What I'm Working On Now...

There are a lot of pieces to the quilt I am working on now.  It's for sister Julie.  Can you tell that she likes really bright colors? 

I have been working on this for about a month...cutting, piecing, and pressing.  For now, that is all just to get the individual components of each block ready to go.  Next, I need to get those components together to make the blocks.  After that will begin the process of laying everything out and making rows.

But, first...company is coming and I have a few things to do to get ready.   




"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

The One About the Churn Dash...

As I have written before, the churn dash quilt block is one of my favorites.  I have made a few of them over the years.  Even finished a quilt and a mini made up of them.  Go here and here and here (You really should follow those links, you know...they provide 'can't live without it' info...~grin~).

Several months ago, I received an 'impossible to pass up' offer on a box of Cotton & Steel fat quarters.  Course, I knew not what to do with them...just knew that I needed to take advantage of said offer.  A churn dash quilt was what I decided on...which I started this week.  Certainly not a great time to start a project, but there you have it.  I will work on it this week, and then next week will be devoted to getting everything else done that I have planned to get done before we leave on vacation.  AND, my niece Jody will be here for a visit before we leave.

These are the fabrics I'm using...

And, here's what I have so far...

I have six blocks completed, with six more almost ready.  I was working on them one at a time until it dawned on me that I could work on several at a time...chain-piecing, here I come!  The blocks will finish at 12 inches and I am unsure at this point how many I'll make.  At least 25, which will make it a nice lap quilt.

I have a secret project I need to start tomorrow.  If you never hear another word on it, that will mean I failed abysmally.  Hopefully, you'll see the words 'secret project' again within the next week.  Keep your fingers crossed!  ~grin~

In the meantime, it is almost the weekend.  Enjoy the time!  

Oh, and I ran across this and wanted to share it with you...

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

The One When the 5 Day Project Fell Apart...

Yeah.  So I am working along and making great progress on my in-between project (also known as #5dayproject)....and have just the borders to do.  I find that I am one piece 5 1/2 inches x WOF short.  ohno!  Well, I figured, no problem, I got that fabric here at my LQS...I will just run over and get what I need.  

Well.  Seems as if that particular Grunge fabric was discontinued.  OHNO!  What now?  I actually can check at another fabric store (but not until next week) in nearby Pueblo.  And, I do have enough small pieces to piece the border.  Definitely not my first choice, though.  For now, I have set it all aside and will wait until I see if the other store has it...then will do whatever I need to do to finish this quilt top.  Here it is thus far...

In the meantime, I am working on Christmas gifts.  Since I will be seeing most of these people on my vacation, I thought it would work out nicely to take their gifts with me.  So.  Working my fingers to the bones.  

And, I am making lists and getting everything ready to go on vacation.  I am so looking forward to it!!!

I plan to take along some knitting...just in case I have some downtime (ya never know!)...or for in the car on the way to/from Wisconsin.  I should be able to knit face cloths while riding in the car.  You know, with all the bags/zipper pouches I have, none of them has ever been designated as a 'knitting project bag'.  So.  I made a special one to put my knitting supplies in for the trip.

This zipper pouch measures 11x6x2.5 inches...enough room for everything I need...needles (I use the short ones), darning needle, 2 skeins of Cotlin yarn (50 grams each), crochet hook, ruler, and scissors.  I lined it with canvas to make it a bit sturdier and I am very happy with it.  

I'll be back next week to let you know what I find at the other LQS.  In the meantime, have a great weekend!




"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

The One With the Super Scrappy Pineapple Block Quilt...

It seemed like it took forever to finish this quilt

but in reality, it took just over 4 months from start to finish.

Great news...

I found an excellent local longarm quilter...Yay!

That will make things so much more fun...

to actually get a quilt quilted 

when I finish putting it together!

Depending on a few factors,

I am able to do my own quilting.

Sometimes, though, the quilt is too large

and sometimes I want something different

than what I am able to do.

Dana, of Old Red Barn Co.,

was the inspiration behind this scrappy quilt.

I am so, so happy that I followed her lead with this.  

Without further ado...

Here it is...my super scrappy pineapple block quilt!!!  

(be sure to click on the photos to enlarge them)

Here are all the details...

All colored prints were from my scrap buckets.

Some white/tan strips came from my stash

and some from my LQS.

Each block contains 37 pieces.

There are 49 blocks total.

For a grand total of 1,813 pieces of fabric.  

It measures ~67" square after laundering.

I used Warm n' White batting.

I backed it with Moda Grunge in Creme (108").

It was quilted by longarm quilter PJ Steffenson.

with a Popcorn quilting pantograph. 

This is one of my all-time faves.

For sure.

I love it so much!

What's next? 

Finishing up some dog/cat quilt pallets to donate.

And, I have a tote bag to make.

I hope you have a great weekend!

1, 2, 3...

There's really not much going on around here.  

Must be why I have not blogged.

(wow...it's really been almost 3 weeks?)

BUT...

I do - finally - have something to show you.

3 doll quilts.

For 3 little neighbor girls.

Each doll quilt measures about 18 inches square.  

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Thanksgiving is tomorrow.

I have much to be thankful for.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

1 and 2...

I finished a few things last week and realized this morning that I had not shown them to you.  How could that be?  ~grin~

1.  Rail fence quilt top I made using the jelly roll of Allspice Tapestry by Joanna Figueroa of Fig Tree I received from Cathy.  I finished it last Monday...was pretty much a 4-day project. At any rate, it is now sitting in my to-be-quilted pile.  

2.  Dog blanket for Curly Sue, the beagle I take care of once a day. It measures about 24 inches.  I had never made her a blanket, so thought it'd be a fun thing to do before I move.  It's really bright, isn't it?  I was given the fabric and wanted to put it to good use.  I think it's quite fun.

I think I did pretty good with my randomness!

pieced back and scrappy binding!  

I have two projects that I need to start and finish this week.  Both of them are brand new to me.  But not difficult.  Wish me luck!  


"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

What's Up?

Not much going on around here.

Somewhat against my better judgement, I started a new project.  I just could not resist.  Cuz I needed something to do that didn't require much thought/focus/concentration.  Know what I mean?

Remember that jelly roll from Cathy?  Here is a peek at what I am doing with it...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As for Tag...he is maintaining.  The mass on his shoulder is growing.  He limps more some days than others.  I upped his Tramadol to 4 times daily.  It is hot today, so I (finally) turned on the air conditioning.  I did it more for Tag than for myself...so that he wouldn't have to exert so much energy trying to stay cool.  He is such a good boy...never complains.  Content to be wherever I am. Such a small thing to ask, isn't it?  I sure love this boy...

That's all I have for today.  Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

    

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

The One About Cathy's Quilt...

YAY!  Cathy's quilt was delivered to her today...and it was well received.  You all know who Cathy is, right?  Of the Waldorf dolls and boxes of fabric she has sent me, etc., etc.

She is happy.  I am happy. 

Here are the photos...

For this quilt, I used the Vintage Happy fabric collection by Lori Holt with a few pieces of Bake Sale also by Lori Holt and a few miscellaneous pieces, along with Kona cotton solid in White.  The pattern is Scrap Jar Star...the tutorial can be found here.  Finished size (and after laundering) is about 50 inches square.  A nice lap-sized quilt.  I quilted it with meandering stars with a variegated thread.

I am so glad to have these last two quilts checked off my list...and in the possession of their owners.  These are two very special quilts for very special people.
       



"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

Wild Churn Dash...

I finished this quilt top this morning.  Finally.  

There was much more to it than I thought there would be.  More than just fun sewing.  No simple just sew the blocks together, nosirree!!!  Changing out backgrounds and well, you just don't even want to know...and I really don't want to think about it.  ~grin~ Suffice it to say that I am very happy to have finished this in the amount of time it took, which was 11 days.  You know, I am way too anal for my own good.  I try really hard to ignore that about myself, but there are days when it is impossible!  For instance, the cherry backgrounds on two of the bottom blocks bothers me...but that was the lesser of two evils (so to speak), so I will live with it.  

I do actually love this, though.  Why?  Because it's been a wip for 5+ years and it is now finished...and it looks pretty much as I always thought it would.  I love churn dashes and monkey wrenches and I particularly love that big 8 inch half-square triangle border!  It measures 64 inches square...a perfect lap quilt size.  

Now, of course, it will go in with my other flimsies...and one day become a finished quilt!  


"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

Everything About It..

I love this bright yellow color...

I think it's called Mimosa.

I love a linen hand towel.

I love that there is a loop for hanging

(though, in this bathroom there no hook to hang it on).

I love that linen dries quickly.

I love that this is something I made.

I put in a 1.5 inch hem all around.   And, mitered corners....

I made a second towel.

For the kitchen...a dishtowel.

This towel has narrower hems.

And, I put the hanging loop across a corner.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I did replace the monkey wrench (block 6)

with a different brown print.

I am hoping to get the last 3 blocks done today so that I can start working on that big 8 inch hst border.



"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

This is Fun!!

When I was going through my fabric the other day, I ran across something I had all but forgotten about.  A  bundle of fabric and some already made blocks.  Here's the story on that.  

About a million years ago...okay, only 5 years ago...I belonged to a block swap.  (Actually, I belonged to several in a 3 year period.  I'll have to think about doing that sort of thing again.)  At any rate, April of 2010 (see what I mean...a million years ago!) was my month to have blocks made.  I opted for churn dash and monkey wrench blocks...one of each was made by the other 11 quilters.  I got back from 10 of them, so I have 20 blocks that are sized at 12 1/2 inches.  The fabric collection is Wildrose by Brannock and Patek for Moda.    

I designated this weekend for fun sewing, remember?  So, I thought...why not?  I spent a few hours yesterday looking at the fabrics and making sure I knew how I wanted to proceed.  And, I cut squares...and more squares!  Lots of squares!  Some to make into half-square triangles and some to make into 4-patch blocks and some to remain as squares.

Here is a photo of the original quilt I was inspired by.  I would happily give credit, but even back then, I lost track of the information.  I apologize for this...it is a beautiful quilt, for sure!   

For some reason, Tag and I were up at 4:00 this morning.  No reason...more his idea than mine.  But, there it is. So, by the time 7:30 rolled along, 90% of the chores I wanted to do today were done.  All that was left to do was laundry (which is still waiting for me).  So, I played.

The first thing I did was to rethink the size of the quilt.  With 20 blocks, the quilt would have 4 blocks across and 5 blocks down.  With the added pieces, the blocks will finish at 16 inches.  Add in the 8 inch borders and the quilt would measure 80 x 96 inches.  Hmmmm...nope.  I have no need for a quilt that large.  Okay, time to think about what I am going to do with the quilt.  Keep it or sell it? More than likely, I will keep it.  Just because.  So, what will I do with it?  More than likely, it will end up as a lap quilt.  I could go 3 across and 4 down...that would put it at 64 x 80 inches...which is a little large for me as a lap quilt.  Well, then...how about 3 blocks across and 3 blocks down?  That would work...64 x 64 inches.  Okay, but I have 20 blocks.  Well, I could make 2 quilts, I suppose. Haha...we shall see.  Let's get one done, first.  ~grin~ 

All of that being said, I am going to play it by ear and just plug away at this until it's where I want it to be.  So.  Here is the first block I completed...  

block 1

 And, here's the second one...

block 2

Remember, the churn dash and monkey wrench blocks were already done.  All I am doing is adding 7 pieces to one side and the top or bottom.  One block at a time.

It is definitely going to be interesting to put this together!  

It is a gloomy, rainy day.  Perfect for sewing and listening to music.


"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

Started and Finished...

I needed to make another gift for my Godmother/Aunt Bev.  Why? Because her birthday is June 1.  Apparently, I am unable to think more than two weeks in advance!  This, though, was a quick and easy idea...to make a little pillow to match the quilt I made for her for Mother's Day...see the quilt here.  

Here's what I did.  I made a 32 patch measuring 8 x 16 with 2 1/2 inch squares.  I didn't use batting, but I did do some topstitching.  I lined the front with a piece of Kona cotton (so the raw edges would be protected) and backed the pillow cover with a small floral print. I made an envelope closure at the end of the pillow.  And, I even made my own pillow insert!  
  

front

back

Here's a photo of Godmother/Aunt Bev from today...enjoying the sunshine in Eau Claire.

Godmother/Aunt Bev

Hope your holiday weekend is fun and safe.


"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

The Gathering...

I mentioned a month or so ago that I had come late to the Anna Maria Horner party (see those words here).  I  just received my May Gathering and am so in love with it.  Actually, I am pretty much in love with everything I see of her work, whether it be fabric or handwork or patterns.  In my mind, there is a fine line between being obsessed and addicted. 

Obsession...
: someone or something that a person thinks about constantly or frequently.

Addiction...
: an unusually great interest in something or a need to do or have something


I will admit - without hesitation - to being addicted.  It is only because I am addicted that I have the last 3 'gatherings'...having them makes me think about them.  Frequently.  So, I think I am a bit obsessed, too.  Don't you?

At any rate...here is the May Gathering...

photo borrowed from Anna Maria's website

This gathering includes 6 cotton prints, 4 cotton wovens (from her newest collection, Loominous), and 2 cotton solids.

I cannot wait to use the fabrics...I think I have something special and very much far in the future in mind.  Time will tell.

I have 3 months left of this addiction and/or obsession...that will give me a lot of Anna Maria Horner fabrics to play with!

In the meantime, I am working on my to-do list and hope to have a few things to show you sometime soon.



"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

She Likes It...

The quilt I made for my Godmother/Aunt Bev was well-received... 

Please say a prayer for her...she has myeloma (a cancer of the blood) and is receiving comfort care at a nursing home in Eau Claire.  




"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

We Interrupt This Program...

Rather, my to-do list.

It occurred to me last Thursday that I did not have a Mother's Day gift for my very special Aunt/Godmother Bev.  I guess it's because 2 of my sisters and I gave me Mum her Mother's day gift early...must have thought I was done, hey?

I was in a bit of a panic, because I usually make gifts.  Right?  What could I make with fabric I already have here on time to get into the mail on Tuesday?  That gave me 4 full days...plenty of time to do most anything, right?  Still.  

You know, of all the people I've made quilts for, Aunt Bev isn't one of them.  Okay, I'll make her a quilt!  Then, it dawned on me that I had this... 

 

I made this quilt top in 2011 and it has been waiting for just the perfect time...the perfect person.  Why not finish that...now is the perfect time and it is perfect for Aunt Bev!  She has myeloma - a blood cancer - and is in a nursing home.   

I pin-basted it on Friday.  On Saturday, I quilted it.  I quilted a minimalist design of 7 squares, starting in the center 4 blocks and working my way out...each one 4" larger all around than the one before.  The binding took a few hours on Saturday night and Sunday morning.  And, it is done!  YAY!  This morning it went into the washer and dryer and was photographed. 

Details:
*Pattern - Postage Stamp.
*Measures 57" square (after laundering).
*Fabric collection is Aviary by 3 Sisters for Moda.
*Backing is Kona Cotton Solid in Bone (with a small piece of a floral from the Aviary collection in  one corner, which is also what I used for the binding).

I need to add a label and pack (stuff) it into a large flat-rate box so that I can ship it out tomorrow.  I think she'll be happy with it.

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Speaking of mail...sister Joyce sent me a dishcloth...

 I totally got it...green yarn...a granny smith apple design!  I love it!  Thank you, Joyce!

So.  We now return you to your regularly scheduled program.  Rather, my to-do list.  No more interruptions (yeah, right)! 





"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

Scrappy?

                          

Scrappy...being defined as a variety of fabrics of different colors and prints.   

I do so admire scrappy quilts.  But, in my opinion, one has to have something more than whatever it is that I don't have to put one together.

When I buy fabric, I prefer to buy collections.  I try to buy the entire collection.  I guess I don't quite trust my sense of color/style or whatever you want to call it.  For me, it is far easier to purchase a collection, knowing that all the fabrics were made to go with each other.

Of course, there are always exceptions to that rule.  My absolute most favorite quilt that I made back in 2011 was a scrappy one...the Postage Stamp Quilt.  I used several different unrelated fabrics, sewing them into strips with a muslin square between each print square...

I truly loved making this quilt...all 1296 pieces of it.  Baby sister Jill is the proud owner of this one.

I have put together a few other quilts using several prints from different designers/collections, but they each had a color theme, so were fairly simple to put together.  To me, that doesn't necessarily count as scrappy.  Shown here are my two favorites.

One was for my good friend, Doreen, who succumbed to lung cancer almost 3 years ago...

 

The other one was the black/white quilt I made in 2009 for sister Joyce...

                       
Several collections that I have used have made some very awesome quilts.  I rarely buy from the same designer twice, though...but only because there are so many fabrics out there to choose from.  

I have used two collections by Aneela Hoey to make two separate quilts...and even made the same pattern both times!

Sherbet Pips

A Walk In The Woods 

                                    
And, I have combined two of Lotta Jansdotter's collections to make one quilt...

Bella and Echo

      
My taste has changed somewhat over the past 5 years.  One person I have kept my eye on, though, is Anna Maria Horner.  I have been hearing about her - and all that she does - for a very long time.  See her blog here and do follow the link to visit her shop. She is a very talented woman...her fabrics and designs and just everything she does is fabulous and absolutely gorgeous!  I guess you could say that I am a bit late coming to her party.  I bought my first Anna Maria Horner fabric collection last fall.  

I have been following the Blue Elephant Stitches blog for quite some time...and have long been fascinated by the colors/fabrics she puts together.  Her quilts look so vibrant and ultra-rich.  Anna Maria Horner's fabrics are like that...in fact, there are a few quilts on the Blue Elephant Stitches blog made with her fabrics.  

So.  I invested in a bundle of Anna Maria's Pretty Potent line and ended up with this large patchwork quilt (it is not yet quilted)...

Pretty Potent

I love it!  Then, as you may remember from a month ago, I used some birthday money to buy a bundle of Anna Maria's Folk Song line..

Folk Song

Then, one day whilst I was minding my own business, just browsing the web, I found out that Anna Maria offers a monthly gathering of fabrics.  What?  Of course, I ordered the March Gathering...

It  consists of 12 fat quarters...8 cotton prints, 2 cotton solids and 2 cotton/linen blends!  The April offering is available now, so I will be ordering that soon.  I think I am totally addicted!  But, that's not a bad thing, is it?

My point in all of this is...I prefer buying fabric collections.  And, I will buy as much of Anna Maria's fabrics as I possibly can.  I think I will never tire of how those colors make me feel.  

On another, but definitely related, note...in today's mail, I received a late birthday gift from sister Joyce.  Late only because I could not decide how to use the gift card she had given me.  Besides some doll clothes hangers (too cute!), I ordered this book...

From inside front cover, "Get a peek inside Anna Maria's creative process - and stitch more than 24 stunning original embroidery pieces."

It is a beautiful book...put together with much thought and effort.  I am so looking forward to spending a lot of time with it. 

Have a great week! 



"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11