EQ7 Summer Drawing Series Block #1

Here's the first block for the EQ7 Summer Drawing Series. There are going to be 4 blocks total. I'm hoping to make a table runner. There was also a mid-month mini-lesson. I won't be making the block but will take part in the lesson.

It's a great way to learn more about Electric Quilt. I've owned this software for awhile but never really got the hang of working with it. I'm hoping these lessons will give me familiarity with the software so I can really use it when it comes to my quilting.

I'll be linking up with the EQ blog. Go see everyone else's block. So fun to see the variations!

A Few More Blocks Quilted......

 

Before I show you pictures of what the quilted blocks, I decided to share the back with you first! It takes a while to decide just how to quilt each block. It's great to be able to see the quilting standing on it's own away from the colors of the pieced top. I really love how the design shows through. I really loved seeing this.

Here are 2 blocks followed by close ups to help you see the quilting.

I've been trying a few new designs. I've had to rip out a few things that just didn't seem to work but I'm happy with it so far. I feel I'm getting more comfortable and less afraid to try new things.




When I'm not quilting, I've been reading a book by Kristin Hannah called True Colors. Anyone read it? It's so good. I can't put it down! I love her books. If you ever get a chance to read anything by her, do it! You won't be disappointed.

Two More Blocks Quilted

I just wanted to share the progress I've made quilting the Blogger's BOM.  I would be making more progress if I knew how to quilt each block but I'm deciding as I go along! I look through books and different websites until an idea hits me. The blocks are 8 inches square so they aren't very big. I've also started quilting a pattern and had to take out stitches since I wasn't happy with the results. It's sort of like a learn as you quilt!

In this block, I made clamshells in the white background and a loopy flower in the center square. I think you'll be able to view a larger picture if you click on the photo. The colored pieces in this block become very prominent once the background quilting is done. I also quilted around the edges of the block.

For the next block, I started stippling in the white blocks but ended up ripping it out. I think the blocks were too small to really get my stippling going. It looked messy. I opted in doing long side to side loops. I actually didn't even make the loops in the same direction between the 2 checkered blocks. I figured I would have some fun!

You can see in this close up that I made a spiral/loopy flower onto the half square triangles. These were so fun and so fast! I don't mark anything and just try doing everything free hand. I use the corners as guides to where the loop should be made.

I'll be linking up at Leah Day's blog. Go take a look! Lots of gorgeous FMQ over there!

We're expecting a cold and rainy Memorial Day weekend here. I'm working tomorrow but will enjoy the weekend no matter what the weather! I hope to make more progress quilting this quilt. Enjoy your weekend and Happy Memorial Day!

 



Machine quilting again!

 

I started to machine quilt the Blogger's BOM. I started with the center block in the middle of the quilt. I haven't done this type of machine quilting in awhile and felt rusty. I had practiced on a scrap piece but it just isn't the same. After a slow start, I felt I had settled in well enough to finish the block.

This picture is more of a close up. I outlined the flying geese, made pebbles around the first star and some nice loops around the second star. I didn't mark anything and tried to do it free hand. It could have been better but I feel it was great practice and hope to improve as I make my way through this quilt.

I have 12 more blocks left. I feel the challenge in a sampler quilt is in choosing the right design for each block. A sampler quilt takes more time to decide just what quilting to use for each block. I'm still not sure how to quilt the sashing and cornerstones. Maybe I'll save them for last!

 



Latest Projects

Since I finished the Puzzle Box Quilt, I've been working on little projects. I made this cute little Christmas wall hanging. This was such fun to make. It measures 12" by 14". You basically fold and iron 2 1/2" strips to form the Christmas tree. I plan on buying some Christmas ornament buttons to decorate it. I'd love to put a star on the top of the tree!

The Blogger's BOM is all set to be machine quilted. I pinned the layers together this morning. My cat, Lily, thought it was an invitation to play. I taped down the backing and she tried to pull the tape off the floor. It was a constant battle to leave my fabric alone! She thought it was great fun. I was glad to see her go take a nap!

I have two other projects to show but they're not ready yet! My EQ7 Summer Series block needs a good ironing and then I will share!

Hope you all have a great weekend. I have some fun plans for tomorrow morning. I'm so happy to not be working! Enjoy!

Mystery Ride

 

Our quilt guild sponsored a Mystery Ride this past Saturday. We met at 8am which was a bit early. We all decided our destinations were going to be farther away than usual. That's our bus in the parking lot where we meet. This photo was taken at the end of the day. Mary Rose is seen rushing to the car. We were all so tired by the time we got home!

 

 



 

 

It took us over 2 hours to get to our first stop, Quilts & Treasures in East Longmeadow, MA. We were on the Mass Pike for a good portion of the drive. We would have reached the store earlier but we stopped at a rest stop and it takes awhile for 40+ women to use the facilities and freshen up.

 

The quilt shop was nestled in a little strip mall. There was a consignment shop right next door and a few of us found some great bargains there. I had a great time walking around the quilt shop. I was looking for batiks and I found exactly what I was looking for. We all received a 10% discount so I went ahead and bought a few yards of 2 batiks.

 

 

It's hard to see in this picture but each batik has a subtle pattern. I think it will be perfect for the project I have in mind. 

 

 

 Here's a picture to give you an idea of the inside of the store.

 

 

 

They had some great tote bags and pocket books all made up with patterns inside. I had to keep myself from buying more patterns. I have a ton at home that I should have made already!! The owner of the shop demonstrated a new ruler. I didn't buy it since I have rulers at home I've never even used! It was a great shop with lots of wonderful products. I just wish I lived closer to it! We all received a little goodie bag with our purchase. The goodies included a newsletter, pencil and fat quarter! So nice to get a little gift!

 

Our next stop was in Shelburne Falls, MA at a shop called A Notion to Quilt. There was also a yarn shop at the same site that was called Metaphor Yarns. I had a great time here. We were able to eat our lunch in their large classroom. I bought some fat quarters and a cute little pair of scissors here.

 

Aren't they adorable?? I've already started to use the fat quarters! You'll see them made up in a block!

 

 

Here's a peak inside the store. They only had one register and the line was long the whole time we were there! I have a feeling everyone on our bus bought lots of merchandise at this shop. We also received a goodie bag made up of a coin purse and fat quarter. More fabric for my stash!

 

 

Here's the yarn I bought! I just love the bright pink that pops through with the lighter pink as well as the purple. It's sock yarn but I also have a book that uses sock yarn to make shawls. So many possibilities!

 

That's the trip in a nutshell! It was a long and tiring day but also great fun! I'm already looking forward to the next mystery ride!!

 



Happy Mother's Day!

Hoping everyone enjoys their special day! I have no idea what my family has planned today but I'm sure I will enjoy it. I will be visiting my mom today also. It's nice to be able to take the time and thank our moms for all they've done for us.

Enjoy the day! We can all get back to quilting tomorrow!

Puzzle Box Quilt is done!

 

Here's a picture of the Puzzle Box Quilt. It's finally all quilted and the binding is complete! Such a great feeling to get another quilt top made into a quilt.

I really like how the binding came out on this one. I used a striped fabric. I also sewed a 3/8 inch seam instead of the usual 1/4 inch. I read that taking a wider seam worked out better. I will have to agree. The entire binding is filled with quilted border. The binding is no longer flimsy but actually stuffed with fabric and batting. It really feels so sturdy. I'm going to continue to use this wider seam.

 

Here's a closer look at the border and binding. The border fabric is black. I used free motion quilting in a clamshell motif in a very bright variegated thread. The thread was King Tut by Superior. I found it a bit linty but the colors are beautiful.

This is just a close up of the binding fabric. I love that black alternates with the different colors. I feel it matched the quilt very nicely.

  

I've already washed the backing fabric for the next quilt top I'll be machine quilting. I'll be tackling the Blogger's Block of the Month. This will be a bit of a challenge since it's a sampler quilt. Each quilt block will be quilted differently. I'm looking through books for inspiration! Hoping I get enlightened soon!