May: Checking for Balance

Checking for Balance

Before you say this is not a quilting related post, ask yourself: "What stops me from doing the thing I love most?" Often it involves something you have control over at one time or another. Chances are it could have been done earlier, but the choice was made to do something else instead. Life is full of trade offs. Right? But if you're looking for more time in your life to do the things you want--quilting or sewing, for example, then stay tuned this month, and read on. We'll talk about why we collect some of the so-called baggage in our lives, and how to become free from it.  When problem areas take on a life of their own, it's our right to take control. We can give ourselves permission.

I am especially reaching out to those of you who feel the Merry-Go-Round hasn't slowed down since 2017 began, and like me you want to get off.  Early this year I made a plan to focus on the future, and create a long range schedule. I've spent 4 months making quilts for charity, and while several are still not done, it is time for change. May is my target month for winding down, and regaining equilibrium. It seems most timely while the seasons change to one of renewed growth. You may call it tuning in to Self or listening to an inner voice, but it's simply time to decide what is working well in life, and what could benefit from change. You might even question some things in your own life along the way. Change requires work on our parts now to make it easier later, but quilters are known for their long vision and perseverance. Join me!

Freefall Quilt Along Progress

Progression of the Fall

I feel like I might have some demerits for being neglectful in my posts this past week, but it's spring, and we are busy, busy, busy! I kept telling myself I would jump in here 'tomorrow', but everyday has been packed full. You won't even be surprised to hear I lost my camera along the way, and the best I could muster were pictures from my phone. I'm sure that's happened to you, too.

One Patch Color Theory & Rainbows

 "Tutti Frutti"

The monthly sewing group gathers late this month so I've allowed the studio to fall into chaos before the big clean up midweek. Lots of digging through bins asking, "What's this, and why did I save it?" I delegated things into piles of Move On and Keep. That process led to stacks of fabric piled onto the table, and cut up into piles of 4" squares. 

I've Got This!

I feel a great relief at finally finding a method that works well for me. No more making lots of decisions every time I deal with scrap cutting. KISS: I get as many 4" scraps as possible from a piece of scrap fabric then turn the rest into strips of 3", 2.5", 2", or 1.5". I needed a cut and dried method, and settling on one I could be consistent with was a blessing. These measurements and combinations of are flexible enough to be used in most scrap patterns easily.

Vintage Singer 15-91 Rescue & Revitalization

Vintage Singer 15-91 Manufactured Approximately 1947

My husband regularly scans Craig's List, and this popped up in the town next to us. Was I interested? I wasn't sure. I have another Vintage Singer that is an industrial machine, and frankly, it scares me. It was last used in a flag factory, and built for speed. I was looking for one to sew leather.

A quick internet search tagged the advertised model as great for leather, but also as 'The Tailor's Machine'. Now I was interested. The ad said it was in working order, and $65 for the machine, cabinet, attachments, and manual. Not a hefty investment if something went wrong. 

One Patch Layouts & Improv Charity Quilts

"In your Easter bonnet,
with all the frills upon it..."

Over several days last week I had a marathon of sorts. I had some donated fabric I really wanted to use up, and get out of my studio. It might not have been my pick of fabrics, but that's a little bit of the fun involved. Working outside your comfort zone is always a good challenge!

Freefall Spring Quilt Along

Freefall Spring Quilt Along 2017

My dear friend, Sandra, at mmm! Quilts is in the midst of her Spring Quilt Along, and I'm finally getting to show you my progress. Details can be found HERE, and the second linky HERE. The pattern is being issued biweekly for free so be sure to download it as it comes out.

About that black leaf: First of all you're thinking, "That doesn't look very spring-y." And I would fully agree with you. But I would also say I thought this project through ahead of time--for once, and knew I would be more inclined to use this as a late summer/early fall wall hanging than spring. The first fabric I had to choose with that in mind was the background. Moda Grunge in a rusty orange was an obvious first pick. Then I raided all my Art Gallery Fabrics, and without regard to color or print, I combined them. It was like making Kitchen Sink Soup. They were all going in. The one factor that they would have in common was they had nothing in common. But these are really beautiful fabrics and gorgeous prints! I had faith. It would work.

Friendly Advice About Quilt Alongs

Isn't that just the cutest little block?

I'm beginning to think that sampler blocks are like children. Each one is so different, but they all belong to you, and there's not an ugly one in the bunch! 

From a critical point of view, some of the points got knocked off, and more will with additional seam allowances around it. Do I care? Nah, no way! I think it's adorable! Yup, me who only liked modern looking fabrics for how long. It's so, so different playing with subtle fabrics. It's like painting with a finer brush, in my opinion. It takes a lighter hand to create the same texture a modern quilter does with larger prints and brighter colors.

Tiki Beads Finish

Tiki Beads

This wall hanging laid in a pile with several others for many months. This is typical for me. The main design takes a lot of energy, and then I'm reluctant to put on the last touches. In my opinion, the binding can make or break the whole project. Sure, we can pick something that's just okay--middle-of-the-road choices happen to a lot of quilts, but a good one is harder to pick. Sometimes it is worth the wait. What do you think?

Train Ride from Tokyo Finish

A Hand Quilted Finish

At this very moment I am covered by this same quilt, feet up, and lap top engaged. My cup of coffee is within reach. I've worked a year to make it, and yet it gets used so casually. I wonder if I'd feel this way if I wasn't the maker. But I want to know how a quilt feels and wears with use. I like to record which batting I used, and there is a significant difference in the drape and warmth. There truly are battings better suited for different seasons, and may be too warm for summer so I'm enjoying now.

3 More One Patch Designs & Luminescence

Last Week's Layouts
 A First for Me: All Solids

Something that brings me great pleasure is working in the quilt room laying out comforters and quilts for charity. I've been very interested in different color schemes lately, and how colors interact with another. One color laid next to another will appear to change either lighter or darker. Maybe a dot or figure in it will be drawn out more. A good way to illustrate this is with the top and bottom layouts here.