MERRY CHRISTMAS

Hope everyone is enjoying their day in their own special way.

We Skyped with our family early this morning, and watched our grandson open his presents.

We are delivering plates of holiday goodies to our neighbours, then

 heading out to spend Christmas and Boxing Day with our cousins in their new home!

 

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

I'm just 2 days late posting, but better late than never!  We've been busy with holiday outings, some last-minute shopping, company, parties etc.
I managed to get all my part 3 units for Bonnie's mystery pinned ready for their final seams on Sunday night.  We were away all day Monday, and Tuesday our company was arriving.  I managed to get everything prepared for their arrival, and turned on my sewing machine just as they arrived in the driveway!

Today was my southern quilting group's almost annual Christmas pot luck lunch get-together, so after our company left, I headed right to my sewing machine to start stitching.  I set a time to come inside to prepare jambalaya for lunch - chopping celery, onions and green peppers to go with some diced ham and chicken.  While it was cooking, I finished sewing the 120 units together.


Then I pressed all the units open, then cut them apart as I pressed.

Here are all my completed "parts", waiting for the next installment on Friday!

I then fluffed my jambalaya and spooned it into a fancier serving dish and headed off to a wonderful lunch.  I think quilters make wonderful cooks - all the food was delicious, and we had fantastic desserts too!

Check out all the design walls at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times, and see all the Grand Illusion progress at Quiltville's Quips & Snips!

HEXAGON FRIDAY

I have 12 of 32 units completed for the two rows of the quilt, before borders are added.
Lucky for me, I had 10 small flower units, with their first round of background hexagons completed, so I've been making and adding background hexagons, along with the upper/lower border hexagons all week!
I had another peek at the original quilt, and have decided to use 4 star units in the corners of the borders - hopefully my count is correct and they will fit.  If not, I'll just go back to the original plan in the pattern!

I spent yesterday afternoon and this morning working on the September BOM for my guild.  It is another Christmas project, so check it out here.

ANOTHER CHRISTMAS PROJECT DONE!

I completed the quilting and the binding on my Christmas table topper.  The pattern was a bonus block of the month pattern from my guild, and comes in 3 sizes.  I decided to make the largest size, and mine finished at 33.5 inches at the widest points.

This is the type of project that doesn't photograph well.  The main fabric is white pointsettia flowers with dusty green leaves and lots of silver.  I quilted the green triangles and the main fabric areas with silver thread, and it really sparkles!

This one will probably be donated to the "Every Child Counts Abaco" project to use as a fund raising item.

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.

 

 

EARLY CHRISTMAS SEWING

I wanted something quick and easy to stitch yesterday, so I went hunting through my collection of panels, and found one with 4 different angel stocking fronts.  I pulled out some leftover batting and pin basted them and did some quilting to highlight the designs.  Then I found a large enough piece of Christmas fabric, layered it with leftover flannel, and did a meander stitch over the whole piece.  Layered the two, added two layers of plain muslin, stitched around the edges and had 4 almost completed stockings.  
I used my special "pinking" rotary blade to trim the seam allowances and turned them right side out.  I found some red, white and green striped leftover binding and made hanging loops for each, and bound the tops.  A few minutes of hand sewing, and I had 4 completed Christmas stockings. 

 I may find a home for them, or just save them for the boutique at my guild's next quilt show!!!!

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

I've been busy beginning the quilting on my guild's BOM quilt, version 2.  I'm trying to get at much finished as possible, as I have a rush project arriving on Wednesday.

My sister-in-law called, asking me to machine quilt a top that she had finished.  She needs it for a wedding gift in a couple of weeks, and didn't feel that she could get it done in time.  They have to take their vehicle in for service nearby, so they are coming for lunch on Wednesday, and dropping off the quilt top, backing and batting.  We'll send her home with birthday gifts for 2 of her grandsons - a fair trade!

 You may remember that I was working on "A Christmas Wish", a free BOM quilt from Red Brolly last year.  I had the two main panels completed, and took the rest south to complete.  Unfortunately, I mis-read the instructions, and didn't cut enough pieces, and of course, the fabric was north in my sewing room.
I had a bit of spare time after finishing the other guild BOM quilt, and managed to finish the remaining sections.  Now all I have to do is stitch them together, add the final border and piece the backing.  This is another project to use my huge collection of Christmas fabrics.  I have banned myself from buying any more Christmas fabric until my stash is mostly used, and even then - only for a specific project!!!!!
Check out all the creativity linked to Judy's blog today! 

FUN WITH MY QUILTING GROUP

We had a smaller than normal turn-out for Wednesday quilting, but with the holidays looming, some have company, some have headed north to spend time with family etc.
There were a couple of people trying to finish those last couple of items before Christmas.  Some came to visit for a while before heading out to run errands.  A couple were anxious to get the next installment of our pattern.  A few even got some sewing done.  We also welcomed 2 new members - they were doing some hand stitching to finish some "quilt as you go" blocks and plan to join in on our group project in January.
My knee is feeling much better.  I even managed to get some sewing done.  I lowered my ironing board, so I can sew and press in a seated position.  I tried cutting while seated, but I am not accurate enough, so I did stand for short periods to trim etc.  Here is a strip set with some of the coloured inset strips in place.  (Pardon the pinkish tinge - taking pictures with artificial light can be tricky!)  

Once all the coloured strips are sewn, then 3 squares are cut from each strip, and 4 of these units makes a block in this pattern.

These were all from the first group of strip sets.  Since I'll be making lots more, I'll wait to mix and match them into blocks after more are completed.  Since I plan on varying the width that the strip sets are cut, Ill get more variation in the blocks.  I'll need 35 of these blocks for my project.
I chose all the coloured fabric from my stash, and began by cutting three strips of each fabric, then mixing them in a bag.  I just pull them at random to insert, then place the leftover ends into another bag.  When I run out of new strips, I'll recycle the used strips to use another one or two times.  It always amazes me how big a difference there is in the width of my fabrics.  I like to pre-wash everything, and as we all know, some fabrics shrink a lot more than others!
I have my knee wrapped again, and I think it is time to put my leg up, and watch something mindless......   

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

I've been working away at the Red Brolly Christmas Wish quilt.  I've enjoyed doing the hand embroidery and the hand applique.  I still have to add some gold beads to the Christmas tree!

The third section looks strange, because I decided to use red sequins with bead centres instead of stitching the satin stitch berries.  I'll add all the embellishments once the top is completed and has a good press!  
I don't like this picture - it was taken with our old digital camera, while the one above was taken with the new one.  I'm always surprised at what a difference it makes.  I tried to adjust the colours, but only made it look worse!  The dark fabric in the checkerboard area is actually blue, and the stripes above and below the angel are more gold than green.....

I can't wait for the next step in the pattern.
I've also chosen a pieced border for the triangle twist quilt, but it will be a while in the making - lots of curved piecing!

Check out all the creativity this week at Judy's blog.

FIRST SECTION COMPLETE

As a break from paper piecing, I've been working on the Red Brolly "Christmas Wish" quilt.

Since I make redwork quilts all the time, I decided to go "non-traditional" with this project, and dip into my vast collection of Christmas fabrics.  
I hand appliqued the hearts, but used the fusible method with machine buttonhole stitch edges for the reindeer. 

I'll be adding the buttons on Santa's coat after the top is completed.  I like to give the whole top a good press before I layer it for quilting, so I don't want the embellishments to get in the way or get damaged.

I've been enjoying the time spent pulling fabrics, and knowing that more of my Christmas fabric is being used......

The next section is waiting for assembly, and the third section still awaits its two appliqued heart sections.

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

I hope everyone has a wonderful day, full of family, friends and good food.  We are celebrating the day in Florida, with good friends, old and new, sharing food, laughter and companionship.  Our eldest son will be spending the day with his wife, and our youngest with his fiancee and her family, sharing in their holiday traditions.

Good wishes are sent to all my quilting friends and their families,for a happy holiday season and a wonderful new year!

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

This is part of the fourth corner for my Christmas hexagon quilt.  When it is finished, I'll still have another small side unit to make as well.  Then I have to decide on the final borders.  I picked up some lovely green fabric with holly leaves on our trip south, but still have to decide on the finished border widths.

My final plaid quilt is partly pieced - all the small units are made, and I spent some time yesterday, arranging the pieces on my living room carpet.  The rows are pinned and ready to stitch, so I'm hoping to get some of that done today before we head out to play!

Head over to Judy's blog to see what others are working on today.

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

I was hoping to show the "Spinnin' Spools" top this morning, but I still have a few rows to sew and press!  I also have to see which plaids will be used for the borders - determined by which pieces are large enough....
I've been working on my Christmas hexagon in the evenings, and I have the third corner section ready to attach to the centre.



I still have the final corner and a small side unit to complete.

 Then the big decision is how to finish it!  I had though about leaving the edge irregular, and hand stitching it to the backing, but that will leave all sorts of bias edges, and won't be too stable.  I recently saw a hexagon quilt that was appliqued to straight border pieces, and I am tempted to use this finish, so the quilt will have lovely straight edges.  I still have time to decide.......
Check out everyones' design wall at Judy's blog today.

CHRISTMAS PAST

 While hunting through my closet, looking for a tree skirt for DS2, I came across a few oldies but goodies that I made as a beginning quilter.

The tree skirt was made using a Quilt in a Day pattern.  The original, following the directions was too large, and became a table covering for my circular table, and this is the second one, made after downsizing the beginning diamond shape and the strips.

 There were two different blocks made with the dark and light sides in different orientation.

Since my Mother-in-law passed away last summer, DS2 and future DIL are inheriting her artificial Christmas tree and the tree skirt, along with a few home made ornaments.

 This is a door banner I made while I was a beginner.  It was my first attempt at making mitred corners with a stripe fabric.

 This was a free pattern from Connecting Threads for a card holder wall hanging.

 This was an early attempt to  make a quilt from a large block, inspired by a book by Mary Ellen Hopkins.

 Another early Quilt in a Day pattern.  I added gold bows to decorate the tree, and stitched another mitred border.

 I believe that this pattern was from a Debby Mumm book.

 This miniature is from a pattern from Miniature Quilts magazine.  The star in the centre and the cornerstones are made of gold lame fabric, fused to interfacing.  To quilt the stars, I cut them from freezer paper, ironed them onto the top and stitched around each one.

This is the Christmas wreath pattern from Quilt in a Day.  This was a remake that I used as a group sample, when I was in charge of the quilting group in Panama City FL.  I had made two before, one was a gift, and one decorates the front of our Florida home during the holiday season.  I was inspired by the more Victorian colouring in the pointsettia print.

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

Not much new around my sewing room.  I've been too busy shopping and wrapping Christmas presents.  I had planned to spend Sunday afternoon making up quilt kits from my stash to take south, but we had a power failure, probably caused by the wind storm, and since I work in the basement with one tiny window, there wasn't enough light to work there.  The good news is that DH and I spent the time working on our Christmas cards.  We get them prepared before we head south, then our house-sitter pops them in the mail on December first!
I  did manage to get some more done on my hexagon quilt.  Just have to finish the green round, then I can begin adding the corners to make it more rectangular.  DH would like me to leave it as it is, but I think it will be more useful as a more regular shape.

Check out what everyone is working on at Judy's blog.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

The only item completed this week was a microwave tortilla warmer for DS2.  He saw one at a booth at the Kitchener quilt show, and thought that he would like one.  He even picked out the fabric!

Used this week .5 yard

Used year to date 215.5 yards

Added this week 0 yards

Added year to date 55.5 yards

Net used 2011  160 yards

DH and I spent the week Christmas shopping.  We wrap and deliver all our gifts to family members before heading south.  Shipping costs, especially across the border, have sometimes been greater than the gift being shipped, so early shopping is the name of the game.  Last year, I made a wish list for our sons, and they had items shipped directly to DH if it was for me, and to me if it was for DH.  Many online vendors offer deals on shipping, so it worked well for everyone.

Check on everyone's stash progress at Judy's blog.

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

My hexie Christmas project is growing in leaps and bounds.  It is almost too big to lay out on my living-room carpet to photograph!  I have three more diamond shapes to fill in around the edges, then I'll start to change the shape to more of a rectangle.  If I don't finish it before heading south, I'll have to cut enough pieces of Christmas fabric to take with me - don't want to buy more unless it has an immediate project ready to sew.......

I also finished this Advent calendar for my future DIL this week.  I had fun stitching with some rayon and mylar threads for a bit of shine.
I made her a Christmas apron, and while cleaning out the closet, found one in fall colours, as well as one I had made for my son many years ago, with his favourite "Animaniacs" cartoon characters.

Head over to Judy's blog to see what lovelies everyone is working on this week.

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

This week I needed some hand sewing to do in the evening, and I began a project that I swore I would never do!

English paper piecing hexagons!

I was inspired by the project that Bonnie Hunter of Quiltville, has been working on for the past few months.  Her top is made from red, green and neutral scraps, but I decided to use some of the half-shelf full of Christmas prints that I have collected over the past many years.

The good and bad news is that you can cut 224 squares of fabric at  two and one half inches square from a yard of fabric.  I don't know how many hexies I'll make by the time I finish this project, but I'll keep track!

Check out the other creative endeavours at Judy's blog.