Five Shadows

Will you be heading to any quilt retreats or shows this summer?

Projects this week:

I finished a table runner. I hoped to quilt up 3 table toppers in June, but only finished 2. This is the second one completed.

The pattern is from Upstairs Hobby Room, pattern is Whispered Dreams from Sandy’s One Block Wonders BOM series.

For the quilting I did some ruler and walking foot play.

Today I finished a little project for a friend. She had asked if I could patch her ripped eye glass case. She gave me a blue print to work with. The leather like fabric was ripped where the magnet fastener was attached. I opted to use the old case as a pattern and made a new case for her.

I added a card board insert for stability, and also fused interfacing to both layers of the fabric.

I used a sew on Velcro closer instead of the metal magnet. My friend was very pleased with the results!

How did I do the last To-Do List?

1. Continue quilting In Box Jaunt Quilt-Along, floral quilting in sashing, then setting this one aside for a couple of weeks.  ✗
2. Helping adult kids with their new home to get it move-in-ready. That should about fill my week! ✗ Sadly this trip got cancelled. New dates set!
3. Touch Monkey quilt if there is time.  ✔️

Quilted and bound! Last year while taking part in One Block Wonders BOM sponsored by Sandy of Upstairs Hobby Room, I stitched up Brilliant Cluster her block for July. I love this block! I love the colors! I used some scraps I won from Colorways by Vicki Welsh and also some scrap batiks for piecing.

Last week I did a simple diagonal grid quilting design using my Janome walking foot. I used a variegated blue 30 weight Signature for the top thread and Aurifil blue 2805, 50 weight in the bobbin. For binding I used a dark blue left over from another larger quilt. Finishing this quilt makes Part 1 of my 4 part quilting goal checked off my May goal list!

This week I plan to use a clam shell design to quilt this table runner made from a batik strip pack called Tango Treats by Timeless Treasures.

The pattern is call Simply Elegant Table Runner and was included in the strip pack.  Above is just a portion of the quilt.

I bought a sampler pack of Westalee Design rulers that includes a clam shell ruler. Time to try it out!

Batiks! I love them! I won a Jelly Roll from Christa Quilts last year while particapating in her Facets Quilt-Along. Now I’m making a second Facets using the Jelly Roll and several yardage pieces.

Improv piecing started.

Facets plan worked out above and the blue batik I’ll be using in place of the red in the pattern.

I added another Quilt-Along to my project list – even though I had told myself I would not join anymore quilt-alongs this year! But, I am finding the ones geared to improving FMQ too tempting. Lori of The In Box Jaunt is offering a Spring Quilt-Along.

I pieced the above top to use for playing along with Lori’s quilt-along.

How about you, are you following any Quilt-Alongs this year?

How did I do on last week’s To-Do List?

1. Work on ‘Facets’ at Curvy Quilters this Thursday. ✔️ Solid triangles cut, and improve piecing started.
2. Finish blanket stitching the Fusion squares! ✔️ Finally!
3. Quilt the One Block Wonders quilt that I pieced last July. This is part of my One Monthly Goal for May. ✔️

1. Practice crocheting stitch – next step for Fusion Blanket
2. Quilt Simply Elegant Table Runner using a Clam Shell design.
3. Waiting for FMQ step for The In Box Jaunt Quilt-Along.
4. Sit Down Free Motion Quilters May BOM pattern is up and ready. Time to piece another block.

I’m linking to To-Do Tuesday and Linky Tuesday.

Last year I took part in Sandy’s One Block Wonders of Upstairs Hobby Room. This week I basted, quilted and bound the top I pieced back in March of 2016. I did walking foot quilting in a simple wavy stitch. I stitched down the center of each pieced row and then also stitched diagonally right to left following the center and edges of the ‘block’ as my guide line. The binding is scrappy, using strips from the line of fabric.

The top was made from Raindrops by Lonni Rossi for Andover Fabrics and Kona Snow for the background. The quilt is 60″ square. I used Warm & White batting.

Close up of quilting, using King Tut Quilting Thread by Superior Threads, 40 weight, Rainbow variegated color number 921. I used The Bottom Line by Superior Threads, 60 weight, color number 650.

There was a call for quilt donations for those affected by the Smoky Mountain/Gatlinburg fires. As I understand it, quilts will be collected through January 31st. Knoxville Modern Quilt Guild is collecting quilts. This quilt is heading there.

I’m still behind on Leah Day’s 2016 Machine Quilting Block Party. I have the last 2 blocks pieced but not yet quilted.

November’s block.

December’s block.

A new project for this year is making a slip cover for my living room sofa. I can check off making the piping for the cushions.

The piping is sitting on the fabric that will cover the cushions. Next up, sewing the cushion covers.

Maybe this should be a separate post, but, I have organized my quilting plans for 2017. I’ve organized my quilting notebook into the following categories: Quilts to Finish Piecing, Quilt Tops to Sandwich and Quilt, Quilts to make on my ‘Wish to Make’ list.

I’m particapating in One Monthly Goal  hosted by Elm Street Quilts. At the beginning of each month I’ll post which quilt I’ll focus on, taken from one of the three lists above, and then at the end of the month I’ll share how I progressed. Hopefully there will be 12 finishes by the end of the year!

I’m tickled to already have my One Monthly Goal completed and will move on to another. How are your goals for the New Year coming along?

How did I do on last week’s To-Do Tuesday List?

1. Finish pjs. ✗ Sigh. Didn’t touch them this week.
2. Continue thinking about that slip cover? OK, I’ll break it down into smaller tasks – this week make piping for the cushions. ✔️ Success!
3. Plan an attack on WIP from 2016. ✔️ I have my
4. Piece November and December’s blocks from Leah Day’s 2016 Sunshine Surprise Quilt-as-you-go BOM. ✔️

To-Do Tuesday List for this week:

1. Sew cushion covers for sofa.
2. Mark and quilt last 2 blocks from Leah Day’s BOM.
3. Plan borders for enlarged Remembering Victoria pattern from Elm Creek Quilts book. This quilt is for my son and DIL. She picked out the pattern and fabrics.
4. Pjs???

I’m linking to To-Do Tuesday and Linky Tuesday.

This was a good sewing week.

The Christmas Tree Skirt I’ve been working on is quilted and ready for binding!

I think I’ll do a scrappy binding, it’s on my to-do list for this week.

The May One Block Wonder table runner is also quilted and the binding made and attached!

I learned something this week. When attaching the binding to the May Blossoms table runner, one of the corners just would not turn into a nicely mitered corner.

I fiddled and poked and pressed and fussed, and just could not figure out what I did wrong on that one corner. So I googled “mitered angles” and found this youtube: Mitered Binding for Different Angles.  It seems that I didn’t fold the binding down far enough on that one corner. Live and learn! I’ll be ready to attach a nicer binding next time!

The above mitered corner looks so much nicer than my ‘oops’ one.

Timeless Tradition BOM is coming along. I have sewn the set triangles on to the pieced blocks and trimmed them to 12 1/2″. Next up is sewing the blocks into rows!

Thursday, I picked up a quilt from a client to bind for her. I cut and pieced binding strips for her 90″ x 102″ quilt today. I also picked up t-shirts for another quilt. Prep and trimming are in the plans for this coming week!

How has your week gone? Have you learned any quilting tricks this past week?

How did I do on last week’s To-Do Tuesday List?

1. Sandwich and quilt Christmas tree skirt! ✔️ Next up, binding.
2. Finish quilting May Blossoms table runner. ✔️Ready to use Spring 2017!
3. Continue piecing Timeless Tradition quilt top. ✔️ Just a little bit of piecing and trimming.
4. Enjoy family visiting this weekend. ✗  Sadly they got sick and didn’t get to come for the planned visit. But our middle daughter surprised us by dropping by Sunday night. It is always nice to visit with our children!

To-Do Tuesday List for this week:

1. Bind Christmas tree skirt.
2. Continue piecing Timeless Tradition quilt top.
3. Bind client quilt.
4. Prep t-shirts for client quilt.

Last week, while being sidetracked from my to-do list, I made up a spreadsheet of the quilt tops I’ve completed over the past year. Some were WIP, Works in Progress from previous years. Some were new quilts, and others are from One Block Wonders BOM, Block of the Month, I joined for this year. I’m pleased to say, I got the tops all measured, batting all cut, and even some have backs and binding ready! The large tops I placed on hangers and they are neatly stored in my sewing room closet.

While organizing the tops, I came across the cute May Blossoms table runner I made back in the Spring while participating in the One Block Wonders BOM. I allowed myself to be sidetracked once again to finish the table runner instead of sandwiching and quilting the Christmas Tree Skirt, which is what I should have been completing.

When I set aside the May Blossoms table runner, the top was pieced and appliqué fused in place.

This past week, I blanket stitched the appliqué, sandwiched, and started the quilting.

Shucks, its not done, but well on the way.

If you are interested, Sandy of Upstairs Hobby Room has 8 of the 12 One Block Wonders patterns listed on Craftsy. She plans on posting all 12 patterns soon. For the BOM, Sandy provided instructions for one pieced block each month. Then we used the block design anyway we wanted. For May I added stems, leaves, and buds to make the table runner. I pieced 3 blocks for each end of the runner to be form a flower.  Sandy is now has expanding the instructions to make full size quilts, available on Craftsy.

At my Thursday Curvy Quilters sewing day, I worked on piecing star points on to pieced and appliquéd blocks for the Timeless Tradition BOM.

Oh, and I selected, prep, cut appliqué pieces and fused the pieces in place for 4 blocks before going to Thursday’s sewing.

I’m using all fabrics – so far – from my stash for the Timeless Tradition quilt and I’m liking how it is turning out. Using from my stash was just a little challenge I decided to try. So far so good!

This weekend we have out-of-town family coming for a visit. That means I need to do a little sprucing up of guest rooms. I’m looking forward to spending time with them!

One of the quilting Facebook groups I follow posted this today: Quilting makes me feel ______. How would you fill in that blank? I’m feeling accomplished right about now!

How did I do on last week’s To-Do Tuesday List?

1. Piecing star points on BOM Timeless Tradition blocks. ✔️
2. Select, prep, cut appliqué pieces for 4 blocks of Timeless Traditions BOM. ✔️
3. Sandwich and quilt Christmas tree skirt. ✗
4. Purchase November’s Machine Quilting Block Party pattern. ✔️

To-Do List Tuesday for this week:

1. Sandwich and quilt Christmas tree skirt!
2. Finish quilting May Blossoms table runner.
3. Continue piecing Timeless Tradition quilt top.
4. Enjoy family visiting this weekend.

I’m linking to To-Do Tuesday and Linky Tuesday.

This is the last month for Sandy’s One Block Wonders Block of the Month. I’ve used her September BOM paper pieced pattern to make a 26″ square table topper.

I decided to be brave and just jump in there with a rainbow variegated  thread to keep the theme going with the fabrics and now thread. 40 weight King Tut by Superior Threads, color # 921.  This thread might have been part of a “Try Me” package from Superior Threads, as I don’t think I’d order something like that with out a particular project in mind. The rainbow thread is really popping on the black and gray fabrics. I knew mistakes would be very visible, but I have to get over it and just practice, practice this FMQ if I’m ever going to succeed!

Close up of one of the corners. I was just playing with designs, and no, I didn’t have a good plan for turning the corner.

Do you like the rainbow fabric I used in the flange binding? I’m loving it!

The rainbow fabrics are from Be Colourful Color Palette by Jacqueline duJonge for Anthology Fabrics. Purchased from Pumpkinvine Quilting during the Shipshewanna Shop Hop back in June. The black is most likely a Moda, and the gray is A Hint of Print by Molly B’s Studio for Marcus Fabrics. Since  I only bought 1/4 yard of the rainbow stripe, I don’t know the name or manufacturer. (Not enough selvage to gain that info!)

Last Thursday I went on a Shop Hop with 3 quilt-y friends. We visited 6 stores in 9 1/2 hours! Caroline’s Cottage organized the shop hop and there were sales/specials at each store.

I picked up some fabrics for a pumpkin design I hope to make this Fall.

And I bought 2 more rulers and patterns. I really should have resisted, but the sale was too good to pass up! Clearance at one shop, and 25% off at another. I’m turning  in to a Gadget Girl, and I’m thinking 2017 is going to have to be a “Play with all the Gadgets” type year!

How did I do on last week’s Tuesday To-Do List?

1. Shop Hop with friends Thursday! ✓ We had a marvelous time!
2. Mark and quilt September’s block for the Machine Quilting Block Party. ✗ Nope, but I did finish the One Block Wonders BOM.
3. Start Christmas Tree Skirts. ✗  Does buying a few more fabrics for them count? Because I did that during the Shop Hop.

I’m working on 2 BOMs this year. It just so happens that both are paper pieced this month.

This is the last month for One Block Wonders hosted by Sandy of Upstairs Hobby Room.

Pattern is printed, and fabrics are cut.

On to piecing. I’ve made 4 blocks for a table topper. Borders will be added.

Hmmm, now to decide which layout to use for a table topper.

Which do you like best?

Or maybe, linear?

I’ve enjoyed participating in this year long BOM which started October 2015. Each month Sandy gave us a pattern for one block that we than used anyway we wanted. I mostly made table toppers and table runners, but I did also make on lap size quilt and have one prepped for sewing which will be lap size, but only a few blocks sewn. Funny thing is, it is also a paper pieced pattern! When I get the current table topper pieced, I’ll have 10 quilt tops ready to sandwich and quilt, I have one underway with some quilting, and that one quilt top to finish paper piecing.

The next BOM is Leah Day’s Machine Quilting Block Party.

Paper piecing underway, trimming the extra fabric to 1/4″.

Paper pieced units trimmed to 4 1/5″ square. Time to remove the paper.

Block all pieced and pressed. It’s ready to be marked, sandwiched, and quilted. This month Leah is going to teach how to put the quilted blocks together in the quilt-as-you-go method.

I have a non quilting new-to-me toy.

It’s a Zojirushi Bread Machine that makes a 2 pound loaf. I still have some tweaking to do to perfect the recipe. And then there will be so much to explore. The manual says you can make jam and cakes in it too. Sounds interesting, I’ll have to give those a try once I’m happy with my whole wheat bread!

How did I do on last week’s To-Do List?

1. Binding t-shirt quilt (picking up from quilter this week) ✓
2. Piece September’s block for the Machine Quilting Block Party. ✓
3. Download last One Block Wonders BOM pattern. Can’t believe we are already on the 12 month! ✓

I am so super pleased with how all the appliqué is coming together for the Bargello quilt! It is taking longer than I’d like, but all the pieces are constructed – outrigger canoe & paddle, and the turtle scene which is fused to the Bargello quilt.

This is the lower right corner, inside the borders, of the king size bargello quilt. The pattern for the Honu (turtle) scene is Someone to Watch Over You by Barbara Bieraugel Designs. I enlarged the pattern by 150%.

Now I need to decided if I am going to be match-y match-y with the thread with each motif, or use monofilament thread all over. Monofilament sure would make it easier, but would the sheen ruin the look of the quilt?

I love Misty Fuse! It is my go-to fusible. I like the feel of the finished product. And I find it very easy to work with when fusing appliqué pieces. Do you have a favorite fusible product?

I didn’t have the One block Wonders August block on my To-Do List last week, but I did finish piecing a table topper using the pattern! The block is called X Box.

I also finished the August Machine Quilting Block Party. I needed some time away from cutting out all the little pieces of appliqué for the Bargello quilt!

How did I do on last week’s To-Do List?

1. Bargello – finish constructing appliqués! ✔︎ All constructed and I’m so pleased with them!
2. Bargello – fuse and blanket stitch appliqués to quilt!  - Fuse! ✔︎ The Turtle Scene is fused in place and starting to stitch around them today!
3. Bargello – sew back of quilt together! ✗

To-Do List for this week:

1. Bargello – Top stitch all the appliqué in place!
2. Bargello – sew the back of the quilt together.
3. Bargello – Hopefully, deliver to the long arm quilter! I’m so excited about completing this quilt!
4. Bargello – construct binding for the quilt.
5. Down load September pattern on the 1st for the Machine Block Party.

I’m linking to To-Do Tuesday and Linky Tuesday. Hope your Tuesday is going well!

I’ve made some progress on May’s One Block Wonders BOM. I decided to make a table runner using 6 blocks from May’s design.

I altered the 12″ May Blooms blocks to 6″ to create a 14″ x 43″ table runner. The appliqué pieces are fused in place using Misty Fuse, but still need to be stitched down. I really do like how this is looking!

I just finished machine quilting, literally – just minutes ago – May’s Machine Quilting Block Party BOM.

Night time photo color is way off! That is a white background. And I still need to remove the marking for the quilting guide lines. Ugh. Horrible photo. Sorry. But hey! I’m now ready for the June block that will be posted tomorrow!

I also made progress on the t-shirt Hobo bag. The red is a t-shirt and the black batik is forming a pocket. The Batik is also the lining. The flip side is a made from a black t-shirt. More photos next time. Straps will be solid black and the batik.

All it needs is the shoulder straps. I could have finished it last night, but decided to make the straps adjustable. Daughter and I ran errands today, and my plan was to stop at Joann’s and see what kind of hardware they have. I forgot to stop! I was just down the road by a few blocks, and totally forgot. And later I was even across the street from Hancock’s (going out of business) and mentioned to my daughter that I want to stop in Hancock’s after we finished in the store she wanted to stop in at. We both forgot! Let’s hope I can remember tomorrow!

I really am a list person and should have had a list today to remind me to stop at Joann’s! How about you, are you a list person?

To-Do List for this week.

1. Start June’s Machine Quilting Block Party BOM
2. June’s One Block Wonders pattern should be available Friday!
3. Helping son pack and move.

How did I do on last’s week To-Do List?

1. Hobo bag – making progress!
2. Curvy Quilters meet Thursday, I’ll work on the BOMs. ✔︎
3. I’m adopting a WIP from a local lady. It is a Trip Around the World. I pick it up today to finish the top for her. I’ll share more next week. ✔︎ This project turned out to be an Amish Diamond in a Square out of prints that I am guessing are from the 70′s. I didn’t take pictures, but the top is complete and returned for quilting.

I’m linking to To-Do Tuesday and Connie’s Linky Tuesday.

Yesterday was a great day. Today, not so much. I started out today with flu like symptoms. My day turned in to sleeping, coughing, sneezing, aching. Blah blah blah. NOT how I envisioned this week going!

Monday, I hosted my quilting group, Curvy Quilters. We jokingly started calling ourselves that when at one time all of us where working on some curved version of a quilt design. 2 of us love Sew Kind of Wonderful‘s Quick Curve Ruler and patterns. And another gal in the group decided to give the ruler a try, and she loved how easy sewing curves was! The name stuck, and we are the Curvy Quilters!

We had a birthday in our group, so I made a little cake that we shared at lunch time.

Usually when we meet, I work on one of my UFOs and that has proven to be a good way to check several off my list this year. But yesterday, I decided to work on April’s One Block Wonders, Diamond Path. I had a pile of 2 1/2″ scrappy strips left from other quilt projects, and thought they would work great in this month’s design.

Here is my scrappy version of Diamond Path with a cream border, and piano key border with HST in the corners.

At 38″ square it could be used as a wall hanging or a colorful baby quilt.

With all the customer projects I have right now, Diamond Path will join my ever growing pile of Tops to-be quilted.

I did meet up  with a customer at the local quilt shop Friday and now have t-shirts for a hobo bag and for the back of a signature pillow. I have to stop by the local big box store to buy a 24″ pillow form.

Two t-shirts and black, red, & white fabric for the hobo bag and a signature block pillow. We forgot to buy a fun red print to go along with the bag. Sigh. Another trip needed to the LQS. Hard life, isn’t it when you have to visit a quilt shop!?

Yesterday, I inherited a t-shirt quilt to finish piecing. My friend who does them along with her longarm business needed help to finish this one as she cares for her aging mother. She has the t-shirts cut and fused, ready to square up. I’ll do that and sash them, sewing together the top and get it back to her for quilting.

That’s 35 fused t-shirts! Fusing is the worst part in my opinion, so the rest should be a breeze!

How did I do on last’s week To-Do List?

1. Bargello quilt has to be on the top of the list. ✔︎ Strips are being sewn together. I’m thinking this is a bigger undertaking than I originally thought! One step at a time, I’ll get-er-done!
2. Meeting a customer who wants a signature quilt and hobo bag. ✔︎ I have the t-shirts and fabrics. Customer selected a simple HST design for the signatures.

To-Do List for this week:

1. Recover from what ever this flu-creepy crud is that is currently plaguing me!
2. Keep plugging away on the king size Bargello.
3. Fit in FMQ March’s Block Party BOM.

I’m keeping the list short this week as I recover from these flu type symptoms. My focus will be on the Bargello when I have enough energy and a brain to tackle it! Deadlines for the t-shirt projects are fortunately in May and June, phew! I’ll have time for those later.

How about you? Are your plans going well? Anything new on the horizon?

I’m linking to To-Do Tuesday and Linky Tuesday.