Challenge Quilt/Step Down Quilt

Here's my finished Step Down Quilt! I loved making this since it was quick and didn't take too much effort! It measures about 80" X 60". It's a fun quilt to make. I tried to keep my darker fabrics towards the middle of the quilt top. Due to the step look, some of the darker pieces seemed to migrate to the sides but that's fine with me. I'm going to try different free motion quilting motifs in each of the blocks. 

This is the quilt top before I trimmed it. So fun and so nice to finish something quickly for a change! If you'd like to see Dawn's Step Down quilt, you can see it here. Dawn found this pattern and made it into a challenge for a few of us. It's always so much fun to make a quilt with friends. Thanks, Dawn!!

Green Tea and Sweet Beans Finished!!

Green Tea and Sweet Beans is now a completed quilt top! I just appliqued the last leaf. I've been working on it for quite awhile. Applique is always very slow for me. But it's done and I'm so happy to share these pictures. It measures 71.5" by 75.5". 

Here are the corners:

 

I plan on wetting the borders to get rid of the blue pen marks. Then I'm going to iron it. The borders have not been ironed at all. I'll also square up the corners. What a thrill to have this finished!

Starting Step Down Quilt

Here are my first 2 rows of Step Down Quilt. The directions are a little bit quirky but I'm catching on! There are 5 rows of blocks and 6 rows of sashing that make the "step" look. After all the rows are sewn together, the edges need to be trimmed. The first row of blocks sets the correct width for the rest of the quilt. 

I think these blocks will be great for me to practice some free motion fillers. I'm so glad Dawn at sewyouquilt2 invited me to sew along with her. This is a free quilt since it's all coming from my stash. (Who cares that I paid for the fabric at some point??) I'm hoping to get this one done very soon!

Green Tea Sweet Beans/Leaves

Here's my latest picture of Green Tea and Sweet Beans quilt. The borders are on and the vine has been connected. All the flowers have been appliqued. I just have leaves left to add! I'm so excited. I think my last count was 15 leaves left to make and add to the quilt. 

The whole thing has to be ironed but I have to remove all the blue markings first. Once the leaves are finished, I'm going to make sure to wet down each border and get rid of the blue pen marks. I'll finally be able to iron the borders as well as the mitered corners. I think it lays pretty flat for not being ironed. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! Finally!!

Step Down Quilt

Here are my blocks for the Step Down Quilt Along going on at sewyouquilt2. My blocks are all ready for my darker strips. I may have found a fabric in my stash but I just washed it and want to make sure I have enough. These blocks are in no specific order. I still have to decide that. I feel this quilt will be a great way to practice some of the free motion patterns I learned in Margaret Solomon Gunn's class, Dense and Dainty Fillers. These 10 inch squares are the perfect size for a little experimentation!

I'm enjoying this gorgeous weather by sitting on my deck. Lily wanted to come out and get some fresh air also. I had her outside for awhile but she's back indoors. I think that fresh air made her sleepy! Looks like she's going to nap soon! Not a bad idea..........

Sweet Dreams with On Ringo Lake

On Ringo Lake is finished and on my bed! I love having this quilt displayed every day in my room. I'm so happy I persevered and kept at it. There are so many pieces in this quilt that I don't even want to think about it! It's better if I just relax and sleep well under it every night!

This is just another view. I chose a white eyelet dust ruffle to match the curtains. It fits perfectly.

This is just a close up so you can see the quilting. There's so much more texture after being washed. I love that wrinkled look! I could pat it all day!

Dawn's Challenge

Dawn, who blogs at sewyouquilt2, has issued a challenge. The first step is to cut 20 ten inch squares. I went through my fabric stash and chose the above fabrics. I seem to have a little bit of many different colors. I guess I'm going for that rainbow look! 

Here's another look at my fabrics. I plan on using the same fabric for sashing to keep one constant in the quilt top. I'm not sure what this will look like but I know it's going to be fun!!