STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  7.75 yards

Fabric used year to date  199.25 yards

Fabric added this week  15.75 yards

Fabric added year to date  60 yards

Net used 2016  139.25 yards

My machine finally came home, all shiny and raring to go!  My first job was to complete the bicycle seat covers that I had cut out and serged.  DH and I ride our bikes everyday, so now I have 6 ready for use, so I won't be making more any time soon.

I have the machine quilting done on all three baby quilts that I pin-basted, and I stitched the binding on two of them.  The third should be completed later today, but I'll have to claim that yardage next week.

A dozen quilters showed up for our first day together - a great turn-out.  Several new quilters attended to see what we are planning for the winter season.  I have emailed a couple of small projects to the group, and we plan on making a row quilt.

I have to check the clubhouse schedule to find a good time to pin-baste my leaf quilt, now that my batting has arrived.

Check out everyone's progress at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  0 yards

Fabric used year to date  191.5 yards

Fabric added this week 0 yards

Fabric added year to date  44.25 yards

Net used 2016  147.25 yards 

My machine is still in the shop for its annual spa treatment.  I called late on Saturday, but it wasn't ready, and the mechanic won't be in until Tuesday!  I've resorted to cleaning the house to keep busy!!!!

I have pin-basted 3 baby quilts, so I hope to have something to show soon.  The bad/good news is that my fabric order should be delivered on Monday.  It includes the backing fabric for my autumn leaf quilt, so I'll have to get it washed and pressed, ready for basting.  The rest of the fabrics are neutrals for use in scrappy quilts.

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

NO SEWING FOR ME

I took my machine in for its annual "spa treatment" on Tuesday.  My sewing room looks so lonely without it!  I can't wait for the phone call to tell me I can pick her up.....

Since I can't sew, I've been preparing some baby quilt tops and backings, and pin-basted one this morning.  I thought I had lots of batting, but after a search, I discovered that I only have leftover pieces!  I just ordered some more, but I think I'll check out all the bags and see if I can hand stitch some together - at least it will feel like progress!

My southern quilting group begins its weekly get-togethers next Wednesday, so I took some time to organize my binder of "stuff" so I'll be prepared for the first week.  People are slowly arriving.  I think many waited until after the election, or are waiting until Thanksgiving.

Yesterday we had a visit from a cousin who was only south for 4 days, to visit us and his sister.  He plays a mean guitar, so DH and our northern friend played most of the afternoon.  I called and invited our friend's wife for dinner, so they could keep playing!  It was great to visit and listen to the music, even if it was only for a short time.

Off to hunt for batting pieces!

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

I just finished adding the final border on my "Shades of Autumn" quilt top.  The binding has been prepared, and I am just waiting on the delivery of the backing fabric.  The leaf blocks are ones that I printed at a workshop in September.  I'm looking forward to adding more detail and some dimension to the leaves when I work on the machine quilting

 It seems like such a long time since I stitched anything, even though it is just a couple of weeks.

I think I'll get out one of my collection of baby panels, and make a quick quilt.

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

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  0 yards

Fabric used year to date  191.5 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  44.25 yards

Net used 2016  147.25 yards

I ordered some fabric this week, but I'll add it when it arrives.  One of the pieces is backing for my autumn leaf quilt project.  I've been busy stitching the top together.  I decided on the placement of the blocks in the quilt top, and took a picture for reference when piecing the top.

We were able to skype with our grandson and his parents.  Two of the three have a cold, but they were heading outside this afternoon to finish clearing up their veggie garden.

We're still getting settled - it seems to take longer each year, but I guess that is because we're getting a bit older every year!

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

READY TO GET QUILTING!

With lots of help from DH, my southern sewing room is ready to go!  Since I sew in an attached sunroom, the first job is to sweep the floors, and unload all the items stored there over the summer.  Then DH washes all the walls and the ceiling fan, then removes the windows and washes the frames.  They get really dusty over the summer months.  I start cleaning the windows and put them back into the frames, then we wash all the tables and finally the floor.

I've decided to keep the fabric in our spare room dresser this year - we had lots of humidity last year, and it was difficult to work with.
I'll keep my bins of strips handy, and bring out fabric as needed.

My job this morning was to serge the cut edges of the new fabric that I picked up on the trip south, and it is in the washer.  I pre-wash all my fabrics with regular detergent and a colour catcher, adding vinegar to the rinse.  I've had problems with colours running and fabrics shrinking in the past, and lots of my quilts are donated, and I want them to survive whatever treatment they get during their usable life. 

A place to sit and hand stitch or visit with a friend.

My cutting table with rulers and templates (in the binder) at the ready.

Sewing machine ready to go.  I love my mesh chair - my room has no air conditioning, but a ceiling fan to keep my cool on hotter days.  The blue bins hold 2 inch squares ready for "leaders and enders" while I sew.  A variety of thread is stored in the containers under the table.

Drawers full of assorted tools and thread.  The container on the right has 1 1/2 inch strips, while the one on the left holds 2 1/2 inch strips and 5 inch squares, ready for my scrap projects.

White or off-white leftover strips are in the box with the blue edge, while the others hold light and dark 2 inch strips.
A box of patterns, when I get the urge to sew clothing, and a shoe box full of pre-cut pieces that was a garage sale find by a friend.  I also have 2 irons in cases that travel to our weekly quilting meet-up each Wednesday.

This is the cleanest and tidiest that the area will be until it is packed up for the trip north in the spring!

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  0 yards

Fabric used year to date  191.5 yards

Fabric added this week  10.5 yards

Fabric added year to date  44.25 yards

Net used 2016  147.25 yards

I did a little shopping on the trip south.  First stop was at Zook's Fabrics in Intercourse PA.  They had a large number of bolts marked 30% off, and I also got a discount after showing my guild card!  I chose fabrics to complete my "Autumn Leaves" quilt, that will use the remaining leaf print blocks.  I also picked up a cute baby quilt panel.  It is becoming difficult to find panels that are 36 inches x the width of fabric - most are barely 24 inches!

Next stop was in Richmond VA where we visited Quilting Adventures.  What a lovely shop, but as I'm trying not to buy fabric without a plan, I only picked up a yard of clearance fabric and two fat quarters - all neutrals to help with my plan of using lots of scrap strips and squares this winter!

Today I unpacked the 4 large totes, removing anything that wasn't quilting/sewing related.  That will have to wait until we do a "fall cleaning" of my sewing sunroom.  Everything that was unpacked is put away, and we made a grocery run this afternoon too.  DH spent time doing his usual outdoor chores too. He took a bit of time to visit with the neighbours - we always get a lovely welcome from everyone, and of course a chat to catch up on everyones' summer.  Of course, not everything goes smoothly, and we've been having internet problems since it was turned on yesterday.  Everything has been attempted at the "office end", and we have an appointment on Monday to have a new wireless router installed.  Until then, my portable notebook has to be hooked up with a cable to get on-again off-again connections.  We might have to cancel our Skype call with our grandson and family tomorrow.....

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

STASH REPORT SUNDAY (OR MONDAY!)

Fabric used this week  3.875 yards

Fabric used year to date   191.5 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  33.75 yards

Net used 2016  157.75 yards

 

My final project before heading south was another snuggle quilt for my grandson.  I used a cloth book panel, cutting the pages apart and adding sashing and cornerstones.

I've spent the rest of the past week organizing my sewing room and looking for projects that I want to complete over the winter.

I think that I've decided to make some scrappy quilts, trying to reduce the number of scrap strips and squares that seem to grow when I'm not looking.  I have also packed two small duffle bags with neutral fabrics to help with my plan.    Now back to packing!

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

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

Here are some close-ups of the quilting on my redwork quilt.

I stitched in the ditch around all the triangles, and outlined all the embroidery.  Then echo quilting in the borders and setting triangles and squares.  I stitched curls and leaves around the embroidery in the centre block.

I plan on taking this quilt south, and it will decorate my living room in February.
Now back to stitching my grandson's next quilt!
Check out all the creativity shared at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  7.75 yards

Fabric used year to date   187.625 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  33.75 yards

Net used 2016  153.875 yards

I completed my redwork wall hanging last night, sewing the final stitch in the binding.  The pattern is called Red Radiance.

Now back to working on another quilt for my grandson.  He's decided to have a quilt with him everywhere he goes, so he needs an additional one.  I'm using a cloth book panel - they don't all work, but this one is about opposites and has no beginning, middle and end.

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

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

I finally dusted off my camera and took some pictures of the baby quilt that I finished last week.
It began as a panel, called "A Beautiful Day", designed by Jacqueline Steves.  I decided to make it a bit larger, so I added two borders.  The small lime green border was made from a fat quarter - the only matching green that I could find in my stash.  The final border and binding was made from fabric that I bought from Connecting Threads - the colour was perfect, and the swirls in the fabric echoed the swirls in the panel design triangle border.

 I outlined the centre panel, using monofilament (invisible) thread.  I decided to outline all the designs, and not add any extra quilting, as the design is cute and busy.  I stitched flowers and leaves with curlicues in the plain pink area, wiggles in the lime green and curls in the final orange/gold border.
This quilt will be donated to our local hospital by my community quilts group at my guild.
Now back to my machine quilting.  I have to take advantage of the time I have today, as we have company arriving again tomorrow!

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

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  6 yards

Fabric used year to date  179.875 yards

Fabric added this week 0 yards

Fabric added year to date  33.75 yards

Net used 2016  146.125 yards

My "used" fabric was from my small autumn leaf wallhanging, and a baby quilt made from a panel.  The baby quilt will be heading to my community quilts group at my guild. (picture to follow later)

  I'm currently quilting my redwork quilt, making slow progress.  This time of year, DH and I are busy doing our Christmas shopping, as well as birthday shopping for our grandson.  It seems early to everyone, but we'll be relocating south in a few short weeks, and they get super busy this time of year.

DS1 spent the weekend with us - sort of.....  He arrived Thursday in time for dinner, but he really came for a game weekend with his friends.  Starting with lunch together on Friday, they played board and card games of all sorts for the weekend.  We had a good visit at breakfast each morning, and by 9:30 he was off for the day.  He returned home this afternoon, and we took him to the train station for his trip home today.

Next week, my brother and his wife will be in town for 3 days.  They visit from China a couple of times per year, and this time, 3 of his wife's school friends are coming for a tour of southern Ontario.  They've never seen the autumn leaves in person, and are looking forward to their visit.  They are staying in a hotel while they are here, as it would be difficult to accommodate 5 adults comfortably in our small townhouse.

Next weekend is Thanksgiving for all Canadians, and we are looking forward to a lovely dinner with friends.  Hopefully I'll get some quilting done too!  I'm starting to plan some projects for my winter in the south.

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

A SMALL FINISH

I seem to be out of synch lately!  I've been having difficulty with deadlines and appointments too!  
I decided to complete the small wall hanging made from my trial leaf prints.

I did  my usual "stitch in the ditch" to stabilize the quilt, then outlined all the leaves and stitched the veins.  Then I did some wavy stitching with white thread to fill in the blank areas on each block.

I quilted diagonal lines in silver through all the background borders, as the fabric had some metallic silver accents.
My next project is to complete a baby quilt for my community quilts group.  I found a cute panel in my stash, and added 2 borders to make it a bit larger.  Then I found some flannel, and added a strip of stripe flannel to make it wide enough.  I'm off to pin-baste......

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Used this week 0 yards

Used year to date  173.875 yards

Added this week 0 yards

Added year to date  33.75 yards

Net used 2016   140.125 yards

No changes to my numbers this week! I spent time trimming the final 120 half-square triangle blocks, and stitched the final border of my redwork quilt top!  

Tuesday I spent all day with my community quilts group.  I baked some muffins before heading out, and we ate them with coffee as we stitched the labels on all the quilts completed since our last get-together.  Then we headed down to the workroom, and our fearless leader assigned some jobs.  My partner for the day and I were asked to add 3 borders onto a quilt top that had been rescued from a church sale - it was almost thrown out.  I also helped another person pin the borders onto her quilt top.  Lots of ironing of quilt backings, and quite a few quilts pin-basted, including the one I had worked on.  As members left, they chose a quilt to finish, and I brought home the large one that I had worked on.  My partner ended the day by making the binding, and several people helped with the basting.

Thursday, I decided to design the leaf quilt that I was making with my test blocks.  I used EQ7, with a custom set to place the blocks and figure out all the setting pieces.

I added pictures of the four blocks, but I just used contrasting fabric for the rest of the small wallhanging.

Below is my completed top.  I'll be using the dark framing fabric to make the binding.  (The dark around the edges is the carpet in my sewing room!)  The light fabric has silver sparkles, and looks much better in person.  I found both fabrics in my newly organized stash, so they'll be counted as soon as I get this little project completed.

Friday it is off the Kitchener to spend time with our grandson and his family.  We try to arrive mid-afternoon, and I make dinner for the worker bees so they can relax after a busy work week.  DH has a list of things he wants to help with around their home, so we'll have a busy fun weekend.

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

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Used this week 0 yards

Used year to date  173.875 yards

Added this week 0 yards

Added year to date  33.75 yards

Net used 2016   140.125 yards 

It seems like all I did this week was work on new projects!  Our guild meeting on Wednesday evening was lots of fun, with many members attending.  The snack table was left with crumbs following the break!

I'm still working on my redwork quilt.  I'm taking my time so that I have lots of sharp points to show after taking such care to cut and stitch all the half-square triangle units!

Check everyone's progress at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

ATTENDING A WORKSHOP

I spent Thursday at a workshop that was sponsored by my quilt guild.  We learned how to make prints from leaves, using a product called "Colour Vie", a water based pigment system.

Our instructor for the day was Beth Cameron of Manotick ON.

She provided containers of already mixed pigments, and showed us how to paint the colours onto the back of the leaves, and then print it onto prepared fabric.  I used some white PFD cotton, and each participant had to bring some    1 inch foam brushes, paper towels, etc.  We all collected fresh leaves, and there was a large variety to choose from.
We were a very busy group - I have never spent time with quilters with so little conversation!  By the end of the day, everyone had lots of printed pieces.  

These were my test sample pieces, and I think I'm going to use them in a small wall hanging.  




A pattern for a quilt was provided as well, so the rest of my pieces will be used for that, but I have to find the perfect fabric to coordinate with the prints that I made.

I started out using very little pigment, and I like the lacy look that it provided.  Some of the others used lots more than I did, and their prints were very bold. 

 Some used just one set of colours.  My table partner made all her blocks in a yellow to orange blend, and another made all hers in dark blues and teals.  I hope to see their finished projects some time in the future.

MAKING PROGRESS

Yesterday, I did some "assembly line piecing" and stitched all the half-square triangle units.  

This morning I pieced some of the units into large triangles.

Now I have to lay out the giant "9-patch" unit, and stitch the centre of the quilt together.  

Then I'm back to pressing and trimming the remaining 200 units needed to assemble the borders!
 I love it when I finally see visible progress!

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

I began my morning hunting through my recipes, deciding what I was going to bake for both our pleasure, and to take along to my guild meeting on Wednesday evening.  I'm in charge of this month's "social committee", and we are responsible for snacks for everyone, and generally helping where needed before, during and after the meeting.  Every member is assigned a month to do this, and it helps to get more involved in the goings on at our monthly meetings.

I spent the rest of the morning cutting squares - 140 white ones and 160 red ones.  Now I have to start up my assembly line to make half square triangles to complete my redwork quilt project.

It is difficult to photograph a quilt on my new design wall, especially when the fabric is white on the white flannel, the lighting in the area is fluorescent, and the design wall is in a narrow hallway!

I pressed all the units yesterday, and trimmed them to size. (The bottom border didn't make it into the picture!) The missing star points will be made of half square triangle units, as well as the inside and outside borders.  I can see lots of stitching and trimming in my future!

I usually make a redwork project each year, but all the others have been made for children.  I hadn't made one for the past couple of years, and this one struck a chord!  DH is always surprised at how much time I spend doing the hand embroidery, but I love to keep busy while watching TV with him in the evenings - a win-win!

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

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  5.25 yards

Fabric used year to date  173.875 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  33.75 yards

Net used 2016  140.125 yards

Thanks to the 3 sets of placemats, I can finally claim some fabric as "used" this week.  The fact that I made the tops of the placemats almost 2 years ago doesn't matter!  Now to get on with my redwork quilt.....

Check out everyone's progress at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

A QUICK FINISH

I delivered five quilts to my community quilts coordinator late Thursday afternoon, and also her quilt that she made for her granddaughter.  When I returned home, I cleaned up my sewing room and gave my sewing machine a spa treatment - new needle, oiling the places that need it and cleaning all the lint.  I even gave the table attachment a good wash, and rinsed the back of my "Supreme Slider" to remove lint and give it a better stick for the next time I use it.

Friday morning, I realized that I needed to get my placemats completed for next week's guild meeting, so I gave them each a good press, and pressed the backing fabric, then cut the backs and the Thermore batting that I like to use in placemats. 
The pattern I used is "Take Four"
I pinned all the layers together, then stitched around, leaving an opening to turn.
(These placemats do not have binding).  I top-stitched 1/8th inch around the perimeter of each, then quilted them lightly with a variegated thread.

Hopefully, they will cheer up the tables of local "Meals on Wheels" recipients.