Quick Curve Ruler

I purchased the Quick Curve Ruler a couple of years ago but had never unwrapped it and put it to use.  Mission accomplished!
I needed (wanted) a table runner for a birthday present so I decided the time was right.  I have a few questions about getting things to line up but for a first attempt it's not too bad.

16 x 44.5 inches

back side to show quilting

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White whole cloth finished

Two weeks ago I met with friends for several days of sewing.  I had finished quilting my white whole cloth but needed to sew down the binding.  I then attached hot fix pearls.  I'm excited how it turned out!

Started September 2012, Cindy Needham Whole Cloth Design Workshop.
Finished July 2015.  Yea!!!!

I used this as a UFO Challenge for my guild.  Of course, even my application was a UFO.  I didn't ever get around to submitting a photo.

38 x 38 inches

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Catching up on BOM

I spent yesterday and today catching up on a BOM program I started with BJ's Quilt Basket in Bend, OR.  I found the shop when I was investigating attending the Sisters Quilt show.  The trip ended up being postponed to another year, but I really liked one of their BOM's.  I'm doing Timeless Treasures, 90 x 90 inches.  It's a non-mystery BOM.  Obviously, I don't get to attend their monthly meetings to see what everyone else is doing, but it's still fun.  I have completed all of the pieced blocks so far, but postponed doing the applique until after I took the class with Philippa Naylor.  Now I'm ready!

Each month I make one 12 inch and two 6 inch blocks.

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Independence Day sewing

Today I spent time at my machine catching up on BOM for one of my guilds.  This year the person in charge allowed us to select one block, then each month she gives us a color and we make our block in that color.  When I finally picked the block I wanted to use I cut out several anticipating colors that would probably be used during the year.  The following months I just cut "kits" rather than sewing only one block each month.  Today I sewed 6 blocks together.  (Actually 4 complete blocks and two half done blocks.)  It's supposed to be secret, but I don't know of any guild members who read my blog so I think I'm OK.  Here's what I have so far.

The upper left is very dark blue.  The brown was one of

the early blocks.  The square around the center does not

"pulse" like some of the others.  I don't know yet if I'll add

sashing strips or put it together like this.  We still have 5 months.

The green and gray are not finished.  I decided I didn't like the center square.

The block is called "Supernova".  17 1/2 inches.

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Happy 4th of July!

The show is over!

Last weekend was our big Seven Sisters Quilt Show.  Once again it was a successful show for everyone involved.  I didn't win a formally judged award, but "Vintage Moments" won a sponsored award for traditional pieced, large quilt.  yea!!  Although I don't make quilts to get awards, it's always nice to have your work acknowledged and appreciated.

I need to spend some time getting the studio back in shape.  There are show papers and stuff everywhere!!  I've got to get it all boxed up and back in storage.  My next goal:  get caught up on BOMs.

I still laugh when I think about not wanting to take the class
to make this quilt.  It was a fun class and I've won two awards!

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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.

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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.

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