Packing - a no sew post

Well, I did finish my Free motion challenge piece which you saw on Wednesday, and my bee blocks, which I still haven't mailed.  About the only thing I've been doing for the last few days is packing.

We are off on our family vacation!  So my posts maybe interrupted somewhat, especially since I did not get a few things done.

I DO have a cute block coming up for the Red White & Blue Blog Hop!



My day to share is actually the 4th of July!  So come back and visit then.
Happy Days!Jen

June Free Motion Challenge - WIP Wednesday

It's time again for another Free Motion Challenge.  I really think this is one of the best things going on in blogland!

I found this month's challenge by Cindy Needham especially difficult.  We were supposed to break up our area into smaller sections, then fill each section with a new design.  "Divide and Conquer", she said.  Well, I divided, but I am not sure I conquered.  The designs used could be anything - feathers, grids, free-form anything really - but we were supposed to try out repetitive lines, circles and S-curves (feathers fits in with this one).

I spent all month drawing on paper, and while I came up with some interesting sketches, I am not sure that I really "got" the lesson.  Drawing is one thing, but sewing neat lines and S-curves was hard.  When I look at designs posted in the lesson, I see beautiful things, but when I look at what I have created, I see a mess.  Of course, this is just for the purpose of improving my skill, but I think this particular lesson might be a little too soon for me even after several practice pieces.  I was way beyond my comfort level and kept wanting to break out the marking tool to trace/draw everything first -- although, I still probably wouldn't have been happy with the results from that either.  I am still having a lot of difficulty with feathers, and even my repetitive lines are messy.  How hard should lines be???  My brain just had trouble keeping up - something Cindy Needham called "Disequilibrium".  Turns out I have that in spades!

Now for something positive - I'm not sure if it is just that I have so many stitches on this month's piece or what, but with the exception of a few areas, my stitch length was more uniform despite changing speeds frequently.  I shall pat myself on the back.

It makes me wonder what is cooking for next month's challenge!


Completed Projects:

• 3 x 6 Bee Blocks - just need to get them in the mail!
• Free Motion Challenge for June

On-going Projects:

• Thank you quilt for Ashley's teacher - quilting in progress
• Red, White, Blue New York Beauty - piecing in progress
• Urban Nine Patch Tablerunner - sandwiched and awaiting quilting
• Handstitched goodies, including the class quilt
• June UFO - "A Christmas Something for myself" - English paper piecing in progress (wow it takes a while!)

Back Burner: (Maybe I am mistaken about the meaning of this category.  I seem to just be collecting UFO projects here.)

• New York Beauty Quilt A Long - actually different from the one above.
• Swoon - my fabric is waiting, and waiting, and waiting
• Batik Stripe Quilt - still sandwiched and ready to be quilted!
• Lincoln quilt - need to put the borders on this baby and finish it up.
• Blue & White Stack-n-Whack for May UFO challenge 

This week's stats:
Completed projects - 2 - Hooray!
New projects - 0
Currently in Progress - 5-ish

Linking up with Freshly Pieced WIP Wednesday's

Shoo Fly Don't Bother Me! - Trial and Error Tuesday

Here is the third block for Quilting Gallery's Beginner's Quilt-Along, Shoo-Fly!

I spent most of the day yesterday finishing up the last two Urban Nine Patch Blocks for my 3 x 6 Bee that I joined.  Cut to finish it took me about 5 hours to complete 2 blocks.  It was so refreshing to then finish this one in about 15 minutes!  


At first I was smug about finishing the HST's the way they suggested.  I didn't really do the math, but I thought it was a waste to make them bigger than needed then trim them down.  I decided to follow the directions though, and Duh!  Their math was right on.  I only trimmed about 1/8 inch off each HST, and this method had the added bonus of automatically trimming the dog ears off too.  


Now looking at this block you might say, "there isn't really enough contrast, Jen".  And you would be right.  I am going to see how well this block plays with the others I make throughout the quilt along, but I might have to redo it towards the end.  


You can see the other participants blocks at the flickr group site.

What is your favorite way to may Half Square Triangles (HST's)?

Jen

Vacation 1 of 2 Complete

Well, vacation 1 of 2 is complete.  Ashley and I had a great time in Michigan.

She especially enjoyed kayaking around the lake all by herself! (Don't be alarmed, she is an excellent swimmer!)

She also liked taking care of grandma's garden.  For example, watering before it was going to rain.

But, best of all, she learned to relax.

This photo was staged by Ashley, but it looks convincing!  She really did get a chance to relax without her sisters around.  We are often going full speed here at home, so I was pleased to see it happen somewhere.

Our next vacation is much longer and starts soon!  I have so much to get done before we go.  I better get back to it!

Jen

Here is the second block for Quilting Gallery's Beginner's Quilt-Along, a variation of a rail fence block.

I am making a scrappy pink quilt to use up a bunch of the random fabrics in my stash, but some of the other students have chosen coordinating fabrics that are really stunning.  You can check them out at the flickr group site.

I am curious.  The instructions for making this block had us sewing long strips together, then cutting them to the size needed for the components of the blocks.  I know this saves a great deal of time, but I always seem to end up with slightly skewed components that way.  I actually get more accurate pieces if I cut the strips down to size, then sew them together.  I think it has to do with the long strips stretching slightly as I sew them along.  Does anyone else out there ever have similar problems with sewing long strips?

Jen

Only time will tell - Finish Friday

Well, not quite finished.  But, you really didn't expect it to be done did you?  This is me we are talking about!

My teacher's quilt is all appliqued, sandwiched and waiting for quilting.  Yes, that is a hair bow covering up the teacher's name, it is not part of the quilt. I am planning to machine quilt her name and the year into the quilting motif.

It has been a while since I have done any hand applique.  As therapeutic as it felt, it was rather slow going!  And, this finish is going to have to wait a while longer, because....

I am taking little vacation!  My eldest daughter and I are travelling this week to Northern Michigan to visit some friends and family.   I wish the trip was longer, but it should be enough time to get some mother/daughter bonding accomplished.  I'm not sure if I will have the ability to post while on this little trip or if I will have anything post-worthy when I return.  Only time will tell!

Have a great week!

Jen

Linking up today with There and Back's Handmade Parade

Fallen leaves, falling behind - WIP Wednesday

The last day of school is tomorrow, and I have just gotten started on my teacher's gift!  I know I will not be able to finish it, but luckily our teacher is going to be teaching summer school to some of the older kids, so as long as I get it done soon I should be forgiven.

I got this idea from Samelia's Mum month's ago.  Since she is down under, her school year ends during our winter, and she made a wonderful tree wall hanging for a special teacher. I thought it was a brilliant concept.

I thought this would go quickly by machine applique, but one test piece on Big Brother told me it was not the best idea.  He does have a zigzag stitch, but it was a little unpredictable and I want this to look nice!  Without Ms. Kitty back, I am appliqueing by hand.   I am going to write each student's name on a leaf (the 3 "fallen" leaves are kids that left during the year).  I hope it will turn out alright.

Completed Projects:

• a wool needlebook - as part of my Handstitched goodies   

On-going Projects:

• Thank you quilt for Ashley's teacher - in progress
• Red, White, Blue New York Beauty - piecing in progress
• Urban Nine Patch - just blocks for my 3 x 6 Bee, I have assembled 3, but have a few more to do
• Urban Nine Patch Tablerunner
• Handstitched goodies, including the class quilt
• June UFO - "A Christmas Something for myself" - piecing in progress

Back Burner:

• New York Beauty Quilt A Long - actually different from the one above.
• Swoon - this pattern is just sitting, calling me, but let's be realistic!
• Batik Stripe Quilt - still sandwiched and ready to be quilted!
• Lincoln quilt - need to put the borders on this baby and finish it up.
• Blue & White Stack-n-Whack for May UFO challenge 

This week's stats:
Completed projects - 1 - Hooray!
New projects - 0
Currently in Progress - 6

Linking up with Freshly Pieced WIP Wednesday's

Beginner Quilt Along Week 1 - Trial and Error Tuesday

I completed my first block for Quilting Gallery's Beginner's Quilt-Along.

That's one big 9 patch!  Of course, they are calling it Play a Game of Hopscotch to make it more fun for summer.

Jamie at Stitches to Sprinkles and I were discussing choosing fabrics for this quilt along.  She has chosen some Bunny Hill fabric that is just going to look marvelous!  I agonized over what to use.  Do I dive into my beloved Flea Market fancy even though there are at least 2 patterns I hope to use it with?  Do I dare order more?  Then it came to me like a slap in the face one night, "You big dope!  Pick a couple colors and use fabrics in your stash.  That's what samplers were made for silly!"  So, I chose pink, because with 3 little girls, someone is always wanting something new that is PINK!

Can't wait to see what the next block is!

Jen

It is never too early to think about Holiday gifts!

I just wanted to share something I stumbled across in my Reader this weekend.

Rebecca at Sew Festive Handmade is hosting a Christmas in July Blog Hop / Tutorial Share starting next month to get our creative juices flowing for what to make for holiday gifts this year.  I can't wait to see what projects are shared, and there promises to be some great prizes too!



I am one of those people that procrastinates when it comes to holiday gifts.  I think the earliest I think about them is the Monday following Thanksgiving.  That doesn't leave a whole lot of time to whip up some lovely handmade items.

This year could be different though, thanks to Rebecca!

Jen

Butterfly garden - a no sew post

In random other news for this week, I got to see a butterfly being born this week.  Some kind soul gave one of my daughters this butterfly condo last fall.

With cooler weather coming, I decided to wait until a few weeks ago to send off for our butterfly eggs.  The kids really enjoyed seeing the caterpillars grow (quite quickly!).  This week the butterflies emerged, Painted Ladies!  I set them free yesterday.

Tookie happens to be a bug eater.  She was way too interested in these guys.  In fact, of our 5 caterpillars, only 4 made it out of their cocoons thanks to Tookie knocking over the condo a few times.  Poor little guy.

This was a great gift for little kids!  I highly recommend for a fun summer project.  Check out: http://www.insectlore.com/

Mommy brain attacks!

I have a theory, which I share too often, that you loose 20% of your brain cells when you bring a child into the world.  I have now gone through labor 3 times, so I really don't have many brain cells left!

I apologize to Rachel, at Stitched in Color, for calling you Sarah.  I have two other projects that have Sarah's associated with them, and my brain jumbled them up.  I am sorry.  Thank you to Bianca, for pointing it out!

Rachel is the talented teacher of the Handstitched class that I keep raving about, but am evidently too excited about to keep important things straight!  I have edited my previous posts to correct my error.

Until "Mommy Brain" attacks again,

Jen

Needle in a Haystack? - Finish Friday

I wanted to take a picture of my latest needlebook creation laying on a haystack, but here in Los Angeles, I am fresh out of haystacks!

This is one of the projects from my Handstitched class by Rachel at Stitched in Color.  This week's lesson was reverse applique, which I found rather interesting.  It does give a different dimension to the projects than a regular applique technique.

Rachel has also recently posted some advice to new bloggers as part of the "Let's Get Acquainted BlogHop" from Plum and June.  So pop on over and check it out.

This needle book is the first time I've worked with felt.  I appreciated it's strength (Read - I liked the fact I could have unfinished edges and not worry about unraveling), but I must have been a little too rough with it a few times because I have a few spots that stretched a little.

I'll have to try another project before I decide if it is really for me or not.

There is one more project from this week's lesson that I want to try, but I need to buy a smaller embroidery hoop first.  Then we have a week break before the next lesson, embroidery!  I cannot express how much I am eager for the next lesson.  I am hungry for more handwork!  I find it rather calming, and I need some calm from time to time - like when the shop called to tell me Ms. Kitty would be there at least another week!  Eeek!

Do you like handwork?

Jen

Linking up today with There and Back's Handmade Parade

Back to School - WIP Wednesday

The Handstitched Class from Rachel at Stitched in Color started on Monday.  I am totally into it.   If I had known going back to school would be so fun, I would have done it earlier!

I only had time to read the instructions for this week's lesson, Reverse Applique, until today!  Today, I finally got started on the focal point of our class medallion quilt.  I am so excited about how it looks already (yes, I did notice that my points are a little crooked, but I am still happy with it).  I just hope I don't muck it up at some point.

I am using Cocoon by Valerie Wells, and some yummy solids I picked up.  I think this one is lilac.



Completed Projects:

• Bee Happy was completed!!!  Thank goodness!  

On-going Projects:

• Thank you quilt for Ashley's teacher - due second week of June!  Plenty of time, right?  I should have moved this up the list a while ago, but needed to finish Bee Happy first.  I'm thinking wall hanging size or smaller should be sufficient.
• Red, White, Blue New York Beauty - piecing in progress
• Urban Nine Patch - just blocks for my 3 x 6 Bee, they are cut and ready to be put together
• Urban Nine Patch Tablerunner
• Handstitched goodies
• June UFO - "A Christmas Something for myself" - I have already started basting little hexagons with a random charm pack I ended up with that has Christmas patterns.  I hope I can at least get a little tablerunner out of them.  This was the perfect project for this month as I am travelling for a week and it coincides with the English paper piecing portion of the Handstitched class.

Back Burner:

• New York Beauty Quilt A Long - actually different from the one above.
• Swoon - this pattern is just sitting, calling me, "Jen......Jen......Jen!"
• Batik Stripe Quilt - still sandwiched and ready to be quilted!
• Lincoln quilt - need to put the borders on this baby and finish it up.
• Blue & White Stack-n-Whack for May UFO challenge 

This week's stats:
Completed projects - 1 - Hooray!
New projects - 3+
Currently in Progress - 6

Linking up with Freshly Pieced WIP Wednesday's

Beginner's Quilt Along - Trial and Error Tuesday

The fine folks over at Quilting Gallery are hosting a Beginner's Quilt-Along.  Since this blog is supposed to be for beginners, I thought I would pass along the info.  And after last week's quilt related "issues", I figured I could use a refresher myself.  Join me, won't you?

If nothing else, you will have a lovely quilt sampler at the end.  I am sure that you know someone who might like one, or you can give it to charity!  While the Hands2Help challenge is officially over, see the quilts donated here, I am sure that quilts are accepted anytime for next year's drive.  I know for sure that Happy Chemo would take them, and Emily mentioned in one of her last posts that she is in particular need of manly colored quilts!

So what do ya say?  Quilt Along with me?

Jen

May's accomplishments - a recap/fresh sewing day

I decided to join the party, the linky party that is, over at Lily's Quilts.  Every month she invites everyone to link up their accomplishments for the prior month.  Here are mine:

Yes, it is a little sparse, isn't it.  I would have even less photos if I didn't include the backs!  Ha! But, there is always this month to get things done!  Oh wait, I have a few trips planned.  Maybe June's mosaic will have a bunch of lovely hand stitched items in it.  Only time will tell!  The Handstitched Class at Stitched in Color started today!  Tomorrow, we get our instructions for our first project.  I am so anxious!

Also, a new feature over at Lily's Quilts is a Small Blog Meet linky party for those of us with less than 50 followers.  Click the button below to check it out, or add your blog to the list.  There are some great bloggers out there that are just getting started.

A couple of my favorites are: Kinda Quilty, Entropy Undone, and Knotted Cotton

What are you hoping to get done this month?

Jen

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back - Finally Finished Friday, uh Saturday

Here it is, my Bee Happy Quilt, finally finished.

Yesterday, I spent the majority of the day doing: Sew 10 inches, Rip out 3 inches, re-thread everything, repeat.  Little by little, I got it done.

Wow, what a process this has been.  When I signed up to complete this quilt, I actually got started right away.  At the time, I had plenty of time to complete, but I didn't want to wait until the last minute (like I usually do). I was actually hoping to be the first one done!  I had my pattern in mind when I signed up, it promised to be an easy one.  I prepared my applique pieces, got everything cut, and the whole top pieced together rather quickly.  I stalled a little when it came to the back, waiting for some additional fabric, but it too came together quickly.  The quilting pattern suggested was easy enough too - a meandering loopy bee trail.  I sandwiched my quilt and got ready to get down to it.  That's when "easy" ended.

I am not sure if I have been quite so frustrated in a long time.  The machine issues, which I am sure you are tired of hearing about and I am tired of thinking about, really threw me for a loop.  I don't really understand how a machine can be fine quilting one thing, but then completely stink at doing another.  My best guess was that it had to do with the needle flex that occurred when sewing through the applique parts with their fusible web.  I is the only thing that makes some sense to me.  So, I pulled out my notes from my long arm class with Dawn Cavanaugh.  She talked a bit about needle flex and I tried out her suggestions.  I switched to a bigger needle, with only some improvement.  I sewed slowly, no improvement.  If I hadn't already quilted half the quilt, I would have changed thread.  In the end, I just had to battle it out.

I certainly wish I had done things a little differently from the start.  I felt confident with the machine quilting, so I choose a pretty, shiny, variegated thread for the quilting.  Unfortunately, it just shows off all the issues I had quilting!  And perhaps, putting appliques on the back wasn't such a good idea.  I haven't had any problems in the past sewing through them, so I didn't really think it would be a problem this time either.

It is not my best work, but it is done.  And, I learned some things about myself.

This quilt is destined for Happy Chemo, part of the Hands2Help Challenge at Confessions of a Fabric Addict, which gives quilts to people going through chemotherapy.  While I have never been through chemo myself, I imagine that I encountered some of the same emotions going through making this quilt - obviously, less intense as I was not fighting for my life!  At times I cried, I was angry, frustrated, and even wanted to give up.  And I was just making a quilt!  Heaven help me if I have to go through anything as major as chemotherapy.




Jen

Finish Friday Postponed

Finish Friday will be a tad late - probably tomorrow-ish.

I am close, so close!

Stay tuned........and a little crossing of finger wouldn't hurt either.

Jen