tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43790460932212858062024-03-13T14:19:32.160+13:00Chicky QuiltsLaurinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625091101868506230noreply@blogger.comBlogger152125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4379046093221285806.post-67649352478385161072019-09-08T14:07:00.000+12:002019-09-08T14:07:18.345+12:00Cotton Robin 2019Six weeks ago the Cotton Robin for this year was finally finished. There were a few lost/delayed pieces that set the schedule behind. These things happen, but since I was the organizer this year, it was up to me to chase things down. I was supposed to work on 4 quilts, but ended up only working on 3. The last round didn't quite make it to my house and was returned to the sender. We decided it was better to not try to send it to me a second time, so I did not get to quilt and bind a quilt this time.<br />
<br />
<b><font size="4" color="#B45484">My center block</b></font><br />
I looked through the centers that I have done previously and decided that I needed to try something a bit different. As usual, I started out with a really ambitious design - a wonky paper-pieced NY Beauty design that I drafted myself. After considering the size constraints, I realized that it would never work, so I went in another direction and did some skinny bias strip applique. I will save the unused design for another day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMbG7Fu00L_WgSyPWeWV1q3S_AEZDP-sVgrFYndWDP9ByjVdZDfQUss9RqQIfH1A5C9K0_tsc-Ms2IC-IKphVY18KqIosaEkj1n4JlI_KF3uG92GkPdMrs0H1XmWCSg_tl_KzYc5KWTUC/s1600/wonky+NYB.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMbG7Fu00L_WgSyPWeWV1q3S_AEZDP-sVgrFYndWDP9ByjVdZDfQUss9RqQIfH1A5C9K0_tsc-Ms2IC-IKphVY18KqIosaEkj1n4JlI_KF3uG92GkPdMrs0H1XmWCSg_tl_KzYc5KWTUC/s200/wonky+NYB.png" width="200" height="199" data-original-width="634" data-original-height="631" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmlCiiRPcg6uYEgNH9ACHTCbijRyU44wgoONcvR6eRTK_nxVmQQKyvtjHScoJf0DI8n5ewHPyWiiVMDMPYAeB6bf8J8O1xthiY5RDs1NMHp4H4XgNY6tO2g77Kc_qQwZccPr8f2Q3IQ-L4/s1600/2019+centre+block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmlCiiRPcg6uYEgNH9ACHTCbijRyU44wgoONcvR6eRTK_nxVmQQKyvtjHScoJf0DI8n5ewHPyWiiVMDMPYAeB6bf8J8O1xthiY5RDs1NMHp4H4XgNY6tO2g77Kc_qQwZccPr8f2Q3IQ-L4/s200/2019+centre+block.jpg" width="200" height="200" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
Clare, Nan, and Liz worked on my center block adding two borders and quilting it. This year, I decided to take my center and work through a design for each border on paper (or computer). I was inspired by one of the first years we did the Cotton Robin where the suggestion was made to make 2 centers and do one yourself in parallel. I was too lazy to do this, but I enjoyed the process of thinking how I would approach it compared to how other quilters did. Designing on paper eliminates the restraints of what fabric you might have available and the time/skill to create your ideas. But, I do most of my designs like this before I start, so it's how I tend to work anyway. Here is the finished quilt and my "parallel universe" version.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLra08ZILs6RQs1BDsRxghBPmyAwKvxVl9B-D8tUd54fToHFamj74_diGl56ynG9yROETnSlPwIAZBBDPKMohAdVIl1Le5lAvLqbCbBMLy8CGGy2v1Ail18KWB50KCYmkuM1aFJzoRDDLI/s1600/2019+finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLra08ZILs6RQs1BDsRxghBPmyAwKvxVl9B-D8tUd54fToHFamj74_diGl56ynG9yROETnSlPwIAZBBDPKMohAdVIl1Le5lAvLqbCbBMLy8CGGy2v1Ail18KWB50KCYmkuM1aFJzoRDDLI/s200/2019+finished.jpg" width="200" height="192" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1535" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtj8ddrRnaKp2ysP95T4TzwNshpeRbnSIDQGkIIhpJQnFr9dQNZRxIUCtVRS5SOrRLw1M0TEx6QjKV4TFNgvFj-WfdxlnQRu-8iUPirLsuLdXEPcuWZ_Xx_aQXnGpxPJPH-WinWvSw4LDR/s1600/parallel+design+2019.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtj8ddrRnaKp2ysP95T4TzwNshpeRbnSIDQGkIIhpJQnFr9dQNZRxIUCtVRS5SOrRLw1M0TEx6QjKV4TFNgvFj-WfdxlnQRu-8iUPirLsuLdXEPcuWZ_Xx_aQXnGpxPJPH-WinWvSw4LDR/s200/parallel+design+2019.png" width="200" height="199" data-original-width="448" data-original-height="445" /></a></div><br />
<b><font size="4" color="#B45484">First border</b></font><br />
<br />
My first border was added to Terry's center block. Her autumnal color scheme was a bit out of my comfort zone but I managed to pull some fabrics from my stash. I went with some slightly brighter shades of the same colors and I was quite happy with the results. I did two designs for this border using different colors and more/less diamonds. Here is the design I didn't use and the finished border.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYKnt1bk2Cv1_7gdaKIvKVbEEF1ZR_Bq8z2Hd6HZbZkpjDbO1SuHqP19NO6uokHDpphB1h0SPQoz8LhEztaC93io6nUScCLNETykW3zgi34iKpYxNCFXy1S7ukOIWdN-z41FmHHD_tXfp/s1600/firs+border+design.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYKnt1bk2Cv1_7gdaKIvKVbEEF1ZR_Bq8z2Hd6HZbZkpjDbO1SuHqP19NO6uokHDpphB1h0SPQoz8LhEztaC93io6nUScCLNETykW3zgi34iKpYxNCFXy1S7ukOIWdN-z41FmHHD_tXfp/s200/firs+border+design.png" width="200" height="199" data-original-width="507" data-original-height="505" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTskj7lGc4Yt8rsR_OWxuwtl2gQ4i3-8waXZvPzw95ubiVaUrUwCF0EdeJ9-r0jK1t2ELGGePNvvpM5MnpaJC58aCk_VJkrbrPyErq2AR4_73tkg09J41-4RABrb2C0m-Ucyft_2coDsI/s1600/2019+first+border.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTskj7lGc4Yt8rsR_OWxuwtl2gQ4i3-8waXZvPzw95ubiVaUrUwCF0EdeJ9-r0jK1t2ELGGePNvvpM5MnpaJC58aCk_VJkrbrPyErq2AR4_73tkg09J41-4RABrb2C0m-Ucyft_2coDsI/s200/2019+first+border.jpg" width="200" height="190" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1517" /></a></div><br />
<b><font size="4" color="#B45484">Second border</b></font><br />
<br />
The second border was for Cindy's center. Diana added a two-color border, and this gave me the opportunity to go back to Cindy's multi-color scheme on the second border without the finished piece being too busy (I hope). I decided on an hourglass block using multi-colored strips and a neutral solid. Although they all look the same size, it turns out that the red triangles in the first border do not divide the edge evenly into 4 parts. So my little blocks ended up needing to be squares and rectangles. I constructed them using paper piecing which made the rectangles the precise size I needed. As quilters we know squares and parts of squares so well, but rectangles are not so well behaved!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBG1lNcJBACp9M7vOBAKwV9EGmMs6a7cF1CyBpizQvwmEQVI33TZAcM-lHtXiqbiZFvEpYjXSkC6qmEnDlBWNcRvj259sagwX88cvQ_jlRPKgHCbcbpzEOdKoTzEccuQrtIrpx7fLtFtE/s1600/2019+second+border.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBG1lNcJBACp9M7vOBAKwV9EGmMs6a7cF1CyBpizQvwmEQVI33TZAcM-lHtXiqbiZFvEpYjXSkC6qmEnDlBWNcRvj259sagwX88cvQ_jlRPKgHCbcbpzEOdKoTzEccuQrtIrpx7fLtFtE/s320/2019+second+border.jpg" width="320" height="320" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
As always, I really enjoyed the process and the chance to try out new ideas. Check out all of the finished quilts on the <a href="http://cottonrobin.blogspot.com/">Cotton Robin blog site</a>.Laurinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625091101868506230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4379046093221285806.post-47607944853559591112019-01-21T22:23:00.002+13:002019-01-21T22:23:32.828+13:00Inspiration - Cotton Robin 2018As I start the planning for the Cotton Robin 2019, I started reflecting back on previous years' work. Since my blog posts stopped a few years ago, I've done very little quilting. I'm trying to gain a bit of momentum and I enjoy documenting what I've done, if only for myself.<br />
<br />
My center block for 2018 was a paper pieced pineapple block in blue and coral. I grabbed everything from the scrap pile in the color scheme and used a pattern that I found somewhere online. When looking for a pattern, I wanted one with a reasonable number of narrow rows so that I could get more fabrics in and keep the block small.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5CuBG1ztD3Urbhr6pdINveVyjTIM1sJoPBhtiRgkiS8mo16gaetjcoyFgasVYsjnwWb4a58KKMp93A8kLqyVpZX464dWB_mHO9TWfxdaJEyGyP0bTpCXNXAN1-MKH142ymtOJ1QdQWjz/s1600/2018+centre+block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5CuBG1ztD3Urbhr6pdINveVyjTIM1sJoPBhtiRgkiS8mo16gaetjcoyFgasVYsjnwWb4a58KKMp93A8kLqyVpZX464dWB_mHO9TWfxdaJEyGyP0bTpCXNXAN1-MKH142ymtOJ1QdQWjz/s320/2018+centre+block.jpg" width="320" height="320" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><center><i>My center block</i></center><br />
The block was passed to three other quilters: Traceyann, Shannon, and Diana. The finished quilt kept to the original color scheme and I especially like the way the original pattern extends from the center out to the edges. There's a real feeling of movement as if the center is opening up like a flower or firework.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mCkNx5yu5lr0T1wCGICPHAEjsBU60kJEo0E0KHqCD2gzj0n0HgytOzn4hooiI9RIViSXPk55SSNKvER4k81-TllYT0gbuPTOgLWf9WcYCoo7vWbFOxxmGX6lJmVITlNaPiJcrzLbNsEx/s1600/2018+finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mCkNx5yu5lr0T1wCGICPHAEjsBU60kJEo0E0KHqCD2gzj0n0HgytOzn4hooiI9RIViSXPk55SSNKvER4k81-TllYT0gbuPTOgLWf9WcYCoo7vWbFOxxmGX6lJmVITlNaPiJcrzLbNsEx/s320/2018+finished.jpg" width="320" height="320" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><center><i>Finished mini quilt</i></center><br />
I worked on three other quilts. I added the first border to this quilt started by Julie. After staring at the red, black, and gray colors for a week I decided it needed another color. I chose a fresh green background for some more pinwheels and I set the original block on point. The measurements for this one were a little tricky which is a common challenge, especially when you put a square on point. The finished quilt by Glen and Marie was one of my favorites for this year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5gWJLrZu0zd2Jwb8oykBo86dmPnDWDlVrxpvHdPOTCSHBPvwnqMz1DnlK-tBlOh-Elq86iB82brTpsvL3_3gR209G5TFiHGfx7LWGJnlUABTzxIukg4sFdAxcg5_iiZo0E-v3mqYy3IO/s1600/2018+first+border.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5gWJLrZu0zd2Jwb8oykBo86dmPnDWDlVrxpvHdPOTCSHBPvwnqMz1DnlK-tBlOh-Elq86iB82brTpsvL3_3gR209G5TFiHGfx7LWGJnlUABTzxIukg4sFdAxcg5_iiZo0E-v3mqYy3IO/s200/2018+first+border.jpg" width="320" height="320" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><center><i>First border added</i></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8AzL4Sz_-onNTp6MElD_K3rZ2vahb9ji5T8basJoCg60lu8aPOo5s-fgXtoygbFY7D1ak3HZe_UvcMWdP66Zqs6qd8Rg5up5XaqK0fLrMVk3s7pyp0pjYefTd27q1HhdjSgTtAX9uuwFd/s1600/Julie+Laurina+Glen+Marie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8AzL4Sz_-onNTp6MElD_K3rZ2vahb9ji5T8basJoCg60lu8aPOo5s-fgXtoygbFY7D1ak3HZe_UvcMWdP66Zqs6qd8Rg5up5XaqK0fLrMVk3s7pyp0pjYefTd27q1HhdjSgTtAX9uuwFd/s200/Julie+Laurina+Glen+Marie.JPG" width="320" height="320" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><center><i>Julie's finished quilt</i></center><br />
The second border I added was to Elizabeth's center block that had already had a border added by Tish. I wanted to incorporate some of the greens and blues from the center into the border, so I made some small freehand plus and x blocks and used some strips of the same fabrics to square it up a little. I decided to only add the little blocks to the sides - this was partly due to the size limitations that we have.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukmxzPWrf9VDqA12y3J7gizvfpzss92UhZTfTuUyn9dxs2upBGHhagrlZNHarftijh6d7OfoZqvXPbsKRcbdTILILIgFNXaRPbcy-XetdIJLbepU6VgE1b7AK9iFljs9LNZzkeYTS8zYX/s1600/2018+second+border.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukmxzPWrf9VDqA12y3J7gizvfpzss92UhZTfTuUyn9dxs2upBGHhagrlZNHarftijh6d7OfoZqvXPbsKRcbdTILILIgFNXaRPbcy-XetdIJLbepU6VgE1b7AK9iFljs9LNZzkeYTS8zYX/s320/2018+second+border.jpg" width="320" height="267" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1336" /></a></div><center><i>Second border added</i></center><br />
Nan did a great job with the spiral quilting.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXWWwa7kLAqSxP2L05vU7sfBHXXlcO9N3B-nJCPXu1-yqDhr7OThdMOlNjOXrs5sWAHF5pPnT1RebJSSqmmw0Lrz6T9TlrdEgyFE5yTCZIpVLUvIYX6huTZPYhHGpgbnxP2VZAQjmoT0l/s1600/Elizabeth+Tish+Laurina+Nan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXWWwa7kLAqSxP2L05vU7sfBHXXlcO9N3B-nJCPXu1-yqDhr7OThdMOlNjOXrs5sWAHF5pPnT1RebJSSqmmw0Lrz6T9TlrdEgyFE5yTCZIpVLUvIYX6huTZPYhHGpgbnxP2VZAQjmoT0l/s320/Elizabeth+Tish+Laurina+Nan.jpg" width="320" height="270" data-original-width="1310" data-original-height="1106" /></a></div><center><i>Elizabeth's finished quilt</i></center><br />
The last quilt I worked with was started by Andrea and added to by Nan and Rachel. I wanted to quilt it with a pattern to match the cat theme, so after a bit of doodling and some trawling around the internet, I came up with balls of yarn for the cats to play with. I wanted to bind the quilt with something other than the obvious red, so I picked out the turquoise from the paw print fabric and one of the cat's collars.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-sXex7VF8wDMhEI4jXxGJtdxbLxjO3fcneNujvcPWJyZ8V4oQCFNPXIbWoMYQ8niHekemIp0nqtDEX6SNrPBG63U0K5zNxQ-9MFG8qoz16umK0vmnHw4A-qeTRSJkBc3nYAmQWrBPgjX/s1600/2018+quilting+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-sXex7VF8wDMhEI4jXxGJtdxbLxjO3fcneNujvcPWJyZ8V4oQCFNPXIbWoMYQ8niHekemIp0nqtDEX6SNrPBG63U0K5zNxQ-9MFG8qoz16umK0vmnHw4A-qeTRSJkBc3nYAmQWrBPgjX/s320/2018+quilting+detail.jpg" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a><center><i>Quilting detail</i></center><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYbdTtb_zurdyRfaBv2POAjoj1_X-_QeBo3xm8_kdfEPbTAA3zJlj8_Dw5wnTzjnwWAxGAdNQGO8yX9MOpnJVv-x1qS80ya5-UwbeGfYWAqMjNqHuhB50Hmogrl0Z6Lyk0uxRRpAf9rDo/s1600/2018+quilting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYbdTtb_zurdyRfaBv2POAjoj1_X-_QeBo3xm8_kdfEPbTAA3zJlj8_Dw5wnTzjnwWAxGAdNQGO8yX9MOpnJVv-x1qS80ya5-UwbeGfYWAqMjNqHuhB50Hmogrl0Z6Lyk0uxRRpAf9rDo/s320/2018+quilting.jpg" width="317" height="320" data-original-width="1586" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><center><i>Andrea's finished quilt</i></center><br />
I have to say that I really liked how all of the quilts I worked on turned out last year and I'm really looking forward to this year's Cotton Robin.<br />
Laurinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625091101868506230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4379046093221285806.post-89340891271337976002019-01-16T12:28:00.002+13:002019-01-21T22:24:41.511+13:00Cotton Robin 2019For the past seven years I have participated in the <a href="http://cottonrobin.blogspot.com/">Cotton Robin</a>, organised by the lovely Julie of <a href="http://floribunda.blogspot.com/">Floribunda Quilts</a>. Each year participants make a block of their choice and three other people add to it (two add borders and the third quilts and binds the quilt). The result is a mini quilt that gets returned back to the maker of the original block. There are few rules except for the size so that the work can easily be sent in envelopes between participants who are scattered around the globe.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYn3UL2K95R11_q0VkRh6sM2832ZAhRZoS-gQeEYHLhyphenhyphenO8Jcl5-u40Tiq-k_sh57S0xHWE9olHjFe0L5-gyPzoUiXAJQAgAe-T83e1s-6kPZWngUpn5ddKaJIFVdKFlfE3qOvAp6fnLza/s1600/2016+finished.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYn3UL2K95R11_q0VkRh6sM2832ZAhRZoS-gQeEYHLhyphenhyphenO8Jcl5-u40Tiq-k_sh57S0xHWE9olHjFe0L5-gyPzoUiXAJQAgAe-T83e1s-6kPZWngUpn5ddKaJIFVdKFlfE3qOvAp6fnLza/s320/2016+finished.JPG" width="320" height="318" data-original-width="1059" data-original-height="1053" /></a></div><center><i>Finished quilt 2016</i></center><br />
I can confidently say that this is something that I look forward to each year and especially recently since I have hardly touched needle and thread except for the pieces I have worked on as part of the Cotton Robin. This year Julie thought that it might be time to take a break and I have stepped in as host this year. I have some ideas about how I can use the tried-and-true format and also help add to the community of the group. One thing that makes this a challenge is that during the Cotton Robin, everything is kept a secret - nobody knows who is working on their piece and there are no photos of the work in progress. I will be changing this a little, partly out of practicality, and partly to make it more interesting.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomo0tfj55RD1qB_-cBFjbvh4HPbAHxE0wsEZFcOJn8uMzn7jPCb7Fz0szklefK9HWZdhqTN8p6BwmHRaFDNEjVadgpK0hi2z6UCkRDp_ken75MX7rbj46jV-iwuuGuTfqs5o4CyAUUEGI/s1600/2013+finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomo0tfj55RD1qB_-cBFjbvh4HPbAHxE0wsEZFcOJn8uMzn7jPCb7Fz0szklefK9HWZdhqTN8p6BwmHRaFDNEjVadgpK0hi2z6UCkRDp_ken75MX7rbj46jV-iwuuGuTfqs5o4CyAUUEGI/s320/2013+finished.jpg" width="320" height="319" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1195" /></a></div><center><i>Finished quilt 2013</i></center><br />
If there is anyone out there who might like to join in, please let me know. We usually have around 20 quilters with a range of styles and abilities - to join in all you need is commitment and creativity. The commitment part means that you will follow the guidelines and schedule and follow through to completion. I know that sometimes life can get challenging but this is an important part of participation. The creativity part is the fun bit - I use the Cotton Robin as a way to try new techniques or do something on a small scale that would be overwhelming on a larger scale. I love the balance between developing new ideas and working with what I'm given. Sometimes the style of the piece is not my "usual" thing or the colors are outside of my comfort zone. I try to be true to the original intent of the creator of the original block while injecting some of my own personality in at. Hopefully the end result will be something that no one person would have done.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUt7xsJSz13sTfsRXKzjy6cmEL5F2P86qXMF2z8WzcvUhnD2yaTTcRoUscVFjbXRn8l6TV0d_4yITD05i0oRNDWgNSkixkPmWb2MSkyH6i0iGNYZwHXO_eHQfUg4OE-XxpWrWW_EFBVV-A/s1600/2015+finished+new+binding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUt7xsJSz13sTfsRXKzjy6cmEL5F2P86qXMF2z8WzcvUhnD2yaTTcRoUscVFjbXRn8l6TV0d_4yITD05i0oRNDWgNSkixkPmWb2MSkyH6i0iGNYZwHXO_eHQfUg4OE-XxpWrWW_EFBVV-A/s320/2015+finished+new+binding.jpg" width="292" height="320" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><center><i>Finished quilt 2015</i></center><br />
Along the way I've learned to not be so precious about my work. None of the finished mini quilts are exactly what I expected, but I gain a new appreciation for the ideas of other people as I go back to look at what I've done year after year. In most cases the starting blocks that I make are experiments, so I'm not strongly invested in them from the start. Some people use an orphan block to start - something they did in a class or workshop, a mistake or reject from another project, or something started and never finished.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rO1g6alxa1dBKdLjva_bpMl0W65gTbULEy9ATcZuI0N1QmX0Hq49hjKah-kfoHwAhPU4Te2mgWsP189KzmAYMzaXQ604l-l9lREIqgyAEphKrY1mR14CmFrbFfiijL4UmF6KN3CwTcUH/s1600/2012+finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rO1g6alxa1dBKdLjva_bpMl0W65gTbULEy9ATcZuI0N1QmX0Hq49hjKah-kfoHwAhPU4Te2mgWsP189KzmAYMzaXQ604l-l9lREIqgyAEphKrY1mR14CmFrbFfiijL4UmF6KN3CwTcUH/s320/2012+finished.jpg" width="267" height="320" data-original-width="1236" data-original-height="1484" /></a></div><center><i>Finished quilt 2012</i></center><br />
You can choose to add a note with your block if you want the other quilters to have information about your preferences. I don't usually do this because I hope that my block provides enough information about my preferences and I don't want to hamper anyone's creativity. I do sometimes add a simple suggestion to use bright colors, especially if my block is neutral or monochromatic.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLs1cNe9Gj-1w7YugVRIc5T4wYrJ00yz8Nu6WrD-xBbpqFOC7U42lefkRPCIEr1fML-Z_kr2zXpUVL0sm9jMf2N74g6GvCkBpiZOCVIGQ7OVQGumJGVFHu2Yno2s4gRhP1YtyH_1bqd5R/s1600/2012+second+border.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLs1cNe9Gj-1w7YugVRIc5T4wYrJ00yz8Nu6WrD-xBbpqFOC7U42lefkRPCIEr1fML-Z_kr2zXpUVL0sm9jMf2N74g6GvCkBpiZOCVIGQ7OVQGumJGVFHu2Yno2s4gRhP1YtyH_1bqd5R/s200/2012+second+border.jpg" width="200" height="200" data-original-width="1598" data-original-height="1600" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgc1h5RxsZBmnVd8UWVUBIuWMUHexE3P0o9z8mI7m9LNFqFCBGrGpcEraElVLfgpSPvmztyJ87hafcGHsqXeJmMjzCerbFSjAjFqWsNFvah1XJSOxNnFFAu59iehrYRo141iXjWe7P8e1O/s1600/2013+second+border.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgc1h5RxsZBmnVd8UWVUBIuWMUHexE3P0o9z8mI7m9LNFqFCBGrGpcEraElVLfgpSPvmztyJ87hafcGHsqXeJmMjzCerbFSjAjFqWsNFvah1XJSOxNnFFAu59iehrYRo141iXjWe7P8e1O/s200/2013+second+border.jpg" width="199" height="200" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1208" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQL8WvrB6vDcOMZF_R0yDwkJVzs8jNAR6QPv6TIxQX5A7EHP3sC4bCO6MXfMlPREKU2FT2p3Igu_5EmI7Okrxbi06YRvhtErFz7_Ft_hsfjPYVLnFeyZcIYaPpmGmfrj19PC6Wt68vXEsN/s1600/2014+third+border+finished.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQL8WvrB6vDcOMZF_R0yDwkJVzs8jNAR6QPv6TIxQX5A7EHP3sC4bCO6MXfMlPREKU2FT2p3Igu_5EmI7Okrxbi06YRvhtErFz7_Ft_hsfjPYVLnFeyZcIYaPpmGmfrj19PC6Wt68vXEsN/s200/2014+third+border+finished.JPG" width="200" height="199" data-original-width="1271" data-original-height="1264" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmLT8N4ybUN29z6euPUKhdRWU1J1oyecHub8SwA3KuYCazI4OH5HFtX6nR1dRjeApbRgnLoELLiud4glPJdh4kpKVqsiLuUcWRgB8zfoP0XO2oWI7KjaRhawPPLGAUeHXpCPmULZNDvdl/s1600/2017+first+border+finished.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmLT8N4ybUN29z6euPUKhdRWU1J1oyecHub8SwA3KuYCazI4OH5HFtX6nR1dRjeApbRgnLoELLiud4glPJdh4kpKVqsiLuUcWRgB8zfoP0XO2oWI7KjaRhawPPLGAUeHXpCPmULZNDvdl/s200/2017+first+border+finished.JPG" width="200" height="187" data-original-width="320" data-original-height="299" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPHtFyxhzMFkIYNz5ChnPUpsCRq91nIaIC5MOesHWFsRoLbEb-fgu1oFu4SlQf8fM1G9L7Y7Z6kK_6RDW18oZrn2JgR0XYdvpSiWHiPBWFRXzBvZGGkOVBpNgQLe0bzX2cuF8oCL2Oe4X/s1600/2018+second+border.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPHtFyxhzMFkIYNz5ChnPUpsCRq91nIaIC5MOesHWFsRoLbEb-fgu1oFu4SlQf8fM1G9L7Y7Z6kK_6RDW18oZrn2JgR0XYdvpSiWHiPBWFRXzBvZGGkOVBpNgQLe0bzX2cuF8oCL2Oe4X/s200/2018+second+border.jpg" width="200" height="167" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1336" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhqSDiKzDwp6FeT5ErDRSD69NH8kBATIdRVsU3JUn9cLmaOAdIImHVXO4Qc8TUorIUXlIYuKF_Mqvpacq2K_lyV7RAnh_SgsND3aAwvvTQZ8XNrRz6YlVnjArkQeiryZvo5PB_J7C2xab/s1600/2017+quilting.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhqSDiKzDwp6FeT5ErDRSD69NH8kBATIdRVsU3JUn9cLmaOAdIImHVXO4Qc8TUorIUXlIYuKF_Mqvpacq2K_lyV7RAnh_SgsND3aAwvvTQZ8XNrRz6YlVnjArkQeiryZvo5PB_J7C2xab/s200/2017+quilting.jpg" width="200" height="198" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1584" /></a><br />
<i>Quilts I have worked on (borders or quilting/binding)</i></center><br />
I'll be posting more about the Cotton Robin in the next few weeks as we gear up to get started with this year's quilts.<br />
Laurinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625091101868506230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4379046093221285806.post-17431726228009192372016-05-23T15:22:00.000+12:002016-05-23T15:22:33.913+12:00Gee...it's been a whileI seem to have left my poor blog unattended for a while. Life has been a challenge lately and although I have been doing some sewing, I also feel like I have not accomplished much. So, I suppose writing this is a way to prove to myself that I have been productive.<br />
<br />
My last post was the start of my participation in the <a href="http://www.thesplendidsampler.com/">Splendid Sampler</a>. I'm sure that you know at least one other quilter on the internet that is doing this one. I'm amazed at how many there are. I've done the first 28 blocks and am up to date (the 29th was just posted this morning). I confess that my mother who is visiting me did the rabbit and the sewing machine - my tolerance for applique is very low. The last block also needs a stitched thread from the spool to the needle which I'll do sometime soon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3LwBYzOuoBaDE2mNnV8lhzcfkq1sZqvIBZnagsFAo9B7SkZelomMr4egJNA4CvWzgP7JDyj7GUKMR6Osk5ThsmXNaeBp-1hAmP9QQFBrSPgrkGcLSoFFCSdEL3Dp1rqm9llyyXTUZAsRh/s1600/blocks+1_28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3LwBYzOuoBaDE2mNnV8lhzcfkq1sZqvIBZnagsFAo9B7SkZelomMr4egJNA4CvWzgP7JDyj7GUKMR6Osk5ThsmXNaeBp-1hAmP9QQFBrSPgrkGcLSoFFCSdEL3Dp1rqm9llyyXTUZAsRh/s640/blocks+1_28.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I'm please with most of the blocks, although a few of the earlier ones could use a bit more contrast. As I pull fabrics out of the scrap pile, I am discovering a more diverse range of colors that still fit in my palette. Throughout this project I am trying a variety of techniques - so the applique is done differently on different blocks. I'm just trying to choose the method that I think will work best at the time. I did some free-motion machine embroidery (first time) and have done some hand embroidery (it's been a while). My one complaint is that the 6" finished block size is small which makes some of the pieces really tiny.<br />
<br />
I finished the Monday Modern brown challenge. I was a bit late for the deadline - I had the front pieced and quilted but didn't manage to get the whole cushion cover done. I like the way it turned out and also liked the fact that I didn't try to hide the ugly brown and made it the center-piece of the design. The cushion now shares the slightly-crowded day bed with all of my other cushions.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0nieey2ByNIs1YL3-QAKPJPj8Pad2r72EMiz0XGHbBo1EoPjoxV0QYnen15F0ISSWF5pE88y_P-k1dG9aQSXrY3qLj8UlRtIOTTMHpRloO7qgzxEiln33cN0VlKoM1wYWJRIJUWGdNYP/s1600/brown+challenge+finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0nieey2ByNIs1YL3-QAKPJPj8Pad2r72EMiz0XGHbBo1EoPjoxV0QYnen15F0ISSWF5pE88y_P-k1dG9aQSXrY3qLj8UlRtIOTTMHpRloO7qgzxEiln33cN0VlKoM1wYWJRIJUWGdNYP/s400/brown+challenge+finished.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I really enjoyed quilting this one. The back of it shows the quilting detail.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisxCy5fjTX-di6ehi_55hbxQrDVd2_oYxFacdfg8-qNqLRxuuDCDFqy20Yrb4Pgcddg_qILGA7I4ThqGP5lPiexg6L8B43pfQv_m2bgSDx03wDMPXdLgRzWIAbscTvj3wEy4pgjfkp18Gr/s1600/brown+challenge+quilting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisxCy5fjTX-di6ehi_55hbxQrDVd2_oYxFacdfg8-qNqLRxuuDCDFqy20Yrb4Pgcddg_qILGA7I4ThqGP5lPiexg6L8B43pfQv_m2bgSDx03wDMPXdLgRzWIAbscTvj3wEy4pgjfkp18Gr/s400/brown+challenge+quilting.jpg" /></a></div>.<br />
<br />
A few months ago I thought I needed a hand sewing project. Hand sewing really isn't my thing, but I found that there are times when I want to have an on-the-go project to work on. I purchased a Fiskars hexagon hole punch a while ago, so I started an English Paper Pieced project using scraps. These hexies are pretty small (1-1/4" straight edge to straight edge). My 12-year old likes to pick out the colors and scraps for the next batch, but it's slow going. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4R3qs3kcvYbyA3NxWYtS9hmuA5WIBZVbow-V9Njl390O4nkm8JYCBkRO-V91-OfaG2KTf_PEKxB_AhIZZMESWdojI9cjFqFYGLJr7trCvUhIdPmtG-TbNOkdbxnWwPHcEkrh5RYcg4zQr/s1600/WP_20160523_003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4R3qs3kcvYbyA3NxWYtS9hmuA5WIBZVbow-V9Njl390O4nkm8JYCBkRO-V91-OfaG2KTf_PEKxB_AhIZZMESWdojI9cjFqFYGLJr7trCvUhIdPmtG-TbNOkdbxnWwPHcEkrh5RYcg4zQr/s400/WP_20160523_003.jpg" /></a></div><br />
There's no grand plan for this project, I will just carry on until I decide to stop. I've started preparing some light neutral pieces to go between the diamonds. I figure about 100 of the diamonds should do the trick!<br />
<br />
Finally, I am once again working on the <a href="http://cottonrobin.blogspot.com">Cotton Robin</a> round robin. Unfortunately, this one is all done in secret, so you will have to wait for the big reveal sometime in July.Laurinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625091101868506230noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4379046093221285806.post-61139820497499683702016-03-03T23:26:00.000+13:002016-03-03T23:26:10.077+13:00A (big) new projectAgainst my better judgement I have joined in with <a href="http://www.thesplendidsampler.com/">The Splendid Sampler</a> that started two weeks ago. I can't remember how I found the website - surely I clicked there from somewhere else. The project is for 1 year with 100 blocks designed by a wide range of quilt makers and designers.<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://www.thesplendidsampler.com/" title="The Splendid Sampler" target="_blank"><img src="http://i2.wp.com/www.thesplendidsampler.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/splendid_button_TM.jpg?w=250" alt="The Splendid Sampler" style="border:none;" /></a></div><br />
I confess that I don't like samplers and I don't like quilt-alongs. So why did I decide to do this? I'm still asking myself that question, but I think I have come up with some answers:<br />
<br />
<ol><li>I was feeling bored.</li>
<li>I was out of the habit of sewing regularly and wanted a project that would encourage me to sew most days, even for 15 minutes.</li>
<li>Scrap-busting - all of the blocks are small (6"), so many of the pieces are small.</li>
</ol><br />
Although 100 blocks over a year is a big commitment, I haven't signed up for anything and can slow down if I want to. After delaying my decision to get started, I had 5 blocks to make today to catch up. I had the day off, so it was the perfect opportunity. As I admired my 5 blocks, a new one was posted so I finished it after everyone else went to bed.<br />
<br />
My color scheme is pretty loose - basically blue with green. Any blues will do - I'm just pulling them out of the scrap basket and the stash. There will be some neutrals too but I'm not limiting those to anything specific - beige, grey, white, whatever.<br />
<br />
Here are the first 6 and already there is quite a bit of variety. I'm not a huge fan of applique and was thinking about skipping them, but decided to go ahead and do them and was glad I did. I especially like the little pot of flowers and the dark background really works well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHFFxOeAhtWkaZttKCIOY8XIKKIwupNPepkVXdmVeegT5C42EKtrN0gVsUD79VevrlozW8TTDafuozrTbn8qu2ne45Rl5BdkW4GWAIcJfGRhp5kCXamdCxGmoSK7w0CPocUtaZdsFPZT0/s1600/blocks+1_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHFFxOeAhtWkaZttKCIOY8XIKKIwupNPepkVXdmVeegT5C42EKtrN0gVsUD79VevrlozW8TTDafuozrTbn8qu2ne45Rl5BdkW4GWAIcJfGRhp5kCXamdCxGmoSK7w0CPocUtaZdsFPZT0/s400/blocks+1_6.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Laurinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625091101868506230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4379046093221285806.post-48426260864217898432016-02-14T15:55:00.000+13:002016-02-14T15:55:16.650+13:00Feeling brown?The Monday Modern quilters seem to have a collective prejudice against brown. Oddly enough, brown shows up quite often in our quilts but is always declared "a nice brown" (not like those other browns).<br />
<br />
Last months we were looking for a challenge and I thought that we should do a brown one. The idea: someone finds some clearance fabric in a not-beautiful brown and we all take a piece and do something with it. I knew that some of the girls might struggle embracing the brown, but I also knew that by mixing it with some other fabrics, anything is possible. The guidelines are simple: make something quilted using the brown fabric - the fabric must be visible and recognizable. That's it.<br />
<br />
Liz took on the job of finding the brown and her little girl picked one out from the clearance rack - and here it is. It's a pretty normal quilting fabric from my perspective. It's a bit on the gold side (hard to see in the photo), and this could make it harder to work with.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPxPeUNzUpYB1e-Ls3fmwaZWcZN2tkrQbnBwObPohMTJA96FHhJD46yEOs2cduxW28JDQKm6LPAb4kVRSgvbIsQ9cBYf_Va4gt9lWQHDL7I5x6qHIs5CLSWCSqnDHsWXYSgcowj6zfkp1/s1600/WP_20160214_003a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPxPeUNzUpYB1e-Ls3fmwaZWcZN2tkrQbnBwObPohMTJA96FHhJD46yEOs2cduxW28JDQKm6LPAb4kVRSgvbIsQ9cBYf_Va4gt9lWQHDL7I5x6qHIs5CLSWCSqnDHsWXYSgcowj6zfkp1/s400/WP_20160214_003a.jpg" /></a></div><br />
When the fabric was initially posted on Instagram, I went through my stash and pulled (most) of my browns. I realized that there are a lot of them - strange, since I don't like brown. But, I've been collecting fabric for a while, and I guess they've just accumulated somehow.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtDHKpvSpo_8_kvahOnv3wABKhZ72YY927iU6wumWdp9gnSZzh3HzMG3THTVfr_mtzcavu2LVbN4Nk3xZPFZszZfKxlRODJ1Keg4Gv8tsMRRHiT0S6-S5cA-48vbSUWxMSBqNH8056Poe/s1600/InstagramCapture_264de229-0893-4704-a699-9e1ef31532d6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtDHKpvSpo_8_kvahOnv3wABKhZ72YY927iU6wumWdp9gnSZzh3HzMG3THTVfr_mtzcavu2LVbN4Nk3xZPFZszZfKxlRODJ1Keg4Gv8tsMRRHiT0S6-S5cA-48vbSUWxMSBqNH8056Poe/s400/InstagramCapture_264de229-0893-4704-a699-9e1ef31532d6.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I did consider a totally brown color scheme, but decided that I'd rather mix it up and use the brown as an accent. Yesterday I went through the stash again looking for some feature fabrics with a bit of brown and other colors too. I found this cute little owl fabric and tried to pick out all of the other colors from it. It's an unusual combination for me, but maybe that's why I like it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXku-C1PbrtdnASDH7bd26P3UsdzFfj-k0zAqahYPxqZoQpFBqxF0DvK5-89dTiAd8g2hzvdQ2tgSiRLTsOVmizyYC_UoR_FJvc15GI_y7LLNjQLQVmskxKIMPNQmtgTOtxcN5h9yuWuaO/s1600/brown+color+scheme+A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXku-C1PbrtdnASDH7bd26P3UsdzFfj-k0zAqahYPxqZoQpFBqxF0DvK5-89dTiAd8g2hzvdQ2tgSiRLTsOVmizyYC_UoR_FJvc15GI_y7LLNjQLQVmskxKIMPNQmtgTOtxcN5h9yuWuaO/s400/brown+color+scheme+A.jpg" /></a></div><br />
My daughter went for a butterfly print and came up with a second color scheme. (The periwinkle looks a bit odd, but there is that color in the butterfly print, it just didn't make it into the photo.) I confess, I am leaning toward this option because I am planning to make a cushion and these colors match the decor better.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMCFCUWEehrot2NVBoricd4ErNkdOTIznP6ozz2sGUilSzY1veZmHVmG6Hq0NAMA0i705cLP-AWJ8tbtZVBNXizmuXe9Pucf6TQ2VjONA7TMuJek212PcWH4kJBGNaTPd_Ifxc7mAIFvC/s1600/brown+color+scheme+B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMCFCUWEehrot2NVBoricd4ErNkdOTIznP6ozz2sGUilSzY1veZmHVmG6Hq0NAMA0i705cLP-AWJ8tbtZVBNXizmuXe9Pucf6TQ2VjONA7TMuJek212PcWH4kJBGNaTPd_Ifxc7mAIFvC/s400/brown+color+scheme+B.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Coincidentally, the Block Lotto this month is also using brown. I made three of this month's blocks but thought it was all too much brown for me, so I'm donating these to the pot.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd2rzWzZqCCamcwtD1Mn9W83avrk4L2NSFVuJrxufIQ9fBpx21zey4uUxxb3LprPapcWojWaUZXMYva_B6xZgOTlkgAZAbD5abEKBWEjfVjidK_emIN5bq6Y-I_uiN1Tc0NSTuMc_0gk2O/s1600/2016_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd2rzWzZqCCamcwtD1Mn9W83avrk4L2NSFVuJrxufIQ9fBpx21zey4uUxxb3LprPapcWojWaUZXMYva_B6xZgOTlkgAZAbD5abEKBWEjfVjidK_emIN5bq6Y-I_uiN1Tc0NSTuMc_0gk2O/s400/2016_02.jpg" /></a></div>Laurinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625091101868506230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4379046093221285806.post-83326819543368526602016-01-17T12:48:00.002+13:002016-01-17T12:48:15.173+13:002016 finish alonq - Q1 list<div class="a-quilters-table-button" style="margin: 0 auto; width: 250px;"><a href="http://aquilterstable.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> <img alt="A Quilter's Table" src="http://pdf.aquilterstable.com/2016FALbutton250best.jpg" height="250" width="250" /> </a> </div><br />
A new year and a new finish along. I have a few hours before the deadline, so I better get on it:<br />
<br />
<b>Vintage Laura Ashley lone star</b>: I've cut diamonds from some of the fabrics. A wayward order from Fabric.com has delayed my progress, apparently my package disappeared in Atlanta, GA somewhere. I should have contacted customer services earlier because they are resending and it's in Hawaii after less than 36 hours.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tgKpuPHWRkqOJCAsO578p0mMdV5CoAC2mdXlXjBVefWSIHRYyeMJ63yYhzRY01dp-rphbplqK18Z4Jj75QV-y7FIFSqL4aYpuW8-vPiJMtQxcO13d-tta8SZEDnjyBOSlfetJFOAlTON/s1600/lone+star+layout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tgKpuPHWRkqOJCAsO578p0mMdV5CoAC2mdXlXjBVefWSIHRYyeMJ63yYhzRY01dp-rphbplqK18Z4Jj75QV-y7FIFSqL4aYpuW8-vPiJMtQxcO13d-tta8SZEDnjyBOSlfetJFOAlTON/s400/lone+star+layout.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b>Scrappy chains:</b> Started a while ago and made another square last night. Theses are supposed to be from 'scraps' but I think I was too calculated in my color choices and it's been hard to find fabrics for it. I might expand the color scheme a bit or start cutting into some fabric.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2l3D5mut300ES7WJKYZRjJj439bsoSg6XE3xQaPyv46JwwVsCNBxt1PBbmCEoKH_ilMnCuSjskId6htZJ_YgaksV-3lEBCw8xoAzRUWffa2GGN33IK8axHGV-oK0rh9lezywzEBHpZf4/s1600/WP_20150728_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2l3D5mut300ES7WJKYZRjJj439bsoSg6XE3xQaPyv46JwwVsCNBxt1PBbmCEoKH_ilMnCuSjskId6htZJ_YgaksV-3lEBCw8xoAzRUWffa2GGN33IK8axHGV-oK0rh9lezywzEBHpZf4/s400/WP_20150728_002.jpg" /></a></div><br />
It's not a very long list. I have a few other things on the go, but not eligible for the finish along. There's the Cotton Robin round robin that is 'secret' so that will progress through June and a new brown challenge that Monday Moderns are doing - I don't have the inspiration fabric yet, so there's nothing to show right now.<br />
<br />
Laurinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625091101868506230noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4379046093221285806.post-80418490379523943682016-01-12T18:15:00.001+13:002016-01-12T18:15:31.444+13:00Monday Modern round robinBack in August I organised a round robin with some of the members of the Monday Modern quilters. Nine of us made a center block that was added to by 3 other quilters and then quilted by a fifth person. This Monday, all of the quilts were returned to their owners and I have to say that we are a fabulously creative bunch!<br />
<br />
Not everyone was as enthusiastic as I was, but I think that everyone learned something about themselves as a quilter. It is quite a challenge to collaborate with other people, do work that the owner will like, and still be true to one's own quilty voice.<br />
<br />
Every month when we exchanged quilts, I would categorize them in my mind based on some characteristic - orange vs. not orange, round vs. pointy, animal vs. inanimate, calm vs. busy. It was so much fun to watch them change as different personalities added to them.<br />
<br />
My quilt started with a red/pink and white checkerboard background and appliqued circles with birds on them. The finished quilt is so pretty with just a bit of a Christmas vibe - maybe because of the original bird fabric and the fact that I received it back just before Christmas.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjeco6SUI_pOM3jW_pW6iyz5bC0dUoFrPhBxbKXmgHRlHdg61ltTW3Uaasu4tLnoj6D7aNIr0Ik9O15U5CKeZaLK0L1WkAOO4MGYUFw8kp5YbLb2_9Ng4UBwVrPPgYrzrIZBm6tocgX1D/s1600/2015+round+robin+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjeco6SUI_pOM3jW_pW6iyz5bC0dUoFrPhBxbKXmgHRlHdg61ltTW3Uaasu4tLnoj6D7aNIr0Ik9O15U5CKeZaLK0L1WkAOO4MGYUFw8kp5YbLb2_9Ng4UBwVrPPgYrzrIZBm6tocgX1D/s320/2015+round+robin+final.jpg" /></a></div><br />
On the back was a recycled green cat that had been part of the front (it's a long story).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-WP9FfrHt_PVtAPzBHBx-j-AwvU0UcMVubqyI5UoYn2MtRAn78y5paJmSQzof-FDiNXwH2dOsVnolEVinqolLZ3AtkhcqYxnFQKMwa9N7H-NoC0_Z8N7zQVxEykvLMSZ5u5bqyuJmgnm/s1600/2015+round+robin+final+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-WP9FfrHt_PVtAPzBHBx-j-AwvU0UcMVubqyI5UoYn2MtRAn78y5paJmSQzof-FDiNXwH2dOsVnolEVinqolLZ3AtkhcqYxnFQKMwa9N7H-NoC0_Z8N7zQVxEykvLMSZ5u5bqyuJmgnm/s320/2015+round+robin+final+back.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I worked on 4 other completed quilts (in order: first border, second border, third border, and quilting/binding). I tried to do something very different on each one. I confess that I do have a favorite, but I'll keep that a secret. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy84jT_xFRyHHT4WsyWMpCAeuOaNwden9l8cDC8c6S1eks9c6BeiPsfglmE5RHSEvlGwaA7nQjqLg2XFI3GZZoSVIqcrQm30N2tav5Bq2A08HGg9-FZzleGVgDbD8O1T-rmdGPohD865iv/s1600/MeLaClLoJu.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy84jT_xFRyHHT4WsyWMpCAeuOaNwden9l8cDC8c6S1eks9c6BeiPsfglmE5RHSEvlGwaA7nQjqLg2XFI3GZZoSVIqcrQm30N2tav5Bq2A08HGg9-FZzleGVgDbD8O1T-rmdGPohD865iv/s200/MeLaClLoJu.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7C4MKi_FvK3AZsIAzHrO6S-4WDC_8vXaKnxn5Qhyphenhyphenw_sPFue4ZFH-fZtTLs7T59-rDhwvwTjOU2y_nSQyOaON3Lr44yhCrZs8WEYoDtSCCu6Pg-d6rdePk130m3xe_4s3wVscW15Ml2oXs/s1600/MgRbLaMeCl.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7C4MKi_FvK3AZsIAzHrO6S-4WDC_8vXaKnxn5Qhyphenhyphenw_sPFue4ZFH-fZtTLs7T59-rDhwvwTjOU2y_nSQyOaON3Lr44yhCrZs8WEYoDtSCCu6Pg-d6rdePk130m3xe_4s3wVscW15Ml2oXs/s200/MgRbLaMeCl.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmK2gh__64I8mmJq5Di4mCkez3zzrkDeT2y9BqMJN-vTutA4o13nPIf3ZFNIYGmJewN8laTkw6kJtLay_38NGsMhpukbeuzHt1__RWYpnMjcJA0Y2RyN0aGTOMtqX9AizV_OpiTeR5WXS/s1600/RbLoMeLaKa.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmK2gh__64I8mmJq5Di4mCkez3zzrkDeT2y9BqMJN-vTutA4o13nPIf3ZFNIYGmJewN8laTkw6kJtLay_38NGsMhpukbeuzHt1__RWYpnMjcJA0Y2RyN0aGTOMtqX9AizV_OpiTeR5WXS/s200/RbLoMeLaKa.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6Fne-esUuw6fBerphH7TF-LVBNJBlJ0vd5R_ZCHz-YebvdbQVwybMRL3o9TLsnlwejZRrDxUXOl4Lm2xW8FLUPUlfvag7LP6AULIiAUrgMwkxXtaP_lcN9hFkM0YXRGoXVCEFqy29Z0T/s1600/2015+round+robin+quilting.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6Fne-esUuw6fBerphH7TF-LVBNJBlJ0vd5R_ZCHz-YebvdbQVwybMRL3o9TLsnlwejZRrDxUXOl4Lm2xW8FLUPUlfvag7LP6AULIiAUrgMwkxXtaP_lcN9hFkM0YXRGoXVCEFqy29Z0T/s200/2015+round+robin+quilting.jpg" /></a></div><br />
And another one I did work on but was incomplete because someone needed to opt out halfway through, and the 3 that I didn't work on.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4HRr0TF4reORmii9AjoIJHaKoSPO6jpjAUPeLFa7B035W5Yt_27lqYZ_LjCl1gNgiPzySNFFYPg7gduOlIXK3H1iMjfMqrvTi6aG0sByMn5BXFhaVLybn5z0aRlQXg8E7830YNXQmwT4/s1600/2015+round+robin+border+3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4HRr0TF4reORmii9AjoIJHaKoSPO6jpjAUPeLFa7B035W5Yt_27lqYZ_LjCl1gNgiPzySNFFYPg7gduOlIXK3H1iMjfMqrvTi6aG0sByMn5BXFhaVLybn5z0aRlQXg8E7830YNXQmwT4/s200/2015+round+robin+border+3a.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4t5bCY3odnNJ_78mTZRaG8aBBFC17uffu9ndzHOVE9fOjAL8gtBcLyYpUUmij2ri8hyphenhyphenndaBNmnyWFzF35LMNW9QOobzePNsU9DTuNQtgnDjm_2T_xTqb3N3lsZE-itvfWo2XYv7V-D-8S/s1600/JuKaCaMgMe.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4t5bCY3odnNJ_78mTZRaG8aBBFC17uffu9ndzHOVE9fOjAL8gtBcLyYpUUmij2ri8hyphenhyphenndaBNmnyWFzF35LMNW9QOobzePNsU9DTuNQtgnDjm_2T_xTqb3N3lsZE-itvfWo2XYv7V-D-8S/s200/JuKaCaMgMe.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJpmDUNKlgfRLBdIaYfA_uGkBsYYryTqryMs0SwU4331kOFXKYDiY3MOvv7JgGtKV7Vm6q6gjEYPbF16hxDHcISSu5acG3Jv9O-DeR7kBriwQB4ktENQfYovT3aamJqVgCmVeguJtZyeA/s1600/KaClRbMgLo.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJpmDUNKlgfRLBdIaYfA_uGkBsYYryTqryMs0SwU4331kOFXKYDiY3MOvv7JgGtKV7Vm6q6gjEYPbF16hxDHcISSu5acG3Jv9O-DeR7kBriwQB4ktENQfYovT3aamJqVgCmVeguJtZyeA/s200/KaClRbMgLo.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5ZJJhoFQuHWAXZ7SXdkSH5ZOp8Nck8CjyLt3bDyUGXkufIqNDOG9RfKtIg9SSyqYhRqYfnFq1IwjJVPZFuQQIkl3aeEiKWuWKFL5SzWc_4zjGJuHzhDxWataL2zi_8kTn1Qbb8QCWfea/s1600/LoJuKaClMg.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5ZJJhoFQuHWAXZ7SXdkSH5ZOp8Nck8CjyLt3bDyUGXkufIqNDOG9RfKtIg9SSyqYhRqYfnFq1IwjJVPZFuQQIkl3aeEiKWuWKFL5SzWc_4zjGJuHzhDxWataL2zi_8kTn1Qbb8QCWfea/s200/LoJuKaClMg.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Laurinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625091101868506230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4379046093221285806.post-62411534228638090032015-12-28T11:21:00.000+13:002015-12-28T11:21:01.189+13:00Old fabric, new projectAbout 40 years ago my family lived in England and my mother was nibbled by the quilting bug while living there. She managed to collect some Laura Ashley prints, some of which were off-cuts from the clothing line that they did. One pile was blue - I think this was made into a grandmother's fan design and finished a few years back.<br />
<br />
For years, there was a pile of red fabrics cut into diamonds, hidden away in a box. The last time I was at my mother's house I found them and imagined that I could do something interesting with them. I was inspired by the recent red and white quilt exhibits, but red really isn't my thing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZnxprcciYubAIMnQea6pWx4_hug77yERKl5fpfV9DwgIUvkEe744lGr7QarDFxS87BV2OWuM2R7cbVOJA-OSLPjer9gqNUvYh4UVWdZ9WER1oMi-bNlYftxuAG0jfXdyKET23UEaLqWY/s1600/lone+star+precuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZnxprcciYubAIMnQea6pWx4_hug77yERKl5fpfV9DwgIUvkEe744lGr7QarDFxS87BV2OWuM2R7cbVOJA-OSLPjer9gqNUvYh4UVWdZ9WER1oMi-bNlYftxuAG0jfXdyKET23UEaLqWY/s400/lone+star+precuts.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I think my mother planned to do 8-pointed Le Moyen stars. She partially pieced 1 or 2 and some of the other cut pieces showed signs of being sewn and then unpicked. I admit that some of the 'old school' methods were much harder than those we use today - like tracing out templates, using scissors to cut, marking seam allowances, etc.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHrzEBnyA-eGFSgI06kVXss5XM0glw8REHTUu9V0S7KI46H9CMlxTntbXldb0YrKL9VzmBBwZ5qCICphbt1gzslGWsP_SnJBnyfBhSs0ipyjUd440tbJmqoli110W4N039psBd86jiB_7/s1600/InstagramCapture_51261bb6-9034-4204-9bfb-0b9674705711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHrzEBnyA-eGFSgI06kVXss5XM0glw8REHTUu9V0S7KI46H9CMlxTntbXldb0YrKL9VzmBBwZ5qCICphbt1gzslGWsP_SnJBnyfBhSs0ipyjUd440tbJmqoli110W4N039psBd86jiB_7/s400/InstagramCapture_51261bb6-9034-4204-9bfb-0b9674705711.jpg" /></a></div><br />
After having a play with the diamonds, I decided to use them to make a large medallion - I know it as a Lone Star, but I've seen a few other names as well: Star of Bethlehem and Blazing Star. Usually it's made by creating strip sets of the fabrics and then cutting across them at a 45 degree angle to make the component pieces. I've never done this, but it looks to be pretty straight forward. There are two disadvantages to this method: firstly, you have to start with strips and I have pre-cut diamonds. The second disadvantage is a little less obvious.<br />
<br />
If you look closely at my mother's diamonds, you can see that all of the swans are fussy cut and the directional print (red on white) has all of the flower motifs lined up along the diamond. If you cut strips on the grain, all of the patterns are leaning and you lose the lovely radial effect when the pieces are laid out. If you look on the internet, most quilts like this are made from solids or prints that don't have an obvious direction.<br />
<br />
So, after a bit of experimentation, I worked out that if the strips are cut at 22.5 degrees, the patterns line up. You'd think this would be a big fabric waster, but I managed to get 14-15 diamonds from a fat quarter no matter which way I cut the strips.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRpyH1K08Euy74l4oxyfaPz8_h-eNcKuPxJdlto0JeFVeD_F4VBZ3jCJjvPh3Z6yW_G3KjEcF_G9LmmReM2K_bk7urd3coyuPefAEGeSXnE7d6ZdOEE9tuhg_JR209z0NBcGLFmPu1rrt/s1600/lone+star+pieces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRpyH1K08Euy74l4oxyfaPz8_h-eNcKuPxJdlto0JeFVeD_F4VBZ3jCJjvPh3Z6yW_G3KjEcF_G9LmmReM2K_bk7urd3coyuPefAEGeSXnE7d6ZdOEE9tuhg_JR209z0NBcGLFmPu1rrt/s400/lone+star+pieces.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I pulled a few fabrics from my stash including some corals (yuck), oranges, and greens. Usually I would not go with green and red (think Christmas) but one of the original fabrics has orange and lime (or is it avocado?) green flowers. The plain red is actually a shot fabric with red in one direction and white and orange in the other, so more orange there too.<br />
<br />
I found a template on Jinny Beyer's website that I could color in to trial some designs. After about 5 tries, I settled on a design that makes the best use of the pre-cut pieces and 3 fabrics from my stash. I've had to order yard lengths - one green print and one orange one for the biggest rings which require 40+ pieces. I was careful to pick patterns that were not directional so I can cut them on the grain.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorjXwo-txsyeq7LK8sWLolGjWiIjjGjondRhQlhovc8KBk6qjcueVOVZ5CU6-HJiNVnpdwSgXZZKbbicV68qx0KpgvKJgMswRCsNYoWVF4v41LjdsKMHLv0T2CSTuPxDtoZmoBDx5yRom/s1600/lone+star+design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorjXwo-txsyeq7LK8sWLolGjWiIjjGjondRhQlhovc8KBk6qjcueVOVZ5CU6-HJiNVnpdwSgXZZKbbicV68qx0KpgvKJgMswRCsNYoWVF4v41LjdsKMHLv0T2CSTuPxDtoZmoBDx5yRom/s400/lone+star+design.jpg" /></a></div><br />
So far, so good. I'm really enjoying this process of making a design work with some limitations (the pre-cut vintage fabrics). I never would have mixed these colors, but in the end, I think it's a nice combination. No idea if there will be pieced borders outside of the center medallion (finish at 42.5") - I will cross that bridge when I get there.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJvh_NiusDTjsqT9fhl3SrSLsikUWiCkKfAgppv0MBDiy5xyoOAtJjd4Tt6X7fLlxJL2Ju3hFkSMhydbtwH8NiFT-OCZtqGN_OXJTSFkbeuICV3SlkjjpBi9DjCkRwT9lSZOrBIBuqPbN/s1600/lone+star+layout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJvh_NiusDTjsqT9fhl3SrSLsikUWiCkKfAgppv0MBDiy5xyoOAtJjd4Tt6X7fLlxJL2Ju3hFkSMhydbtwH8NiFT-OCZtqGN_OXJTSFkbeuICV3SlkjjpBi9DjCkRwT9lSZOrBIBuqPbN/s400/lone+star+layout.jpg" /></a></div>Laurinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625091101868506230noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4379046093221285806.post-49062473845026845272015-12-19T15:34:00.002+13:002015-12-19T15:34:27.239+13:00A pillow for a favorite teacherMy daughter's favorite teacher, Ms. J, announced that she was leaving at the end of this year, so I was naturally enlisted to create a gift. Coincidentally, <a href="http://www.robynie.com/blog/">Robyn </a>had a paper pieced dolphin pattern that she needed testing, so it seemed like the perfect opportunity. This was especially true since Ms. J was the organizer of the school Eco Warriors - what Eco Warrior doesn't love dolphins?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lhFEBZwnxG8Wz8UjVIx7pHA2tnWnhDh8EBFeOzggSyZQMYP3YpnxlXarcaBT6Yws1dnLz3eFnIfoA7jdBwrzE0d0k05DCoypoQs4ggKcqG2b8Xgsvj2-pjleFD9gJUfYFTaH3Q5CtijZ/s1600/dolphin+paper+piecing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lhFEBZwnxG8Wz8UjVIx7pHA2tnWnhDh8EBFeOzggSyZQMYP3YpnxlXarcaBT6Yws1dnLz3eFnIfoA7jdBwrzE0d0k05DCoypoQs4ggKcqG2b8Xgsvj2-pjleFD9gJUfYFTaH3Q5CtijZ/s400/dolphin+paper+piecing.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The last pattern test I did for Robyn was my <a href="http://chickyquilts.blogspot.com/search/label/arctic%20hare">arctic hare</a> which I made using fabric from the scrap basket. This time I thought I'd be a bit more refined and just use one fabric for the dolphin and another for the background. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU_g3AQqFhh7tI3N2g55GO5JFpi0PL61oB2PGVTb_gNvQtFjNYpWUoPnrrPxvNFsXirRGQuwAI19C3yI55qvIQX-rfRy-06bYHmTZjVvvlIg3iWmGvi_5i1SCfrLmB6ypG571cQStoLcw0/s1600/dolphin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU_g3AQqFhh7tI3N2g55GO5JFpi0PL61oB2PGVTb_gNvQtFjNYpWUoPnrrPxvNFsXirRGQuwAI19C3yI55qvIQX-rfRy-06bYHmTZjVvvlIg3iWmGvi_5i1SCfrLmB6ypG571cQStoLcw0/s400/dolphin.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I admit I started late (Sunday, day before last day of school), but I figured I'd get through it pretty quickly. I confess I was being very optimistic. I think my main problem was lack of planning; I had not really worked through what I was going to do besides the dolphin and probably should have considered all aspects of the project beforehand. This is especially true in a country where shops are not open for extended hours - on a Sunday they would all be closed before 5.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bUa9JxOSKtdflreK4StBpakwPjb9N4ll2xg4bJMMiWt3Mo5zZ-oCdFZzoWSpasJpZepfFpgL6jHhrXnWVglKMhuCuMenpIxWQdPK3zD9bv-z2A0WHkMqsWvBJxg6HWnOV-ArwA39z3ng/s1600/dolphin+piping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bUa9JxOSKtdflreK4StBpakwPjb9N4ll2xg4bJMMiWt3Mo5zZ-oCdFZzoWSpasJpZepfFpgL6jHhrXnWVglKMhuCuMenpIxWQdPK3zD9bv-z2A0WHkMqsWvBJxg6HWnOV-ArwA39z3ng/s400/dolphin+piping.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Usually I would have made an overlapped flap in the back to take the cover off easily for cleaning but since I didn't have much backing fabric and was concerned about the timing, I thought I'd forgo that and just sew the inner into the pillow for all eternity. Turns out this is not as easy as it sounds and the time it took to shove the inner into the too-small gap and then hand sew the opening shut (especially with the added piping) almost undid me (besides, it was after midnight by this time). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tPUpBbj4IWELeTIXv_JHgYRMw2ddcDlyE3iPb-RqP8ChVw39eSYBtCkthutdEoOSRD_Nav0Fza8BXZXftS7xfmfg98ZMaAP4v_XvOT8pGaRf8cwD6IwUT9pO9j1Zctdf0_pzUY1bNus0/s1600/dolphin+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tPUpBbj4IWELeTIXv_JHgYRMw2ddcDlyE3iPb-RqP8ChVw39eSYBtCkthutdEoOSRD_Nav0Fza8BXZXftS7xfmfg98ZMaAP4v_XvOT8pGaRf8cwD6IwUT9pO9j1Zctdf0_pzUY1bNus0/s400/dolphin+back.jpg" /></a></div><br />
For the quilting I chose a pattern that would go quickly, and it did. The water ripples on the back took about 20 minutes and the wavy lines around the dolphin on the front took about the same. My daughter thought the orange piping would be a good option, and I agree it was the right choice. Next time, I'll start just a bit earlier when I have a gift to make - I admit I'd do a few things differently if I had more time. Still, I think it was a nice gift for a great teacher - I only wish she wasn't leaving.<br />
Laurinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625091101868506230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4379046093221285806.post-88282294953261838992015-12-09T10:56:00.003+13:002015-12-09T10:56:49.161+13:00Finished baby quiltI finished the green wedge baby quilt last night. I struggled finding a good binding fabric and came up short on my first 5 choices. Since the whole thing was made from fabric in my stash and some pieced together batting, I wasn't going to let the binding break my make-do streak. I ended up with a fabric with a good shade of green that I initially rejected because of the bright aqua blue. I realized when re-trialing it that the blue wasn't a bad match and would be less noticeable in the 3/8" that shows on the binding and I'm happy that it's done.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLGQdENs4FL2H8cYrGE9N0X5z1aUrzZ2VhEw7FehrB1yJoE4wOL8RumQFfFxjO1YacAis6ROA7d9jyH37QcClCU_8HxaVbi4fDwVnRsnd7MFFgKGauk4IbA9pq6XgbWacD6KOORpfIu-4/s1600/Victoria+detail+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLGQdENs4FL2H8cYrGE9N0X5z1aUrzZ2VhEw7FehrB1yJoE4wOL8RumQFfFxjO1YacAis6ROA7d9jyH37QcClCU_8HxaVbi4fDwVnRsnd7MFFgKGauk4IbA9pq6XgbWacD6KOORpfIu-4/s400/Victoria+detail+2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The quilting is very simple with 45 degree diagonal lines in one direction. I marked out 4 of the lines through the center circles of the blocks and then eyeballed the others in between. Although I'm not a fan of straight quilting like this, it took little time and works well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNaexJPgBke18yahja30EdXfyzMWkOMXgmuP2g8h6UMblRGEkvPDwpP-1fnMienNh3mkzeua3JS7G6twFZZzxCpgXV4b4mSAyqhuZrCjJByGRaCoyGE4NEF0Pzu0yz9LMj-yPVoT3vDY_/s1600/Victoria+detail+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNaexJPgBke18yahja30EdXfyzMWkOMXgmuP2g8h6UMblRGEkvPDwpP-1fnMienNh3mkzeua3JS7G6twFZZzxCpgXV4b4mSAyqhuZrCjJByGRaCoyGE4NEF0Pzu0yz9LMj-yPVoT3vDY_/s400/Victoria+detail+1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
It's definitely on the big side for a baby (51" x 37"), but since few parents actually use blankets on newborns, it will hopefully be useful (and loved) well into childhood. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1n8MCgKXzV0QQvVws2WRcHEUD6wiN0Y2SmTnCPyqiDHQveUylBSW96XNWxnu0Ske7LrYyTTXM0bMCd9bIvCw2KVime94ALjnqrIoExWfZeNzUehok49cuNEAhOITZQVvxoL8oEtYFntmh/s1600/Victoria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1n8MCgKXzV0QQvVws2WRcHEUD6wiN0Y2SmTnCPyqiDHQveUylBSW96XNWxnu0Ske7LrYyTTXM0bMCd9bIvCw2KVime94ALjnqrIoExWfZeNzUehok49cuNEAhOITZQVvxoL8oEtYFntmh/s400/Victoria.jpg" /></a></div><br />
This one is being gifted tomorrow at lunchtime, so it's just in time.Laurinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625091101868506230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4379046093221285806.post-64952117553892173002015-11-12T10:57:00.001+13:002015-11-12T10:57:54.495+13:00New project - a baby quiltI've been flagging a little on the quilting front. Yes, there have been round robins and Block Lotto blocks, and a few other bits and pieces, but nothing that qualifies as a "project". This is partly due to a natural winding down on my part as I've packed away my quilting frame and an (hopefully) preparing to pack out a lot more in preparation for house renovations in the new year. Another limitation is that I am determined to use up some of the fabrics in my stash and frankly, I don't like some of them or at least I don't know what to do with them.<br />
<br />
But creative salvation came in the form of a pregnant co-worker. I haven't known her that long, but she is sweet and has been such a great help in recent weeks. I thought a baby quilt was just the thing to get me motivated to do something small and manageable.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQb5QvxqjsZvc-SITRE6TWfpTZGtjpkU418458nityr9p2VbBeqxGMUB17WVwAAHZ5xUVeHCyYpw32pxAPIODRN8iQpcX3jxd4UBKs5yjTc1bFMHLZUWGvfnfA06CD3Z9XmNVo1oIRcjP/s1600/Vic+baby2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQb5QvxqjsZvc-SITRE6TWfpTZGtjpkU418458nityr9p2VbBeqxGMUB17WVwAAHZ5xUVeHCyYpw32pxAPIODRN8iQpcX3jxd4UBKs5yjTc1bFMHLZUWGvfnfA06CD3Z9XmNVo1oIRcjP/s400/Vic+baby2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Ages ago I toyed with the idea of a doing a modern inspired Dresden quilt. Some of the Monday Modern girls recently attended a Modern Wedge workshop with Kathy Doughty and have been making some beautiful blocks. In my usual way, I could not just follow that pattern, so I did some online browsing and designed a block that suited my purposes.<br />
<br />
I did a few things to make this block: I only used 12 wedges (30-degree angle) which meant less pieces to deal with and a better size wedge to feature the fabrics. Half of the wedges are in the feature fabrics and the others are cut from a strip of white with a 1" lime green insert. I put the lime green in a different position on each white strip and then cut the triangles by flip-flopping them to end up with 2 sets of white wedges from each strip. I used a similar method for my <a href="http://chickyquilts.blogspot.co.nz/search/label/Hexi-in-a-hexi">Hexa-bee quilt</a>.<br />
<br />
The other thing I did was add setting triangles to the corners to square up the block so that I only had to trim a bit off.<br />
<br />
The feature fabrics are from my stash. My friend does not know the gender of her baby, so I had to pick something that would work for a boy or girl. My girl loves blue and green and I seem to have many blue/green animal prints in my drawers. Once I picked them out, the green was a natural partner and I was off and running.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0OGvO2xGUDyOc6tm6jWtiPRZDasMHtK1yK4B7TjPG7bZqTQKfHb5IffWJYks3W3_p-T7x85alHCQNUD3fqdFQGIVG4YEWqxaPnoNXkD0EgwM55zIRCqsB-jspN4lu9igQU0pzQo0ZQ-g/s1600/Vic+baby1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0OGvO2xGUDyOc6tm6jWtiPRZDasMHtK1yK4B7TjPG7bZqTQKfHb5IffWJYks3W3_p-T7x85alHCQNUD3fqdFQGIVG4YEWqxaPnoNXkD0EgwM55zIRCqsB-jspN4lu9igQU0pzQo0ZQ-g/s400/Vic+baby1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I have made 6 blocks that each finish at 15-1/2". I think that 31" X 46-1/2" is not a bad size, but I wonder if a border or sashing might be needed to break things up a bit. Or maybe just a border to make it a touch bigger.<br />
<br />
I admit that I like these blocks so much that I was tempted to keep them for myself and start something else for my friend. I know that I can always replicate this block, but I never do the same thing twice, so it seems unlikely.<br />
<br />
Linking up with <a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/">Lee at Freshly Pieced</a>.Laurinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625091101868506230noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4379046093221285806.post-4541770772796097902015-10-11T16:13:00.000+13:002015-10-11T16:13:39.779+13:00Monday Modern round robin progressWe are in the process of adding the third borders to our little quilts after making the swap last Monday. I have two to work on since one of the girls has dropped out and being the organizer I felt a little guilty and decided to at least add her last border so that she could quilt it.<br />
<br />
The second border that I did last month was a bit of a mishmash after I ran into a few design issues. I made the paper pieced diamonds first with a very dark navy background and then with a grey background. I thought one was too dark and the other too light, so I decided to balance it out and do half and half. I had to ponder the corners for quite a while and admit that it I'd planned it out, I would have just mitered the stripes in the corner. But I didn't make them long enough to do that and wasn't sure I had enough fabric to re-cut the strips.<br />
<br />
Even with these hurdles, I liked the results and (as usual) I always enjoy a challenge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yFVZZ1Jm-y_A0rNRR9jBAiE1C3cDReb0Nt4orUaApG3tJF6axt1NtFepB3jD7vk3lLDah8cmaSW4rYyGv9ltGGRQ4bLSIfWSZhrH_x0J0ouGqKq5onQHx_0HyNfGznaP9bGUtg3cw4ik/s1600/2015+round+robin+border+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yFVZZ1Jm-y_A0rNRR9jBAiE1C3cDReb0Nt4orUaApG3tJF6axt1NtFepB3jD7vk3lLDah8cmaSW4rYyGv9ltGGRQ4bLSIfWSZhrH_x0J0ouGqKq5onQHx_0HyNfGznaP9bGUtg3cw4ik/s400/2015+round+robin+border+2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
This weekend I worked on the third border for one of the two I have. The original block was a tiny Seminole-style piece in green, orange, and mustard. I think it only measured 3" x 9". I wanted to refer back to that original piecing and added 4 patches on point in those colors with the navy thrown in. The background fabric is an odd color, but seems to go (I hope).<br />
<br />
My original plan had 2 rows on the top and bottom, but it was too much so I removed one row - not easy when they are on point. I was determined not to re-piece the whole row so I ended up inserting the background triangles using y-seams. Tricky, but quicker once I worked out what I was doing.<br />
<br />
I debated adding a final plain border, but it was necessary because in my re-work I had to use some HST on the edges instead of the QST I should have. With the bias on the edge it was at risk of getting really mis-shapen. This was the best option that I had enough of. The owner can reduce it down to minimize the effect, if she likes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ArYqnp-2eekPGUfuSx4HHgm9FqfNXHaCeRT1bp8TlbXbACJyLiVlfKFkdMHgHZCke30H0JidP_0be4dz7dR1eW16mviY0n3PJpP4RHQzVvyELxcdPsQ1fmawMQtSC0rkbKcv3Q9FgrlN/s1600/2015+round+robin+border+3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ArYqnp-2eekPGUfuSx4HHgm9FqfNXHaCeRT1bp8TlbXbACJyLiVlfKFkdMHgHZCke30H0JidP_0be4dz7dR1eW16mviY0n3PJpP4RHQzVvyELxcdPsQ1fmawMQtSC0rkbKcv3Q9FgrlN/s400/2015+round+robin+border+3a.jpg" /></a></div><br />
My last 'victim' is a fantastic piece with a huge variety of animals and colors. I already have some ideas on what I am going to do. I definitely want to make it taller and envision some reed-like vertical elements. But, I don't know if I want to add to the happy chaos or try to calm it all down. I'm leaning towards more color because the original block with the frog is so bright. We'll find out next weekend...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwvdHdLUzOnYov6GFujW4zCabyMrnVWzBtB3xuSFVTRK-lZFoPGls2tDunVBDbX8OoUc2rK4uu24i-dtrgvGw3_UEKftppoR32oMxrz5i2cucXzSHQFVxcVyUTJTK_sX9vRV0Vf-oXlYR/s1600/2015+round+robin+border+3b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwvdHdLUzOnYov6GFujW4zCabyMrnVWzBtB3xuSFVTRK-lZFoPGls2tDunVBDbX8OoUc2rK4uu24i-dtrgvGw3_UEKftppoR32oMxrz5i2cucXzSHQFVxcVyUTJTK_sX9vRV0Vf-oXlYR/s400/2015+round+robin+border+3b.jpg" /></a></div>Laurinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625091101868506230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4379046093221285806.post-42183779911728197372015-10-05T17:47:00.000+13:002015-10-05T17:47:27.039+13:00Pink Cats finishedThis quilt has been 'almost' done for a while. It took me about 5 weeks to tidy up all of the loose threads and get the binding on. Getting a good photo is always a challenge and the wind wasn't being very cooperative yesterday afternoon either.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXF7aTzPzXAcfmuuQWzrDyIHtIVzr4nQXT76TcUvLif_pgyLWRKQKMYY3K6ZX_qI0jWrcm91ij6CJNVmZTUP5VMISrcq2ffDLOCT39i5UqCql4JBpmYF5vN80XTtfnoJztYJKdmzi0tlDh/s1600/pink+kitties.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXF7aTzPzXAcfmuuQWzrDyIHtIVzr4nQXT76TcUvLif_pgyLWRKQKMYY3K6ZX_qI0jWrcm91ij6CJNVmZTUP5VMISrcq2ffDLOCT39i5UqCql4JBpmYF5vN80XTtfnoJztYJKdmzi0tlDh/s400/pink+kitties.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I designed the blocks around the cat prints and took my cue from the prints to choose a selection of pinks including fuchsia, baby pink, and coral. I like the mix and particularly like the coral to prevent it from all getting too pinky-purple.<br />
<br />
I tried to keep the quilting fairly simple and like the end result even though some of the lines are a bit wonky. I kept saying to myself that I would go back and 'fix' a few of the mishaps, but you know, life is too short for that!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYV3R3LlcGXJq8Wq9lb7PAouaijkLPfcEFfzqSaGmqhyphenhyphen7Wo59mozoNfCtBSaYq9emgdUP7TBsVcpQUINjjT-uTFyImd3HvehGRv6Iko50r2PmlKD5g1WpHbCQt20XQMDCTruAFaWJEDFC/s1600/pink+kitties+detail+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYV3R3LlcGXJq8Wq9lb7PAouaijkLPfcEFfzqSaGmqhyphenhyphen7Wo59mozoNfCtBSaYq9emgdUP7TBsVcpQUINjjT-uTFyImd3HvehGRv6Iko50r2PmlKD5g1WpHbCQt20XQMDCTruAFaWJEDFC/s400/pink+kitties+detail+1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I did the back-to-front binding and machine stitched it using a black and white thread and a blanket stitch. Usually I hand stitch it to the back, but sometimes I am lazy and do it by machine. I don't have strong feelings either way.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieo45fPn-sCnk_mBDNIyZkk3syRbVcl9dJk7LC4YKtfMCaYHRMgobCSsZOePf5Ael0QQSdhpBzoV3T-Vz5fqU8nxUNvMr-h0v_EHhNU1rXV07th7lbUhmZgoUsCSsb8cOKSwYXuWpkambK/s1600/pink+kitties+detail+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieo45fPn-sCnk_mBDNIyZkk3syRbVcl9dJk7LC4YKtfMCaYHRMgobCSsZOePf5Ael0QQSdhpBzoV3T-Vz5fqU8nxUNvMr-h0v_EHhNU1rXV07th7lbUhmZgoUsCSsb8cOKSwYXuWpkambK/s400/pink+kitties+detail+2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Now that this one is done, there's not much on my radar. I've convinced my mother to send me a very old UFO that she started about 35-40 years ago - I'm keen to modernize it and mix the vintage fabrics with some new ones.<br />
<br />
Linking up with Adrienne at On The Windy Side for Q3 of the 2015 Finish-Along.<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://onthewindyside.co.nz" title="2015 FAL at On the Windy Side"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwkYP5KImpOVIfONWKMG_-BgTuJwnEmoHAdcOnpd27WGxXmVFgi8NdSMSJCASYa-Bh0EWDVX60QNkS8SEYR-XNKhyYC8VlUnlUF1ixxeHWrGVpkyAnuXf3Lav9-O_JkiqmiAqZXN_QKdx/s1600/2015FALbutton200.png" alt="2015 FAL at On the Windy Side" style="border:none;" /></a></div>Laurinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625091101868506230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4379046093221285806.post-10615824623255392372015-08-23T14:13:00.000+12:002015-08-23T14:13:26.660+12:00Arctic Hare finished cushion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKFuh8L96_oJcuKUOY4w3r80M3bo3bFIy__iGIjI37Qm8kPLtArThdnhwmxFJvztyeWoADZV5Fcbu65R6hASQQ7YuQRn4iN7pDFMxEgVpsOPDa17ik_TbHOk6fCvuDxXALgzh1Sy5S53p/s1600/arctic+hare+finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKFuh8L96_oJcuKUOY4w3r80M3bo3bFIy__iGIjI37Qm8kPLtArThdnhwmxFJvztyeWoADZV5Fcbu65R6hASQQ7YuQRn4iN7pDFMxEgVpsOPDa17ik_TbHOk6fCvuDxXALgzh1Sy5S53p/s400/arctic+hare+finished.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I have (just about) finished my Arctic Hare cushion. There are a few things to tidy up like threads and some basting and one little mistake that needs fixing. I'm happy with the finished product and Toffee has given it the dog seal of approval.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3ViUlFuAM6R9r15K0up0AefOFbTlqq6TQbDZvDPPZOQ2-5n59PIBgQj6AQaOPaKYn5uIpS4u2mIv3ViPN0ab05xprMWrWQGxchncyikOrhL1JakZ2i4vH7ncNnWqf4dG3TsTaou5Hirr/s1600/WP_20150823_005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3ViUlFuAM6R9r15K0up0AefOFbTlqq6TQbDZvDPPZOQ2-5n59PIBgQj6AQaOPaKYn5uIpS4u2mIv3ViPN0ab05xprMWrWQGxchncyikOrhL1JakZ2i4vH7ncNnWqf4dG3TsTaou5Hirr/s400/WP_20150823_005.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I decided to try making my own piping to go around the edge. I made bias strips with a piece of old yellow fabric (c. 1988). I thought I had some cording that was specifically for piping which would have given a better result, but I made do with some cord that I've had for ages purchased for some project long forgotten. The cord worked okay, but given the size of the cushion I probably would have preferred beefier piping.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8haenHo5US-qMZ3uK_8VSvIuhPre3bx8acDmWRBu-YpgnvXN5ql4n3cOxNkjfjkl_S1-tVrbxoXmidhMDvrWcZha3ch8uasBr4H7d9reBb1P3ja9FE9BQxmmXzOhQZiqeXA4bOXUrluE/s1600/arctic+hare+finished+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8haenHo5US-qMZ3uK_8VSvIuhPre3bx8acDmWRBu-YpgnvXN5ql4n3cOxNkjfjkl_S1-tVrbxoXmidhMDvrWcZha3ch8uasBr4H7d9reBb1P3ja9FE9BQxmmXzOhQZiqeXA4bOXUrluE/s400/arctic+hare+finished+detail.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I do not have a purpose-built cording foot so I used a zipper foot. This worked fine, so I won't be rushing out to get a special foot for this job any time soon. Making the piping was pretty easy, but putting it all together was tricky, especially with all of the layers (I counted 12 layers of fabric and 3 layers of batting when crossing the overlapped backing that was bound on the edge). Both of my machines coped fine with the layers, I just think that when a 1/4 inch seam is taller than it is wide, there's a bit of slippage. In hindsight, a 1/2 inch seam would have been a good idea. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wrr5t_CwXWTJvJC51sYxGnZyPvy1pb03Xre1ICw5FRaGMtVhT0v4YZc55NpnurGVpCEDsmHyrxjJ-orE71JsF-W2v8mrC29DttfVl1VfYUlbwfVdRmYKDc1nj-ZYabHgM9Ehjs6Ayc_1/s1600/arctic+hare+finished+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wrr5t_CwXWTJvJC51sYxGnZyPvy1pb03Xre1ICw5FRaGMtVhT0v4YZc55NpnurGVpCEDsmHyrxjJ-orE71JsF-W2v8mrC29DttfVl1VfYUlbwfVdRmYKDc1nj-ZYabHgM9Ehjs6Ayc_1/s400/arctic+hare+finished+back.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The back is made using the same grey fabric as the narrow border on the front. I did some wavy cross-hatched quilting using the walking foot just to hold the layers together and give it some texture. The overlapped edges are bound in a blue stripe that I used on the front as well. This whole project was an exercise in making-do. I did buy an inner (a bit too puffy, I think); everything else was hanging around my studio.<br />
<br />
This is the first of my finishes for this quarter's 2015 finish-along - and a month before the deadline!Laurinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625091101868506230noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4379046093221285806.post-30268875769950881752015-08-10T11:15:00.000+12:002015-08-10T11:15:12.730+12:00Monday Modern round robinWe've started a round robin at Monday Modern quilters and I am organising it. I've been wanting to do one for a while, so 9 of us have joined in. After 4 years of participating in the Cotton Robin, I'm pleased to be doing one with this group. Unlike the Cotton Robin, we are sharing our work along the way - some of the girls were a bit nervous about the process and I think seeing each other's progress has helped with this.<br />
<br />
My starting block is a red/pink and white checkerboard with two appliqued circles that I fussy cut from a Christmas fabric I had in my stash. I debated doing something a bit more avant-garde (or at least more modern), but decided that having a mix of styles would make it more interesting.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwdiNp7M10_XpU9k8pdDiz8mWxZxFI45jv8t1KUnnQJ70lHpHWqUTAemb0_D_3FmSY0WdwMrX05NwpKO4Q4VoohMzolXZkZFtFhlLTo7Qtt-6fzNI0OxHvpVSADG0eNGSv7bLky5Lr0i5/s1600/2015+round+robin+centre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwdiNp7M10_XpU9k8pdDiz8mWxZxFI45jv8t1KUnnQJ70lHpHWqUTAemb0_D_3FmSY0WdwMrX05NwpKO4Q4VoohMzolXZkZFtFhlLTo7Qtt-6fzNI0OxHvpVSADG0eNGSv7bLky5Lr0i5/s400/2015+round+robin+centre.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I have Melanie's starting block which she managed to put together after being overseas for the lead-up discussions. She used the cutest fabrics (my 11-year old announced "Adorable!" when she saw them). I had it hanging on the wall for a week before diving in this weekend. I was determined to use fabrics from my stash but really struggled with the green and the navy. I think I managed to find some fabrics that work without being exactly the same.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC9bPNkOF9qpJt9ufDjZmSCjLHuPRkIEts19ZChmrdgXQlg6XIjpzxnErqjHu4IU7-TMo17HFInu86o4qH4UsAkZn3C6l9_miMREcQzQIhvFXUTNjBTqHpAoYCX1OQuwioeEJmZWXtS7Pa/s1600/2015+round+robin+border+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC9bPNkOF9qpJt9ufDjZmSCjLHuPRkIEts19ZChmrdgXQlg6XIjpzxnErqjHu4IU7-TMo17HFInu86o4qH4UsAkZn3C6l9_miMREcQzQIhvFXUTNjBTqHpAoYCX1OQuwioeEJmZWXtS7Pa/s400/2015+round+robin+border+1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The flying geese (Melanie's go to pattern) were my inspiration. I decided to stack them up for some variety and drafted a paper pieced pattern to do this. I had to add the cute cat fabric, but am wondering if I will re-do the corner piece because I don't like the direction the cats are facing (which way is up?) and think it should be a bit larger. I may need to fussy cut that one to get it to work better but I have 3 more weeks to play with it, so who knows?<br />
<br />
I only added to two sides which I think balances well. There will be 2 more borders added to this one, so it will be interesting to see if the asymmetry continues.<br />
<br />
Laurinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625091101868506230noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4379046093221285806.post-11346313187168394962015-08-06T11:28:00.000+12:002015-08-06T11:28:50.164+12:00Chilly rabbitA few months ago I did a pattern test for my friend Robyn (<a href="http://www.robynie.com/blog/">see her blog here</a>). It's been hanging around for a while on the design wall but is one of my candidates for this quarter's finish along.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLh1LHf0ioouroPcoo6m_dD0wzXl_G4d5oQBhME0BA50ytL6kJVjtXdTOTqxW-GxG6zcNFOjxkeE95kdH0DOQRbEmhhFrq2rVQnx5dY7Nrw9ETrI8DvD_VZXhkqX9Yni0V7BDfrxfPd6Me/s1600/220px-Arctic_Hare_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLh1LHf0ioouroPcoo6m_dD0wzXl_G4d5oQBhME0BA50ytL6kJVjtXdTOTqxW-GxG6zcNFOjxkeE95kdH0DOQRbEmhhFrq2rVQnx5dY7Nrw9ETrI8DvD_VZXhkqX9Yni0V7BDfrxfPd6Me/s400/220px-Arctic_Hare_1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I decided to make it a bit bigger with some snowballs and corner stars - this turned my rabbit into an arctic hare. My plan was for a pillow, but it seems to be a bit bigger than expected. At 20 inches it's still possible, but I don't think I have an inner for it. Although I have been known to make them from a few recycled cushions, I'm not feeling particularly resourceful right now.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQZH-93U6PH_4D5rif8rcmpWYpgdtWG7lJumrmyEtfbVsnraDdt3_AFal-juMa4wAU_k3gtHEohBxPFB-21QzPThL7PHrTLmJo4pMz97HFMvdvFZNB155EC6EKtuk-ACZ0mK9w3XzmNK-/s1600/arctic+hare+quilting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQZH-93U6PH_4D5rif8rcmpWYpgdtWG7lJumrmyEtfbVsnraDdt3_AFal-juMa4wAU_k3gtHEohBxPFB-21QzPThL7PHrTLmJo4pMz97HFMvdvFZNB155EC6EKtuk-ACZ0mK9w3XzmNK-/s320/arctic+hare+quilting.jpg" /></a></div><br />
When I finished the piecing it looked very pale. I wish I had used a background with more contrast. My solution was to use a much darker quilting thread and do some dense quilting on all of the blue bits - this has worked well and the blue has more depth now. I also used scrap of puffy polyester batting which has given the hare some dimension that I like.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLce9Ea05bH3NM6Zu3we-oIFYCdRfRbc4PF52HdG0rP0VumtvMcFWMjBUWLu4kjQ8e3Y1RtYIn9B_p2WQG7tCM9MHWM9hBHasVmiEfK0PbKkKugbCSZOc8Y4SIqgJGiA8XqmNlISiBMs8X/s1600/arctic+hare+quilting+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLce9Ea05bH3NM6Zu3we-oIFYCdRfRbc4PF52HdG0rP0VumtvMcFWMjBUWLu4kjQ8e3Y1RtYIn9B_p2WQG7tCM9MHWM9hBHasVmiEfK0PbKkKugbCSZOc8Y4SIqgJGiA8XqmNlISiBMs8X/s320/arctic+hare+quilting+detail.jpg" /></a></div><br />
There are still a lot of threads to deal with, but that's a job that I really dislike, so I'm putting it off. Whether this ends up as a pillow or just a mini quilt / wall hanging, I will add yellow binding or piping to the edges. Now it's time to attached a few other projects...<br />
<br />
Linking up with Lee this week at <a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/">Freshly Pieced</a>.Laurinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625091101868506230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4379046093221285806.post-41613245116377093582015-07-28T14:33:00.000+12:002015-07-28T14:33:54.372+12:00Why cats don't quiltA week or two ago I finally mounted the pink kitty quilt onto the Swiftquilter frame. I thought I'd try an experiment and use a different machine than my trusty Juki TL-98P based on a request from someone about using another machine on the frame. I know that the TL-98P is the one for the job, but it's always worth trying new things. I won't go into my experience using another machine, because I doubt many of you are interested in that.<br />
<br />
I do know that everyone loves a good cat photo, so let's get to the cute stuff...<br />
<br />
I have taken to using staples to attach my quilts to the leaders (fabric attached to the roller bars) rather than pins. The staples are quick and easy to use and I flip around the base plate thingy so that the staples ends go outward rather than inward - this makes them really easy to pull out - too easy, apparently.<br />
<br />
Here's my nice tidy setup before I started quilting. Notice the nice flat surface for quilting?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezEbUB9msxWUuoOqRVprjjWuM5IIbH8hRFPmDGBpySMggcQ9yAKBYxtKqnVoqI9kjPAzJreikpcymGmG1x7qLWH7gkGa1guinn28xVFyvwF4yPjVWQNNqHX37-HgsxjGxpI9T3FJYKbcG/s1600/IMG_2671+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezEbUB9msxWUuoOqRVprjjWuM5IIbH8hRFPmDGBpySMggcQ9yAKBYxtKqnVoqI9kjPAzJreikpcymGmG1x7qLWH7gkGa1guinn28xVFyvwF4yPjVWQNNqHX37-HgsxjGxpI9T3FJYKbcG/s400/IMG_2671+cropped.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I did just a little bit of the quilting as a trial and then was planning to switch machines to really get going. Before I managed to do this, Sammy decided that the quilt made the perfect hammock for a heavier-than-he-looks cat. As you can see, where there used to be a nice flat quilt, is now a ginger-colored trouble-maker.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83jY0yrAqN8V0KMm2ZkOuYk7gZ_20arQTix3anWq-C7_nG56_dqy8AmljCL_jrImKXcG1Ayv-JkmbG1f-PVX1of2OvX1vcP5foZCZHCZMCiM-CRWzNd1Nv28WEtjj3pjqGlKJJ1M6zk30/s1600/WP_20150718_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83jY0yrAqN8V0KMm2ZkOuYk7gZ_20arQTix3anWq-C7_nG56_dqy8AmljCL_jrImKXcG1Ayv-JkmbG1f-PVX1of2OvX1vcP5foZCZHCZMCiM-CRWzNd1Nv28WEtjj3pjqGlKJJ1M6zk30/s400/WP_20150718_002.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I'm sure if I had used pins instead of staples, this would not have happened. Then again, if I had a pet iguana, this would not have happened.<br />
<br />
I have not yet sorted out this problem and instead have made a few more blocks from my scraps. So far, so good, but finding and trimming/cutting the scraps is a little tedious. Still, it's a nice distraction to do a block every few days. They are big (14") so should progress into a quilt without needing to make too many blocks. I haven't decided the finished size yet - I figure I'll keep going until I run out of scraps or get tired of making them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2V2sgOEy9FcVO95uvaNDuyx8G7CfuVpfbIsJEVJYVT_h-h_YMp-ZeA9mj_Yij2XAGSv8WgN2otcTAbs1cJt_9Jaueg9SHyJsl5XsepHagQlXE_r6daUf6J3gRjlZ1QoJhNQ3_gqQU3SKF/s1600/WP_20150728_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2V2sgOEy9FcVO95uvaNDuyx8G7CfuVpfbIsJEVJYVT_h-h_YMp-ZeA9mj_Yij2XAGSv8WgN2otcTAbs1cJt_9Jaueg9SHyJsl5XsepHagQlXE_r6daUf6J3gRjlZ1QoJhNQ3_gqQU3SKF/s400/WP_20150728_002.jpg" /></a></div>Laurinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625091101868506230noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4379046093221285806.post-499569041235938332015-07-20T14:16:00.000+12:002019-01-16T12:29:29.265+13:00Cotton Robin finishFor the fourth year in a row I have finished up another Cotton Robin round robin organised by the lovely Julie. This year we were challenged to use a color for our center block that wasn't one we had used. I chose purple after I noticed that I had very little in my stash and did not have a purple (or even partially-purple) quilt in my pile. Don't get me wrong - I love the color and often wear it, but I don't quilt with it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHGI5Npu4fV79udZmkStEuchMc9n_RcVVYwbYTejY-ylEee5V3ONFqYmA2kgDa-uQa92ZCMQDutCVPCdXWPOzjeQoABndIunHMWJd5MsR8Eav1VWodU9p4rSFDUps07BHHQAQHVmU1BHB/s1600/2015+centre+block.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHGI5Npu4fV79udZmkStEuchMc9n_RcVVYwbYTejY-ylEee5V3ONFqYmA2kgDa-uQa92ZCMQDutCVPCdXWPOzjeQoABndIunHMWJd5MsR8Eav1VWodU9p4rSFDUps07BHHQAQHVmU1BHB/s320/2015+centre+block.JPG" /></a></div><br />
My center block was not the most creative - next year I'm going to have to think outside of the box a bit more. I think I wanted to see what would happen with the borders if I started with a design that wouldn't be considered a centerpiece. My quilt was added onto by Kate (first border), Nan (second border), and Terri (quilting and binding). I love that Kate started in an asymmetrical direction - this was a great idea. Nan also went asymmetrical, leaving the finished quilt just off center and rectangular. I loved the piecing in the borders and the quilting by Terri was nicely done - I especially like the little spiral flowers and leaves.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNM0PqBElkvOSg45fb6lHcWU6-eF8zg8URjGNNZHB4J4SFaztVfCOJQFYHEU5QY_u__OOBZ1W42RHCIuXTfPDyv8lHB096_UZ0fb1oPuN5k5jcMwI-QHAgVPwzARM_NCBxy0Kf3dSFTwtB/s1600/2015+finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNM0PqBElkvOSg45fb6lHcWU6-eF8zg8URjGNNZHB4J4SFaztVfCOJQFYHEU5QY_u__OOBZ1W42RHCIuXTfPDyv8lHB096_UZ0fb1oPuN5k5jcMwI-QHAgVPwzARM_NCBxy0Kf3dSFTwtB/s320/2015+finished.jpg" /></a></div><br />
My only surprise was this: it is REALLY PURPLE! Of course, I am to blame for setting the stage, and everyone followed my lead.<br />
<br />
I worked on three other quilts along the way. The first was a sweet little applique block to which I added a circular pieced border. I made this using scrappy narrow strips of off white with little squares of brights forming the circle. I paper pieced the strips onto a template I made with the circle on it so that they all lined up. I was really pleased with the end result and the final border matched so perfectly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivS28eQdJOE6WV-q0wEQHQNh9duWvNP2BDV4nx5jUjV9uju6gOeYBQ_qg9T0U55svB6RZWuPsjzptK8lltwrivSMbW8jzStFm_T_qqQGTFh2iiSpFhAxd1Aj_DKZIAN6_5kVDPrxqaWfSj/s1600/Liz+Laurina+Diana+Maria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivS28eQdJOE6WV-q0wEQHQNh9duWvNP2BDV4nx5jUjV9uju6gOeYBQ_qg9T0U55svB6RZWuPsjzptK8lltwrivSMbW8jzStFm_T_qqQGTFh2iiSpFhAxd1Aj_DKZIAN6_5kVDPrxqaWfSj/s320/Liz+Laurina+Diana+Maria.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The second quilt had an intricately pieced center block and a first border of flying geese. The second border introduced fuchsia and between the center and the border it was getting quite busy. This is why I enjoy doing round robins because you just don't know what you will receive and how you will add to it. I decided to just add detail to the corners of the second border with some tiny log cabins and use some solids to tie the color scheme together. I was hoping whoever did the quilting would take advantage of the plain sections and use it for some nice quilting - and she did.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoMQQ4BeVT0eZK2gdpa-QMq0eNJdEH9znX2tEopXaA6bnd6MN3rpZA40kHV3HbE6jTx7SlGHDLvAn5A4uVek8c74ODUNfA_5TF47aYK_SHTIKh-wjhCGBz7B0VY-xcJW8X_tU6PA1gqWq/s1600/2015+second+border+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoMQQ4BeVT0eZK2gdpa-QMq0eNJdEH9znX2tEopXaA6bnd6MN3rpZA40kHV3HbE6jTx7SlGHDLvAn5A4uVek8c74ODUNfA_5TF47aYK_SHTIKh-wjhCGBz7B0VY-xcJW8X_tU6PA1gqWq/s320/2015+second+border+detail.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIakVyMVf1gouMW4vHX74epQsQAZ-AcwuH8CpXxLjgr8ofFgRuiZpUvTSm6Pm7Zt2c_HXStANWmHU9L7Xu-fuqF5g3je_Muqj2NPhetOxl8L1dQA8g2F7IYAVVPLLz8pJnu_Tj-OIqdU7b/s1600/Catherine+Jay+Laurina+Tami.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIakVyMVf1gouMW4vHX74epQsQAZ-AcwuH8CpXxLjgr8ofFgRuiZpUvTSm6Pm7Zt2c_HXStANWmHU9L7Xu-fuqF5g3je_Muqj2NPhetOxl8L1dQA8g2F7IYAVVPLLz8pJnu_Tj-OIqdU7b/s320/Catherine+Jay+Laurina+Tami.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The last quilt I worked on arrived with a note: something about keeping it monochromatic and small. It was very yellow (perhaps more yellow than mine is purple) and just over 10" square. I didn't want to overwhelm it with quilting, so I did wiggly lines in the center portion and some straight diagonal lines through the 2 borders.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2O5giGSVSAT8PIQhuWYPSVRK0hhresWBHOBShIVdj53Hp9w7jmscXWsCQ7d6Lc2Ke5ZQ6oEAw4_Mkor1rN0lGoPHHC1xg4u6nJi8tG6GZ1giMZAGjpntdPbANxeJK6ThmeboWyTLpdRl8/s1600/2015+quilting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2O5giGSVSAT8PIQhuWYPSVRK0hhresWBHOBShIVdj53Hp9w7jmscXWsCQ7d6Lc2Ke5ZQ6oEAw4_Mkor1rN0lGoPHHC1xg4u6nJi8tG6GZ1giMZAGjpntdPbANxeJK6ThmeboWyTLpdRl8/s320/2015+quilting.jpg" /></a></div><br />
You can see all of the finishes at the <a href="http://cottonrobin.blogspot.co.nz/2015/07/here-it-is-big-reveal.html">Cotton Robin</a> website. It's always so exciting to see all of the finished quilts and to pick out my favorites, but disappointing that it's all over and we will need to wait until next year to do it again.<br />
<br />
Luckily, my Monday Modern friends have agreed to do a round robin with 3 borders. I'm organizing it, and am quite excited to get started. Watch this space...Laurinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625091101868506230noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4379046093221285806.post-56416482224724713982015-07-09T08:56:00.002+12:002015-07-09T08:56:54.506+12:00Q3 finish along goals<div align="center"><a href="http://onthewindyside.co.nz" title="2015 FAL at On the Windy Side"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwkYP5KImpOVIfONWKMG_-BgTuJwnEmoHAdcOnpd27WGxXmVFgi8NdSMSJCASYa-Bh0EWDVX60QNkS8SEYR-XNKhyYC8VlUnlUF1ixxeHWrGVpkyAnuXf3Lav9-O_JkiqmiAqZXN_QKdx/s1600/2015FALbutton200.png" alt="2015 FAL at On the Windy Side" style="border:none;" /></a></div><br />
I can't believe the year is half-way through. Where has the time gone? I managed to complete 2 quilts last quarter and there was one unfinished that I had on my list of hopefuls - so that one is on this quarter's list again.<br />
<br />
It's the pink kitty quilt, which is now a flimsy made up of 25 blocks. This one needs to go onto the frame and get quilted. I am having a bit of a creative block and don't know how I want to quilt this one and I've packed up my frame because my 'studio' (actually, a basement apartment) is currently occupied.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubTLIsksc_jpP1yKx1-xMwM0OaPVpZQ0uZEZeIsP6BfqmXR8Hv4QXOzP7JSyEEMaCW66PMuA07YixOgiQVhgX9WGs-JBiJ6FMQoJiW-KZ5_6pnmkSgr0ErODHfsutF65hbvJ-HiJd2sLP/s1600/WP_20150705_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubTLIsksc_jpP1yKx1-xMwM0OaPVpZQ0uZEZeIsP6BfqmXR8Hv4QXOzP7JSyEEMaCW66PMuA07YixOgiQVhgX9WGs-JBiJ6FMQoJiW-KZ5_6pnmkSgr0ErODHfsutF65hbvJ-HiJd2sLP/s400/WP_20150705_001.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Believe it or not, I have nothing else on the go. So this weekend I started 'analyzing' my scraps. Everyone has a different definition of a scrap. Mine are mostly small and fill up a basket in my sewing room. The more I dig through it, the bigger it gets. Sometimes, when I am feeling industrious, I trim and sort them into 4 piles: 1-1/2" squares, 2-1/2" squares, biggish pieces (5" or more), and strips.<br />
<br />
I've decided to do a block that I did in March 2014 with Block Lotto - it's called star chain and it's a 14" block. I've reworked the instructions slightly and am using only fabric from the scrap basket. The center stars will be hot colors (red, orange, bright pink), the chains will be cool colors (blue, green), and the background will be low volume (mostly white, cream, and light gray). I made one block as a prototype, so we will see how it goes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjtkn6wMZ1jDX9hb2xjOrH-2U5uwKP4C1xIVzaHhN7zgzzAO0XUveBrq5Jj5gy_pNcvmJRo8uSJ_STUCE3bu3dIPhaZ-6Bqb-u3nUy1V0rRWTtoM46mONw1FgBMx_my9qIaSMyj7iJXvv/s1600/WP_20150709_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjtkn6wMZ1jDX9hb2xjOrH-2U5uwKP4C1xIVzaHhN7zgzzAO0XUveBrq5Jj5gy_pNcvmJRo8uSJ_STUCE3bu3dIPhaZ-6Bqb-u3nUy1V0rRWTtoM46mONw1FgBMx_my9qIaSMyj7iJXvv/s400/WP_20150709_002.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The third project is to do something with my paper pieced rabbit. It's been hanging on the wall for a while now, so it's time to make it up into a pillow (or something).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwg-j_bL4k4QgoY6ZSTASgLMT8tPiuqbpkpJXV1P7Ia1MyWgViR0nRrwhFpZIII8EEVrrwGD2G1KHGx0rAgsrR9Jj7d1Y7XwhsiwyNdlOd25atQw2ujl3IB15Y0sLgyQp7MVpo03GhzMll/s1600/WP_20150426_004+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwg-j_bL4k4QgoY6ZSTASgLMT8tPiuqbpkpJXV1P7Ia1MyWgViR0nRrwhFpZIII8EEVrrwGD2G1KHGx0rAgsrR9Jj7d1Y7XwhsiwyNdlOd25atQw2ujl3IB15Y0sLgyQp7MVpo03GhzMll/s400/WP_20150426_004+1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Linking up with Adrianne at On The Windy Side for this quarters finish along.Laurinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625091101868506230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4379046093221285806.post-28490479397847658352015-07-02T12:04:00.000+12:002015-07-02T12:04:31.083+12:00Green folly - another finishI can't believe that I have finished two quilts this month. It seems like so long since I've actually accomplished anything.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmV4Fr79ZCIY2hO36iVdoYCcu0wFurN2ai7qAHbaexaqAkqimNprOazr34wTM4EVWD1NxKNDC76NMvfT9gWUv7WA_Vr3-Fhb-YaDRDc_Q3aT7_2XdKmfwmPjNJ2F3o49w4Bv06a6miiiT/s1600/green+HST+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmV4Fr79ZCIY2hO36iVdoYCcu0wFurN2ai7qAHbaexaqAkqimNprOazr34wTM4EVWD1NxKNDC76NMvfT9gWUv7WA_Vr3-Fhb-YaDRDc_Q3aT7_2XdKmfwmPjNJ2F3o49w4Bv06a6miiiT/s400/green+HST+front.jpg" /></a></div><br />
This one has been years in the making. It has been packed away a number of times and brought back out when I'm in the right mood. And now it's done, kind of sad really since it's been with me for 4 years. In fact, my first post about this project was on July 16, 2011.<br />
<br />
The quilt started out as a handful of 'bonus triangles' trimmed off of a Block Lotto block and turned into a massive project comprising 3,200 triangles. I used every shade of green imaginable from scraps and purchased fat quarters. There's a bit of grey in there too to cut down on the green-ness and a mix of white and cream too (who says you can't mix white and cream).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimYB2-JXRjJ4shqflSICWXCYMPusH8jmDpN6rAAhTM16rGZmQ5x1EyptqMrBTldS51SFIB_7OT_KtDeAnxreoJQAsKc_y7ulnAfaaLGx9o4XOgh04277_UtNJWA1wg1FpmmJPuwCglDMT1/s1600/green+HST+detail+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimYB2-JXRjJ4shqflSICWXCYMPusH8jmDpN6rAAhTM16rGZmQ5x1EyptqMrBTldS51SFIB_7OT_KtDeAnxreoJQAsKc_y7ulnAfaaLGx9o4XOgh04277_UtNJWA1wg1FpmmJPuwCglDMT1/s400/green+HST+detail+2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The finished quilt is about 76 inches square. I used a wool blend batting which is lightweight but is really warm and slightly puffy. This is a heavy quilt, even though the quilting is not very dense. All of those little triangles have seams and I figure that almost doubles the weight of the top compared to a similar sized quilt with less piecing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdm7r8aW1nZeJ7ghMRtBGd2p0oaVjgTKu8D3k1DYAur_gA5M5f96FJvuZgj3SDSOv_0RCKLywMPWrcvtfPzyfK62p8fqsqiOKvIP3cx86vyDUTdAp4euGdy95NVuJC_fMzqTkHxzh8RJw/s1600/green+HST+detail+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdm7r8aW1nZeJ7ghMRtBGd2p0oaVjgTKu8D3k1DYAur_gA5M5f96FJvuZgj3SDSOv_0RCKLywMPWrcvtfPzyfK62p8fqsqiOKvIP3cx86vyDUTdAp4euGdy95NVuJC_fMzqTkHxzh8RJw/s400/green+HST+detail+1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The back is pieced from necessity - I did not have enough of any one thing to use for the backing. I refuse to go buy 'good' fabric for this purpose, so I found what I could and made it work. I admit I am quite fond of the back and the quilted feathers forming the squares look good on the plain background.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrHjbaojjyL1oCLfmlv3LfbK34i8gLYjMKOY7_OV934-xxmSrOhaiXGs3jPc8H-S-HzxfiZj7NrBKNmcPuQ666Wp7zP7JJqZBlk42YUNkq77FzogvvGiPkMG3rYjoAVwa08Grv84ZjZsY9/s1600/green+HST+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrHjbaojjyL1oCLfmlv3LfbK34i8gLYjMKOY7_OV934-xxmSrOhaiXGs3jPc8H-S-HzxfiZj7NrBKNmcPuQ666Wp7zP7JJqZBlk42YUNkq77FzogvvGiPkMG3rYjoAVwa08Grv84ZjZsY9/s400/green+HST+back.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I'm linking up to Adrienne's 2015 finish along - I managed to finish 2/3 of my proposed finishes. I admit that I have barely touched the third one in the past 3 months. It will be top of the list for the next quarter.<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://onthewindyside.co.nz" title="2015 FAL at On the Windy Side"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwkYP5KImpOVIfONWKMG_-BgTuJwnEmoHAdcOnpd27WGxXmVFgi8NdSMSJCASYa-Bh0EWDVX60QNkS8SEYR-XNKhyYC8VlUnlUF1ixxeHWrGVpkyAnuXf3Lav9-O_JkiqmiAqZXN_QKdx/s1600/2015FALbutton200.png" alt="2015 FAL at On the Windy Side" style="border:none;" /></a></div>Laurinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625091101868506230noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4379046093221285806.post-16128299272412788472015-06-14T16:43:00.002+12:002015-06-14T16:43:58.271+12:00Sunshine - a finshed quiltThis quilt is made from 15 1/2 sun blocks that I won from Block Lotto a year ago. I was determined to finish it before the year was up and I have achieved my goal. I won the blocks in June last year and they started to arrive during July. As I recall the weather was cold and grey, so these blocks were a sunny addition to the design wall.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7qu1g2yRUIwWVEzms7mC8MA2jsQuhOSBTYRu2ePWqesMJNTrl0_v750wH3Gb7Ytl0BsKMAQv3t2PHuf6Bsn5iSXQMHVKE550ijQzhx8l-mVkTM2M802FGYEnu3DIx86-NkJqG3Fx74gx/s1600/Sunshine+detail+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7qu1g2yRUIwWVEzms7mC8MA2jsQuhOSBTYRu2ePWqesMJNTrl0_v750wH3Gb7Ytl0BsKMAQv3t2PHuf6Bsn5iSXQMHVKE550ijQzhx8l-mVkTM2M802FGYEnu3DIx86-NkJqG3Fx74gx/s400/Sunshine+detail+1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I started out by making an additional 1/2 sun block so that I had 8 pairs to match up. I made the large center sun by enlarging a pattern that I found <a href="http://www.lenzula.de/pattern/free-pattern-de/new-york-beauty.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Then I was a bit stuck and couldn't decide what to do in the corners. I was too lazy to make 8 more of the 1/2 sun blocks, so I ended up making an enlarged and simplified 1/4 sun using another pattern from the same site that I used for the center.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVEUMCljpd6x1Js9nqugdXXmSBDkL0xqb2wSEnJSb-ABd-Xt4ETAT_CzIXsu4XpUQVSHlHwtMZM8FHvAk0m4f0p9Vz87VWPKOztypvgBF_Xy9TAvlX01XLUH0vp8I3CFjiogIvRnk_o9F1/s1600/Sunshine+finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVEUMCljpd6x1Js9nqugdXXmSBDkL0xqb2wSEnJSb-ABd-Xt4ETAT_CzIXsu4XpUQVSHlHwtMZM8FHvAk0m4f0p9Vz87VWPKOztypvgBF_Xy9TAvlX01XLUH0vp8I3CFjiogIvRnk_o9F1/s400/Sunshine+finished.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I had debated doing quilting around all of the detail, but I know that this takes me a lot longer and I wanted to do something quick. So, I designed a geometric spiral pattern to use for the quilting that would create a kind of grid of spirals connected with lines. I had also picked out a very fine aqua polyester thread - it's the same thread that I always use in the bobbin for quilting and I thought I'd try using it on the top as well. It's so fine it practically disappears and I thought this was a good idea. But, it was not to be.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEGkSBTF6JPRpymyqjNRljve2cyGBWqPTlYedn-BI5TieSNaAj3ZxoXfTEdHQKZSQxjJuBvSeEGgHMbpwqo-z7Sy1Q-DKncZbxJqoday_8VGBDvM58lB-L_caeGGzbS3SgpDM4F9nWU6Y/s1600/WP_20150611_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEGkSBTF6JPRpymyqjNRljve2cyGBWqPTlYedn-BI5TieSNaAj3ZxoXfTEdHQKZSQxjJuBvSeEGgHMbpwqo-z7Sy1Q-DKncZbxJqoday_8VGBDvM58lB-L_caeGGzbS3SgpDM4F9nWU6Y/s400/WP_20150611_001.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I had a lot of trouble with breakages and also decided that my spiral grid was ugly and uneven. So out came the seam ripper. I might add that it is not easy to unpick stitches while a quilt is mounted on a frame, but I persevered and it took me a few weeks to undo the 1/2 row that I had completed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig65xayHkBv9hXmk32ChSIb-zz_xEaE9ZU8cyx1zU3vHiw5-Eiz0cNsXrulGjpLxoZbNLSYA2W47hxc__lmEMInJ0zCouqfV2cx6egA4zw1TMMYoL0kTu4gGaDe2rYpcDJMq47HXVTVcCd/s1600/Sunshine+detail+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig65xayHkBv9hXmk32ChSIb-zz_xEaE9ZU8cyx1zU3vHiw5-Eiz0cNsXrulGjpLxoZbNLSYA2W47hxc__lmEMInJ0zCouqfV2cx6egA4zw1TMMYoL0kTu4gGaDe2rYpcDJMq47HXVTVcCd/s400/Sunshine+detail+2.jpg" /></a></div>When I finally started again with a new design and new thread, it was all smooth running and I finished it in one day. I always swear by Superior threads - I use King Tut a lot, but this one was done with Magnifico in white and it was magnificent to work with. Too bad I have to order the big spools from the US, but it's always worth it.<br />
<br />
The design is a meandering spiral, sun-rays, and bouncy echo combo that I came up with on paper. It's a variation of something I've done before and it was really quick and well-suited to using the frame. I also think that the all-over design slightly softens the bright colors and doesn't detract from the graphic suns.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnk1OYYBX5F0n4X126Qd_vGC44khswNj3B2xrqzW97TNqhofug5SGtYzrSx49qXyHh-kLts6joL47fwDHXsuKVTkhwhtfOca54HuAlJeeiLXgJlG55D_BjPEEBttvQ7NbDwx7gCxLmjgRF/s1600/Sunshine+detail+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnk1OYYBX5F0n4X126Qd_vGC44khswNj3B2xrqzW97TNqhofug5SGtYzrSx49qXyHh-kLts6joL47fwDHXsuKVTkhwhtfOca54HuAlJeeiLXgJlG55D_BjPEEBttvQ7NbDwx7gCxLmjgRF/s400/Sunshine+detail+3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I tried a new method for the binding using instructions that I found <a href="http://quiltfabrication.blogspot.co.nz/2015/04/piped-binding-tutorial.html">here </a>for a piped binding. This proved to be a good solution because I didn't have enough of either color to bind it, but I had enough to create this two color binding. I like the effect, but need to practice my stitch in the ditch (probably why I like organic quilting and rarely use straight lines).<br />
<br />
Laurinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625091101868506230noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4379046093221285806.post-6492752916674435782015-05-16T19:22:00.000+12:002015-05-16T19:23:09.524+12:00Blogger's Quit Festival Entry - Blue Snowflakes<div align="center"><a href="http://amyscreativeside.com" title="AmysCreativeSide.com"><img src="http://amyscreativeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/spring-2015-BQF-Button-e1429716312925.jpg" alt="AmysCreativeSide.com" style="border:none;" /></a></div><br />
I remember thinking this quilt would be ready for the last Blogger's Quilt Festival, but it was not. It was finished shortly after in early November 2014, so I'm entering it this year in the applique category.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwtiNW5MVIzOJ_3ywYrQpXMsprJN2jdv2kDiCMLU3SYtUJTAc47wvwP_Q_-77Ic2CYLLXAVJOV2TLNH3haShHO7PVjQzVeoPzsvfa27qQRUL8BAhizAI3n73CosDcEvmMwwQfUSk5JzB-/s1600/blue+snowflake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwtiNW5MVIzOJ_3ywYrQpXMsprJN2jdv2kDiCMLU3SYtUJTAc47wvwP_Q_-77Ic2CYLLXAVJOV2TLNH3haShHO7PVjQzVeoPzsvfa27qQRUL8BAhizAI3n73CosDcEvmMwwQfUSk5JzB-/s400/blue+snowflake.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I started this quilt in a class at Symposium in Queenstown - I think that was in 2011. I took a class with Chris Kenna, I don't recall the exact name but it included the term scherenschnitte which is a paper-cutting technique. From my perspective it was an introduction to needle turned applique using freezer paper - I confess I did not develop a love for hand applique and it was a struggle for me to get this one finished.<br />
<br />
My daughter loves blue and loves snow, so this one is for her. I have not actually given it to her or let her put it on her bed because the dog and cat are often sleeping there too. I think it may end up on the wall instead.<br />
<br />
I quilted it using my Juki TL-98 on a Swiftquilter frame. I tried a few experiments with scale and different patterns. I love the effect, but it may be a while before I use tiny pebbles again as a filler.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRh2etUDSUuWvLwMoTgwXMDw3aXOi8CAJzRo7QdNSO0dFw57NzVboaLQLakEETtF_fiS9BNYwyXzUPKRvTMKvjBvPpzwmINR-dhrzZR35PvDmIknvyVqEnm0FiRDwa3j0dhmP7eJNQiZxJ/s1600/blue+snowflake+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRh2etUDSUuWvLwMoTgwXMDw3aXOi8CAJzRo7QdNSO0dFw57NzVboaLQLakEETtF_fiS9BNYwyXzUPKRvTMKvjBvPpzwmINR-dhrzZR35PvDmIknvyVqEnm0FiRDwa3j0dhmP7eJNQiZxJ/s400/blue+snowflake+detail.jpg" /></a></div>Laurinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625091101868506230noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4379046093221285806.post-47832187072657096332015-05-16T16:20:00.002+12:002015-05-16T16:20:23.613+12:00How the Block Lotto has changed my (quilting) life<a href="http://www.blocklotto.com" target="_blank" > <center><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4385458135_ef7840dcbe_o.jpg" border="0" alt="Join me on the Block Lotto Blog"><br /> blocklotto.com </center></br></a><br />
A couple of months ago I was lamenting that I had not participated in the Block Lotto in February and I was debating if I should make a block in March. Maybe it was just bad timing - I'm busy and these recent blocks did not appeal.<br />
<br />
Ever since I started playing in December 2010, I have made at least one block each month. Back then I had just started getting into quilting and was looking for ideas and inspiration when I found the site. I was attracted by the variety and the possibility of sending and receiving blocks to and from around the world. Each month Sophie came up with something new and interesting and even those blocks made with colours or fabrics that weren't my cup of tea taught me something.<br />
<br />
Here are a few favourites:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmqiZFaxilpv4yppoLQZIpZmDFQMbkq8bZ1GmdDqV8aLfV-FEGsJrpLLVugo5pPzkEdLO68hSTagrLsazss8FAndVBXkP2OfbqDb7RpcGGIpKV5s3AcMGGuET5tAgGXA04hTWbyDCPIYx/s1600/2011_08a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmqiZFaxilpv4yppoLQZIpZmDFQMbkq8bZ1GmdDqV8aLfV-FEGsJrpLLVugo5pPzkEdLO68hSTagrLsazss8FAndVBXkP2OfbqDb7RpcGGIpKV5s3AcMGGuET5tAgGXA04hTWbyDCPIYx/s200/2011_08a.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsJiIxGNJ9imbqt_CKMxeNqxIGMz3FqMAA9iJSv17PCXP2uWpJDsHabuKZHCl-YTZOU-0eUDqDehUf6j2TE1ObZq_V4l6etKu7IDlmV3AMYGtwpdlPY6JQ98UiqO9dBt1Q0cQWSN_s9rs/s1600/2012_06a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsJiIxGNJ9imbqt_CKMxeNqxIGMz3FqMAA9iJSv17PCXP2uWpJDsHabuKZHCl-YTZOU-0eUDqDehUf6j2TE1ObZq_V4l6etKu7IDlmV3AMYGtwpdlPY6JQ98UiqO9dBt1Q0cQWSN_s9rs/s200/2012_06a.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwy9jnnGq25I-Iowcl3Mg5Xp-EbaZUFtsw1-8nMvbXf9sT6k2mOQDfdp-Co5tw8Szc0LmtnFCbMRY2ULNJmNtG8Dj9FQkZy69rTCzf0hisFMAYTp_W-nGZ4_6NLK984QSHrndd_YeVrkWR/s1600/2012_12a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwy9jnnGq25I-Iowcl3Mg5Xp-EbaZUFtsw1-8nMvbXf9sT6k2mOQDfdp-Co5tw8Szc0LmtnFCbMRY2ULNJmNtG8Dj9FQkZy69rTCzf0hisFMAYTp_W-nGZ4_6NLK984QSHrndd_YeVrkWR/s200/2012_12a.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikMXFnZtDwt09-WqXSB1bUKLUycqHszE3xC89xWeW6LrTVALOQRlIL3DdFNOhLMU2u2CJ8OU-t79xdpBU3AgXFMQiaVlZuxFTa-3VlTy5kXRidPiTCCde4QlZUiza9Z3qTPhNFI0x0VM0-/s1600/2014_03a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikMXFnZtDwt09-WqXSB1bUKLUycqHszE3xC89xWeW6LrTVALOQRlIL3DdFNOhLMU2u2CJ8OU-t79xdpBU3AgXFMQiaVlZuxFTa-3VlTy5kXRidPiTCCde4QlZUiza9Z3qTPhNFI0x0VM0-/s200/2014_03a.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I started thinking about the projects that I have on the go right now and realised that each one was influenced by the Block Lotto, some directly and others in more subtle ways. I realised that even if I am no longer making every block that comes along each month, I am carrying the spirit of the Block Lotto in the work that I do and I am thankful of the community and what it has given me. So, it's time to share that thanks.<br />
<br />
My green and white quilt has been years in the making and it's almost done. Believe it or not, it started out with some bonus triangles trimmed off of this block that the Block Lotto did in April 2011. I think I had about 12 HST units in green and cream and I just started playing with them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7AKcL1HFEtnkvqrRJQWJpM1byn-mzA-owRh4QSy-r6X1gumPKjVPL4Ixbpc8yN9v_om3Y3bSklkvhjq7ucAmSYRV1GXSiwieYzl6md8gA2HnVFWOuqYCbtUQkkW9GvLUen8ACjgZ5zpo/s1600/2011_04a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7AKcL1HFEtnkvqrRJQWJpM1byn-mzA-owRh4QSy-r6X1gumPKjVPL4Ixbpc8yN9v_om3Y3bSklkvhjq7ucAmSYRV1GXSiwieYzl6md8gA2HnVFWOuqYCbtUQkkW9GvLUen8ACjgZ5zpo/s320/2011_04a.jpg" /></a></div><br />
They eventually turned into 1,600 HST units in a mix of greens, greys, whites, and creams. I am currently putting on the binding so it should be done soon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTjqHk_3Hx4NU9RG43YPqmWdL56l8XqOaRcPgcRPyrYIkkDLY7qnoIvS5v5ul8hoMkooAT-MlbL-O8Rj74mrXEG9t6Pr4ows_uaF6sR6sSKUR5CvLA-zgrLXQbAnlelVZb6FjC3FzkYkd/s1600/IMG_1739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTjqHk_3Hx4NU9RG43YPqmWdL56l8XqOaRcPgcRPyrYIkkDLY7qnoIvS5v5ul8hoMkooAT-MlbL-O8Rj74mrXEG9t6Pr4ows_uaF6sR6sSKUR5CvLA-zgrLXQbAnlelVZb6FjC3FzkYkd/s320/IMG_1739.jpg" /></a></div><br />
My next current project is more obviously from the Block lotto - this quilt is made up of 15 sunrise blocks I won in June 2014. It's ready to start quilting (this weekend I hope).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHco-yn38pyW0N2Bb4ksGblgQQ1JAVKQxJi5H-T3C2FZZaQVX05KkQFSRMgHA9Hzo19z0JfqqjmRaFSsMqIL_rllwzOmWF_wRFv3A0edLpZoawMhd9T5UPt_OXQ5bVpl1b6kySqczWjj3/s1600/WP_20150503_004a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHco-yn38pyW0N2Bb4ksGblgQQ1JAVKQxJi5H-T3C2FZZaQVX05KkQFSRMgHA9Hzo19z0JfqqjmRaFSsMqIL_rllwzOmWF_wRFv3A0edLpZoawMhd9T5UPt_OXQ5bVpl1b6kySqczWjj3/s320/WP_20150503_004a.jpg" /></a></div><br />
My most recent quilt is my pink cat quilt. This started with a cute cat fabric that was gifted to me by Jude when she sent me her sunrise blocks (centre of bottom right block). I thought that it was so sweet that I had to buy some more cat fabrics and design/make a quilt. After I designed the block, I used Sophie's instructions for 8-at-a-time HST blocks and the no-waste flying geese method, also using Sophie's instructions. I've done 11 of the 25 blocks, so it's coming along well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvuANcrZRzcOeVs-t16X05lVf4wd7ivNZqpl-zqK7YXe5Dv45CpL5bsc7XH1jHdznNt3jLlsd2BTqGWdo84eDH9JZvw9EOxWVy6RnY2R4y7WcG4p0z2ZtWDmj-Z4NarIP2ijsSWFzEpqMF/s1600/WP_20150516_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvuANcrZRzcOeVs-t16X05lVf4wd7ivNZqpl-zqK7YXe5Dv45CpL5bsc7XH1jHdznNt3jLlsd2BTqGWdo84eDH9JZvw9EOxWVy6RnY2R4y7WcG4p0z2ZtWDmj-Z4NarIP2ijsSWFzEpqMF/s320/WP_20150516_001.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I have won blocks three times all together and these have resulted in 3 finished quilts (and one in progress). I also used one of the block patterns from December 2012 to make a wedding gift for some friends.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmQaBegm-QYNimlJqtI02YwqFTvyVhPEVyc9p1hMwQr145naVTTwA6i-8Pclplm965rSSZ43CSIisZdYWrkZpKWc0A5e5SYsP7yoer7P_L8T4y7lueVGV065yeWnwe7iaBFCo9oGnkk98/s1600/plaid2+finished+whole+003a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmQaBegm-QYNimlJqtI02YwqFTvyVhPEVyc9p1hMwQr145naVTTwA6i-8Pclplm965rSSZ43CSIisZdYWrkZpKWc0A5e5SYsP7yoer7P_L8T4y7lueVGV065yeWnwe7iaBFCo9oGnkk98/s200/plaid2+finished+whole+003a.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFdL-eKiHQJ1apHkp2wouDHNXK3Q5_krf4Ah6bNHK2WzLsAfyRf7fZWT9ORgyJfhjJEO2eHePr6xc7YztdpmIZtFLdOmF1m33yxq9XbBgDsAi7ogOSGoz7kDkjwhPLVNpMZNB4Kzlg2DZ/s1600/plaid+1+003a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFdL-eKiHQJ1apHkp2wouDHNXK3Q5_krf4Ah6bNHK2WzLsAfyRf7fZWT9ORgyJfhjJEO2eHePr6xc7YztdpmIZtFLdOmF1m33yxq9XbBgDsAi7ogOSGoz7kDkjwhPLVNpMZNB4Kzlg2DZ/s200/plaid+1+003a.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtS0I8TNJCX-as-4-czkhPWdWyl1r-dwRC1WYBem2DuaTEoBarOT3ds6njvx3W38gry__yiNfpEV_ENMJSH6WTQNaL9Hra5AdQg7NtD4EXRGiOyQI4fpHpnqd-BhouLpP0US1H16xtUjV/s1600/string+hearts+002a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtS0I8TNJCX-as-4-czkhPWdWyl1r-dwRC1WYBem2DuaTEoBarOT3ds6njvx3W38gry__yiNfpEV_ENMJSH6WTQNaL9Hra5AdQg7NtD4EXRGiOyQI4fpHpnqd-BhouLpP0US1H16xtUjV/s200/string+hearts+002a.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBWIryjjvwEFMKmzPPKhvl6pyxkUfvKWqPS4nX5sVvMl5iFyv11akeCyU8Y4mpPenU8ddmJEurDznlBMDKiQqWrgs1rdP-r8JNOrf27ylGbMbWDCz9Dgtsy49V2wKAZBwENX77KmBCGKB/s1600/WP_20140614_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBWIryjjvwEFMKmzPPKhvl6pyxkUfvKWqPS4nX5sVvMl5iFyv11akeCyU8Y4mpPenU8ddmJEurDznlBMDKiQqWrgs1rdP-r8JNOrf27ylGbMbWDCz9Dgtsy49V2wKAZBwENX77KmBCGKB/s200/WP_20140614_002.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I'm sure there's more that I could tell you about, but I think you get the idea. So, even when I'm not thrilled with a block one month, I am still thankful that I have been involved with the Block Lotto and hope that I can continue to be inspired by its leader Sophie and all of the other wonderful quilters who contribute each month.<br />
Laurinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625091101868506230noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4379046093221285806.post-38826709511256852542015-05-03T13:03:00.000+12:002015-05-03T13:03:34.572+12:00Making progressMy sunshine quilt is all pieced and ready to quilt. I debated how I would quilt it and finally decided that an all-over pattern would suit me best right now. My instinct is to quilt around all of the piecing, but this takes much longer and has a much higher frustration rate. The truth is that my Swiftquilter frame setup is best used for all over designs and I seem to forget this fact.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_MOGL-Ih2TLpBF9F8k9mEwcoFv-TiHtUsr58PVxTPLapyeIeK9bNi_5vWpZzkCxZs0i94E2bE_qebLFUygpyfi10XXzleVZkzQ4PiejbLxZIUy0kEnl4A4dmeZXUtn8sztYX-cRNQiVR/s1600/WP_20150503_004a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_MOGL-Ih2TLpBF9F8k9mEwcoFv-TiHtUsr58PVxTPLapyeIeK9bNi_5vWpZzkCxZs0i94E2bE_qebLFUygpyfi10XXzleVZkzQ4PiejbLxZIUy0kEnl4A4dmeZXUtn8sztYX-cRNQiVR/s400/WP_20150503_004a.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Of course, there was still a quilt on the frame, but now that is off an I am working on the binding. This quilt seems really heavy, but I think that's the result of all of the piecing - it's easy to forget how much fabric is hidden in all of the seams. I'm looking forward to sleeping under it though. I used a wool blend batting which is softer and puffier than cotton. Perfect timing now that it's getting a bit chillier.<br />
<br />
Here's a peek at the quilting.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWM4eYHOSqddyN0O-gG901y4trv29gc1ESkN5UeVGCOEynmMkMbAvUSCW2_4j3zFjuc7Y9Dmtzq4tTlpGZ679utw5_B_3bzJ6BBM2iSarAhkgWWZ2LVxlf03koqvwrQm_ph1srmoSvVUD-/s1600/WP_20150503_006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWM4eYHOSqddyN0O-gG901y4trv29gc1ESkN5UeVGCOEynmMkMbAvUSCW2_4j3zFjuc7Y9Dmtzq4tTlpGZ679utw5_B_3bzJ6BBM2iSarAhkgWWZ2LVxlf03koqvwrQm_ph1srmoSvVUD-/s400/WP_20150503_006.jpg" /></a></div><br />
A new project is a paper-pieced block that I made to help <a href="http://www.robynie.com/blog/">Robyn </a>test her new pattern. I'm not sure what I will make with it, so it's hanging on the design wall waiting for some attention.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOinDclyc7qccGvUXaFD-mXzpJrsjJA3Pwa6KxO17UTaeTQIlnSbXxB4hr_e6xI4ZrHe09BI5Q5m7OIu4Ew_K7w3EZEllMkPpzRSf-RM8c4f58hXgGax3RE1PYKekdSAwtpcVs_hLSbWN2/s1600/WP_20150426_004+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOinDclyc7qccGvUXaFD-mXzpJrsjJA3Pwa6KxO17UTaeTQIlnSbXxB4hr_e6xI4ZrHe09BI5Q5m7OIu4Ew_K7w3EZEllMkPpzRSf-RM8c4f58hXgGax3RE1PYKekdSAwtpcVs_hLSbWN2/s400/WP_20150426_004+1.jpg" /></a></div>Laurinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625091101868506230noreply@blogger.com1