something new

It's so nice to be finished with *almost* all of my quilts - I finished FOUR over my holiday break.  FOUR!!  Ok, ok, one is still in binding mode, but it will be done in the next day or so, well before classes start.  However, in reviewing them as well as those I made last year, I noticed something.





Do you see it????   They're all SQUARES!!

Except for the pinwheel in the black-and-white quilt, all of the quilt blocks are squares or some variation on a square.  Oy!  Same is true for the three quilts I've just finished but haven't shown you yet.  Yup.  Squares.

As you can imagine, I'm ready for something different, so I've decided to join the Oh My Stars! Quilt Along over at Thought and Found.  I've been eying it for a while, trying to decide what to do and I've finally decided to jump in.  I can't stop thinking about it so, if I can't beat 'em, I should join 'em, right?

I'll be using my Terrain (gasp!) fat-eighth bundle with a few coordinating solids peppered throughout.





I purchased this chunk of gorgeousness way back in October and have spent quite a bit of time admiring it.  I did break down and use an inch or two of one of the purple fabrics for a zipper pouch, but otherwise it still sits, all bundled up in a beautiful little stack.

Now, I will say up front that I won't be going at the same clip as the others in the QAL.  Second semester classes start up next week, so I'm not committing to any big projects.  I've turned down swaps, bees, and even my church group on new projects.  I just can't do it. 

My goal is one star set a week (a star set is one 12", two 8" and four 4" stars) and if I miss a week then I miss a week.  Not beating myself up over this one.  No deadline.  No rush.  No worries.  It gets done when it gets done.  This project is intended to be a stress reliever and a (hopeful) reward to finishing surviving the Spring semester.   The quilt is for me, the time to build it will be for me and, likewise, I'll be going at my own little pace.  :) 

The only other thing I'm trying to do is dedicate Sundays to my Bethlehem Star quilt.  My father-in-law came over last night with a train table for my boys, handmade to our specifications.  Now they have an awesome place to build their tracks and a little scenery without messing up their toy area.  If you remember, he also made my cutting table (which I adore!) and the quilt is a thank you to him.  I must finish this.  Goal is October for this one.  The quilt is more tedious than I ever imagined, so I need a deadline to keep me on it.  Prayers welcome.  ;o)

I'll try to keep y'all posted as I go with some WIP updates on both quilts.  Please don't worry too much if I get quiet.  I was really stressed out last semester, so I'm trying to learn from my mistakes.  Shortening my to-do list will help immensely. 

Oh - and I still have three finished quilts to show you.  Eep!

WIP Wednesday #10

Ok - I have to admit up front...I have no idea if this is really "#10" or not. And my brain is too fried to look. So, do you trust me? LOL!!!!

Grad school classes started yesterday and I haven't slept well since Sunday. I'm so nervous about taking on such a large responsibility on top of everything else I do.  As I walk around in my half-daze, I am starting to sound like the Little Engine That Could.... "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...". Really.

A little more coffee and everything will be ok, right?   ;o)

I did manage to work on a couple of WIPs this week. With Flipside being quilted, all that is left is the binding. Here is a close-up of the quilting. It was the first time I've used a pantograph and I really liked it. I see many more of these in my future.





I'm giving it away this weekend...assuming I can actually make myself do it. I desperately want to keep this one for myself. I bought the pattern and supplies fully intending it for me, but while making it, I knew exactly who I needed to give it to. (Sorry - no names, as there's a good chance that she reads my blog.)   :)





I promise - more pictures will be up next week.  I can't wait for y'all to see the full quilt.  It's gorgeous.

My other main focus for this week has been my Bethlehem Star quilt. I have *finally* put together some diamonds out of the ka-billion strip sets I had made.






In class this week, my friend Claire taught us how to put in the glow blocks using Y-seams. A new technique for me - and I must say, not as difficult as I imagined.





This makes two new techniques in this quilt alone - sewing circles and sewing Y-seams. Both were a bit cumbersome, but nothing that couldn't be handled. I love learning new things! (Of course, that may explain the desire for grad school, too.)

My last "WIP" is the 10-for-10 interview series. We started with Interview #1 yesterday and Interview #2 posts tomorrow. And there are giveaways with each one. I hope you'll join us! (You can keep up with all the giveaways on my 10-for-10 page).





Don't forget to link up with Lee over at Freshly Pieced - who just might be one of our upcoming interviewees later this month. *wink, wink*






Have a wonderful week, y'all!

WIP Wednesday #9

Here we are again with another project report.  My goodness, this week went fast!  Once again, I'm not feeling very productive, so I love being able to sit down reflect on my efforts.  Many times I don't feel like I've gotten anything done, but when I take the time to write it down, I see there has been movement.

Completed: Guitar Quilt!  I finished on Sunday night, with Trenton sitting beside me.  It was wonderful.  Come back on Friday for the whole story (and for Finished it Fridays). 

Here is a little sneak peek - he immediately snuggled up with it when I finished.





Ongoing:

Bethlehem Star - Finished a few more strip sets (to make diamonds) and all of the paper-pieced glows, including getting one into it's block.  It's my first time trying circles.  So far, so good.











Jane's Black & White quilt- Quilted on Thursday.  I hope to get the binding attached this week. 


No progress this week:

Sierra's Quilt
Mexican Star
Flipside Quilt 


New Projects:
I'm working on a tutorial for a guest blogging post I will be doing later this month.  It's a table-topper, and it's turning out very well!

I'm also working on an interview series that will start soon... called 10 for 10.





I'll be featuring ten of your (and my) favorite bloggers, asking them the same ten get-to-know-you questions.   We'll also be hosting a giveaway for each one, so keep your eyes open...you're gonna love it!

Happy hump-day, and enjoy your week!

WIP Wednesday - Number 8

I went back and counted all my WIP Wednesdays and can't believe I've already posted seven of them. I knew I loved them, but wow! If you haven't yet jumped on this train, I highly suggest that you do. The accountability really keeps me hopping though my projects.

This week has not been my most productive, probably because of our Atlanta trip. Most of my sewing is evening and weekend work, so trips tend to pull down my overall productivity.

Completed: No finishes (yet) this week. :o(

Ongoing:

Sierra's Quilt - Rows are pieced. Going to attach them soon for a finished quilt top.

Guitar Quilt - binding is done over halfway around. Is it just me, or is this one taking for-ev-er? Oy.

Bethlehem Star - nearly finished with all paper-pieced glows that will go inbetween the diamonds. Should be able to knock these out in the next day or so.

Bowtie Swap - all squares are trimmed and I have each solid attached to a white square.






Tops That Need Quilting:

I'm happy to say that I finished Jane's Black & White quilt top on Monday. It looks so good...she's gonna love it!

Please excuse the shadows - the sun was setting, but I wanted to get the shot in.  

I've also pieced the back, using scraps from the front and this fabulous fabric.



This was actually the first fabric I bought for the quilt. It jumped out at me at a fabric store so I bought 5 yards. I didn't know what I was going to do, so I wanted to be sure I had plenty...LOL! I'm not going to show the back, although it is pieced and ready, because I want it to be a surprise. We (the boys and I) worked on a little layout that adds a real personal touch. :) I quilt it tomorrow.

No progress this week:

Mexican Star
Flipside Quilt - but I have decided on a recipient...heehee. :)


New Projects:
I'm in the 3x6 Sampler Quilt Mini Bee this go 'round, my first time. I'm a little nervous because I'm not one for sampler quilts, but I thought I'd give it a try. I have asked for gold and charcoal blocks and put together this mosaic:

  (Click on the image for full credits of all photos.)

Whatcha think??

Don't forget to link up over at Freshly Pieced and tell us all how you are doing!

WIP Wednesday - making progress

This past week has been wonderful for making some serious progress in my WIP-busting.  I've been able to spend some significant time at my machine, and a few hours at the long-arm.  In fact, I'm going there tomorrow with another project... yay!!

Here's a run down of my week....

Guitar Quilt:

On Thursday, I finally got to quilt my son's guitar quilt.  You may remember from this post that I was supposed to quilt it before vacation but wasn't able to.  This time I made an appointment that coincided with two of their classes so I made sure they were open.  Here it is mid-way through the session.  It took about 2-1/2 hours to finish, set up included.  Not too bad. 






The binding is now on and about 30% stitched down (I do that part by hand).

Suduko Quilt:
I have finished the top on this one.  I took a couple of snapshots but, honestly, I don't like how any of them turned out.  My appointment tomorrow with the long-arm is for this one, so stay tuned to see it.  It's using Oasis by Moda and turned out just beautiful!

Bethlehem Star Quilt:
I've managed to cut all my strips out and put together four sets that will be used to build diagonals.






We also had a class this week and started to piece the glows together.  It was my first paper-piecing session in over three years and I had forgotten how much I loved it.






The points you can obtain with paper piecing are just amazing...must keep this up!

Sierra's Quilt:
All the blocks are finished on this one, and looking oh, so cute.  Pics will be up very soon...I thought I had some to post some today, but can't find them so I'm guessing I never took them.  


Not touched this week:

• Mexican Star Quilt - still sitting in my bucket.  It's a wall hanging for my office, so probably lowest on my priority list.
• Jane's B&W Quilt - All the blocks are done and trimmed.  Putting this one together won't take long as the blocks are large and few, comparatively speaking. 
• Flipside Quilt - No movement in months.  I'll probably have to dust the fabric off at this point.  This one is also for me, so low priority. 

...and finally:
I was able to give Molly her quilt last night. So stinking cute.






I also busted hubby sneaking a nap under his coffee quilt.  He says it works well.  :)






I love, love, love seeing my quilts in action.  Warms my heart and makes the time and effort so worthwhile. 

Don't forget to link up with your progress report!! And, if you're busting out some WIPs - why not join the Sew Shine WIP Challenge?? It's really kept me on my toes!

WIP Wednesday

Last night was my first chance to sew since leaving for the beach back in June. It's amazing how time at the machine and some good country music can lift your spirits. I'd been in a funk, but I swear I could feel the stress rolling off my shoulders with each stitch!

It turned out to be quite the productive night as I was able to finish blocks for four of my swap friends. I'm in two right now, TwittterB and a Christmas block swap - but ironically enough the TwitterB block for this month was a Christmas one...LOL! I almost felt like playing Christmas music. :)

The first blocks I finished were for Rene, who's been waiting forever for these. She sent us panels and fabric from Kate Spain's 12 Days of Christmas and pretty much gave us free reign, which I've decided is very dangerous for me. I'm a perfectionist at heart and that tends to trip me up and delay things.


,

Did you see the geese?  Get it?  Six geese a-laying!!!  Bwahahahahahaaa.... oh, I kill me... :)

Next up are block for Tiffany - the only non-Christmas ones of the night.  She sent us some adorable fabric with a forest village on it and asked for not-too-busy nine patches.  I used some solids and a moda marble to keep it crisp and to keep the focus on her fabric.




After dinner, I moved on to blocks for Rachel. She sent us some of the ultra-famous Sherbert Pips, which I had never seen in person. She had gone as far as actually cutting the fabric out for us ahead of time (very impressed!) so these were a breeze to sew together.




Next in line are the blocks I finished for Moira in the 12 Days group.  I'm actually pretty proud of myself on these because the fabric came while I was away.  That means for once, I'm not only on-time but a bit early!!  Woo!! Moira used the same block that Laura had picked out a couple months ago, and I can't blame her - they are fun and oh, so easy! She sent the off-white Christmas fabric and the rest is fabric from my scrap bin. Gotta love the scrap-busting blocks.





And now - on a true Work-in-Progress note, I've made a little progress on my Bethlehem Star quilt. I have the strips cut, but no sewing yet.




This is going to be a monster of a quilt, and I'm so far behind I'm almost ashamed. A group of us are working on it together and I'm about three weeks behind due to a delay in purchasing fabric and then vacation. It will be my main focus for the next little bit because I want to catch up with the others. I'm down to only one set of blocks for a swap - I got fabric from my friend Katherine while I was away, too.

Oh, and in case you missed the posts, I finished my husband's Coffee Quilt and Molly's Quilt while away. Finally, some changes to my ongoing WIP list!!

And - on a parting note - I'm missing the beach terribly.  Re-entry is difficult, and I think it gets more difficult every year.  Here's a parting shot of my family, taken on our last night there.  Until next year, my dear Hatteras....




Enjoy your week!

packages

I love packages. Some I order and anxiously await, some come full of wonderful surprises. Both are fabulous.

Before I left for vacation last week, I received two such packages.  One was a packet of 4-inch squares as part of Crafty Tammie's Swap a Rainbow that I participated in.  I forget how many people were involved - 20, maybe? - but we each sent a pack of 20 4-inch squares in each of 10 colors.  200 squares.  I sent mine from my current stash-on-hand and this is what I got back...



Plus a few extra charms from Tammie and a wonderful key-chain she made.  Here's a closer look a the squares.

The colors were yellow, blue, purple, orange...




...brown, black, green, teal...



... red and pink.




I've got a couple of ideas brewing for these...mostly involving half-square triangles.  I'm really happy with the fabrics that I received - high quality and a lot of fun.  I'm still new at this swap stuff, so sometimes I get a little nervous that I'll receive rejects.  Not so with this swap.  Of all the fabrics - over 200, remember - there was only two that were repeats.  Not bad, not bad!

Now, my other package was expected, but exciting none-the-less.



The package was from Fat Quarter Shop, and represents two quilts I'll be working on soon. The first is for my friend Jen, and is my first commissioned quilt. She is an excellent photographer and asked me for a quilt to use in her photo shoots. I had her pick out a few favorite collections, and she chose Oasis as her top pick, along with several other Moda collections. I chose the beige for the quilt back and the teal (or is it aqua...what's the difference?!) for the binding.




The remainder of the package is a collection of Stonehenge fabrics that I toiled over for days.  They had several pre-chosen collections, but none seemed to fit the bill for me.  Plus, I needed a yard of each color, so precuts wouldn't work.  I wanted blues and greens but with an earthy feel to them, so I added the grays for a granite look.




The tan/beige (next to bottom) is the background and the green/beige on the bottom is the back.  The remainder of the colors will be the diamonds in a Star of Bethlehem quilt.

The pattern is by Edyta Sitar and my church group is working on it through the summer.  I am behind already (there's a surprise!) because I forgot about the prep work and didn't have my fabrics in time for the first class.  I'll start working on cutting the fabric immediately after I get home and try desperately to catch up.

Once finished, the quilt will be 78-inches square - the biggest I have ever made.  It will be for my father-in-law.  He's the one who made my quilt table for my sewing room as well as doing countless other things around the house for us - including coming to my rescue at 5 AM one Saturday to free a possum from my dog lot.  If anyone deserves a quilt, he does.  But...shhhhhh!... it's a surprise.  (And right now, I'm glad he doesn't have internet!!).  :)

As far as current projects, I'm sewing the binding on Molly's quilt and Matt's Coffee quilt.  I'm missing my sewing machine terribly, but making do.  Today was an inside day with a lot of storms and rain.  Otherwise,  we're just not inside much - the rest of the week looks much better.   The guys and a couple of the kids went fishing, but only caught one Spanish Mackerel each.  Not a good fishing day.  Since we were stuck inside, I worked on the binding, made a few more hexagons and did some computer work.  I'm nearly halfway around Molly's and hope to be done by Saturday.  I also started on a new blog/group that I'm starting up - more info on that in another post...but if you are paying attention, you'll see a new button in my sidebar.  :)

Hope you're all having a great week!