Design Wall Monday

 I don't know why, but all my pictures are loading in sideways today!
I've been busy doing needle-turn applique, using a back basting method on the blocks from Meadow Breeze by Pat Sloan.
I have finished 3 of the 4 side panel designs, and I'm working on the last corner square.
I also managed to finish the border around the centre design.  I plan to do some thread painting on the blocks before assembling the wall hanging.

Check out all the other participants in Design Wall Monday at Judy's blog.....

Last set of Pinwheel blocks

I used 4 different background fabrics in the 18 blocks, two lighter and two darker.  DH helped me play with the arrangement on the livingroom rug, (the only place big enough - I miss my design wall more and more each day!)  I found some neat fabric for sashing, and used the leftover teals as corner blocks.  Yesterday we visited my favourite quilt shop, Quilts on Plum Lane in Dade City FL, and DH spotted a great fabric for the backing in their sale/clearance area!
It is washed and pieced ready for basting.....

Finished the dragonfly wall hanging

This was a great kit by WHIMS, that included the pre-cut squares, fabric for the appliques and 2 dragonflies made from angelina fibres.  I used the fusible grid to line up the squares, then it was just a matter of sewing along the rows.  it does make it a bit stiff, but since is is a wall hanging, I don't think it matters.  I used leftover strips from my bins to make the borders and the binding, and even the backing fabric was a cut-off from the backing of another quilt!

 The dragonflies are dimensional.

 I stitched the waterlily and the rushes before layering and quilting.  I used monofilament (invisible) thread to outline the shapes and to do a large meandering in the "sky" area of the wall hanging, as well as to SITD (stitch in the ditch) of the narrow borders.   I stitched some ripples in the "water" area using a mylar type thread - a bit fussy through the fusible, but I persevered.  I just have to label the back before I send it to my son as a gift for his girlfriend.

More Pinwheel blocks

Six more pinwheels.  I'm also trying to finish my dragonfly quilt so I can get it shipped to Canada in time for Christmas.

Design Wall Monday

I have some catching up to do, now that I was able to download my pictures.......

These are the first 6 of 18 pinwheel blocks that I am making in browns and teals.  Last winter DH gave me a kit for a tablerunner in these colours, as well as a few extra fat quarters.  Then I ordered a set of 10 inch squares from Keepsake, called "Coffee and Teal".  I've been having fun matching the colours together.  My plan is to set the blocks on point with sashing, then add a couple of borders.  I've been dedicated to using my stash, but I think I'll still have some of these colours remaining, so I'll have to find another project to try to use them up.  Of course, we all know that in the attempt, I'll have to add more fabric - its just a vicious circle!

My Southern Sewing Room

My sewing table faces the window, so on sunny days, I have a blind rolled down so I can see.  DH cut a hole for the sewing machine and made a box to support it at the correct level.

 Next to my machine I have my thread boxes on the floor, and two sets of plastic drawers to hold my "bits and pieces", topped with bins of strips and more threads.  Since the sun hits these on the back, I use a tablecloth to keep them protected.

 My little TV sits in the corner, so I can watch the sewing and quilting shows on PBS every morning.  It is angled so the sun doesn't shine on the screen.

 My cutting table sits on the inside wall.  I have a lamp attached so I can see to cut accurately, (aging eyes), and I made a cover that I can press on for small seams.  I still use an ironing board for bigger jobs.
The storage drawers are filled with extra small pieces for DH's garden railway.

 I also have a small sitting area so I can visit with friends, or sit and hand sew while watching a movie.  The room was built under the existing carport roof.  It has windows on two sides, so I can usually get a good breeze.  I have a ceiling fan for really humid or hot days too.  I don't have a phone,(we have an answering machine),  so I get few interruptions, except DH asking if I want to go for a bike ride or swim. 

My computer was just delivered!

Finally - I've been tracking it on its return journey across the country.  Unfortunately, today is quilt group day, so I won't be able to reload stuff and play until later......
I'm off to pack for this afternoon.
Happy Thanksgiving to all my US friends, (we Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving in mid October).  We've been invited to a friends' home for a meal tomorrow, so I have to bake some bread when I get home from my quilting group - can't show up empty handed!

Design Wall Monday

I borrowed this picture from www.whims.cc.  DH bought this cute kit for me in Houston.  Our son's girlfriend loves dragonflies, so he thought it would make a great gift.  The kit included the watercolour squares, and the fabrics for fusible applique, along with two wonderful dragonflies made from some angelina fibre, ready to cut out and apply.  The centre is finished, and waiting for some thread painting details.  I also checked my tiny stash in Florida, and I'll have to pick up some fabrics for borders and backing!  (Darn! I have to go shopping....)
Head over to Judy's to see what's new

My computer comes home on Wednesday!

According to tracking info, it should be delivered on the 24th.  I hope the hard drive has been left alone, and only the faulty CD/DVD drive replaced.  I guess I'll find out on Wednesday.
I've been making some pinwheel blocks, using some leftover browns and teals.  I forgot to pack enough fabric for the sashing and border, so I picked up a couple of yards of sale fabric, including a lovely stripe.  I enjoy using stripes in the borders as they look wonderful in a miter!

  More quilts by my quilting group - these were made in 2008, using a "Quilt in a Day" pattern.

Back to sewing!

My sewing room is set up, and I spent quite a bit of time yesterday sewing!  Unfortunately, the Wednesday quilt group meeting was cancelled, as they were shampooing the carpets in our clubhouse, so it was out of bounds for 24 hours.
Here are some more pictures of past quilts made by my group.  (BTW, my notebook computer is in being repaired as we speak, so I should have it back in about a week, and be able to download and upload some current pictures!)

 The pattern was shown on the old "Simply Quilts" program on HGTV.  It is an easy block to make, but makes a great looking finished project.

Design Wall Monday

I don't have my sewing room set up yet, but it is clean, windows, floors etc.  My DH had to get all his garden railway stuff set up first, as it is stored in my "sewing room" while we are away!

 

The railway wraps around the front of the house, and has two rail lines, so two trains can run at once.

My sweet DH even built me my own quilt shop! 

All of the buildings are made from "scratch".  He loves finding uses for all the assorted bits and pieces that accumulate in our garage up north.  He has even made use of some empty thread spools and cones, and that is one supply that never ends......

Off to meet with my quilt group

People are arriving every day, and this afternoon we're going to get together.  I know that one person wants help pin-basting a quilt, and for the rest of us, it will be a meet and greet.
I had to sent my notebook in for servicing, and DH forgot the cables so that I can upload pictures, so my blog will either have old pictures, or be pictureless until it returns! Our desktop is so slowwwwwww!

These were mystery quilts that were made in 2006.

Design Wall Monday

I've been on the road for the past 10 days, and haven't set up my southern sewing room yet.  I did stitch the redwork on the 4th Raggedy and Friends block while travelling.  

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 Thanks, Kaaren, at the Painted Quilt!
I packed 14 or 15 projects to work on over the winter, so the next few months should be interesting.  I'll also be leading the quilt group every Wednesday - 12 to 20 quilters get together to sew.  They are of all skill levels from beginner to experienced, so it is challenging to find projects to interest everyone.  This year, I plan to take everyone back to the basics - from checking their "scant 1/4 inch seam" to how to cut accurately, and making the basic building blocks of quilting - 4 patches, 9 patches, half and quarter square triangle, flying geese, etc.  I have to design a few projects using these basic building blocks.
Check out everyone's design wall at Judy's blog

Houston Show

DH and I were waiting at the door  Wednesday night for the preview from 7-10.  Almost everyone rushed to the vendors' side of the convention center, but we headed the other way, toward the quilts.  All the first prize winners were standing by their quilts, and we got to chat with all of them!
The three hours flew by, and we headed back to our hotel.  Back again this morning at 10 sharp.  Once again, went against the grain, and looked at the rest of the exhibits before heading to the vendors.  I had circled some "must see" booths, but we managed to at least check out all of them by 4.  I don't look at jewelry, embellishments, I've tried all the long-arm machines before, wasn't looking for a new sewing machine, and only had a few fabric "wants" to look for.  I did pick up some fat quarters, and one ruler, but most of my plastic damage was done at Superior Threads booth.  Picked up 5 spools of their new silk thread to try for applique, as well as some new colours of their Rainbow line of thread.  I also got a box of 72 pre-wound bobbins as well.
By 4, my feet were sore, my back hurt, and it was time to head out.  We did stop at a local fabric store, High Fashion Fabrics, where I found some Raggedy Ann and Andy fabric (on my want list).  Stopped for dinner on our way home, then back to the hotel.  I've looked through all the hand-outs etc. that we picked up, and I've fondled my new fabric.  Now I have to check up on a few days of emails and other computer info.   We head to Florida in the morning.  I'm looking forward to sleeping in my own bed, and baking my first loaves of bread!

Final sewing day for a while

 I finally had to call it quits this afternoon.  I managed to get the friendship star border stitched on the quilt centre, having fun, pulling various shades of purples and bluey-greens from my shelf.  The star blocks were made in pairs, reversing the fabrics.

  I have some more of the neutral fabric, and another print for the final border and backing that has been in my stash for too long.
Now on to cleaning and oiling both machines, packing up all the cords etc., then vacuuming the rug in my sewing room.  Then I can begin some serious packing.

Design Wall Monday

I wasn't planning to participate this week,  but I wasn't ready to pack up my sewing room yet.  While rummaging around, I found a zip bag with a ton of purple and light half-square triangle blocks.  They were leftovers from a quilt I made about 7 or 8 years ago.  They were all squared up and ready to use!

 The blocks are only 5 inches finished, but I managed to use up all the parts, with only 3 blocks leftover to add to my "orphan block" basket.  Now I am working on a friendship star border to make this little gem bigger.  I told DH that I was going to start packing on Wednesday, so he can load up on Thursday, ready for a Friday departure.  I am going to miss my son's company, and I am sure that he will find the house empty-feeling for a while as well.
Head to Judy's blog to see what everyone else is working on.....

I am packing, really I am.....

These are projects in bags and zip bags.  They have most of the fabric, and the pattern, unless it is on my computer.

Then add to that, these projects on hangers.  There are blocks and background squares cut for an applique project, as well as some panels and yardage that I want to turn into interesting quilts to donate to my guild.

In all, I have 14 projects packed to take south.  I'm sure I'll add a couple more to the list while I'm there.  Inspiration is always striking at the oddest moments!

Two more applique blocks - Meadow Breezes

I managed to finish one corner block and two side blocks.  I have also marked the back of the remaining blocks, prepared for back basting.  I also cut pieces of fabric for each of the shapes that will be appliqued.  I still have to take fabric along to finish the remaining corner block and side blocks.  Right now it is all in a zip type bag, ready to be packed. 
So many projects to choose from - so little space to pack!

Design Wall Monday

I was looking for a hand-work project, and found this applique pattern here. There is still one more part to the pattern coming later this month, but I decided to get started.  I have all the background white pieces cut, and have completed the "Birds in the Air" blocks for the rest of the applique.  The project finishes around 36 inches square.
Visit Judy's blog to see what everyone else is doing. 

Quilting and Not!

I spent all day Tuesday at a Community Quilts workshop for my guild.  One of the coordinators hosts it at her home once a month.  She provides a pot of homemade soup, and everyone brings a little something to add to the table.
It wasn't a big group, but we managed to get quite a bit done.  I machine quilted a baby quilt, and pin basted 7 more lap quilts.  They were also making kits, using the "block of the month" blocks from the summer - over 600 were donated.  The block was designed to use up bits and pieces, so several members used up all the short ends in their stash!  Two more quilts were pieced together, and now await backing.  I keep forgetting to take my camera, especially to take a picture of lunch - always delicious.  Since we were a small group, there were just 2 salads and rolls to go with the soup, and only 3 desserts!
I decided to take Wednesday off, so DH and I headed out to do more Christmas shopping.  Then we took good friends out for dinner to help celebrate our anniversary.   Today, I finally got my machine back in its place, and I've been wrapping Christmas gifts, and doing a bit of tidying in my sewing room. 

Lovely Thanksgiving Sunday

 We travelled 2 hours north of Kingston to beautiful Wollaston Lake, south of Bancroft ON.  The leaves on the way were beautiful, and we enjoyed the bright sunny drive.

They had a lovely fire going, but I found the room too warm - I would have fallen asleep if I sat there,  The guys watched a football game and had afternoon snacks while waiting for dinner.

 My sister-in-law set a beautiful harvest table, where 10 family and friends enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast.  There was lots more food than we could eat - we are all so fortunate.  We arrived home late, but happy to have enjoyed such a lovely day.

Design Wall Monday

 

I sewed madly on Sunday morning, and managed to get the basic quilting done and the binding stitched on before we headed north for our Thanksgiving celebration.  I stitched the binding on by hand while chatting with friends and relatives...

 

I took a close-up picture with a quarter on the block to show the size of the pieces.  I was amazed at how much fabric this little project took, most of which was lost into seam allowances and trimming.  I used an "add an eighth" ruler when paper piecing, but once the sections were complete, they had a standard quarter inch seam allowance.  I still have to add more quilting, but that will come at a more leisurely pace.
Join the rest of the group at Judy's blog.....

Finished Ode to Hallowe'en

Just in time to hang for a while before the big night!  I was planning to stitch some small orange beads on the vine, but didn't have any, nor did I have black buttons small enough or beads large enough for the ends of the branches.  Since I am trying to use what I have, I decided to forgo the orange beads, and made 6 strand French knots on the ends of the branches.  My camera is still having trouble with colours, so the squares in the border are a burnt orange colour.  I think it is the fluorescent lights in my sewing room!
Off to pack the goodies for Thanksgiving dinner at my sister-in-law's home this afternoon.....  Happy Thanksgiving to all the Canadians.

Ode to Hallowe'en

I downloaded Kaaren's pattern last Friday, and I just had to stop what I was doing and start working on it!  The link to her blog post at The Painted Quilt is here. (Thanks Kaaren)
I have the pieced border stitched, but I have to trim the centre to size first.  Then there is a bit more stitching to finish, but I should have it ready to hang soon.  
I had been reading about "back basting" as a template free method of applique, so I challenged myself to try it on these tiny pieces.  (The flannel on my design wall is marked in a 2 inch grid.)  It worked quite well, and I plan to try this method again soon. 
There are some pictorial tutorials on back basting on the Tropical Applique blog, found in the sidebar here.
There won't be much sewing done over the weekend - tomorrow I am baking 2 kinds of rolls, 1 pies, pumpkin and apple, and mincemeat tarts to take to my sister-in-law's for Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday!

Design Wall Monday

The first pieced border is complete, and I'm about half-way along on the second.  I have to work is short segments, as I find my neck muscles start to tense up.....   I am enjoying the challenge, but I'm also looking forward to the next one!
See what everyone else is doing at Judy's blog.

Miniature quilt centre complete!

Don't you love it when a plan comes together!  I used a different brown and rust fabric in the 1/2 inch border.  The brown that I chose for the blocks was only a 10 inch square, and the rust fabric in the points and setting square/triangles was a fat quarter.  I need the rest of that fabric for the points in the border piecing....  It is astonishing how much fabric this tiny quilt has used, but there is lots of trimming, no matter how careful I am.

 I'm proud of my mitered corners.  The borders were sewn together first, then treated a one.  I have tried many methods to miter the corners, but finally decided to use Sharon Schamber's method.  You use "Elmer's School Glue" with a tiny applicator tip and a hot, dry iron to glue-pin the miter.  Then you open up the seam and stitch on the pressed line, pull the glue apart, trim the seam allowance and press the corner seam open.  I have had great success with this method.

Baltimore Bliss Block 5

Pattern is found here.  I seem to be getting lots of hand work done now that the new TV season is upon us.  Last night I prepared the pieces for Block 6.
I'm also plugging away at the paper pieced border for my miniature quilt as well.
We discovered that the DVD burner on my laptop is not working.  I can read DVDs and CD's but not burn new ones!  Fortunately, my laptop has a 3 year warranty, so I guess I'll have to part with it for a while.  I think we'll wait until we get to Florida for the repair, as we are quickly approaching our departure date, and I don't want to complicate things by sending it for repairs in Canada and then having it returned to the US.....  I spent last night backing everything up onto a memory stick, then today I'll transfer things to our desktop and burn some CD's and DVD's there.  That way I won't lose any files - tech support said that the first thing they do is restore the hard drive to original.  I don't look forward to reloading all the rest of the software......