Christmas Here and Gone!

The holidays came and went---wow!!!!  It was the perfect holiday for me.  Lots of laughter, food, love and NO STRESS!  That was my promise to myself, I had no timeline for when breakfast or dinner would be ready----disposable plates and eating utensils, and a purchased ham.  I did cook a turkey leg for my son, but other than that, the meal was also planned to be low stress.

Now I have to clean away the last remnants of the boxes, etc. and I will be ready for the new year. Got some great gifts (nothing quilt related)but I did get a neat exercise bike (with a nice BIG seat) to go with my FitBit, and of course, GIFT CARDS!

Now for a "quilty" update:   The Longarm repairman (angel) will be arriving on Jan. 5 to get the "ole girl" back up!!!!!  I talked to a friend yesterday who suggested that actually this was a good time to really "fiddle" with her to get to know her better since anything I did was going to be corrected anyway, so I may do just that!  She also suggested I video him fixing her so if she has another hiccup, I can refer to the video....a great idea  My husband, who actually is more of a computer "geek" than mechanical, is going to also be in attendance to learn.  We have decided that we are going to go to the Gammil headquarters and he is going to take their maintenance course and I will take some quilting courses.  It is funny, I have had this machine since 2007 and I still am in the learning curve!  Our relationship has been "rocky" at best!  Not sure if I had it to do over if I would get this type of machine, but I can't do over, so I am stuck for a while anyway!

I have started a new quilt!  This is a free quilt pattern on the Sew Kind of Wonderful site (looks like I need a new ironing board cover).  If you make it, be careful of your cutting.  I totally ruined the remainder of this fat quarter so I will only have one block made with this color.  It is also a bit tricky in lining up---had to un-sew a couple of times, but I like the results.  The light color is a "super muslin"---a little heavy, but the same weight as some of my African fabrics and linens I have used, so I decided to use it.  I like the unbleached muslin with the "burlap" like texture of the prints.

Well,  gotta go!  No empty promises about frequency of posting, but I will be back!!!!

I Threw It Away!!!!

No pictures-----but I did something I have NEVER, EVER done before.  I threw away a quilt!!!!!  It was on my frame---I absolutely hated it!!!  The colors were weird, the fabrics did absolutely nothing for the pattern.  Lots of seams that were very difficult to quilt over, AND my quilting was horrible---so, I took it off the frame---cut off the back and batting and folded it up to use in another quilt---and threw it in the garbage!  Why take time to finish something I absolutely hate!!!  It feels strangely good!

To celebrate, I went cyber shopping and bought a new layer cake!    Yea!

I'm BAAAAAck!

I apologize---I have been remiss yet again.  It is just that as you all know "life does get in the way"!  Lots of work going on, a bit of quilting mixed in, but always something to keep me from sitting down and posting.

So to bring you up to date----I went to my Guild's retreat.  Nothing really planned, just an opportunity to sew, laugh and fellowship.  I had a really good time.  We had it at a retreat center that had once been a college----such beautiful buildings.  Had I not known I was in the middle of Nashville, I would have thought I was on the East Coast!-----in fact I pretended I was :)!

I worked on and completed this top.  I just need to add the borders.  I think I will give this to my second oldest granddaughter when she goes away to college next fall.  She is such a "girly-girl" and the color scheme is perfect for her.

My longarm is not "feeling" up to par, so I am going to have to call in the "doctor" to do a house call.  Hopefully it can get back up by Thanksgiving and I can get some quilting done.

Still working on the "rainbow" quilt---and "puttering" around in the sewing room...planning for the Guild Christmas Party.  I and another member is in "charge" of the challenge and all that means and I have to say I am more than a little anxious.  Last year was so nice with winning ribbons and everything---I have been really procrastinating so we have got to put our "thinking caps" on SOON!

So---until next time.  I have to go into work today (Saturday) so no rest for me this week-end!  Have a great day!  Thanks for stopping by!

Checking In!

I know my New Year's Resolution was to be a better and more frequent blogger.  Life though keeps "getting in the way".  I was trying to be a good wife/mother and clean my house.  I was on my hands and knees cleaning the bathroom floor and when I stood up, totally knocked out my knee!  Don't know what I did, but it hurt "something awful".  I had to cancel my class which is something I never do!

Then I had all kinds of work I had to do, etc.....plus, quite frankly, I didn't have anything exciting to write about.  I did start another quilt though-----

This is one section.  I am using a jelly roll I purchased a couple of years ago at the AQS Paducah show.  I am so disappointed though----poor--poor quality.

This is a picture of one of the strips in the roll.  There are several like this!  I know that hand dyes have a natural color variance, but some of them look like they are stained.  I decided to write the company---Marcus Brothers.  We will see if I get a response.

I was on my way home from work and look at the sky and was absolutely amazed at the beauty---so I proceeded to take pictures with my phone.  Aren't they beautiful!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

One Down---Several More to Go!!!

****The red on the blue is actually my label.  I embroidered it on the backing rather than place a traditional label.

I finished quilting "Confetti" this morning!  Since these pictures were taken, I have put on the binding--AND machine sewed it down and cut/removed the "jump stitches.  It is all folded and ready for "Show N' Tell" at the Guild meeting, and then I plan to put it on my guest bedroom bed.

I like this quilt---the back of my "not so good" dyed pieces, really makes for a nice back.  The pieces are a soft suede-like texture and color which goes well with the scrap top.  The binding is a red print---I didn't quite feel like piecing a binding as well, but the all one type of binding seemed to tie it together....I guess I should take a picture of that---but I don't feel like going back down and unfolding.  Maybe later.

I found a quilt top I had finished a last year I think---and I will quilt it.;  Don't have a plan for it, in fact I really don't like it much, but I am going to quilt it anyway.  I might really like it more after it is completed.

Well have a great Sunday afternoon!

TaDa!!!!!

"Confetti" is all DONE!!!!!  I am now in the process of quilting it.  The finished size (before quilting) was 83 x 94---a good size --- almost queen!  I already had the "Egyptian Eye" CL board on the machine so I am using it to quilt the pattern.  It is so busy, you will not really be able to see it on top, but the back is solid so you can see the pattern there.  I am using ultra-thin poly batting since with all the seams, it is really heavy already.  My goal is to have it finished by the end of the week and be ready to start another UFO.  A better picture once it is quilted!

Almost Done!

I think I will name this quilt, "Confetti".  It looks like confetti spilled on the floor doesn't it.  I was talking with Diane and she asked me the name of the pattern.  This is one of those quilts that is a technique, not really a pattern.  It is inspired by the quilt, "Joseph's Coat of Many Colors", a quilt made by an artist from Gee's Bend.  Molly Flanders had posted one on her blog (also very scrappy) but my technique is slightly different from the one she outline.  It isn't really hard, but is certainly tedious.   You MUST make sure you have a consistent 1/4 inch seam, and your logs MUST be the same size!----Don't ask me how I know.  The hardest part (I think) is joining the rows.  As with all my quilts, I am making this one to fit a queen-size bed (the original was a crib quilt and made by hand I think), so I need about twelve more rows!  I am NOT going to work on anything else until this is done!!!!!!  It is made from nothing but scraps, and I plan to piece the back from some of my hand dyes.  I originally worked really hard to make sure I didn't have like fabric's close together, now I am not trying quite so hard :)!

All Done!

 

All finished---quilting AND putting the binding on!!!!!!!!  I really do like this quilt!!!!  Almost want to keep it for myself, but I will be a good Grandmother and give it to my GS.  The backing is a red flannel---nice and soft!

Checking In!

I have been super busy with not only the end of semester activities at work, but also on the quilting front.

I finished the couple of quilts I had shared on the blog, but instead of looking to the large stack of UFO's for my next project:

I started a new one:

At the last guild meeting, there were several members who shared "modern" quilts.  I put that in quotes, since for me,  the "modern" quilts of today, look a lot like the "functional" quilts of Gee's Bend, and other early quilters.  For these quilters, the goal was to create a functional covering to keep person's warm.  They were not as concerned with "materials" as we are now,  and so used what was on hand, regardless to the color, amount or shape.  Now that improvisational technique is called "modern"....but that is a discussion we are planning to have at our retreat.

Now back to my "modern" quilt----I saw this quilt in a volume of Modern Quilts.  In the magazine, the center segment was pieced.  As I looked at it, I had a "Ah Ha" moment.  I remember that I had purchased (I don't remember where or when) some faux piecing fabric.  Don't know why, but I went into "the" closet and after knocking down several piles (I did put them back in neatly), I found it.  It was only a little over a 1.5 yards, but enough to make the quilt (and increase the size of course).  My grandson just turned 14 and wanted a more "grown up" quilt for his bed at his Mom's, so this will go to him.  It will be a good size twin and I think is a great quilt that can even be used when he is older.  I plan to quilt it with one of my latest Circle Lord Boards that is modern, but will leave it really soft (a request).  I will have at least one extra panel that I am going to make into a pillow for his bed.  Again, this validates my belief that if you purchase fabric you really like, even if you do not have a quilt in mind when the purchase is made, you will find a use for it later.  It also supports my belief that if you really like something, it is probably best to purchase at least two yards.

Speaking of guild, our guild (Zuri) has been invited to exhibit members quilts at the Bessie Smith Art Museum in Chattanooga.  The exhibit will begin at the same time the AQS Chattanooga show, and will go through the first of December.  Each member will have at least 2 quilts on display.  What an honor!  I am still in the process of choosing the one's I would like to submit.

At any rate, we are very excited and honored!

Checking In!

"THE Motherland" (I intend to keep the capitalization of THE as is), is about 90% completed.  I need to add the two borders and then it will be ready for quilting.  It is a BIG wall hanging---but I think I have the perfect wall.  I like this quilt, but am still undecided about the quilting---that will come though.

I also have been harvesting from my "garden".  I have never grown a yellow tomato, neither have I seen one in the store and this is my first one!

Isn't it pretty!  and it seems luscious!  So fresh!  I will let you know how it taste.  I also have a purple tomato plant and that one is beginning to turn purple!  Can't wait!

Well thanks for stopping by!

"A Whole Lot of Creating Going On"!!!

I am working really hard to finish this quilt.  Because I am trying to "match" colors---not really-- but I am trying to make sure the colors beside each other are  complements.  The process though, although not "matchy" is taking much longer than I anticipated.  I would like to have it completed by the August Guild meeting, so I have a "deadline".

I have named it "The Motherland".  All African fabrics and Lino's.  It is going to be large, but because of the type of fabrics, I really would like it to be a wall quilt.  It will really depend on the size though.  My home doesn't have a lot of wall space, so I may just fold it up and put it on the sofa as a "art object".  I'll see.  After the top is done, I will try it on a wall and see if I should add a border or just leave it as is.

The creative process though leads to "creative chaos"!!!  My "studio" looks horrible.  It is funny---it was the formal dining room.  I had french doors put in to separate it from the rest of the house and when I first moved in it seems like more than enough space.  Not anymore---with the longarm, bins of fabric (both scraps and bolts); batting; book shelves, and all the other "equipment" I need for my hobby---it really only holds one person at a time (a full size person anyway).  One of my grandchildren can come in when I am in---if they are small and younger than 12 :).  I am trying to figure out how I can take over the living room or better yet---the husband's "office" which he rarely uses anyway.  I already have taken over the closets for fabric storage (in addition to a part of the linen closet and one closet in my grandson's bedroom....I might as well finish the transition :).

 I  am not really sure if the pictures really show how chaotic it was, but I am almost positive that many quilters create in the same environment :)!  I have already started straightened up a bit since I am almost finished, in preparation for quilting this top!   

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a great remainder of the week-end!

Update!

I hope everyone had a fun 4th of July.  Mine was pretty uneventful, given what usually happens.  This year, only a very small area in our yard caught fire (from innocent little sparklers) and we easily put it out  and a fountain tipped over and sent fireworks shooting at us (mainly me) as I sat in the driveway watching.  No injuries and no harm done!!!!!!

I love making desserts, and made a Salted Caramel Bread Pudding for dessert!  Too good!!!

I will definitely make this one again!

On the quilting front---I am still quilting my finished tops.  This is a picture of "African Abacus".  I need to complete the binding and sew it down by hand.  I decided to try a wide binding that finishes to the same width as the black sashing in the quilt.  It is a great look and really "ties" everything together.  I found a formula for insuring the correct cutting width (desired finished width x 4).

I used the " Egyptian Eye " board, but loaded the quilt on length wise so the design is vertical.  I like the look.  It actually mimics the shape of the quilt blocks but because it doesn't exactly line-up, it looks like a shadow I think.  I originally thought about lining it up with the blocks, but the dimensions are off and I was afraid it would look too messy.

"I Believe....." is all quilted!!!!!

The orientation is all wrong---but you get the idea.  I literally JUST took the quilt off the frame and haven't even trimmed it yet in preparation for the binding.  I have a couple of "oops" places on my quilting---my DH says to stop pointing out errors all the time---but generally I am pleased with how it turned out!

Now on to the next one in line!  Have a great remainder of the day!!!!!!!

My Current FAVORITE!!!

I am busy trying really hard to complete some of my UFO's for a special event.  I will let everyone know after I am absolutely sure it will happen.  In the meantime, I want to share my current favorite.  It is a quilt that I designed myself---really simple--nothing fancy.  I started it actually two years ago, but I put it aside---it was getting a little tedious with all the tracing and painting, so I needed a small break.   I picked it up a couple of weeks ago and started working on it exclusively, and finished it!

The center of the blocks are unbleached muslin and I have drawn (with the help of stencils) and painted in black ink various African symbols.  This was a very tedious process and it took a while for me to get the right ink...something that is a good color, but doesn't spread...fabric paints do not always work, ask me how I know.

The blocks are bordered in African fabric and I have added a African Scrap Piano border.  The sashing is Osnaburg (sp) also known as African Cloth/Linen since historically, it is said that this is what the slaves clothing was made from.  I added a really thin black border to "quiet" it before adding the border.  I am naming this quilt, "I believe.....", since each symbol means something special, and I chose them carefully and deliberately (once it is quilted I will post a better picture of the entire quilt.   I will also make a label that identifies the meaning of each symbol).  It is going to be a wall hanging (albeit a large one), so I am going to use very thin batting.  I think I will use my circle board since it seems circles are important in African history---at least this is what my research says...and everyone knows, if it is on the Internet, it has got to be true :)!

I like this quilt!  Well this is what I have been up to.  Thanks for stopping by!!!!

One More Quilted!

I finished quilting the auction quilt.  I used the CL "Swirls" Board.  I think it turned out great.  The circles are a great contrast to the Hex's.  I had GREAT tension and only had to "un-quilt" one little spot where my stylus came out of the guide (I was busy watching TV and not paying attention).  I am going to bind it in a bright yellow 30's print.  Since I am going to keep the scalloped border on two sides, I will sew the binding on by machine, but sew it down by hand.  It is taking me a little while to complete putting the binding on because of all the mitered corners.  It isn't perfect, but I really think it will end up really nice since I can manipulate it easier when I sew the binding down.

I worked on another WIP and will try to finish at least one of my "yet to be finished projects" before I start anything else.  I also have two more tops that need to be quilted, including "African Abacus", so I have LOTS to do to get "caught up".

Have a great evening!

A Busy Saturday!

I got up really early this morning--took my shower, and was drinking a cup of coffee in preparation for Guild Meeting.  Thank goodness one of the members called me and after talking, it was clear I had the wrong day---it is NEXT Saturday!  I don't know what is happening!  You would think I had just had a baby and had "placenta brain".  I think it is because I am having a little stress in my personal life and I am distracted a lot.  Anyway, since I was up, I decided to bind some quilts---all the more for Show and Tell next week.  I am getting pretty good at machine binding.  It is fast and perfect for quilts that will be used a lot!  I was able to bind three of them this morning!

One of the quilts that I put a binding on was one I quilted using the other new Circle Lord Board, Wanders.  I was not sure I really liked it at first, but it is growing on me.  There are more open un-quilted spaces.  I don't know why I feel this way since I have several panto's that leave spaces but I think the straight lines make it seem even more open.  It does however make for a soft quilt.  This is another lap size/child quilt.  I am not sure if I will donate this one either since it is nice to have this size available for covering cold feet or using when traveling.  I will wait and see.  I didn't use the high loft batting so you can't see the definition as well on this one as the other.  I think when I use the Board again, I will see how it does with a higher loft.  This would be a great pattern on a solid quilt too.  I think the "busyness" of this top makes the quilting get lost, but again, maybe that is what you want with a quilt like this.  At any rate it is done AND bound.

I pieced the back (a little) so you can see the pattern much better.  Everything from my stash!  It feels good to use what I have.

Have a great remainder of the week-end.

A Good Day To Quilt!

I am trying to keep my promise and blog more----so here I am!

The other day I was minding my own business and surfing the web and quilting message boards.  On one of the boards, there was "talk" about a couple of new Circle Lord Boards.  I looked and of course, had to have them---so before you could say "No"----I had called Canada and was talking to Michael.  He is so very easy to work with---has a great sense of humor and within three days I had my new boards.

It is funny---I had been looking at a paper pantograph very much like the first one ("Wanders").  These are perfect for "modern" quilting (whatever that means) and according to feedback are easy to use---so I thought I would give them a try!

The first quilt is a top I have had for quite a while.  It is a large lap and is made from leftover strips.  The bottom quilt is the baby quilt I posted earlier.  Doesn't this quilting board  (Egyptian Eye) add great texture.  I quilted both of them today, so they are EASY to use.  Next I will load a quilt and use the other Board.

Thanks for stopping by!  I think I will quilt a couple more tops and then stop and finish the binding and work on some of my WIP's.

A Busy Saturday!

Up early, trying to straighten up the house a little.  I find I feel less "guilty" if I at least attempt to straighten up one room.  My grandchildren were here, so they "willingly" straightened up a little.  I cleaned the kitchen (including moping the floor) and washed a couple of loads of clothes (currently on the pool table unfolded).  That was enough to alleviate any guilt I might have.  Down to my "studio" I went and completed a baby quilt.  I don't know what it is with me and baby quilts these days.  This one is for one of my daughter's employees.  This young lady is having a difficult time, is pregnant and has received a "not so good" diagnosis that will require a major surgery after the birth of her baby.  She is a single mom and doesn't have very much so----what does a quilter do (?)---make a quilt.  This one is the bigger of the two I am making and I am also going to make a couple of flannel receiving blankets and embroidery something cute on them.

The baby is a boy and I think these are bright, non-traditional colors  will work well.  I found some bright green flannel that will be the back.  These are all my hand dyes---I am using up ALL stash fabrics if I can.  I sent a picture to my daughter and she loves it!!!!   The white is 200 ct. bleached muslin.  I am not sure I really like it though---the "hand" isn't very soft, but I think it is fine for this small quilt.  I sent my son a picture and he asked that I make TWO for a friend that is having twins!  The key is the different contrasting tones of the fabric, so I will look for anther combination.   It makes me feel good to use my God-given talent to help someone else.

Time Does Fly!

I can't believe it has been a month since I last posted.  I can not really explain why---I have been busy, but I have found time to read other blogs, not sure why I haven't posted.  I don't know, mine seems so ----well---boring!  But I have to remind myself, it actually is a personal journal in a way---documenting my life at this time in history.  I don't have to be witty---just realistic I guess.

Anywhoo----I have been quilting!  I have completed quilting several quilts, and made several.  I have also planted my "crops" for this year----so--

These are my tomato plants.  Our oldest son came from Baltimore just to help me with my spring yard work!  How sweet is that!!!!  The grandbabies built the "wall" around the plants and this year we covered them with netting to keep those birds away.  Four plants--two red, one purple and one yellow tomatoes.  I don't have a picture of the "other" garden.  That holds two watermelon plants, squash and sweet potatoes.  Not sure why I am enjoying this---but I am.  Wonder if it has anything to do with living in the south and growing old---maybe with my grandchildren as well since I want them to understand that things do grow and don't just come out of packages.

 We also planted flowers and cleaned out the beds.  The above shows Sweet Coal inspecting the growth process.

On the quilting front----

I am determined to use up my stash.  Diane gave me lots of 30's scraps a couple of years ago.  They have been sitting in a box waiting for me to get some energy!  I purchased the GO! tumbler die and so proceeded to cut both large and small tumblers.  I originally was going to make a quilt using both sizes, but when I put a couple of rows together, I thought it looked too chaotic.  I decided to make a baby quilt from the small tumblers.  There isn't a baby I have in mind, but I will either donate it to the charity our Guild is supporting, or save it for later.  Eventually a baby will come along.

I agreed to make a quilt for the "silent auction" the school of nursing where I teach is having in conjunction with a fund raiser.  Again, I had some 30"s jelly rows that I have also had for years!  I really like 30's, but it isn't my first choice in fabrics right now (my first choice changes frequently).  I had an old magazine with a hexagon quilt pattern in it made from jelly rows.  The quilt below was the left overs.  You can see it is lots of "mix and match" blocks.  I also purchased the new GO! half hexagon die that is a perfect complement.  You might know this is a Jaybird pattern.  I love it when things come together making the process easier.  I didn't have to use the special ruler, or make a plastic template.  I wish other patterns would do this.  This is a baby quilt and like the other, I am not sure what I will do with it.   It is already quilted and only needs binding.

This is the quilt for the auction.  It is a large almost twin size.  I was trying to make something that would appeal to many, yet would not take forever for me to finish.  The quilt is not unisex, but is very female in appearance--but still hopefully will result in a good return.  I plan on leaving the edges scalloped to further add to it (at least I think so).

I have several more quilt tops that need to be quilted, and "dyeing season" has begun.  I purchased some dyes at AQS and plan on getting out and having fun with dyes.  I need to clean my corner though and so will need to get my  energy up a little more!

Well, no promises, but I will honestly try to blog more frequently.

Guess Who Is Back!

Yep---I have been "out of pocket" for a little over a month!  As usual, life has "gotten in the way", and I haven't had the time or in some cases, the energy, to be creative and write an entry.  I have been busy though with quilting and will have some updated pictures to share next time (I hope).   So what have I been up to????

AQS Paducah!!!!!

Diane came from Florida for our our annual trip to Paducah.  We have been doing this for about 7 years now and really look forward to it!  As usual we drive up on Wednesday to shop!  This year was no exception except we both have remarked that we are much more selective.  You can really spot the "first timers", their carts and bags are filled to overflowing and they have this look on their faces that clearly indicate the "WOW" factor.  What I found interesting though is although I had a budget (which was a little more this year than last) and followed pretty closely, (I was about $50 over), I seemed to get less.  One reason is the things I want appear to be more costly.  My pride purchase this year was four Bloc Loc Rulers.  They are quite pricey, but although I do have a GO! cutter, I still need to square up often and I am truly "squaring up challenged".  The more I quilt, the more I realize how important consistency is (at least that was my justification for paying this premium price for pieces of plastic).  Other pricey purchases were a couple of GO! dies(I got 30% off as the show special) and a $23 pattern I purchased by mistake.  Mistake because I thought the price was $13!  I AM going to make this quilt for sure!!!!

We also spread some of our AQS money around at local shops.  I absolutely LOVE Grunge, so at one quilt shop the fabric was 30% off so I purchased a total of 17 yards of three different colors.   Of course it was the usual thread, fabrics and patterns, but not quite as much as in previous years.

We went back on Saturday on a Guild bus to look at the quilts.  They were beautiful, but I have to say a little disappointing when I read that the "Best of Show" had also won at the Lancaster show.  That doesn't seem quite fair to me since there were other quilts that certainly could have had a better chance.  I am wondering then will I see the same quilts at the Chattanooga show?  There are now 7 AQS shows and I think they might be spreading themselves a little thin.  Rather than giving more opportunities for quilt entries, since one quilt can now enter many shows, it seems kind of discouraging.

On the quilt front, I have been working on a couple of quilts that I put aside to finish quilting the quilts I have of Diane's.  I plan to get back to them though so I can use some of the new patterns I got at AQS.

Oh yea!  For the big news, Diane purchased a long arm.  She will soon have a Nolting Mid-arm!!!!  I loved the feel of the machine and really think she made a wise choice.  I also have decided to have my machine upgraded with a stitch regulator.  I must say however, the person's I talk to who represent the make of my machine weren't very friendly or forthcoming at all, so since my warranty is up anyway, I am going to get an Intellistitch.  It is about $3000.00 cheaper and will accomplish what I want.  I hope to have it in place by the middle of summer (gotta save a little more).

Anyway, this is all for now.  I will take some pictures and make my post more interesting next time!  Have a great day/week!

What Do You Think?!?!??

This is my version of a Gee's Bend Quilt called "Coat of Many Colors".  I saw a scrap version (like mine) on Pinterest.  I love it!  It is comprised of 2 x 4.5 inch rectangles and is sewn together with Y seams.  I have gotten the "hang" of it so the going is much faster.  It actually takes more time to cut the rectangles than it does to sew them together.  This is a "long term" project, since I really am going to have to get back to my "shirt" quilt, but I do need something to break the "sameness" of working on just one quilt.  I don't think this will be a bed size quilt though, more a large lap size.  This will be the last quilt I make with these particular scraps though (this will be the fourth one I think). After a while, the quilts all sorta look alike, so after this quilt, I will discard what I have left and start over.  I am already discarding the small pieces I have left from cutting the rectangles and am not feeling the least bit guilty about it either.

I have finished my "African Abacus".  I forgot to take a picture of that, and right now don't want to go back downstairs to do so, so I will post tomorrow.  I am currently quilting one of only two quilts I have left for Diane, so after I finish the one on the frame, I will load Abacus on and quilt it.

I have also finished quilting two baby quilts for donation and just need to bind them (I am doing so by machine), so although I haven't been blogging, I have been busy.  I have one more baby quilt to quilt and bind before the next guild meeting and then I will past those on.  I think I will stop for a while since that will make 20 I think I have made and donated.

Well, just wanted to check in!  Have a great remainder of the week!

Checking In!

Life has been "getting in the way"---but as always, I am making sure I put some time aside to quilt.  At the end of the day I am so tired sometimes, I don't have the energy to quilt AND blog, so guess which wins out!!!

Above is the quilt I started to get my "creative juices" going to finish the shirt quilt.  I used a special ruler to make these shapes.  I have never had such an easy time sewing curves---don't even need pins.  The fabric is from my small collection of African fabrics.  The grey of the background with the black strips is a good combination I think.

This is the latest BOM from the Brockman site.  This is not as much fun as I thought it would be, mainly because if you are making the ticking blocks you get absolutely no help in how to make it.  If I wasn't so very stubborn, I would just move on, but I really "think" I could like it.  I do think though, I am going to use a ticking in a contrasting color.  As it is, I don't think you can see the pattern very well.

Well, I will try hard to be more diligent in posting.  Thanks for stopping by!

This was HARD!!!!!

I have joined the Barbara Brackman new BOM.  There is a person who has been a member of her group of BOMers for a while, and is using ticking for the blocks (his name is Dustin).  I love the modern look of it and decided to give it a try.  Oh my goodness, was this ever hard!!!!  I have been quilting for years but couldn't seem to get my mind around this.  I used probably a quarter yard trying to make this "baby".  The Civil War Era is not my favorite time in history, but I must say that Barbara Brackman does a good job in adding humanity in the stories she tells in association with the blocks.  Go over to her Civil War Blog and read the latest story about President George Washington's wife's slave Ona and how she escaped.    Let's hope the other blocks are not as hard!