Minimal Day :: The Quilt Top

Though all the blocks for this year's Seattle MQG BOM have been presented, our hostess Jonna/@bespokeoutlaw will yet be presenting some ideas for quilting. Basically, our assignment this month was to sew our quilt top together. Jonna offered some suggestions for filling in the couple of blank half-blocks, but I kind of liked the openness they offered and just let them be.

I'm still debating whether or not to add borders of some sort. That decision will probably wait until I'm ready to start quilting. But it feels good to have traveled this far.... appliqueing no less! And I'm glad I took up the challenge. 

Minimal Day :: Loop

I need to have my eyes checked. Seriously. So short story, I had a little trouble seeing the minute detail of this month's block block-of-the-month for Seattle MQG - a loop involving both some serious curves as well as a deep “v” in the loop itself.

So a few tiny stitches may be visible, but I'm ok with that because everything appears secure and basically as it should be.

So far, so good, and now to wait patiently for next month....

Minimal Day :: Facets

The latest block-of-the-month for Seattle MQG was inspired by three facets of an emerald cut stone and provided several new techniques: stitching points of varying degrees, overlapping appliqué pieces, and butting two points together.  The elements were also free-floating within the block, so we had to use an overlay to help with placing them.

I'd never used an overlay with appliqué before, so that was interesting - and good to know! I used a ziploc bag and a sharpie, and it worked just fine. My 'straight' stitched edges are just a tad wobbly, but that seems to be a peril using voile.

So this was our fifth block design, and I'm loving where it's taking me.

Minimal Day :: Bias Curves

It's the most amazing thing. But so many in the Seattle MQG are completely smitten with this year's block-of-the-month, figuratively sitting on the edge of their seats waiting for the next block assignment to be revealed. And I'm right with them.

The latest blocks have bias curves, and despite the necessary use of a template for placement, all went very smooth. I happened to already have the suggested 1/2" bias tape maker, so that made easy work of making the tape. And even though I prepped the block elements fully planning on stitching them up on an upcoming road trip, I found them so tempting, I stitched them right up. Here are all my blocks so far. Obviously, I'm anxious to see what's next!!

Minimal Day :: Quarter Opals

One of the perks of being a part of the Seattle MQG is the annual block-of-the-month. In 2015, we did medallion quilts [here's my Confectionery], last year was improv [mine is currently in the quilting phase], and this year.....it's all about needle-turn applique!

Jonna/@bespokeoutlaw is behind it all, and our project is inspired by two pieces of jewelry designed by her great uncle, Russell Day. Intriguing already, right?

photo by Jonna Erickson-Outlaw

In January, we gathered supplies, and now in February, we have the the instructions for our first blocks: Quarter Opals. With the option of making a wall-hanging or a lap-sized "Minimal Day Sampler," I'm choosing the smaller project. After rummaging in my stash, I chose a piece of Carolyn Friedlander's euclid as my background fabric, and a bundle of Anna Maria Horner voile scraps for the applique. [The prints are from her Little Folks line; the brown, I'm not sure.]

Having done plenty of applique back in my early quilting days, at least these gentle curves were quickly accomplished. Now I'm anxious for next month, though Jonna has already uttered that dreaded word.... templates!

If you want to follow along, a supply list and each month's blocks instructions can be found on the Seattle MQG website. We're tagging our Instagram posts with #seamqgbom2017 and #minimaldaysampler.