was in order. One of my favorite quilting books is Primarily Quilts by Di Ford. I just love her attention to detail and working on one of her quilt designs pushes me both technically and in fabric selection and that is what I was searching for in this new start. That and the fact that I wanted to work in a certain color palette that suits my need for calm after the busyness of the holidays. While many of my quilts are made for the process only, I really do like displaying them in my home. I felt I was needing/wanting a quilt that would fit into my main living space during the winter when I like to use a more monochromatic color scheme. Here is my winter blooms hanging in the space.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xWNpo22l6J6JacwaWMiciXQ_0BAlsxPehiA-Z5B8klCtNaUOpzSVFndBTHfK3X-YxXdM0VtgPepAxivlk7ghFKAlX4y952PRie7g7IyOV0lJnHIVs5AU0mwdigCM2BcEVfJITPAfERTz/s2048/Photo%25252020160112160132185.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xWNpo22l6J6JacwaWMiciXQ_0BAlsxPehiA-Z5B8klCtNaUOpzSVFndBTHfK3X-YxXdM0VtgPepAxivlk7ghFKAlX4y952PRie7g7IyOV0lJnHIVs5AU0mwdigCM2BcEVfJITPAfERTz/s500/Photo%25252020160112160132185.jpg" id="blogsy-1452632539478.8474" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a>As you can see the space is very open and as I love all shades of teal and aqua those are the only permanent colors in the space. I love changing out the pillows and quilts by season to change the feel of the room and was looking to make something to hang over the couch which sits opposite the TV and my Winter Blooms quilt. The Miss Porter quilt is one from my list and I had been collecting the fabrics for awhile.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyax7UCAqrGuEjxdpEmEeLszFoZPC7mTi5t2CTtoK2JKWkEEbMWVLE9bbcadNf-hkWsU02votZOdnDe5sLDUBcnlbLstyeA2bggutV5O3htM3rvTrCbWPbuQuIksMD4A9Xub_-AR9tHLI/s2048/Photo%25252020160112160132606.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyax7UCAqrGuEjxdpEmEeLszFoZPC7mTi5t2CTtoK2JKWkEEbMWVLE9bbcadNf-hkWsU02votZOdnDe5sLDUBcnlbLstyeA2bggutV5O3htM3rvTrCbWPbuQuIksMD4A9Xub_-AR9tHLI/s500/Photo%25252020160112160132606.jpg" id="blogsy-1452632539429.8037" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p>I began with the feathered star block and just let me say that while I have been working on improving my piecing, something went wrong. I will save the specifics for another post as I am happy to say I was able to salvage my mistake and here is the block without the shark tooth border. I had fun picking the motifs for the broderie perse in the center. The original had flowers but I wasn't happy with my selection of flowers as I really wanted to bring a bit of teal into the block. My finished block before the addition of the shark tooth border.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TLkBf0fNsEo/VpVpwfPtanI/AAAAAAAAC1c/t3RjJRYmGXs/s2048/Photo%25252020160112160132978.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TLkBf0fNsEo/VpVpwfPtanI/AAAAAAAAC1c/t3RjJRYmGXs/s500/Photo%25252020160112160132978.jpg" id="blogsy-1452632539497.4937" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p>Here is the block on the couch with the border ready for applique - I am loving how pretty this looks in the room.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B_UYwX89FZI/VpVpx3OLEmI/AAAAAAAAC1k/_D_5K3J0mjg/s2048/Photo%25252020160112160133355.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B_UYwX89FZI/VpVpx3OLEmI/AAAAAAAAC1k/_D_5K3J0mjg/s500/Photo%25252020160112160133355.jpg" id="blogsy-1452632539487.811" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p>Next up were the 5" star blocks and while making these I decided that it was time to double check my seam allowance as they were ending up just a tiny bit too big. I could trim the finished blocks but I really prefer to adjust my needle position and see if that helps. Sure enough by moving it just one potosion to the left my block size improved and I had discovered one of the problems in the creation of my feathered star. So here is where I am right now on the design wall. The feathered star shark tooth border is awaiting applique and then this can be sewn together.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q05429RcTx0/VpVpzP57CwI/AAAAAAAAC1s/hy-lr7CZ1ZM/s2048/Photo%25252020160112160133739.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q05429RcTx0/VpVpzP57CwI/AAAAAAAAC1s/hy-lr7CZ1ZM/s500/Photo%25252020160112160133739.jpg" id="blogsy-1452632539479.0017" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p>At the same time I am working on this leader ender project made with 1 1/2" cut squares of my bright scraps. My sewing machine is having issues picking up the first few stitches of a seam so having a leader ender project on the go is a must. I am getting ready to turn these blocks into something useful soon!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uMiB1SS-jJ0/VpVp0iXRDSI/AAAAAAAAC10/S-5CoZP7lLg/s2048/Photo%25252020160112160134104.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uMiB1SS-jJ0/VpVp0iXRDSI/AAAAAAAAC10/S-5CoZP7lLg/s500/Photo%25252020160112160134104.jpg" id="blogsy-1452632539489.3901" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p>And finally a quick peek at the continuing hand quilting on Mountmellick, Quiltmania magazine's 2014 mystery by Di Ford. I have not done much hand quilting in the last few years and I am enjoying this so much. It is fun selecting a new quilting pattern for each round and I love the dimension achieved with this wool batting. I really hate marking a quilt so I do as much free hand as possible. However, this round I am marking as I go by simply tracing around a plastic template that I made to fit the space and it seems to be working out well.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRL6rTOTGAa_ESbaAEVapuEiUvBUFmkvHSPKtB5Tm3LMBFhyf52PJu29LqPyk4WSREPMWz88Xfl6_zkNZaWtW51ouXOWgd7fHHRTXTvtLg7ATNW5roMetyYVBuldL3quBrocXq7rdt96Vz/s2048/Photo%25252020160112160134475.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRL6rTOTGAa_ESbaAEVapuEiUvBUFmkvHSPKtB5Tm3LMBFhyf52PJu29LqPyk4WSREPMWz88Xfl6_zkNZaWtW51ouXOWgd7fHHRTXTvtLg7ATNW5roMetyYVBuldL3quBrocXq7rdt96Vz/s500/Photo%25252020160112160134475.jpg" id="blogsy-1452632539445.4265" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div><p>Time to get back to stitching! </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14935945785304234555noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001566343778555121.post-76443688530813719432016-01-06T09:44:00.001-05:002016-01-06T09:44:07.649-05:00A New Year evaluation and Allietare<p> Since my blog is primarily a journal of my quilting life, I like to the begin the New Year thinking about what I accomplished in the past year and what I hope to do in the upcoming year. I am sure that many of us with piles of UFO's begin the year with the lofty goal of finishing everything before beginning new projects and purchasing no new fabric until making a serious dent in the stash. I know that always seems to be my intention and when I fall short of the impossible I feel like a failure. But this year I decided to start the year by making a list of all the finishes of 2015. Since this was the year I got back to the longarm, after several moves, I decided that a finish meant quilted and bound. I included everything from tiny one block mini quilts to large bed size quilts and was shocked at the size of the list, over 20 large quilts and lots of little projects. Wow, I am not a failure at finishing after all.</p><p>Unfortunately I did not finish many of the projects that I wanted to and therein lies the issue. Sadly I suspect I suffer from a common problem, quilter's ADD. I am so easily distracted by what I see on blogs, Pinterest, Instagram, magazines, books, quilt guild show and tell, my applique group, well the list could go on and on. So this year I also wrote a list of tops that are finished and in the quilting queue and works in progress, primarily so I could focus on what I really want to do and what can either wait or even be eliminated. I find it so difficult to give up on a project that has been started but if it no longer interests me, then it is time to either pass it on or be dismantled so fabrics can be used elsewhere. </p><p>So today I got around to putting my 2016 goals in writing. And for the first time I made a very specific list of what projects I want to work on and how much needs to be done for each. I separated it into Applique, Piecing and Quilting so depending on my mood I can check the list first before deciding what to do, especially when I am tempted by something shiny and new. And I did include a few new starts cause let's face it, I am going to need/want some new starts this year. And thanks to a friend in my applique group, thanks Suzanne, my word on the year is Focus. We'll see how that goes cause after all quilting is all about fun for me and these lists are not written in stone.</p><p>So finally here is what I have been working on. I spent the holidays sick with some weird respiratory infection but was able to keep up with Allietare, the Bonnie Hunter mystery. Here it is on the design wall before assembly.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GqHsn-cF-po/Vo0oHZTrtAI/AAAAAAAAC0c/dwFXdBA6Y8Q/s2048/Photo%25252020160106094334693.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GqHsn-cF-po/Vo0oHZTrtAI/AAAAAAAAC0c/dwFXdBA6Y8Q/s500/Photo%25252020160106094334693.jpg" id="blogsy-1452091446308.836" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p>And here it is assembled and on my sofa while I decide on the inner border. I was unhappy with the amount of red in the finished quilt and was going to choose another color for the inner border but nope, red works the best. It won't be this fabric though as this was just a strip I had laying around that I used for color reference. But I do love that I can use the focal fabric for the final border. It should make a nice fall throw for the living room.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgvo8E-ggM3Mrrc1jWClnL8I73A7RhW57iSvvk4ZC9YRJQf3x_4asrUoe9gJoMC2Su-qopBrWr8e8WwGFMRy9DzNYzpK2peJY6vDWIE3-Mi5g7-YYc6-dT52dKo4cGjLWyoid290WvFfQ/s2048/Photo%25252020160106094335116.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgvo8E-ggM3Mrrc1jWClnL8I73A7RhW57iSvvk4ZC9YRJQf3x_4asrUoe9gJoMC2Su-qopBrWr8e8WwGFMRy9DzNYzpK2peJY6vDWIE3-Mi5g7-YYc6-dT52dKo4cGjLWyoid290WvFfQ/s500/Photo%25252020160106094335116.jpg" id="blogsy-1452091446309.665" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p>And since I made about 3/4 of the units and made the quilt in a 4x5 setting, I ended up with 5 extra blocks. Once put together and bordered this will make a perfect table runner.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXkueyeiNwELCBLJufwBqUU2wLaFIv092NjQoV2eDqSHRE70xq3Le6QyrNdAIHMwKGBxSM9799a3xNYWMNKlDcBSvRJ9hK0M2PgJ9yj1I3udalWnvwR7vR1MOVEiqPPbThsMoP4gzQ2LuO/s2048/Photo%25252020160106094335536.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXkueyeiNwELCBLJufwBqUU2wLaFIv092NjQoV2eDqSHRE70xq3Le6QyrNdAIHMwKGBxSM9799a3xNYWMNKlDcBSvRJ9hK0M2PgJ9yj1I3udalWnvwR7vR1MOVEiqPPbThsMoP4gzQ2LuO/s500/Photo%25252020160106094335536.jpg" id="blogsy-1452091446347.5042" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> I also worked on the We Wish You a Merry Christmas mystery mini by Temcula Quilt Company and used it as an opportunity to test a color palette idea and use some time scraps. These blocks finish at 2 1/4 ". I ended up adding the black border to make it a bit bigger and thin perhaps it ended up darker than I intended but it is cute hanging in my kitchen.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfN-sPJE575Y3q5Y2JycHx5oFtouTTNneXcLhOC5KZpSGjChDYo3P_0-KXd0t3jaqVLtKbhBv7GiE-_a0_IiaKJ1g8IYsxOVfw47whTE9jbFHxzSwnVroeMJVxnyE_Lt8vpRYOIB2lcPug/s2048/Photo%25252020160106094335938.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfN-sPJE575Y3q5Y2JycHx5oFtouTTNneXcLhOC5KZpSGjChDYo3P_0-KXd0t3jaqVLtKbhBv7GiE-_a0_IiaKJ1g8IYsxOVfw47whTE9jbFHxzSwnVroeMJVxnyE_Lt8vpRYOIB2lcPug/s500/Photo%25252020160106094335938.jpg" id="blogsy-1452091446290.4246" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EhKZ_Xa650s/Vo0oNLtVikI/AAAAAAAAC08/AYj38Nas_ms/s2048/Photo%25252020160106094336305.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EhKZ_Xa650s/Vo0oNLtVikI/AAAAAAAAC08/AYj38Nas_ms/s500/Photo%25252020160106094336305.jpg" id="blogsy-1452091446294.6902" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div><p> A good beginning to 2016.</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14935945785304234555noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001566343778555121.post-26360315210356772312015-12-18T19:36:00.001-05:002015-12-18T19:36:26.153-05:00Keeping Busy<p> It has been a long time since I have updated here but I have been busy stitching. As I mentioned in my last post, I am finding more and more frustrations dealing with blogger and my ability to see and leave comments but I do want to keep a record of my quilt progress so here goes. </p>
<p>First up is this Quilty Fun quilt by Lori Holt. I finally got it quilted but sadly have not taken a great photo. This will give you a bit of an idea of how it turned out. I used a swirls with pebbles for the background fill and then just free motioned each row in a design that seemed to work for me. Lots of fun experimenting with my quilting in this one.</p>
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<p>A few more blocks on the Moda Sampler Shuffle. I have completed 21 so far.</p>
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<p>Not sure this one is a favorite but I guess we will see how it ends up.</p>
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<p>Here is a cute little mini tumbler quilt all ready for quilting. This has been my Leader Ender project for the last month or so.</p>
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<p>And here is my Bonnie Hunter Mystery, Allietare. I have changed the colors a bit using a focus fabric as my inspiration. Hopefully I can use the focus fabric in a border or backing as I am not making the full size quilt. Right now I am making 3/4 the number of units and I will see how that works after the reveal.</p>
<p>Here are my Part 1 blocks. I changed the grey in Bonnie's quilt to taupe. My focus fabric is at the top of the picture.</p>
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<p>Part 2. I changed the red in Bonnie's quilt to teal.</p>
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<p>In Part 3 I changed her gold to red.</p>
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<p>And the beginnings of Part 4. The black and neutrals remain the same as in Bonnie's directions. I still have 21 sets to make!</p>
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<p> </p>
<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14935945785304234555noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001566343778555121.post-12237235001874579482015-11-24T21:15:00.001-05:002015-11-24T21:16:04.597-05:00Playing with the Longarm and Blogging Frustrations<p> I just realized that it has been quite awhile since my last post. I am still busy sewing but have been having some blogging difficulties lately. While I have no trouble posting it seems that my difficulties in leaving and receiving comments in my email is pretty much impossible. I get some of your comments in my email but not others and any comments I leave immediately bounce back saying they cannot be delivered! I miss my conversations with my blogging friends and the connection with everyone but am not sure how to fix it. </p>
<p>Anyway, I have been back on my longarm this month and finished up this fun winter quilt that was Quilt Doodles 2014 BOM. I made a few changes to the original pattern and love the finished result, a fun winter quilt in the guest room.</p>
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<p>I even had some fun with the backing. I did not have enough of the backing fabric but did have a bunch of left over strips from the piano key border and one snowman face that I made the wrong size that I was able to incorporate into this pieced back.</p>
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<p>And here are a few photos of the quilting detail. My longarm quilting still has a long way to go but I am learning to just have fun with it and try to come up with a few new pattern ideas here and there. This is the area I have the least confidence in but at least my tops are finally becoming quilts!</p>
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<p>I also finished the 2014 Bonnie Hunter Mystery, Grand Illusion, just in time as this year's mystery begins on Friday.</p>
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<p>You may have heard of the Moda Sampler Shuffle a block of the week available online through many different quilt stores. I am making my 6" blocks mostly from an old Moda fabric line Noteworthy by Sweetwater. These are fun little blocks and a great way to use up some fabric that I have had sitting around awhile. Perfect for those days when I just need some easy stitching. Here are the first 9 blocks, so cute and fun to make.</p>
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<p>And ever so slowly I am assembling the blue and white Antique Wedding Sampler, sure hope I can show a photo soon.</p>
<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14935945785304234555noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001566343778555121.post-11469456756406861632015-11-05T09:06:00.001-05:002015-11-05T12:21:41.205-05:00The last of the Antique Wedding Sampler blocks<p> My journey with the Antique Wedding Sampler is sadly nearing the end. Sad, because I have enjoyed this project so much that I hate to see it ending. But, of course, I am excited to be close to a finished top and have had to start thinking about putting it all together. But first the last of the blocks.</p>
<p>Here is Block 22. I was excited when I found the center fabric in my stash. I had not pulled it originally because there was a yellow background surrounding ovals of blue and white and I didn't really even consider using it. But I am happy I remembered the fabric and had a chance to add this little Chinese pagoda. Those corner broderie perse motifs also came from that collection and had a yellow background. Sometimes you just have to be brave and give it a try!</p>
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<p>Block 24. Not my favorite block but I do love that fabric in the leaves. Wish I had noticed it in my stash a little earlier in the process. </p>
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<p>And finally Block 25. The fish/carp is a popular Chinese motif and I was happy to get a final bit of Asian influence in the quilt. I really like how this block turned out, another favorite!</p>
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<p>Before these blocks were completed, I began the process of arranging the blocks on my design wall. I can't show photos because I stupidly deleted them all before this post, but let's just say there was lots of rearranging. I am not sure it this will be the final placement but I think I am close. And I also cut my sashing and cornerstones and after much deliberation, my setting triangles. The original pattern has broderie perse in those setting triangles and I was planning to do that using this fan motif. </p>
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<p> But as I started putting my sashing and cornerstones up I started thinking about just using the focus fabric as the setting triangles instead. I just love the print and had used it in several of the blocks as broderie perse but nowhere in the quilt could I see the actual fabric. I figured I would cut just a few triangles and see how it looked compared to the broderie perse and I loved the results. I prefer how it finishes the quilt and love that the print is now highlighted. I feel almost guilty for forgoing the broderie perse in those setting triangles but know this is a better choice for me!</p>
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<p>Now if only I can figure out how to use my stripe fabric for the final border!</p>
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<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14935945785304234555noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001566343778555121.post-84731483611963593702015-10-30T20:14:00.001-04:002015-10-30T20:14:52.123-04:00My first Feathered Star and some finishes<p> Seems like I haven't posted in awhile but I sure have been busy sewing. Sometimes I just feel the urge to sew like crazy and this week was one of those times. I actually ended up with several finishes, cleaned up some areas of the studio and tried out some precision piecing all while feeling a bit of a cold. And we babysat the grandchildren twice! How is it that some weeks I can get so much done and other weeks it feels like I have accomplished nothing! Anyway, first up is my first attempt at a feathered star. I followed an online tutorial on a blog, It's Molly's Place, and in one long morning made this block. I am really pleased with how it turned out and now have the confidence to try this block again in a bigger project. Careful cutting, a perfect seam allowance and slow careful stitching were all it took to get good results.</p>
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<p>That afternoon I quilted and bound it making this cute little wall hanging.</p>
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<p>It should complement this batik quilt, Winter Blooms, which I quilted the following day. Sadly you cannot see much of the quilting in these photos. This will be perfect hanging in my livingroom after the Christmas chaos when I am in the mood for these more serene colors.</p>
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<p>And speaking of Christmas, I quilted and bound this Sampler Magic quilt from a pattern by Lori Smith that I made to use on my bed at Christmas. I love the non traditional colors and touches of shiny gold. Perfect to add a little bling to the holiday.</p>
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<p>And my Mystery Gone Astray quilt is now ready to be used as a throw when I decorate the livingroom for Christmas. This quilt began it's life as a mystery quilt but after making 200 flying geese units I saw a photo of a quilt like this and decided to come up with the pattern and use those units in this quilt instead. The mystery was revealed a week ago and I like my version better so I am happy I followed my gut on this one.</p>
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<p>Bonnie Hunter's mystery should be beginning next month so I have been clearing the decks to get ready for some power piecing to start. The colors have not yet been released but I am starting to think about what colors I might use, hope I can just raid my stash!</p>
<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14935945785304234555noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001566343778555121.post-39055797655630511622015-10-17T12:48:00.001-04:002015-10-17T12:48:16.815-04:00More Antique Wedding Sampler blocks and a UFO<p> Back to my blue and white Wedding Sampler blocks. I am really getting to the end of these blocks and need to start prepping all the setting triangles. This is such a fun journey I am really sad to see it coming to an end. </p>
<p>Here is Block 19. This was a fairly simple block that was hand pieced and hand appliqued. I really enjoyed fussy cutting a stripe fabric for the star points but am a little disappointed that the points of the star get rather lost next to the blue print fabric. Oh well, still a fun block.</p>
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<p>In Block 20 I again used a stripe print but this time not in the star points. This stripe is planned for the final border so I wanted to use it in at least one of the blocks. Not sure that it is quite as successful as I hoped but it will do. On the other hand I am very pleased with the Broderie Perse in this block.</p>
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<p>I was a little concerned because some of this fabric had yellow in it that I need to eliminate while doing the appliqué as you can see in this photo. Another fabric that I am so happy to have in the front of the quilt as I think I may have enough of it to use for the backing.</p>
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<p>Block 21. I did not enjoy doing this one! I hand pieced those tiny corner stars, 3" finished. The rest is machine pieced and hand appliqued. And when I finished I realized that the center Broderie Perse motif is oriented the wrong way. I think it is staying as it is!</p>
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<p>Since I am getting towards the end I have been playing around with the block arrangement. Still not close to a decision here.</p>
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<p>Because I am finished machine piecing the blocks on this project, I pulled out an old UFO which I am now calling Winter Blooms. I started this one about a year ago as a challenge to myself to use batiks. I had the appliqué and a few hourglass blocks complete and the cutting was done so in 2 afternoons I finished all the pieced blocks and arranged it on the design wall where it awaits completion. I keep looking at it to make sure all my blocks are arranged in the right way and have had to make many, many adjustments some of which were made after looking at these photos. I think I am almost ready to start stitching this together. There will be a small border of the teal around the appliqué which is being auditioned here.</p>
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<p> With one more row added. My design wall and my mess!</p>
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<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14935945785304234555noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001566343778555121.post-37681125262100725302015-10-11T19:56:00.001-04:002015-10-11T19:58:38.156-04:00Quilt As You Go Hexagon Tutorial<p> This week a quilting friend showed me a fun little hexagon table topper that she made using a quilt as you go technique. She used some specialty rulers to make hers and I was intrigued to see if I could make some of these little hexagons without the special templates. So yesterday I pulled out some scraps and made this little tabletopper/candlemat. </p>
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<p>Because I was just experimenting with the idea I just grabbed some old fabric but I think I may have to try this again in other fabrics and sizes, the possibilities seem endless and the best thing is that it is a great way to use up scraps of batting as well as fabric and when you put it together it is quilted and bound! As I was making it I thought it might be fun to share the technique in a little tutorial. I am sure this is not a new technique but it was new to me and it is really simple once you get the hang of it.</p>
<p>For each hexagon you need to cut three pieces. One batting, one inner hexagon and one outer hexagon which is also the backing of that hexagon. </p>
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<p>The hardest part for me was to determine the sizes of the hexagons as I did not have the special templates. I decided that if I made the outer hexagon 1" bigger all around the smaller hexagon this would be about right and would work with the Hexagon ruler I had. This is the Hexagon ruler by EZ but I believe there are several similar rulers available. I decided to make my inner hexagon using the 2 1/2" marking on the ruler as seen here. You will need a hexagon of batting and one of fabric at this size. These may be cut from scraps or 2 1/2" strips.</p>
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<p>The larger hexagon is cut at the 4 1/2 marking. Do not cut squares first as they will not be large enough but a 5" charm square would work or you could cut a 4 1/2 strip of fabric and get several from the strip.</p>
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<p>The three pieces need to be layered with the large hexagon wrong side up and the batting and small hexagon in the center. The small hexagon should be right side up and it is important that these be centered. I just eyeballed it but you can check to make sure it is 1" on all sides if you have difficulty keeping it accurate.</p>
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<p>Starting on one side fold the outside edge in to meet the batting.</p>
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<p>Then fold it over the edge like a binding and pin.</p>
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<p>Go to the next side and do the same making sure to match the miter at the corner. Because I am left handed it seemed easiest to do this clock wise but when stitching I realized that it would have been better to do this counter clockwise so I will try that next time.</p>
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<p>Go all the way around pinning each edge. Now it was impossible for me to photograph this little tricky bit so I am going to try to explain. If you look at the photo you will see that all of the miters go in the same direction. If you just go around the hexagon you will find that your last miter is folded in the opposite direction which I suppose is fine but it bugged me. To fix that when I was folding the last side I unpinned the firt side and unfolded it so that is could refold them correctly. Really this is much easier that it sounds and hopefully makes sense when you try it. Anyway here is how it should look at the end ready to stitch. It looks weird and distorted but that is just from the pinning.</p>
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<p>Because I was trying this out using these rather shabby chic fabrics I thought it might be fun to use a decorative stitch to sew these but certainly a straight stitch would be fine. Lots of opportunity to be creative here.</p>
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<p>Once I had made several I laid them out ready to stitch together.</p>
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<p>I forgot to take a photo but I stitched them into vertical rows first and then stitched the vertical rows together using a zigzag stitch. </p>
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<p>And here is the back.</p>
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<p> Quick easy and fun!</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YjNjKmlEI8Q/Vhr3NrTJK3I/AAAAAAAACuk/RSBPaBr25r8/s1668/Photo%252520Oct%25252011%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525203%25253A50%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YjNjKmlEI8Q/Vhr3NrTJK3I/AAAAAAAACuk/RSBPaBr25r8/s500/Photo%252520Oct%25252011%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525203%25253A50%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1444607862599.6584" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div>
<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14935945785304234555noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001566343778555121.post-64591142244164434602015-10-03T18:32:00.001-04:002015-10-03T18:32:58.957-04:00Some quilting, some embroidery and some blue and white<p> Another road trip is behind me and I am finally back to some fun stitching. This was a trip to check in on DH's aging parents and all I can say is that I am so happy that I have my sewing to keep me going during these times! This trip I worked on this little embroidery, Welcome Home by Kathy Schmitz. The original embroidery was done in all black but I decided to add touches of teal to go with the border fabric. I ended up hand quilting it and think it is sweet on this little stand.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QqsB_uYTh8k/VhBXhKnybnI/AAAAAAAACsI/1FhGRZA8oOI/s2048/Photo%252520Oct%2525202%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525207%25253A58%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QqsB_uYTh8k/VhBXhKnybnI/AAAAAAAACsI/1FhGRZA8oOI/s500/Photo%252520Oct%2525202%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525207%25253A58%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1443911578115.4084" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<p>I have also been working on the hand quilting of Mountmellick, the Quiltmania mystery quilt by Di Ford. I ended up doing an echo quilting for the background fill. I was originally planning a crosshatch but decided I didn't feel like marking. Hmm, now to decide how to do the first border.</p>
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<p>And I have completed a few more of the blocks for the Antique Wedding Sampler by Di Ford. Here is Block 17.</p>
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<p>And Block 19. I was thrilled to be able to find a place to use this Asian toile, I love the pagoda style building. I think those little butterflies need to antennas added.</p>
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<p>Today I finished the last machine pieced block in the quilt, Block 23. Unfortunately there were a few errors in the directions for this block. Two of the templates were marked with the wrong dimensions and the layout diagram was incorrect for one of the HST units. Fortunately I figured out the measurement issues as I was figuring out the rotary cutting measurements but sadly did not notice the incorrect HST unit until I showed it to DH who noticed right away that the block looked weird. Oh well, all fixed now.</p>
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<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14935945785304234555noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001566343778555121.post-29404505096140088832015-09-24T13:55:00.001-04:002015-09-24T13:55:29.713-04:00Back to the Blue and White<p> Seems like forever since I have worked on my blue and white version of Di Ford's Antique Wedding Sampler. But sometimes that is a great thing because when I finally got back to it this week it felt like a brand new project and I have been making great progress. I am one of those people who find it impossible to work on just one project at a time and being able to bounce from one to another sure keeps things interesting. Anyway, I picked up this project right where I left off and here is Block 13. I hand pieced this one and then added the broderie perse. A fairly simple block but the broderie perse really brings it to life.</p>
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<p>Block 14. Another one of my favorite circle blocks from this quilt. The starburst is hand pieced and then appliqued to the background. Then some fussy cut circles in the center and leaf shapes around the outside really come together in a great block. The hardest part of this block was selecting the fabrics!</p>
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<p>Here is Block 15. Whew, piecing this one was like making a complete miniature quilt but, since I was in a piecing mood the day I made this one, it was a perfect project. This was machine pieced and rotary cut, really wish the pattern included the instructions for machine piecing but I guess it just adds to the challenge!</p>
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<p>And Block 16. So hard to pick a favorite of all these blocks but I do love this one. I am trying to incorporate as many different broderie perse shapes as I can and was excited to find these little fan like flowers. I think they add a little Asian influence to go with the look of Chinese blue and white pottery. </p>
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<p>Fabric selection continues to be the most challenging part of this project. I find it is easiest to think of each block as its own little quilt making sure that the blues within a block coordinate well. For a block that includes broderie perse, I try to select the motif first and then build the other fabrics around that. Of course, I love to add a bit of fussy cutting here and there to add extra interest to the block. Here you can see Block 17 in process. The diamonds and little circles are fussy cut and the colors were selected to enhance the broderie perse rose. </p>
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<p>And finally I try to balance the colors in the whole quilt by keeping all of the blocks up on the design wall and taking plenty of photos for reference. Right now I am starting to think about the sashing fabric(not sure about this one), setting triangles and final border and, because I am over 1/2 way complete, need to make sure to start repeating fabrics to keep things cohesive. What looks pretty haphazard to many is actually quite a challenge to keep balanced and pleasing to the eye! Well, here is how the design wall looks right now. The blocks are not arranged in any order but I think it is coming together well.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZzDyvsBz0Dw/VgQ5DmH6kXI/AAAAAAAACr4/oGVsprFOr7g/s2048/Photo%252520Sep%25252024%25252C%2525202015%25252C%25252011%25253A38%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZzDyvsBz0Dw/VgQ5DmH6kXI/AAAAAAAACr4/oGVsprFOr7g/s500/Photo%252520Sep%25252024%25252C%2525202015%25252C%25252011%25253A38%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1443117332364.3943" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div>
<p>On to stitching block 17!</p>
<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14935945785304234555noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001566343778555121.post-7790318942212386962015-09-16T08:09:00.001-04:002015-09-16T08:09:28.879-04:00Mountmellick is a finished top<p> Whew, back from our trip to Oklahoma to move our son and The Texas to visit family. All went well and I have spent the last several days trying to get back into the routine of things and trying to get motivated in the sewing room. Though I was feeling the urge to start on something new, I resisted and put on the borders for Mountmellick, the mystery quilt by Di Ford that was in last year's Quiltmania magazine. I am so glad I did as I love how it turned out.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1kY7ItKNWe8/Vflb5sVBftI/AAAAAAAACqk/HVryTbyzfYw/s2048/Photo%252520Sep%25252014%25252C%2525202015%25252C%25252011%25253A21%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1kY7ItKNWe8/Vflb5sVBftI/AAAAAAAACqk/HVryTbyzfYw/s500/Photo%252520Sep%25252014%25252C%2525202015%25252C%25252011%25253A21%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1442405367881.076" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<p>Part of what took so long is that I couldn't use as much of the strip as I wanted as there were not enought full repeats of the pattern to cut it the way I needed. So after much deliberation and advice from quilting buddies, I ended up just using the darker portion of the stripe. Turns out that was the perfect solution, but in future I guess I better check the stripe repeat before getting my heart set on how I want to use it. </p>
<p>Next up, the hand quilting. I am trying a wool batting for the first time and my LQS only had Quilter's Dream Wool in the size I needed. Seems a bit puffy so far but hopefully once I add the fill around the appliqe I will like it better. Still deciding between echo quilting or grid work as the fill. I like the look of grids but hate the marking and stitching. I love doing echo quilting though so it may win out once again!</p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G4rNJfhlphU/Vflb7Ep6EqI/AAAAAAAACqs/woV2k0wxDwE/s2048/Photo%252520Sep%25252016%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525207%25253A37%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G4rNJfhlphU/Vflb7Ep6EqI/AAAAAAAACqs/woV2k0wxDwE/s500/Photo%252520Sep%25252016%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525207%25253A37%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1442405367939.4817" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> I did get this month's Quiltmaker bitty blocks done. These finish at 4" and were a fun way to get back to my machine and use up more of my scraps. This will end up as a cute row quilt at the end of the year and hopefully I will see a dent in that scrap basket by then!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFPCzEFpxFDxpKy-BH4GfBUizcTwfFARhHwOmaTZD2QXAvTiImbnTsHnWvqMFj5Y786NoPyflaGfggALcKGExstdK-PZ4nYEHjfw5X6i14f7TpBbZkOvSEHZjHTe0ssdfI3XTHGU_LDka/s2048/Photo%252520Sep%25252011%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525201%25253A49%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFPCzEFpxFDxpKy-BH4GfBUizcTwfFARhHwOmaTZD2QXAvTiImbnTsHnWvqMFj5Y786NoPyflaGfggALcKGExstdK-PZ4nYEHjfw5X6i14f7TpBbZkOvSEHZjHTe0ssdfI3XTHGU_LDka/s500/Photo%252520Sep%25252011%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525201%25253A49%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1442405367956.918" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div>
<p>Finally, you may remember a quilt, Science Fair, that I finished quilting a few months ago. It was draped across the bed in the room that our son was expected to live in at the end of the summer. However he was only here for a few nights before moving to his permanent job and I had forgotten to remove it from the bed when he arrived. He saw it in the room and said how much he liked it. The next day he sheepishly hinted that he would like to have it to hang in the office/sewing room in his new apartment and I was thrilled to gift it to him. After all, isn't that the best purpose for our quilts, to surround people with our love. I was delighted to get this picture of the quilt hanging in his room, haha, a constant reminder of mom!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fzf3pk0whRc/Vflb9imPvPI/AAAAAAAACq8/J2mjA8ckd0k/s2048/Photo%252520Sep%2525207%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525204%25253A20%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fzf3pk0whRc/Vflb9imPvPI/AAAAAAAACq8/J2mjA8ckd0k/s500/Photo%252520Sep%2525207%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525204%25253A20%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1442405367901.0667" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div>
<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14935945785304234555noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001566343778555121.post-79081969863282926642015-09-02T08:24:00.001-04:002015-09-02T08:27:41.957-04:00Two Halloween finishes <p> Whew, it has been a busy week of stitching and I finished both Halloween quilts in time for the grandkids to enjoy them for the season. Good job as moving our son jumped forward a week and with almost no notice an apartment became available for him one week early. So we load a truck today and head out tomorrow for the long trip to Oklahoma. But following his move we are going to Dallas to spend time with family and I get to visit my SIL who is my long distance quilting buddy! Hmm, maybe I can sneak in a little quilt shop therapy.</p>
<p>Back to the sewing. Here is the finished top for my granddaughter, a cute little wall hanging that was in the fall 2010 Quilt Sampler magazine.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC8pMMZLiIyK-xgs6JPdMFd26NC4yK9ZSF_X-AGy3mLRyFxk0GEKjmrw9kNTusZ9I4FQrfMFus__Wk6ObJXXUBwrpli4Q1icGZNxtUPgdrnmLk5_S1vS7b9-vjSm_6RHR_NyqshCt5Bf-f/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%25252026%25252C%2525202015%25252C%25252012%25253A45%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC8pMMZLiIyK-xgs6JPdMFd26NC4yK9ZSF_X-AGy3mLRyFxk0GEKjmrw9kNTusZ9I4FQrfMFus__Wk6ObJXXUBwrpli4Q1icGZNxtUPgdrnmLk5_S1vS7b9-vjSm_6RHR_NyqshCt5Bf-f/s500/Photo%252520Aug%25252026%25252C%2525202015%25252C%25252012%25253A45%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1441196645146.7583" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<p>I had fun playing with the quilting in this one. Since it is for Halloween, I liked the look of the jagged frames around the blocks and it was fun doing random spider webs and spiders. White thread on black is pretty non forgiving but I have decided it just goes with the scary look.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b4URroEBEmw/VebqUtfdWAI/AAAAAAAACp0/6m17KBG-FJE/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%25252030%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525201%25253A00%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b4URroEBEmw/VebqUtfdWAI/AAAAAAAACp0/6m17KBG-FJE/s500/Photo%252520Aug%25252030%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525201%25253A00%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1441196645163.6724" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>
<p>The lighting is weird with this one. Why is there no quilting showing on the bottom? And what happend to his legs?!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKjxdgFteKyo5sTO-JV6OpH0JdyABpcQoo_covA65oaCeYkjLSAuhsFOYuBmX3R0y7ugDev1x2v7YmjKeNFlH0M7XXTLB4tq5Q8iiS2GBhk8RSo7N8i4Wtuei3TJeHYzR24lJR6fEFg8W/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%25252030%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525207%25253A59%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKjxdgFteKyo5sTO-JV6OpH0JdyABpcQoo_covA65oaCeYkjLSAuhsFOYuBmX3R0y7ugDev1x2v7YmjKeNFlH0M7XXTLB4tq5Q8iiS2GBhk8RSo7N8i4Wtuei3TJeHYzR24lJR6fEFg8W/s500/Photo%252520Aug%25252030%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525207%25253A59%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1441196645162.0627" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<p>I searched for a pattern for my grandson's quilt but couldn't find anything that struck me,so came up with this design. Inspired by a quilt done by my SIL, I just cut random width of fabric strips, sewed them together and then inserted a strip and added some fun appliqué. I gave it to him last night and he loved the spider and bats, especially since "Grammie is afraid of bats". </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PZChEuddrFU/VebqXTIGfAI/AAAAAAAACqE/fmJZ8bSUwKU/s2048/Photo%252520Sep%2525201%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525205%25253A23%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PZChEuddrFU/VebqXTIGfAI/AAAAAAAACqE/fmJZ8bSUwKU/s500/Photo%252520Sep%2525201%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525205%25253A23%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1441196645196.704" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div>
<p>I just quilted it simply, an all over loop and stars in the pieced section and a little swirl/star filler in the solid grey.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E3EAOMNIel0/VebqYokTmoI/AAAAAAAACqM/pTgVB16c8uw/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%25252031%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525205%25253A23%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E3EAOMNIel0/VebqYokTmoI/AAAAAAAACqM/pTgVB16c8uw/s500/Photo%252520Aug%25252031%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525205%25253A23%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1441196645121.044" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div>
<p> Not perfect but finished, my new motto!</p>
<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14935945785304234555noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001566343778555121.post-28688514983731217732015-08-26T09:36:00.001-04:002015-08-26T09:36:48.841-04:00I'm still here<p> Oops, it has been awhile and after my last post you might think I was planning to stop blogging. Nope, I am still here but things are busy with family stuff. Once again, it involves a move but this time it is not me that is moving but my youngest son. He graduated with his Masters degree in May and is working in Virginia on a contract that ends Aug 31. He just got a job offer in Oklahoma for a more permanent job and starts Sept 8 so we are all frantically trying to figure out how to find an apartment and get him moved. All his stuff is here in Georgia so the logistics are pretty crazy, but hopefully this will be last move we are involved in for quite a while!!!</p>
<p>But I have had a chance to get some sewing in. When life seems crazy I want to work on happy projects and first up is this Aiming For Accuracy quilt. I finished the top a few years ago and finally made a back and quilted it last week. This is my first time free handing this swirl pattern. I had planned on a more elaborate custom design but just couldn't concentrate enough so swirls it is!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fjoyyNyNKMw/Vd3AvLgdkAI/AAAAAAAACoQ/KDUVLRWrwPo/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%25252017%25252C%2525202015%25252C%25252010%25253A42%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fjoyyNyNKMw/Vd3AvLgdkAI/AAAAAAAACoQ/KDUVLRWrwPo/s500/Photo%252520Aug%25252017%25252C%2525202015%25252C%25252010%25253A42%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1440596208196.7556" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<p>I decided to make it reversible with a more modern pieced back. I like how the swirls look on the solid white. A fun happy quilt for my kid friendly guest room.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbcBu71qrY9sf_g4zdnLaA6Age3su22lMtAYLryg01IDMZd2uKabWtfPTX4qrCoL7YGK93ketP4ydrst8c4r7nwFvQ16lzCpAzAJVW5ujh5qc74n58nSS90mG45WdE3khvF-1DfWFcA_th/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%25252017%25252C%2525202015%25252C%25252010%25253A42%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbcBu71qrY9sf_g4zdnLaA6Age3su22lMtAYLryg01IDMZd2uKabWtfPTX4qrCoL7YGK93ketP4ydrst8c4r7nwFvQ16lzCpAzAJVW5ujh5qc74n58nSS90mG45WdE3khvF-1DfWFcA_th/s500/Photo%252520Aug%25252017%25252C%2525202015%25252C%25252010%25253A42%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1440596208208.6462" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<p>And here are a few more blocks for the Antique Wedding Sampler. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjwHIafdIKQYOBZAkLBOlQmbJbGto_vYdAb_DP21_lCJL10x5udYMrj6C9I2kAq3BLYd2-3B9VVw_IF1-0iVFUbNUiIzubhgEElrV3RfE0TQxnDnMscjcURitQhj0i1HYgyIyhjnxofzj/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%25252017%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525204%25253A19%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjwHIafdIKQYOBZAkLBOlQmbJbGto_vYdAb_DP21_lCJL10x5udYMrj6C9I2kAq3BLYd2-3B9VVw_IF1-0iVFUbNUiIzubhgEElrV3RfE0TQxnDnMscjcURitQhj0i1HYgyIyhjnxofzj/s500/Photo%252520Aug%25252017%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525204%25253A19%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1440596208195.9478" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_xyPmIGPJCdHXYP5Xr40L86NdgzPyMAtOqxr7YcklALA_ArygZtQWatauDHuMUlvemdR1v4kGclpc0zr2S8xuAgFP9TBAbCmMHgHPalt50EPRPzf2hdFaN54DS5oyHZ8olSK0fTL7RQs/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525204%25253A23%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_xyPmIGPJCdHXYP5Xr40L86NdgzPyMAtOqxr7YcklALA_ArygZtQWatauDHuMUlvemdR1v4kGclpc0zr2S8xuAgFP9TBAbCmMHgHPalt50EPRPzf2hdFaN54DS5oyHZ8olSK0fTL7RQs/s500/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525204%25253A23%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1440596208218.7605" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<p>This is coming along nicely and I am happy with how they are looking together. This limited color palette gets more challenging with each block. Such a lesson in value and scale. I know I will appreciate 2 color quilts more in the future.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lh_pBP-kN2Q/Vd3A0terW9I/AAAAAAAACow/izIg31gyKfg/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525204%25253A25%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lh_pBP-kN2Q/Vd3A0terW9I/AAAAAAAACow/izIg31gyKfg/s500/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525204%25253A25%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1440596208205.663" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<p>This weekend I really just wanted to sew some quick and easy projects for the grandkids. My little grandson started preschool and I saw this tutorial on a Patchwork Posse for a shark pencil case. The zipper was pretty confusing to do, and I discovered that I could not use my pinking shears anymore, but overall it was a fun little project. Hope he likes it.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TUJ0YH3UajQ/Vd3A1zLwWQI/AAAAAAAACo4/8Jh6MFSfod4/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%25252022%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525202%25253A28%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TUJ0YH3UajQ/Vd3A1zLwWQI/AAAAAAAACo4/8Jh6MFSfod4/s500/Photo%252520Aug%25252022%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525202%25253A28%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1440596208227.1204" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<p>And I couldn't forget my granddaughter. Here is a little purse for her , a free tutorial on the blog Make it and Love It. It is sized for a toddler so it should be perfect for her - she does love a handbag!</p>
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<p>Finally a little fun Halloween sewing. This pattern was in the 2010 Fall/Winter Quilt Sampler magazine. I loved the pattern at the time and set it aside for when I had grandchildren. Then later I saw that my LQS had a kit for another quilt in these fabrics at a clearance price, I scooped it up and put it with the pattern waiting for just the right time. Well the grandkids are 3 1/2 and 1 1/2 so the time has come. This is just a 40" wall hanging and I hope to make lap quilts with the remaining fabrics. </p>
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<p>I just love the bits of embroidery in the blocks and now that they are finished I will put them together today and hopefully get the border on and quilted by the end of the week. Here is a closer look.</p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2z9VINXEy0g/Vd3A7ZnayGI/AAAAAAAACpY/SxIpdN-HBpM/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%25252025%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525208%25253A16%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2z9VINXEy0g/Vd3A7ZnayGI/AAAAAAAACpY/SxIpdN-HBpM/s500/Photo%252520Aug%25252025%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525208%25253A16%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1440596208212.6787" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div>
<p>It is fun having this silly project to work on during a busy time. Sewing is such great therapy!</p>
<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14935945785304234555noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001566343778555121.post-48043885390808734982015-08-14T19:58:00.001-04:002015-08-14T19:58:18.853-04:00Flower Pots is finished and blogging reflections <p> Well here it is my finished Flower Pots quilt by Kim McLean. This top was finished about 4 years ago and was my first, and almost only, use of Kaffe Fasset fabrics. I am very happy with it overall and while the quilting is not perfect, it is indeed finished.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6E_g7dwFpvw/Vc6AhHsRidI/AAAAAAAACnk/NRJwSs6BxUs/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%25252014%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525209%25253A27%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6E_g7dwFpvw/Vc6AhHsRidI/AAAAAAAACnk/NRJwSs6BxUs/s500/Photo%252520Aug%25252014%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525209%25253A27%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1439596698902.8801" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<p>A few close ups to give a better idea of the quilting.</p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKCHpOFhDHKAQ9v3Ou-KYlFCy793mnMLjE2nj4OH5pjdMvyegcSlf8XZXhgWNSnGFKsjaSh_SI7BEoU3_r-QIEVX4ajppXWFHqn-Afb1fzioWycI-JSV1qovbOdt8DBsbRVfPEEScUKXk/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%25252013%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525206%25253A25%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKCHpOFhDHKAQ9v3Ou-KYlFCy793mnMLjE2nj4OH5pjdMvyegcSlf8XZXhgWNSnGFKsjaSh_SI7BEoU3_r-QIEVX4ajppXWFHqn-Afb1fzioWycI-JSV1qovbOdt8DBsbRVfPEEScUKXk/s500/Photo%252520Aug%25252013%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525206%25253A25%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1439596698895.2463" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div>
<p>While trying to figure out when I had finished this top, I scanned through old blog posts and that got me to thinking about my blogging. First and most important I blog to keep some sort of diary of my quilting progress and it is mostly for this reason that I continue. I love the fact that through your comments and my reading other blogs I feel I have entered into a world of friends which is a bonus I truly could not have imagined when I began. But sadly I am not reading blogs as often as I used to and rarely comment as lately so many of my comments get bounced back. Something to do with my aol email account not wanting to play nicely with Yahoo accounts and other stuff I don't quite understand. You might even be wondering why I am mentioning all this but mostly I wanted to alert people that I am not ignoring their blogs but finding the commenting situation just so frustrating. And some of you who comment on my blog, the comments are sometimes not being sent to my email so I can't respond. Anyway please know that I do appreciate all my readers and followers whether you comment or not. And like many of you I am also spending more time on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest but I am not quite ready to give up my blog, I really need this diary. So what are your thoughts, are you still blogging, reading blogs much or have you moved to other types of social media?</p>
<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14935945785304234555noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001566343778555121.post-22939103321663303092015-08-11T08:28:00.001-04:002015-08-11T08:28:11.237-04:00More blocks from the Antique Wedding Sampler and Quilting Flower Pots<p> Thanks to everyone who weighed in on my design dilemma. I am still torn and have decided to wait to make the final decision until after the rest of the blocks are finished. Hopefully once they are all arranged it will be more obvious which one works better to balance the quilt. </p>
<p>I have finished a few more blocks. This is one of my favorites, another starburst hand pieced block with broderie perse.</p>
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<p>Here is block 9, an applique block with a fun fussy cut center.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacA8vpsafQRVrS8Rfi-_Oqr1k9hTIHbgPPKIAqLk75NhJO_0oDU9YuBveiUvv9RA0HqNrXmuI5Szn9wo4GTKkcigQqA59rUYRtkL86K7ZnOL9RSgeeZubMc-CFGpjYLvQclSUjIomZ5Eh/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%25252010%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525204%25253A13%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacA8vpsafQRVrS8Rfi-_Oqr1k9hTIHbgPPKIAqLk75NhJO_0oDU9YuBveiUvv9RA0HqNrXmuI5Szn9wo4GTKkcigQqA59rUYRtkL86K7ZnOL9RSgeeZubMc-CFGpjYLvQclSUjIomZ5Eh/s500/Photo%252520Aug%25252010%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525204%25253A13%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1439296090521.3933" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<p>I also made the cute little log cabin blocks for the Quiltmake Bitty Blocks BOM. They finish at 4". It was fun doing them totally scrappy from leftover bits of fabric, I think it took longer to cut than it did to sew!</p>
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<p>Several years ago I made Flower Pots by Kim McLean and this week I finally had the courage to put it on the longarm machine. I have come to the conclusion that if I keep waiting til my skills are better to get all my tops quilted I will be waiting forever. The only way to improve my quilting skills is to practice, practice, practice so I here I go!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RQ1iYxaUlOY/VcnqUTG6EiI/AAAAAAAACnI/3xwUwjDuVlo/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%2525209%25252C%2525202015%25252C%25252010%25253A04%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RQ1iYxaUlOY/VcnqUTG6EiI/AAAAAAAACnI/3xwUwjDuVlo/s500/Photo%252520Aug%2525209%25252C%2525202015%25252C%25252010%25253A04%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1439296090453.5874" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div>
<p>And I am off. This will take awhile but hopefully it will look OK and I keep telling myself that finished is better than perfect!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WZYIH7WU91U/VcnqV2P1qBI/AAAAAAAACnQ/gdIIdzDmCME/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%2525209%25252C%2525202015%25252C%25252010%25253A48%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WZYIH7WU91U/VcnqV2P1qBI/AAAAAAAACnQ/gdIIdzDmCME/s500/Photo%252520Aug%2525209%25252C%2525202015%25252C%25252010%25253A48%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1439296090451.7595" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div>
<p>And finally someone asked about the paint color for my bedroom but was a no reply blogger which meant that I could not respond directly. The paint color is Aquatic Edge, a Valspar paint from Lowes. I have now used this color in three Master Bedrooms and still love it!</p>
<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14935945785304234555noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001566343778555121.post-49751846660720474652015-08-03T18:12:00.001-04:002015-08-03T18:12:22.538-04:00Design dilemma <p> I am still having fun with my Blue and White version of the Antique Wedding Sampler by Di Ford. Here is block 6, another one of the beautiful sunburst style hand pieced blocks with some Broderie Perse.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jPepvVzKjNY/Vb_nNJhx5GI/AAAAAAAACl8/-9jw59FdvGk/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%2525203%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525207%25253A35%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jPepvVzKjNY/Vb_nNJhx5GI/AAAAAAAACl8/-9jw59FdvGk/s500/Photo%252520Aug%2525203%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525207%25253A35%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1438639940596.1963" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<p>This quilt is destined for my Master bedroom where much of our collection of Blue and White Chinese pottery is displayed. Here is a picture of the bedroom, though the quilt will probably end up not on the bed but on the wall opposite.</p>
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<p>So here is my minor dilemma. I have decided to modify the vase block in the quilt to reflect the Chinese pottery and to give the bouquet a more Asian look. I am pretty happy with the placement of the Broderie Perse bouquet and the vase shape but cannot decide between the two different vase fabrics. Actually they are both from the same fabric but one is predominantly dark and the there light. I will be placing this block in the center of the quilt.</p>
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<p>So which do you think looks better, dark or light? I can't finish all of the appliqué on the flowers until I decide and I keep going back and forth between the two. Help me out and let me know what you think, I am also going to post in the FB group related to Di Ford quilts and ask. Should be fun to see what everyone thinks!</p>
<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14935945785304234555noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001566343778555121.post-2492552474110333232015-07-31T07:21:00.001-04:002015-07-31T07:21:41.641-04:00A new start - Antique Wedding Sampler<p> Time to take a bit of a break from the longarm quilting. While it is great to get some quilts finished, too many days on my feet and my knee started acting up. And then after a three day weekend babysitting the grandchildren, I was feeling a need to play with my fabric. I have been considering making the Antique Wedding Sampler quilt from Di Ford's book Primarily Patchwork in shades of blue and white for about a year. After seeing the beautiful red and white Civil War Bride quilt on the blog Every Stitch I was inspired again and decided to just jump in. For awhile I had considered using these fabric to make Oma's Blues by Esther Aliu, and still hope to make that quilt one day, but decided that I really wanted to give the AWS a go. I decided to make the blocks in the order they appear in the pattern, possibly not the best choice as the first block proved to be a bit of a challenge. This one is hand pieced and hand appliqued. I especially love the Broderie Perse in the corners, so fun finding the perfect fabric in my stash.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPbPtfXfz1Zx6T_NejceqyOiBWd-VQuKZrNalYeRYm-STw8OgOIegouYJNeQoU3WTv1MS5xEX4dCWzTzHr9dgUMyNGMck8fGq4R4pZlDD8fY9ac3V9YGt2RfPGWoZUFpHbGYKcIzW0SqT/s2048/Photo%252520Jul%25252028%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525208%25253A21%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPbPtfXfz1Zx6T_NejceqyOiBWd-VQuKZrNalYeRYm-STw8OgOIegouYJNeQoU3WTv1MS5xEX4dCWzTzHr9dgUMyNGMck8fGq4R4pZlDD8fY9ac3V9YGt2RfPGWoZUFpHbGYKcIzW0SqT/s500/Photo%252520Jul%25252028%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525208%25253A21%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1438341699376.871" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<p>Block 2 was much easier. I machine pieced the large star and then did EPP for the little star in the center. It actually should have 8 points instead of 6 but since I already had the papers for the 6 pointed star I went for it. A little fussy cutting really brings the star to life.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-yL0FAW6NRapsJ6jNKS1LHPEoRn9_eh3U5yOnyN0UO7kVho-t_ZFzCORdfaHWP4Vl7X5iAT1OXOpWwy6u-gZECuPQefZhXnRrhAqXoxyfBEy-eFUiCgmKzfaR9AHxvPaAyY-LfFqGzXw/s2048/Photo%252520Jul%25252029%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525209%25253A28%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-yL0FAW6NRapsJ6jNKS1LHPEoRn9_eh3U5yOnyN0UO7kVho-t_ZFzCORdfaHWP4Vl7X5iAT1OXOpWwy6u-gZECuPQefZhXnRrhAqXoxyfBEy-eFUiCgmKzfaR9AHxvPaAyY-LfFqGzXw/s500/Photo%252520Jul%25252029%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525209%25253A28%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1438341699420.6287" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<p>Block 3 is a pretty simple block. Mostly machine pieced except for the circular star in the center which is hand pieced and then appliqued onto the center square. So hard to remember that these blocks will be set on point but so important when you are fussy cutting!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DT9NbW-0VNo/VbtaPQ3skWI/AAAAAAAAClk/mfQTGqVO90Q/s2048/Photo%252520Jul%25252029%25252C%2525202015%25252C%25252010%25253A34%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DT9NbW-0VNo/VbtaPQ3skWI/AAAAAAAAClk/mfQTGqVO90Q/s500/Photo%252520Jul%25252029%25252C%2525202015%25252C%25252010%25253A34%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1438341699442.9353" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div>
<p>And finally a picture of these and a few more unfinished blocks on the design wall. These are more true in color. I love how the blues are playing together so far. Using such a restrained color palette is quite challenging for me. I am still working on value issues but as always, I am learning as I go. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0JJkGKDGKJg/VbtaQub5HrI/AAAAAAAACls/TXNeH5xCL_4/s2048/Photo%252520Jul%25252030%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525202%25253A43%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0JJkGKDGKJg/VbtaQub5HrI/AAAAAAAACls/TXNeH5xCL_4/s500/Photo%252520Jul%25252030%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525202%25253A43%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1438341699394.695" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div>
<p>I have been hoarding most of these fabrics for about 7 years so it is fun finally using them. If you are familiar with the pattern then you know there is lots more Broderie Perse to come - I can't wait!</p>
<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14935945785304234555noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001566343778555121.post-50779484254923057712015-07-23T20:53:00.001-04:002015-07-23T20:53:19.873-04:00The finishing continues<p> Now that my longarm machine is up and running I am trying to catch up with all the tops that have accumulated over the last few years. I can't believe that I had about 30 tops waiting to be quilted - it will take a long time to finish them all but I am making a start.</p>
<p>Here is my Celtic Solstice, Bonnie Hunter's mystery quilt from 2013. I am very happy with the colors in this one.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NASpNyW9YeE/VbGMYoZk7oI/AAAAAAAACko/XyZ0TVWmdAU/s2048/Photo%252520Jul%25252020%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525203%25253A02%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NASpNyW9YeE/VbGMYoZk7oI/AAAAAAAACko/XyZ0TVWmdAU/s500/Photo%252520Jul%25252020%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525203%25253A02%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1437699201233.1562" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<p>About a year ago I made this quilt called Science Fair. It makes a cute throw in the guest room that until recently was my sewing room.</p>
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<p>And today I quilted and bound another Bonnie Hunter quilt, Scrappy Trips, a free pattern available on her blog. I have called it Scrappy Trip to France because I used mostly French General fabrics. I had forgotten how much I like this quilt until I was quilting it, I just love all these pretty prints combined. It is fun getting to know my machine again and to practice a different design with each one. My machine is not computerized so I must free motion quilt all the designs by hand. I need lots of practice!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xcbw5KE_PXY/VbGMd-MR4CI/AAAAAAAACk4/IqIXxlWh-uA/s2048/Photo%252520Jul%25252023%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525207%25253A11%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xcbw5KE_PXY/VbGMd-MR4CI/AAAAAAAACk4/IqIXxlWh-uA/s500/Photo%252520Jul%25252023%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525207%25253A11%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1437699201246.917" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div>
<p>I also finished another 1/2 size block from My Enchanted Garden. Lots of fun to work with these fabrics and threads!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4sRqWXm_MWh_EKqzO4NvjycVml2t_oQJrI4_bmjJ_y_lwMuCDd8-k28sM1fJtPbMXn7u2-6zbjTB6pXUX_sydI6Tx83Z5_iVgW1XhZ7etWy5q5w8v-aV1_y_q0kpbB4tFxaAvm7z6rTkL/s2048/Photo%252520Jul%25252016%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525209%25253A00%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4sRqWXm_MWh_EKqzO4NvjycVml2t_oQJrI4_bmjJ_y_lwMuCDd8-k28sM1fJtPbMXn7u2-6zbjTB6pXUX_sydI6Tx83Z5_iVgW1XhZ7etWy5q5w8v-aV1_y_q0kpbB4tFxaAvm7z6rTkL/s500/Photo%252520Jul%25252016%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525209%25253A00%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1437699201307.2793" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div>
<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14935945785304234555noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001566343778555121.post-45021416231605501932015-07-16T18:47:00.001-04:002015-07-16T18:47:24.945-04:00Di ford mystery quilt, part 6 continues<p>This has been a busy stitching week and yesterday I finally had a chance to cut the setting triangles for my Di Ford Mystery, Mountmellick. In the original quilt the final border is red so I have really had to think about color placement while selecting colors since I changed my border to a teal fabric. I am really learning a lot about color, design and attention to details with this quilt. Di seems to excel at these things and in trying to select fabrics to enhance her design I am paying more attention myself. Today I pieced 2 of the borders, can't wait to get to the other 2 soon. It turned out a little darker than I intended but I do really like it. And isn't it weird how light the center background looks - it is the same fabric used in the background for the stars in the final border yet looks so much lighter!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Af1CAtC2ZPk/Vag0ac07_fI/AAAAAAAACj8/yldbOkauZXU/s2048/Photo%252520Jul%25252016%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525205%25253A11%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Af1CAtC2ZPk/Vag0ac07_fI/AAAAAAAACj8/yldbOkauZXU/s500/Photo%252520Jul%25252016%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525205%25253A11%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1437086845834.1553" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<p>One of the things that has kept me busy has been helping my DIL finish a quilt for her brother's wedding. She finished sewing the top before the wedding but didn't have time to get it quilted so this week she came over to make the backing. We decided to add a pieced section to make the quilt reversible and to save fabric. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y2C8d3dotlA/Vag0bzFk0rI/AAAAAAAACkE/2mvKwP8q4rU/s2048/Photo%252520Jul%25252015%25252C%2525202015%25252C%25252011%25253A48%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y2C8d3dotlA/Vag0bzFk0rI/AAAAAAAACkE/2mvKwP8q4rU/s500/Photo%252520Jul%25252015%25252C%2525202015%25252C%25252011%25253A48%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1437086845813.8281" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xQDUaImsQ2Q/Vag0dLBro2I/AAAAAAAACkM/0Jt8FvHlj6k/s2048/Photo%252520Jul%25252015%25252C%2525202015%25252C%25252011%25253A53%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xQDUaImsQ2Q/Vag0dLBro2I/AAAAAAAACkM/0Jt8FvHlj6k/s500/Photo%252520Jul%25252015%25252C%2525202015%25252C%25252011%25253A53%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1437086845813.0657" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div>
<p>I rarely make quilts this big, it is 87 x 91", so I was a bit nervous to quilt it. I ended up doing a simple all over paisley design and think it worked out well. Now to get it trimmed and the binding put on. Thankfully, DIL will be doing the hand stitching on the binding on this one.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SpqnRDR2NDM/Vag0eSFbE1I/AAAAAAAACkQ/_mo105ljv54/s2048/Photo%252520Jul%25252016%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525202%25253A35%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SpqnRDR2NDM/Vag0eSFbE1I/AAAAAAAACkQ/_mo105ljv54/s500/Photo%252520Jul%25252016%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525202%25253A35%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1437086845881.0151" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div>
<p>Really happy to have this quilt off my plate, I am anxious to start quilting some UFOs of my own.</p>
<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14935945785304234555noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001566343778555121.post-74148398984329617452015-07-12T15:56:00.001-04:002015-07-12T15:56:29.815-04:00Doing the Quilter's Happy Dance<p> Since nobody needs to see pictures of me doing that dance, I will start this post with a photo of my Stonefields quilt as it is on the design wall right now. Sorry, it is not a great photo but at least you get the idea. I have finished all the flying else needed for the border and have 88 of the 121 blocks completed. Still hoping to finish this top this year.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--cpIE5H0xsw/VaLGWPzjLxI/AAAAAAAACjQ/Ia2h8-g3rvQ/s640/Photo%252520Jul%25252012%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525202%25253A02%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--cpIE5H0xsw/VaLGWPzjLxI/AAAAAAAACjQ/Ia2h8-g3rvQ/s500/Photo%252520Jul%25252012%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525202%25253A02%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1436730989968.2522" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>
<p>But back to my dancing with glee. You may remember that we have had to move a few times over the last few years and during that time I also had back surgery for a spinal fusion. As a result I have not been able to use my longarm machine for about 3 years. I had only had the machine for just over a year before it had to be disassembled and packed up and then right after it was set back up in the last house I found out I needed immediate surgery and then we had to move again. Well finally, with my new studio space complete, DH set the machine and frame up again. This past week I finally had the courage to relearn how to load it and operate sewing machine and after much research and troubleshooting things are running well. Yippee, and dare I say it is running better than ever. So in just a few days I have finished a few things and am so excited to think I can finally start making a dent in all the tops I have accumulated. I decided to just start with some easy all over designs so I could focus on machine adjustments. Here is an easy top that I had made awhile ago. My little grandson loves all the vehicles and was happy to see this one go on his big boy bed.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2rqeeYwgtxY/VaLGXqiVFdI/AAAAAAAACjY/VsVmNS-BGCY/s2048/Photo%252520Jul%25252011%25252C%2525202015%25252C%25252011%25253A39%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2rqeeYwgtxY/VaLGXqiVFdI/AAAAAAAACjY/VsVmNS-BGCY/s500/Photo%252520Jul%25252011%25252C%2525202015%25252C%25252011%25253A39%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1436730989922.6267" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<p>Here is a charity quilt ready to take for someone else in my sewing group to bind. This floral is another of the designs that I find easy to do. I do not often do pantographs as I enjoy "drawing" the pattern freehand. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zV_KIatitJM/VaLGZCEtMwI/AAAAAAAACjg/uxYBZznAcoI/s2048/Photo%252520Jul%25252012%25252C%2525202015%25252C%25252010%25253A03%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zV_KIatitJM/VaLGZCEtMwI/AAAAAAAACjg/uxYBZznAcoI/s500/Photo%252520Jul%25252012%25252C%2525202015%25252C%25252010%25253A03%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1436730989999.3276" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div>
<p>And finally another quick quilt either for my granddaughter or charity. My DIL has asked for a small quilt to be donated to a silent auction so this will go to that unless she decides to keep it - then I am happy to make something else for the donation. So much easier now that I know I can get the quilting done! </p>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zWsV4ygtvrM/VaLGau2yzVI/AAAAAAAACjo/IAotRjZM1Cg/s2048/Photo%252520Jul%25252012%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525202%25253A06%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zWsV4ygtvrM/VaLGau2yzVI/AAAAAAAACjo/IAotRjZM1Cg/s500/Photo%252520Jul%25252012%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525202%25253A06%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1436730989946.321" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div>
<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14935945785304234555noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001566343778555121.post-53610510758945410202015-07-09T18:53:00.001-04:002015-07-09T18:53:48.067-04:00Di Ford Mystery, Part 6 begins<p>For the last several months I have been enjoying my Di Ford Mystery, Mountmellick, quilt top displayed over my fireplace. Although I would much prefer to hang a finished top, sometimes seeing the unfinished one eventually spurs me on to a finish as is the case with this one.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-63WNf4cZgxs/VZ77UC9_iSI/AAAAAAAACiE/DFDxyMI5TAU/s2048/Photo%252520Jun%25252028%25252C%2525202015%25252C%25252012%25253A51%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-63WNf4cZgxs/VZ77UC9_iSI/AAAAAAAACiE/DFDxyMI5TAU/s500/Photo%252520Jun%25252028%25252C%2525202015%25252C%25252012%25253A51%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1436482429179.0088" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div>
<p>If you are familiar with this quilt, which was last year's mystery quilt in Quiltmania magazine, you know that part 6 has lots of EPP to do before the border can be assembled. Just over a week ago I decided to tackle the EPP only to discover that I did not have the correct paper pieces for the 36 stars. So instead I began with the corners and ordered the "jewel" pieces from Paper Pieces. Here are the finished corners.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M32_jkeO4uU/VZ77Vkc0aKI/AAAAAAAACiI/RwAl2pCLlUA/s2048/Photo%252520Jul%2525204%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525208%25253A58%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M32_jkeO4uU/VZ77Vkc0aKI/AAAAAAAACiI/RwAl2pCLlUA/s500/Photo%252520Jul%2525204%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525208%25253A58%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1436482429180.439" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<p>And once the papers arrived I began making stars. I decided to do a little fussy cutting with these stars and am pretty pleased with how they are looking.</p>
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<p>Once the stars are made they need to be appliqued to the background. I like to remove the papers before appliquing so I give the star a quick spray with Best Press, iron on both sides and then remove the papers. A tiny dab of Roxanne's Glue Baste and they are glued in place on the background square. While I do sometimes use a glue stick to baste my EPP I find that it is easier to thread baste these tiny pieces in the corners only. By not basting throughout the paper and punching a hole in the papers before using they are easy to pop out.</p>
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<p>I like to finger press the diagonal lines on the square to help with placement for these. By making sure that the tip points are going in the direction of my stitching (I am left handed) these are easy to appliqué in place. I do trim the tips as I come to them so there won't be so much extra fabric to tuck under.</p>
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<p>And here is the quilt on the design wall with some of the finished stars in place. I am waiting til all the stars are complete before cutting all the setting triangles as I am still deciding on fabrics for those. And on the right is the border I am planning to use. I wish I had used a darker teal fabric for the center swags but I love the border enough to make it work. </p>
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<p>I did finish piecing my Red and White quilt, a little late for the July 4th and Canada Day holiday but hopefully it will be quilted before Christmas.</p>
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<p>Finally another little Stonefields sunflower block. I couldn't resist making one more!</p>
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<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14935945785304234555noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001566343778555121.post-88605238839753726012015-07-04T09:38:00.001-04:002015-07-04T09:38:23.527-04:00My Mystery gone astray<p> To celebrate both Canada Day and July 4th I decided to do a little red and white sewing this week. I belong to 2 quilt guilds and one of them has a mystery quilt project. A new clue is give each month and by the end of the year we will end up with a quilt. This year's mystery required only two fabrics with good contrast, though you could go scrappy, and size is determined by the size of your pieces. I have wanted a red and white quilt for a long time and thought this would be the perfect chance. Our first clue had us making lots and lots of either HSTs or flying geese units. Mission accomplished and then I went searching online to look at Red and White quilts. Oh dear, I saw a quilt I just loved and hoped that my mystery would be that quilt. Another look at the second clue and I knew it was not to be. But I just could not get that quilt out of my head. So I decided to to figure out how to do it and started making components.</p>
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<p>It is basically an Irish Chain and I am using the Flying Geese in the sashing sections to make the stars appear. </p>
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<p>It is pretty small as I am using 1" finished squares. Once this all gets sewn together there will be a few very simple borders and I will have a great little throw or large table topper, perfect for Canada Day, July 4th, Christmas or even Valentines Day. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBh46YzhL9BlNUH9LnEO15ut6RQ6ZAOeMQy3XzrF-0ki61O9ra1E3aRis1IFV39ic44ru8FMB9pDgYPDAyPM_B8haf0CFTZJmsESLmCQBW-_Zdsuex4lnWS7umysTLwXl-t495_4-OFFz/s2048/Photo%252520Jul%2525202%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525201%25253A24%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBh46YzhL9BlNUH9LnEO15ut6RQ6ZAOeMQy3XzrF-0ki61O9ra1E3aRis1IFV39ic44ru8FMB9pDgYPDAyPM_B8haf0CFTZJmsESLmCQBW-_Zdsuex4lnWS7umysTLwXl-t495_4-OFFz/s500/Photo%252520Jul%2525202%25252C%2525202015%25252C%2525201%25253A24%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1436017103050.93" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div>
<p>Now I think I might have to go back do the mystery in Blue and White!</p>
<p> Finally, I just wanted to share these lovely hydrangeas. These grow in my backyard but I can't see them where they are growing so they are perfect for cutting for indoors!</p>
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<p> </p>
<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14935945785304234555noreply@blogger.com14