Digits

I don't mean to keep bringing back my previous quilts, but in this case, it helps to explain my latest finish, which I'm calling "Digits". I've been calling it QWERTY II, because it's basically a re-do of QWERTY, a quirky little mini I came up with for the Modern Mini Challenge earlier this year, but in reality, Digits is not really inspired by a QWERTY keyboard.

QWERTY hangs outside the door to my office at work, and my friend Nancy, who just happens to be our company's bookkeeper, loves it and asked me to make me a version for her. She hunted down the number fabric for the background, and then picked through my entire stash of Sketch to find colors that coordinated.

The machine applique went pretty smoothly, and of course, the framing. But what I was really excited to do was a repeat of the dense organic straight-line quilting I had first done in QWERTY. Not sure why, but I love doing this, and it creates an awesome, sturdy texture that wouldn't be that inviting on a large quilt maybe, but on a mini - perfection.

Nanc was off today, but there'll be a little surprise when she comes to work tomorrow . . .

This quilt is my third finish for the Third Quarter Finish-A-Long {see list here}. Linking up with Fabric Tuesday.

Prepping

Oh my goodness. When I saw Allegory's post suggesting we all have a prep party the first Sunday of each month, I thought it was the best idea! Trying to work down my own "to do" list while simultaneously participating in a swap, monthly bees, and a sew-along . . . well, things can get confusing! And having some prep done as I head into a new month seemed like it would be sooo helpful! So in a relatively short amount of time this afternoon, I did the following prep work:

• Tracing pattern for embroidery onto fabric for this week's zakka project - and yes, I changed it up just a tad. Also cut out the other fabric I'll need.

• I have a bee block that needs a fix, so I hunted down the fabric needed and have that ready to stitch back up.

• Binding made for QWERTY II. 

• Pattern chosen and fabric cut for a 100 Quilts for Kids quilt - finally.

• Fabric gathered and centers cut for improvisational log cabin mini quilt.

• Last of all, I hauled out blocks left over from my Kaleidoscope quilt made last summer. I'd had a bit of an issue with several blocks buckling in the center, and had refrained from using them in my quilt. 

         Then came the {hopefully} bright idea of cutting Dresden wedges
         out of them.

          So I have 32 wedges now - hopefully enough for something.

Linking up with {sew} Allegorical's prep party.

W.i.P. Wednesday

The weeks just fly by, don't they? And before you know it, W.i.P. Wednesday is here again! I feel like I am whittling down my to-do list though, which makes me feel really good, chalking up my second Finish-A-Long finish this week, and starting on #3!

Completed projects
Zakka Style Sew-Along project #17: This Delightful Linen Bag got its own post, of course. I'm quite fond of it.

A Taste of Marmalade - A sweet little baby quilt, with full post here.

Ongoing projects
*Picture-Perfect* Polaroid Block Swap - I'm finding blocks in my mail box every day now, and I only have 15 done. Lots more in the works though.

Zakka Style Sew-Along project #18: Bread Basket - In progress, but I've got a good start going. Another hour or so and I should have it done. Mine's all-linen, which has been lovely to work with.

QWERTY II - Do you remember QWERTY? I love that it hangs outside my office door, where I can enjoy it during the work week. Well, my coworker loves it too, so I've begun a variation for her. So far, very fun!

Upcoming projects
* Improv log-cabin quilt NEW
* more Zakka
* a quilt to coordinate with my Christmas tree skirt - NOT for Christmas in July, apparently . . .
* scrappy Metrolink
* Plus quilt for my sister-in-law
* EZ Dresden Challenge project - maybe?? maybe not??
* 100 Quilts donation quilt

Linking up with W.i.P. Wednesday, hosted this week by my blog buddy, Katie from Katie's Korner!