Diamonds

This quilt moved along quickly, despite having to make 2 additional sets of HST. It's around 65" square.

To me "BEING A QUILTER" involves all aspects of the quilt, including the back.  I am very happy with how these strip look. However...

...there are some gaps

My solution was to patch that lower bit.  

And I got feed back from my inspiration designer.  

You can avoid all my frustrations and just buy her pattern. 

https://cvquiltworks.com/products/diamonds-in-the-rough

HST Diamonds

I am working on a quilt for a secret recipient, using the leftovers from the Big Ass Teal Cat quilt.

Here's where I ended day 1. 

This is a do-over of the Citrus Squares Quilt that I did in 2012.  I borrowed the idea from Jackie at Canton Village Quilt Works.  

I took advantage of the fact that my design wall panels fell off the wall and used 2 to help with this project so I could do it in the front room (where the TV is).  I'm sewing this project on the Singer 15-91 that I bought from my buddy Boomer.  Because it's too pretty not to.  It has some tension issues / attitude that I'm still working out.  But I totally love the heel activated presser foot!

The sun was shining this afternoon, so I had to take advantage for this photo - op in full day light!  This is about the 2/3 point.

And where I'm ending tonight is with the lay-out of the last section.  I completely mis-judged how many squares I needed, so this is the 3rd round of HST.  Despite that, I think it is not particularly noticeable that there are new fabrics in some parts.  (AAARGGGHHH!  I just noticed some bits on the lower edge I feel compelled to change...since I still can)

Will decide tomorrow if I'll add borders or just leave it lap size with an edge-to-edge design.

Big Ass Teal Cat Finish

 The Jenn Ski design cat is done.  There were some challenges with  different densities of quilting as well as doing all the quilting on my domestic machine rather than a long-arm.  This is the final blocking after the binding and second washing.  It is 100" x 75"

I tried to carry on the mid century vibe in the quilting.

I was not so happy with the outcome with variegated thread.  Which happens every time I use it.  It wasn't SOOO bad, but after this section, I used it only on the bobbin.

A little context on size.  (And yes, I think my cat looks a wee bit stoned)

The texture turned out well, but still variable enough from keeping things from laying completely flat.

Because I am counting on shrinkage as part of the texture, I do not pre-wash my fabrics.  Which means that I am a huge fan of Color Catchers.   The ones on the right were from the first wash.  I was expecting a lot of color as I'd used the brown, purple and pink markers for the quilting.   I trimmed up the quilt after the first wash before binding.  I was rather surprised at how much blue came out in the second washing.  The only added fabric was about a yard of batik for binding.

And for those who don't know... Here's my Big Ass Cat 1 based on the Charley Harper design

Wilson 1936

I have a new addition to my house.  A 1936 Wilson treadle machine.  

My buddy Boomer is a retired mechanic.  And he has discovered a new gift as an old Sewing Machine Whisperer.  He turns dusty relics into functioning machines.

This gorgeous machine was given to him by our mutual friend Joe.  

It now works as good as it looks.  He had to scavenge parts from a Singer 15-91.

As soon as I finish the giant cat quilt (almost there), and a piecing project I started on the 1955 Singer 15-91 I bought from him, I'll start learning on the treadle by making a thank you gift.

Still Quilting

The center quilting is finished

I used different patterns in this section to add more interest.

I spent most of last weekend hand quilting the cat's face.  I'll go back and do some machine quilting on the eyes.  

I may leave the nose unquilted.  And I really love the face texture.

My goal for today is the fish and background on the right side.