I'M CAUGHT UP!

I finally got my two quilt holders over so I could take a picture of my latest large quilt. 

Some time in the past, I used Electric Quilt to draw this design, and called it Celestial Magic.  I can't remember where I saw the quilt, when, who the designer was, so I extend my apologies to all.  I often see a quilt and make a drawing of it in my software, so I can play with colour, switch blocks and easily re-size.

I made a receiving blanket for our next extended family member, using the tutorial from Missouri Star.  It makes a lovely, two layer flannel blanket!     


It is completely stitched by machine, which makes it a quick gift.

I used a serpentine stitch on my machine to topstitch the layers together.  I couldn't resist the cute fabric, and found the monkey print for the back and edge, that mimics the little money with the umbrella in the main fabric.

I went out to my sewing room to work on the sashing and borders for an applique project, and I hunted, but couldn't find the background fabric.  I didn't want to waste my stitching time, so I pulled this cute panel out of my bin, along with the backing flannel, and the fabric for the binding.  I pieced the batting, pin-basted, and had fun quilting this cute project.
When DH returned home, he discovered the bolt of fabric in our bedroom closet, tucked in behind the clothing.  I remember stashing it there when we were having overnight guests, and I was trying to tidy up the spare room!  Now back to the applique project!

TWO FINISHES AND STASH REPORT

Fabric used this week  25.5 yards

Fabric used year to date  48.625 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  39.625 yards

Net used 2018  9 yards

I finished two projects this week.  I made 12 thread catchers to donate to my guild's boutique at the June quilt show.  I saw a demo online, using rings cut from Pringles cans, and cardboard circles cut from a cereal box for the bottoms.  They are all hand stitched, and twist to fold to take along anywhere.  

I also finished a larger quilt, made with stash fabric, as well as some yardage that I bought at an end of the year sale.  The quilt is called "Celestial Magic", and I had drawn it using EQ7, and found the file when I was upgrading to version 8.  Of course, I didn't make a note of where I saw the quilt, so I can't give credit to the designer (bad quilter!)  I don't have a full picture of the quilt, but I did take some shots of some of the quilting.

The quilt is made of two different blocks, set on point.  The star block uses the Tri Rec ruler to make the points, and has 4-patches and a square in square centre.

The alternate block is a large 9-patch block with black sashing.  I stitched a square flower in the orange-red centre, using King Tut thread from Superior thread.

I purposely did not stitch on any of the black areas in the quilt, with the exception of the centre of the star.  All the gray areas were stitching with light grey thread.

All the small orange-red squares in the interior were stitched with swirls, and the green squares had a leaf stitched in each.

The border is simple 4-patch blocks.  The orange-red was stitched with a flower, and more leaves stitched in the green areas.  I stitched feather hooks in the gray areas, alternating right and left around the quilt.

All the quilting was stitched free motion, and I used the width of the foot to space the lines in the light gray areas - I don't have a ruler foot.

I'll have to wait until I can get our neighbour to come and help hold the quilt for a full picture.

I'm getting caught up!

I've finished a couple of items lately.  Two are upcoming baby gifts, so I can't show them.  I also put the final stitches in my guild's block of the month project for 2016-17.

  It finished at 76 x 92 inches, and I called it 
"Use It or Lose It!"  
I love making scrappy quilts, and years ago my DH said that to me about my huge bins of scraps.  I spent 2 summers pressing and cutting all the scraps into usable sizes, and have made many scrap quilts since!




I spent the afternoon today, filling out my entry forms, artist statements and labeling pictures to be sent to Quilts Kingston - the quilt show in Kingston ON, sponsored by the Limestone Quilters Guild, and the Kingston Heirloom Quilters June 8, 9, 10.

I've been spending my evenings hand stitching some small thread catchers for the boutique, and I've also begun quilting my second large winter quilt project.

Last week, my southern quilting group, along with some non-sewing neighbour volunteers used our Wednesday quilting time to make pillowcases for Cases for Smiles.  In four hours, we made 360 bright, colourful pillowcases for kids in local hospitals! 
 

CUTTING AND STITCHING

I've been busy during the past two days, cutting and sewing squares and half square triangles.  I've been using Bonnie Hunter's Essential Triangle Tool.

These are the ones I cut and stitched this morning.  We left early to go to lunch with our good neighbour, Roy.

These are all the coloured squares needed for the pieced border, and some of the half square triangle units that I made yesterday.  I had to stop, as I have to cut more neutral 2 1/2 inch strips so I can continue.

Our weather has turned from cold to hot and humid, with few dry days in between.  We're having showers that just started, so my room will be too noisy to think.  I'll press all the stitched blocks later today, and see how many more I need to make.
I ordered backing fabrics for this quilt and another that is also part-way complete, so I'll serge the cut ends, and get them washed, so I'll be ready to pin-baste soon!
My Wednesday quilting group is cancelled for next week - the clubhouse is in use for a Valentines Day renewing of vows for members of our community, so I'll have an extra full day to sew.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  1.75 yards

Fabric used year to date  1.75 yards

Fabric added this week  5 yards

Fabric added year to date  33.625 yards

Net used 2018  -31.875 yards

I'm still in the red, but at least I have a finish!

I had fun with these blocks, but decided that I wanted to get back to other projects, so I stopped at 3, and made a runner.

I got back to work on one project.   I had made both the blocks and the alternate blocks but had to make the pieced setting triangles.  When I checked my instructions, I found that all the edges would be on the bias, so I used EQ8 to draw the block, then I divided it in half, and printed out templates for the unusual shapes, then I divided it into 4 pieces, so I could get templates for the corner triangles as well.  I spent yesterday piecing the side and corner triangles, then used the living-room carpet to lay the blocks out, then pick them up in rows for sewing.  This morning I managed to sew the rows in one direction, and then pin them in the opposite way, but it began raining, and since my sewing room is a sunroom under the carport, the rain hitting the aluminum roof was just too loud, so I came inside and reconciled my back accounts - a job I always put off!

I also received the final instructions for the borders for my guild's scrappy BOM quilt, so when I get the first one done, I'll begin stitching the borders (all pieced!) 
I'm linking up with quiltpaintcreate today to share my stash report.  

QUILT FIXED, AND ANOTHER PROJECT!

I posted this picture of the centre of my version of my guild's BOM quilt project, and discovered that I had twisted two of the green blocks.

I spent some time with my seam ripper, un-stitching the two offending blocks and turned them, ready to sew.

Much better now!  I was surprised that I didn't see the problem when I was pinning the rows together.

This has been a strange winter for me, as I am the type of quilter who rarely has more than 2 projects on the go at the same time.  Saying that, I started another project this week, but should be able to complete it soon.


I had joined the "Slow and Steady Quilt Along by Paula Storm" group on facebook, and finally found/made time to try my favourite block - spinning star.  I like trying new methods, and this was made by paper piecing the block using freezer paper.  You can reuse the pattern many times, as you sew next to the folded freezer paper instead of through the paper, so when the block is complete, you have no paper to remove, only pop off the freezer paper pattern, and make another block!  Paula has a blog with the directions and even videos of each row, as well as suggested quilting ideas.  You have to join the facebook group to access them.

I made three blocks and added setting triangles to make a runner.  I'm off to look for a border fabric in my tiny southern stash, but I may just add binding.


I'm linking to Small Quilts and Doll Quilts.   We are currently in Ormand Beach Florida, waiting to spend the evening at Bonnie Hunter's lecture and trunk show!

OOPS!

This can happen to anyone......

I was so excited when I completed all the blocks and was able to assemble the centre of my guild's block of the month quilt.

It wasn't until I was editing the picture that I saw that 2 blocks are twisted, so today's job is to unstitch the blocks and re-sew them in the right direction!!!!!

The two green bowtie blocks need to be turned so that the neutrals form a V along the sides of the quilt!

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week 0 yards

Fabric used  year to date 0 yards

Fabric added this week 3.625 yards

Fabric added year to date 28.625  yards

Net used 2018  -28.625 yards

Further into the hole this week - I picked up some packages of batik charm squares, and a couple of yards of clearance fabric.

I finished stitching all the clamshell blocks together, and trimmed them ready to be used in a tote bag.

I completed the alternate blocks for my quilt project - 12 of them, but then noticed that the pieced setting triangles would leave bias edges, so had to plan a new cutting chart to have straight of grain along the outside.

Began getting caught up on my guild's BOM project.  Completed 6 of the 8 blocks, but need to make more half square triangle units to complete the last two.

Pulled fabric from my stash to make a rainbow star block sample - I'll be doing a demo on Wednesday.

I still have to edit the pictures from my guild's last meeting and get them posted to the website!

Lots to get done this week! 
I'm linking up with others at quiltpaintcreate.

DESIGN WALL MONDAY - TUESDAY AGAIN!

I seem to have difficulty meeting my deadlines lately!  DH and I were out all day Monday, and I was too tired (or lazy), to get this posted!

I've been working on several projects, but managed to get the first 20 blocks of my latest partly sewn, and pinned for the final stitching.  I still have 12 alternate blocks to stitch, as well as the pieced setting triangle for this "on point" setting.

Note my "leader and ender" square in my machine.  If I have been piecing, there is always one under the presser foot.

I've also been working on Esther Aliu's Diamond Hill pattern, and just completed hand applique on the 4th block of this wonderful project.

I think I enjoyed making this block the most!

I have been neglecting my guild's Block of the Month, and I'll have to dedicate some time to making the final set of blocks and stitching the centre of the quilt together.  My panel of clamshells is stitched together, and now I'm trying to decide whether to make a pillow top with it, or use it in a tote bag - a suggestion from a member in my group.   

I'm joining others at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts, to share my "design wall" today.

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  

 

No change this week.  I had a busy week, which included my demo on various ways to machine and hand stitch clamshells together.   I was surprised how many tried the techniques, with some making a quick trip home for scrap fabric so they could join in the fun!

 

My own project has made some progress.  I completed all the pieced units of the first block design.  I have sewn the together in one direction, and all the blocks are pinned ready to stitch.  Unfortunately, our weather became very cold, damp and rainy again, and my sewing room (a sunroom under the carport roof) was just too cold to sit and sew.  Today the sun is shining, and my room has finally warmed up, so I'm off to sew the blocks!

 

I'm linking up with  quiltpaintcreate to share my stash report.

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