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.

SEWING IN COLD FLORIDA

I'm a Canadian, spending the winter in Florida, and I'm not really complaining about the cold weather here - it will soon pass.  During our time as an Air Force family, we lived as far north as the lower edge of Hudsons Bay, and spent time in various locations in Ontario, as well as 2 years on Vancouver Island.

My sewing room is in a bonus room under the carport.  It is unheated and has a ceiling fan to help with the heat and humidity.  DH knew I planned to spend time there today, so he went out early, and opened the blinds so the sun would warm the space!  By 11am it was toasty, and I spent time cutting fabric, and working to lay out my latest applique project.  I had prepared all the pieces, and was using drops of school glue (washable), along with an iron, to attach the stems and pieces to the background square.  Now I'll have plenty of hand sewing work to do while we watch TV in the evenings.  I also washed all my new fabric, so it will be ready to begin a new project tomorrow.

FINAL STASH REPORT FOR 2017

Used this week  2.625 yards

Used year to date  131.625 yards

Fabric added this week  18.5 yards

 Fabric added year to date  88.75 yards

Net used 2017  48.875 yards

 

I completed another baby quilt from a panel, and came in just under the wire to claim my final finish for the year!

I looked back through my archives of stash reports.  In 2010 I only kept track of fabric used, as I started part-way through the year.

Year   # of projects    yds used         yds added      net used

2010       30               273.5   

2011       36               252.625            72.25            180.375   

2012       41               242.125           176.375           65.75

2013       31               184.25             110.875           73.375 

2014       47               222                   54.875          167.125

2015       30               161.875            93.875            68

2016       31               217                   87.75             129.25

2017       25               131.625            88.75               42.875

I've been pretty consistant in my fabric usage, but did better "shopping my stash" some years than others.  Some years the clearance sale sirens sang a louder song than others, and this past year, we spent more time with our grandson, and I didn't make too many larger projects.  I also quilted more quilts for my guild's community quilt program over the past year, and I quilt with my Bernina B710, with a larger throat, but still much slower than a sit down or long arm machine.  Next year I will be starting with a deficit, as I have ordered 25 baby quilt panels, which will be completed and donated to my guild over time.  They haven't arrived yet, so I didn't have to count them for 2017!

 

I'll still keep track - I love adding a finished project to the list, and seeing the list grow over the year, just as I love all the aspects of quilting from start to finish.  

I wish everyone a wonderful "quilty" and productive new year!

 

STILL STITCHING ALONG

Just to keep my hand in, I basted this cute baby quilt panel, and managed to find an afternoon to quilt during the past week.  A little evening TV watching, and the hand stitching was complete on the binding.  This will be donated to the Hugs program at our local hospital, after being logged into my guild's comunity quilts program.

I've been slowly working on Diamond Hill by Esther Aliu.  


So far I have hand appliqued 3 of the 4 main blocks.



The flower colours were chosen to coordinate with some fabric that has been in my stash over 20 years.



When I have all 4 blocks complete, I'll add the strips to the corner of each of them, then give them a good press and cut them to the correct size.

I'll still have the pieced sashing to complete, and the appliqued borders, so I hope to complete this before the end of 2018!

I have pulled the fabric for the flowers and leaves from my selection, and now have to get all the small pieces prepared for stitching.  It is always a time consuming part of applique, but the rewards when your vision appears is worth it.

I plan to keep busy with various other projects at the same time.  I'll be working on some items for my guild's boutique - our quilt show is in early June 2018!  I had already selected quilts that I wanted to enter into the show, but as a few more projects are being completed, I'm changing my mind.  I have until late February or early March to decide, so I'm sure my list will change a lot by the deadline!

A FINISH......

I just finished hand stitching the binding on this wall hanging.  The pattern I used was the centre block from a quilt designed by Esther Aliu, called Oma's Blues.  I knew that I wouldn't make the whole quilt, but I love hand applique, and I had just received a set of blue fabrics from Connecting Threads.  I also pulled some fabrics from my deep stash, including two blue Christmas prints.

Once the hand applique was complete, this hung on my design wall for 2 years, so before heading south for the winter, I selected fabric for the backing and batting, and was determined to complete the project ASAP!

I added machine quilting, using some invisible (monofilament) thread to emphasize the appliques, then white thread for the quilting.  I'm pleased that it is finished, as I am working on another of Esther's patterns, Diamond Hill.  I have appliqued the first 2 blocks and I'm working on the hand stitching of block number 3.                      

A QUILT FOR A NEIGHBOUR

When we arrived south this fall, I was approached by a new member of my quilting group to make a quilt for a neighbour who has cancer.   She purchased a panel, and the backing double-wide flannel, but had to return north.  I asked the group for help, requesting a few 12 inch finished quilt blocks, and got busy designing a quick pattern for the quilt.

Tuesday night, I received the final 2 blocks, and managed to complete the top.  At our regular Wednesday quilting group, I had help to pin-baste the quilt.  Thursday, I completed the quilting, and machine stitched the binding to the quilt.  I sat, watching TV with DH, and managed to stitch down all the binding but about 24 inches before we headed to bed.

This morning I completed the binding, and took a picture of the quilt, then presented it to our neighbour, who was very surprised!
He said that he has been feeling cold all the time, while going through chemo, so I told him that we call our quilts "hugs", to wrap him in affection and kindness while he was fighting the disease.  I included a "colour catcher" for the quilt's first wash, as I had pre-washed all the fabric before assembly, but I'm not sure about the blocks that others completed.

 

A SMALL FINISH & UPDATE TO MY STASH REPORT!

Fabric used this week 1.25 yards
Fabric used year to date  113.5 yards
Fabric added this week 14 yards
Fabric added year to date  70.25 yards
Net used this year  43.25 yards

When I said small, I really meant it!  I completed a table runner - I had finished the hand embroidery, and it had hung, forgotten, on my design wall for 2 years.  I pulled some fabric for backing and borders, and prepped it for quilting before heading south.

Of course, I don't remember the pattern designer......

It looks very sparkly in person - I used a pearl coloured Glitter thread by Superior Threads to quilt snowy swirls in the background, and red Glitter around the pointsettias.   I also forgot to bring binding fabric, so I used one of my new fat quarters.

I also spent some time completing the December BOM blocks - green this month.

There are two of the first block, similar, but using a variety of fabrics.

 There are two of the geese blocks, following the designer's suggestion to radiate the geese colours from dark to light.

There are 4 for the bow tie blocks, following the dark, light, dark green colour scheme.

Now I just have to wait for January!  If you are interested in the block of the month, here is the link.

The holidays are nearly upon us again.  I still have baking to do, and we haven't decorated yet!  DH has been helping a neighbour seal his concrete driveway, and finally, all the band members have arrived south for the winter, so many practices are coming up.  There is a Christmas sing-a-long each December in our community, and the band has been asked to entertain while everyone is arriving, and also accompany all the songs and carols.  Everyone has fun, and it helps to get everyone in the holiday spirit.  There is a decorated golf cart parade coming up, and a huge pot luck dinner on Christmas eve.  The band is entertaining there as well!  They also have several Christmas parties at local nursing homes scheduled for December, so they will be busy, busy, busy.  They all play for the love of music, and try to add some extra cheer all year.

FINALLY BACK TO QUILTING! + STASH REPORT

Fabric used this week  0 yards
Fabric used year to date  112.25 yards
Fabric added this week 14 yards
Fabric added year to date  70.25 yards
Net used this year  42 yards


A week after our arrival in the sunny south, our son, daughter in law and grandson, age 2 yr 10 months, arrived for a two week visit.  We had so much fun, with trips to Disney World, swimming, mini putt, and just enjoying time with our family.  My sewing room was closed for business for the duration!
 
After they returned north, we took time to catch up on our sleep, tidy the house, do laundry and just relax for a while.  My quilting group started again, and we've spent 2 Wednesdays getting re-acquainted, and figuring out what we want to work on this winter.  We have some new members too, so we're having lots of fun!

I've been catching up on my guild's BOM project, and I have all the blocks made up to date.

Some of the blocks are made in pairs, all scrappy, and others are made in sets of 4 or more.

 The December blocks are made in shades of green.

I love this time of year in Florida.  The only problem is that it is so nice out, I have trouble sitting at my machine!

DH is helping a neighbour work on his driveway today.  I guess I should get the binding cut for a runner that I've been working on......

Looking at my stash report - I'd better get stitching or this will be my worst report in all the years I've been tracking my fabric acquisition!

READY TO SEW & STASH REPORT

My sewing room is finally set up and ready to go!

The strips are for the next step of my block of the month project with my guild.

DH made a small rack to hold all of my cutting tools, right where I need them.  He used a small found door, and added hooks to hold everything.
This will be the only time it is this tidy!

The red case is for my sewing machine, and the green bin holds projects ready to begin.
The window side of the sunroom holds my sewing table with my Bernina, currently covered.  The blue bins hold 2 inch squares for my leaders and enders.  My threads are in the cases on the floor, and two plastic drawer units hold lots of other sewing accessories close at hand.
There are also bins of leftover 1 1/2 inch, 2 inch, and 2 1/2 inch strips, along with 5 inch squares, ready for future projects.  Last winter I made 4 quilts, all using my homemade precuts!
I was good on the trip south.  We stopped at Mary Jo's in Gastonia NC, and I only picked up 3 yards of fabric.  Then at a stop at Quilts on Plum Lane in Dade City FL, I found 3 more fabrics - half yard each and 1 fat quarter.  These are for a project that I started - almost all applique.  I completed the first 2 large blocks, and have the pattern ready to prepare the applique pieces for the next one.  I just wanted a bit more variety in my fabrics.

Fabric used this week  0 yards

Fabric used year to date  112.25 yards

Fabric added this week 2.25 yards

Fabric added year to date  56.25 yards

Net used 2018  56 yards

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

I am in mid-pack for our winter visit in the south.  My machine is packed, ready for travel, along with lots of projects to work on over the winter.  My threads, rulers, cutters, and tons of other items too numerous to mention are packed into totes, ready to be loaded in our van.

I have 2 design walls in my basement studio.  This is the smaller one, next to my sewing desk.  I have pinned up some orphan blocks, and have been hoping for some inspiration.  The panel on the bottom left is a tiny "stack n whack" panel, made from leftover fabric.  I might have to finish it as a miniature, or a small wall hanging.
My larger design wall is in the narrow hallway opposite the staircase, and is almost impossible to photograph!

First is my hourglass leader and ender project - I'll continue with this next year....

 When I was making my table topper for my guild's Christmas dinner, it was just as easy to make 2, so the top is in waiting for quilting.

I found the bunny, eggs and flowers appliques in a bag, leftover from a previous project, and had the basket block from a shop hop kit.  I appliqued the parts, and hope to make it into a table topper in the spring.

I used this pretty floral stripe to make a mitered border on a quilt, and just couldn't throw away the cut-offs!

Leftover half units from the one block wonder quilt I made last year.  I'm hoping that inspiration hits, so I can use these pieces.

Right now, they all have to wait until spring, and by then, I'm sure I'll have a few leftovers from my winter quilting to add to the mix!



Fabric used this week  1.75 yards
Fabric used year to date  112.25 yards
Fabric added this week  0 yards
Fabric added year to date  52 yards
Net used 2017  60.25 yards

I'm linking with Small Quilts and Doll Quilts here, and Love, Laugh Quilt: Monday here!

WORKING ON MY FINAL BLOCKS BEFORE PACKING MY MACHINE!

My guild Block of the Month program for this season has blocks that are all made from 2 1/2 inch strips, and will form a whole quilt by the spring.  I love scrap quilts, so I have cut 2 1/2 inch strips from all the colour groups, so I'll have them when we go south for the winter.

I didn't want to be behind, so I've made the September blocks.  There are two 12 inch finished blocks, and 16 of the 6 inch blocks.  

There were 2 blocks to make for October, which are 12 x 20 inches finished.  I'm having fun revisiting some of the hidden fabrics in my stash!

 
If you want to stitch along, the pattern can be found here, along with a picture of the finished quilt.  

Our project designer made a table runner using the September blocks. 

Now my packing begins!!!!!

WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE????????

I can't believe that I haven't posted since the end of July!

We've been busy, with family, DH has been entertaining at nursing homes and senior residences in our area, along with his friend and bass player, I've been machine quilting more quilts for my guilds community quilts program, and we have been on the road frequently.

Here is the picture of the finished "Autumn Orphan" quilt.  I've also added some close-ups of the quilting.

In early August, our son and family came for a visit, and our grandson, age 2 1/2, stayed with us for a week after his parents returned home.  This is the longest that they had been separated, and the adults didn't do as well as the little one.

He loves construction vehicles, and we picked up 6 small ones for him to play with.  Lucky for us, just a block away, the city was replacing a storm drain, and every day for the length of his visit, he and Grandpa walked over to watch the excavators and dump trucks at work.

We had a great visit!  

When we returned him home, we went to see my middle brother, who was in the hospital.  He was supposed to have a 2 1/2 hour surgery, but it lasted 8 1/2 hours after they detected cancer.

There was a complication on the day after his operation, and he ended up staying in the hospital for four weeks.  He lost almost 40 pounds by the time he returned home.  He is recovering slowly, and still has to undergo radiation and chemo, but has a positive attitude, and a wonderful wife and family to provide him with the support that he needs.

In early September, we had our grandson for another week!  His parents managed better the second time, and discovered that they could get lots done when he was away.  They even had time for a dinner out!   We seem to be constantly packing and unpacking, as our family lives 4 1/2 hours away, and requires us to drive across the city of Toronto each time!  Not for the faint of heart.
We also attended our good friends' daughter's wedding, and we gifted them the double Irish chain quilt.

Since then, I've been busy catching up on my quilting projects, including working on my guild's block of the month project.  Our guild is having a quilt show in June, and I found a few items, and made some more to donate to the boutique.

I made this quick table topper for my guild's Christmas dinner, even though I won't be attending.  I have a large stash of Christmas fabric, and I'm trying to use more of it.  Unfortunately, this only used  1.75 yards.

By the way, I've used 60.25 yards of fabric this year, after deducting the 52 yards that I've added to my stash.

Today I looked through the quilts that I have made since the last show, trying to decide which ones to enter.  Since the entry pictures need to be in by February, (when I'll be south for the winter), I need to select a few now.

Suddenly, it is time to pack for our winter in the south.  I've already sent a notice to be published in our community newsletter, letting everyone know the start date for our weekly quilt group.  Now I just have to plan some projects to take along!

MORE LOST AND FOUND BLOCKS

When sorting through my "lost" fabric strips, I also found six red and white 9Patch blocks.  I decided to make 2 table runners - they will be donated for my guild's boutique at our show next June.

Either one would be cute for Valentine's Day.  I managed to use the last of my "heart" fabric on these.  I think the blocks are over 15 years old!
 

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

I thought I'd see what was in my cupboard, and found 4 hangers loaded with fabric strips that had been overlooked, and a small bag of "parts".  I trimmed them into the sizes of strips and squares that I save, to be added to my bins for future projects.

I found some 4 patches, and decided to get them into a quilt top before they got lost again for another 10 years or so!

I started by adding triangles to each 4-patch, to set them on point, using green and gold fabrics.  Then I added a border to each one, using the same dark red pin-dot fabric that was in the original blocks, and a navy blue fabric with silver speckles, just a shade darker than the original blue print.

While searching my stash for a fabric to use for sashing, I found a piece of the autumn print that was part of the original 4-patches!  Once that was added between the blocks,  I checked my stash of green fabrics and found a piece that was perfect for the final border and binding, and I was able to use the whole piece!

Just think - it all started with a dozen 4patch blocks!  I'll get a better picture of the whole quilt after I find some backing and complete the quilting!

I'm linking to Small Quilts and Doll Quilts.  Check out what others are working on this week.

DESIGN WALL / STASH REPORT

Fabric used this week  21.625 yards

Fabric used year to date  100.75 yards

Fabric added this week 0 yards

Fabric added year to date  52 yards

Net used 2017  48.75 yards

My large "used" number is due to finally completing the quilting on my double Irish chain quilt - destined to be a wedding gift in September.  I'll take its official portrait in a couple of weeks when my son and his family will be visiting, and I'll have 2 tall men to hold it!  DH helped me spread it on our bed for a picture.

 I spent part of two days quilting the swirls in the neutral areas.  The first day I quilted the outer 2 blocks, and left the centre blocks for day 2, after a good night sleep.  Some of my centre circles are more round than others!

I had a bit of the border fabric left over, so I made a table runner, just for fun.  I forgot to add the yardage for this small project, so it is included in the total fabric used.

Check out what others are doing this week at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts.

DESIGN WALL / STASH REPORT

Fabric used this week  5 yards

Fabric used year to date  77.875 yards

Fabric added this week  1 yard

Fabric added year to date  52 yards
Net used 2017  25.875 yards

My grandson has started watching Bob the Builder.  When we visited their family I found a "Bob" book panel in the clearance area at Len's mill store in Kitchener.

I cut the pages apart, adding green sashing, printed with a large variety of trucks and construction vehicles.  The center section features Bob and some tools, also found on the side of the panel.  I had the bright yellow fabric with road signs, so it was added between the 2 blocks, and used as binding.

I also found this flannel in my stash, purchased many years ago, and just waiting for the right project!

The quilt picture was taken late at night, just before being packed up for delivery!

Our Grandson loves it, and has learned all the names of the tools!  We had another lovely visit, but I came home with a summer cold.....

I'm linking to Small Quilts and Doll Quilts!

DESIGN WALL / STASH REPORT

I've been stitching - really I have.  I have 75% of the quilting done on my double Irish chain quilt, I've knit mitts for my grandson for next winter, and have the back and 1 1/2 fronts finished for a fall sweater for him as well.

I received a call from my guild's community quilts coordinator, asking if I'd finish a couple of pin-basted quilts.
The first one was made from large flannel squares, with a couple of borders.  I stitched swirls diagonally, using brown thread in the coloured squares, and red in the black and white ones.

I stitched green waves in the blue border, and large elm leaves in the rust border, using blue thread.




The second quilt was made with large 4-patch blocks.  The brown

and tan blocks formed an X pattern.  I stitched flowers in all the white squares, with 4 petal curves in the blue ones.  The brown and tan  was stitched with gold leaves.  A loop design was added to the sashing, and a curvy zig-zag to the white border.

 I continued to use the gold thread to stitch an open spiral leaf in the striped borders.

Many of my quilting designs are thanks to Lori Kennedy of  The Inbox Jaunt.  Her book is called "Free-Motion Machine Quilting 1-2-3"  It is spiral bound and easy to set beside your machine for easy reference.


My stash report has only one change -  I used .5 yard of fabric for binding the blue quilt, and my net used for 2017 is now 21.875 yards.  I'll have more to claim once I complete the double Irish chain - soon, I hope!

Now I'm off to make gingerbread for dessert tonight, with applesauce topping! Yummmm!