Playing catch up!

Since February is my birthday month I decided I was going to thoroughly enjoy it. So, I sorta took the month off from blogging, and it felt relaxing and rewarding to step away from the computer. But, I certainly don't mean to imply that I didn't do anything creative because that was not the case at all.

I finished the quilting on my Gothic Prairie quilt and love, love, love how it looks. Just simple wavy, horizontal lines across the quilt. I'm torn about this, but I've decided I will be selling this quilt in my etsy shop. It will be listed there in the next couple of days.

I also made the decision to re-start my Goodnight Irene quilt, and I used some of the previous sewn-together blocks to make mug rugs (I forgot to take pics) for friends and this cute little basket (which has already been used quite a bit).

I joined a new mini group. It's geared towards a more "artsy" or at least, less traditional approach to quilting, although we can work on whatever we want. I like the attitude and the sense of freedom that comes with it. We've been meeting a little over a month now and I'm really enjoying it and my new friends. We all have different skill levels and different interests so it makes it educational as well as inspirational - plus it's just so much fun!!

I found that I needed a ironing pad/carrier in order to take my iron with me to group meetings so I searched online and found this pattern. I was able to make it in one afternoon, after I located and purchased the ironing board fabric and the insul-bright. It was easy enough to assemble and sew, although it was slow sewing since it's five layers of batting, fabric, insul-bright, and ironing board fabric. I just used the walking foot and took it slow, being careful to check the backside to make sure it was lying smooth and that I was catching all the edges in my binding. It's clever, don't you think? My husband loves it! I've been asked the question, "is it possible to set a hot iron down on it?" and I honestly don't know the answer. I'm planning on letting the iron cool off somewhat before I pack it up, but if someone does know I would love to hear about it.

I made a new zipper pouch for carrying threads to quilting class. I know I read somewhere what to do when making bags with zippers like this one so that the zipper wouldn't ripple. Darned if I can remember where I read it or what it was I should do. If anyone knows, I would love to be reminded.

I've also signed up for a couple of classes being held in the next couple of months. Two are bag classes and one is a quilt class with Louisa L. Smith. I'm excited!

And, I've been knitting socks again. So fun! I've missed it and so far, it doesn't seem to be a problem for my shoulder. Yeah!! Tesserae pattern in BMFA Socks That Rock lightweight, Purple Rain colorway. Just finishing up the toe on the second sock! 

and, finally... I'm presently working on this... a Scrap Vomit!! The blocks are on the design wall, but I need to make just a couple more before I can sew the quilt top together. I've been working on this on Tuesdays and Thursdays when I'm at my quilt group meetings.

Whew! That was a lot of effort! Both writing this post as well as all the sewing/quilting/knitting, but I'm not complaining. I haven't gotten this much accomplished this quickly in a very long time.

Take care,

The quilting is finished!!

I'm pretty happy that I finally got the quilting on the Fractured quilt done on Friday evening.  I quilted straight vertical lines on it about an inch apart and I'm really loving how it looks. I had forgotten just how much I like this quilt since it's been out of view since I finished basting it.

I've got the binding made and sewn to the quilt and I'm hoping that by the end of the week I'll have it all sewn on. I do it by hand, usually in the evenings when keeping my DH company in front of the TV. I was considering the idea of selling this quilt but, after looking at it again, I'm not sure if I want to or not.

I think I've mentioned before that we have three featherweight sewing machines (1 white one and 2 black ones -both from the 30s) that sit in a closet and rarely get used. Every now and then we pull them out and oil them and make sure they run well and then they go back into the closet. Since I don't use them I've been bugging DH (since he's the one wanting to keep them) that it's time to sell them. Soon I'm going to list them in the "Sew It's For Sale" yahoo group that I belong to. But I'll offer them here on the blog first just in case one of you might be interested.

I mentioned the featherweights because they are the only lightweight sewing machines I've had that I could take to class. A lot of people have them and love sewing on them, but I have to be contrary. For that reason, we visited the local sewing machine seller on Saturday and came home with a Janome 3160qdc. Do any of you have this machine and are you happy with it? The two best things about it are the weight (12 lbs) and it has an "up/down" button. I'm excited now to have a machine that I can easily carry to class and will love sewing with!!

Take care,

Fractured QAL...the end!

First of all, I want to thank Vicki for hosting this very fun QAL. It was fun making this quilt and it was fun seeing what everyone else did too.

Although I've got the quilt sandwiched and basted, I've yet to begin the machine quilting. I thought for sure I would have this finished by now, but I really did get sidetracked with my MATO quilt and maybe just a tiny bit by the holidays. But, I'm hoping to be able to get it quilted - which really won't take me long once I sit down and do it - before the end of December.

I really love this quilt... way more than I thought I would when I started it. It was fun experimenting with fabrics and colors to get the "flow" I was going for. And, another benefit of making this quilt and working with the "fractured" block is that there are many other fun ways to lay it out. I'm still planning on making a Chevron quilt using it.

Take care,

Fractured QAL week two...

It's already been two weeks since we started our Fractured quilts... boy, the time flies at the this time of year! Actually, times "flies" for me all the time.

Anyway, Here's my progress so far.

As I said last week, I'm designing my quilt row by row rather than by block. It was easier for me to "see" how it was supposed to be assembled to do it this way. I've got more blocks sewn together but haven't had time to get them on the wall, but I'm having fun with the quilt!

Be sure to visit Vicki's blog, where we're all linking up. There are some beautiful quilts coming to life!

Take care,

My lastest scarf and QAL...

I've been working on a new scarf in the evenings. Just taking it slow and easy. I've decided that rather than change yarn colors every time one runs out, I'll keep using the same colors, even if I have to order more. I'm just liking the way this one looks. It's dark and moody.

Yesterday, I spent some time in the sewing room cutting strips for my Fractured quilt. I'll post photos during the QAL that Vicki's hosting. Have you heard about it? It's a group of us that weren't able to take a class with Kathy when she was here teaching it. There's an open invitation to anyone and everyone who would like to join in and I'm hoping that lots of you will accept! Here's the link to the blog button (and more information) if you want to put one on your blog.

I've got about 2/3 of the HST/values quilt top sewn together. I stopped sewing when I finished the audiobook I was listening to and will start again now that I have a new one - Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny.

Take care,