My glass is half full aka The Distant View

   A finish finally on the floral log cabin quilt.  Big sigh.   I was beginning to think it would be a couple more months to pull this one off.   Yet, my wrist felt better after  a week of rest and I finished up adding the binding.
  I began working and planning this quilt in March.....this post.... has the block recipe/cutting and measurements that I used.
Then in this post in April I was beginning the layout and talked about second guessing myself in the fabric choices.







  Along the way, I did work on another quilt or two, and one had to get quilted.

   Fast forward to August and here we are!   She is done...quilted and bound.
Floral log half cabin blocks are set on point.  By paying attention to  the placement of the values of the fabric, the last round in the log cabin becomes the "trellis" that we are viewing the garden through.

 

      Placing the lightest value fabric at the top creates that dimensional effect of the garden in the distance.

    The setting triangles are a deep green with a faint tonal print.  I like the way it sets off the blocks and makes things pop.
While I quilted swirls thru the blocks, I stitched feathers in the setting triangles that make the border.

   To carry the florals to the edge, I debated on a floral binding.  Instead I decided on a flange binding using the floral as the faux piping.  I love how it turned out.

  I had printed up a label a few weeks ago, calling this  A Distant View.
You can see the binding flange here.

  Anyway, as I was sewing on the binding, my mind wandered.  I thought about  the trick this block creates and fools the eye to think we are viewing the distance.  And it came to me that altering our position or stance creates a different view.

Insight:   We can look backward, or forward.  Hindsight gives us wisdom sometimes.  Looking forward gives us options, choices we can make.


 
  So I decided this quilt should have a nickname.  And noted it on the label.  My glass is half full......my choice as I move forward.   The last 2 years have drained my glass, yet I will not let it keep me down.  My life, my choice.

   The Crepe Myrtles in the back are almost finished with their glorious blooms.  One low hanging branch  over the deck needs to be trimmed back, but before we do that, a photo or two.

    My Glass is Half Full aka A Distant View is 55'' by 66'' .  Machine pieced and quilted with swirls and feathers.  Binding is a 2 fabric  flange binding.  I have used this several times before as it is easy for me since I only machine stitch now.  Tutorial can be found at Missouri Star Quilts.




  I'm going to relax a day or two and just enjoy this finish.  Then I will jump in and pin to quilt the garlic knots top.   Enjoy your week, and stitch on.

Happy stitching.

Insights

   I began blogging in 2009, as a way to document my passion for quilting, and to learn a new trick----i.e. the computer skills for blogging :)   Along the way I gain some practical skills, renewed my love for writing and words, and developed a perspective as to why I quilt.  
   
   Those perspectives turned into what I labeled "insights".  Some times the insight was about a block, layout, or technique.  Other times it was to listen to my gut instinct.   Once I shared the insight I read in a fortune cookie.....  It was just appropriate for me at that very time.    I learned about life, my life, through my quilting.   I recognized that people cross our paths, enter our lives for a season and a reason. And those lessons turned into my insights.  

   A day or so ago, I left a comment on a blog I follow about the many donation quilts she had stacked up.  A little nugget, a special gem of words, painted a picture of why many of us quilt.  
         We will mark our path by the trail of quilts we give away.

   For every quilt we make and share, we do leave a mark on some one's life.  We work long and hard on our piecing, learning quilting techniques.  We take classes.  We buy books and fabrics and notions.  We fret if the color is not right, or a star point is off.  And then we revel in the twinkle in eye of the recipient, the special hug and smile of the gift from our hands.    We are there in disasters, and times of pain and trouble.  We give to children's ministries, we take quilts to nursing homes, and hospitals.  We seek out neighbors, and strangers to wrap in comfort and love.  
  
   We have often been told to find a need and fill it.  Quilters just do this instinctively.   The blog world has many wonderful groups filling those needs.
        We will mark our path by the trail of quilts we give away.
Happy stitching.  

More from the 16 patch farm!

  The baby quilt is pinned for quilting and the binding is pressed and ready for finishing.  Just the quilting needs to be done.  I am seeking inspiration on that part or I will be resigned to meandering.  But I have a few days to contemplate it all. 


  So I visited the 16 patch farm.....the blocks were sitting by the iron and needed the final pressing.  I put up a crop of the darker blocks--shade garden blocks---to the left.  To the right went the second crop of the lighter blocks that jumble together like a country garden. 
  I could see a couple of blocks that needed to be switched to the other side.  Why so  narrow, you ask?  My thought here was to make narrow throws for the foot of the bed---foot warmer style.  I sort of thought they would be more useful for us. 
  Since the blocks will finish at 6'', I need to make a few more to have enough length.

    Over the weekend I made more  blocks while watching a movie.  Then I began playing on the design wall....and everything got jumbled and moved around.   Seeing the photo now, I think I made a mistake.  I like this better on the design wall but not in the photo. 

Insight:  Remember this trick....a photo does not lie.  I need to like the photo and the design wall layout!
 
That's okay, I can take it all down and add a few more blocks to the mix.  Then I can see what the farm crop yields the next time:)

  Two small trees are decorated and a few bit of Christmas decor spread around.  A small bit of shopping is done, and list made for food items to buy and bake.  Now if the weather would cool off enough to be able to heat up the ovens for cookies.  Maybe next weekend. 
Happy stitching. 

Trust the instincts

   Changing the plans for the baby quilt involved changing other plans, too.  It's one of those ideas that seems to grow on its own and affects anything in its path.  First, I thought I would do something scrappy and quick, and after 3 or 4 blocks of scrappy  I realized that would not make me happy or satisfied.    I put the blocks aside for another adventure later.  Nothing cam to me, so I decided to sleep on it a day or two.
 
  Second,  the fabrics I had pulled for the upcoming mystery were stacked on the thread cabinet and making sad faces at me.    These were not my colors or style of fabrics at all.  My instinct said I would never be happy or even finish a mystery in this vein.  And somewhere, long ago in my insight list I wrote:

          Insight:  Trust my instincts.  That is why I have them.  

     Saturday was cold and rainy, the sewing room was warm and bright.  Right off my creative muse changed gears and moved things around.

   Those fabrics for the mystery were turned into a pile of orange peel units!  Big fat ones ready for applique on to a creamy yellow background.  I added a few purple and blue prints to the scheme of things.   My instinct is much more satisfied and happy with this direction.   The combination smiles and says special little girl now. 



 
 I mentioned the 16 patch blocks last week, so in between other things, I did pull out strips and begin to cut them to length for a single block in different combos.   I am not sure of how I want this one to play out, so I thought just a few variations would provide a bit of inspiration....or so I hope. 


Anyway, my main task is to begin appliqueing the orange peel units.  Then we can see if the instinct was right:)

Happy stitching. 

Blog banner quilt is Scrappy Trips

    I have been quieter the last few weeks, slower too.  I had debated on resting a longer while from blog posting and not really starting anything new.   I wasn't going to close my blog, but I did feel I had repeated myself so much that I was boring.

Insight:   Things occur and happen to direct you along the road 

you are suppose to take.  There are signs we can chose to ignore, 

but with advanced age I have learned to be more 

receptive to directions.  At least sometimes. 

   All of this to say......this has been a week for emails and questions....not just requests for patterns.  Questions are a good thing.  Questions ask for help, provide direction, point up details I have forgotten, and they let me know what readers/followers want to know.   So after 3 questions about the quilt shown in the blog banner, I think I needed to provide details.  A hunt thru past posts revealed a big lack of details.  I have no idea what happened about that.

   Trippin'  Thru the Flowers is from 2014.  I began working on this as a Let's Book It project in April/May 2014.  The pattern is from Bonnie Hunter at Quiltville.    She calls it Scrappy Trips.   It is a Trip Around the World variation.....many small trips in fact.  My version is based on value rather than one color.   So.....chains of value radiate around the center square creating diamond bands of value.   Doesn't that sound rich?

  Value......not color.  Value is the lightness or darkness of the fabric.   And the secret to a quilt with the changes in value like this is variety.  You can't have enough floral prints to chose from :)   

 Three things I use to work with value in a water color (or a scrap quilt) are

•  a value viewer (ruby beholder), 
• a design wall, 
• and a camera.   

Learn to sort your fabrics into correct value groups.   I use a ruby beholder viewer.  Additional tip....... Visit Exuberant Color for some good lessons... variety of value  ,  a lesson on value .  I learned great lessons from Wanda's blog, and there is no reason to create my version when she is a master at this.  

Design wall.....big, small, permanent or portable, it is so important.  I can stand back from a design layout about 8-10 feet and see how the values are working together.  In this design I wanted to  see distinct lines of dark and light.  I needed areas of medium value fabrics to blend to the dark and to the light fabrics.  

A camera....if all else fails, take a photo.  Look at it on the computer and amazingly, I can see where problems lie that need to be fixed.  Added tip....turn the photo into a black and white version and you will see instant photo based on value!

Back to the quilt............  

This is how the Scrappy Trips is put together.  4 blocks come together to make up the small trip around the world unit that you see.   If you read thru Bonnie's pattern, you will know that it takes 6 strips for each block unit.    So I had to make several variations for the variety in the full quilt.

   I laid out the strips according to value from dark to light before sewing them together.  It was important to be sure the dark and light fabrics were distinct and not too "mushy".   The lowest block on the left is just a little bit too mushy.  Compare it to the upper corner block that is diagonal to it.  Much stronger light in the center creates the radiating diamond.     So yes, I did have to do some planning--not too much--- to be sure I had light center units forming as well as dark center units.  

 And now a little further along.

   I got better as I went along....selecting fabrics to put together to blend and to have contrast.  

  In the pattern instructions, after you make sub-cuts you unpick a seam to join the rows.  The strongest dark or lightest light fabric was needed to run thru the center to get the pattern.  

   So many Scrappy Trips became Trippin' Thru the Flowers.   And  then became my blog banner.......as it speaks dearly of the floral fabrics I love.   The blended values  remind me of shadows  in the garden in the evenings.  Movement can be strong and still gentle and that is what this quilt says to me.  

Happy stitching.

Looking back to look forward

Therapy Quilt and The Rest of My Story

 

  While this blog is focused on my quilting projects, it is also a record of the events in my life.  And hind sight is always much more in focus and revealing to me.    Looking back gives me perspective to look forward.











  One year ago, I was still in rehab and learning to stand and walk with a walker.  I was being treated for a B-12 deficiency, and lead to believe all things would return to normal in a few months!  This last year has included 3 months of occupational therapy for motor skills, 6 months of physical therapy for balance, walking and standing without falling over.  Neurological visits and testing and a clearer diagnosis of Pernicious Anemia and a life time of B-12 injections, and severe carpel tunnel in one hand and moderate in the other.  Surgery on both wrists---enough said--it was a nightmare time.  

   Teaching myself to sew again.....all those fine motor motion skills were weak.  I continue to suffer with the numbness and nerve pain in the fingers and hands.   I walk now on my own for short distances.  It takes a full concentration to maintain balance and not stumble.

    Feet and legs are numb  and the muscles tend to "lock up" and not respond at times.  I think this is due to over stimulation  from the nerves to the muscles.  I pray it is a sign of healing.   The nerves in the  feet are required to sense the ground/horizon for balance.  I have learned a few techniques about keeping my balance and using my toes and my eyes.   Vision changes have improved again....vitamin deficiencies can lead to lost of eyesight.   Since increasing the injections of B-12 to twice a week, I have begun to feel pain in my feet.  Pain is a good thing---some times.  I get thru the grocery store or shopping by having my hands on the shopping cart.  It keeps me grounded while I scan the shelves and look thru racks.   Awkward but vital for me.

  So on days like today, the thoughts haunt me.  Will I ever get better?  How long will this go on?  I want to be independent again.  I want to freely walk in the yard, climb a hill, go to the Farmer's Market......just things to enjoy.   I make myself stop and pause to think again.

  Insight:  From the fortune cookie.......

  Yesterday I cooked breakfast, went to the grocery store, put groceries away, planned the week's meals,  did 2 loads of laundry, and folded clothes.  I cooked the ground chuck for Shepard's Pie, washed up some dishes, made a late lunch.  I had a short nap, answered emails, and sorted more fabric, etc.   Exactly what in the world am I complaining about?  I have improved because a year ago I could do maybe one or two things before I collapsed.  Am I where I want to be?  No, but my life is not a race, it is my adventure.  
                     
      My adventure is slower and less arduous than most.   I am more appreciative of the things I can do, of the people I meet, of the times I enjoy.  I can still challenge myself to try new things, to be the best me I can be.  I look forward to seeing the next year of my adventure.

A little muscle memory goes a long way

   I have worked on the Therapy Quilt of circles the last two afternoons.  Around the circles of many sizes...lol...I did a simple meander and some squiggly lines when there wasn't enough room to meander.
I know it is hard to see as I used white thread, but I just wanted texture not design.
    I was about half way thru when I finally felt that I had my rhythm back for this stitch.   I don't use a stitch regulator, so control is very important to me.  Consider that I have little feeling in the palms of my hands (guiding the quilt), and only sense pressure in parts of my feet (foot pedal), and you can see why I said I needed to practice to gain my control/speed/rhythm back.   It is all about the muscle memory developed during lots of practice.   I found myself wanting to race thru the motions and get it done.  A break and honest discussion with self helped put things into perspective.

    "Listen Self, you need to take a deep breathe, and relax.  This is not a race.  Remember the point is to practice,  and gain confidence to FMQ again.   You have nothing to prove to anyone, you are doing this because you love it, because you can.  You have a second chance, take it and enjoy it."

  

  

   It helped.   Then I decided on the border motif.....the leafy vine.  The plain border is 41/2''  wide  I had plenty of room to make some nice size leaves and a few curls along the stem.   I have used this before on several quilts, so I was hoping the muscle memory would kick in.   

  This is one continuous design without a central stem stitched.  The outer edge of the leaf is stitched to a point (I missed a few of those, oh well) first.  Then back down to the center without closing the leaf.  That allows a vein to be stitched half way up the leaf and then back to the opening.  Then you can stitch another leaf on the opposite side or insert a nice fat curl.    I like to have large and smaller leaves on this vine.  Perfect shapes and sizes are not in my game plan......and you might notice the different angles, with some leaves pointing up and other pointing out.  Much more natural.  

   And then the mail came.....goodies from Wanda at Exuberant Color.   

  She had offered me some quilting stencils that she no longer used  that would be perfect for my beginner Free Motion class in the new year.   Of course I said yes!  I had been thinking of revamping my class and adding working with stencils too.   For two reasons......1) not everyone can develop/create/design a motif  by free hand, 2) often they need a "map" or pattern to stitch over.    So thanks to Wanda, my students will have a new adventure to try.  

   And to fill the extra space in the box, she included some extra goodies.  A bag of floral strip scraps (yea!!), and fabrics (big yeas!!!)  that feature cardinals.    And she made me a mug rug with a cardinal in the center.  She definitely filled me up with some hope!  Thanks so much.  

   Tomorrow we have plans for lunch out after an appointment, and a few errands to take care of.   My energy level is not back yet, so that will be enough for me.   Happy stitching.  

Focus ideas for 2017

  I shared a quick photo of fabric that Sir Old Man found on the flat fold table....and  of which I quickly bought a yard.  I did not read each square with the sentiments at that time, just enough to let me know I should get some.
  My thought was to make some mug rugs, maybe a few snack mats or such.  Little did I know what I would find when I did.

  I don't believe in coincidences.  I use to, but age has given me a different view.   I believe things happen for a reason.  People enter your life when you need them, and each act sends ripples though the universe that return to you in some way.    This fabric entered my life at this time because I needed to read all the wonderful words written on it.   Now,  I need to share them and pass them on.

  Be Yourself.  Above all, let who you are, what you are, what you believe shine through every sentence you write, every piece you finish.

Take Chances.  Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties.

Be Spontaneous.  All growth is a leap in the dark, an unpremeditated act without benefit of experience.

Let Go.  We must be willing to let go of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.

Be Unstoppable.  Courage does not always roar.  Sometimes courage is the quiet voice in the corner saying I'll try again tomorrow.

Be Legendary.  Life is a song, sing it.  Life is a game, play it.  Life is a challenge, meet it.   Life is a dream--realize it.  Life is love, enjoy it.

   These are my favorites, and I have claimed one for my 2017  focus.  I want a larger banner than last year.

  Now it is two days later......I began writing this post and life reared its head to stall me.....in the form of my brother who needed some TLC attention after some out patient surgery.  (Why do they call it that...surgery is surgery.  You cut anything in my body, you invade my space and send my life into a tail spin.)  He is better now and I am thankful for that.  I am doing better too and looking forward to stitch removal on Monday.  But I digress and on to my point.

  Remember I said those ripples come back to you in some way.
Insight:    I believe things happen for a reason.  People enter your life when you need them, and each act sends ripples though the universe that return to you in some way.   
   One of my ripples returned yesterday morning in an email.  I am getting a wonderful get well/birthday gift next week, and just in time to use the technique on my focus banner.  I do hope you are intrigued, and will return to see what focus I chose and what I want to do with it.
   I want to use several but one must do......hummmmm, that leaves a lot of bits of fabric to share.  I know a couple of people I intend to palm off  a sentiment to, but that leaves enough to offer up  a gift to a few followers.  So seven followers---lucky 7---- will get picked from the comments and I will send a bit of fabric with sentiment to you.  Comment on this post between now and Monday the 12th.  I will pick 7 on Tuesday.   Tell me your focus sentiment for 2017, if you have one.  Be  sure your email is included in comment if you are a "no reply blogger".   Now....go sew.  Happy stitching.

Some thoughts

  All the wonderful comments of support and encouragement have been filling my inbox.   Some great ideas to lighten my mood, and move me along.  I so appreciate you all.

  I have had a lot of time for thoughts.....I know that can be dangerous, and I began a list of things I took for granted before this health adventure began.  Simple things that I missed, especially while "locked" in the hospital and in rehab.  So here are a few highlights from my list..............

•  How blue the sky is......hospitals are colorless, and I missed colors.  Sir Old Man brought wallhangings and quilts for my bed when I got to rehab!  
• The sweet taste of ketchup on french fries....ketchup has onion powder in it, and is a no-no for me.  But I cheat a little with permission..... if I do not over-do.
• French vanilla creamer in my coffee.
• Writing....writing a shopping list.   I am improving but it is still hard.
•  Walking barefooted.  With numbness  in my feet, shoes are required....ugh.
• Sitting on the porch in the sun, or listening to the rain.  This was one of the first things I did when I came home.   Such a comfort.
• Soft towels to dry off with after a hot shower.   No puny, thin bits institutions use.
• Riding in a car, viewing the world as daily life goes on.   I asked for permission at rehab to go with Sir Old Man for ice cream and was denied.  Patients could not leave for even short trips due to health care rules, they said.  For sure, I began to plan a "jail break" trip.  That's when they let me come home....lol.
• and of course......sewing on my machine, hearing the familiar hum, and looking out the window at the trees and birds.  
• And most of all.........time with those I love, friends and family.  Never take those special relationships for granted.

Enough thoughts for today.   I did get some stitching time in......good OT therapy.

I will share photos tomorrow.  

Happy stitching.

Watercolor palette

It was a taxing kind of day yesterday....:)  So little sewing room time.

  Today  I am stitching away on the watercolor I found....and studying the colors and fabrics in it.  This is the lower corner that "reads" at a distance as deeper purple.  Note the real variety of colors in the fabrics.  A few strong purple fabrics blended with medium value purples give that impression among the yellows and blues and greens.
  I do see a few repeats here, but it is the variety that makes up the watercolor palette.  I can't stress that enough.  I have spent years collecting the floral fabrics---paisley prints, feathers, swirly designs also----that I use.

The upper right corner is blue at a distance.  Up close you see the reds and greens, and purple tones too.  Once again, see the variety of fabrics.  That is my palette.





 The same word applies to scrap quilts....variety.  Vary the value of your preferred color, vary the scale or size of the print to breathe life into your quilt.

  I am urging you to visit Wanda at Exuberant Color.....she is the master.  Her recent post of her latest Trip Around the World quilt is here.  Note that she used 120 different fabrics in it.  Not a scrap quilt....planned by design.   I commented to her about the shimmer she achieved in the red/pink rounds.  It is blended yet distinct at the same time.   She responded that she  wanted more of that the next time.  She also said she learned she needed to choose a variety of  prints and value and not try to match so closely.  I thought was an excellent bit of advise  to remember.  Hopefully, we will see another of her TAWs and the process she uses to select those strips...hint, hint :)

Insight:    Variety, variety, variety.....it can give your quilt design a lift.  Match  similar values to get variety, and vary the print.  

Enjoy the weekend.....happy stitching.

Found space!

   I have been whining again about the ironing board dilemma.  I hate setting it up, shifting it around, moving it into the hall for space....and on and on.  I see those wonderful ironing set ups on Pinterest and I am so envious.  Why can't I figure out how to squeeze one into my sewing room?

  I was sitting at my machine preparing to hem some jeans for Sir Old Man, and knew I needed the ironing board again.  It was tucked neatly into the hall closet, and I was feeling really lazy about getting it out.  And then the thunder bolt and lightning struck me!  Right in front of my eyes was a solution.   Of course, you need to realize the solution was covered/buried ---- about 12" deep in books, scrap bin, and 2 project boxes, and the lonely iron.

   This kitchen Hoosier style cabinet has been in my sewing room since we moved.  Most of the items in the upper sections are rarely used.....wonder why I have hung onto them.  It may be due for a clean out!

 The extension  shelf of the old kitchen Hoosier was just perfect  for a pressing space.  At one time I used this area as a cutting station.   That was before Sir Old Man built the cutting table, with all the storage area that I love.  The Hoosier has become the catch all spot.

  I know it took more energy too clean the area off than to pull out the ironing board.  But I had a purpose now.

  And before you ask.....everything else went onto the floor.  I will get it sorted and find a spot for it eventually.




  I found the portable pressing mat I had made a few years ago.  It is simply heavy utility muslin sleeve with a double layer of batting inside.   It makes a perfect temporary solution for this area.




  Temporary?  Yes, Sir Old Man has been given a new "to-do" project.  He plans on making a fitted plywood top ---with an extra extension----as an overlay for the space.   I will cover it with batting and fabric.  This should satisfy most of my pressing needs on a daily basis.  I can pull out the big board for pressing yardage/backings.

Insight:  Open your eyes.  Look around.  Try to see other uses for space and things you have.
Oh, yes, I did finally get the jeans hemmed  :)   And they are being packed for our venture north to Michigan.  It is the Dream Cruise Weekend......lots of 60s muscle cars, Ford metal as Sir Old Man says.  See you when we return next week.  Happy stitching.

Thoughts

 This post is just thoughts I need to put down into words.

  I get several emails each week that touch my heart in different ways.  When I am anxious, or burdened about something, along comes a note in my inbox that encourages me.  It may just be a follower checking up on me.  Several times I have been beset with doubts about what I do here on the blog, in the sewing room, or life in general.  Again, a note arrives that lifts my spirit, makes my day, and lets me know that all of this does make a difference to someone, somewhere.
  I save those notes.   Because each one represents a connection to another quilter that has gained something through my effort.  Each one is a treasure to me.  I gain strength from them.   I gain focus and inspiration.

  And then there are emails that touch me in a different way.  They are the ones that choke me up and bring tears.  They take me to my knees in prayer.

   About 6 weeks ago, Mrs. Claus in Nebraska sent me a note that she probably would not get to finish up her final 2 quilts.  Would I complete them?    Her cancer monster had returned with a vengeance.  She had made the decision to discontinue the chemo treatments.
   Today, her note was to let me know the last quilts are in the mail.  She struggled to get them in the mail and to send a note as she is unable to be up more than an hour at a time.
   I am thankful that she is not in any pain, yet praying for healing mercy.   I am so thankful I got to know her as a devoted Mrs. Claus for the last few years, yet not wanting to let go.  I admire her......the strength it takes to go through this situation, to make the painful decision,  and face what is to come.    Prayers and hugs to Mrs. Claus in Nebraska.

Insight:
   Life is relationships......like fabric and thread.  People come together in different ways and form bonds.....like a quilt pattern.   The importance of our life is not what we look like, or what we have, or how good we are at something.  It is the relationships we build with  others.  It is the sharing.......giving of ourselves to improve their life.    And the profound effect is how much we gain in the process.   Mrs. Claus, you have taught me much.  Thank you.  

Disaster Response for quilters

   Today Sir Old Man is off to take training for Disaster Response Team in our area......like he needs another volunteer project?    He attempted to interest me....but for some reason I do not have a desire to learn "Mud Out/Ashes Out".  And secondly it can be intensely physical and guess  who is a total klutz?

  Yet......I am joining a Disaster Response Team....for quilters.  Sharon at Vrooman's Quilts  shared a call (very timely for me)  from  Quilts of Compassion---Facebook link here ---- for quilts for their Disaster Response Team.   There is an urgent need for quilts for the victims in Illinois after the tornadoes.   I have one ready to go.  And a real purpose for those scraps I love to stitch.

  So while I am changing the layout of my Let's Book It project....that means I am adding sashing strips after doing a reset.....I am also doing a leader/ender  of lots of 4 patches.  I can then turn the 4 patches into another Disaster donation quilt.

  I also had time to think about why I hate to do sashings.  You can wander thru my house and look thru my quilt stack and not see a quilt with sashing between the blocks.
Insight:  Adding sashings to blocks is so absolutely boring for me.  I feel like I am running in place and getting no where.   At least when I am adding a border, I know I am approaching the finish.
  OK, break is over....time to take photos of the table runners....got those finished and will post tomorrow.  And then back to the sashing salt mine!  Happy stitching.  

Thread guilt

     How much quilting is enough?  Or, do I just have thread guilt.  Sixty years ago, my grandmother  quilted enough to hold the top to the backing and to hold the pulled cotton batting in place.  She did a lot of simple cross-hatch quilting usually 1" to 2" apart.  Today we are gifted with batting that allows for quilting up to 8" apart and we seem to be expected to quilt about 1/2" or less apart.  Rough calculations mean we are adding at least 4 times---and that could double even--- as much thread as required!      And I am guilty of stepping/falling/rolling in this bottomless pit of more, more, even more quilting.  Enough, I say!
 
   What brought this on......quilting the table runners, and then requests for entries into large regional shows.   I don't do "show" quilts.  Yes, I enter quilts into my local guild's show, as support for the efforts and fun.   I quilt for expression and for others.  I quilt because I like it.  I quilt because I am addicted to fabric.  I do not design or quilt just to "show".  This is my path, my choice.  I am merely reminding myself to not be caught up in thinking otherwise.

  The floral table runner....covered in feathers because I like stitching them.  It has been a while since I did feather stitching....and I had a few wobbles.  I left them in and carried on.  In the grand scheme of things, no one will notice or even care!   I used a light purple Aurifil thread.  I took the hint from the background fabric....a mottled purple tint and creamy yellow.  I made sure all the floral prints in this one picked up on that color way.

  The blue batik table runner  has a light blue print on the backing.  I had intended to use straight lines, matchstick style quilting.  Yet when I drew the lines on a plastic overlay and placed it on the runner.....I thought ugh!  It was just too much thread and did nothing to enhance the runner.  Or maybe it just wasn't my style.  Either way, I decided to practice some wings.....I call them butterfly wings.   It is from  Luann Kessi's design called "plumify".  I like the overall blend of this design stitch.

I have to round up some binding strips to finish these two off.

   Insight:  Stitch with no guilt.  Make it flat, leave it puffy,  let it blend,  or make a statement.   Find your style, improve your skills. It is your quilt and that is enough.
Happy stitching.   

Variations on table runners

  I hope you grabbed the Piano Keys pattern from Craftsy by Connie at Freemotion on the River    that I shared on Friday Finds.   She says it is the #4 best seller!

  Since I was cutting another project I threw in a couple of table runners to play with.  First, I did one in batiks...blue with a background in blue/gray print.  I did some power stitching....sewing the units together for each size.  Then I cut them apart and pressed before the layout to join them.







  I was working with leftover strips that were already cut at 2 1/2".   My variety was slightly limited on the precut size.    Yet the design turned out great.  Within a couple of hours, a table runner ready to be quilted.












  And this is the year of my floral regime......so out came the box of 2" strips.  The 2" strips of florals were cut to the same lengths as the pattern said, only the overall size is affected....it ends up at 32" long.
  This is the first half.





Viola....a mistake makes it a surprise!
Somehow, I ended up with the same fabric on the end positions on the right side.  I could have un-stitched a few strips, but instead  I  reversed the layout to put the background in the center.  ( Boy...this needs a good pressing before quilting.)  I like the variation with the floral fabrics.

  I think matchstick lines for the quilting on the blue one.  And some feathers for the floral....I am sure you expected that,  lol.

Insight:  Mistakes are opportunity for design options.  Go ahead, make a mistake and see where it takes you.

Happy stitching.

Four Days before.....

  With sincere apologies to the real poets of the world......

Four days before Christmas, I had just checked my list.
 Gifts were bought and cookies were made.
Today I'll do laundry, so clean clothes will abound.
I was just sitting down, and there arose such a clatter.
I jumped from my chair to see what was the matter.
The racket was loud, vibrating, a clank.
Sir Old Man came a running, as he yelled "Shut her down".
 Out came the pliers, a screwdriver, and such.
Oh,  there's the flashlight, and the vacuum we need.
Up came the lid, off went the back.
The lint was a flying, while looking
for something  that had to be stuck.
Not the basket, nor belt, no mouse could be seen.
Not a sock, or a goblin making it scream.
Unbolt the front and what did he see.
The fan was dismounted, come loose it would seem.
A screw that was loose had created the scene.
Mrs. Claus feels exhausted, quite shaken you know.
Wet clothes on some hangers are nothing to show.
Sir Old Man is so handy, always ready to work.....
Disaster  averted, all is well...I was such a jerk!

Insight:  Before a holiday, expect an appliance to break or malfunction.  It is part of the cycle of life.  And your temper tantrums do not help.


 So on a merrier note....... my favorite little hang up for Christmas.  He always makes me smile.  And after today, a little cheer will cover me quite well.  My lists are long for the next few days, so I will return next weekend.

  May you find some peace and solace during this season with friends and family.  Hug them, and love them.  Hold on to them tightly and cherish each moment.  The gift of yourself is the one that counts.  And a little fabric never hurts :)

A little turn helps

  Cactus blooms!  This is one of two that I have and it is full of blooms....I expect a few broken branches with the weight.  It sits snuggled in a corner of the dining room and is so easy to overlook.....so it was a wonderful discovery a couple of days ago.

  But before I go on, I need to thank a couple of special blogger angels who responded with great advice, and words of encouragement to me.  The trunk show is Thursday night and the anxiety has been rising.   I know I share and run on here at the blog.  It is my safe place.  I record my progress, design ideas and style.  I can show my goofs and successes.   You drop by, read if you want, comment, and go on.   But now, I agreed to "parade" about 4 dozens of my quilts.....bits and pieces of myself.....to a whole group of people.   Words can't convey how scary that is for me.   So, thank you, angels for being there.

   I have been hibernating in the sewing room for a few hours  today to get this latest project to the flimsy stage.   Here is how it was going over the weekend.  I added that narrow blue around the center and then decided I wanted more!  So I began working on bands for the outer border that would be added---like the left side seen here.

    And now with the outer border attached.  Notice anything else?    Sir Old Man did his normal inspection, and kept tilting his head at an angle.  Well, actually he was almost on his head to look at it!  I took his suggestion and  rotated this photo 1/4 turn......and it looks so much better.   Now the light source is at the top, moves behind the center and ripples along the other side.   Having an "in-house" critic is helpful after all.  All from a little turn.

 Insight:  A little turn can give a new perspective.   It may change the whole look of things.

  Don't forget the Blogger's Quilt Festival is going on......voting this week until Friday.  Here is the link to visit.
The rest of the week here is busy/booked solid/no more sewing time......until I finish the class on Saturday.   Till then, happy stitching. 

Thank you and a lesson

  First.....I received a precious gift  last month.   Overdue thank you to Rogue Quilter for this fabulous, tiny, wonderful pineapple!   Janet does the most wonderful miniatures, and sent me a little thank you she made.  I so admire and envy her patience and skill in working with those narrow strips and pieces to achieve the 1/8" geese!  I hung this ornament up to enjoy year round. Love, love, love it.   Thank you, again.




Second.....Free Motion Class went great.  A very new quilter with a 40 year old machine is in the class.  I mention the machine because she is smart to make sure she wants to do this before investing in a new expensive one.  Unfortunately, the foot pedal died in class----but fortunately another student works at the shop and found a replacement in the repair room!  The high point of the class for me was when the new quilter turned and beamed, "I can do this!".  She was just zipping along, and I was so thrilled for her.  That is why I am making the effort to teach this class....it makes my day so worthwhile.

Third....and the teacher re-learned a lesson.  I had started quilting on the Tiara on the donation quilt for Habitat for Humanity.  I take frequent breaks, and when I came back after one, I felt like the tension was "off".  I adjusted the top tension.  Kept stitching and still thought the tension was not right---and the machine sounded funny--- and loosen it again.  I checked the back and it was okay, but still not perfect.  I will shorten the story and say that finally I stopped.  I was rushing and not paying attention to what the machine was telling me.  Out come the screwdrivers, brushes, and such to check the bobbin.  A little fuzz on top, but not much.  When I pulled out the bobbin case and checked it, I found the culprit.  A small "glob" of dark fiber was wedged under the tension hook on the bobbin case.  I had to use a pin to nudge and tease it out.  It was keeping all tension off the bobbin thread!  Once everything was back in place, a quick check and resetting the top tension and all was perfect.
    Insight:   Lessons re-learned---- Listen to the machine.  Don't rush.  Check the bobbin area carefully.  And expect some fabrics to shed a lot more fibers than others.  

Good things

 It's May already?  I think my "mojo" has been on vacation without me, as I have been very un-productive recently.  I seem to get this way seasonally or after a huge push to finish things up.....so it may be both reasons this time.  Plus a little technical difficulties with this aging computer over the weekend  just did not help improve my short attention span.


  The Charming Bricks is finally up on the wall.  It is now hanging over the Tiara.   I added a mixed fabric binding in darker florals to finish it off.
    I know it is not my typical style, but it just makes me smile.  I love having a floral brick wall to view.   Stepping out of my comfort zone proved to be good this time.  And finished is a good thing.

Insight:  Reminder....Do what you love.  Throw away the rest.  Listen to that voice in your head.














 
 So I needed to fill my time in the sewing room doing something.......I cut strips.  I cut lots of strips.  I need to de-stash and so I cut strips.  Now  I have two shoe box bins full of floral strips.  I have one more shelf to cut my way through and I should have enough strips for a year of floral quilts.  I have a couple patterns that I am working on  /planning / adapting.  De-stashing is a good thing.



 

   And there is nothing like a little free motion practice to lift my spirits.  I put on some music and just go for it.  I let everything else fall away.  I find that zone in my head where thread and fabric blend and these wonderful feathers emerge.  Finding that "zone" is a good thing.  So are feathers!








 The Blogger's Quilt Festival is almost here.  I just ran across this on Amy's Creative Side.  Get a post ready for your entry as this goes live on May 16.  Viewing so many quilts in one place is always good for inspiration.    Ah, maybe I will enter The Whopper.....guess I need permission from Sir Old Man on that!


I am off to do more de-stashing....Happy stitching.

Finally, the Faux Braid

   This series of posts has been a journey for me.....reviewing some past quilts and braid techniques, and hunting up info to share, and trying to some order into all of it.
Insight:  Developing a class or series like this is not easy....it is work!  So hug a teacher, they deserve it.

Quarter Log Cabin  block

   The Faux Braid is a new favorite now.....I think I could put one together blindfolded.  It works up fast and easy.  So what is it?  Simply the quarter log cabin block....with the variation of how the colors or values are placed.
   Generally or traditionally,  the quarter log cabin block  might look like the photo on the right.  Each round that is added to the starting square is the same fabric/color.
 

  
  This photo shows the change in placement for the Faux Braid using the quarter log cabin block.  Each round contains a light strip and a dark strip.  This arrangement creates a block that is half light and half dark.  Then when set together the blocks create a braid effect.

 
  By rotating the block for the layout, the diagonal bands are formed.  Note.....very little matching to worry with!  
   I call this one the soft version.  The fabrics are low contrast...a very soothing and restful effect for our troubled world.   A nice border and a little applique would finish it off nicely.










         And for the flip side.......a version done in leftover batik strips.  Same pattern, just different fabrics for a different and stronger voice.  This one reminds me of the blue Ridge Mountains that are nearby.

  The original tutorial is from Sharon at Vroomansquilts.    Be sure to say hello when you check it out.

  Based on her tutorial I put together a simple sheet with the construction details.  Click here for the printable PDF for the Faux Braid.  

 

    I had planned to take a side by side photo  for comparison on the deck today, but nature intervened.  It is 37 degrees, and raining here, so I resorted to the front porch again.   I just wanted the contrast of the 2 versions....one soft and the other stronger.  Whatever fabrics you prefer, the Faux Braid will be striking!









  Thanks to all for taking the time to read and comment on this series of posts.  I hope a few of you will try this fun technique, get over your fear, and figure out which one you prefer.    Send me a photo if you dare!
 
   If I am quiet for a few days....don't worry.  I have a lot of stuff to clean up in the sewing room, and  a couple to quilts to work on.  Wishing all a Happy Thanksgiving.  I am thankful this is done..... ;)

Happy stitching.