Scrappy Quilt for the Finish-A-Long

Hello,
I am so happy to have a finish to share with you.  This is a Father's Day gift for my dad and it is a quarter 2 FAL (finish-a-long) project (bonus!).  It is mostly scrappy but I did buy some Auburn University fabric and also some fabric with a wine bottle print.  My dad loves Auburn.  So in keeping with the school colors, there is a good bit of blue and orange.

This Bonnie Hunter pattern, Bricks & Stepping Stones, finishes at 60" x 75".  The batting is wool by Quilter's Dream Wool.  Yum, I love the wool bat.  And the quilting, isn't it beautiful?  Lovely Lene quilted it on her long arm machine.  She does such a nice job.

So, shortly after June 30, I will be linking this up for Q2 FAL sponsored by Leanne at She Can Quilt!

Go Sew,
Jodi B

Quilted Table Runners + a Sweet Sixteen

I have a finished project and I want everyone to know.  I start so many things, it feels like I rarely finish things.  Tell me I'm not alone.

I made these two table runners.  Because we are a family of four, they act like place mats.

And above is a photo of Mr Husband, helping to model the latest in table linens.

I have a new friend that grew up in northeast USA.  She said people there do not use placemats.  Is that true?  

Below is a sample of my free motion quilting.  This is the first project quilted on my Sweet Sixteen machine.  Can't wait to spend some quality time with this new toy.

Quilting, Zippers and Blogging

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms and Happy Day to all the people.  Did I cover everyone?

My friend Lynn reminded me this week that I have a blog.  Really, I didn't forget about it.  We are having some big transitions in our house - all good - but it sort of makes everything else shift a little.  Does that ever happen to you?

Today, I discovered the Design Wall Weekends linky party by Christina Erickson at the Fiber Artist Journey blog.   It sounds like my kind of party.

So, what is on the design wall this weekend?  Above are blocks for the Spools quilt (pattern by Edyta Sitar).

The "thread" in the spools started out with strip piecing 1 inch strips.   It was fun playing with the fabric  to get the right combinations.

Also, I am working on this pillow (see below).  The cream center is wool with wool appliqué, needle turn applique and embroidery.

On the back, I inserted a zipper.  Yes, you are right, it was pretty scary.  I think I pulled it off, but am still in need of a good zipper tutorial.  I really made this up as I went along.

All I need to do is sew down the binding.   Oh, and thank you Janine at Rainbow Hare Quilts for mentioning the Design Wall Weekends!   I am linking up to Fiber Artist Journey.  Pop over and check it out.

Go Sew,
Jodi

2013 FAL - Q2 Begins

The Finish-A-Long concept is so simple, yet so effective.  Thank you Leanne at She Can Quilt for sponsoring this motivational project.  We are to list projects we'd like to finish in the quarter.  The rules say, it has to already be started.

My Q2 UFO list is short because I have so many things to start right now (in order to create more unfinished projects).  I predict the Q3 UFO list will be lengthy.

For now:

1.  Groove Quilt - Needs Binding

2.  Quilt for My Dad - Needs Binding
      This is a gift and is being quilted by my longer-armer friend, Lene.  Below is a photo of the binding, anxiously waiting.  It appears as though the binding is looking out the window, searching.....

3.  Strings from a Bonnie Hunter workshop

I am linking up at She Can Quilt.
Go Sew,
Jodi

2013 Finish-A-Long, Q1

Unbelievable - the first quarter of 2013 is done, gone, finished.  Actually, I am glad.  It has been a tough few months at our house and things seem to be turning around!  Hooray.

Thank you Leanne at She Can Quilt for sponsoring the Finish-A-Long.  It really has helped me focus on herding those unfinished projects.

My original list of quarter 1 hopefuls is in this Jan 13th post.  Of the 3 items, I was able to complete 2.  Not too shabby.

1. Groove Quilt - still a UFO


2.  Pig Quilt
Done!  See the Finish Line post here.

3.  Wool Tree Wall Hanging
Done!  See the Finish Line post here.

Boy, that feels good.  I'm linking up and can't wait to see the other quilters' finishes.

March-A-Long week 3

Third week in March, can you believe it?  I am Marching-A-Long with Darla at the Scientific Quilter.  Can we take 15 minutes out of each day for the most excellent hobby ever?

I went out of town this week and had a couple of no-sew days.  I made up for it on the weekend though.

Below are some photos and reporting on my effort to sew at least 15 minutes each day.

Quilts of Valor 10 Year Anniversary Blocks

1 inch strips for Edyta Sitar quilt pattern

1/4" vines from bias strips

I have mostly been cutting strips and sewing them together for a new quilt project.   I am making the Spools Quilt from Edyta Sitar's book, Friendship Strips and Scraps.   Also, I've starting making 1/4" vines to applique on the border of said quilt.  This is my first attempt to use bias bars.  The plastic ones I am using do not get hot like metal ones, but they are quite thick.  I really have to mash those guys with the iron after removing the bias bars.

Did you sew or quilt this weekend?

Go Sew-
  Jodi B

March-A-Long

I am Marching-A-Long with Darla at the Scientific Quilter.  Can we take 15 minutes out of each day for the most excellent hobby ever?  That is Darla's challenge.  Here are some photos of what I have been working on and a brief synopsis of the sewing and quilting endeavors.

2013 Block of the Month by Sue Spargo

lots of bullion knots & drizzle stitches

4 zipper pouches

Me, sitting in the sun

Monday 3/11
Made a simple, unlined zipper pouch from an online tutorial.  It is not pictured because I was not thrilled with it.

Tuesday 3/12
Started 2nd zipper pouch from Craftsy online class.  I was able to make 2 little bags from the Craftsy kit.

Wednesday 3/13
Worked on embroidery stitches on Sue Spargo Block of the Month blocks.

Thursday 3/14
Attended a meeting to make a tactile quilt for a school for the blind.

Friday 3/15
Finished 2nd Craftsy zipper pouch

Saturday 3/16
More hand work on BOM and started cutting fabric for a new quilt project.