Half-a-Dozen Projects After Irma

Though Irma came through our area as a category 1 hurricane, and by the time she reached us the eye was breaking up, we still felt the 70-80 mph winds of the eye wall. Lots of palms were "trimmed" in the process. We've been seeing lots of this - downed palm fronds.

It will be several weeks until the piles of debris have been picked up. 

In my sewing room, it's business as usual. During the past six days I've had my hands on a half-dozen different projects.

This is everything receiving attention lately.

I've completed the first and second rounds of the Bernina Zen Chic Triangle Quilt Along. It's a good along because I can work from my stash and the pace is very slow. Triangles are all 60-degrees.

Bernina Zen Chic QAL - first set of triangles

Bernina Zen Chic QAL - second set of triangles

I've been playing with a couple of new-to-me rulers. This one is the four-inch Triangle in Square ruler by Bloc Loc. 

The other is the Classic Curves ruler by Color Girl Quilts. 

Combining the shapes each ruler creates into a cohesive quilt design is going slowly. Right now, it's a mishmash of solids in all colors. It will be a work in progress for a while.

LindaNova is coming along slowly... more and more slowly as it's now 30" in diameter. 

I've been choosing and prepping fabrics for the next rounds that I'll continue to make in a combination of prints and solids.

I've cut out a baby quilt that's a freebie pattern from the Moda Bake Shop.

Urban Trek, a quilt top finished in May has been pin-basted. I'm looking forward to quilting it, as after watching season two of Fresh Quilting TV, I've been inspired (episodes 6 and 7)! Now I know exactly what I want to quilt - a combination of grid-based FMQ, and big stitch hand quilting with perle cotton. 

I've also cut out fabrics to make four Dog Gone Cute blocks. You see, my long-time blogger-friend Karen (KaHolly) has asked for these blocks for her birthday this Wednesday, September 20. She'll accept blocks into November, but wants to make them into quilts to give to Second Chance Farms, a pet animal rescue facility in Granbury, Texas that stepped up to accept pets during Hurricane Harvey.

If you're interested in helping out, read more here on Karen's blog post. 

All this sewing room time has been to prepare for an upcoming quilt retreat. If you've been on a retreat, you know how that goes. It takes planning ahead to have the fabrics, supplies, and tools ready for several days of non-stop sewing. And in this case, retreat is a whole week! Yep, seven days and seven nights! I'm pilin' on the projects so as not to waste a single moment of uninterrupted sewing days that lie ahead. Me and five friends are gonna get to know each other really well! 

And surprise of surprises, I've been in the kitchen too. It's Dan who's cooking the meals, but I've begun contributing by baking bread. We both like sourdough, so I made and nurtured a starter. This is the second pair of twin loaves I've baked. 

The texture is perfect, but the sourdough flavor hasn't fully developed. The starter needs more aging. I'll keep working on it.

I don't think there's any need to explain this cartoon, but her name is Maria.

During my morning prayer time, it came to my awareness that the names of our recent hurricanes spell something special - H.I.M. Think He's trying to point us to someone? Linda

Book Giveaway

My Swiss house guest is gone, and I miss the good times we shared, playing together every day. And now it's time to return to the sewing room.

Do you need to make a quilt for a baby? Or make a quilt that's a little larger, for a young child? Then, have I got the quilting book for you!

My quilter-friend Carla of Lollyquiltz and I know Shea Henderson of EmptyBobbinSewing who has a quilt design in Modern Baby. I was sent the book and asked to make a quilt from it - such an honor to be asked! It just so happens I need a boy quilt for another grandson who's due January 6.

So besides Shea's quilt in the book, there are also designs by:

Audrie Bidwell - BlueisBleu

Carolyn Friedlander - CarolynFriedlander

Melissa Corry - HappyQuiltingMelissa

Jen Eskridge - ReannaLilyDesigns

Sarah Flynn - FairyFaceDesigns

Dana Boldsyard - OldRedBarnCo

Amy Smart - Diary of a Quilter

Carrie Bloomston - SuchitySuch

Jake Finch - MamaMakesQuilts

Victoria Findlay Wolfe - BumbleBeans

Lindsey Rhodes - LRStitched

and Pippa Eccles Armbrester - PippaPatchwork

Yep a whole lotta talent, and a whole lotta patterns in one book!

back cover

If you'd like to see more of what's inside Modern Baby, look here at the Martingale site.

The design I chose to make is "Square Dance," by Lindsey Rhodes. I didn't exactly follow her layout though because I wanted to use this Robert Kaufman "Friendly Seas" print as the center focus of each shape. 

It was easy enough to refigure what amount of fabric I'd need to make the substitute. My pencilled notes are on the lower left side of the page. 

All the solid colors came from my stash, so I only needed to coordinate them with colors in the print.

Making the top was a piece of cake! Instructions were clearly written, and it was easy to sew.

It seems like I whipped this up in no time at all!

So far, the Square Dance quilt top measures 43" X 59-1/2" - a nice size for a baby growing to toddler. Lindsey's finished quilt is cross-hatched, but when I get to it, I'll be doing something different.

I give Modern Baby a big thumbs up for the variety of designs it includes, some of which I wouldn't hesitate to make in other colors to hang on a wall in my own home!

If you're in the US, and you'd like to win the book Modern Baby, leave a comment for a chance.

This giveaway is now closed.

Fractured Hexagons by Jen Eskridge

For a second chance at the book, visit Carla at Lollyquiltz to see her take on the Modern Baby "Fractured Hexagons" quilt, and then comment to enter her giveaway too!

Sorry, due to shipping costs, these giveaways are open only to residents of the US.

This giveaway is now closed.

Both our giveaways are open through Thursday, November 14.  Linda

Sewin'

This week finds me, unexpectedly, with time for sewing, so there's been no grass growing under my feet! I've been in my basement sewing space during every free moment, and have a couple things to share. 

First, I made another Marie-Madeline Studio Route 66 skirt. I think this is the sixth one I've made. It's so satisfying to visit a quilt shop and have a reason to select some pretty cottons for a skirt. And yes, I've really gotten into wearing a skirt! That's also entailed shopping for tights and shoes - boots are next. Personally, I'm finding it very challenging to select the "right" combination of tights color and shoe style. After all, I'm far from being a teenager who can carry off an anything-goes look! 

Self-image, in the full-length bathroom mirror.

After considerable sketching and stewing, I cut out more bright fabric pieces and arranged the sawtooth star blocks into this 42" X 42" quilt top. It will be for our newest grandson who's due to arrive in less than three weeks.

Toothy Jungle Stars

I'm pleased with the bright colors and arrangement. Did you notice the tone-on-tone white print with the dots in it? It's a fabric I found at Sue's Fabric World, a vendor from New York who was at the recent AQS show here in Des Moines. Since I found the jungle print at the AQS show too, I'm pleased that my purchases have been put to quick use.

Today I'll be layering, basting and, hopefully, starting to quilt this one. There's still no time for watching that grass grow under my feet!

Books and Projects

In Saturday's mail I received this book from Linda. She had a blog giveaway, and I was a lucky winner! Thank you, Linda!

I've enjoyed looking through this book, though it's put me in a bit of a pickle. This is a book of patterns that use a jelly roll and a layer cake to make a quilt, and I've never bought any fabric "baked goods!" Guess I'll have to see what I can do about winning a jelly roll and layer cake giveaway. Yes, I could buy a jelly roll and layer cake, but I have a stash that wants using up.

That's why I recently bought this book: "String Quilts." It's a little out of the ordinary for me to buy any quilting book since I haven't for several years.

But after seeing Maylene's beautiful rendition of the "Picket Fence" quilt, I had to have it to make one for myself.

It's made with light, medium and dark 1" to 2-1/2" strips. I can't think of a better way to use up my strips that have been accumulating in a bin. Some of my older, I-don't-like-them-anymore fabrics will probably join the stripping bin too.

While at daughter Jill's house last week, the sum of my accomplishments was to piece sixteen 8" sawtooth star blocks for grandson #3's quilt.  

I referred to one of my favorite books to select the block that best-suited the bright jungle print, fussy cut for the center of each sawtooth star. I've had this book for many years. So long that I even had it spiral bound back in the days when you could have that done for about $3.

I pieced the sawtooth sections using my favorite no-waste method. Not only are there no bits of leftover fabrics, but I find that my triangles are much more accurate. If you haven't tried this method, I highly recommend it. My tutorial for it is here. Or, go here to print the instructional PDF that I use.

Below is one of two quilt tops I've recently pieced for Stitchin' Mission. I'm not fond of the colors, but I was limited in my choices to what Jo-Ann Fabrics had available for a boy's quilt. All the fabrics for this quilt came from there so I could enter Jo-Ann's Craft for a Cause.

I'm making and entering a quilt on behalf of Stitchin' Mission, my favorite charity, though I know it's impossible for Stitchin' Mission to win the $50,000 prize Jo-Ann's is giving away. The winner is determined by the number of items made and donated to that charity, and as far as I know, I'm the only one entering for Stitchin' Mission.  

The quilt top looks a little better up close.

The next few days will find me keeping busy at the machines. I hope you will get to do the same.

Today I'll leave you with this cute comment, made by the four year-old son of Kelly, the "Happy Homemaker and Momma" in Pennsylvania.

"Mommy, can I watch some TV? It is just some, not too much, because I don't want my brain to rot and my teeth to fall out."

Friday Flaunt - Another Quilt for Austin

I've been making quilts for 34 years. After such a long time, I've learned two things about myself: 1) I can't get enough of making quilts! I don't do well with just one or two WIPs going at a time. By today's count, I am "simultaneously" working on six different projects.

And, 2) I have made so many quilts that I'm sometimes able to look at one I like and figure out how to make it. Of course, there are exceptions for intricate quilts, but simpler designs suit me best anyway.

This week has been one of those when I thought, "I'm tired of working on the same, long term quilts, and I'd like to 'whip-up' something just because I can."

So after seeing a particularly nice quilt on the Internet, I whipped it up. On Wednesday I cut out, pieced, layered and pin-basted. Thursday I machine-quilted, and finished with binding. Well hey. Why not have a personal quilt retreat in my basement sewing room? With our unseasonably hot weather, reaching 90F (32C) this week, it was the coolest place to be (pun intended!).

The quilt is 41" X 52". The focus fabric is a monster - or dinosaurs? - print selected by my DDIL Lyn for their baby, Austin. I had only to raid my stash for 20 different bright tone-on-tone prints and white sashing fabric. (Click to enlarge.)This white bulls-eye print - which a few of you may remember seeing on another WIP, my Snowflake Medallion quilt - is a favorite that's made by Timeless Treasures. The last time I found it at Prairie Star Quilts in Elkhorn, Iowa, I bought five yards. I also have it in black.

You observant Aussies might notice the orange starburst print that's from an Australian fabric designing team, Prints Charming.

The quilt back is pieced from my stash too.

The rainbow print binding fabric is a design that's printed on the bias. When strips are cut on the cross-grain, they look spiral on the quilt. I love that candy-cane effect.

Though I've already made a baby quilt for new grandson Austin, this quilt is also his, for "tummy time" when he's a little older. The bright colors should attract his attention.

And here's three week-old Austin, who I have yet to meet. In a couple weeks, I will go (big gulp, I'm flying again) to Tampa, Florida, to help take care of him. I can't wait!

While I'm blustering about grandsons, here's the latest photo of eight month-old Tay, in Sydney. I adore his curly-top head, and just want to nuzzle those chubby cheeks!

As long as I'm yammering about family, let me share this photo of two new Australians. Last week, our SIL and granddaughter, Celina, were officially sworn in as citizens of Australia. Good on ya, mates!

Making Quilt Labels

It's been a week for making quilt labels, and what a good, completely-finished feeling that is!

Most often I make my quilts with sew-on Printed Treasures, a densely woven fabric backed by paper. I purchase mine from my LQS (local quilt shop); $18 for five 8-1/2" X 11" sheets. Not inexpensive, but it produces a quality result.

I begin by designing the label in my computer. My old PC with Microsoft Publisher software gives me the most options for making a snazzy label. The program includes numerous decorative borders that I can change in size and color.

This quilt label for the Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp auction coming up August 7, was designed with Publisher. The border is pine trees, suiting the front of this quilt.

With my new MacBook, I'm limited in the designs I can make because I'm using Pages software that came with my computer. The program has no border options except for lines, like this label made for Addison's quilt. But I like that I could include our church logo in the design.

Pages software also allows me to include logos and photos in label designs. This is the label for my newest grandson's quilt. Remember, Austin's the baby I'd nicknamed "Eric" before he was born.

This label made with Pages software finishes the requirements for the Embroidery Mini Quilt Swap I'm participating in. See how I included the swap logo in the label design?

This is a sneak peek of the quilt. I can't yet reveal it, nor what country it's going to, but it is winging its way to the recipient!

Whether I use Publisher or Pages software, I print the label on paper first. That's where to check spelling, layout, and the actual size of the label. My tendency is to design a label that's too large! Taking a look at it first on regular printer paper saves on wasted Printed Treasures.

I've also learned that it's best to design and print several labels at a time, to fill up the 8-1/2" X 11" page if possible. If you design and print just one or two labels, you end up with an odd-size page of Printed Treasures that may not feed easily into the printer a second time.

After cutting out each label, about 3/8" from the outside edge of the border, remove the paper backing. Don't be silly and forget to do this, as I have! A crinkly-sounding label is not what we're looking for here. Turn under and press about 1/4" on all four sides. Then use an applique stitch (blind stitch) to hand-sew the label to the quilt back on the bottom right corner. That's my favorite spot. When stitching, I try to use a heavier-than-usual white thread, or double the strands so the label stays on good and tight. With Printed Treasure - it being a much denser fabric than normal - you'll need a thimble too. It isn't always easy to get your sewing needle through the folded edge of the label.

I hope this information is helpful to those of you who haven't been labeling your quilts. You know who you are!

Friday Flaunt - Second Ten in '10 Finished!

Even when one doesn't work outside the home, days can pass quickly, and so it was this past week. It was all good, just busy!

Take a look at this pavlova. Do I hear applause for this wonderful Australian dessert?

I'd hoped to make it in honor of Australia Day (January 26), but weather and a lack of appropriate ingredients delayed my effort. This is about the sixth time I've made pav, and I think it's turning out better each time. When our group of six friends - the Batting Buds - met Tuesday evening, I heard "yum" comments. I returned home with only two small pieces remaining, so I take that as positive! Here's the pavlova recipe I use. I topped mine with bananas, strawberries and blueberries.

This was the fourth week of our five-week Stitchin' Mission beginner quiltmaking series, and free time found me working on my own teaching quilt. I free-motion quilted it, but had to resort to using my old (1976) Bernina 830 since my new Bernina QE153 was being repaired (a broken knee lift cable). While I wouldn't want to regularly use an old mechanical machine for non-stop stitching - this machine overheats and then stops running - it worked fine. Free-motion quilted pinwheels were fun and easy to do - no marking.
After quilting, I used the quilt in class to demonstrate how to sew binding to a quilt. I teach a "traditional" method of binding: 1) join cross-grain cut strips 2) sew binding all the way around the quilt, and 3) join the beginning and ending tails. Then I went home and un-sewed what I demonstrated!

My preferred method is to attach binding as four separate strips. In this method, each binding strip is measured to help square-up the quilt. After I've sewn each of the four strips to the four sides of the quilt, I deal with tails at each of the four corners.

From the back, this is what the corner looks like after I've sewn binding strips to the edges.

On the front, I fold the quilt at an angle so the binding tails meet. Then, pin, draw and machine stitch the mitered corner. The best part of this method is having machine-sewn miters.

When the binding tails are trimmed away, and the batting and backing have been rotary cut from the sides, corners are ready to turn and hand-stitch to the quilt back.

A few months ago, I shared this binding method with SEWN, an Australian on-line quilting and sewing community. For step-by-step instructions, refer to my tutorial on the left sidebar.

My finished 48" X 54" Stitchin' Mission quilt will be given to a child, probably a boy, in a Monterrey, Mexico orphanage.

Much of the credit for the completion of this quilt goes to my sewing room companion, Hogan.

He loyally, and with great fervor, champions all my quiltmaking efforts.

This week I also began #2 grandson's quilt. He's due May 1. I've been calling him "Eric," since my son and DIL aren't saying what his name will be. I like the name Eric and I need to refer to him sometimes. Baby Eric's quilt is a cowboy-themed disappearing nine patch design.

Because I didn't purchase enough of the focus fabric - that blue background cowboy print - I was short two patches. So, I stitched two blocks. One is an outline of the state of Texas; the other is the Texas Longhorn logo and a good 'ole "yippie yi-yo-ki-yay."

Though baby Eric will be born in Florida, his parents were married in Austin, Texas, and dad attended the University of Texas. Mom and baby Eric are healthy and growing, and I'm looking forward to meeting him sometime in May.

For now though, it's time to saddle up, hit the trail and be moseyin' along...