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  0 yards

Fabric used year to date  143.25 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  36 yards

Net used 2014   107.25 yards

I don't know where the past two weeks have gone!  Of course, preparing food and attending 2 family reunions does take its toll.

My family met in Brampton ON last weekend, and DH's family met in Tweed yesterday - both were great fun, meeting new family members, including some tiny ones, and getting caught up with everyone, plus the added bonus of 2 wonderful meals with tons of fantastic homemade food!

The cousins who hosted the Tweed reunion, raise alpacas.  The happened to mention that they have difficulty finding knitters to make up small projects using their yarn, so, of course, DH offered my services!  I came home with 9 hanks of wonderful alpaca yarn, so I'll be digging out my knitting needles and spending some time on Ravelry looking for interesting hat, shawl, and other patterns that use single hanks to make!  Now my next applique project will be postponed until the fall - but I don't mind.  I love to keep all the skills my Mother taught me in good practice, and knitting is one I don't often do - I seldom wear shawls, hats, sweaters, as I'm always to warm - I think my personal thermostat is always turned towards the "high" side!

My report is going to continue to have very little progress, (although I do intend to complete my latest paper pieced hexagon project soon), as I brought home 4 more community quilts to machine quilt.  Lots of my guild members donate their time to complete tops, but few enjoy the machine quilting challenge.  I was asked not to sew on the binding, as we do have some members who will do that, and some who love to hand sew the binding down, and add the label.  I think I'm going to be well practiced in machine quilting by the end of the summer!

Head over to Patchwork Times to see how others' stash is shrinking/growing.....

TOP COMPLETED....

Minus the borders! 

 Now I'm looking forward to some fun machine quilting, to add a bit more definition to the flowers and leaves!

I made some changes in the colour placements as I went along.  I spent much of this morning carefully removing 4 hexagons and replacing them with slightly different colours of fabric, mostly in the "table" area, due to a lack of choice in my stash.
The pattern is found at The Inbox Jaunt.  It was challenging, but fun to make!  Thanks Lori and Peggy - your great photography and interesting interpretation are much appreciated!

GETTING THERE.......

Good progress yesterday.  DH was out all day, so I just stitched!

When I first began this project, it just looked like blobs of colour, but now I can see the picture appearing.

Today is provincial election day in Ontario, so I hope everyone takes time to vote.  DH and I headed to the polls this morning, followed by a trip to the bank, then the grocery store, and my morning is over already!

Hopefully I'll get back to stitching this afternoon!  Thanks to Lori at The Inbox Jaunt, the link to the pattern is here.  

A BIT MORE PROGRESS

I'm working on the machine pieced hexagon project today.  I can't believe how long it takes.....

(pattern available here )

These are my fabric choices.  The dark fabric at the bottom left is actually a dark green with pin dots, used in the wall area.  The left row also has the window and window frame fabric and all the floor fabric.  The middle row has the vase fabric (bottom 3), then the leaf fabrics, and of course, the rest are for use in the hydrangea petals.
I've been removing paper as I go, and usually only work on one hexagon at a time.  I considered piecing them all, but even though the pattern is very well labelled, I didn't want to make a mistake when piecing.  After looking at the original photo, I decided to mark all the "table" pieces with the wood grain going in the same direction.  I don't know if it will make a difference in the finished quilt, but I'm enjoying the challenge.  I also decided how I want to press the seam allowances so it will lay flat when completed.  I'll probably be adding some thread painting and of course machine quilting when it is complete, so I want the surface to be as smooth as possible.

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

In mid-May, Lori Kennedy of The Inbox Jaunt, shared a paper piecing pattern.  Peggy Riemer had used one of Lori's wonderful photographs, and turned it into a paper piecing pattern to share.  The most intriguing thing, was that it was designed in hexagons!
I downloaded the pattern, and knew that I'd have to try this project right away.
I printed all the pages, cut out the hexagon units (some needed to be glued together, and pinned them on my design wall.
I am following the piecing sequence page carefully, and I decided to stitch all the hexagons together by machine.  Of course, I had to add each one as it is completed, and I've been removing the papers once each section is fully surrounded.
The biggest challenge was to choose fabrics.  I used the photo for colour cues, but since I have more "prints" than solids, hand-dyes or batiks in my stash, I'm anxious to see how it will look when it is finished.

This is a closer look at the back so far.  I realized very quickly, that I can't work on this at the end of the day - it needs lots of concentration to assure that the correct fabric is placed in each location, and to do the precision piecing required to sew the hexagons accurately by machine.  Good thing I love a challenge.   I decided that I won't share the front side until it is completed - right now it looks like coloured blotches!

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

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've been slowly adding the hexagon units to the final border for my quilt.  I am doing applique by machine, using monofilament thread in the needle, and a very narrow zig-zag stitch.  So far I have 3 borders completed, and the 4th is past the half-way point.  I can't wait to add them to the quilt!
Next, I have to find a suitable backing fabric for this project.  I attended the Sewing and Quilting Expo in Lakeland yesterday, but none of the fabric was just right!  I guess I'll have to check out a couple of quilt shops soon!

SPINNING MY WHEELS!

That's what I feel like lately!  We had adult guests for over 2 weeks, and I managed to do a tiny bit of sewing, and attend my Wednesday quilt group.  Then we had friends visiting with 2 small girls.  We went to all 4 Disney parks over a 10 day period, with alternate days of shopping, swimming, mini golf, golf cart rides etc.  Needless to say, my cover remained on my machine for the duration of the visit, and I missed both Wednesdays, but everyone managed just fine at quilting.
It has taken me a few days to get caught up - laundry, cleaning, sleep, etc.  I managed to get to quilting on Wednesday, then out on an adventure with some friends today.  DH has been looking at our "closing the house for the summer" list, and has begun taking care of some of the items. We'll be hitting the road, van packed in just over 2 week!  

Where did the winter go?  (I know - we didn't have to suffer the endless snow and ice, but I'm sure there will be some left when we return!)

I have 3 of the 4 borders for my hexagon quilt ready to attach, and I was hoping to find some backing fabric today, but nothing climbed into my shopping bag today.  I also found out that my favourite quilt shop's 30% off sale takes place the day we depart......
I guess that means that a stop at Mary Jo's in Gastonia NC is in my future!

I still have a few days to sew before serious packing begins, so there is hope yet!

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.

STASH REPORT WEEK 6

Fabric used this week  0 yards

Fabric used year to date  50.75 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  9 yards

Net used 2014  41.75 yards

Nothing completed this week - two days were too cold to sew in my room, the weather was cold and rainy for the south.  Nothing like family and friends are suffering at our northern home!

I added the sashing between the embroidered blocks for "A Long Time Ago in Bethlehem".  The original pattern had two of the blocks without sashing on the outside edge of the quilt top, so I adjusted some of the block sizes and added it.  When it was finished, I decided that the quilt is large enough for a wall hanging, so I'm not going to add any more borders.  Now I have to hunt for some backing fabric in my small stash.

Then I decided to work on finishing my hexagon quilt.  I cut the remaining burgundy fabric in strips to add a straight border to the outside edges, and spent 2 afternoons machine appliqueing the top to the border.  After measuring the top, I've decided that it needs to be larger, so I've decided to add an additional border, and I'm back to making motifs that will be appliqued to the final border to bring the hexagons to the outside of the quilt.

DH's music partner found 2 hats to add to their performance wardrobe, but they need new hat bands.  His wife found some great black and white musical striped fabric, so I'll be cutting some bias strips to dress up their new hats.

Check out Judy's blog, Patchwork Times, to see all the progress made this week!

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

I almost forgot to post!  I was busy completing the quilting and stitching on the binding of the final baby quilt that I'll be making for a while.  I donate most of them to my guild's community quilts program, to be donated in our community and many other places as well.

 I pick up panels whenever I find ones that I like and are on sale!  The yard size ones are becoming more scarce as most of the manufacturers are make panels only 24 inches wide by the width of the fabric.  I often pick them up from clearance sales, so the chance of finding the coordinates is slim to non.  I still have a small collection to work on, and find them wonderful to flex my free-motion machine quilting muscles before starting a new project!  The third in the group will have its binding stitched while watching TV with DH tonight.
I think I really have to figure out how to finish my hexagon project.  I like to add a straight border to the outside edges, and machine applique the hexagons to the border.  I only have small amount of the dark burgundy fabric I used as a hexagon border in the project, so I may only be able to make a narrow straight border, then decide how to finish the edge.....  Our southern weather has been strange this year, and we went from a high of 39F a couple of days ago, to 89F today.  My sewing room was comfortable this morning, but is mighty hot this afternoon, even with breezes and a ceiling fan - too hot to think clearly for a northern girl like me!
Maybe I'll square up my embroidered Christmas blocks and get them ready for sashing etc!
Check out 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.