CHECKERBOARD RAILS - ANOTHER FINISH

Checkerboard Rails was a "leader and ender" challenge from Bonnie Hunter in 2017.  I had it on my to-do list, and finally began sewing blocks over the past year.  I had lots of 1 1/2 inch leftover strips, so I would cut a stack to use, as I was working on other projects.  I picked up white and black fabric for the checkerboard parts, and cut some strips - which were also sewn leader and ender style.

I decided to do an "on point" setting, so made a plan for a single bed size quilt, using Electric Quilt. Since most of the quilt was made with scrap strips, the software helped me to find out how much fabric I used, as well as helping to plan the borders, and determine the size strips and triangles that were needed.
 It was surprising when I counted my completed blocks that I had enough, and decided to finish the quilt.  I used a dark gray fabric for setting triangles, then used a varied of gray fabric for borders, along with one of leftover coloured strips.

DH helped my choose the binding colour of  solid black from several different choices.

  I stitched a fairly open design to quilt the blocks, and then had fun with the setting triangles and borders, stitching a different design in each.  I used some variegated thread when stitching the borders, and it shows up as tiny pops of colour when the light hits the thread, as well as creating great definition.
 

This quilt is going to be set aside for my grandson - he is only 4, and still enjoys his special quilts with his favourite characters, and other child-like designs.  I know he will grow out of them and then this will be ready when he wants a more grown-up quilt!

Thanks Bonnie for another fun design!

SEWING IN CIRCLES!

Our time in our southern home is coming to an end.  Our final visitors have departed, and the guest room has become a space for staging all things that need to be packed for the trek north.

While we had visitors, we stashed items in every nook and cranny, to make their visit more enjoyable.  Now, we are getting everything out of hiding, and checking our lists of things that we need to take along.   There has been some shopping for small items, and even a couple of parcels shipped to us to bring home for family and friends.

I always find it difficult to work on a project at this time, but I still need some sewing time.  I looked at the past and current leader and ender challenges at Quiltville, and decided to give one or two a try.
Part of my shopping lately was to buy some Kona black and white fabric for Checkerboard Rails.  I cut rail pieces from some scraps that I had been given, along with some leftover 1 1/2 inch strips, and made a couple of sample blocks.
Then, I thought of Jewel Box Stars, the challenge for this year, so back to some scrap triangles etc., for a few block parts. 

Then, I remembered admiring the basket blocks that Bonnie had worked on during her last teaching trip.  I made a drawing on graph paper, and figured out what size I wanted to make, and thanks to the Essential Triangle Tool, I have 8 blocks completed!

I also decided to try the Canadian Quilters Association challenge - 
52 Blocks in 52 Weeks.  I had picked up fabric for project as well, this during my last shopping trip, and have the first 12 blocks completed.

Tomorrow is the last day my quilting group meets, and then I plan to clean and oil my sewing machine, and pack it into its case, so there will be no more distractions and I can get organizing!  DH and I are looking forward to the trip north, with a few side trips planned, and getting some grandchildren hugs too!

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  0 yards

Fabric used year to date  28.625 yards

Fabric added this week 5 yards

Fabric added year to date  30.5 yards

Net used 2017  -1.875 yards

 

More backing fabric added this week, so I'm back in the red!!!!

 

I've been a bad blogger lately, but I've been working in any few spare minutes that I can find.  It seems like we're busy from morning to night. I did get another quilt top pieced, this time from scrap 2 1/2 inch strips - thus the need for more backing fabric.

 

The block pattern is called Ladder Star and is one of Bonnie Hunter's Addicted to Scraps in Quiltmaker magazine. 

Whenever I had a few minutes, I'd cut pieces for a block, then when I had 2 cut, I'd stitch them together.  I made 48 blocks, along with many bonus half-square triangle blocks, (stitched as leaders and enders),which I used in the 2nd border. The only "new" fabric used was for the 2 plain borders, but was also from my stash.

I really have to find some time to pin-baste quilts - I now have 3 waiting!

 

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

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week 0 yards

Fabric used year to date  0 yards

Fabric added this week 0 yards

Fabric added year to date  0 yards

Net used 2017  0 yards

What a boring report - same old, same old!  I've been working hard every day, but not completing any projects.

I have 2 scrappy quilt tops completed, and the binding prepared for each.  I've ordered backing fabric, that should arrive soon, so I'll be able to finally have a finish this year!

I have a third scrappy top started, but it has been on hold while I work on the row quilt with my group - also using scraps!  

I think I see a trend - trying to use lots of pre-cut scraps this year.

My bin of 1 1/2 inch strips has shrunk by 1 1/2 layers out of three.  My 5" charms stacks are about half used, and I've even made a dent in my 2 1/2 inch strips.  I made scrappy binding for one of the quilt tops.  I also have a stack of 4-patches, made as "leaders and enders" using 2 inch squares, that will be turned into quilt blocks soon.

Check out the progress shared on Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

I can't show you my design wall this week.  I've planned a mystery quilt for my group at our southern home, and I've been testing the instructions, and setting aside demo parts for each week.  I don't want to show any parts, in case some of the members are looking.

I even had a call from one who has not arrived in the neighbourhood yet, asking if she could be the official pattern tester.  She was unsure of her fabric choices, but I told her that she'll have to wait just like the rest!

 I've been stitching away at the braid strip, using it as leader and ender units.  I've decided to stitch it all into one long braid, as I don't know how long it we end up.  I've looked at several braid quilts online, and have some ideas for a future quilt.  Once I get this set of parts made, I have another set, with the lights and darks working in the opposite direction, the result of the pieces being cut from a folder strip of fabric.
Last week at our Wednesday quilt group, I sat and sorted the smaller sized units.  It is amazing how much fabric was stored in a packed shoe box.
My next project is to piece the backing for the rubber ducky quilt.  I washed all the new flannel yesterday, so now I just have to figure out a plan for the back, so off to Electric Quilt software.

Check out the design walls shared at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

Finally.....I'm back to quilting!  Last winter I found some fabric panels based on Eric Carle's book, "10 Little Rubber Ducks".  I ordered the book as well, just in case we have a new family member soon.  Good news - the baby is due in January!!!!!

I downloaded the free pattern, then decided to use some of my stash to complete the quilt.  I had this wonderful "sea" fabric leftover from some scenic wall hangings I tried a few years ago.

I machine appliqued the sun, using a satin stitch for the rays and a spiky grass-like stitch for the circle.  I used some Sulky rayon variegated thread for interest.
I still have 2 more borders to attach, then I have to piece the backing.  I had 3 different "rubber ducky" flannels in my stash, just waiting for the right project!

This is my "leader and ender" project this winter.  A couple of years ago, one of the quilters in my group picked up a shoe box full of pre-cut pieces in 2 different sizes, and she gave it to me, as she didn't think she would ever use them, but for 50 cents, she couldn't resist the bargain.

I sorted them into piles of darks and lights, and rights and lefts.  When I get finished sewing this stack, there is another waiting.  After taking a piece from the top, I place the remaining matching pieces on the bottom.  I plan to just sew one long braid, then see where it takes me!  When I get this size finished, I'll tackle the smaller pieces.....

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

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

  A year or so ago, I saw someone working on this lovely Christmas project.  The pattern is "A Long Time Ago in Bethelehem" and was in the July 2012 issue of Australian Homespun magazine.  After hunting everywhere for a copy, I discovered it was available as an e-magazine download, so I was able to find the original pattern, and the link to the rest of the blocks.  Pardon the wrinkles and folds, as I haven't pressed any of these since they were completed.

 Block 5 is called the Reluctant Donkey.  I love the humour in each of the blocks!

Block 2 is called "Kitchen Sink Camel".  This reminded me of a picture that my Father-in-law took of DH's Grandmother packing after a month visit.  There was so much stuff that he added the old kitchen sink to the pile!  I wish I had a copy of the picture....

Last night I noticed that my bin of leaders and enders was getting full, so I sat, while listening to the end of an audio book, and stitched the "2-patches" into 3's then into 9-patches.

Head over to Judy's blog, Patchwork Times, to see what others are working on this week!

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

I've had another busy week, working on "quick to finish" projects.

I found this cute alphabet panel hidden away, and decided it would make a cute kid's quilt.  I added a narrow black dotted border, then a bright jigsaw puzzle fabric for the final border.  I plan on more dots in the binding fabric.

  I then hunted through my dwindling pile of flannels to find a good backing, and found one with school supplies - pencils, scissors, glue, eraser, paper clips etc., but although the length was great, it was too narrow.
Off to my pile of finished 4-patches (leaders and enders while sewing other things).  I found a collection made with solids and prints, and pieced them together into a long strip, with the colours forming diagonal lines - lots of bright colours, just like the borders on the top of the quilt!

Then I realized that I hadn't tried the bonus block of the month table topper pattern from my guild that was available in April.  In my plan to use Christmas fabrics, I pulled out a soft silver, white and dusty green print with pointsettias for the focal fabric, with green star point, and a cream with evergreen design. (The green points are a much softer colour than in the photo).  I had to make bias binding for this one, also in the soft green.  It will be my main project for today, as I want to have it completed to take for "show and tell" at our final meeting of the season on Wednesday!

Head over to Judy's blog, Patchwork Times, to be inspired by all the creativity linked there.

 

 

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

As we were busy with preparations for our trip and getting ready to close down the house, little quilting was done this week.

 This is a "clean up" project.  The stripes were leftover after using this fabric as a border.  I had pinned the pieces to my design wall, and instead of finding another place to store them, I decided to make this easy runner.  It is made by cutting 60 degree angles on the ends of 2 longer strips, then cutting four 60 degree triangles for the ends.  I still had some of the coordinating brown fabric, so I made the binding, and found a splotchy green fabric for the backing.  I pin basted it, using some leftover batting, and it is in the pile to take south.

 I also decided it was time to do something with my huge pile of 2-patch leaders and enders.  If you don't know about leaders and enders, read about it here at Bonnie's Quiltville.


I made a stack of 4-patches, then sewed them into pairs, then sets of 4.  The stack on the left has 24 sixteen-patch blocks.  I spent a bit of time to design a quilt using EQ7, and I'm packing fabric to make the quilt.  Here's my design...  My quilt will end up something like this, but probably not as organized in the colour department.  I design in EQ so I have fabric amounts, so I can find large enough pieces from my stash before I head out to shop!

Head over to Judy's blog to see all the creativity this week!

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

I've been busy preparing some shapes for hand applique.  I picked up a pattern for a southwest tree of life design when we were visiting Arizona several years ago.  I brought all the fabrics south so I could work on it this winter, but unfortunately it was pushed onto the back burner. 

 I decided to get some of the shapes ready so I could do some hand stitching in the evenings on our way north.  There are still more stars and moons to get ready, as well as flowers, leaves and angels.  I've stitched the tree and the pot on the background fabric already.  I've decided to use a black background, to enhance the bright applique colours.  I can't wait to start adding all the stitched details, but I guess I have to get them appliqued in place first.....

I also had an abundance of 2-patches from my leaders and enders, so stitched them into 4-patches.  The block is called "Grandmothers' Cross" according to Electric Quilt.  I decided to use an "on point" setting, and the blocks have varied "light" setting triangles, using up scraps left-over from the plaid quilts that I made in the fall.

Check out all the creativity over at Judy's blog!

"Instructions for Life" quilt

I decided to use the remaining "instructions" 4patch blocks in the backing of the quilt.  I kept the quilting simple on this quilt, as it is very busy.  I enjoyed remembering all the projects I had made with the fabrics that are included in this quilt - it is like walking down memory lane while quilting.

My latest scrap quilt

This one began due to my frugal nature.  Over the years, I have bought many printed panels to make cloth books, aprons, wall hangings etc.  When I was cutting one out, I looked at all the fabric that was printed with instructions, which cost the same as the printed area.  I decided that it would be wasteful to put all that "good" fabric into the garbage bin, so I cut it all up into 2 inch squares.  I began stitching these to a "dark" square from my bin, as a "leader and ender".  After I had stitched lots of these, I then made them into 4patch blocks.  
Sewing with "leaders and enders" over the past few years has made me think of creative ways to use the finish products.
I stitched more light and dark 2 inch squares into half square triangles by sewing from one corner to the other, then trimming the seam allowance to 1/4 inch.  These were then stitched together into a "flying geese" arrangement.  These were placed around the central 4patch blocks, with cream or white corner squares to make the  6 inch finished blocks.
I made 36 blocks, then decided I had had enough fun!

Design Wall Monday

I just started joining in with the Monday happenings, and I find it keeps me on my toes!  

I found a stack of variable star blocks that needed some friends, so I am making the alternate blocks in blacks and greens to help turn these into a finished quilt.  
I just finished designing the quilt, using EQ6, so now I have a firm plan in place.  I had made 36 star blocks some time in the past, and didn't want to waste any, so I planned a quilt top that will use them all!

Quilting the Scrappy Double Irish Chain Quilt

As almost always, I began quilting with straight lines.  I decided to stitch through all the scrappy squares first.  Then I continued on, to stitch-in-the-ditch around the plain border; then I added the binding, so that I wouldn't have to deal with the raw edges of the quilt.  I always used to leave the binding until the end, but prefer this method instead.
While tidying up my sewing room, I found some quilting designs, prepared on "golden" tissue paper, that were the perfect fit for my alternate blocks!  I had to make a few more before stitching the pattern.  The original pattern was from a Quilters' Newsletter free download in 2003 - amazing what you find tucked into corners in your sewing room!

Then I decided to stitch loopy fans in the background areas of both the white and purple edges of my scrappy border.

I finished off with a couple of swirls in the 4-patch in each corner.

This quilt was machine quilted, using a Juki, and hand guiding without a frame or stitch regulator.

Next Step - Leaders and Enders

Next I had to made the alternate blocks to go with the 25 patch blocks.
This one is easy - one piece cut 8x5 inches and 2 pieces cut 2x5 inches.  I stitched a 2 inch dark scrap square on each end of the two strips, then stitched the block together.  I made 17 of these blocks.
These images are from EQ6.  It is a wonderful design tool!

Shades of Blue

This quilt was inspired by one that I saw at the Bancroft Ontario quilt show last year.  It still uses "leaders & enders", but the 25 patch blocks are organized with the same blue squares forming an X through each block.  I set the blocks on point so that I could use a set of 12 quilting patterns that I had saved from the Patchpieces website.  They were offered as a free BOM in 2001, and they have been generously kept available on the site since then!
The machine quilted motifs were stitched with a variegated blue thread.  I'll show the individual blocks and setting triangles later.

Christmas Lights Completed

When I had completed all the blocks, the next decision was the layout.  Since I was working a month or so behind the more eager quilters, I was fortunate enough to trip across a quilter's blog, (blogger unknown - sorry), that showed 3 additional layouts.  One of these struck a chord with me, so it was the winner!
I scan through the blogs found here every morning and check out the ones that catch my eye.
I used the quilting design that was suggested in Quiltmaker, and stitched tangled Christmas lights all over the quilt - I think this would have been easier using a quilting frame, but I managed to do it in three passes down the length of the quilt, making sure that the quilting motifs were evenly distributed over the quilt top.
Now it needs to find a home. According to my rough calculations, I was able to use up approximately 18 yards of my stash, including the pieced front, the backing and the binding!

Christmas Lights Pt 2

This is one of the finished block 2's.  Of course, it uses more leaders and enders!  Good thing I have a seemingly endless supply.  This set of blocks also used lots of my stock of red scrap strips as well.

P.S. Borders on the Heart Quilt

No matter what I did to adjust the colours, the borders appeared to be black-ish.  Here is a close-up of the border, to see the actual colour of the fabric.  I've been using my stash, as it was getting too big for my quilting studio.  I've only purchased fabric in the past year, that was necessary to finish a project.  It is amazing how creative you can become when you set your mind to it!

Appliqued Hearts Quilt

I still haven't come up with a name for this quilt.  That is always the hardest part for me!  This quilt will be donated to the Limestone Quilt Guild in Kingston ON, for its Community Quilts program.  We make quilts to donate to many groups in our community, and  there is a never-ending need.
You can see all the "leaders & enders" that were used in this quilt, but the bins never seem to empty!