Process

What seems like ages ago, I signed a statement that, whether you realize it or not, has affected my sharing on this blog, and in fact the course of my quilting and creating in general. I took the Process Pledge. And so have 866 others of you. Take this as a reminder - or a new consideration - that sharing your process is a gift to others. And for me, it is a gift to myself as well, enhancing my enjoyment of my craft. It adds a thoughtfulness to each step along the way, and a greater satisfaction in the end product. In writing "the story" of a project, it tends to elevate the experience, making it so much more than a task accomplished.

So consider this post a prologue about one of my current projects, a half-square triangle quilt made in collaboration with the FAITH circle of do.Good Stitches. It started with me posting sample blocks and giving my bee-mates size and color info.

As blocks began to arrive, I made a mosaic to get an idea of where we were heading.

And eventually, I pieced most of the blocks into our quilt top! (It was hard to take it off the design wall, I was enjoying it so much!)

The remaining blocks were pieced into a backing. It took some consideration and moving back and forth before I settled on what "went together" best for the front and then the back. I like to think of this more of a two-sided quilt than most I make. And I think all the lovely hsts make that true.

Finally! My most dreaded of steps - the basting. Usually I clamp the backing onto my dining table . . .

Then first spray baste the batting down, one section at a time, then arrange the top and baste it one section at a time. I tend to spray baste most often, as I find I have less shifting when it comes to the actual quilting. And it is just plain faster for me, which I appreciate.

And then it's time for quilting. I really thought all the angles in this quilt design called for some straight-line. For this quilt, I'm stitching at 3/4" intervals, with white Aurifil.

So here's where I am now - actually just a tad further. I figure I'm about 1/3 done, so it'll be a few more hours, but I really like how it's coming along. I'm stitching a few rows, then marking several more with my ruler and hera marker, then stitching those, etc. back and forth. 

So stay tuned . . . for the rest of the story.

Linking up with Fabric Tuesday.

Random

Well, you've seen them throughout the last few weeks, but here's a final glance at my blocks for the 4x5 modern Quilt Bee, Quarter 4, Hive 1.

It's really fun to make these blocks in each bee member's chosen palette. They went in the mail Saturday - and the crazy thing is where they all are headed: the closest is just a hop, skip, and jump to L.A., next Delaware, Alberta, Australia(!), AND MOROCCO! It's just amazing to me that quilters from all over the world can connect and help each other make some beautiful quilts. Cool.

And I have received one Q4 block already - from Wendy in Australia!

And more excitement in the A Quilter's Table flickr group - a mini by Katie of Unconventional Katie! Isn't it cute? And I'm hearing rumors of more Mini X quilts . . .

Mini X's

Another thing - I'm curious if any of you have signed The Process Pledge.

"The goal of the process pledge is to create a new sensibility in quilting blogs where we don’t just show finishes or occasionally confess about our moments of indecision, but chat openly and often about our works in progress, our inspirations, and our moments of decision."

Rossie of rossie blog, posted her pledge May 14, 2010, and I am #768 to sign it. Like there are alot of quilters out there who have made this commitment in the last 18 months! I feel like I have been living out this pledge, but let's just say I'm glad to have finally read Rossie's post and actually signed the pledge.

Lastly, I just read a post on asterisk blocks by Kate of needle and spatula, which I found very interesting. {here} If any of you have tried this block, I'd love to hear from you - it's definitely on my list for 2012!