ADDQ - Attention Deficient Disorder for Quilters

     I took some time to make myself a summer dress using an old favorite pattern.  I need some more new clothes and I HATE to shop.

     While looking for something I came across 6 leftover squares and decided to make bear claw blocks with them.  I have had some Thangle papers for some time so I used them to make HSTs.  They are convenient because these use 2 ½” strips to make 2” finished HSTs.  With the light fabric next to the paper, they easily press toward the dark and finish. 

I forgot that each square creates 2 finished HST squares so I ended up with twice what I needed for the 6 blocks and have enough for 12 blocks.  I put that away for another day. 

    My Leader-Ender project has been squares of light and dark basic colors.  I decided I had enough twos and started putting them together for rows of 4.  I could not stop there so put together 16 patch blocks.  I have 15 finished and 3 more half done.  

My original idea was to make a “16 patches and pinwheels” quilt I have seen several places.  This is my EQ plan for what it might look like.

 I also played with another option.

I have put my 16 patch blocks on hold for now.  I have too many other projects that need attention.   I am collecting boxes to pack up my kitchen for remodeling.   That will be a job but I’m looking forward to a beautiful new kitchen.

My First Coiled Fabric Bowl

     I finally got around to making my first coiled fabric bowl.  I have 2 books years ago after seeing them being made on a  quilting TV show.  My sister borrowed my books and started making beautiful bowls years ago.  I have been collecting 3/4" scrap fabric strips in a bag planning to make a bowl.  Yesterday I added the binding to the latest children's comfort quilt and was looking for my next project.  I pulled out my book, cotton clothesline and scrap strips.  It did not take long and here is my first coiled fabric bowl.

There are things about it that I do not like such as the long strip of light next to the long strip of dark.  A change of fabric would have broken that and looked better.  It is also a little irregular but it was easier than I thought it would be.  This one is very basic so I look forward to getting more fancy with them. I still have more clothesline and many more fabric strips.

Piecing and Quilting Progress

      My yard has been calling me so I have spent several hours a few days trying to bring it under control.  Then I relaxed in my sewing room.  I have finished piecing the "Pina Colada" top.  It is 60" by 72" so fairly large.

There is A LOT of light background because of the extra strip top and bottom to make it rectangular.   Because the pattern sample used a batik, it was not obvious how dominate it would be.  I may have to plan some special quilting for the large light areas.  The very large star in a star in a star was simple to piece and even the HST border was not difficult using 6" finished HSTs. If I use this pattern again, I think a busier print would be better for the background fabric because of the large areas.  The corners also bother me.  I followed the pattern but may change them.

I have also quilted 2 children's comfort quilts for GCQ.  Today I tried out a couple of  different FMQ designs.  Here is one frame quilted using a kind of ray design
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Here is one frame where I quilted sort of bananas or half feathers.  I used white thread on white so I know you can't see it well, but I did not want to in case it did not look good.  Sometimes I use charity/comfort quilts for practice.