DESIGN WALL MONDAY - OOPS TUESDAY!

I spent some time over the weekend playing with clamshells.  I chose 5 inch squares from a stack of leftover charm squares, and cut a stack of clams.  I tried the traditional way of machine piecing first.

I matched the notches, and used a ton of pins and very carefully stitched, making sure that all the fullness was eased in, and no tucks were formed.  I pressed the seam allowances toward the piece just added.



Then I tried a modified English paper piecing method.  The first row was stitched together.  Then I spent time turning the top edge to the back, using a freezer paper template that I had ironed to the back of each piece. 

 I spread some Best Pressed along the seam allowance of the top, and then, using a stylus to help, pressed the edge to the back with my iron.  When the block was cool, I pulled the freezer paper away.  When I had all the pieces ready for the first row, I used dots of liquid washable glue to attach the row, pressing the row dry with my iron.  I top-stitched the row, using a narrow, short blind hem stitch, with monofilament (invisible) thread in the needle, and regular thread in the bobbin.  I adjusted the thread tension so that none of the bobbin thread showed on the top. 
I like both methods, but decided to use the second method to make my pillow top.
I also began cutting pieces for a new large quilt project.  I am using some fabric from my stash, but also added a few yards to my stash at the end of the year to fill out my selection.  The first block is a pieced 9-patch, and I have completed the first part - simple 4-patch blocks, and started on the second part - a square or diamond in a square unit.  The orange/red is new - a fossil fern that called to me from the quilt shop shelf!
I'm connecting with others at Small Quilts an Doll Quilts this week.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week 0 yards

Fabric used year to date 0 yards

Fabric added this week 25 yards

Fabric added year to date 25 yards

Net used 2018  -25 yards 

This is the first time I've started the year in a minus situation!  I only report fabric as used when I complete a project - otherwise I have difficulty remembering what has been reported already!

My guild is always looking for printed panels to make baby quilts - but want them 36" x width of fabric.  Most of the manufacturers have switched to 24" x WoF, and coordinating fabric is required to complete a project.  I shopped online at Marshall Dry Goods, and ordered 25 different panels.  These will be on my stash report until I return home in the spring, and hand some of them over to our community quilts coordinator!

I've been working on an applique project, but nothing to report so far.  

I am also doing a demo of clamshells for my southern quilting group, and have been busy cutting pieces , using an assortment of leftover charm squares (5 inch).  I have stitched two together, and with much pinning, have machine stitched one to the bottom curve.  Next I'm going to try the "English paper pieced method", turning the top edge over a paper template, and then top stitching the shell in place by machine.  Either way is very time consuming!

I'm linking up with quiltpaintcreate to share my weekly report.

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

Although my machine has been idle lately, I've still been doing some stitching.
  I still had basted 1/2 inch hexagons remaining from a previous project, so I just had to stitch them together!

I used Thermore batting - super low loft, and great for table items.  I turned the backing edges in, and hand stitched the edges.
  I machine stitched the hexagons, with matching, and variegated King Tut thread, colour #918.  
It is now sitting on my small dining table, with a small vase of lily-of-the-valley, adding lovely scent to the room.

The whole project is just 16 inches across!

Check out all the creativity at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.
 

HEXAGON FRIDAY

I'm supposed to be packing and cleaning, but......

I was straightening up my sewing table, and found my basket of 1/2 inch hexagon papers and leftover hexagons, so I just had to stop and sew.

 I love using tiny "fingertip towels" for my guests, and I have a collection of plain ones, just waiting to be decorated.
The three blue flower units were already stitched together, so I linked them with 2 neutral hexagons, then machine appliqued them, using a small blanket stitch, to the towel, using monofilament (invisible) thread in the needle and white in the bobbin.  Then I did the same with the zig zag strip of hexagons that I pieced while watching TV.  These will be really quilty accents in my powder room!   I may make some more for sale at my quilt guild's show in the spring.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  21.5 yards

Fabric used year to date  83.5 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  28.5 yards

Net used 2014  55 yards

I finally finished my hexagon quilt, so I was able to claim all the yardage this week, although it was a 13 month project! 

 

This is the first picture of the finished quilt, although it doesn't show the borders.  I placed it on our bed as soon as the last thread end was clipped!  I machine quilted around each of the motifs.

Head over to Judy's blog, Patchwork Times, to see other quilter's stash reports for this week.

HEXAGON PROGRESS

I managed to finish all 42 of the large motifs and have 9 of the small flowers completed.  I can't wait to get them finished, and begin appliqueing them to the final border of my hexagon quilt.  This should make it large enough to fit on our bed, so I can sleep under all the beautiful colours!

Today DH is out rehearsing - his group is playing on the pool patio Saturday from 1-3.  He has persuaded me to do 3 numbers, accompanying him with my flute.  This afternoon, we head to the grocery store to re-stock for our next visitors.  Since we have little ones coming, I'm going to stock up on healthy snack items to take along on our outings.  I plan to do some baking over the next few days - cookies and squares for desserts.

Sunday, a quilting friend and her DH are stopping by for a quick visit.  They are approaching retirement, and want to see where we spend our winters.

I hope to squeeze a bit of sewing into the time as well.  I decided to put another border on the boxy star quilt, but don't have anything that will do, and I need some backing fabric as well, so that will have to wait until I can find the time to visit my local quilt shop!

HEXAGON REPORT

29 of the 42 large units completed so far!

Another busy week with guests visiting, and Olympics to watch!

MORE HEXAGONS

I thought I was finished making hexagons, but after I appliqued the quilt to the plain border, I decided it needed to be a bit larger to fit our bed comfortably.  I thought about adding a pieced border, but didn't think it would add to the overall design.
My final decision was to make a second plain border, using fabric similar to the final background hexagons used in the quilt top, and then add two alternating hexagon motifs , appliqued to the final border, to finish the quilt.
So now I am back making 42 flower motifs, and 42 lozenge motifs.  I had been complaining to DH that I didn't have any hand stitching to do while watching the Olympics, so now that problem has been solved.

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

I've been busy getting ready for company arriving this evening.  Both DH and I use our guest room as extra storage - me for quilt stuff and DH for guitars, amplifiers, stands, cables.  We had to be very creative to find accessible storage for all of the items, so our guests will have a room to themselves!

I decided to use the blue fabric with stars that I bought recently, to use as sashing around the embroidered blocks of "Long Time Ago in Bethlehem".  I couldn't find any pale colours with small stars, but I did get a buttery yellow with small polka dots.

  After looking at the completed top, I decided to finish it without the remaining borders in the original design.  I'll be using the same blue for the binding, so I machine basted a small folded strip on each edge to provide a small accent.

 I've been making hexagon units while watching the Olympics.  I want to plan the final appliqued border for my hexagon quilt, so I know how many I have to complete.

Check out all the creativity shared at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

MY FINAL HEXAGON REPORT FOR A WHILE

I finished the hand pieced top just before Christmas, but this is the first chance I had to take a photo etc.  DH is very tall, but his arms weren't quite long enough to stretch it out all the way!  I still plan to add a flat border - I'll applique the outer edge of hexagons, then I'll be able to baste it and prepare for quilting.  I plan to make it large enough to use on our bed!

I won't be claiming the fabric used on my stash report until it is completed!   

HEXAGON FRIDAY

It looks like I'll finish the top of my hexagon quilt before Christmas!  I just checked my file of photos, and my first picture, showing the beginning of the middle row, was on April 16th.  I began cutting squares for basting just before heading north, at the beginning of April, so I'll have completed the top in 9 months of "spare" time!

All the pieces for the next motif are basted, and partly sewn together, so with luck, I'll finish tonight!  Now what will I do next?

I took my camera to my Wednesday quilt group, but discovered both sets of batteries were dead, so no pictures of the flurry of quilting worker bees making disappearing 9-patch blocks!  Some cut 5 inch squares, others placed them into blocks, 3 were sewing, others pressed the seams, 2 of us cut the blocks apart, and then they were placed into their new blocks to be sewn.  By the end of the 4 hours (with a short break for lunch), we had 3 quilt tops assembled, and enough pieces to make 1 more.  Two of the tops went home with others to be finished.  One came home with me, and I cut and prepared the binding for it - hopefully someone will volunteer to quilt it!
Now I have to get serious about my Christmas baking.  I'm making mincemeat tarts, large and small today, and a coco-krispie roll - chocolate and peanut butter - a favourite with our neighbours' grandchildren, who begin to arrive on Sunday!

HEXAGON FRIDAY

I missed posting last Friday, as I was busy removing hexagons from my third border!  I discovered that I didn't have enough fabric to complete the 4th border, so I carefully unstitched the final row of hexagons, and added the swirled fabric to the final row.

I finally got back to stitching the 4th and final border, and I've completed 8 of the 17 units so far!  You can see that I'm reusing the row that I took from border number 3, and it saves time by 4 hexagons each unit.....

I'm getting anxious to complete this project, but I'll also be sad that it is done.  Then the next stage is to figure out how I'll quilt it!!!!

HEXAGON FRIDAY

With all the hustle and bustle this week, I almost forgot to post my hexagon progress!

 I managed to get 14 of the 17 units required for border number 3 completed this week.  Now, I am hoping that I have enough of the outer edge fabric to finish....

We've had a busy week of shopping, helping friends with flooring, planning a community Christmas sing-along, etc.

I did do some Black Friday shopping this morning - a quick trip to JoAnn Fabrics for some bargain flannel, while DH headed to Guitar Center and Harbor Freight Tools.  We didn't get up early, and were back home shortly after 10am.  He headed back out to the car dealer, as we have a small leak in the car's radiator - it looks like a cracked tiny gasket, so I'm hoping they'll be able to repair it right away.

HEXAGON FRIDAY

I'm trying to get back on track, after heading south for the winter, getting the garden cleaned up, the pantry stocked, and family visiting for 2 weeks. (The time just flew and they were heading home much too soon!)

I managed to complete border number 2 and get it added to the hexagon quilt.  I used the star motif for the corners, and had to play around a bit to get them to fit.  DH says that it looks like Charlie Brown is holding the quilt!

I'm now working on border number 3, and have the first 4 of 17 units completed.  

My son returned north with a stuffy head and scratchy throat.  I came down with the symptoms on Tuesday, and my daughter-in-law's came on Wednesday night.  We are all thankful that it waited until after their visit.  We're all plodding along, and DH is hoping he doesn't catch it, as he and his friend have 5 concerts booked as senior residences in the area during December, and DH does most of the singing!

HEXAGON FRIDAY

The second long border is progressing nicely.  I have 18 of the 24 units completed.

My sewing area is ready to use, and I started a new project yesterday, although we're still busy stocking the kitchen and freezer, so that we won't have to shop too often when our family arrives tomorrow!

HEXAGON FRIDAY

I'm a little late posting, but better late than never!

 

I managed to get several units stitched while driving south, although it was slow going, with all the bumps along the way.  There was lots of construction on our travels!
We arrived "home" Friday afternoon, and were greeted by several of our southern neighbours.  We are early this year, so there are still many homes closed up, but people are arriving daily.  We unloaded the van, then made a grocery run, and ate dinner at home!  DH and I get tired of eating out very quickly, so we had a simple dinner of steamed green beans, sweet potato and roasted chicken (I did cheat and buy it already cooked!)
I've been unpacking all morning, while DH began the clean-up outside.  He likes to get all the siding washed, along with our screen room so we can get it all "livable".  Tomorrow I'll help clean the windows in the sunroom, aka my sewing room, then after a good vacuum and a floor wash, I'll be able to unpack the remainder of the sewing stuff.  DH does have to alter my sewing table - my new machine has a much bigger footprint, and I like the machine to be set into the table so I have a level surface for machine quilting - it makes such a big difference!
Now back to unpacking, dusting, rearranging etc.

HEXAGON FRIDAY

This will be my last report for a while - we're on the road next week!

I managed to finish the first side border this week.  I did some stitching in the car on our road trip to Niagara, and in between checking lists, packing, and making my sewing room more tidy!

I still have 5 more units to stitch to the main quilt top!  I'm beginning to wonder if I'll have enough of the fabric I've been using for the outer edge, so I found two pieces that are the same colour and hue, and I think I'll use them for the top and bottom outer edge.
I'm hoping I'll get some sewing time in on our trip south, but I'm usually too busy looking at scenery, and watching for signs of interesting places to stop along the way!

HEXAGON FRIDAY

I managed to finish 16 of the 24 units for the 1st of 4 borders.  I decided to stitch them together first, then I'll have a marathon sewing session to add them to the side of the quilt.

I finished all my gifts that need to be delivered before we hit the road.  I made some neat luggage tags for some friends and family members who will be travelling in the near future. 
(Pattern found here.)  I could have designed my own, but there are so many available on the internet, it was easier following someone else's directions.  I plan to make more, to donate to my guild's boutique at the next show (2015).

DH gets annoyed with me, as I hate to pack up all my sewing stuff until the last minute - I might need to stitch something!

HEXAGON FRIDAY

This is the completed centre of the quilt.  I could stop here, but I want to add the border units as well!

The border units use a different fabric for the centres, and have two different tones of cream/beige/fawn as the fill-in areas.  These units also touch - a first in this pattern.

This shows the placement on the side of the quilt.  There will be a dark border as well, although I haven't decided if I will make another row of hexagons, or applique the edge to a regular straight border strip.  I'll wait until I reach that point to decide.

This picture was taken without the flash - neither shows the true colours of the quilt!

I'm already wondering how I'll quilt this when it is completed.....

HEXAGON FRIDAY

One more row to add the the quilt centre will be complete!  Then I have to make the two different border shapes.  It seems impossible, but I like this quilt more and more as each row is added.

Since I made the units with the background hexagons already attached, adding them to the top goes quickly.  The only additional hexagons that were needed were the dark border colours for the blocks on each end, and a row of background hexagons for the left side, to complete the pattern.

I spent part of the morning helping my friend complete a set of Christmas stockings for her family.  Since she works, we squeeze in some sewing time whenever we can!