Motivational Monday - and it's MONDAY!!!

I don't seem to get my Motivational Monday post done on a Monday because there isn't time. Well, there will be time because I'm actually writing this on Sunday night.

It was a crazy sit n sew day today. I hadn't prepped what I wanted to do, but that doesn't mean that I didn't accomplish stuff. At the end of the day when I recapped what I had done, I was exhausted! I'm thrilled with the progress and I have the ladies to thank for that. We all did an amazing job today!!

So what did I get done?

 I loaded my pixelated apple quilt on the long arm, ready to work on it tomorrow after Monday sewing. It's going to be hanging at Quilts at the Creek this weekend - make sure you come out and see the quilts - I'll be there all day Sunday.  While I normally have the binding made when I finish the top, I had not done that for this quilt. I pulled out the basket of black and white fabrics. Oh can't make it dark  - it doesn't look right. But I found this checked fabric only to realize that I didn't have enough. Back into the bottom of the basket and found another hunk! Perfect - so I made bias binding so the check is "on point".

Binding - DONE

Then off to find some fabric for one of the quilts in that stack of "to be bound" quilts. I found this fabric and since the quilt top is green and yellow, I figured it would be perfect. So that binding got made, but no time (actually no room) to put the binding on. I like to spread out when I put the binding on and I was working at my small table.

Binding made for a community projects quilt

Next up - make the backing and the binding for my Gravity (Jaybird Quilts) quilt. This quilt is 96" by 96" so there are three lengths of fabric for the backing and 10 strips of fabric needed for the binding. But it's done and the quilt is now in the "to be quilted" pile. One less thing to move when the ladies come on Thursday!

Top, backing, and binding are made for Gravity quilt

I needed a quick gift for a dog lover and I found this panel in my stash along with some dog prints. It was mostly together, but needed the last border cut and sewn on. It's now done! Well, the top is sewn together. 

Quilt top for a dog lover is DONE

Then I cut and made the binding, as well as made the quilt back. This one moves to the "to be quilted" pile as well.

Another top, backing, and binding - done!

I was feeling pretty good at this point. I know it doesn't look like much was done, but hey - making binding doesn't happen in a few minutes.

I was lamenting on what to sew next and should I work on that dreaded Double Wedding Quilt. France said - YES! So I did. I got one of the tops completely pressed which wasn't a fun job. But it looks great. I'm very happy with the results.

Double Wedding Ring quilt top - pressed and ready to be quilted

Since I was on a roll, I dug out the backing fabric. Yes - after 15 years, I knew exactly where it was. Now I know that green and yellow don't really go with the top, but damn it - I bought that fabric for the backing because it had love poems written all over it and it's going to be the backing! So the backing got made - I had gobs of this fabric.

Backing fabric for the double wedding ring quilts

Hey - there's still time so I made the binding for both of the double wedding ring quilts. I'll probably have to make a bit more for the smaller one, but I thought I would get started with this.

Binding for two double wedding ring quilts

The backing got made and can you believe????  ONE of the double wedding ring quilts is now in the "to be quilted" pile. I'm stunned, shocked and HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!!!!! You know what that means??  I moved THREE quilts into that "to be quilted" pile today. I only do one of mine per week!

Top, backing, and binding for the double wedding ring quilt - DONE

I dug out the second double wedding ring quilt and finished off that last row that needed to be sewn on. It's on. Now, all that needs to happen is to add those missing 6 melons. I'm making them as my enders and leaders on Monday, so I hope that after tomorrow, I'll have several made and I can get them on this quilt and move that one to the "to be quilted" pile as well. Seriously???  I'm in shock!!!!

Just need 6 more melons to finish the second quilt

The backing is made (and so is the binding).

The backing for the second quilt is made

There's still a big chunk of that fabric leftover. AH - that's for the next wedding quilt that I promise to someone. HA HA HA!

The remainder of the backing fabric

I didn't get pictures of what the others were working on, but France was binding a GORGEOUS quilt from the Vintage Moments class. It'll be on display at Quilts at the Creek this weekend. I'll get a picture when it's hanging up. Stunning!!!!!

Diane was working on her Circle of Life (Jacqueline de Jonge). All the components are together and now the assembly begins. It's stunning. I was discouraged when I saw how much I had done on my version - just one diamond. But after seeing Diane's version, I'm tempted to get it ready to take to the next retreat!!!!

Circle of Life - Diane's version

I made a huge dent in the pile of stuff that was on that table. I've got a few things to put away after today's flurry of activity. And now I've got to get ready for Thursday. I have three things that I want to cut so they're prepped and ready to go. Don't worry - it's not new stuff - it's stuff that's on the list and I need to get it done so I can move on. That's the most amazing feeling ever and I saw some serious light at the end of the tunnel today!!!!

I hope you have or can have as productive a day as I had. It was amazing. There is nothing like good friends, good conversations (and boy - the topics were pretty wide and varied - have you ever had a discussion about poop before???). Thanks to all the ladies today - you made the day fly by and it was loads of fun!!

OH - here's a super funny story about that pattern that I need to get my hands on. I heard from my Aunt Irene today. She lives on the farm across the road from my parents' farm. She has the darn pattern!!!  Who knew? The apple doesn't fall from the tree in our family especially when it comes to sewing/quilting, although my Aunt could sew circles around me in the garment making world. It's going to be mailed to me this week. That's hysterical! I don't care where it comes from - I just need the damn thing. Thanks Aunt Irene!!!!

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

Gravity!

Well, I'm better. Not jumping up and down and running a marathon yet, but I had a nap when I got home and then I was up for a couple of hours. I took my nightly dose of Nyquil to knock me out, but despite that, I woke up in the night.  OK - too much sleep now.  I'm still coughing and lacking energy, but I'm getting better!

As you know before we went away to Quilt Market, I was sewing up a storm.  Lots of quilts to be done for magazines and lots of quilts to be done for display.  Here's one that I finished.

This is the Gravity quilt by Jaybird Quilts.  I had taught the class a while back and for some reason, I had this great vision of making the quilt twice - once in the Northcott solids (ColorWorks) and one in the Northcott Toscana.

Gravity

I had completed almost all the blocks for the Toscana version when I was teaching the class.  I only had three blocks of the ColorWorks version done. No problem - I can whip that quilt up in no time. And I did!   Because YES - it was the ColorWorks quilt that we wanted, not the Toscana.

I had to sort through all the colors and pick the ones that were most appropriate for each block. Each block has 6 colors in it. Then they had to be cut out and sewn together.  I did have a cutting fest one day and got most of the blocks cut out. However, there were times when I was piecing the blocks where I had screwed up on the cutting and had to dig the fabric back out and cut some more.

Then I cut the background fabrics and madly sewed those together.  It's amazing how those big diamonds are deceiving and there were times when they got sewn together incorrectly.  I'm sure if you look at the back, there are places where the seams aren't the best.  BUT - who is going to look at the back anyway.   Nope - they'll only be peeking at the front.  The center lies flat and I'm very happy with the end result.

I have to get some backing for it and make the binding, but there is no rush.  It will happen. And then to finish off the Toscana one.  That should take mere hours, not days!!!

Have a great day!!!!

Ciao!

More show n tell..............

So what's with the weather?  This is not summer.  BUT I'm not complaining because I'm quite happy with the cooler temperatures. Great for sleeping, great for hanging out outside. I could do with a touch less rain. 

I made good progress on my deadline quilt last night.  The top is done, the border strips are cut. I didn't have any backing fabric so I couldn't load it on the long arm. DUH!!   First thing today - get backing fabric. This is actually the SECOND version of the same quilt.  I was making it for Fall Market last year. Didn't quite get it finished, but enough for my purposes.  I figured I might as well finish it. It's fast and easy except the version that didn't get completed uses the directional print of the collection which is called Silent Night by Northcott. I got most of the nasty part of using the directional print done this morning and I should be good to get that finished up soon.  This collection will be shipping to stores very soon.  It's gorgeous - deep rich colors. 

When you work on these deadline quilts for magazines, they get done months before the magazine comes out. And then when the quilts finally get returned to you, you've almost forgotten them.  I got one back the other day. This one is from the Stitch in Time collection (also by Northcott).  There are two colorways but this one is my favourite.  

Table topper - A Stitch in Time collection

The table topper appears in the current issue (Spring 2017) of A Needle Pulling Thread.   I also have an article in the same issue on string piecing and making scrappy blocks.

Oh - I might just throw some of that string piecing in my retreat bag.  The only problem is that carrying ALL those scraps takes a lot of space and I'm supposed to be good and stay with two bags!  Last night, I remembered another project that I want to work on and it's all cut so that got winged into one of the bags last night.  I've still got loads of space.

One other project that got put into the bag is the Gravity quilt by Jaybird.  Here's one that's almost finished. Rose brought her version to our weekend class for show n tell.  It's a huge quilt, but absolutely stunning. She just needs to bind it.  She did an overall design on it and I love it - quick and easy. I taught this as a class last year.

Gravity quilt by Jaybird

Mine is now completely cut out - it was mostly the background diamonds that weren't cut. It's in the retreat bag, the rulers (need them to cut off the tips of the diamonds for easier assembly) are in the tool bag.  I think I now have four projects all cut and ready to go and one bag is only about half full.  I told you they were big bags!

Lots of other stuff going on - madly trying to write up some patterns  - in particular Coast to Coast to Coast which is the one that I made with all the Provincial panels. My goal is to get it to print by tomorrow.  The first draft is done!  That's the easy part. Now the checking and rechecking and it's a tad harder since I don't have the actual quilt with me and there is a bit of fudging to do. No worries - we'll make it happen.

On that note, I'm out of here. As usual, there's loads to do. I mean what would be the point of coming to work and sitting around doing nothing?

Have a super day!

Ciao!!!

I GOT answers!

Well, I got the answer to ONE of my questions yesterday.

I have to say the days are super crazy!  I barely get ahead on one project and the next pile of fabric is screaming - "cut me!  cut me! I want to be a quilt too!"  Especially those fabrics that are being made into a quilt for someone.  And you should see me cut!  I'm very efficient and I love it (which is part of my problem of having too many projects).

At some point when I was new to quilting, I would pick a fabric from my stash and there wasn't much of it. Perhaps I only purchased 1/4 meter.   I wouldn't/couldn't cut into it.  Oh no! - what if I need it some day?of
That is NOT happening these days.  I need a 7 1/2" strip of every fabric in this particular collection and regardless of how much is there, if there's enough to get a 7 1/2" strip - off it comes!  Wait until you see the fabric, you'll see what I mean!  I should be finished by Friday or I might just break down and take pictures in the next day or so, but it will have more impact when it's all cut.  I'm excited about it though and can't wait to get started - it is super, super easy!

Also had a class yesterday on the Gravity quilt and the class is well on their way to making that happen.

Gravity by Jaybird quilts

It's a gorgeous quilt and it's going to be loads of fun to make.  I'm still collecting a few fabrics, but how that the class has started, I must get myself together on that one!  Did more cutting last night. I'm in good shape!

On my way home from the class, I stopped at Loblaws.  All the way to class, I thought about the best location to look for a bowl for my oatmeal. Would I find something at Wal-Mart, Loblaws, Homesense?  I decided that Loblaws would be my best bet.  I scoured the shelves and look what I found!

Old bowl, new bowl

 I believe it is called a soup mug.   I was concerned that it wasn't much deeper than my existing bowl, but there is about an extra inch.  And it has a handle!  I think (I hope), I'm good to go for the oatmeal. Can't wait to try it!  Mary uses a large Starbucks mug and Cathie uses a 4-cup Pyrex measuring cup!  Thanks for the suggestions.

And there is a little top that goes on with a vent - not sure if you can actually microwave oatmeal with that lid on. But I arrived at the cash only to find my lid had gotten lost on the way to the cash. Had to backtrack through the store to find it!

Now to get that darn picture issue done or my Mom will be on my case again!  And I want something from her at the moment, so I better not be tardy with these pictures. She rarely asks for something!

As if that wasn't enough excitement yesterday, no after dinner, I still had more work to do.  This was emergency applique!  I needed eight circles, some black, some yellow.  Two of them are stitched in place, 5 of them are made and glued, ready to be sewn and one - well, it's waiting for the block to be finished before the applique can be done!

Black circles

Yellow circles

I promised that the quilt top would be done by Thursday evening. YES - it'll be done!  I've already started to sew it together.

Now you can see my problem. If I worked on one project at a time - everything would be fine, but I work to deadlines and since there are many, I work in bits!  I love it!!!!   But not much gets completed unless it absolutely has to!

Happy to report that my knee is almost back to normal.  That was very weird, from hobbling like I'm dying to almost good as new.  My knee still gets very tired especially when I walk Miss Lexi as we go fast, but not too fast. I can definitely feel it when we get back so I'm still taking it easy and she goes to the dog park as much as possible where I don't have to walk much.  If I don't have to walk much, I'm good - a long walk isn't fun yet.

On that note - I'm out of here.

Have a super, super day!!!

Ciao!

Killing two birds with one stone

Yep - it's my BIRTHDAY today.  Ever notice that on someone's birthday, everyone wants to know how old the birthday person is. Why is that?  I know why!  Because they want to compare - am I in better shape than that "older" or "younger" person?  Have I aged better, etc.?  You know all those questions that are totally irrelevant to how we live our life.  Me - I'm just praying that I won't go out without a fight!  I don't want to spend my last days (years) sitting in a chair and not able to do anything.  I know we don't have a choice in this - but if I can have any say in this matter - you bet I'm going to!   And please please if I do get to that point, let me go to the nursing home gracefully!   M - are you listening????

Well enough of all that birthday babble. The most exciting thing about today is that I have NOTHING on the schedule.  NOTHING!!!!   Now that doesn't mean that I don't have anything to do - but there is nothing.  No appointments, no errands (well I do have to go to the bank).  Don't you just love when this happens!

So what's my plan for the day?  Killing two birds with one stone.  It's time for me to blog on QUILTsocial once again.  I have a new sewing machine.  So I prepped my stuff to work on last night and all I can share with you this morning is this picture.

Stuff prepped for the QUILTsocial blog

Not going to say more than that - don't want to spoil the surprise.

Yesterday was a gorgeous day!  When I got home, I grabbed my book and sat in the gazebo. Listening to that waterfall, the birds singing in the trees, Lexi digging under the gazebo. Yes - nice quiet relaxing sounds!  I didn't even have a nap - it was just exciting to sit there and enjoy life. It's my cottage and the commute is 30 seconds even on Friday evening!  It doesn't get any better than that.

After it got darker, I moved into the studio to try and get something done. What to do? What to do?  There is so much to choose from. When I was moving stuff around, I came across some Christmas bags and two small quilts for one of my local guilds.  Oooops - I had forgotten that I had brought those kits home.  Well - it would be awesome if i could go back in September (the end of September) and take the finished items back.

So I got the serger out and serged up the edges of all the bags. There are 12.  Hmmmm - should I keep going?

12 bags are serged

I started to tuck the ends of the serger thread inside the serged seam. And then I put FrayCheck on that so it doesn't pull out.  

Ends tucked in and sealed with Fray Check

I was half through the bags when my attention span started to wane.   Oh for God's sake - just suck it up and finish the other 6.   So I did!    And now those 12 bags are waiting for the next step which I hope to get to today.  Then on Monday morning when I take hand stuff to the Monday Maniac group - I can insert the ribbon.  Hey - I'm always thinking ahead. I almost didn't have anything prepped (or in the bag) last week. I take boring stuff - like ripping (yes - there seems to always be lots of that!) and cutting to the Monday group.  Makes it less boring when you're yakking away.   I so miss those Mondays!!!

And can you tell me how this happens???  You are tired, and it's bed time so you go to bed.  Then all of a sudden you're wide awake!!!   I mean - WIDE AWAKE and there is no hope of going to sleep. It happens to me from time to time, but last night was the second time since I've come back from vacation.  I'm thinking I need to set my tent up in the backyard. I wonder if Lexi would sleep in the tent with me????   So let's say that I was up cutting some more on my Gravity quilt in the wee morning hours.  I've got the purples all cut out and I can wait to sew those blocks together today.  I might even attempt to get a portion of the quilt together today or at least some major cutting on the background.

Graity

This is a three part class at the Hobby Horse starting in September (October and November).  Each class is three hours long - we have a KIT - the kit is awesome and a great opportunity to get a LOT of fabrics very easily.  I'm excited how that worked out.  There is only one downside - the class is FILLING UP - not sure if there is any space - we may have to schedule a second class???  Even if you don't want to take the class, call the Hobby Horse and get the kit.  We're using Toscana by Northcott and it's looking awesome.   So if you've been thinking about taking the class - I'd call today to sign up and/or  reserve a kit. The kit will be for the colored fabrics - the grey will be yardage you buy separately.

Each class is three hours - I'm working on a supply list, but you'll be cutting and sewing the first day.   See you then!!!!

On that note - I'd better get the day started. Gosh - I looked for the name of that vacuum place again and I still can't find it.  I know someone who lives close - I'll get the name from her!!!

Have an awesome day and eat cake for ME!!!!

Ciao!!!

PS - I think Lexi has something to say this morning.

Gravity!

It's time to think about quilt classes for the fall!  I have a few classes lined up for the fall, a number of quilt lectures and already booking into 2017!   I'm going to start with the class that starts next month!

This is a class that I'll be teaching at The Hobby Horse.  The quilt is called Gravity by Jaybird Quilts and I've had my eye on this quilt for a while.  Finally it's time to give the class a whirl!  

Gravity by Jaybird Quilts

It will take place over THREE different dates - even though it's a block of the month, I know how anxious my students get about finishing things so we're going to rip through it.  Don't worry - it's way easier than it looks. 

Sunday, September 18  from 12:30 - 3:30

Saturday, October 22 from 1 - 4

Sunday, November 20 from 12:30 - 3:30

Yes - that means you get to bring your sewing machine so you can have some hands on with pressing techniques, seam allowances and cutting.   

As I mentioned, this quilt isn't difficult - NO "Y" seams and it's stunning to boot.  We'll be chatting about technique and color and value!!!!

Speaking of color and value, here are three of the block made in Northcott Toscana.  We're discussing kitting options at this point - details to be provided soon. 

First three blocks  DONE!

Greens from Northcott Toscana

In addition to the booklet, you'll have to purchase two rulers, BUT in order to make these a worthwhile investment, we're going to explore some other quilts that you can make with the rulers!  Besides, the cost of the rulers far outweighs having to do Y seams - so it's all good!!!!!

Rulers!

Hope you can join us - it's going to be loads of fun and I can't wait to get more of the quilt together!!!!!

See you in class - and don't forget call The Hobby Horse to get signed up!!!!

Local: (905) 877 - 9292

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Toll Free: (800)565-5366

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Store Email info@thehobbyhorsequiltshoppe.com


Have a great day!!!!!


Ciao!!!!

Retreat - Day Five

The saddest day of any retreat - leaving!  But we had a blast and I'm grateful to have such wonderful friends to share sewing days with. We laugh, we cry, we sew, we eat, we drink and everything else!  It's really a fun thing to do.  Hopefully some of you have been able to go on a sewing retreat.  If not, let me know - maybe we can arrange one more!

I didn't ride my bike or go for a walk yesterday.  Got some last minute sewing done and then we sat outside enjoying the beautiful weather for a long time. Then people started leaving and I still had sewing to do!  Leftovers for lunch and then to pack all that stuff in my car! And last minute tidying up. I'm of the philosophy that if the house was tidy when we arrive, then it should be tidy when we leave. All the stuff we moved around had to be put back in place, the kitchen was tidied up, empty the fridge, load the dishwasher, put the recycling and garbage away, lights off and all that. I think it was 1:30 before I locked the door and hopped in the car.

The ride home was pretty uneventful. Despite the fact that it was Sunday afteroon and many people were headed home from the cottage, the traffic was pretty normal and only slowed down because of a disabled vehicle on the side of the road. Why people have to stop and look is beyond me.  And I noticed that every time there is a hill, the traffic slows - people have their brakes on.  Why?

Once I got home, it was time to unload the car. It was jammed.  I didn't take any pictures to avoid comments, but let's say that there wasn't much room for anything else.  I got it all in the house and more or less unpacked by 4 PM.  Well - the grocery stuff unpacked and the rest of the stuff downstairs.

Even though I had a lot of baskets and bags, I did touch or handle stuff from all these bags!

Stuff I had worked on or tools

 That stuff is all pretty much sorted out and put away.

This was the stuff that I didn't touch. Well - except for one project that I dug out. I have consolidated all the stuff into four bags and it is going to sit and wait for the next retreat. I must promise myself that I do NOT need to prep anything - just grab those four bags and go!

Didn't get touched

 While the house we rent is fairly big, the sewing area can be a bit tight. I think I mentioned that Tish went with ONE laundry basket of stuff. How I have no idea considering she had a BOX of steam a seam in there as well!  I think we should all challenge ourselves to take ONE laundry basket of project stuff next time. ACK!  I could do it!  I'm just afraid of running out. And I would pack everything in ziploc bags! I might give it a shot - it would mean priotizing to death but I did that this time and it worked well.

I spent a LOT of time on that quilt top that I had to rip out and redo and then I was short one piece of fabric. Since it is for a magazine, I can't share it with you at this time!  It will be worth the wait.

Then I worked on a tote bag - also for work. Not for sharing at this time.

I also got all 16 of those eight-pointed stars done. That was a huge accomplishment. Very time consuming!

16 star blocks - DONE

I finished the last 16 blocks of this disappearing four-patch.  All thirty five blocks are now done and ready to sew into a quilt top.

Disappearing four-patch - ready to sew into a quilt top!

 Next up was three blocks from the Gravity quilt.  This is going to be spectacular when it's done. Anyone interested in a class???

Three blocks from Gravity quilt

Gravity quilt by Jaybird Quilts

I also managed to get three blocks done for Gypsy Wife from Jen Kingwell.

Three blocks for Gypsy Wife

Gypsy Wife by Jen Kingwell

I think I'm going to have to remake one of them. There isn't enough contrast at all. It's very busy and this is an experiment. I hate those busy backgrounds, but forcing myself to do it.  This would also make a good class.  Anyone interested????  You really need to be on your toes to make this one (so perfect for a class) and it would be fun for a class. Do a google search for other colorings!

Neither of those quilts are hard!

I'm sure I worked on a couple of other things, but I don't remember, nor did I come across them. Oh - I did sew and trim some half square triangles. Can't show you those either!

I managed to snag another license plate. So far - I'm sticking to my plan on this year's Row by Row and I'm happy!

One more license plate

 And look what I found at Fabricland. Those buttons that I was stitching on the other day and was missing one.  Now I can finish repairing that piece.

Missing buttons!

On that note, it's back to reality and to play catch up on whatever I missed last week.

Have a great day!!!

Ciao!!!!