Where does the time go?

I've been busy getting ready for our BIG quilt show next weekend.  Seven Sisters Quilt Show, San Luis Obispo, CA.  It's a lot of fun, but a lot of work over many months.

I just have a few little things to show.

I embroidered the show name on aprons to be used by my committee.

Last night I wanted mindless work to do . . . . I was tired but wanted
to make something.  This was fabric I was never going to use in a quilt
and I had enough to make napkins.  The red ones are slightly
smaller, but a useable (dinner) size.

I purchased an embroidery CD by Anita Goodesign.  A friend made a
Halloween "black" work quilt.  I'm doing the thread work on machine so it
might actually get done.  I'll add sashing, borders, quilt it and call it done.
There are 20 different designs to select from.

I worked on the quilt I started in a Cindy Needham workshop in 2013(?).  The quilting is finished; binding attached but now sewn down.  I've ordered crystals and pearls to smother the quilt with sparkle.  It looks better from a distance than close up.  But it's DONE!

I thought I might sew the binding last night, but I cut my finger and
didn't want to chance getting blood on the white!

I basted with water soluble thread.  I still have to rinse the quilt so it dissolves.

Thanks for checking in.
Happy Father's Day!

Sue Garman, guild class

Yesterday I had the opportunity to take a class with Sue Garman from Texas.  I'm drawn to her work but do not do hand applique so I only admired from afar.  A friend's guild (of which I am a previous member) had her scheduled for a lecture and workshop.  I contacted Sue in advance to get the OK to not do the hand applique.  She graciously said "Join us!"  I had to wait in the wings to see if there was room after the guild members signed up.

Her lecture Thursday evening was very inspiring.  I liked how she would say "See this design . .  remember it" and it would appear in another quilt later with a modification.  She mentioned know your weaknesses and find a way to work around them.  (Me with applique!)  Even though most of the quilts were shown on power point, she left you wanting more.

I enjoyed the class.  She had techniques and suggestions, but encouraged you to find what works best for you.  I made my first block using freezer paper and starch.  Finished it when I got home.  Today I made a second block using techniques from Philippa Naylor's class.  I think this is going to be the one I keep.

This is my first block.  I still have to attach a center section in both blocks.
Although I was happy with this block, look below to see my second attempt.

Second attempt.  Using fusible interfacing allowed me to be more
accurate.  I like how the inner circle better fills the space.  I need to
work on getting the "spider" more even.  Overall, I'm happy.

Thanks for checking in.

Guild Challenge Quilt

The theme for this year's guild challenge was "scavenger hunt".  I did mine similar to an I Spy and had about 24 of 44 items on the list.  Some members were able to include all 44 items on the list in their quilt.  Great ideas.  I liked mine well enough that I made it a little larger than originally planned so I could acutally use it.

Flying Geese.

Two items on the list were 1/2 square and 1/4 square trianges.
Can you find them in the photo?

I made blocks to exchange with a friendship group.  They're
all wrapped up and ready to deliver.  I didn't think to take a
photo before I wrapped them.  I'll show the ones I get in a
later post.

Thanks for checking in.