Those Modern Hexies

In my most recent issue of The Scrap Basket, I featured modern hexies, the brain-child of Nicole/Modern Handcraft. Well after perusing some examples of this clever technique, I was compelled to try it myself!

Starting the hand-stitching was a perfect travel project, and using Nicole's tutorial, I managed to baste all the hexies that I took with me - 80 or so, or 2 charm-packs worth. Rummaging through my stash at the last-minute before we left, I grabbed Kate Spain's Cuzco and Sunnyside. I had 1 1/2" hexies, so trimmed the charms to 4" square, though I probably should have gone a good half-inch smaller. I think with a good press, they'll be fine.

So I have some other w.i.p.s to face before going on to the next step, but I'm pleased I at least have my hexies all ready to go!

If you've tried modern hexies, leave a link in the comments! Linking up with WIP Wednesday.

Sipping Marsala

Marsala, the Pantone Color of the Year, was met with a pretty chilly reception around blogland when it was announced, yet I was kind of anxious to play with it a bit. I had gathered a few fabrics as possibilities and was mulling over what to do with them when I flipped through Alex Ledgerwood/teaginny Designs new book, Improvising Tradition: 18 Quilted Projects Using Strips, Slices, and Strata, and saw IT. That being her En Pointe Wall Hanging, with its slashed blocks reminiscent of a traditional rail fence.

The fabrics I ended up using were Essex Linen in Natural, Kona Sienna and Brick (the closest I've come to my Pantone Marsala swatch), and 2 luscious Kaffe Fassett Shot Cottons, a Terra Cotta and a Multi Stripe "Parma".

There's something about these blocks that is low-stress and satisfying, not something I can say about all improv. Here they are on my gray design wall, nighttime lighting and all.

I really would be happy just making more blocks, but decided I'd stop here and see what I could come up with. The first layout below is most like Alex's, but I rearranged my blocks a bit just to see if there was anything else I liked as well.

       

   

I may do something totally different, we'll see, but so far this little dalliance has been invigorating. Not quite what you'd expect from reddish brown, is it? {wink}

Linking up with W.i.P. Wednesday.

W.i.P. Wednesday

It's been about a month since I reported in for W.i.P. Wednesday, but the good news is all the projects listed in that post are done! I'm working on a couple of projects this week, the main one being this mass of color.

I was inspired by both Poppyprint's Chess on the Steps, and All the Colours from shecanquilt - two quilts I keep going back to again and again. It has been suggested the piece I created looks like Montana, and I can't disagree. But I'm planning on trimming it up, adding some borders, and then who knows what - the truest kind of w.i.p.

As leader-enders, I've been making more cross-stitch blocks (tutorial by Pile O'Fabric). I'm working my way through my 3rd Kona Ash charm pack, and when I'm done with that, I think I'll finalize my design. There's no science to what scraps I'm using in these other than size, so it'll be kinda crazy scrappy.

So stay tuned. Lots to be decided to get these two to the finish line.

Linking up with W.i.P. Wednesday at Freshly Pieced.

W.i.P. Wednesday

Finally I'm feeling that yearning to get sewing again and I know exactly what I need to work on . . .

All the Postcard Blocks from FAITH Circle have been stitched into a quilt top. I have fabric for a simple but special quilt back, and a quilting pattern in mind. So all ready to get going on this one.

My latest Spiraled quilt top is pieced and basted even! Still debating the quilting on this one, but it won't take too long once I get going.

My project for Selfish Sewing Week, a Brookfield Bag, is coming right along and I'm pretty excited to finish it up! After a brief frustration installing the swivel clasp, all the hardware is set in place, and basically I just need to sew the lining in. yay.

So that's where I am. Hoping against hope to have all of these completed in the next week or so and see where October takes me!

Linking up with W.i.P. Wednesday.

{Wordless} W.i.P. Wednesday

Linking up with W.i.P. Wednesday.

W.i.P. Wednesday

Lately I've been working on my quilt top for the MQG Fabric Challenge . . .

Sponsored by Michael Miller, guild members received small bundles of Petal Pinwheels - the prints in the quilt top. I'll share more once the quilt is done, but I did add a coordinating cotton couture to each block. Clockwise from the upper left are coral, kryptonite, dirt, and fog. Aren't those great names? The block using seafoam didn't make it into the design, but it's a lovely aqua.

Pink Chalk Fabrics agreed to color match some Aurifil 50wt for me, which was really helpful. I happened to have a couple of the colors in the studio already, but am waiting for my order and look forward to quilting this one in color(s)!

photo by Pink Chalk Fabrics;

from top, Aurifil #2840 Loden Green, 2230 Medium Peony, 1231 Spring Green, 

2615 Aluminium, 2326 Sand

Linking up with W.i.P. Wednesday.

W.i.P. Wednesday

You know those times when you're hopping from one project to the next, have finished projects you can't show, and deadlines on projects that you have no idea for yet? Yeah, that's where I am. It's an unsettling place to be, so I'm trying not to stall but just keep working through it. 

The one thing that I'm keen on right now - even though I don't quite know the whole plan - is this "spiraled" redux. Thanks to Sara/Sew Sweetness for the bit of Jungle Ave. to play with, and really? What's not to love? I'm about half done piecing the top, while still facing some major decisions regarding the border.

The Un-Postage Stamp quilt - OK, so I've got my 1200-2 1/2" squares, and am using the tutorial by Louise/I'm Feelin' Crafty, adhering my squares to featherweight interfacing before sewing the blocks together. The photo below is actually 6 blocks put together, I have another 6 or so fused, and plenty more to go. I'm really enjoying the fusing bit, but not so much the sewing. And especially not the pressing. But I'll try to keep at this as I really want this to become a quilt.

Oh, and I'm calling it the "The Un-Postage Stamp quilt" as supposedly real Postage Stamp quilts have blocks that are 1" finished, and mine are 2". So far, my favorite alternate name for what I'm doing is the "Two-Cent Stamp" quilt. 

Cross-Stitch Blocks - This scrap project - cross-stitch blocks using the tutorial by Alyssa/Pile O'Fabric - I haven't touched in weeks. I decided 1 scrappy project at a time is enough, so this one's officially on hold for a bit.

I'm still collecting Rolling Diamonds blocks from the Mid-Century Modern Bee. These are blocks using the tutorial by knottygnome crafts and I'm really liking them!

A couple of projects I need to get going on, but still need inspiration for, involve 2 very different fabric bundles:

Michael Miller Fabric Challenge with The Modern Quilt Guild

#oakshottrubymini challenge with Sew Mama Sew

So that's where I am . . . lots of good stuff, but kinda searching for that inspiration and motivation. Trusting it'll come!

Linking up with W.i.P. Wednesday.

W.i.P. Wednesday

The last time I popped in for W.i.P. Wednesday, I was heading on retreat, and had more than a reasonable number of projects on my to do list. Three of those projects are now happily posted in the 2014 Quilts tab above - yay for that! Currently, here's what else I've got going . . .

Postage Stamp quilt - I did manage to finish cutting over 1200-2 1/2" squares, basically cutting up my stash.

I'm using the tutorial by Louise/I'm Feelin' Crafty, and adhering my squares to featherweight interfacing before sewing the blocks together. The top block shown below has its seams all sewn; the others have the squares pressed to the interfacing and are ready to be sewn. I was gung ho on getting on these the other night, and then managed to distract myself on other projects. oops.


Cross-Stitch Blocks - Here's another scrap project - cross-stitch blocks using the tutorial by Alyssa/Pile O'Fabric. I'm using Kona Ash charm squares as my base. I've got at least 50 x-pieces cut out, but for the pattern I have in mind, I'll need over 100 total, so I've got a ways to go. Haven't touched this one in weeks. I'd really like to finish the scrappy Postage Stamp quilt and then move on to this one.


I'm calling this one a w.i.p. even though I am still expecting a few blocks from my Mid-Century Modern Bee. These are Rolling Diamonds blocks from the tutorial by knottygnome crafts. I'm really liking these blocks!

I'm pattern-testing for Leanne/shecanquilt - her soon-to-be released "Canvas" based on her Colour Study quilts. I've really enjoyed this process, and am putting the finishing touches on my sample, so will be showing that off soon!


So that's what's actually in the works! And of course there's plenty more project ideas rolling around in my head . . . So it goes!

Linking up with W.i.P. Wednesday.

W.i.P. Wednesday

The good news: I'm going on retreat tomorrow with my local quilting buddies, the Basket Case Quilters. The bad news: I probably won't accomplish as much as I pack. But here's what I've got going:

• FAITH Circle quilt - This quilt was my plan for the group in February, and I'm beyond thrilled with the blocks I got back. They are Vice Versa blocks by gen x quilters, January's blocks in the BOM she's hosting. What a clever concept for blocks, and I'm really enjoying seeing them around about. The layout I chose using just 1 pair of blocks is quite different from the quilt AnneMarie designed. But I think it's all going to be just fine. So my goal is to get this top pieced, and then get to quilting it after the retreat.

• Mom's quilt top - You may remember the pillows I made for my mom last fall. Well Mom saw and liked the Disappearing 9-patch pattern on Pinterest, and I assured her it would be a great use for the leftover pillow fabric. I'm adding in a few stash prints so I can make it a nice lap quilt size, and though what you see below is as far as I've gotten, I have all the necessary squares cut out, so I'm hoping I can easily get this top pieced too.

• Mini Swoon - If I can get the above two tops pieced, this will be my reward. I've had the pattern and fabric chosen for a couple of months. At least now the pieces are all cut. We'll see how far I can get on this mini. Finished size is 19" square. Who knows? Maybe this will even be ready to hang in my studio by next week. One can hope!

• Postage Stamp quilt - In an effort to obliterate the contents of my overflowing scrap basket, I have two scrap projects in the works. Small bits are being cut into 2 1/2" squares. I have about 400 cut, but need around 1200 for a lap quilt. I'll keep cutting till it's time to pack, plus probably take a bag of scraps with me. I'll be using the tutorial by my friend Louise/I'm Feelin' Crafty, and adhering my squares to featherweight interfacing before sewing the blocks together.

• Cross-Stitch Blocks - Here's my other scrap project - cross-stitch blocks using the tutorial by Alyssa/Pile O'Fabric. I'm using Kona Ash charm squares as my base. I've got about 40 more x-pieces cut out, but for the pattern I have in mind, I'll need over 100 total, so I've got a ways to go there too. 

So what do you think? Do I have enough to keep me busy for the next few days? I kinda think so.

W.i.P. Wednesday

Figured I might as well pop in for W.i.P.Wednesday. After a couple of big finishes last week, I found myself kind of wandering around, wondering what to do next. Thankfully, I think I have a few ideas now.

I'd been debating what to do for the 2014 Pantone Challenge and suddenly a couple nights ago, I got inspired! I'd been wanting to try a Supernova improv quilt a la Quilting Modern, so why not multi-task?

Here it is up on the design wall. Due to night-time lighting the colors aren't real true, but close - a riot of color on a background of Essex Linen in Natural. There's bound to be some tweaking, but so far I'm liking it!

And my scrap basket has been overwhelming me again! So I started making some cross-stitch blocks, inspired by Pile O'Fabric. I'm hoping to keep going on these as I work on other projects too.

Besides these two, I started a lap quilt for my mom to go with her pillows, and I'm also still hoping to get going on a mini-Swoon. So at least I feel like I know where I'm headed again! Whew.

Linking up with W.i.P. Wednesday.

W.i.P. Wednesday

My last w.i.p. post was as I was heading off on retreat a couple of weeks ago, and I figured I owed you a report back! So here's what's gotten accomplished since then . . .

Finished Projects:
Christmas patchwork table runner - Using the tutorial by s.o.t.a.k handmade, I pieced the top at the retreat, and just finished binding (and washing!) it up last night. I'll post more about it yet this week, but here's a sneaky peek.

Riley Blake Meets Mango is done, and tonight at our guild meeting, we'll all be sharing our Riley Blake Challenge projects. That should be fun!

2 Kindle covers - These are already in the hands of their recipients! The tutorial by Ellison Lane is easy to follow, and I love the result.


SMQG January block of the month - Christmas Snowflake by Wooden Spoon - became a lovely 20" pillow! I like it so much, I'm making a coordinating one, and have all my 2" squares cut.

The Double Plus Quilt is coming right along. The pattern is by QuiltsbyEmily, and it's a fun one to put together! Eight blocks to go for a twin size.

I still need to shop for a backing and am mulling over a quilting plan for my City Sampler quilt top, but hope to get to it before long. Really. And the Mini Swoon daughter dear and I had planned to do in tandem at the retreat just didn't work out, but it's still definitely still on the list too. So a few smaller projects done, good progress on a quilt, and more good stuff in the works. So far, so good.

Linking up with W.i.P. Wednesday.

W.i.P. Wednesday

January has had me focusing on just a few items - bee blocks, a quilt with a deadline, and my City Sampler quilt top, now safely linked up over at Sew Sweetness. It remains a w.i.p. as I mull over a quilting plan.


But meanwhile, this next weekend, the Seattle Modern Quilt Guild is going on retreat, which is perfect timing to make some progress on a variety of other projects - some already begun, and some ready to move forward on.

1. Christmas patchwork table runner - tutorial by s.o.t.a.k handmade; I made this pattern twice before Christmas, and have been wanting to make one up for myself ever since.
2. Riley Blake Challenge mini quilt - the top is done; now it needs to be quilted!
3. 2 Kindle covers - fabric chosen; I'll be using the tutorial by Ellison Lane, which I've made twice before with great success
4. Mini Swoon quilt - The pattern, of course, is by Camille Roskelley, and this mini will be the latest in a long line of Swoon quilts. I'll try and share them all when this one's done. Anyway, I'll be using Dowry by Anna Maria Horner. 

5. SMQG block of the month - The BOM is a new effort for the guild. January's block is the
Christmas Snowflake by Wooden Spoon. I'll be making mine into a 20" pillow, with fabrics that will coordinate with my Christmas quilt and tree skirt.

6. Charity quilt - The pattern I've chosen is Double Plus Quilt, pattern by QuiltsbyEmily. I have a perfect piece of Alexander Henry's Heath for the background, and will be pulling some stash prints for the crosses.

That should keep me busy, eh?

Linking up with W.i.P. Wednesday.

W.i.P. Wednesday

Piecing of rows has begun. I'm sewing right out of the book, and already I see a block, maybe two, that I will relocate eventually. But for now, I'm just sewing rows. Giddy.

Linking up with W.i.P. Wednesday.

W.i.P. Wednesday

It's kind of ironic - or maybe not - that the last time I did a W.i.P. Wednesday post, our home was entering a stage of unrest, so to speak, in the form of a new flooring project. Finally, finally, by last night the work was done, the furniture moved back where it belonged, and the last box unpacked, just in time for the first Thanksgiving houseguests to arrive. So six weeks later the relief is palpable, as you might expect, and in spite of the upheaval, I'm pleased with what I've managed to get done. Most of the finished projects have had their own post, so I'll just link to those in case you missed them the first go-round.

Finished projects
Mini Quilt Swap project - This was a super fun experiment and my partner seemed to like it. And I'm happy that due to my over-zealousness in crazy-piecing, I have lots of bits to work into another project.

Pillow Trio for mom - These were great fun to make. Mom chose the fabric, the pattern, and the quilting designs. At 20" each, they make a statement, and boy do they look great on her couches.

'For Pleat's Sake' Tote - Totes aren't a frequent project for me, but I had special fabric for this one, and with it being my first use of leather handles, it was a nice adventure. Let's say I've been carrying it every day since.

November bee blocks - Enough said. Enjoyed them and they are all mailed off. Yay.

Matchstick-quilted mug rug - One night I just had to drop everything and do this. Small yet satisfying, I can't wait to do it again.

Lined drawstring gift bag - This probably didn't get a mention in a post, but that doesn't mean it wasn't pretty, pink, and perfect for grandgirl's birthday present.

Current projects

City Sampler Quilt Along - I've managed to keep up with the weekly blocks and they continue to be a pleasant diversion every time. Here's a few of my favorites made during these last few weeks.

Binary quilt challenge for SMQG - The deadline is just 10 days away, so this is going to be tight. I'm just over one-third of the way into the quilting. Here's a peek of the center panel that is quilted. If I have any moments at all to sneak into the studio over the long weekend, this is what I'll be working on.

Riley Blake challenge - Has not been touched since last W.i.P. Wednesday, but I've got time. (Famous last words, right?)

Upcoming projects
* more City Sampler blocks
* SMQG Christmas swap gift - Also need to have this done by 12/7/13. Yikes.

* Polaroid Quilt - On my FAL Q4 list, I'm still hoping to get done by 12/31/13!
* pillow for grandgirl
* another scrappy quilt
* a Nora Clutch

Linking up with W.i.P. Wednesday at Freshly Pieced.

W.i.P. Wednesday

Life at our house is turning topsy-turvy this week in the form of emptying out rooms, the word "demolition" added to our vocabulary, and the anticipation of new flooring. W.i.P. Wednesday seemed a good way to keep track of what I'm up to project-wise, just in case the chance to sew vaporizes for a bit.

Current projects

City Sampler Quilt Along - so far so good at keeping up with the 3 blocks a week and hoping that can continue.

Mini Quilt Swap project - this is what I've been working on the last several days. Fabric is cut for a pieced backing, and a new-to-me technique is niggling in my mind to finish it up. At this point, the mini quilt top has been a very colorful journey, not without some self-doubt. But I'm pretty excited about it now and anxious to get quilting on it. Oh and my scrap basket has taken a serious hit, which is a good thing!

Riley Blake challenge - I have a tentative plan using my Mango block and have just begun cutting and piecing.

Upcoming projects - I have fabric and pattern all set for several of these - just need to put in the time.

* pillows for mom

* more City Sampler blocks
* 'For Pleat's Sake' Tote

* Binary quilt challenge for SMQG

* Polaroid Quilt
* pillow for grandgirl
* another scrappy quilt
* URHere round 2
* a Nora Clutch

Linking up with W.i.P. Wednesday at Freshly Pieced.