Saturday, August 31, 2013

Pineapple Blocks

     Another rug finished, and I have a few days before the next rug needs to go on the loom; so I have been working on the pineapple blocks for my class sample. I showed my drawing, and the full quilt class sample in the very last post, so I won't add it again here. I wanted to give the students the choice of working on a smaller project if they chose, since the quilt has 80 blocks. This sample has only 9 blocks. I have 5 of them done so far.




     Four blocks to go. I hope to finish them this weekend. 
    
     I had started with this block. 
 
     I started over because I decided to make it scrappier, and use a different print in each corner. I am happier with the scrappier version. I usually find that I prefer more variety.





     I am also about 75 percent finished with the T-shirt quilt. Two days ago, I put about 6 or 7 items on my Etsy site that I have been meaning to post for months.

     I have all of my blocks for this quilt finished and trimmed. I want to get them arranged on the design wall this weekend too. It would be so nice to get another top done.


     I can't wait to see these blocks up on the design wall. Finally, I will have something to post for Design Wall Monday, at Patchwork Times. I have not had anything I could share on my design wall for months!

     I hope all is well with you all, and you get to do something that you really enjoy this holiday weekend. Thanks for stopping by!

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Unbelievable Weather

     This will make more sense if I remind you that I live in Georgia. Yesterday, I was running errands. It was 4pm when I drove by the bank and saw the temperature reading at 63 degrees! At 4pm on August 16th!? It sure is beginning to feel like fall around here, but, I know it won't last. A friend of mine told me today that it feels like she should be planning her Thanksgiving dinner! Crazy,crazy.

     I am scheduled to teach paper piecing using the pineapple block this October 26th at A Scarlet Thread in McDonough, and November 2nd at the Spirited Quilters in Duluth, and again at Hot Springs Village, Arkansa in March of 2014. Here is a photo of the quilt:


     I thought it would be nice to come up with a design that uses less blocks, but involves the same principles for those who prefer not to make a commitment to doing a 90" quilt with 80 blocks. So, I designed this:
 

      Only 9 blocks.

     I have started making the sample for that.


       I am thinking I will start over, and use a different print on each side of the center.

     I was reading at The Quilting Edge Blog where she was showing photos  of her messy work space. I turned from my Ironing board and saw this:

 


     EEEK! Oh well-the cost of creativity.

     Back to sewing. I hope you are able to have some fun in your sewing room this chilly, rainy weekend. Thanks for stopping by!

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Pin Cushion

     This week I have been setting up my loom for the next rug, I shipped the Doubler Star ll quilt,  


     Since finishing that quilt, I have spent most of my quilting time getting T shirts ready for a T shirt quilt. I am reluctant to show that quilt since it is meant to be a surprise for someone local. 

      So, I will show you photographs of my first chicken pincushion. I made this for a friends birthday. She seemed to really like it. This friend is not a quilter, but is a fabulous seamstress, and I wanted to make a nice large, functional pincushion. After I stuffed it, I wished that I had made the beak a bit larger. I will know better next time. I used scraps from my days of weaving scarves and blankets, so this is made from hand dyed, handwoven fabric. I plan to make more for our fall show.




     Well, that is what I have been up to. I hope all is well with you guys. Thanks for stopping by!

Friday, August 2, 2013

Working on Binding

     The Double Star quilt has come back from the quilter, and I have trimmed it.



     I made the binding, and sewed did the machine sewing side.

     Now, I am doing the hand stitching. I have the sleeve made, but I still need to attach it, and make and attach the label. I hope it will be ready to ship by Monday.

     I have a sewing date with my friend Eleanor Monday. I have not yet decided what I will work on at her house.

     I am also trying to get my loom set up for the next rug. 

     There is a ton of computer work I need to do. There are several finished quilts, and even a couple of patterns that need to go on my Etsy site.

     That is what I am up to these days. Thanks for stopping by!