Mended Lucky Stars

So I started in on mending Lucky Stars for my daughter and son-in-law mid-April, and finally am done and delivered it back to them yesterday. The project included three components:

1. making and stitching (appliquéing?) 30+ fabric patches over worn areas, ranging in size from 2" x 2" finished to about 4" x 8"
2. removing all 390" of the original binding, which was still securely stitched on, but worn through along the edges; and rebinding with new (thrice-prewashed) Prisma Dyes Artisan Batik in Marine
3. hand-quilting over the patches

At 90" x 105", the quilt was big, and even though worn a little thin from 20 years of loving use, heavy! Sewing on the patches was the most challenging part. There were no holes per se, but some fabrics just did not wear well. Below is one of the worst examples.

Some of the patches I was able to place exactly over a previous quilt piece; some, due to the wear, needed to overlap original seam lines or placed irregularly. Shown below are several of the patches to give you an idea. Note that I had none of the original fabric on hand, but used a coordinating batik Zinfandel Bali Pop, so fabric patches did not match at all, yet retained the quilt's original 'look.'

You may have noticed that the quilt was hand-quilted.... 20 years ago, that was all I knew to do. I moved away from that in more recent years, so it's always a joy to see one of my early hand-quilted quilts.

I had heard that when repairing a vintage quilt, it was important to quilt the new patches. So even in areas like the star below, where the points weren't originally quilted, I quilted anyway. 

As I mentioned, the quilt is big and heavy, so the best photo I got, it was spread on the floor of my studio, taking up most of the open floor space. This was right before I added the last few patches, so if you zoom in, you may see them pinned to the quilt. At any rate, I'm glad I was able to give this sentimental quilt some new life.

Lucky Stars

Back in 2005, I finished a quilt in honor of our daughter and son in law's first wedding anniversary. It was the Lucky Stars pattern by Atkinson Designs, published in 2002 by Terry Atkinson. I made a queen size measuring 90" x 105", and hand-quilted it, as that's what I did back then. Unfortunately, I never got a good photo of the entire thing, but at least you get an idea of what it looked like then.

Well after nearly 20 years of use, it was showing some wear! So our daughter, Rachel @snippetsofsweetness, handed it off to me last week to see what I could do to repair it. First up was to remove the binding, which was still securely sewn on (good to know!) but had serious wear along the edges. 

Happily, the quilting seems to have held up well, too. It's mainly the fabric on the front that has worn through in spots. So next up is to make and hand-applique some patches over the bare spots on the quilt. Gotta say, I have yet fully examined the quilt to see how many of those there might be. But to start, I broke into a long-stashed Zinfandel Bali Pop (like a jelly roll) from Hoffman Fabrics, as it had some similar colors. I've already got them sorted into a couple of mesh laundry bags, including several Color Catchers, and plan to wash them to soften them up just a bit and remove some of the dye. Maybe I'll wash them more than once; we'll see. Eventually, I hope to find a dark blue for the new binding that is close to the original. But for now, I'll focus on the mending. I'll report back at some point to share how that is going.

Auspicious Sky

Every once in a while a project comes along that just about takes all you've got. This one was that for me. 

At my first meeting with the Seattle Modern Quilt Guild in March, I heard about a star quilt challenge - something that had been in the planning for several months. The deadline was today. Ie. I was way behind from the get go. What seemed even remotely possible when I finally got around to starting was to take the Lucky Star blocks I had made so far (each 6 1/2") and pull them together into a small quilt.

I call it "Auspicious Sky", honoring those Lucky Stars that gave me inspiration in the first place. I surrounded them with a sky of Kaffe Fassett shot cotton accented with bits of Robert Kaufman Essex Yarn Dyed Denim and Kona Nightfall. Quilting was somewhat randomly spaced straight-line using several different blues, from midnight to royal.

Backing is Kaffe's Shirt Stripes in brown which I just happened to have in my stash, and seemed apropos. And for binding, I used more of the Essex.

Finishing at an odd 38x68" (I used every inch of the shot cotton I had), this is one of those where I'm glad I made it but I'm more than glad it's done. The vision is my mind's eye to start is not quite what I ended up with, though close. I found the improv piecing a challenge, the shot cotton somewhat unstable in such a large quantity, and my original quilting plan just didn't pan out.

So that's a perfect explanation for why this quilting thing we do can justifiably be called a journey. There's stops and starts, hills and valleys, detours and unexpected turns. But in the end, it's a trip worth having taken. Time to plan the next.

This finish was on my FAL Q2 list for 2013. Linking with Fabric Tuesday.

W.i.P. Wednesday

It's been a few weeks since I've reported in on W.i.P. Wednesday, so I'll list the projects I've completed with links to their posts, and then share what's currently in the works.

Completed projects

"Common Affection", a completed Mid-Century Modern bee quilt.

Patchwork Pencil Pouch - I tried a darling pouch pattern by lbg studio and it was gifted here.

April bee blocks

Paper Boat Mini - This was a fun little project designed by teaginny designs.

Ongoing projects
Polaroid quilt with the help of the Always Bee Learning Bee 

x and + blocks {#xplusalong} - I'm now up to 60 blocks! Just 20 more to go!

Lucky Stars/SMQG star challenge quilt - I can't tell yet if this is all going to work or not. I'm using my first 5 Lucky Star blocks in a {creative} layout. I love the background fabrics I'm using, but it's been quite the frustration overall, so we'll see.

Woodland cross-stitch sampler - Slow but sure, I've making progress.

Upcoming projects
* To Boston With Love flag
* prepping blocks for City Sampler Quilt Along
* May bee blocks
* pillows for Mom/pillow for grandgirl
* mail bag
* scrappy triangle quilt

Linking up with W.i.P. Wednesday.

W.i.P. Wednesday

I've enjoyed several "little" finishes this week, and am looking forward to working on my FAL list for this next quarter.

Completed projects

April Lucky Star block - Can I just say I love these more every time I make another?! This month's had two layout options, and I just may need to make both!

Persian Pickles table topper -  My mom saw this pattern by Kevin Kosban in an old stitch magazine (summer 2011) and chose the fabrics to coordinate in her kitchen nook.

It measures 30 1/2" x 34", and though I struggled a tad with the construction method, the blast I had quilting it more than made up for it. I chose three different coordinating threads, a Mettler burgandy, and two Aurifil Mako 50's, "Pale Yellow" (#2130) and a new favorite for me, "Sand" (#2325) - love it. Using a different quilting design in each section added to the fun.

SMQG nametag - Got it done in time for our meeting Monday. I'll share more in a future post.

Ongoing projects
Woodland cross-stitch sampler - Still working to catch up!

x and + blocks {#xplusalong} - I have 40 more blocks all cut out and ready to sew! Hope by this time next week I am well on my way!

Mid-Century Modern quilt - I've received all my Hugs & Kisses blocks now, and am debating layout and finishing. I think I prefer the on-point layout best, but now am mulling over how to fill in the edges - more blocks, a solid gray or varieties of gray, or a variety of low-value prints. {see alternate layout in my Q2 FAL list} I welcome your thoughts!

Lucky Stars mini - I think I've decided to pull these five stars together into a mini. Now to execute my idea!

Scrappy triangles - set aside, as I ran out of scraps large enough . . .

April bee blocks - In progress!

Upcoming projects
* SMQG star challenge quilt
* pillow for grandgirl
* Polaroid block projects
* pillows
* mail bag

Linking up with W.i.P. Wednesday.

2013 Finish-A-Long: Q2 List

After a successful first quarter of FAL finishes, it's time to make a list for next quarter! Funny thing - though I have alot of ideas brewing, I only have a few projects actually started. So three it is!

x and + quilt - I began making and swapping these blocks over a year ago, and kept hoping for a third round. But when that didn't materialize by the time I saw Instagram's #xandplusalong this February, I decided I better just get started and make more blocks for myself. So I had 40, and have 40 more cut out.  This finish is my number one goal for this next quarter.

Mid-Century Modern quilt - One thing about participating in bees - you usually start accumulating blocks. So I have just received the last of 13 Hugs & Kisses blocks, am thinking of making a couple more, and then need a design plan to pull them into a quilt.

Lucky Star mini quilt - I am loving making these stars, but honestly don't think I can wait until the end of the year to use any of them, so I've decided to make a mini quilt. I have a tentative plan and some background fabric chosen, and look forward to moving forward on this one.

This is kind of random, but then again the perfect time to mention the Projects at a Glance sheets I came across over on from Pixels to Patchwork. Designed as a way to list all your projects for a single month, I am finding it much more helpful than my usual assorted lists. There are also Individual Project Sheets available if that is helpful to you. Just fyi . . .

Linking up with Leanne/shecanquilt and the Finish-A-Long Q2 linkup.

W.i.P. Wednesday

I've seen many a post lately where folks are suffering from a loss of mojo. I can't say I'm there, but I do feel a lack of direction. I finished my Emerald Challenge project, which was great, and was treated to a bit of fun in the latest Lucky Star, but where next? I have commitments . . . even a couple of deadlines . . . and a still overflowing scrap bin. But what I really want to do is toss it all aside and make something fun and unnecessary with lines of fabric I've never sewed with before. It may happen yet.

Completed projects
Emerald placemats - We've been enjoying using these all week!

March's Lucky Star block - The Ninja Star was as fun as all the others!

Ongoing projects
x and + blocks {#xplusalong} - still cutting more blocks out.

Scrappy triangles - As I'm going through my scrap basket cutting x and + blocks, I'm also cutting any large pieces into triangles (6" finished). I've got an idea or two, but for now will just keep cutting.

Woodland cross-stitch sampler - I've worked on it like three evenings! A long ways from being caught up, but I am moving forward!

Pin Cushions - I've got a custom order from a friend - 30 assorted 4" patchwork pincushions. So I've been using leftover blocks and scraps to piece some tops - 7 down, 23 to go.

March bee blocks - I've got a few done. The assignment is pending on the last one.

February's FAITH circle quilt - The last of my blocks arrived this week and I have the top pieced! I still have a few extra blocks, so will be using them on the back.

Upcoming projects
* Always Bee Learning bee block for March
* table topper for mom
* Doodle Memory Game
* SMQG star challenge quilt
* flannel pillow for grandgirl
* Polaroid block projects

Linking up with W.i.P. Wednesday.

Four Lucky Stars

Just a quick post to share the latest in what's become one of my favorite projects so far this year - my blocks from Don't Call Me Betsy's Lucky Stars block of the month club!

The fabric I'm using begins with Architextures, usually with an additional coordinating print from outside the collection, and then one solid from my Architextures Coordinates charm pack. I never thought I'd be so excited to paper-piece, but when a new block comes out, I just can't wait to get to it!

W.i.P. Wednesday

The last week has been a teeter-totter, the 'up' an unexpectedly delightful revisit to paper piecing, and the 'down' being some cross-stitch confusion. The constant pleasure has been my #scrappytripalong! The more blocks I've done, the more I love it, and I am so excited to move on to the #xand+along in February.

Completed projects
Lucky Stars BOM - I was able to complete both the practice block + January's block. These were great fun and I can't wait for the next one! Plus I'm really happy to have gone the 6 1/2" route and with the fabrics I've chosen.

Ongoing projects
Woodland cross-stitch sampler - Whew! After much encouragement, I have finally begun stitching!

Modern Crosses - This quilt's at the long-armer's. I might even have pics to share soon, and better yet, should have this back by week's end!

Quiet Book - I have made real progress on this project! Can't say it's the most fun I've ever had, but I'm on the downhill stretch. Just have had a few 'issues' along the way, and there's lots of fiddly pieces to deal with.

Scrappy Trip Along - This one may be the most fun I've ever had! The 30 blocks are done! There's not enough room on the design wall to show them all off, but I can live with that. There will be another row along both the side and the bottom (5 blocks x 6 blocks). I don't expect to be overly thoughtful about block placement for the final layout, so hopefully the top will go together fairly quickly.

Triple-Zip Pouch - The 3ZAL officially starts Monday, January 28. Meanwhile, fabric and zip choices have begun to pop up in the flickr group. Here's mine:

Upcoming projects
* Hubby's Christmas stocking - no progress yet
* Binding for Mod Cross quilt
* plan for FAITH Circle's February quilt
* Emerald mini
* Mod Angles cushion
* flannel pillow for grandgirl
* table topper for mom
* scrappy Metrolink
* x and + blocks {#xplusalong}
* Polaroid block projects
* placemats

Linking up with W.i.P. Wednesday.

Lucky Stars - January

After my happy success with the practice block for the Lucky Stars BOM, I was eager to do this month's block - "Funky Star."

Again, I used the Architextures map fabric as the background. I pulled other prints from the collection, plus the solid Kona Berry from my Architextures Coordinates charm pack (see below for colors included).

On the practice block, I included the Cerise. Along with using the same background for each block, I also plan on including one of these solids, a different one each time.

I'm really glad I decided to do the 6 1/2" version of each block. I've just enjoyed doing them so much, and can hardly wait to work on February's.

Linking up with Fabric Tuesday.

This and That

Quilting blogland seems a tad subdued, which isn't too surprising really, but still. Honestly, since the big rush of finishing presents and wrapping on Christmas Eve, I haven't been in the sewing room except to clean up the mess I'd made! Event-wise though, there's plenty going on - some wrapping up (no pun intended), and some gearing up for the new year.

The Ruby Star Wrapping Contest comes to a close Sunday night. Each entrant is allowed three entries, so I entered my Simple Drawsting Bag, the Melody-Didn't-Mean-to-Make-It Tote, and my lifesaver as far as wrapping went this Christmas - the Pillowcase Pouch. I was happy to see some of you bloggy friends had entered too.

And while on the topic of sustainable gift-wrap, look at these clever {and darling} gift-tags by amyinuk. Check out the tutorial on her blog, [Amy's] Crafty Shenanigans.

Now on to new challenges for the new year! Saw this today . . .

If you remember, last year's color was Tangerine Tango, and I had great fun creating Tangerisk.

When last year's challenge was announced, I had never even heard of Pantone's Color of the Year. And I definitely was not an 'orange' person. But I must say that after this last year, I love it, and have used it quite a bit. So we'll see if Emerald has the same affect on me. Not sure yet if I'll participate in the challenge or not, but I do want to at least try and incorporate some Emerald in my sewing . . . just because.

Meanwhile, there are a couple of personal challenges I'm looking forward to. One of those is venturing more into foundation paper piecing with Elizabeth of don't call me betsy and her block of the month club.

To start us off, Elizabeth gave us a practice block - and yikes, it's pretty impressive! I'll try to work on mine soon so you can see . . .There's an option of making either 12.5" blocks or 6.5" blocks, and I think I'll go with the 6.5". So there may or may not be a Lucky Stars quilt down the road - maybe some smaller star projects. We'll see.

AND I've been itching for a 'tv project', and I don't always have a quilt laying around to bind. So I up and joined hey porkchop's Woodland Sampler series. Are any of you joining in?

I'm sure there's plenty more goings on. I'd love to hear what you're planning on getting involved in or trying new in the next weeks and months . . .