Variations

Last month when I took our guild's Traditional Variations class with Cheryl Arkison, I didn't really plan on starting a new quilt. I mean, Cheryl even said as much as our session began - we were there to play, with no end result necessary. But whatever, right?

During class, I played with scraps, and that continued over the next few weeks until I just had to pull from stash a tiny bit to finish some of the larger blocks. Not quite sure why I was so liberal with the block sizes, but that was part of the fun. They ranged from 9" x 15" to 20" x 21".

So somewhere along the way, I decided to create a lap-sized quilt, and at 54" x 65", it's pretty perfect. For a backing, I was really happy to find that the good-sized piece of Denyse Schmidt's Big Dot from her  Franklin line coordinated nicely. To bring it to size, I added Lori Holt's Cross Stitch, one of her backgrounds, some scraps of which are in my blocks as well.

Quilting was a simple diagonal grid, and for binding, I cut from a leftover piece of Carolyn Friedlander's Doe wideback - that thing has been a part of several of my quilts - I just can't seem to use it up!

Anyway, this one was really satisfying fabric play, just as it should have been.

Traditional Variations

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of taking a Zoom class with Seattle MQG. As with so many of you, it's been a year now that we've been able to meet in person, though our monthly virtual meetings are still a highlight. Anyway, the class was "Traditional Variations" with Cheryl Arkison.

There were several traditional blocks we could work with, and I chose the classic and familiar log cabin. Maybe I could have challenged myself more, but familiar felt good in the moment.

For fabric, scraps also felt good and comfy, and I selected various green and purple strips, along with pulling my low-volume bin close to grab from as I sewed.

The whole point was to play with variations Cheryl suggested - exercises in size, shape, minimalism, etc. etc. I made several blocks in class, and have continued on - at least until the scraps run out. We'll see.

Obviously I need to finish that QuiltCon Together project and remove my 'Zoom background' before I can really fill up the design wall. So stay tuned. It'll happen.

Begin with Red

It's just the way I am. Before a big event - happy, sad, or just plain fun, you'll find me a little restless. I've gotten used to it, and it really isn't that bothersome now that I recognize it, but that's exactly how I was feeling the day or two before I left for QuiltCon. What settled me, was being able to sew.

And what I was inclined to make was a log cabin that began like so many others before it, with a red center. The photo above is how far I got getting my nervous energy out. Then I added to it once I got home (below).

At first I started quilting a different design in each section, but that got old quick, considering I was using my walking foot, and before long I switched to larger-scale designs that went a little quicker.

What I ended up with was a single 46" x 52" log cabin 'block', pieced and quilted on my whim, and finished with just a smidge of matched binding.

Nothing fancy but it was just what I needed.

Hewn

Remember me telling you about Curated Quilts, the new quarterly quilting journal coming out soon? Well one of the features in each issue is a mini quilt challenge. For the second issue, the call for log cabin quilts has been announced. In fact, the deadline is coming soon - October 1!

I can't honestly say that what I'm submitting is quite the result I may have gone after if it hadn't been for the traveling I've done the last several days. Ie. I knew I'd be away from my machine for a while, and the week waiting for me when I returned didn't guarantee much sewing time either. So when I managed to get a quilt top done before I left, I knew the only logical way to proceed was with hand-quilting.

Which is all fine and good. I've had plenty of experience at it back in the day, but lately not so much. And with the use of both Art Gallery denim and Essex linen in the piece, the thickness varied quite alot, and my stitches were kind of wobbly and uneven. You know - a very handmade look. The best part, though, was the thread I used - Aurifil 28wt #2625 (Arctic Ice). It was a first for me, as far as hand-quilting goes, and it stitched oh-so-smooth.

By the way, the backing I'd found in my stash was pretty perfect, I thought. In person, the colors really mesh with those of the required palette. Which reminds me - there was a required palette! What I saw in the photo posted was gray, tan, coral, gold, and pink. I read somewhere that the gray was really 'a soft navy', which is why I chose the denim. At any rate, it was a really captivating palette for me, and very enjoyable to work with.

One other little issue, though, was that I took the opportunity to use a machine I was quite unfamiliar with to sew on the binding. Don't get me wrong - it was a delight having a brief sewing spell in a borrowed (with permission!) sewing room, but it was kind of like sewing in Greek - none of the buttons were familiar, and I wasn't about to switch out the walking foot, thus my seam allowances weren't as precise as normal, and that resulted in a bit of bunching in the finished binding. In an odd sort of way, maybe that just adds to the wonky log cabin and the imperfect quilting, eh?



Whatever, it was a very enjoyable sew and gave me some hand-stitching for the car ride. Finishing at 15" square, it's the smallest quilt I've made in a while, and I confess, that was a bonus. Perfect it's not, but who ever said it all had to be? ....Exactly.

Linking up with Curated Quilts' Call for Entries - Log Cabin Mini Quilt.

Archipelago

Definition #3 according to Merriam-Webster: "a group or scattering of similar things" .... which is exactly what I set out to create in my latest quilt. What led me to even think of Archipelago as a quilt name was my use of Bahama, one of the Free Spirit Designer Essentials, as my background fabric. I intentionally opted for a color outside my norm, and it was an enjoyable diversion.

A modern interpretation of the very traditional log cabin block, this quilt was made intentionally as an entry to 2017 QuiltCon's American Patchwork & Quilting Nine-Patch Challenge. Whether or not anyone else thinks it qualifies as a nine-patch remains to be seen, but meanwhile, its blocks were exceedingly satisfying to make and the finish pretty darn close to what I'd had in my mind's eye when I began.

The one frustration - and there certainly was one - was the quilting. Measuring 75"x88", this quilt was bigger than I was comfortable with to quilt as I'd originally hoped - something with alot of turning that echoed the mood and shape of the blocks. My second idea was to free-motion quilt it, still with that echo in mind. But within 15 minutes of that, I could feel the stress rising dramatically and knew I wasn't up for what it would take - or do it well. Fast-forward through several tedious unpicking sessions, and I got back to it, this time with an angled grid that I felt pretty good about. I usually quilt much denser, so I'm not real keen on the looseness of the fabric in some portions of the grid; yet on the other hand, it fits the scale and odd angles of the blocks. I used Aurifil 50wt 5006 (light turquoise), a lovely shade that is visible enough while still nestling in discreetly.

Finished off with faced binding, I'll honestly say though I'm very pleased with the result, I'm glad it's done. Though piecing the blocks was quite fun, this one reminded me that a discomfort quilting larger quilts still exists. oh well.

 This quilt was on my Q4 FAL2016 list! 

Steeped in Tradition

This adventure all started with a very simple block. Improvisational and minimalistic, it was created for Bee Sewcial, and fulfilled my goal to "make it mean something."

So off it went to my bee-mate Hillary/entropyalwayswins, but I often thought of it after, drawn to the way the inspiration of modern steeped in tradition had resulted in a very sparse log cabin block. So finally, I tried to recreate it and then some.

This kind of quilt just sort of evolves. I never knew what the next side of the 'cabin' would be until it was. It was also hard to know when to stop. But after letting it sit for a while, I guess the above block felt right as a focal point, so I simply framed it and let it be.

Built with a variety of neutrals - both prints and solids - on a background of gray interweave chambray, these fabrics made such good companions.

So what kind of backing does a modern traditional block deserve? What else, but another, this time in bold scrappy solids.

Using a rich Aurifil 50wt #5004 (Grey Smoke), I quilted in a squared spiral, reminiscent of the piecing rhythm of the most traditional log cabin block.

Measuring just under 36" square, finished off with matched binding, and dubbed "Steeped in Tradition," I'm pretty sure I want to visit there again.

Progress

Progress seems achingly slow 'round these parts. But I did manage to piece a back for the minimalistic log cabin quilt I showed you several days ago, using the same interweave chambray in pepper that I used on the front. Instead of the cabin logs being neutrals - this time they are all bright solids, and all scraps - thus the random use of color.

Since the logs on the front of the quilt were quite skinny, I decided to make the ones on the back chunkier, and I'm regretting that choice. Still, I moved forward with quilting, and now I'm working on binding this piece up. Already I know it's not turning into quite what I had seen in my mind's eye at the start, but so it goes ....

Linking up with Scraptastic Tuesday and W.i.P. Wednesday.

The Minimum

A couple of months ago, I made a block for Hillary/entropyalwayswins in Bee Sewcial inspired by the notion of how modern quilters are steeped so deeply in tradition, and that led to a very sparse log cabin block. The fact is, I kept thinking about that little block, wanting to recreate it. So when I got a chance to play last weekend, I started in.

It felt good, so I kept going. I'm pretty sure my background fabric is an interweave chambray in pepper by Robert Kaufman. All the cabin logs are neutrals - a few cut from yardage, but most pulled from the scrap basket. The majority are solids, but some are favorite low-volume prints.

Truly, I made trimming and fabric decisions as I rounded each corner, which was so darn satisfying - pretty much my favorite method of sewing these days.

After 3 rounds, I had to let my piece set for a few days as I mulled over where to take it next. I sketched some layout possibilities and finally settled on a pretty basic plan, keeping what I'd already done as the focus. So it's not very big - about 36" square - and now I'm mulling over a pieced backing, hoping to make that process as fun as the front.

I'm curious . . . what % of the time do you know where you're going with a project versus the times you figure it out as you go? 

W.i.P. Wednesday . . . or Not

Well I am in a bit of a quandary . . . It's W.i.P. Wednesday, to be sure, but I have nothing in the works. I'm at the rare but hopefully brief point in time where my w.i.p.s are caught up and it's time to jump into new projects. Add to the mix a few days sorting Polaroid blocks and a little get-away with hubby, and well, there you go. So I'll share what I've completed of last week's w.i.p.s and just not link up today.

Completed projects
Zakka Style Sew-Along project #22: Pleated Coin Purse - It's crazy that with a hobby you love there are actually projects that strike fear in your heart! (funny, but serious) And this innocent-looking metal frame did in mine. But it needn't have. I chose a couple of fav fabrics, followed the instructions in the Zakka book to a T, and before long I had a darling little purse pre-frame. I did veer off then and take a try at sewing my frame on, since it had sewing holes that were calling to me. Since then, I've heard horror stories about gluing in frames, but undoubtedly, I'll need to try that one of these days too. Cuz let's just end here by saying this won't be my last frame purse. (complete post here)

Improv Log-Cabin Quilt - I feel like I've shared alot about this little quilt (approx. 30" by 36"). You can read  all about it here and here.

Zakka Style Sew-Along project #23: Happy Garland Message Board - This was a quick and easy little project - complete post coming soon!

Upcoming projects
* more Zakka - only one more to go! (sad but true)
* a quilt to coordinate with my Christmas tree skirt
* scrappy Metrolink
* Modern Cross quilt for my sister-in-law
* EZ Dresden Challenge project
* another frame purse NEW
* Mod Pop QAL NEW
* ??

Hopefully more w.i.p.s to show off next week!

Improv Achieved

There is so much I want to try as far as improv is concerned, but that doesn't make me any less pleased that I finished this little quilt. The process was together an experience, and an achievement.

The front began with the improvisational log cabin block I made in class in July (upper right). I made three more blocks, simpler in design but coordinating somewhat, and pieced them together with some Essex linen in Putty. I loved this earthy color and texture with the orange and pink blocks.

For the back, I pieced together the rest of my sample technique blocks from class, using the new Kona Mushroon in my stash. You can see how it goes with the Kona Coal in the blocks on the right. (Personally, I like it.)

I used a previously untried stitch on my machine for the quilting - a somewhat ziggedy-zag, which I felt added alot of interest to the random shapes and angles of the improv blocks.

For binding, I used up several of the block scraps, which I'd really become quite fond of, and balanced them off with some Lizzy House Jewels in Pumpkin.

All in all this was a very fun foray into improv, and I really look forward to the next adventure!

Linking with Little Quilt Monday and Fabric Tuesday! Also linking up with at the end of my hallway.

W.i.P. Wednesday

Just a last-minute reminder that if you'd like to link up to Tuesday at the {herbal} Table, the deadline is midnight tonight! Any table projects out there? We'd love to see them and you'd have a chance at a great prize! Meanwhile, it's W.i.P. Wednesday, and time to check out what's been going on in the sewing room.

Completed projects
Zakka Style Sew-Along project #21: Sweet Memories Photo Frame - The patchwork was the most enjoyabel part of this little project. That and taking it to the office where it coordinates great with the quilt hanging out there.

Ongoing projects
Improv Log-Cabin Quilt - The process alone has been worth the time spent on this little quilt. I tell ya, the Essex is awesome to quilt. I'll share more about this project when it's time for a wrap-up post. Obviously, now it's time for binding . . .

Zakka Style Sew-Along project #22: Pleated Coin Purse - I've almost got the 'purse' all stitched up & ready to try my hand at attaching the frame. So far so good, but I'm kinda nervous about the last step!

I've also been a little busy dealing with Polaroid blocks, but it's going really well! Can hardly stand the cuteness of some of the blocks!

Upcoming projects
* more Zakka - only two more to go! (sad but true)
* a quilt to coordinate with my Christmas tree skirt
* scrappy Metrolink
* Modern Cross quilt for my sister-in-law
* EZ Dresden Challenge project

Linking up with W.i.P. Wednesday, where Michelle of City House Studio is hosting!

Random

Morning! I'm hoping you'll help me choose a prize for August's Tuesday at the {herbal} Table feature by checking out the short questionnaire on A Quilter's Table facebook page. You'd be doing all of us a favor!

For those of you that like weekly link-ups, Marci of Marci Girl Designs clued me in about the master list being built on from blank pages. Kind of fun . . . and of course I added Tuesday at the Table at Marci's suggestion. I'm hoping you'll consider linking up this month as we enjoy cooking and baking with herbs. Though as always, that's just the theme I'll be exploring - any recipe or table-related post is welcome!

Did you happen to see Rachel of Stitched in Color discuss some of the new Kona solids this week? It gives you a good idea of some new options. I'm anxious to try some. Have you?

I'm also curious if anyone's used Julie/Jaybird Quilts new Hex N More ruler? It makes 4 shapes in 4 sizes. It seems pretty clever.

Daughter dear just used the improv log cabin block she made in Katie's class, and finished it up as a mini quilt. That inspired me to pull out the block I made too (lower right corner). I had in mind to make a few more that coordinate, for a tad larger quilt. Not quite sure if I'll stop here or keep going . . .

The ultimate randomness is to share a pic I took yesterday in my yard, practicing settings on my camera. So there you go . . . hope you all have a nice weekend!

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.