Piecing and Quilting

      I am frequently inspired by what Wanda is working on that she shares on her blog http://Exuberantcolor.blogspot.com   In 2014 she shared a photo of a lovely scrappy quilt that inspired me.  I decided to make some blocks and cut sets to use for leader/ender work.  Then I could not wait and began sewing on some. Here are 22 sets sewn.  I don't know what Wanda calls them. I'll call them "Rails". 

 When I am ready to put them in the quilt, I plan to mix them all up and not place pairs together.  You can check out Wanda’s here and her description. 

Below is one set of blocks.  For a set of 2 blocks use 2 contrasting WOF 2 ½” strips cut into 4 – 8” sections of each.  Take one of each and cut them lengthwise in half into 2 pieces 1 ¼” by 8”.  The 2 narrow strips are pieced between the 3 wider strips of the opposite fabric to form a block. 

     I recently spent a day quilting on the "Star Gazing" quilt which is now half complete.  I decided to try out a couple of different motifs for texture.  I used a pattern of lines in half and swirls in the other half of the light areas.  

They make fairly dense quilting so the quilting on the dark areas will need to match in density. 

Enjoy some time sewing and quilting!

Mug Rugs

    I wanted a quick gift so pulled fall strips and pieced the mug rug background.  Then I used fusible applique for a couple of leaves and acorns.  It is quilted, bound and ready to give.

 I also paper pieced these mug rug tops using an Eileen Sullivan pattern.  The bottom leafy print will be backing.

    Two large quilts are sandwiched and ready to quilt; however, my machines have had issues so they have had to wait. I prefer to use my Bernina 185 and the super quilter’s table it sits in but it needed service. It got a good cleaning and service Wednesday and is ready to get back to work on projects.  I hope to start some quilting on one of the big projects today.  I also spent a few hours cutting leader/ender kits of  Bonnie's "Carolina Chain" blocks and a couple other scrappy blocks. 

               

     For the past year I have not had as much quilting to post on this blog.   For the future I hope to spend more time with granddaughters.  The oldest is learning to sew and she is working on piecing quilt blocks but that still means I spend less time sewing and quilting.  I am considering whether to keep up the blog or use other avenues to share what I’m making. I’ll let you know what I decide.

Enjoy some time sewing and quilting.   

Weekend Activities

   

Happy Labor Day!

    I hope you are enjoying some relaxation whether that is not doing anything or doing something that you enjoy such as sewing.

    Saturday I added 3 double sided fabric leaves to my coiled fabric bowl.  I think they improve it.

 

 I also sandwiched 2 quilts (the blue “Star Gazing” and the yellow, blue and green Sampler UFO) and have them ready to start quilting; however, I am having machine problems.  I normally use my Bernina to stitch-in-the-ditch to stabilize before I do free-motion quilting.  I cannot use my Bernina right now and have an appointment for service Wednesday. The last time I used my sit down long arm machine I had tension problems.  I oiled and cleaned some, put in a new needle and tried it out.  I am hoping the problem is solved. 

    

    Sunday afternoon I tried out some FM motifs trying to decide how I want to quilt the blue “Star Gazing”. I have quilted this type of feather before and may use it in the central light diamond areas.  I was not ready to start quilting so I did some planning and cutting for a sampler class I am offering at church.

update * I am trying to decide which thread to use for the quilting and whether I want the quilting to show up on the light or dark areas.

Enjoy your day and may all your Labor be enjoyable.