The Next Project

My collection of split nine patch blocks grew to more than 100 so I started playing with layouts in earnest.  There were several that intrigued me, but this is the one that kept calling to me.  I’ve seen several versions of it online recently including the one Bonnie Hunter did as her leader/ender challenge project.  The first five rows on the left have already been stitched together, so the two halves don’t match up.  It's very easy to accidentally turn these blocks the wrong way when transferring them from the design wall to the machine, and I've already had to do some unsewing.  Fortunately, it was on an outside block and not too much of a hassle.  

There are so many neat layouts that can be created with triangle squares that it’s a temptation to keep making these, but then I'd have to cut out more 2 1/2 inch squares.

I've been listening to the audio book version of The Hobbit while working on this project.  It's an 11 hour MP3 disk I borrowed from the library and I nearing the end.  I just didn't want to wait for the final movie to be released to find out how the story ends.

Carol Doak Top is Finished

I sewed the last two borders on the Carol Doak quilt I have been working on Tuesdays and it is now officially a flimsy.  I like it much better with the borders.

Here is some of the paper I had to peel off the back.  It came off fairly easily, but it was still a time consuming and messy process.  

Willow Weave is Bound, Labeled, Done

 

One of my goals during the Olympics was to complete Willow Weave, and I finally finished attaching the label last night.  This was a spur of the moment project I did as part of a sew-along in 2013.  I like this quilt and enjoyed the process of making it.  I think I will donate it to a group that sells quilts and uses the proceeds to benefit local charities.

Friday and Saturday were spent working at our local quilt club’s biannual show.  

I picked up these items at the Bits ‘n Pieces booth for about $4.  I love having old quilt magazines at the ranch to browse through before turning out the light at night.  These will probably be returned to the booth in two years for someone else to enjoy.  The pattern is one I’ve seen other quilters post on line.  I also nabbed a Carol Doak book of star blocks.

This reversible apron and reusable Swifter pad came from the Boutique.  I thought about gifting the apron, but I like it so much, that may or may not happen.

We had some great vendors and these cuts of batiks came home with me too.  I love batiks and this photograph does not do justice to the colors.

The event was tremendous fun, but much work remains to be done in the aftermath, so it's probably a good thing we only have shows every other year.  

Progress on Carol Doak Quilt

The day was really raw and damp, but I still managed to go sew with friends.  I think lots of us were anxious to get out  because we had a pretty full house. 

I’m gradually closing in on the Carol Doak project, the final one from the September 2013 Hawaii quilt cruise.  The center is done.  There is a lot of paper to remove from the back and then borders to add.  Now that I’m to this point, I will probably finish it at home and take other projects for Tuesdays.

Getting Ready for the Olympics

My handwork sewing goal while watching the Olympics is to complete the binding on my Willow Weave quilt.  So, today I've been doing the machine work part of the process. 

We are having very cool weather for Central Texas, so having a quilt spread over my lap while I work on it will be enjoyable.  I should be ready start stitching it down when opening ceremonies are aired tonight.

Pohihihi is Bound, Labeled, Done

I finished stitching down the binding and label for Pohihihi during the Super Bowl last night.  I quilted this one on my domestic machine, and like some others, I think it needs to be put aside for a while before I can really appreciate it. Right now, when I look at it, I mainly see the flaws in my workmanship and things I wish I had done differently.  Nonetheless, I am glad I made it and that I have this souvenir from our Hawaii cruise. I think it's one Bob will enjoy using.

Let the Game Begin

I've lined up my handwork projects for the Super Bowl tonight.  I don’t have a dog in this race, as my hubby likes to say, but I can at least keep him company and maybe catch some entertaining commercials. 

Close, oh so very close.  It’s a red letter sewing day when I finally empty one of these cones.

I'm linking up with Kathy's Slow Stitching Sunday.