Five Shadows

This week I’m binding table runners and trivets for a friend. She is mass producing runners, trivets (hot pot holders) and Christmas ornaments for a bazaar she will be vending at this Saturday. Last week she said she was not happy with her bindings and has been spending more time on them than the actual sewing and quilting. I like do bindings, so I offered to help. She took me up on it!

8 runners & 2 trivets & 1 baby quilt completed

She is using the 60 degree wedge design for her table runners. This Christmas runner is my favorite.

Bright and cheery design. The wedge ruler method works best with border & stripe prints. (hmm photo is distorting runner, don’t know why)

I have 2 left to bind. I’m using the Flat Felled method for attaching the bindings. I sew the binding on to the back of the runner and press it to the front. I pin the miter at the 120 degree corners and use the Flat Felled Presser Foot to stitch the binding down along the edge of the binding. This is a quick way to put a nice finish on mass produced table runners!   As fun as these have been, I’ll be looking forward to returning to my own sewing next week!

I took a break from sewing and made this for supper.

Sausage & Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash. Yum! It got the stamp of approval from the family. I think next time I make it, I’ll cook the Acorn Squash in the microwave to speed up the cooking time. And might try subbing black beans for the sausage.

Do you have a favorite Fall recipe? This was perfect for our cool day here.

To-Do List for this week: Finish 2 more table runners. Thursday is quilting day with my little group – I’ll be working on Metro Hoops, will take along Dot to Dot as a back up project. Saturday I’ll be going to the bazaar to encourage my friend. That’s all folks!

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

The Harley Davidson T-Shirt quilt is back from the longarm quilter.

It’s large. Queen size, made so the t-shirts cover the mattress, plus 2 borders for the drop to cover the sides of the mattress.

I’m working on a flange binding. The orange flame print adds a nice POP to the black border and binding.

More photos promised once it is complete!

I didn’t get to more ruler play to finish the table runner I shared last week, because a migraine invaded my happy little life. So my To-Do list from last week will carry over to this week. Oh, but wait, that is not 100% true, because I offered to help a friend with her table runner bindings. I might not get to my table runner & Metro Hoops until next week. This week: bindings!

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

I was surprised today by seeing a familiar photo on Connie’s Linky Tuesday post. Connie featured my photo of making Flying Geese using Jodi Barrow’s Square in a Square Ruler. Thank you for the feature, Connie!

This week I set up my sewing machine for some ‘ruler play’ using the 1/4″ ruler foot for my Janome and rulers originally designed for Longarm quilters. I’m taking Amy Johnson’s Craftsy Class Quilting with Rulers on a Home Machine. I decided to give the rulers a try on the Flying Geese table runner. Now don’t go judging! This is my first time to quilt using rulers on something other than a practice piece!

It’s not finished yet, but it is a start. The block design is from Sandy’s One Block Wonder BOM she is hosting, October being the first month.

Close up of the straight line quilting, above. I used a varigated 30 wt. thread for the top.

Stitching on the back, using Superior Threads  Bottom Line 60 wt. thread, color no. 637 ‘Blush’ in the bobbin.

I have more ideas for how to quilt this piece, so I just might make up more Flying Geese table runners to use to practice the ideas.

My busy weekend went well with all the cooking, Fall party, and having our adult kids in for visits and meals.

I made this Cranberry Cobbler twice and it was a hit both times. It disappeared at the Fall Party before I could even get a taste! And it also disappeared at our family gathering Saturday night! Family has requested I make it again, but double the recipe next time. It might be showing up on our Thanksgiving table next month!

This week’s To-Do list:  I hope to finish up Metro Hoops designs by Sew Kind of Wonderful. Maybe make up a few more table runners for quilting practice. Also pick up the t-shirt quilt from the longarmer and finish it with a flange binding.

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

Thing One: I’m playing along with a BOM (block of the month) hosted by Up Stairs Hobby Room that just started this month. It is called One Block Wonders BOM but does not make a sampler quilt. Each month the block presented will be a stand alone block to make mini quilts, pillows, table runners, quilt tops, or whatever else you want to do with your block. I’m using this month’s block to make an Autumn Table runner.

Thing Two:  The block this month uses Flying Geese units. I decided to use a new-to-me ruler, Jodi Barrows’ Square in a Square Ruler. I actually bought the ruler and a book a while back, and later in August attend a lecture by Jodi. This is only my second time to pick it up and give it a try.

On the right is the Square in the Square unit that Jodi bases her method of piecing on. The bottom left is the Square in a Square unit trimmed for the Flying Geese units. Top left are the two Flying Geese you get from one Square in a Square unit.

In the above photo I am using the 90 degree lines to trim the unit. The opposite corner is trimmed the same way, each with a 1/4″ seam allowance.

Above, showing the 1/4″ seam allowance.

The remaining to sides are trimmed right at the corner of the inner square.

Above, see how the unit was trimmed just to the corner edge of the inner square.

Next, the Square in a Square is cut into two Flying Geese. And yes, there is some waste, that really bugs some people. The triangles trimmed off this size of the Square in a Square (6″ x 3″) are actually large enough to save for another project. Or … if you make doggy rescue beds as a friend of mine does, save your scraps to stuff the beds.  :-)

Two Flying Geese units and the Square in the Square Ruler.

Above is one block of Flying Geese units, not yet sewn together. I’ll be adding more fall colors to complete my table runner. I was hoping to finish it today, but hey! I got to show this process to you instead.

Are you familiar with Jodi Barrows? She has been sharing her techniques for years and has up to 30 some units all made by starting with the Square in the Square. She will be at the Fall Quilt Market this weekend.

My To-Do Tuesday List: 1. Finish the One Block Wonder table runner. 2. Host my quilting group Thursday, bake a dessert to share. 3. Church Fall Party – cook for that. 4. Daughter and SIL coming in from out of town, more cooking!

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

Hello my quilting friends! Here is my latest quilt for a sweet little toddler.

Her momma loves blue. Last year, her sister received a quilt made with the background fabric. They will have coordinating quilts fabric wise.

The back showing the outline of the silhouette, stitched in black Aurifil 50# in bobbin and top thread.

Close up of flange binding and arch quilting, using a walking foot and seam guide.

So the question of the week is: What is the child in the silhouette doing?

Options:

A. Cleaning a gun. B. Bouncing balls on a paddle. C. Playing with a bubble wand. D. None of the above.

Or maybe you would like a fill in the blank option better:

The child in the silhouette is _____________________.

This past week I finished 5 baby/toddler quilts that are being gifted this coming week. I also finished the borders and back for a t-shirt quilt and delivered it to the longarm quilter.

Goals this week include enjoying a trip east with my son to visit relatives and deliver the 5 quilts.

I really do want to know what you see in the quilt. There has been some interesting discussion going on here at my home about just what that silhouette is doing!

Linked to: Linky Tuesday & To-Do Tuesday

Happy Dance!

3 baby quilts completed, another one just needs the binding stitched down, and one more to start.

This quilt is finished! The block is a design by Christa Watson of Christa Quilts.

I added appliqué birds to mimic the backing fabric. Straight line quilting with the walking foot,  with just a little bit of free motion quilting.

The blocks are stitch-in-the-ditch and swiggles in the negative space.

And finished off with a flange binding.

I cut out the Blue Monkeys for this quilt last week. I think it is my favorite because of the quilting.

I did all over arches that intersect.

And finished with a flange binding. I do love flange bindings. They make a nice clean finish while adding a pop of color.

Flange binding on the pink monkey quilt. (see last week’s post)

And one more still in progress.

Front

The back is just super fun! I wish I had bought more of this print! “Just Hanging” Alexander Henry Fabrics. I just need to stitch-in-the-ditch to finish the flange binding.

Do you have a favorite binding technique, tool or tip?

To-Do-List:  Next up is one more baby quilt. And adding borders to the T-shirt quilt.

I’m linking to Linky Tuesday and To-Do Tuesday. Follow the links to see more fun projects!

Yes, this happened.

The back folded over and got stitched with a wrinkle in it. See the dots out of line and a bit of the batting? Sigh. I’ll be ripping that mess out tonight.  Hmmm. Need to work on the tension too. It was fine until I changed the thread. It has been one of those days where things go wrong. Aurifil worked wonderfully, Mettler not so much as it kept breaking.

I thought this quilt was ready for binding. Nope, not with that fold on the back!  I did straight line quilting in the background. Monkeys stitched around edges with blanket stitch, a little heart on their chests, and wiggles in the border.

Friday my order of batting arrived. The next day I got an email from the company saying the batting had been shipped. Well, yes, I guess so, since it was already at my house! A little shopping at a local quilt shop, and I bought the back for the t-shirt quilt, but not the borders. I’ll try again this weekend at another shop. The monkeys are all cut out for the next baby quilt. … I forgot to look for backing! If I don’t make a list, things just don’t happen.  The pumpkin table runner is still waiting for my attention.

So, be truthful, have you ever been happily FMQ along just to turn over the quilt and go ‘arrrgh!’ because you caught a wrinkle in the quilting? That was definitely me today.

I’m linking up to Linky Tuesday and To-Do Tuesday. Go check them out to see what other quilters have been creating this week.

This week I will continue to sandwich and quilt baby quilt tops.

My little Monkey Business quilt top was featured over at Connie’s Freemotion by the River Linky Tuesday Blog! That put a smile on my face! Thank you Connie! I bought fabric to make a second Monkey Business quilt, but have to finish a few other things before starting a new quilt.

One of those other things was the t-shirt quilt. The shirts have been cut apart, fusible interfacing applied, blocks cut down to size, and sewn together. I have calculated out yardage for borders, back, and binding, which means a shopping trip is in my near future!

How do you make a t-shirt quilt you ask?

First step is to prepare the shirts. Cut in half –  up the sides separating front from back, and cut off the sleeves & neckband.

Then, using Pellon fusible interfacing P44F, fuse the interfacing to the inside of the t-shirt. Cut Pellon a bit larger than desired finish block size to give wiggle room for squaring up the motif on the t-shirt.

To fuse the Pellon to the shirts, I use a hot dry iron and a wet scrap of muslin large enough to cover the t-shirt. On my ironing board, I layer a teflon craft sheet, t-shirt face down, the Pellon glue side down on shirt, top with the wet muslin. Then press with the hot iron to adhere the Pellon to the shirt. The Pellon gives stability to the knit t-shirt fabric making it easier to sew seams. A walking foot or dual feed foot help with piecing.

Next, trim the shirt down to the desired size.

My customer had predetermined the layout she wanted. We talked about settings and she liked the idea of the shirts sewn right next to each other without any sashing or piecing. I’m used to a little creative play with piecing and sashing, but I think this layout is looking nice. The plan for this quilt is for t-shirts to cover the top of a queen size mattress with borders draping over the sides of the mattress.

My next project was the paper pieced blocks from Christa Quilts. I played with several layouts and decided on a setting that I think is very modern. The quilt is going to a little girl who loves pink. I have a cute pink bird print by Valori Wells “Mamma Birds” for the back, the binding will be a bright pink.

I ordered a bolt of white Warm N Natural batting, when it arrives, the monkey quilt and paper pieced quilt will be first up for some free motion and walking foot quilting.

I’m wondering, have you ever made a t-shirt quilt? What about paper piecing? Do you have a favorite hint for either, making t-shrit quilts or paper piecing? I’d love to hear!

I’m linking to Linky Tuesday, go check Connie’s linky party where over 40 some crafters link up. It’s fun to see what other quilters and crafters are working on week to week. I’m also linking up to To-Do Tuesday with Christine of Stitch All The Things. The purpose of her linky party is motivation! List what you plan on working on Tuesday to Tuesday, then the next week weigh in on how well you accomplished your list! I like that I have a list to refer back to each week. And again, it is fun to see everyones creativity.

This week’s To-Do list:  Buy fabrics for borders, back, & binding for t-shirt quilt.  Sandwich baby quilts if batting arrives. Work on a pumpkin table runner. Then I can start the next monkey quilt!

Progress! On a few WIP (works in progress), first up is this adorable Monkey quilt.

Reminds me of the toy from my childhood, A Barrel of Monkeys. I just needed to appliqué the monkeys in place, which I did this past week. And it is ready to sandwich and quilt. The pattern is modified from Monkey Business by Blue Meadow Designs.

Next top finished is the Tree Fern Sashiko Kit, all hand stitched. Now I have to decide if I will frame or finish as a quilted wall hanging. I’m pleased with how it turned out as it is my first Sashiko stitched project.

Way back in May – July, Christa of Christa Quilts hosted a paper pieced quilt along. I finally got around to working on the blocks. I like how they are coming together, but need to run to the local quilt shop for more pinks.

And of course I would add a new project when I still have a long list of WIP already underway! I got a call from gal wanting a Harley Davidson T-shirt quilt. Here are the shirts, all in order as she would like them in the quilt. No sashing, but borders will be added.

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

My List for this week is: sandwich  baby quilt, buy more pinks and keep paper piecing, start cutting apart t-shirts.

Finally, a finish! I had intended this to be a Christmas gift last year.

That didn’t happen, and I can’t even remember why. But this summer I finished the top and sent it to a friend to quilt. I like how she did swirls in the swirly fabric, and back & forth lines on the black background, with no quilting in the gray sashing. Very modern. I did a Flat Felled Binding. And see that little teal strip at the binding? I randomly added 5 of those along the edge for a little more pop of color. And I wrote little notes to my daughter on the back side of the teal strips. I’m calling them ‘label strips’ as I added ‘date’ and ‘made by’ on one of them.

Daughter and I shopped for the backing fabric. We found that cool print at Crimson Tate. Daughter and I love how the berries on the back coordinate with the little set stones on the front. And then I didn’t have enough fabric for the back, so used the rest of the set stone fabric on the back, and it just adds to the whole modern look of the quilt. Oh, and the fabric used for the gray sashing and binding is a linen from Crimson Tate. The pattern is an adapted Sew Kind of Wonderful design Two-Step Topper. I enlarged it from 30″ x 30″ to twin size and broke up the block by adding the white sashing and teal set stones.

Can you tell that Daughter is super happy with her quilt!? I’m happy that she is happy!

The Sashiko Tree Fern is getting there.

I’m happy with how it is coming along.

I’m linking to Linky Tuesday, To-Do Tuesday, UFO Busting.

My list this week is machine quilt several baby quilts. I need to count how many I have made, find backs, sandwich and get my machine set up for some Walking Foot quilting. And finish the Sashiko Tree Fern!