Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Wednesday's progress - new projects, old projects.

More hand quilting

This is my first attempt at hand quilting. After doing the first two stars on Sunday night, I asked my internet friends, via Flickr, for encouragement. And encouragement came - loads of it, so I carried on. Now I have 5 stars outlined, this is four of them.  I am learning to embrace the large and uneven stitches as folksy organic (I am editing this and am going with Marg's expertise on this - see her comment) and adding texture and colour. Fine needlework, this is not, I need a lot of practice.

Christmas Stars - finishing last year's project

Here is the entire Christmas Wonky Star quilt. I made this top last year about this time, sandwiched it and put it away. I hope to get it finished in time for some holiday TV and movie watching. So, it is an old project, but feels new again.

And then there were 9

You might remember the blocks I did for the 5 x 4 Bee this fall. Well, I am not done with the funky butterfly version of the drunkards path block. My blocks were inspired by Megan, at Canoe Ridge Creations' tutorial.

I think I will make 12 or 16 blocks and then sash them with larger white strips so the butterflies float. This fabric is Terrain by Kate Spain. This photograph does not do the colours justice. I promise to take the next project photograph in the daylight, but it is dark here a lot of the time now.

A new project - I bought a pattern

And these are just for fun. I purchased a pattern called Summer's Blush from Bloom (you should click through to see her version, the name is perfect for her fabrics) because I loved the bold geometric block. The sashing will add another light square so that there will be a nine patch at each corner. The fabric I am using is a layercake of Reunion by Sweetwater that just appeared at my LQS a month ago (the fabric is not out yet).

So there is a story to these blocks. First, they are a joy to put together, almost no tricky seams and the pattern is easy to follow.

But, I prewash every fabric I can and so I threw the layercake in the washer and dryer. Well, it shrunk, as all fabric does. After the wash the pieces were 9.25" x 9.5" instead of 10" x 10". This pattern  cleverly uses the 10" x 10" layercake very effectively so I did not have big enough layercake fabric pieces anymore. I have adapted the size of each pattern piece, so my blocks are not quite the same as the pattern, but they are still good, I think.

I still have to decide if I am sewing anything for people for Christmas and if so, get moving on that. Also, it is time to start knitting some hats to give away.

And I am happy to report that the ROYGBIV quilt has reached Claire and she was immediately all wrapped up in it - clearly a success!

Lee at Freshly Pieced has taken a well earned break from WIP Wednesday for the month, so no link there but I am linking to my Canadian friends. I hope you have time to give them a visit, they are a talented group.

Best,

Leanne

24 comments:

Manda said...

Wow leanne your projects are always so beautiful! Love the christmas quilt the hand quilting looks fab! And the terrain blocks/reunion blocks are looking great!

Marci Girl said...

Love everything, especially all that hand stitching, it is beautiful! Also love those butterfly blocks, I think I'm going to have to make some like that one day too!

www.randomthoughtsdoordi.com said...

I think you are doing a wonderful job quilting the stars quilt. I find hand quilting very relaxing, but it takes forever!

Annaliese said...

I just spent 5 minutes oohing and ahhing at your terrain butterflies. I love terrain to begin with, but that block is absolutely perfect for them! It showcases them beautifully! i adore the separation into color families! Seriously excited to see your progress on that one!!

Annaliese said...

oh my gosh, i got so wrapped up in the terrain excitement I forgot i wanted to tell you that the handstitching on the stars is wonderful as wel. I just tried something similar for the first time (http://thepewteracorn.blogspot.com/2011/12/oh-happy-day.html) and had fun with it. I know what you mean about them being big and chunky for a first go - but i hear with practise we can get better :)

Megan said...

awww, bummer about the layer cake shrinking! Those blocks still looks beautiful, though!! Good luck on any Christmas crafting you decide to do!

Heather D. said...

Wow, I love all of your projects! Those butterfly drunkard's path blocks are awesome. Also glad to hear that the rainbow quilt has been received, and is already being loved.

Marg said...

Your quilting stitches look great, its going to be beautiful when it's finished and the stitching will add a lovely detail. I dont think they look at all folksy. If you really want to describe it I would choose to use the word organic rather than folksy it sounds so much better.
I love the butterfly blocks, the way you have used the colours is perfect.
The new blocks are really lovely also. I'm going to check out the pattern as I have a couple of layer cakes in my stash I would like to use up. I never pre wash my pre cuts.

The Thompsons said...

I think you're stitching looks great - good for you for keep going! Everything is looking good -seriously.

Marjorie's Busy Corner said...

Your quilts look beautiful...have fun with the hand quilting. I love your butterfly version of the drunkards path...lovely colours.I have nothing on the go right now; after New Year I'll be back at it.

Sarah said...

So many fabulous projects! I really love your butterflies, and I'm loving the reunion line too, looks great in these blocks. I cant believe you'd prewash a layercake though! Oooh I could not do that, I hated prewashing Fat Quarters... lol

Canadian Abroad said...

I am sitting here scrolling back and forth because I can't decide which blocks I like the best. Which must mean I love them all and am putting them into my mental I want to try some of those file!

Teje Karjalainen said...

Hi! Your projects are really wonderful! I have been thinking today about making new wall quilt after the Christmas and I think I shall try funky butterflies! Thank you for inspiration! x Teje

Susan said...

Everything looks great! I tend to use the word organic for my machine straight lining quilting because I am new to that!! Your butterfly blocks are really pretty- like a Spring garden!

Svetlana said...

Oh, Leanne, the wonky star quilt is just fabulous!!! LOVE IT soooo much!

Dianne Neale said...

I just love those butterfly blocks. Great idea.

Annabella said...

Kudos on the hand quilting (I used to always hand quilt and haven`t for ages) and love your new old project. Also love those butterfly blocks and will have to try some of those. All good Leanne, all good!!

Linz said...

Those starts are amazing!! The stitching looks great!!

All of those blocks are wonderful!! Way to go!

Debbie said...

Love your hand-stitching! Doesn't the word 'organic' just give you some welcome freedom? I know it does me!! Soooo sorry you didn't know not to wash those precuts....bummer.

M-R Charbonneau said...

Great projects, Leanne! Your stitching for the wonky stars blocks works perfectly for that quilt. Looking forward to seeing the finished quilt.

Toni said...

Leanne, your projects always amaze me! I love the stars and the stitching is a fabulous detail. Honestly, I was so relieved to read that you started on this last year as I was beginning to wonder how on earth you get so much done!

Ellen said...

Gorgeous projects - love the butterflies! I think your handquilting is just fine - it really looks great.

Peggy said...

They're all so beautiful! Those butterflies are a great way to do Drunkard's Path1 And love those wonky stars. It is a little frustrating to 'lose' fabric size because of pre-washing, but looks like you managed that very well!

Krista Schneider said...

Omigosh how did I miss this?! Love love love the butterfly DP blocks, they look amazing!