Quilt progress...

Today is the day, I'm definitely going to go pickup a sd card reader because I am anxious to share my quilt progress with you all. I'm so proud of myself. It really is turning out better than I could have hoped for even considering my amateurish stippling. I did discover that I don't love quilting on the singer 15-91. I could never get the rhythm down well. My stitches were very uneven and I also kept skipping stitches. I tried adjusting it and changing needles, but I think it's user error. I switched to quilting it on my Babylock Ellure. Although the harp is pretty small, it's making a lovely stitch and even with my novice efforts it looks a million times better than what I had done on the 15-91. I may end up selling the 15-91. I don't really have the space for it and I purchased it solely for it's reputed quilting ability. Maybe I'll work with it some more and see if I can get better results. In the mean time I'll continue to work on the Ellure. It should be fine since the quilt is only a lap size and I'll have plenty of space. I also purchased machingers and the supreme slider that were recommended on this site. I don't know if they make that much difference. I can say I tried using grippy garden gloves and found them too hot to work with comfortably. The machinger's are light and thin so that makes a huge difference in terms of comfort.
Anyway, I think I should finish this up by next week and then I'll get started on the quilt for M.. So, stay tuned for the big reveal.

Scrappity DiDo...A block swap quilt

So I almost have enough blocks for my Oydessa quilt top. By combining the blocks from two different swaps I will have 24 12.5" blocks. I think I will arrange them 4 X 6 so that I'll have a nice size cuddle quilt. So far I've gotten some awesome blocks. Take a look. This isn't all the blocks, so this isn't my final layout, but it gives you an idea of what I'm going for. Love them. Some of them are color combos that I would have never come up with myself. I think that's really part of the fun of it. Out of the 24 blocks. I've made 3 of them myself. I'm gets easier each time a make a new block. I don't think I'll ever win any awards, but I can see that my quilting skills are improving. I'm still not 100% about how long I'll be a quilter. Here's my point, how many quilts do you really need? Isn't that a funny question coming from me? She of the massive fabric stash and 20+ sewing machines...oh and don't forget the insane amount of sewing patterns. But, really how many quilts do you really need? I'm not into wall hangings or table runners so I see my quilting career being fairly self limiting. I guess I could always make charity items. There's a thought.

In the UFO basket

I've been doing a lot of quilting (or at least making a lot of quilt blocks) recently which means my garment sewing has suffered. I don't have a ton of free time to stitch so it's not hard for that ufo basket to overflow. Anyway, in the last couple weeks I've begun working on my ufo basket sewing again. I just love the hum of my machine(s) and the satisfaction I get when I have a finished project. Here's a list of unfinished projects that I'm determined to tackle. Let's see.
1. a bunch of undies for O.
2. a top for me
3. a dress for me
4. boxers for the boys
5. O's first day of school outfit
6. O's backpack and lunch bag
7. a coin wallet
I'm also getting ready to start working on two special quilt projects. Both my little fellows have requested quilts of their own. I'm making E's out of this great fabric line that features jungle animals. I'm going to make M a Chinese coin quilt (or maybe a fence rail) using primary colors and a few novelty prints. Neither pattern will be terribly complicated or exacting. Just something special for them to snuggle under.

A must have...a book review

I mentioned that I'm in the process of building my quilting reference library . Well, I want to recommend a must have for any quilter's book shelf. Judy Hopkins 501 Rotary-Cut Quilt Blocks.

I love that she gives specific cutting and assembling instructions for various block sizes, not just one size per design. What a life saver. Although I'm getting better at figuring that out on my own, it's nice not to do the math to figure out how I can take a 8" block design to a 12" block design. I used it for a couple of the blocks I made in my recent TMQG swap and know that I will be reaching for it for years to come as I continue on my quilting journey. I think it's an invaluable book to own. It's incredibly versatile and offers so much inspiration. The block assembly instructions are detailed, yet concise. Run out and get it today to add to your shelf.

Dear Jane...how I love you!

Photograph by Ken Burris,Shelburne, VT, courtesy of the Bennington Museum and the Vermont Quilt Festival

I'm obsessed with the idea of this quilt. I don't know why really. It's really nothing more than a sampler quilt. I think it's the idea of all those bitty blocks. Anyway I think I've talked fellow TMQG member, Lisa into doing it with me. It's one of the projects that is a longterm project that you stop and start, but know you will finish one day. I think I'd like it to be a wallhanging. Won't that be fun?
There's a huge following for this quilt and people who quilt it are called "Janiacs", lol. There's a book and website. I have the book on order. It's really just pictures of the different blocks and I guess in reality I could use any sampler quilt book to get the idea of what to do and design my own. Anyway, it's on my list of things I'd like to make in the near future. Look at me, who would have thought I'd have a to do list for quilting!

Quilt Blocks for swapping

I'm having such fun participating in a few flickr virtual bee block swaps. I'm learning a ton. I'm trying things I'd never try if left to my own devices. I'm also learning more about the concept of the scant 1/4" seam allowance since I've had a couple blocks come out a tad smaller than they should have, lol. No worries though, it's all part of the process. Here's some of the latest blocks I've worked on. I have a couple more I'll be working on in the next few weeks so stay tuned for those pictures. I honestly never thought I'd enjoy the quilting process as much as I do, it's nice to be wrong.
I really liked doing the wonky star block and will probably use that as the inspiration for one of my bee blocks when it's my turn.

Almost a quilt

I've been hard at work making numerous blocks for my own lap size quilt. I'm modifying a pattern that came in a sampler tin of my all time favorite fabric collection "Summer in the city by Urban Chicks for Moda" . It's basically a square in square block which is becoming my favorite block for it's simplicity and versatility. Anyways. I will probably make a few more blocks before I start putting things together. I think I will probably have some kind of border between the blocks to help them pop. I'm trying to decide what color to use. I have to use something that will make everything pop but not compete. I was thinking of a light gray or a lime green. I'll have to see how that looks with the brown which is rather dark. Or if I could find the right color fuschia that would be cool. I'm having a bit of trouble finding the moda bella solids locally and the RK's aren't exactly a perfect match. In between all this block making I've still been working to finish up my dd's preschool teacher's quilt too. I'm participating in a couple of block swaps so I have to finish a couple blocks this week too. Oh and I need to get some garment sewing done too. I have a growing list of projects running around in my head. I need to really get cracking.

More quilt blocks

I'm getting into the grove of this block thing. I'm learning a lot and getting outside of my comfort zone which is the point, right. I just finished these two blocks and will get them into the mail to Andrea. I didn't have quite enough to make two 12.5" square blocks, so I dipped a bit into my own stash, so I hope she doesn't mind. I think the blocks came out pretty nicely though. She said she wanted right angles. I did a pieced square and sashed it with Kona snow and then I did a pieced log cabin. I love the fabrics she picked. Very fun and vibrant.

MIA

Gosh, I haven't been doing much blogging lately. But, I have been staying pretty busy. I'm currently participating in a block exchange on flickr and it's teaching me tons. I just finished my 2nd set of blocks. I've also been doing a good bit of personal sewing and quilting. I'm almost finished with the quilt for O's preschool teacher. In fact I'm quilting it now, I should have pictures to share soon. I'm getting ready to sew up a bunch of tshirts for the boys and sundresses for O. in preparations for the summer. I also have been busy keeping the boys entertained during their track out.Oh and general mom duties of course, cooking, cleaning, playing nursemaid. All in all, not idle. Here's a bit of what I've been up to. I'm trying to be better about taking pictures. I realize I need to photograph a few things I've sewn for O. I'll have to do that later. I'm also working on her backpack for school and actually doing some sewing for me.


My summer carry all for the pool made from a charm pack of Santorini by Lila Tueller
Big and roomy with tons of pocket. It has bamboo handles which I'm still on the fence about.



Geometric block for Rachel for the Bee Lovely Flickr group. It's an raw edge applique. I may have to reposition the circle though. As I was stitching it, it seemed to have migrated and looks a bit wonky...although wonky is good too.



Another block for Rachel. I was so proud of this block since the curves were a bit of a challenge to a newish quilter like me. Everything was going great until I was squaring it. It's suppose to be 9.5 x 9.5 but I think it's more like 9.5 X 9.25. Ugh!!! Ah well, like Tim Gunn says, I'm sure Rachel can make it work!

Book Review

I love a good book. When I'm trying to learn a new sewing or quilting technique, I prefer to be shown how to do it by someone. I like to ask a lot of questions and I like to have a good reference book at hand. I've recently taken up quilting (after all how many dresses and skirts can one little girl wear?) and I'm trying to build up my quilting reference library. I've asked on many quilting forums and based on suggestions I now own Quilts, quilts, quilts and Your first quilting book, or it should be. However this book wasn't suggested to me. I found it all on my own at a LQS. It's called Piecing the piece o'cake way. I liked that the book's focus was proper piecing techniques. I mean I know how to sew and I can sew two squares together, surely. But, what about piecing a triangle or diamond to make a star? I might need a few pointers. The book also teaches you about adjusting a pattern to make any size quilt you want. That was great to me, because I'm not one that wants to get out the graph paper and have to do a bunch of math. I want to buy a pattern and get stitching. But, I don't have a ton of use for little bitty quilts, I want something that covers my feet and I can cuddle under. I need at least twin size or a generous lap size at minimum. Being able to adjust a favorite pattern and knowing exactly what yardage to buy is top notch in my book. The book has 15 different projects to test your skills. The quilts are fun and use modern fabrics so they are definitely eye candy. The book is also loaded with tons of useful tips. The only negative I saw is that the quilt patterns don't list what size finished block you'll end up with, only what size quilt you will have. I find that disappointing since I might want to use just the block design in my own pattern design and without knowing the block size it's hard to figure out size, yardage and such. All in all I think this is a great book to add to your library and stretch yourself as a quilter.

Snow day delay and life

So sorry I didn't get to post anything this week about the log cabin quilt along. We had a snow day here and it kind of wrecked havoc with my schedule. Then life just caught up with me and I had to attend to it, lol. I also didn't realize how difficult it was to photograph yourself doing crafty thing. Shout out to all those fabulous blogs and their awesome photos. I realize that I'm going to have to do something about either my lighting or my camera. I'll probably start with the lighting...maybe I need a light box. Anyways, I'm working on it. I need to get either the Mister or S. to help me photograph the action shots. Soon, I promise.

Log Cabin Block Quilt Along & a wonky log cabin block

So, I'm forging full steam ahead into the wonderful world of quilting by participating in a couple of virtual bees.
The fabric arrived last week for the first bee and she has requested a wonky log cabin block. I was overwhelmed by all the options and a little nervous to cut into someone's treasured fabric. I kind of sketched out my design and did a practice block first using some scraps I have lying around. But, if you're interested in doing a more traditional log cabin block here's some simple instructions to get you started.
A log cabin block lends itself well to using those scraps in your stash. Don't feel like you have to follow tradition, have fun.
In quilting you generally use 1/4" seam. If you don't own a 1/4" foot don't worry. Usually if your needle on your machine is centered the edge of your presser foot will be 1/4" or you can take a piece of painters/masking tape and mark your 1/4" on your machine. If for some reason you don't want to use a 1/4" seam the key is to be consistent throughout, that way your blocks will match up (just ask me how I know).

For a 12" block what you will need:
You need 7 different fabrics (traditionally this a combo of 3 light and 3 dark fabrics w/the center square being red)

You will need to cut a center square that is 3.5" (that will give you a 3 square in the center with 1/4" seams on all sides)
The rest of your strips will be 2" wide. You can trim them off as you add them to the block or you can precut them as follows.
Light strips: 3 1/2 inches, 5 inches, 6 1/2 inches, 8 inches, 9 1/2 inches, 11 inches (approx 1.33 yds of fabric)

Dark strips: 5 inches, 6 1/2 inches, 8 inches, 9 1/2 inches, 11 inches, 12 1/2 inches (approx 1.5 yds of fabric)

Gather all your supplies and fabric. Go ahead and prewash your fabric and press it. Then beginning cutting it out as listed above.
Great! We'll start stitching tomorrow.


I just wanted to share with you what fun you can have with a log cabin block, especially once you understand the concept. Now, for the wonky block it was actually pretty easy. You pick a center block and then you begin joining them, rotating your block 90 degrees and adding on until it gets to be your desired size. The block above is pretty big, 15.5 X 15.5 because that was the size requested. Tomorrow I will show you how to start both a traditional and the wonky block, so come on back!
Oh, and I do realize that the block isn't square. I'll take care of that before I send it to it's rightful owner.

Work on it Wednesday

Are you tired of hearing about my niece's quilt yet? Well it's almost done. It would have been done already, but I had a little mishap when I was trying to square it up to attach the binding. I accidentally cut into one of the blocks on the edge and the backing. To say the least, I was devastated. All that work! Well, I made a couple of frantic phone calls and got some great advice from Linda. She suggest I satin stitch it. I also replaced the backing. Now I just have to reattach the binding. I would say the end is near. We leave on Friday and I'm taking this thing with me come hell or high water. It will be nice to cross this quilt off my list.

Work on it Wednesday

Well, today I won't be working on anything as I will be away from home most of the day attending a class for work. But, I have tons of projects in the hopper that I'm super excited about. I've recently joined my local quilting guild and through it a local bee with a group of wonderful ladies. I've also discovered and joined The Triangle Modern Quilting Guild and hope to meet some local quilters who share my love of modern things and less traditionally executed quilts. Never one to stop when the glass is half full I'm also participating in two virtual bees on flickr. Now, don't forget I'm still planning to work on the Denyse Schmidt SGQ this year. In fact I was just chatting online with another quilt along pal, Stephanie and she's way ahead of the game, she's already cutting out blocks. I better get my tail in gear. I'm excited to get stitching. E. has already requested a quilt and I'm trying to find a pattern and fabric that is fun and age appropriate for a little boy, who's not so little anymore.

Trying new things

I've mentioned before that I'm not really a quilter, but I would like to learn. So this year I have endeavored to expand my horizons by joining not only my local quilting guild, but also a quilting bee. It's interesting. I had a lot of preconceived ideas about the guild and while some of them are true (the members are generally older and retired), I've been tremendously surprised by the warm reception I've received. I hope to learn a lot from these ladies. Keep your eye out for my future projects.

Hey everybody, you want to make a quilt?

I'm very interested in doing a group quilt along beginning in the new year. Since I first saw it I've wanted to make the Denyse Schmidt Single Girl quilt. I would love it if a bunch of you out there would quilt along with me. I already have a couple friends who plan on working on the quilt with me. I'm super excited. The pattern goes from a baby quilt to a king size so there are tons of options. I'm having fun searching for fun fabrics to use. I'm going back and forth between some Heather Ross fabric I have and some fabric I had planned to use in another quilt. Maybe I'll check out a couple local quilt shops or perhaps I should shop my stash (now there's a novel idea!). Drop me a line if you're interested in joining in. I hope you'll join me, let's get quilting!

Oh my goodness...I'm a quilter

Can you believe it? I'm almost finished. I just have the quilting and the binding to do and it's finito! I can't believe it, I actually might be a quilter, well sort of. By no means is this perfect, but I'm pretty proud of how it's coming out. I altered the pattern somewhat, but I think it'll be fine. It's a bit bigger than a toddler's quilt and it's for my niece's birthday. It's from the Eric Carle book "Brown bear, Brown bear what do you see?"
I'll give her the quilt and the book. I would already be finished accept for a bit of a hiccup. I had thought it would look great stippled. I did a bit and didn't like how it looked. I decided to take it out, but the stitches were so tiny that it took forever to get them all out. Note to self, next time be 100% sure before you stipple your quilt. Anyway, I'm just so glad to see the end of this project. Next up, quilts for M. & E., hopefully I can have them finished by Christmas. I better get started today.

Quilting...part deux

It's like night and day. First off, just cutting out the pieces has gone so much faster this time. I don't know what was wrong with me the last time, but I'm using the strip cutting technique and those blocks were cut up lickety split...thank goodness. Also I am using a pattern from a magazine called Kids Quilts. I don't have to think about anything, it's really all done for me. I'm jazzed about that. Even though quilt patterns might seem like a waste of money since it's all square, triangles and what have you, I've quickly come to realize that it is so worth it in my book to have someone else figure out all the yardage, how many blocks to cut and how big to make them, amen for quilt pattern designers! However I can't seem to do things the easy way. I had purchased some fabric at the quilt show that I wanted to use and the after fussy cutting the design into squares to make my blocks from I realized that they don't measure out exactly to the pattern and hence once I get all my blocks assembled I will have to cut some of them down to match the design of my fussy cut squares. It'll be worth it though because the fabric is perfect for the quilt I want to make. I'll probably make this pattern again though because I really like the looks of it. Wait a minute, did I just type that?

It's finished!

I can't believe that I finally, finally finished dd's quilt. I have to say I think it came out lovely even with the million mistakes I made. The binding is the wonkiest binding ever...but still it has it's charm. I can't believe I'm going to write this...but I've actually been thinking about doing a king size one for me and dh. I'll have to think about it a bit more and figure out what pattern and fabric I want to use. I think now that I've finished one and I know some things to do and NOT to do...it might not be so torturous to do another one...but not today, today I will just enjoy the satisfaction of having finished my first quilt. Best of all Miss O. loves it so that is really all that matters.
I'll try and get a better picture of it as soon as I figure some way to suspend it. Ahh...how I wish we were allowed to have a clothesline in our neighborhood.

The home stretch

I am happy to report that I have 2 3/4 sides of dd's quilt stitched and I do believe I can finish it this week. I can't begin to tell you how happy I will be to finish it. I'm not going to say I'll never do another quilt...but I have learned what I will do differently. I realize I like a more modern looking quilt, think Denyse Schmidt and I don't want to have to stitch a million tiny blocks together. I will experiment with ways to attach the binding as all that handsewing is time consuming. Anyway, I just want to share that I'm almost finished...I have to tell you that I thought this day would never come. If all goes well I'll be sharing pictures of the finished product later in the week. Wish me luck!