Progress on the Checkerboard Quilt
Feb 10, 2010 Quilting
Yes, that’s what I’m calling my latest project. The name seems so obvious even if it is larger than a traditional checkerboard. Since my last update, I finished the quilting and attached the binding. The binding is so much easier to attach if you sew the binding on first, and then cut off the excess fabric. Trust me.
The completed quilt:
I know I need a better picture. If the weather cooperates with me this weekend, I’ll get one. I’ll even make sure the camera battery is nice and charged. Until then, you get the basic idea.
And the back:
I really like this swirly pattern. I want it in multiple colors. Unfortunately, that probably won’t happen. I found this fabric on the clearance table.
Getting Ready to Quilt
Jan 27, 2010 Quilting
On Saturday, I started the process of getting a quilt ready to quilt. Until I win the lottery and buy my own quilting machine, this is what I do.
First I pin the back to the carpet in my living/dining room area. I like the long pins with flowers on the end. They’re strong and stay pinned to the carpet. If I had hardwood floors in this area, I’d just tape it. Pins are a good substitute.
Then I lay down the batting. For this quilt, I used Warm n’ Natural. It’s the first time I’ve used this batt
It was easy to work with. Since it came in a package, it was slightly crunched up. It responded well to steam. The cats approved.
Next, the top makes its debut. I centered it on the lower layers and steamed out the wrinkles. I love my iron. It’s heavy on the steam.
Finally, I pulled out my box of curved safety pins and got to work. This is the part that requires determination. I used a lot of pins to hold this baby together. In fact, I even bought more after I ran out.
Apparently, all the safety pins paid off. So far the quilt has been a breeze to quilt. In a day or so I think I’ll be done.
Salt Lake Modern Quilt Guild
Jan 21, 2010 Quilting
Since I first learned about the Modern Quilt Guild, I want to join a similar group right here in Salt Lake. Well apparently, nobody else has formed a group. So I went ahead and started a group myself. I can’t believe I’ve done this. Normally, I more of a follower than a leader. I’m hopeful that this can be a lot of fun.
Now I’m looking for people other than myself to be a member of this group. If you like to make modern quilts and you live in Salt Lake, you can can sign up through a ning group. I know I don’t have a ton of blog followers, so feel free to pass long the information to all your modern quilting friends.
Non-stop Saturday
OK, most Saturday are non stop. However I actually got a lot accomplished today.
I started the day by going to quilt group. We meet the 3rd Saturday of every month. I don’t know how long I’ve been doing this, but I’d guess around five years. It’s great opportunity to form friendships, see beautiful quilts, and stay motivated to create more quilts.
I came home to a yard full of leaves and no rain. The weather forecast predicated rain. I really wanted to get the leaves raked before the inclement weather set in. Ross had the back yard raked. I set to blowing the leaves in the front yard. By 4:00 pm, we had 12 bags of leaves ready for city pickup.
Unfortunately, we still need to blow out some leaves in the back yard. With a bit of luck and weather cooperation, I’ll get this done on Wednesday.
Even though I was exhausted from picking up leaves, I was determined to buy some new yarn for a Thanksgiving project. In an effort to be kind to my checking account, I went to Michael’s with coupon in hand. I walked out with four skeins of Vanna’s Choice and a set of crochet needles for less than $20, not too bad.
While the yard isn’t my first choice (100% arcylic), it will keep me busy. I have done any crochet in years. I’m hoping my sister in law can help me remember everything that I’ve forgotten.
Finally, I made brownies for dinner. I have to admit it isn’t the most nutritious option. However, it made us happy. Of course we supplemented it with some other boring stuff like baby carrots.
Now I need to design a little case for my crochet needles before I lose them.
Exercising a Bit of Self Control
Really, I’m happy working on my scrappy log cabin. I have a vision of what it will look like. Then today, I was sorely tempted to put the project aside and start a new one. I blame Sew, Mama, Sew. If you click that link, you’ll find a cute pattern for the Phoebe Bag. It’s so cute and doable. If I set aside the scrappy log cabin, I could whip it up in no time. Alas, I’m going to use a bit of self control and wait. Yes, I’m going to wait until I have all my blocks pieces. So far I’ve done 18 out 68. Fifty more to go.
My Thanksgiving Dilemma
Nov 16, 2009 Knitting, Life, Quilting
Thanksgiving is just over a week away. The food is all arranged. I have my food assignment, pies, and I have time off work to make the pies. Well be enjoying our feast at my parent’s house.
Now I need to arrange my entertainment. After we eat more food than necessary, we usually end up spending a lot of time sitting around watching movies. I’m not very good at just sitting and watching movies without doing something with my hands. So I trying to consider my options. So far this is what I’ve come up with:
- Start a knitting project. Since I’m in a practical mood said knitting project needs to be useful. I have a very nice hat and mittens. I’d like a lacey hat that’s more for looks than warmth, Option 1, Option 2, Option 3. If the hat doesn’t suit me, I think a scarf, Option 1 or Option 2, might work. And if the hats and scarves don’t suit me, I can always knit an a blanket to drape over the foot of our bed, Option 1.
- Build a puzzle
- Work on an existing project, like my baby hexagons or an embroidery project. I have a few in the works.
Really, it comes down to what I willing to spend money on. Do I really need a new project? Can’t I be entertained with what I have. Oh the dilemma. (sigh) Right now I think I’m leaning toward a puzzle and an existing project. Of course if somebody shows me a knitting pattern that I can’t live without, I could easily be persuaded.
