BIG PROBLEM

So I agreed to quilt a top for an organization to auction and raise money. At my first glance, it was beautiful and appeared very flat. It is still beautiful, but once I put it on the machine, I started to worry it wasn't exactly flat. Very quickly I learned the borders were nowhere near flat. Too late to remove from the machine and no real time to redo the borders anyway, I had to come up with another plan. So what I decided to do was gather the excess and create a false seam by hand applique......8 times. Not easy to do standing up at an odd angle, but faster than removing stitches and the border.Below are the pictures of the progression. I think it is OK. I do hope it does well at the auction.

BRILLIANT ADVICE

http://vimeo.com/24715531

Have a creative weekend!

WEEKEND UPDATE

So how did it go??? Very fast. Retreating at home is not always productive, but it was very comfy. I only really worked on 3 projects, but hey, a couple of naps, a few hours of reading and a movie sort of interfered with progress. And those trips to the frig and pantry take time. My plan next time is to really have a plan...and extra chips.

I really like these and definitely will do more.

You can't really see it but it is cute.

This is my favorite. It's a fish pillow!!! I saw them online and had to do it. You use old sweaters to make it.

He will need some friends.

But that's another retreat.

A CREATIVE WEEKEND

I am really excited about this weekend. I will have 2 days of uninterrupted time to myself. It has been raining most of the day and will continue through the weekend. I have purchased all my favorite snack foods and found the flannel PJ's I love. It sounds like a personal retreat!!!! So I got a jump on my list of things to do and try. This is  hand sewn folk art-ish row houses. It is backed on black flannel and attached to a machine quilted background. Simple framing found at the Goodwill finishes it off.

                                                      I'll keep you posted with my progress. 

BIG TEXTURE

Creating texture is not difficult. Just a few lines that are curvy and some circles thrown in.

This top is primarily gray with a little orange thing here and there.

Very modern and fun.

FEBRUARY RETREAT

 So what really happens at a retreat? Well you make blocks you haven't worked with in a while.

                                 You bring lots of stuff so others can admire it and beg for one.

                           You bring your favorite retreat item that goes with you everywhere.

                                         You work on many projects including hand applique.

                                                       You concentrate on projects for family.

                                                    You make great American Doll clothes.

                                                           You laugh a lot while sewing.

                                         You work on projects unfinished from the last retreat.

                                                             You eat great desserts.

                                          And if you are really diligent, you finish a quilt top.
                                                           Quilt retreats are a good thing.

QUILT HUMOR

I am not sure how we ever did without the internet. You can find any and everything. This was so funny I had to share. By the way, my Wed. class is into the New York beauty project. YEAH!!!

NEW YEAR...NEW SKILLS

Time to try something different.

One down 36 to go.

I hope to get my Wed. class to break out of the mold.

It is a 12 inch block that uses a fair amount of fabric.

I'll let you know if I convince them to try it.

PILLOW LOVE

                             It is very difficult to photograph pillows, so hence the multiple pictures.
Ruth, one of my Wednesday students said"I don't repeat gossip so sit down and listen carefully."

                            Not only did I think this was hilarious, but I knew it belonged on a quilt.
                         That was not going to happen soon, but a pillow was within my reach.

      I used 1/4 th inch bias binding made with a Clover tool. Basting glue then sewn with FMQ
            to secure to top fabric. Then the entire pillow was FMQ to give texture and body.

                   I really love the result, and will probably do again with better letter placement.

ALL WE NEED IS

Happy New Year !!!!!

First project for 2014 pattern and instructions in Feb 2014 issue of American Patchwork and Quilting.
Would have loved to hand piece hearts as called for but machine applique got the job DONE.
Wishing you much love in the new year.