Something Done!

I finaly got the quilting done on Amys bonus quilt. Serged the edges and washed it last night. Stll needs to be bound. 

Over the weekend i also finished the corner flowers on Biggs block 2.

I started a Sochi inspired background to use on a block that will represent 2014 on an anniversary quilt

I am done quilting the state blocks and have moved on to the outer borders

And I joined 400 other foolish bikers on the Frosty Buns ride. It was 39F when we left the house and 51 when we returned. But sun, nice sun. No snow. And manageable amouts of sand on the road in spots.

Little Bits O Progress

I was really hoping to show some finishes this week.  I am OH SO close!

I have 3 blocks to finish quilting on the USA quilt.

After that, there is still some between block fill to do.

And I need to decide what to quilt in that outer border.

Still.  Feels like great progress.

There are several hours of Olympics to watch tonight so I will continue to make progress.

I finally got Amy's Bonus Quilt 2 back pieced and sandwiched yesterday.

Using a serpentine stitch to add texture to parallel line stitching.  (Note, I no longer refer to this as "straight line stitching"...even parallel is pretty much a lie).

I had 2 major issues, one with thread winding up inside the machine requiring the removal of 4 screws and the use of pliers, tweezers and a seam ripper to remove the offending thread.   The other was 82" of stitching with a bobbin issue that all had to be ripped out.  That slowed me down a couple hours and ruined my attitude.

Benjamin Biggs Block 2 leaves are on tap for tonight's Olympics coverage.

I have other excuses for not getting more done.

I've been hanging out with friends.  And planning to start a wine club.  You know, like a book club but without even pretending that we read the book.

I spent another evening this week with my Blog Lurker Annette.  She lives near me, has followed my blog, but never left comments.  She contacted me by email and we got together to brainstorm on a Hawaiian Quilt project that she has been working on.

What's On Tap?
First, I want to point out that I have been tracking progress on my right side bar.  I estimate that I have used up 29 yards of fabric from the stash since the new year.  I add to the total as piecing is complete.  I will include UFO yardage as projects get completed.

Finish the Biggs block to stay on schedule for the BOM
Finish the USA Quilt
Finish Amy's Red/White Bonus Quilt

My 30th class reunion is this summer.  I got sucked into a challenge (I'm a sucker for a good challenge) and I let a friend pick out the shoes that I will be wearing for the "Dinner Dance".   My friend Lucy is a little bitty thing. No wonder she likes 5" heels.  These shoes make me 6'2".  Clearly, my chest will be center stage.

I have a pattern I'm going to try, but I think it may be a bit Sophia Loren for my taste.  Still thinking of Katharine Hepburn options.

WIP 19

I am now 1/2 finished with string quilt concept I started a long time ago.
I am learning many things:

Back in May, I thought it would be a clever idea to use up junk mail as a foundation piecing up-cycle.

I discovered then that you have to be careful to not let the iron touch the ink.

I discovered this morning that even though it LOOKS standard 8.5" x 11", it is not always.  I ended up with several yellow blocks 1/2" too small.

I also forgot initially that I had to make left and right versions, unlike a square block.  I did take the time to lay out the pattern on the floor and used a marker to identify both direction and color.

I discovered after I sewed it together, that I would like it better with a narrower white strip.

My original plan had been a rainbow, but realize I don't have much orange fabric and I didn't like the red by the pink.  The other 3 rows will feature purple and pink with the full blue zig zag running down the middle and another partial blue on the outside.

I learned many things I had forgotten about paper foundation piecing.  I will save you the details.  Short version is that I shall remove the paper before stitching the other 3 rows together rather than after it's combined.