In August I'll be teaching two guilds how to use the Quick Curve Ruler by Sew Kind of Wonderful. I need samples of the patterns they chose, and to give myself a piecing refresher, so the Mini QCR Runner (see this post), and Urban Abacus are what I've been making. These gentle curves are fun to sew - not intimidating - and it's been nice to have a reason to free motion quilt again.
Urban Abacus is pieced using the full-sized (original) Quick Curve Ruler. Mine finished at 52" X 67½", a nice size for snuggling while watching TV or reading.
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| Photo of quilt hanging in our Bismarck palm |
I used Quilter's Dream Cotton Request for batting. The backing is pieced leftovers from the front, and a couple other blend-able fabric leftovers.
Quilting threads are Auriful 50-weight - orange, green, gold, and pale aqua. Orange-colored thread was in the bobbin.
I've discovered that it helps to mark the binding center, so as to achieve a nice 45° angle for machine sewing the corner.
I like how the corners match with different fabrics.
From the back with palm shadows and the sun shining through.
Since we no longer have a clothesline, I always appreciate being able to hang quilts, for picture-taking, in our front yard Bismarck palm. However, Dan has recently sawed off the lower branches (they die as the tree grows), so I can no longer reach a lower branch from a step stool. Now I have to drag the six-foot step ladder out of the garage.
Within another year or two, I won't be able to reach the lower branches at all! 😞
This is hawk was our next door neighbor's roof three mornings ago. It captured my attention when I heard an unusual bird sound and looked out the bedroom window. I'm grateful my camera has good zooming capabilities, so I could capture these pictures. The hawk stayed in this spot for about 15 minutes, apparently grooming itself.
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| Urban Abacus, 52" X 67½" |
It looks a little scruffy, like it's molting. See the feathers at its feet and on the roof? Several other birds occasionally swooped by, trying to shoo it away. He didn't pay any attention to those birds.
So... I'm back to cutting and piecing again - working on one of three challenge projects that I want to finish by the end of October. As I sew, I'm listening to audiobooks and will have reviews in my next post. Linda
Hi Linda, your abacus quilt looks great and I've really enjoyed watching your quilting progress over on instagram.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on completing your lovely new Urban Abacus quilt, Linda, and catching those hawk photos, too!!
ReplyDeleteLove the circles in the negative space. So even! Better plant another Bismarck. Or install a pulley system so you can keep hoisting your quilts into the tree.
ReplyDeleteImpressive quilt and impressive hawk. Nice of hawk to lay a feather just right for the photo.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure your efforts will benefit you when it's time to teach this, plus you'll have another lovely quilt. Your quilting alone will inspire the students and easy curves make it manageable for all levels of proficiency. August is almost here!
ReplyDeleteGlad you're enjoying your 'easy curves!'
ReplyDeleteA bit of tropical paradise in that quilt! It is gorgeous in its Bismark Palm setting! It's an inspiring quilt for your students. The gently curved piecing does look quite doable, sometime (soon I hope) when I'm not mired in baby quilts I'd like to give it a try.
ReplyDeleteI'm interested that you enjoy that ruler. I made one quilt with it and decided it wasn't for me. Now maybe I'll try again!
ReplyDeleteI really like your abacus quilt. As always you used pretty, bright prints. I have a Quick Curve ruler and one of their patterns but I haven't used either yet. YOu just might have inspired me.
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