Show Off Saturday!!

The quilting momentum continued today.  Two quilt finishes!!!

First up is the Broken Herringbone pattern I found over at Play Crafts.  Spiral free motion quilting.  Talk about moving outside of my comfort zone.



I used Essential thread from Connecting Threads, size 50.  At $3 for 1,200 yards, it was worth a try.  I was very happy with both piecing and FMQ.  Will definitely purchase this thread again.

At a Q-Squared bee sew day last weekend, Jenn over at A Quarter Inch from the Edge was doing FMQ spirals so I stood over her shoulder to watch.  I think I like spirals!!  The key is remembering to leave enough room to get back out.  Hey, Scrapmaster, I'm starting to like FMQ.

Since I was in the groove with FMQ, next up was the Shattered Glass Block from the Undercover Crafter -- all over meandering.

I quilted in the white space to make the coloured strips pop.  I am very happy with the outcome.

Proud of today's accomplishments, so linking up with Show Off Saturday over at Sew Can She.

Shweshwe Adventure...Friday Finish

The plan was to have two Friday Finishes today, but my vacation day was temporarily hijacked by a work emergency.  But I am so very happy that my Shweshwe quilt is finally finished.  It's been two years since I bought the fabric in South Africa.

I wanted the focus to be on the fabric, so just simple stitch-in-the ditch quilting.  Every time I look at the quilt, I see a different pattern, so didn't want to take away from that.

Shweshwe Adventure

As I began to sew on the binding, the weather turned to thunder and lightning, and then the rain started.  A Friday Finish was in the home stretch, but I wouldn't be able to take a photo and share.  But I powered through and finished the binding.  As I was clipping threads, the rain stopped and the sun started to came back.  Grab shoes and camera and hit the backyard as fast as possible.  I wanted to get a few photos before the rain came back.

Shweshwe Adventure

I stressed on what name to give this quilt and finally settled on:  Shweshwe Adventure.  Shweshwe is the name of the fabric, and you can read all about it here.  And it was both an adventure to purchase the fabric and to complete the quilt.

My friend T and I were in South Africa for the wedding of another friend.  Picture this:  driving in a right-hand drive car, on the left side of the road, with no GPS, trying to find streets in Johannesburg which don't have street signs.  My apologies...some streets were labelled....embossed in the curb.  So very (un)helpful.  It was quite an adventure to find the store.  I think we drove around the same block three times.  But we finally found it...after having taken the scenic route to get there.  Thanks T for being patient.

Shweshwe Adventure

 
Now that it's finished, I want more Shweshwe fabric.  I wish I had purchased more and wish I had purchased some of the blue and the red fabric lines.

Linking up with Quilt Matters for TGIFF.  Check out her fabulous Modern Totems quilt.

WIP...The Last of the Library Projects.

It's been a tad warm in the evenings for sewing (but I'm not complaining -- just commenting).  Combine the warm weather with my newly acquired hot flashes...it doesn't make for a pleasant sewing experience.  But it's time to get some sewing done!!

I finished the quilt top for my fourth and final The Library Project hosted by Adrienne over at Chezzetcook Modern Quilts.  I wanted to try the Broken Herringbone tutorial posted by Play Crafts.

Broken Herringbone

I've been attempting to try new things to get out of my comfort zone.  I'm glad I tried this block, but it's not for me.  I didn't enjoy making it, and there is a lot of wasted fabric.  The horror!!  Now I have to find something to do with the scraps.  The tutorial was great in that the instructions were very detailed and clear, with lots of photos.

I was so very much done at six blocks.  The Squares (one of my quilt bees is called Q-Squared) had to convince me to make three more blocks so that I could actually make something useable.  It finishes about 40-inches square.

The purples in the photo don't show very well, but I guess that's the price of taking photos in the house.  One of the (many) downfalls of working full-time is that by the time I get any sewing done in the evening, it's too dark outside to take photos.

I've been hesitant to try improv piecing as I'm a girl that needs a pattern.  But I liked a block posted by Jenn over at A Quarter Inch from the Edge, so I decided to give it a try.  I did 8-inch blocks as indicated in the tutorial by The Undercover Crafter.

Shattered Glass Block

I did enjoy making these blocks, although it was difficult not to try to line up all the strips.  I did attempt to line them up in a few blocks...couldn't resist the temptation.

Now the dilemma...how to quilt???  Any suggestions?

Now that I have a collection of quilt tops, it's time to get focused and get them all sandwiched and quilted.  And then come up with some names for them.

Since it's Wednesday, I'm linking up with Freshly Pieced.

Fabric, fabric, more fabric, and even more fabric.

I haven't been very productive this week as it's been too hot to sew.  However, I have more than made up for the lack of sewing in fabric purchases.  I got a tad bit carried away, but...it was my birthday, and I deserved a treat, or two, or three....that's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

First up is my first purchase from Connecting Threads.  A friend said there is no Canadian duty to pay.  And you if order $50 US or more online, shipping is only $7.99.

Of course, there had to be some orange.  I thought I'd try titanium needles as recommended by Scrapmaster -- I wanted to see what she loves about them.  I was disappointed with the brown fabric on the bottom.  It looked black online, but I was so very mistaken.  Oh well, lesson learned from ordering online.  The thread is $2.79 for 1,200 metres.  I've tried piecing with it this week, and I like it.  If it works as well with free-motion quilting, it may be my new thread choice.

If you look in the background, you'll see a quilt top on the design wall.  Stay tuned for the reveal.

Then I was playing around on Joann's website.  Why?  I don't know.  They don't ship to Canada so I didn't have a reason to be looking. But it was meant to be.  They were having a 50% sale on notions.  So a quick Facebook message to cousin A in Detroit to inquire if they were coming home to visit this summer.  As luck would have it, they were.  And so I quickly placed an order to be shipped to Detroit, and my gracious cousin brought my goodies when she came this week.

Basting spray is a minimum $16.99 for a small can here.  It was regular $12.99 at Joann's, so it was only $6.49 a can.  So four cans later.  And a new rotary cutter.

Happy Birthday to me!!

And then I remembered that my LQS gives 15% discount if you shop on your birthday.  So off to the store I go.

These lovely Kona half metres will be paired with some Kona pieces from my stash.  That's Papaya, Purple (although it does look blue), Kiwi, Cyan, Citrus, and Pewter.  I just keep adding to the list of things to make.  Think it's time to update my WIP list.

And my first purchase of Art Gallery fabric.  Oh...it is so very soft.  A quilt along I discovered at Fat Quarter Shop.  I wanted to try some new blocks.

And it continued to be a great birthday with a gift certificate from my boss.  LQS, here I come again!!

These will turn into Night Sky by Jaybird Quilts.  And to show QJ I'm learning my Kona names:  Leprechaun, Kiwi, Peapod, Sprout, Kumquat, Orange, Flame, Lipstick, Lilac, Crocus, Tulip, Surf, Water, Peacock, Pomegranate, Candy Pink, Carnation, Canary, Lemon, Sunny, and Papaya.  Sadly, they did not have Wisteria, Riviera, Bright Pink, or Black.  But one of the friendly clerks (who sadly knows me by name...okay, they all know me by name) is checking with their other locations to find the colours for me.  Thanks!!

No. More. Shopping.

Linking up with Molli Sparkles for Sunday Stash.

Shweshwe Quilt Top is Done

I finished the Shweshwe quilt top!!  What a relief to have it finished.  The plan is to get it sandwiched and quilted over the weekend.

Shweshwe Quilt Top 

I don't name my quilts, but I think this one will be named.  I have no idea whatsoever what that name will be.  But I feel that since the fabric came all the way from South Africa (and it took a lot of searching to find the quilt shop) and contains 512 HST's, it deserves a name.

But the most exciting news of the week is that I met Kaffe Fasset and Brandon Mably.  My quilt guild, Mariners Quilt Guild (plus Mahone Bay Quilters Guild and Mayflower Quilters Guild), hosted Kaffe Fassett (and Brandon Mably) for "Life in Colour: An Evening with Kaffe Fassett Lecture and Book Signing."

I had the privilege to pick them up at the airport.  That was so exciting, and I'm still on a high that I met them and had a conversation.  The lecture was informative and engaging.  We're hoping to bring them back next year for a workshop.



Brandon Mably, me, and Kaffe Fassett at the book signing 

But even more importantly, Brandon liked my orange quilt!!!  That's correct, it doesn't have a name other than orange quilt.



We had quilts displayed around the lecture hall.  Brandon said he liked the orange quilt over there, that he hadn't seen one with all orange.  After the initial shock, I proudly said, it's mine.  And after the lecture, he showed it to Kaffe.   I make things that I enjoy and don't care what others think, but it was exciting that someone of that caliber liked one of my quilts.  Now I feel this quilt needs a name, but oddly, Orange Quilt, seems to be the only thing that keeps coming to me.

If you have any thoughts on what I should call my quilts, please let me know.  I'd love to hear how you go about naming your quilts.

Linking up with Adrienne over at Chezzetcook Modern Quilts for the monthly update to The Library Project.

They are Done!!!

Two years.  32 8.5-inch blocks.  16 HST's per block.  512 HST's in total.  My Shweshwe blocks are finally completed!  I bought the fabric in July 2012 when I visited South Africa.  You can read about Shweshewe fabric here.  Here are some of the blocks:



Shweshwe Blocks

I was super productive today at the Maritime Modern Quilt Guild Sew In today.  The day started with a mere 8 blocks completed, and the day ended with all 32 blocks completed.  Give this quilter a gold star.

I handed in my MMQG block for the new guild banner.  We received the fabric Thursday night.  Thinking that Linda would be the first to have her block completed, I made it a point to get my block done last night because I didn't want to be the last person to hand it in at the August meeting.  Imagine my surprise...I was the only one with a completed block today.  Give this quilter another gold star.

Block for MMQG Banner

Have been slowing moving out of my comfort zone and trying some new techniques such as improv piecing.

The Jawbreaker pillow looked lonely, so voila...another one.



Jawbreaker Pillows

Next week is another opportunity to continue making sewing a part of my regular routine.  We had a great discussion today at Sew In about quilters being identified as traditional, modern, etc.  Do what makes you happy.  That's my plan.  I'm a quilter...end of...no identifier needed.  So give this quilter another gold star.

Sewing is Soooooo Much More Fun Than Working

It wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be to go back to work after a week's vacation.  But after three days of work, I've decided sewing is much more fun.  Sadly, I did not win the lottery with my Mahone Bay ticket, so it's back to work tomorrow.

But I have been productive this week.  I made a nametag for this week's Maritime Modern Quilt Guild meeting.  I went outside my comfort zone.  A little improv piecing, free motion quilting, and no pattern -- the horror.  Measuring in at 4.5 inches, it even has binding.  And yes, my name is written in Sharpie.  Sharpie is just as good as any embroidery.  And then I wimped out and just sewed on some fancy ribbon because I couldn't figure out the best way to put the strap on it.

My poor Singer has a pretty crappy sewn cover...and that's a long story that we'll skip for now.  I have been holding on to a few pieces of fabric for dear life.  Not that I have anything to coordinate with them, or have any plans for them.  So, I broke down and finally made a quilted sewing machine cover.  I've had the pattern printed for eons from Quilty Creations.  It was very difficult finding a pattern that included instructions on how to make a hole for the handle.  The only thing is that the pattern does not take into account that the top of the machine is narrower than the bottom, so the top is a little loose and doesn't sit properly, but I'm pleased with the results.  And yes, that's a pocket on the front.  And I got creative again and fashioned a cover for the handle to soften the handle (somewhat) -- the machine is quite heavy, and it's hard on the hand.

And then because she's just so cute, I had to make a little something for my goddaughter in Ontario.  I hope little T likes it.  It's a reversible apron with pockets on both sides.

I'm impressed how quickly it came together, and it only requires three fat quarters.  I found the pattern over at Moda Bake Shop.  Can't wait to get it in the mail to her. 

Well, it's time to get to bed and get rested for another day of work.  It's another Sew In with Maritime Modern Quilt Guild on Saturday.  I need to decide what project I will work on.

Finish Friday...the end of Vacation Productivity

It's been an awesome week of vacation.  I went to see the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo with Eastern Passage Girl Guides on Tuesday.  And I sewed every day this week.  I can't believe the week has gone by so fast.  I'm trying not to think that Monday is only two days away -- I don't want to go back to work -- I want to continue to sew!!!  I'm hoping that the lottery ticket I purchased in Mahone Bay yesterday is a winner tomorrow night -- then I can stay home and sew every day.

I finished the second baby quilt -- the other half of the original plus quilt (see here on how one quilt became two).  Once the label is sewn on, it will be delivered.

 

 



 



I discovered the Aurifil thread works great on my machine -- but I had to use a 70/10 needle and double the usual tension.  The thread did not break using this size needle, except when I first started quilting and that might have been because I was going a tad too fast.  I am pleased with the results.  I would like to try to 40wt but can't seem to find it around here.

I also made two pillow using Jaybird Quilts Candy Dish pattern.

As you can see, today's photos were taken in the middle of the peony bushes.  It was a bit of a gray day, but I think I managed to capture the colours quite well.

Today, I whipped up a Jawbreaker pillow from Jaybird Quilts.

And finally...a new ironing board cover.  I fit the new one (including a piece of batting) right over the old one.  I went bright and cheery.  And although I steered away from my favourite orange, there is orange in the print -- I couldn't resist.

It's not easy getting a good photo of an ironing board, but you can see that it's bright.

It's Friday...so I'm linking up with Quokka Quilts.

First Day of Vacation Productivity

It's day one of vacation, and I've got two projects completed...and there are still more hours left in the day.

First up is my Michael Miller challenge hosted by The Modern Quilt Guild.  The first project went by the wayside as I realized I had cut some of the templates the wrong way.  Since we were only given a fat eighth of each of the six fabrics, I couldn't afford to waste any.  And I didn't enjoy cutting the templates.  I thought it would be a good challenge to try a new technique -- but if it's stressful and causing headache, it's not worth it.  So I changed direction.  The finished project is not what I had envisioned, but I am happy with it nonetheless.  Once I make a sleeve, it will hang in my sewing room.

And yes, that's FMQ in a star motif, although some of the stars are a bit wonky.

Then I decided to give the Aurifil 50wt  thread another try on my commissioned baby quilt.  I tried a few needles sizes and upped the tension on my machine.  My poor Singer didn't know what was going on -- it's never had the tension that high before.  All in all, it was a success, although I am not happy with the large holes in the quilting.  Although the tension problem was fixed, the thread continued to break on a regular basis, both while FMQ and using the walking foot.  I'll keep trying until the spool is done, but I think I'll stick with my trusted Gutermann thread.

Now it's time to sit back and read a book.  Wonder how supper can magically appear and the housework magically get done....

Sew In Day

It was another Sew In with Maritime Modern Quilt Guild.  But first I participated in the Epic Canadian 5K race.  I'm a walker, pretending to be runner, but I achieved a personal best today -- 5K walk/jog in 46:57.  Yeah me!!!!  That's three minutes off my usual 50 minutes.

Then it was off to sew with the ladies.  It was good to finally meet Julia from Jada's Quilting Adventures.  I decided to work on a plus quilt for a commissioned baby quilt.  Once all the blocks were sewn together, I realized that it was far too big for a baby quilt.  So this evening, I cut it half and continued on.  Now to figure out how to quilt it.  Suggestions?

I'll add a border to the other half and make another baby quilt -- a gift that is long overdue.

Thanks to QJ for lending me her Hex N More ruler so I could cut my fabric for some Candy Dish Pillows. 

Next week is going to be an adventure -- a whole week of vacation with no plans.  I've never had a week of vacation without going somewhere.  I hope to get a lot of quilting done and hopefully a sew day with QJ.  Perhaps a trip to the Shore Shore to visit with QD.

Well time for a soak in the tub to soothe the aches muscles from all the walking/running and quilting today.

What a Weekend!

This is my second post in two days.  Who am I???  I never thought that I'd have anything to write about, but this is day two of my quilt ramblings.  It's been a wild and crazy week, and I just had to share.  You can read about the first part of the week here.

Today was all about finishing up projects.  Sandwiched two quilts this morning before church.  I started quilting as soon as I got home from church -- and now realize that I didn't eat lunch.  Then it was off to a Pathfinder meeting.  For those of you new to Guiding, you can learn more at Girl Guides of Canada.  Back home for some more sewing and the pickup of the commissioned quilt.  And then realized once again that I hadn't eaten.  It's been a busy weekend, and I am tired.

The baby quilt is finished.  Quilt label to go on tomorrow and then delivered on Tuesday.

I tried Aurifil 50 wt for this project.  Although my friend Scrapmaster raves about this thread, I was not impressed.  I did not have much success with free-motion quilting.  The thread broke four times, and the bobbin thread broke once.  I admit my FMQ skills are not very good, but this was the worse quilting I've done.  Oh well...it is what it is.  I will play with the Aurifil and hope I begin to like it.

Although the commissioned quilt has not gone to its final destination, I will share as the recipient does not follow my blog and does not know a quilt is being made for her.

Before I fall into bed, here is the fabric I purchased during my fourth adventure this week to my LQS.  I'm going to use these to make Jaybird Quilts Candy Dish pillow pattern.  There are several patterns from Jaybird Quilts that I plan to make.  As you have probably guessed, orange is my favourite colour.  I found the orange and yellow fabrics and started a collection.  QJ and QD had a lot of input (aka peer pressure) into the choices -- but I have to admit that their choices were spot on.

Before I fall asleep onto the laptop, I'm linking up with Molli Sparkles Sunday Stash.

Quilt Top Finishes

The week started out with a F.A.R.T (for you non-quilters, check out the quilting abbreviations at Quarter Inch from the Edge) on Monday with QJ.  We stopped for lunch on the way, and then we put a dent in our shopping lists.  But this was after a trip to my LQS on my own first thing in the morning before meeting up with QJ.  And then after the F.A.R.T., we ended up back at our LQS.  Three fabric purchases in one day...that's an all-time personal best.

On the way to quilt club on Thursday, I had to run to the LQS for an item for a commissioned project and ran into QJ.  You'd think we had already purchased enough fabric three days previous.  Enjoyed a great quilting day with three of the four Squares (QJ and QD) today...and of course, we ended up the LQS.  And more fabric was purchased.  I think my credit card is going to start smoking from all the use this week.

I finished a quilt top today for a commissioned project in the QPP (quilt protection plan).  Here is a sneak peek...the beginnings of a pillow from the scraps.

I received the June fat quarter collection from Sew Sisters Quilt Shop.  Since it was novelty prints, it screamed baby quilt.  This will be a gift for one of the Judges I work with -- for his new grandson who was born last month.  Sssh...don't spill the beans.

I bought some Aurifil thread during one of my many fabric shopping expeditions this week.  Several members of Maritime Modern Quilt Guild rave about this thread and how much better free-motion quilting is with it, so I'm going to give it a try.

It was a productive week, and I managed to finish two quilt tops on my Library Project (hosted by Chezzetcook Modern Quilts.  You can read about my projects here.

I'm amazed at how much sewing was done this week when I had so little time.  Tomorrow I hope to finish up the QPP project and the baby quilt.

I hope your week ended as productively and as fun as mine did.  Quilting is a good stress release and makes me happy.

Linking up with Chezzetcook Modern Quilts.

One of These Things is Not Like the Others...

One of these things is not like the others,
One of these things just doesn't belong,
Can you tell which thing is not like the others
By the time I finish my song?


I can laugh about it today, but last night was a different matter.  I was working on another The Library Project (hosted by Chezzetcook Modern Quilts) and realized I made a grave error.  There are five groups of five fat quarters.  Here are the first three groups:

 

 

 

Did you guess which thing was not like the others?

Did you guess which thing just doesn't belong?
If you guessed this [the middle] one is not like the others,
Then you're absolutely...right!

 

Each group of five fat quarters is to be cut into five sections.  You can read about the Refracted TNT here.  Somehow, I got cut happy and cut the middle group into six sections.  Oh well...nothing to do but sew up the pieces.

 

I used two fat quarter collections with a few other fabrics mixed in.  I decided to mix up the colours, but am now thinking that I should have grouped all the like colours together.  Lesson learned for next time.

 

I'm linking up with WIP Wednesday over at Freshly Pieced.

Claiming my Blog on Bloglovin!

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12311845/?claim=rv2fx2u3whw">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>


Who would have thought that I'd have a blog, let alone claim it on Bloglovin.  Guess I need to step up my game and ensure I have good blog posts.

Quilty Fun at MMQG Sew In

Oh what fun we had at the MMQG Sew In yesterday.  There were new members to meet and fabulous projects to look at.  It was a productive day of sewing and fun fellowship.  Hop on over to Maritime Modern Quilt Guild for more information about the guild.

I finished all the blocks for one of my Library Projects (hop over to Chezzetcook Modern Quilts to read more about The Library Project QAL).  It's time to break into the mini bolt of Kona Snow.  It's been so great saying I own a bolt of fabric (granted it's only 2.5 yards), but the time has come for Snow to fulfill its purpose as sashing between these blocks.

This is based on a project by Elizabeth Hartman over at Oh Fransson.  I'll have to start thinking about how to quilt this project.

It's been a great quilting weekend.  I hope to fit in more sewing this week...or perhaps a visit to my LQS..........

The Library Project Fiasco

There hasn't been a lot of sewing going on in this house during the month of May.  I did, however, get together with my quilt bee, Q-Squared, a few weeks ago.  I had pre-cut a few projects, so I grabbed a container and headed out for a sewing day.  I made great progress, but while working on the blocks at home a few days later, it hit me...it was not on the Library Project list.  I felt so dejected for having put so much time into sewing, but then I got over it -- I was making progress with a project!  I'm still linking up with Adrienne over at Chezzetcook Modern Quilts.  Here are some of the 48 blocks and then four of them arranged.

Hey, Squares.  You were right...I should have followed the pattern instructions and sewn the block to the piece of paper.  In the end, it was needed to square up the block.  argh....I have a few blocks that are off centre because I didn't cut them down accurately.  Oh well...life goes on.  I had fun making the blocks even though there was a lot of fabric wastage.  I'm sure teacher QJ will tell me that wastage is not a word, but the Squares know how much I detest wasting fabric.  Pause....I've gone to the dictionary....wastage is a word!!!   It means:  wasteful use of something valuable : loss of something by using too much of it or using it in a way that is not necessary or effective.  So true, so true!!!!

As I cleaning, okay attempting to clean, my sewing room, I stumbled across a photo of my very first quilt.  I realize that I have been quilting for 10 years.  I made my first quilt for my nephew L in the fall of 2003 for his fourth birthday.  He was so cute back then.  I took a class at my LQS and made a flannel rail fence.  I think the quilt has now gone on to quilt heaven, but nephew L has received many more quilts from me to make up for it.

In the early days, I didn't take photos of my quilts or keep track of the quilts I made.  I need to organize my quilt book and ensure that I have a photo of all my quilts.  It's interesting to look back and see how far I've come along.

I'm off to a Sew In on Saturday with Maritime Modern Quilt Guild so I need to decide on which Library Project to work on.  In an effort to get back to more regular sewing, I'm going to pre-cut several projects over the coming weeks.

Happy sewing everyone.