Runner and wall hanging for Fall

   According to the Almanac, fall has begun.    I do wish our weather listened to them ;)  Temps in the mid 90s is not conducive to anything but staying inside! But I went ahead and pulled out a few wall hanging and runner to at least remind me of fall days. 
 
  Then this morning I read Carole's post at From my Carolina Home.  Her Autumn Jubilee begins today.  You should jump on over and check out what she has going on......and all her sponsors this year.   Patterns, inspiration, and prizes!

 This runner was made from her patterns during the Jubilee  a few years ago!







  I only made a couple of blocks of each one and then "made up " a border of odd pieces I had in the leftover bin.  But  it all worked together.   And I love how it fits the new cabinet just perfectly.

 
This is one of my favorite fall wall hangings....from 2016!    This year I am using on the pantry door.  The link for the pattern still works.....Pineapple from Havel sewing.   So grab it if you are interested. 

   Not a lot of new sewing got done this month.  Sorting though things,  I found more leftover parts.....actually I have 2 bins of those.  But there were enough HST of the same size that I decided to turn them into pinwheel blocks.  I am waiting for more inspiration on this.  I think it needs a wider border and then a round of something/anything....we will see. 

  But......I got bit by the Bonnie String Scrap bug again yesterday.  I had already played around with the wonky version using mixed sizes of strings for the court house block.  And made a start on a few others.  And then this morning she posted a full tutorial for the Crooked Courthouse Steps.   So you can guess what I may be working on for a while.  Actually they are quite easy which is really good for me right now. 

Happy stitching.

January was full!

   And I have a couple of finishes!  A small one first.....the watercolor banner or table runner.  I had intended to add some applique and then changed my mind.  Adrift is plain and simple.
  I began both of these last year.  November...here is the post  as they were completed as tops.

    Pineapple Profusion got bound.  I actually began the blocks in September and October.....here is that post.  So after a white it was just time to get it done.
   The finish size is 48'' by 62''....nice throw size.    I used 2'' floral strips for the construction and the pattern is from Quiltville.com.  It's  the Pineapple Blossom  pattern.





    The center section is quilted with swirls all over, and the plain outer border is done in endless feathers.

The Therapy Quilt was a finish early this month......here is that post.   I feel like this is cheating to call it a 2017 finish.....it was 90% done and just needed border quilting and binding.









   The second half of the Quilty 365 circles were joined into a top and now just need borders and quilting.  I have to admit, just looking at these 2--- quilt and top---just make me smile.  Each circle represents a day in my life.  Some are precious memories, and some represent loved ones.   The Therapy Quilt is loaded with pain and struggle, determination and stubbornness.   Each day here is a miracle, and that is why I smile.






  The rest of the month was filled with lots of bits and pieces of things I started.....the coffee cup wall hanging for the kitchen, string blocks, soul searching block in purple (for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge),  a bargello top,  batik squares in a block,  mug rugs, table runner, and more 9 patch blocks.


   Some days I made only one block, other days I went on over load and made dozens.  It all depended on my energy level.    Reviewing all of this makes me feel I really did accomplish things!   And I got to scratch a lot off my list.....which means I need to get a February plan in place.    Here's to keeping the list full......happy stitching.

Finished runner

  I finished up the runner.....quilted and bound with pieced together leftover binding strips.  I like using up those pieces.  I call it a waste not technique.
   As a matter of fact, the plumes were cut from mostly left over fusible backed leftovers too.  With all the patterns and fabrics used in the center strips, I did not have to worry if anything matched.

   You may remember the full quilt I made for a friend that I called Plume Crazy.   This is a smaller version of that quilt.

 For me it's a good size to practice my FMQ skills, and have a finished project.








   This one can be a great table runner, or a door banner.   I like that option.   The finished size is 62'' by 16''.


   There is something about finishing up a project that satisfies the quilter in me.  Seeing the completed project makes me smile.  It's a feel good thing. And no UFO to worry about.

    Do you have UFOs to finish?  Do you dislike those blocks/parts now?    It could be time for a UFO Assault!  Here's my find of the week.......
Read the ideas that Mary at Quilting thru Rose colored trifocals shares.   She has some ultimate recycle type finishes for UFO Assault.

Now attack those UFO, send them into completion, or give them away.  Make room for new ideas and fabric.
 I am....happy stitching.  

Friday Finds

There's a blog hop going on to win a copy of Crafted Applique by Lara Buccella.  I am sending you to StormyDays blog to begin the hop, as Dana has a full list of sites for the hop,  and the first review.  She has a project made using the technique----which is being kept a big secret, like in mystery by the reviewers.   It's all in good fun,  and Dana deserves a good fabric bombing for not telling!






Mequilter shared a block that is simple and would work well in any border.  I love the simple change that color makes in a 9 patch.











From the blog at Keepsake Quilting.....this post shared 10 ideas for using fabric panels.   This entry is worth a quick look even if you think you aren't interested.  I generally ignore panels but recently succumbed to one filled with butterflies by Moda.  I figured if I did not buy it now, I would regret it later :)









 May is spring and this table runner from Samelia's Mum shouts it.  She is sharing a full tutorial and pattern, so stop by and say hello.   And check out her beautiful quilting on this project too!






As always, please visit the original source for pinning.
Enjoy your weekend.  Love on your Mom.  Make someone smile.  Above all, remember how great you are.  Happy stitching.  

March finishes/ April plans

   March finishes......the water color wall hanging got a sleeve, binding and label.  I love the colors in this one and got it hung up to enjoy.

   Leftover batik strips became a table runner.  I am donating this to our local guild for the $ door prize basket.

  Small lap quilt was my Let's Book It project for the month.  I had a big head start on this one, as the string blocks were already made.  Here's the post of its story.




I looked back to see what plans I had for March and I was happy to see I got them completed.   The bow tie blocks are being assembled into a top....finally.  I must have re-arranged those things a dozen times.   In the end.....the last one looked like the first one, and that is it.   You would think by now, I would know that is how it would end :)

  April days will be busy.

• A 2 class session for Beginning free motion quilting  is scheduled at my LQS.  I need to print off more pages and make sure I have the right samples pulled. 
• Cut squares for watercolor workshop in May.  Print off handouts.
• A trip north to visit daughter.....Sir Old Man has a couple of small projects to do for her while we enjoy a visit.   Hoping for good weather!

• I have inspiration for a new Let's Book It.....just need to decide if it will be big or small.  
• Quilting is needed for a Habitat quilt that I bought home from guild last month.  Backing needs to be pieced and then it can be pinned.
• Make circles!  
• Bow Tie quilt......I may let this one rest until next month.

  Two small mug rugs....need to be quilted.  Some days I just need a diversion, and these little projects are perfect for that.  Plus I get some color therapy time.....nothing like finding scraps that work together.  I think I will finish these today.

  Happy stitching.

Table runner done!

All it needed was the binding, so this was an easy finish yesterday.  I used mixed scraps from the batik bin to match the colors in this one.













  A close up of some of the feathers.

The opposite side with more feathers......and a single "dogwood" style blossom in the center.

  My cell phone doesn't take the best photos but I have a little Canon camera now to play with.  A new menu and function selection to learn.......something about that says "teaching an old dog new tricks".   LOL :)

  Success is finishing a project, crossing it off the list,  and moving on.  That's my plan and I am sticking/stitching to it.  After I make a run to the market, that is.
Happy stitching.

Some not so perfect quilting

 After a whirlwind couple of days....including a quick cookout, I needed some sewing time to unwind.

   I got a couple of hours free over the weekend to do some quilting.   I had pieced the small batik table runner, so it got my attention.  Through the center I quilted a free form flower--center and petals---and a trail of leaves to join them.









  This is the backside of white and it shows better.   Note that not each flower is the same size.....and not every petal is perfect.  Even in the flower garden, imperfect petals are the norm around here!  I mostly hit the mark on them and that is exactly how it grows in the garden.

    Back to the front side.  I debated on just a stipple in the light areas.......but some feathers won out.  Each area of light is quilted just a bit differently, too.  Some feathers curve, others are sort of wavy, and the last two curl around.  It is hard to break with the habitual free motion "hand" that you develop, I think.

   This pattern is from Connie at Freemotion by the River.  I was working with leftover parts and had to reduce the width about an inch.  That is when I realized that the pattern is quite similar to  the "Soul Seaching" block.    Using scraps I could easily turn a section into a block using a mix of scraps in a single color.  I may add that to my plan for later this year.
  Life returns to a sort of normal routine this week, and I have lots to bits to clean up.  Happy stitching.

Friday Finds

Just a few this week......

Need a label for your quilt.....I ran across a nice collection of ones to print out onto prepared fabric.  From our friends at Connecting Threads.  There are good instructions at the top of the page to explain how to save and print.

From BumbleBeeLinens

What a cute idea for a pin cushion!  From BumbleBeeLinens.   Turn an unused  small embroidery hoop into a pin cushion.  In this case, she used an old hankie....but a favorite fabric would be just fine.   At Ella and Nesta's blog they did a little variation in fall colors, and added a hanging loop.    Great idea.....I need one to hang on my design wall!

 And to start the Season......a quick table runner.   At AddyLouCreates, you can find a good tutorial and pattern for this tree banner or table runner.  You can make it as long or short as you want with her fused trees.   Use your creativity and turn this idea into your own.

 

Please visit the links for details and to pin.

Hope you find some inspiration....happy stitching.

Follow up on feather wreath

 A couple of weeks ago I showed my attempt at a feather wreath.  That post is here .   I noted that the pencil lines were visible and the gray bobbin thread was poking up in places....but thought a good wash would solve both of those items.

  The table runner got finished and a gentle wash......and yep, the marks are gone.   Of course with a dish or two on it, they would not have been noticed anyway...lol.

  With a washing  the dark dots from the bobbin thread also disappeared.  Just enough shrinkage to take care of that.  This also shows that the outer plumes are much larger than the center ones.....practice needed.  But now that I understand how to get the effect, I can work on getting more symmetry and uniform sizes.

  The pattern is  Hot Dish chain variation.  I used a blue fabric for the binding.
The runner is about 48'' long.

 Another view just to show off the brass candle lantern  that Deana got for Sir Old Man.   Isn't that a neat shape?

  Tomorrow I face the dentist to begin the replacement of the cracked crown.  I have multiple reasons for not wanting to do this, the very least being I will be drooling for a few hours afterwards.  It takes a long time for the "shots" to wear off for me......so yes, I am a big baby when you mention dentist.  I have decided to have a great week in spite of tomorrow.  Wish me luck.  Happy stitching. 

Finishing a few things

  I decided it was time to get a few things finished up to make some space on the "to be done" table.  I am probably the only one in the world that has a stack of small projects that get  set aside for  later completion.  This runner is one of those projects.  It's the Piano Keys pattern done in fall tone florals.  This is the small size using 2" strips.

 








   Two place mats needed binding.....so I got to dig through the binding strip bin to find the right colors.  I love these done in the colorways.  I don't do much quilting on them, just some straight stitches in the white area to keep them from shifting.

   The design wall was bare.  I need to have something up there to keep me motivated.   The Carolina Chain---small version---went up on the wall for some interest.   I have a couple dozen units pieced and will get them turned into blocks soon.

   I know I seem to be a one-trick/repeat pony lately, between the string blocks and faux braid, and Carolina Chain blocks......but classics never go out of style.  When I get this one done, I should be ready for something new.
   I am spending the afternoon quilting on Hot Legs....she needed a good workout.  Maybe I will actually have a large finish this month.....happy stitching.  

May already?

  Time is flying by again......April was full of projects.



   A scrap quilt made from the Carolina Chain block from Bonnie Hunter was quilted and bound.  I named this one Home Ties.











 The pattern was in an old Quiltmaker magazine....but it is an easy one to figure out.  I used 2 1/2" strips for this one.  Light center squares go on one diagonal and the darker center squares go in the opposite direction.

   I spent a few days playing around with the 2+4 patch block scrap project.  My stack of 2 patches is piling up as I am making them as a leader/ender unit while I work of other quilts.  That means I have 3 things going on right now......that is enough.

  Then I spent a week making table runners from the Piano Keys pattern from Connie at Freemotion by the River.  I love this pattern and am planning /cutting out one in fall tones!

  The floral string quilt got a change up in the layout, which really slowed me down.  But I like the blocks so much better with the sashing strips.  I have just uncovered a fabric for a border, so I can get this one completed next month.

   I finished up the floral log cabin blocks....and decided on this layout.  It is simmering on the design wall until I get the border onto the string quilt.


  May looks like it will be spent on completions.....the string quilt, the log cabin watercolor, and  more blocks for the scrappy rail fence of 2 + 4 patches.
More than enough to keep me busy.  As much as I want to jump onto a new project,  I will stick to my limit of 3.....and maybe just add in a plan or two.   Happy stitching.

Piano Key tablerunners

  Two versions of the Piano Keys table runners that came from the pattern by Connie at Freemotion by the River.    The link will take you to her post and tutorial.
Note that she added information on her Saturday post for the tutorial....and another version!

Bold and blue!  This one was done with 2 1/2" strips by the pattern.  I used a variety of batik precuts that were leftover from several projects.   And more leftovers for the binding....just as long as it was mainly dark blue.  This one is 18" by 42".

    The floral version.....spring has arrived.  What can I say....this layout is the result of a happy mistake.  I ended up with the exact same fabric on  one end and decided to disguise it by putting the background together in the center.

   Finished size for this one is 18" by 32" because I used 2" strips from the stash in place of the 2 1/2" strips.
   I really enjoy the light feel of Spring in this one.  Quilted with feathers in the center and swirls in the floral prints.

  My favorite is easy to pick. :)

  Yet, the blue is so soothing.

I hope I inspired you to get the pattern and spend an afternoon making a runner.....surely you need a small gift to share.  Thanks, again to Connie for sharing her pattern.

Linking to # Creative Goodness this week at QuiltShopGal.

Linking to Linky Tuesday at Freemotion by the River.
Happy stitching.