Short Stacks and Mystery Update

Working on the last clue of Bonnie Hunter's Mystery Quilt, but all of the other steps are done.  Although I am happy with the colors chosen, I will NEVER do another mystery with planned yardage.  I miss not doing a scrappy version.   I see others using the same fabrics for each color and thought this would be fun and different.  The sewing is boring.  With scrappy versions, each unit is different.  

The Wall Report for Patchwork Times -- My favorite "Go-To" pattern, Short Stacks, designed by Judy Reynolds of Black Cat Creations.  Some quilters use a pattern once and never repeat it...I have made this one over 25 times.  My guesstament is this is #27.  The fabric is from "Nightfall", of Camelot Design Studios (except for one lone plaid I added from my stash).  The fabrics are modern and colors are Black/Gold/White -- of course a little support for our New Orleans Saints football team is always needed.  

Quilted and delivered in time for Christmas.  A baby quilt for Jake.  The fabric had a sea-shore feel, so I cut out a cardboard star and traced/quilted them all over -- meandering loops covered the rest of the quilt.  The simple churn dash blocks are a favorite, so we will see more in 2015 for sure.

The Race is On!

With Christmas right around the corner, I am finishing up projects that I started last year.  I have already made this quilt for a fund raiser, however I also promised to make an additional two for my great nephews that were never finished (bad aunt)!  I am determined to finish these school pride quilts.

And...my leaders/enders are none other than the 2014 Mystery Quilt by Bonnie Hunter (Quiltville). Although I pulled most of the same colors as Bonnie, at the last minute I decided to go with no scraps.  The other day, I had lunch with my friend Martha and we both agreed, we are tired of our scraps.  I have made several scrappy quilts this year, and looking back they have a lot of the same fabrics.

This is totally different for me --- I have always done Bonnie's mysteries with lots of scraps.  We will see how this goes.

Today, I am linking up with my two favorite designers Judy (Patchwork Times) and Bonnie (Quiltville)!

Saintly Pinwheels

It seems that I love the beginning process of quiltmaking the best.  I finished the Churn Dash borders and backing for quilting, but started putting together this Black/Gold/White top during the New Orleans Saints game yesterday. 

I have made this quilt before a few years ago for a retiring employee.    A reader Jenn found it and saw the potential in the colors for Purdue.  The top was born on the wall, so there are no formal instructions.  I am making the one above a little different (more blocks no borders).  However, here are a few notes:

• 4-patches of white/gold, using 2 1/2" squares (2 of each color), finishing at 4".
• The pinwheels of black/white use 2 1/2" HSTs. 
• Combine (2) 4-patches and (2) pinwheels to form to 8" (finished) blocks. 
• The hour glass alternating blocks are finished at 8" ---  It looks like I will be a little short on the plaid black/gold/white (shown below), so I may need to improvise a little with the white Kona cotton.  Look closely at the black and see the tiny Fleur de Lis prints -- oh how perfect!  

My checklist for the remainder of the year is shrinking.  I need to finish the binding on 2 rainbow quilts; quilt and bind the churn dash and Saintly Pinwheels as soon as possible.  The other four quilts are due before Christmas.  HOWEVER, I will find the time for Bonnie Hunter's mystery starting the day after Thanksgiving.  

Linking up today with Judy at Patchworks Times today!

Red Design Wall

I am finally running out of HSTs pieces -- so I will need to start cutting into the scraps.  This red project is growing slowly, because it is a leader/ender project for a big project I am working on for Black Cat Creations.  So far, the size is 66' x 66'.  If I add a border, it will end up bed size, but I will decide later.

Funny thing...as I work on the Black Cat Creations project, I am accumulating MORE scraps.  Oh well,  I see another scrappy project in the future.

For other Monday Design Wall, visit Judy at Patchwork Times.

Rainbow Stars

The rainbow stars are almost done...I need to sew the rows together and decide if I want a border.  It is 56" square right now, which is the perfect size for a little one; or a lap quilt.  I have used up a large amount of neutrals filling in the open spaces.  I have put a small dent in the 4 1/2" HSTs and 4 1/2" neutral squares, but still have plenty.

Linking up with Judy at Patchwork Times for the Monday Design Walls.

Scrappy Block Challenge

All the blocks and sashing units are sewn for Judy's January Scrappy Challenge. My blocks are 12", because I used units on hand (already sewn). The rows will be labeled, stacked and boxed away for weekend assembly. 

 We have a freeze coming through Tuesday and Wednesday ..... don't see that down here in  Southern Louisiana (on the coast).  We may lose electricity, so I need to be ready for handwork.  If we have to shut down the town anyway, I would love to see a little snow -- as we don't see much.  Most of us don't know how to drive in it - including me.

Linking up with Judy at Patchwork Times and the Design Wall Monday!

Wall of BIG-T Blocks

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I am almost embarrassed to admit that most of the pieces used to make the Big-T blocks were already units in the scrap boxes....plenty of 4 1/2" and 2 1/2" HSTs.  I cut out the cheddar centers and dark blue units.  I have made 20 (12 1/2" unfinished) Big-Ts.... had enough to make more, but I am stopping.  It will end up being big enough for a full size bed.  

Even the sashing -- I almost had enough, but will need to cut out more 2 1/2" neutral strips.  The red blocks are cowboys, cowboy hats, and cowboys on horses -- seems there is a theme -- just trying to use up what was already there.

As you can see, I have no problem with scrappy quilts....they are my favorite.  Linking up with Judy at Patchwork Times (host of the Scrappy Block Challenge)

Monday's Big "T" Designs

While sewing together the rows for my Celtic Mystery Quilt, I had a stash of HSTs scraps for leaders and enders.  Before closing up for the night, I had enough to finish 4 blocks of the Big "T" Scrappy Blocks Judy (Patchwork Times) selected as the January block.   Based on my scrap stash (those overflowing), I went with a 12" finished block.

Now off the quilting frame and on its way to Texas, "School Pride" will be used to raise funds for my great nephew's baseball team.  My niece will take a group picture with the boys in their team shirts and the finished quilt.

Linking up with other Design Walls at Patchwork Times.

School Pride / Mystery Update

 

Newest project on the design wall -- a quilt for my Great Nephew's school.  The colors are burgundy and white .... with a Tiger mascot in Silsbee Texas.  I pulled out a favorite pattern which will be a perfect school two-color quilt.  Although you cannot see the close-up of the white on white, it is from the "Quilt Across Texas" collection.  I bought 10 yards last month and ordered 5 more yards -- basic staple.

For Bonnie's 2013 Mystery, I am done with steps 1 and 2.  The perfect "leader and ender" project while I am working on the Christmas Projects.

Linking up with Judy at Patchwork Times and Bonnie at Quiltville.

Design Wall Progress

Just three more sections and the blocks will be done.  Then time for assembly and quilting.  My Christmas list has officially begun.

For more design walls, visit Judy at Patchwork Times.

Design Wall and Finishes

Sparkle Punch is coming off the wall tonight, ready for assembly.  The colors were chosen from the weekly Rainbow Challenge, hosted by Angela at So Scrappy.  

Designer:  Elizabeth Hartman

Pattern Name:  Sparkle Punch

Published by:  Fons and Porter

When:  July/August 2012

Link

I finished the Red/Black/White "Samantha Claire" from a new pattern published by Black Cat Creations. More detail on the right side of the screen.

And, I finished quilting the little quilt above in time for delivery to a very sick friend.

I am linking up with Judy at Patchwork Times for her Design Wall Monday, again so glad to have something this week.

On the Design Wall: "Now What"??

I mentioned a Trunk Show that I am working towards this August.  One of our patterns, was born from all of the larger pieces of fabric in my stash (3 yards or more).  You know, the kind that you absolutely love, but when you get it home it sits on the shelf.  Every time you admire it (while it collects dust), you keep thinking...."Now What"?  Well this pattern helps you work out the details and brings those fabrics to life. 

 I purchased this awesome stripe from Robert Kaufman's Ombre Collection!  NOW WHAT????

YEP, NOW WHAT?  

I pulled fat quarters, short cuts, and white backgrounds .... then started playing.  Made a few blocks, played some more -- I love the design wall -- it has to be my favorite quilting tool (next to the rotary cutter).  It is coming to life a little every night.  I cannot wait to finish just to compare with the first one.

The first quilt I made from this pattern, started with an awesome fabric purchased from the Camden Cafe line.  What a difference in the look. The rest of the fabric just came from my stash .... lots of blacks and golds.  

Pattern Name:  "Now What"?

Published by:  Black Cat Creations

Designed by:  Jamie Janow Elfert

Because this one may stay on the Design Wall a couple of weeks while I play, I am so happy to have something to show and link to Patchwork Times' "Design Wall Monday".  Judy is one of my favorite designers -- I am a piecer through and through and she is such a great inspiration.

Rainbow Log Cabin

I will need to wait until July to find out the color for the border -- probably will do a simple piano key, or maybe something else simple.  For now, I will put aside and work on all of the other projects.

Pattern:  Log Cabin

Strip Size:  1.5" finished

Block Size:  10.5"

Challenge:  2013 So Scrappy Rainbow 

For more Monday Design Wall Inspirations, visit Judy at Patchwork Times.

Green Wall

All of the blocks are done -- this one is a little different from the purple top I finished last week. I used a variety of backgrounds from off white to beige, which gave it a totally different look.  I also extended the X-Block into the border.

For more Design Walls -- visit Judy at Patchwork Times.

Purple "Baubles and Beads" Design Wall

I have been sporadically working on the purple "Baubles and Beads" in between quilting tops.   I cannot believe how quickly it is coming together.  I am half way through with the horizontal sashing and have the vertical sashing cut out and ready.  Did you notice the Tiger print???  There is just enough for the binding.

This is all I have for the design wall to link up at Judy's, Patchwork Times.

Great Granny Mary's Quilt

A few weeks ago, I showed off one of my Great Granny Mary's Quilts -- one that I had hoped to remake.

A close-up of one block, they looked simple -- I made one test block with scraps and then pulled a stash of romantic florals and matching solids.  I cut out enough to sew a few here and there and ended up with a wall full of the blocks.  

I also made several HSTs to play with a pieced border -- for now it will have to stay.  I have tops to quilt and deadlines to make.

On a personal note, last Thursday I had a small procedure to correct my right eye's distant vision, called Lasik.  On Friday, I went back to work -- driving, working on computers and came home to sewing.  I use my left eye for close-up and now my right eye for distant.  AMAZING!  I fully expected a period of adjustment and downtime -- one day, that is all.  No more contacts or glasses.  I am a happy camper.

For more design walls, visit Judy at Patchwork Times.

A Touch of Turquoise

When putting together the strings for the finished "Rainbow Scrap Challenge", several of the scraps had a touch of turquoise, so I added the little colorful border.

All done and ready for quilting, the little quilt finishes at 63" square.  

"Hold on Skeet, I will tear the bag open and we can share the Doritos"

(My great-niece Jolie and her pal Skeet)

It's Monday Design Wall Day, and I am linking up with Judy at Patchwork Times.  See ya'll there!

Monday Design Wall - - Think Pink!

 As part of SoScrappy's Rainbow Scrap Challenge.  Above is the first block of Strings -- 15" Finished:  HSTs, Hourglass Center and Rail fences.

Joined together, on point, I have continued on until the box of 1 1/2" and 2" strips are gone.  To finish the top, I will need to cut into the 3 1/2" strips -- which is good, because they have different prints.  There is only one more weekend of pink in the challenge and I still have 2 1/2" strips in the box -- I may make a few 16-patches, or just save them for a scrappy border for the quilt above.

For more design walls, visit Judy at Patchwork Times, and if you have a chance, visit SoScrappy's RSC Saturday link for a glimpse at the other "Pink" projects going on.

Monday Design Wall

Although this is not the final setting, I have been playing with my blocks from Jackie's BOMs (Canton Village Quilt Works).  I tend to like BIG quilts, so Jackie's 13 Blocks became 26 --- I tend to like lots of piecing, so I made simple filler blocks from the left over fabric (I used a layer cake from Moda Collection, Basic Grey).  I promise, there is nothing left from the layer cake except tiny TINY pieces.  Thank goodness I bought matching fabric for an inner border (or sashing) and an outside border/binding.

Speaking of BIG quilts, I have always liked to make mine big.  Even my baby quilts are larger than normal -- they have to be practical -- babies grow! Right?  I giggled when Bonnie Hunter mentioned she liked them big in her live Quilt Cam the other night.  I am tall, so I like them to cover my feet and sometimes my head when it is really cold.  I also want to know that my family will pull out the practical quilts over and over to use them.

I am so excited that I have something to share on the Monday Design Wall -- so I am heading over to Judy's at Patchwork Times to share.  Then I am heading for the recliner to start the binding handwork on my Orca Bay (yep, it is done, done, done).

Monday Design Wall

Heather and Megan are hosting a simple Block of the Month project over at Quilt Story. I have been having so much fun with my new quilting machine, I forgot to post my April Blocks with HSTs above -- shown with March blocks. Leaves and Diamonds showcase the HSTs from an original design by Marcia Hohn at The Quilters Cache.

Finished except for the hand work, Stars Over Scott in Red is done -- the 2nd Finish of the Year, and the 2nd Finish on my new Gammill. I am sticking to my favorite patterns so I can get used to the feel of the machine -- it is very different than a home machine (obviously), but similar in movements.
The top is done for the H2H Challenge hosted by Sarah at Confessions of a Fabric Addict. I hope to be quilting it by the weekend -- however I need to finish the Relay for Life Quilt Below.
Dance of the Tiger is almost done -- After I finish the borders, I am moving it to my Janome for simple straight stitching. I need more practice before on straight lines (even with the ruler, it will take time). I will post the last step for this quilt -- adding the borders --- later this week.

For more design walls, visit Judy at Patchwork Times.