Friday, December 30, 2011

Machine Quilting, and the Other Side of the Studio

While waiting for the next step in a Quiltville.com Mystery Quilt, I pulled out this  "Rebuilt Log Cabin," my name for the design, and I started the machine quilting.  I call it "Steps" for a variety of personal reasons.   I had dreaded the quilting, as I KNEW there were several pleats in the backing, but planned to quilt TO that area and then rebaste, a job I was NOT looking forward to - ugh!.  Happy Day - I lost track of where I was stitching, and dang it if I didn't quilt those pleats right into the backing and honestly, you can hardly tell they are there unless the viewer KNOWS it, and other than all you bloggers, I'm not telling!  Am I lucky or am I lucky?  8-)))

My husband works on the other side of our "studio" which is only a small room about 10 x 11 feet.  If he rolls his chair back when I roll my chair back, we crash, that's how small our space is, but we still manage to do our things. 

He makes wood, model boats and frankly, between quilts and boats, we are running out of space.  This project is USS Constitution, "Old Ironsides", circa 1700, a war ship and this is a crosswise  cross section.  The mast goes up another 2 levels, but he decided this was tall enough.  DH is a big man, large hands and I truly do NOT know know he can fiddle with all the lines, tiny knots, drilling teeny things, etc.  In this case, he cannot even rest his hand on anything when his hands have to be 18 inches over the tablle.  There are a LOT of words that come out of his mouth at times -- then I have to leave the area!  Those clamps are helping to hold knots tight, or glue or something.  This is a cross wise section, and his detail is amazing!  There are several decks on this ship, which would hold all the supplies for the crew.  This one starts as a kit, with the basics, and instructions are frequently in another language and almost always, have serious errors, so all calculations and cutting have to be logically challenged - you just cannot dump the parts out on the table - you have to KNOW how boats/ships are built. He's really good at adding or inventing the details that bring it to life, as well as "making do" when something goes awry.


Below is a close-up. So far, he's put in 150 hours, and there are many more to go.
 

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Another Notebook Folder

Here is yet another notebook folder, oroginal from Fons & Porter DVD -- thanks Pat D. (Chalk markings need to be removed.)   I wanted to try out my big machine stitches and circles.  I made the dash to my LQS to purchase the Circle Maker, or whatever it's called, only to find the shop in major disarray, due to preparations for carpeting.  But they gallantly found the gadget, buried in a storage box, and out came my credit card - yikes -- that $$ figure was a surprise.  Jeeesh - they are always helpful and this time I KNOW they climbed boxes, ladders to find what I asked for so I caught my breath, signed the receipt, and headed home, eager to try this new gadget -- and it's Christmas and this is a present for ME! 

Hmmmm, how on earth??? I must be stupid, or ??? does it fit??? kinda got it in the hole where it's supposed to go but it's wobbly ... and halfway through, the gadaget clunked out of where it's supposed to be seated.  Jeeesh - my circle is no longer round -- oh great - it's an incomplete mess -- this gadget will NOT fit.  It goes back to the shop and after all their kindness to find the dang thing.  Darn, another trip.  8-))

I took out all the stitches  -- gurgibratzofratzzz!   and then started over, this time simply following a chalk line.  Uhhhh, lets' see, mark around a coffee cup with chalk and it works just fine!  I've also seen the "tack" method which works well, and free. 

Fabrics are what was on hand, button was the "lost" button that had rolled under some "stuff" a while ago, wish I had some nice embroidery floss but found this string for the button, and I still have a number of Dollar Store notebooks.  The closure is Hook and Loop.  There is one FQ for front, and one for back. 
 The idea of "using all your threads with gay abandon" does not work.  You MUST practice on a separate piece each time you change threads.  Take my word for it!!!

Sunday, December 25, 2011

38 Ohio Stars on the Board

38 Ohio Stars on the Board ....
38 Ohio Stars ....
 
These Orca Bay, Step 6 blocks (from Bonnie Hunter at Quiltville.com ) sew up faster than expected.  The final pressing (seams pressed in or out) will be completed when we are given more instructions.  My star centers also include several purpley blues.  I thought the pink might add some spark - I'm loving them all!  The small units of strings are in the pinks and purpley ranges, and my larger string units are in the blues/purpley/turquoise range. 
I don't want to eat anything ever again ...8-(

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Reconsidering my Previous Pressing Suggestion...

My post yesterday suggested pressing tips for the Ohio Stars, for Orca Bay Step 6 of the Mystery Quilt from Bonnie Hunter.

I have reconsidered -- the blocks don't WANT to have 2 seams pressed out and 2 center seams pressed in.  It's much easier to press them both OUT.  I may regret my decision, but they can be re-pressed if that becomes necessary.  Also, it might be different depending on what fabrics you use.

Just a suggestion.  8-))

Friday, December 23, 2011

Orca Bay, Step 6, in Process - CUTE!

This is a scrappy Mystery Quilt from Quiltville.com.  We're at Step 6 and have cut and sewed a gazillion pieces!  Yikes - if I had known ahead of time how many, I would have opted out, but once a person gets going, and knows there are thousands of other participants, we all get enthusiastic and it's hard to slow down!

I used blue instead of Bonnie's red centers, and pink strings instead of ... oh great -- I don't remember!  LOL    However I am fortunate to have kept up with all the Steps!  Yeahhhh!

The 4 corners of each block are a consistant fabric, to keep things "under control."  None of us know if that's a good tip or not.  Also, on the back of the stars, I pressed 2 sides in and 2 sides out.  I hope that covers the possible options. 

Thanks Bonnie Hunter of Quiltville.com!

I also want to thank Vic at  http://victoria-carroll-parkhill.blogspot.com/ who took pity on me and my whining about not having enough black fabric -- she kindly sent me a BUNCH!  And her fabric is in these blocks!   (mmmm, I'm going to have to remember that whining technique!)  LOL  BIG THANKS Victoria! -- 8-))

Merry Christmas everyone - stay safe and warm and unstressed, and may you all have a Blessed New Year. 

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Another Folder, Cats and Spool Button

I must have some kind of addictive condition - I can't stop making these folders.  Look closely at my amazing good luck in that the foldover part actually meets the pattern it folds to.  What are the chances of that?  Sometimes, good luck happens!

Do you see the decorative button?  DH didn't understand the concept of cutting that spool lengthwise - somehow when I said "button" he insisted is HAD to be cut across the spool!  It just goes to show how we all think differently.  I finally DREW it and he kindly offered to cut, sand, drilling holes.  It's perfect -- flat on the back!   And I have another one just like it for the next project.


Sunday, December 11, 2011

Another Folder

I'm still making these folders with the notebook inside.  Since I cleaned out  all the 7 x 9 Spiral notebooks from the Dollar Store, I'd better use them all.

Here is my latest, and as happened with all the previous ones, I still could not find the "right" button.  Finally, I realized that I don't like buttons - too traditional.  Wish I had some clever "things".  I used emb. threads to make a bunch of fuzzies, instead of a button.  The required button doesn't really DO anything - it's just for detail,  so if I had anything else clever, that would do as well.  mmm leather, macrame, hardware, but nothing comes to mind.  The inside is black with white polka dots, and I quilted this on the diagonal, with straight lines about 2 inches apart.  Quilting it myself is MUCH better than any pre-quilted fabrics I could find, and MUCH less expensive as well.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Step 4 - DONE

These strings for the latest Quiltville Mystery Step almost started themselves - they are so addictive,! I'm using blues, purples, turquoises, instead of reds.  I sat down after supper Friday and planned to piddle around for a few minutes, but energy and enthusiasm got the better of me, and by midnight, they were almost finished.   My normal bedtime is early, 9:30 or so - what happened?? I felt like I'd had an overdose of caffeine, but nope.  Again this morning, I'm up early, sewing, pressing, -- the energy is still with me. Yowsa - whatever happened I want to bottle it!!!

The fabric is lightly starched before removing the paper (above)  - but it helped to stabilize the edges and I believe the starch helped soften the paper.  I've given up on ever maintaining a nice cover for the board, and now use a towel. 

OK, how long to remove paper? less than expected -- less than 2 hours, -- very easy.  The mess? uhhh!  LOL


Here they are, DONE.  I've been wanting to use strings for something - this takes care of that "want".   Almost ALL my strings in these comibinations are gone.  I wonder what Bonnie has in store for us next.  Hope she doesn't want blue strings!
I still have parts of #1 and #2, to finish.  My house is a mess!!! 

Friday, December 09, 2011

Fooling around some more - 6 strips

Yesterday I made one set of strata, consisting of 6, 1 1/2 in. (cut) strips and came up with the interesting block at the top of the photo, posted yesterday.

Today I cut the rest of the same strata and instead of sewing the blocks one at a time, I mixed up the pieces and look what happened?  Yikes -- this is interesting!  So, if you did ALL the strips the same, for the entire quilt, you could get this look.  I'm sure I haven't invented anything new, but it's new --a nd fun -- to me! 

However, I MUST clear the decks, and put this away, in order to get to sewing Step #4 of the Quiltville Mystery.  My strips are ready to go!

Wednesday, December 07, 2011

Fooling Around - Six Strips

I HAD to try this idea, seen on YouTube from Missouri Star.  Their sample was in girly pinks and yellows, with a lot of white in them.  

Start with strips - I used six,  1.5 inch strips - I'll bet you can use various widths for this  (that's another project!).    My strata was even crooked! 
 I sewed 6, 1.5 inch strips together into a strata, pressed up or down, then cut the strata to make a  6 1/2 inch square.  I think any size square will do, but decide on the length of your strata for the best use of fabric.  I got 6, 6 1/2 inch squares to my strata. 

Face two squares together, one vertical, the other horizontal.  Then, sew around the outside 4 sides of the 2 squares, with quarter inch seam.  Then make two (2) diagonal cuts, corner to corner.  Press open, and sew together in whatever pattern you like.  I really liked that spool-like pattern.  I was VERY casual, and didn't pay attention to the seams matching, but it would be better to be careful and exact, if you start with all same size strips.  And I think it would be wise to choose a pallette of similar scraps, where you had enough for the entire project.  Be sure you use lights and darks for contrast.
Not bad for 10 minutes of fooling around!

Friday, December 02, 2011

I've joined in the Orca Bay mystery.  Do you think this is too obsessive?  LOL  I'm halfway through Step #1, and finished Step #2. 

We had a few days of mid 50s, so I basted this last quilt outside in the garage, (below)  before winter temps interfere. But my fingers were getting cold, and the sun was going down, and I was feeling old, and my feet were hurting, and, and, and, ... so I hurried. Some of the quilt was hanging over the end of the table and when I pulled it to the top for basting, I was lazy and didn't clamp it tight. Soooo, on that part that hung over, the result was pleats and puckers -- dang it!!! The only thing worse than basting, is re-basting.



Below is a little Fons and Porte project that looked easy, do-able.  I couldn't find decent double faced pre-quilted fabric at any of the not-so-local quilt shops, nor fabric shops, and decided I'd forget it, but lo and behold, checked under my bed, and found this really-old, good-quality pre-quilted, fabric.  It's kinda homely, but it was my prototype. 
Inside I put a nice spiral bound tablet, about 6" x 9".  The tablet has a pocket, so it might be good for grocery list or ???.  There is also a pencil/pen pocket.  Do you have a huge jar of buttons?  I've been carting around my button jar for over 30 years and STILL, could not find a decent button.  This will have to do.

OK, I'll make another and this time, I'll quilt my own fabric.  Supplies?  -- a FQ on front and another on back with leftover batting - all easy to find those in this house.  The quilting was good practice and it took about 20 minutes.  Same project, and same issue with finding a decent button.  Finally, I found a wood looking button and left some embroidery floss tails showing, for details.  This looks better than my prototype!  When I was finished, there was only a small amount of waste.

Might want to give this to a quilting friend. 
Thursday nights was local Quilt Night with the gals, and I needed a project -  I'll just make another folder, and quilt it myself, and this time, I'll try out those stitches on my machine for quilting.  Come on gals, you KNOW you've been meaning to do this (if you haven't).  None of the other gals had their machines, and we all agreed we've wanted to try out the fancy stitches, but none of us have actually USED them, so this was the perfect opportunity.  I had several types of threads - a good way to use up small bits - and I started with #20 stitch, and planned to work through the last stitch, # 60.  I use a Janome 760, lightweight portable that I use for classes, and to my delight, found it stitched very well!!  In fact, within a few minutes,  we all got involved with checking out the threads, ooohing and aaahing at the various stitches, and by the time we were through, we had all agreed we'd go home and try our own machines!  What fun! 
 So, this is my double-sided, pre-quilted fabric for the next folder. 
I stitched on the 18 inch measurement (length of grain) and found that these stitches reduced my crosswise measurement by about 2.5 inches.  I stitched a line almost every inch, and some of the stitches were very dense.  Lesson - if you try this on an actual project, measure AFTERWARDS.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Yes, No, Yes, No, Maybe -- Orca Bay

I am unable to make up my mind about joining in this new mystery Bonnie Hunter mystery quilt.  (Maybe it's because I am full of Thanksgiving and no longer can think straight! )But, in case my overfed brain gets clunked out of its mental stupor into a forward gear, I'll be partially ready to join in!  8-))  Here are half my string blocks, and 40 of the QSTs.   My other bold/dark color is earth, taupe, browns, etc.   I don't want them too dark, so they are visibly separate from the blacks.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

"Steps," and Analogies

I won this clever notebook a long time ago from one of YOU, and have I ever used it on THIS project!  I am so sorry I don't remember who it was - Can I use the "senior citizen" excuse? 

I'm making a bargello-type border to surround my "Steps" quilt (aka "One Step at a Time." Making this quilt has been an incredible personal journey - yes, we've all heard that term with our quilts but this quilt is following me (or is it leading me?) right along. It represents many analogies such as "One Step at a Time," "If you get lemons, make lemonade," "If you want something different, you have to change something," "Take it Easy," "Use What you Have," "Be Happy," "Attitude Adjustment", and even "If your border (your life!) IS a little too bold, it is still beautiful!" 

Below are some of the strata units, waiting to be unsewn and resewn into bargello strips.  (huh??? )  Each one is unsewn at a different point, in order to get the movement to visually go around the quilt.  I chose the dark blue as my marker -- if you want the design to visually turn the quilt corners, you must choose one fabric and stick with it.  It's easy to get them turned around or dropped or you lose concentration, and then NOTHING works correctly (see? another life lesson!).  They should meet in the middle and at the corners.  Meeting in the middle (there's another one of those life lessons!) occasionally has to be gently re-engineered.     

Here's one corner which is exactly like the other corner to the left.  This is especially where I used the graph paper in my notebook.

 
 Below is the center of the two ends, where they have to meet in the middle. And they did, with a little bit of narrow seam allowance-fussing.  I inserted 3 more units.  8-))

I've made this border before, being inspired by a Scrappy Bargello block from Quiltville.com, and am thrilled with how it goes together, looking a LOT harder than it is.  Using an even number of strips in a strata, pressing the seams in opposite directions and reasonably careful cutting of the strata, is not difficult, but it DOES take some time.  And one has to start at the outside of the border, and work towards the center, leaving the corners 'til the end, if you want the pattern to go around.   It's so orderly and graphic - And yes, I KNOW it is going to be uhhh, bold and beautiful!  8-)))

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Pass Alongs, Verify

Warning - RANT!

Reminder to all of us -- Please use disgression, common sense and wisdom before passing along incredible tales, or maybe not-so-incredible tales, photos, videos, etc.  These pass-alongs get bounced back and forth like wildfire before most people check them out.  I usually go to http://www.snopes.com/ and find good answers.  Snopes.com has the reputation for looking closely into the subject matter and digging deep to find the truth.  Hitting that SEND button without even THINKING or verifying, is unwise and at times, cruel and slanderous.

Yes, I've been guilty myself !

And no, I'm not ranting about bloggers - it's personal e-mail that gets clogged up with "ya gotta read this" or "can you believe those numbskulls did that?", etc.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Pressing, my Least Favorite Part

This is the back of "Steps" (or maybe "One Step at at Time") , a Rebuilt Log Cabin.  The center portion is finished and this is the dreaded pressing job, on the back.  Do you also hate that job as well?  Yikes!!! -- there is NO WAY all those seams are going to stay where I want them, but I'm not worried either.  The seams are pressed open when I joined the blocks into rows, but joining the rows together - Hey I did the best I could! 

Thanks to trimming blocks to one size, they fit nicely without ooching or stretching - therefore, that part of the process went quickly.  A good press from the top will finish the pressing job, then I'm adding a 2 inch inner border,  and then I'm tackling the outer border.  My goal today (yet) is to make a sample.  I could have saved time by relying on my first instinct instead of spending hours, days, looking and wondering.

It's turning out well and I'm trying hard NOT to show it until I get the border completed.  When I take it to Quilt Guild, Show and Tell, they frequently  KNOW it's mine, even if I didn't tell them.  Perhaps I finally have a "style".   

The name, "Steps", (or "One Step at a Time") has always been a personal and professional lesson for me, as well as excellent advice for a quiltmaker or any person  when tackling a project.  And the quilt is filled with visual "Steps", as is the border-to-be.

Tuesday, November 08, 2011

37 Log Cabin Blocks on the Floor, and Goodbye, 2 QOV Quilts

Here are 37 of 48 planned Rebuilt Log Cabin blocks on the floor.  I have scrunched them way out of the way from foot traffic, just in case someone tromps through.   So far, I'm liking it!  I DON'T like the smudge on my camera  that I didn't see 'til AFTER the photos were taken.  I LOVE the zig-zaggy light and dark diagonals.  The blocks are trimmed -- mine are ending up 10 - 10.12 before sewing together.    Today I am packing up these two Quilt of Valor quilts -- sometimes it's hard to part with them but they sit on the shelf, unused, and they need to be used.   Off they go to Alycia in Kersey, Colorado.  The left one is a Rebuilt Log Cabin, and the right one is a Confusion Quilt, designed by Debbie Bowles. 
Regarding the Confusion Quilt -- the blocks are made oversize, and then trimmed - yes apparently I LIKE to make blocks and then cut them up!  Anyway, what is trimmed off goes to the floor, then picked up and sewn back together for the border, in whatever way you choose, producing some amazingly complex-looking piecing.  (Below) The horizontal black with stars is the "regular" border and above that is all the piecing made up of whatever.

Below is the red side of the quilt.  The horizontal white pieced to the red is the other side of the quilt border, and below it is part of the border, all the little bits and pieces picked up off the floor!  8-)))   I had no intention of it turning out something like a flag, with the red/whites together, and then the blue/whites together, but that's what happened.  This design is definitely a surprise in the end, and Confusion in that you don't quite know what it will turn out to be, until the end.  I LIKE surprises like this. 

Sunday, November 06, 2011

Color Pallettes

On a quilt-related e-mail list, the conversation was about determining a color pallette for a new quilt.  Some of the gals were having problems thinking of combinations. 

I did a search on "Color Pallettes" and came up with a number of sites that start with a photo either of your own or from the Internet, and then the program pulls a bunch of colors from that photo.  My own computer has a "snipping tool" so I can outline anything on the screen and save it as a .jpg.  I'm sure there are other ways, but some images will not let you "save".   The site I tried out was bighugelabs.com. - there were many other sites, but I didn't take time to compare -- This first one was exactly what I wanted.  When you get to that page, search for something like "color pallette" or similar. 

Below is a favorite photo (yes, my banner) and the colors pulled from the photo.  What a great quilt this would make!  I could print out the photo on those fabric sheets, maybe tile it, then outline the center with blocks using the suggested colors.  Yes, just like that lady who does the greeting cards with the picture and the quilt blocks that match!  Too bad she already thought of it a long time ago!  8-))   (Oh brain, ya gotta turn off and finish what you have started!!!)


Hmmmmm wonder how long it will take me to come up with another quilt???   I just am enjoying LOOKING at this pallette!

Friday, November 04, 2011

Design Floor? uhhh, maybe not

(Written a week ago)

I've mentioned my "Design Floor" as I don't have any large walls. My blocks are laid out on the living room floor and we both know how to step around them.  However, occasionally someone will visit unexpectedly and tromp all over them, seemingly, they don't see the project.  My Lady of Shallotte blocks are all positioned correctly and I'm slowly getting them together. 

Last evening, DH was watching TV and got up for something, and CARASHHHHH!!!  He is tall, and there is no way he can land anywhere except by hitting something first before ending up on the floor.  His head hit the counter edge, then we don't know what else, but he lay there, holding his head, partly on the carpet, partly on the kitchen tile floor.   (You probably know we are well into Senior Citizenship!)  I was immediately at his side, slowly checking, but didn't see any bones protruding, no blood.  He could count my fingers and his color was good. As I considered calling 911, and what door the EMTs would enter the house - oh gosh - this is the self-guilt part ... I realized if the EMTs came in the front door they'd tromp all over my quilt!!!  Arghhhh, how could I be thinking of that at this almost-emergency, but I DID!  8-(((  Things have definitely gotten too over-the-top when THAT is among my first thoughts.  

 In truth, one should always have a good Emergency Entrance/Exit and our OTHER door would be better, but I am ashamed of myself for thinking of that quilt layout!
As it turned out, we think he slipped on the -- yes, the dangerous kitchen rug, that has the rug grabber material under it, but that stuff seems to lose it's grab!  I think kitchen rugs are the No. 1 cause for household accidents!

DH says he's OK, he refused to let me call 911, and is moving slowly today.  As for me, I am sewing up those blocks really quickly!!! 

Tuesday, November 01, 2011

Guild Retreat - 2011

Over the weekend I spent 3 days with 23 other quilters at our not-so-local-to-me- YMCA.  The Y is on a lovely location along the Platte River (which is no longer flooded) with beautiful scenery, occasional wildlife (turkeys), a wonderful space, with excellent facilities. 

I was productive, and egad, didn't take enough photos.  My goal on that retreat was to make 50 Rebuilt Log Cabin blocks (successful) but I wore myself out with exuberance and excitement and had to take TWO naps when I returned Sunday afternoon!

Sharon is always productive and in no time, she had this beauty DONE! 
Jennifer finished up this stunning project - she said it was from one of Miss Rosie's books.  It was even better in person.  She was a sewing "machine" - she worked with speed, concentration and precision! 
Here's a photo of ... my mom??  - oh NO, that's ME!!!  I managed to reach my own goal of 50 blocks that will eventually end up on a Tutorial on this blog.  Watch for it, with lots of photos THERE, if you are interested in making a Rebuilt Log Cabin quilt.   The block is on the table. 
Here is one version of a luscious Rebuilt Log Cabin quilt, made by Ramona.  She used only 2 values, plus the center square and I believe she has 4 rounds on her Rebuilt Log Cabin.  We noticed the design looked like rosettes when we looked through a "peephole" thingy, and interesting zig-zaggy corners where the blocks met.  It reminds me of chocolate mint ice cream.   

My friend Chell, also has a stunning Rebuilt Log Cabin in process, then decided to enlarge it to Queen size.  She'll show it off (hopefully) on her blog.  

Our messy space for 3 quilters.  This is Tina's back! 
 
Tina also worked like crazy all weekend and went home with several completed projects.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Another Rebuilt Log Cabin in the works

For those of you who were interested in the Rebuilt Log Cabin, I am planning on beginning another one, (seemingly "scrappy") during a 3-day retreat this weekend.  I will take lots of photos, and hopefully, I will  can get them into an official Tutorial on this blog.  This is a project I've made years ago and have shown it here on occasion.

Would you like to join me?  Now is a good time -- well, for me anyway!  8-)))

I'm using squares and strips at 1.5 inch cut.  If you want to sew along with me, get your strips out (hopefully you have some scrap strips pre-cut!).  I'm starting with a dull red in the center, then adding my lights next.  My darks are in the green, sage, purple, blue combinations.  There are 5 rounds of lights and darks.   Assuming you use even amount of lights and darks, starting with the lights means you will end up with more DARK on the outside of the block.  Of course, we cut them/trim them before they are sewn back together, (rebuilding),  that will demonstrate a defininite zig zag look in each intersection. Confused?  8-))

You'll see when I actually MAKE the quilt and then post the photos here.  I'm planning 6 x 8 blocks (48) and if I remember correctly, they trim to about 10.5 inches, then I will add borders of some kind.


Yeahhhh - my bags are packed, I'm ready to go ...

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Old Chickens

Hmmm - when a person cleans out unused bedside cabinets, she ought to be prepared to find things like this!  Are they not ridiculously fun?  The Rooster is 16 inches and the chickens are 12 inch blocks.  The combs and waddles are all 3-dimensional, and so are the tiny beaks on the chicks.  Why didn't I finish these?  Perhaps I didn't know what to do in the sashing.  I think I'll make sashing out of squares of ... something.  The pattern was wrapped up in the bunch of blocks and is from Quilter's Newsletter Magazine, July/August 2000.   It DOES need to be finished!

Oh yes, there's more in that cabinet.  I'll save that for another day!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Double T, AKA Stars over Shallotte

This is what is on my "Design Floor"!  LOL  And it's sideways to beat,  due to space, but what fun this one has been.  This was inspired from Bonnie Hunter's "Stars over Shallotte," in her second or third book, Scraps and Shirttails II.  My blocks are all similar fabrics, but each one different values in different places.  I am LOVING it, especially the zig-zag sashing. Blocks finish at 9 inches, and instead of using HSTs , I used Flying Geese and that great ruler (No Math ruler, previous post).  Each block came out PERFECT - unusual for me.  I am finished with the blocks but still need to make 4 half blocks, and more sashing.  It's eash to get mixed up sewing the sashing on diagonally, so that part is S L O W !  I have no idea what will happen when I get to the borders.  I'm thinking that some twining vines leaves, birds would contrast nicely with the hard sharp graphic lines  of the blocks and sashing. 

This was going to be a soon-to-be retreat project, but dang it, I'll be almost finished with it by then!  I"ll have to come up with a different one for the retreat.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Another pillowcase - Owls

Nothing too impressive today -- Just another pillowcase, but you know when you have some cute fabric like this, what are you going to do with it?  This is the perfect project!   I've made four different pillowcases, and they ARE somewhat addicting, being so cute!  Quilt Guild tomorrow and these will be donated.  Bye-bye!  These would make nice Christmas gifts for anyone.