One is Good, Two is Better

 

OK, so I got carried away - and despite the THOUSANDS of options for this simple 9-patch, I accidently made the very same design from an almost-the-same layout.  Not sure how it happened but ...  The first quilt  (left, posted a few months ago) was so much fun, and such a good use of leftover squares, I just HAD to make another, not realizing I used the same layout.  Each is about 60 inches square.

Some of you ask about quilting designs I use for FMQ.  I quilted lots of overall swirls with a variegated Metler silk finish cotton No 50 thread .

Almost a month with no posts!

I don't know where July went - I was busy doing, doing, ... something, not sure what!

Oh yes, I did complete this Split Nine Patch, scrappy of course.  This has over 3000 pieces, but the "system" is from Jackie Robinson.  It's about 60" x 70".  I started machine quilting with my Janome MC6500 but ran into issues of stitches skipping when quilting over seams, and soon the quality was slipping so I finally quit, but by now there are small issues here and there, and my own satisfaction and patience has deteriorated.  Two trips for tech. maintenance did not solve the problem so I finished the quilt with another machine.  

 


Not knowing exactly what needed fixing, and after routine servicing, timing, threads, etc., I had a new motor installed, figuring all bases need to be covered before thinking of a new machine!  Neither the tech. nor I know how it will work until the next quilt.  The machine DOES sound better, smoother, less labored.  It could be a wear-and-tear issue as I had noticed odd problems during this last year that I thought were my own Senior Citizen issues, but upon reflection believe it IS the machine, not me. 

Above is a bit of the backing.  My quilting is a combination of innies, and outies, various swirls, circles, "bear claws" ... I kept the designs confined to certain "rows" ... I got bored with just one design.  The border is done with  largeundulating hearts, or, "fat ladies on barstools".   I learned to NOT do that border again with variegated threads -- shoulda used a solid color.  (Lesson #843!)

I

A few of my quilting friends gathered at a recent lunch.  Me in left background, next to Alice.  Other side in back is Carol M, then Carol L., then Kathy.   Anita joined us later, after the photo.  8-)))

Blah Blah blocks

These blocks are so bright and perky - better than the photo. I need 96 and as of a few minutes ago, I had 36. This is another example of a simple block that makes a dynamite pattern. Again, I'm using what I have with a few new FQs of red, and then my friend Jody (Goddess) donated some also. I stuck with really LIGHTs and really DARK. I have many in-between that are kinda 'spotty', and were not included.

Below is a possible border (BLAH BLAH), although it is REALLY graphic, isn't it? Many of the reds have bits of black in them.
I'll have a LOT of fabric left over.

Most of the pieces are already cut out into 2 and 1/2 inch squares, and I'm using up a Triangles on a Role for the HSTs. Each block only take less then 5 minutes to actually sew and press. The hardest part when making these blocks was deciding the pressing directions. It's difficult to decide when you don't yet know the setting, isn't it?

On a different subject -- Below is what my office desk looks like under the work area. I'm getting my new computer hooked up soon and hope this jumble of cables "goes away." This mess has become too much for me and I had to call for help. Something happens to my eyes when I see this collection - they just glaze over! Another photo of my finished Double Delight -- now named, "Twenty One O Two", (the # of pieces) just because I like to throw it on the rail and look at it from inside the house.