Play--The Finish--post 3

To quilt this piece, I first stitched in the ditch in, as Cindy Needham says, "Every Stinkin' Seam!" I used a monofilament thread in the needle and a navy 50 weight thread in the bobbin. As I stitched in the ditch, I thought about the quilting I have seen on Modern quilts. There often aren't leaves, stipples or tiny hearts. There are lines. Often the lines are repeated evenly across the quilt. Some lines are straight. Some lines are curved. Sometimes there are grids and sometimes, there are bubbles. Often there are ghost blocks like nine patches, flying geese and triangles.

Getting ready to stitch bubbles

Bubbles seemed like the place to begin. I used a template from Westalee Design Starter Set that Sew Steady distributes. I liked the openness of the design. I used a light grey 50 weight cotton thread. In between the bubbles I added a few curved bumps. 

Completed bubbles

I'm coming clean here, there are even a few curved filler motifs, The variety gives the eye something to view. It was a challenge to not stitch more filler designs!

Free hand pebbles

I moved on to quilt another grey section. I like to make as few thread changes as possible so I'll often stitch with one color thread as long as I can. This time, I chose to free hand quilt large pebbles. The pebbles are a little more dense than the bubbles. I did leave a quarter inch of space around the blue X so the pebbles had a border. I also stitched down the center of the skinny grey strips I had pieced in the project.

Blue X shapes

As I had finished the blue X area quilting, I had "X" on my brain. Actually, my inner squirrel, Gertie, wanted to quilt X's. She liked them in the previous modern quilt that I finiahed. I decided to use a blue polyester 40 weight thread to quilt several large X shapes in the pumpkin shaded fabric of the lower left quadrant. So the stitching stood out more, I stitched over the lines four times. No ideas were coming to mind, as to how to fill in the space around the X. When that happens, I move to another space. Often an idea or two will come to me when I'm stitching in another space. I did use a template ruler to help me make the lines appear straight.

More blue Xs

Once completed, I looked at the piece to see where I could repeat the shape, but, on a smaller scale. I settled on a pumpkin curve in the upper left quadrant. I did chalk the Xs as a way to audition my idea and to evenly disperse the motif across the area.

Stitching a grid

There were more areas to use the blue thread; but, I was out of ideas. I switched to a dark green thread and stitched a grid in the upper and lower right quadrants.

Stitching another style of X

There were some other areas in upper left quadrant that I stitched an X and then echoed the design. 

Stitching a motif on the triangle bands

I also stitched a simple shape in the dark green triangles. I echoed this shape and stitched ghost triangles into the remaining area of the curved areas.I started with the light grey band and later, I switched to the grey thread and stitched triangles in the dark green bands. Again, chalking the line allowed me to audition the shape.

Straight line quilting

Using a couple shades darker orange thread than the fabric, I moved on to quilting the lighter orange areas. I decided to quilt straight lines as often as possible. I decided that I would use straight lines to outline the blue Xs that I had stitched earlier. I decided to keep the spacing the same; but, orient the lines in different directions. Changing the line orientation gives the eye some interest.

Another area of grid quilting

Then, I decided to move on to the blue section and create another grid in that area. I used a one inch grid on the diagonal. I wanted to stitch water in the other large blue area; but, I thought it would be better to add some stitches to the lime green areas first. I've found if I distribute the quilting as I work on the piece I have less of a chance of having to ease fullness later.

Stitching flying geese and a few curves

Using the triangle shape as inspiration, stitched triangles in the green band. I was careful to stitch the shapes in the same direction so I had a sort of flying geese effect. I measured inch and a half segments and marked each segmentwith chalk. I eyeballed an chalked a line in the center of the green. From there I used a ruler template to stitch the geese.

I also switched thread and stitched a curved shape into a light orange section of the quilt. I spaced the curves apart to give the area an airier feel. While the orange thread was in the machine I stitched a few flying geese in another section. I now had geese in three of the four quadrants.

Adding a few flying geese in the orange.

In the phot above, you a see my audition of some curved lines around the dark green triangles. 

View of the various textures

I did stitch the water. I used gently curved lines. I sewed about a quarter of the lines with the polyester thread and the remaining lines with a cotton thread that read the color of the fabric. In this piece, most of the time, I chose thread that matched the fabric. My goal with the quilting was to add texture. 

Stitched some ghost triangles in blue 
polyester thread

With each piece I stitch, I hope the initial design will catch your eye from across the room and you will want to view the piece more closely. I hope the quilting will keep your eye busy so that you will stay a while!

A section of the quilting motifs

It took me days to quilt this small piece. I contemplated what I'd like to stitch. Then I'd stitch it. Sometimes, I wasn't able to capture "the look" I had in my head or the stitching was too wobbly. In those cases, I spent some time unstitching. For the amount of thread in this piece, the unstitching was minimal.

View of the "water" lines

I added a few more lines in the green arcs. This time, I curved the lines slightly.

Adding a few more lines in the green arcs

When I found myself in an area that needed something, I often added large pebbles.

Transitions between motifs and shapes

When I became stuck with what to insert in one of the green arcs, I decided to add some petal shapes with pebbles in the background.

Adding some petal shapes

When I became stuck with the large lime green space, I followed Cindy's advice of dividing the space into a smaller unit. I eye balled some triangles that I filled in with a pattern and surrounded with pebbles.

My favorite section of the quilting

On I went, stitching shapes into each section. I did make an effort to relate the quilting to another part of the project. I also made an effort to tweak the quilting so it was similar; but not a match. I made the shapes smaller or larger. I changed thread colors. I moved the lines into a different arrangement. Sometimes, I used curved lines.

Added Xs in the cream fabric

I spent a little time in a light orange section and stitched a section of match sticks.

Did a little match stick quilting

I had fun quilting this project. I used a few ruler templates--12 inch arc; four inch arc and two inch circle from Westalee Designs.

Most of the thread used

While I am pleased with the final quilting, I am now wondering if I achieved the modern vibe.

Blocking in process.

I did need to block the quilt. Once it was dry, I squared the edges and readied it for a facing.

Back

With the leftover backing, I could have either used the remainder for the sleeve or for the facing. There wasn't enough for both. I decided I would use the remaining backing for the sleeve. I picked out a red solid for the facing.

Label

I used a leader/ender block I made during the process as the label. I estimate I used 3.75 yards of fabric from stash. To date, I've used four yards of fabric from stash. Total fabric purchased since my February fabric ban is 16 yards. I need to continue with the finishes to be able to count the fabric I've been using from my stash! This project finished at 37 inches wide by 34 inches high.

Front

Finishing this project was goal number 12 on my July list. If you missed the previous two posts on this subject, the links are: Post 1; Post 2 It is my entry for the small group modern challenge which was to take a traditional block and modernize it. It is also my entry for the book, "Prayers for Sale" by Sandra Dallas.

I'm linking to: Carol at To Do Tuesday; Alycia at Finished or Not Friday and Frédérique at Patchwork and Quilting.

Indigo Way--It's a Top--post 7

 Goal number six on my July list was to work on the border for Indigo Way. I took a few deep breaths and trimmed the edges of the center to be able to add the two narrow borders. Once I trimmed the center, I did take a "victory lap" as Bonnie calls it to stabilize the bias edges. I stitched one eighth inch away from the edge.

I did reclaim the leftover triangles. I'll use these somehow in a future project. I also reclaimed 2 1/2 inch strips. Those will end up in a string project.

Skinny borders

I cut the neutral strips and added them to the edge. I also cut the dark blue strip and added it to the edge.

Strip pinned for stitching

Then it was time to piece the segments from clue six into four strips and make the corners. I did quite a bit of unsewing/resewing to achieve good centers and clean points.  

Strip pinned to border

To reduce the bulk, I pressed the seam allowances open. Miraculously, the strips fit the skinny borders! It is now a TOP! Next month, I'll figure out the pieced back, cut the batting and get it to the quilter. 

Finished top

Linking to: Alycia at Finished or Not Friday; Frédérique at Patchwork and Quilting; Cynthia at Oh Scrap.

Rainbow Scrap Challenge Squares in Aqua

Some aqua selvages

Goal number nine on my July list was to make the squares in the Rainbow Scrap Challenge color of the month which is aqua. 

A few more aqua selvages

I pulled my aqua selvages--there were more than I remembered. I selected enough to make four sets of four squares.

Four sets of completed squares

Laying out the selvages always takes time. I glue baste them, press them and then stitch next to the selvage edge. This time, I noted how long it took me from selecting the selvages to stitching the edges. It took me about two hours.

Linking to Angela at So Scrappy.

  

The Farm Quilt--A Finish!--post 7

Separating the layers to process the scraps

Goal number five on my July list was to process the scraps from making The Farm quilt. I patiently use Jack, my seam ripper, to remove any stitching in the trimmed pieces. I layout the batting and stitch the pieces together. I generally butt the edges together and zig zag the edges together. I'll use this "pieced" batting in small projects. Sometimes, the pieced sections end up large enough to be used in larger projects. 

Batting pieced for the next project 

Jack also helps me remove the stitches from any pieced fabrics used in the quilt front and/or back.  I cut the pieces into useable segments and put them in their prospective baggies. I file according to size and color. I save scraps that are at least three quarters of an inch wide by two and a half inches tall to five inch strips.

Strings, 1 1/2", 2 1/2", 3 1/2" and 5" strips

Goal number four on my July list was to document the finish of The Farm quilt.  In my previous post regarding this subject, I had finished quilting the top. I figure it took me about 84 hours to quilt, bind, label and add the sleeve. I will be gifting it to my granddaughter late fall or late winter.

View of the back and front

It feels great to have finished this project! My granddaughter loves animals. She will appreciate the cats on this label!

Label

If you want the history on this project, the previous posts are: The Farm Quilt and Update-- Post 6; Farm Quilting Progress--post 5; Farm Quilt Progress--post 4; Churn Dash Is A Top and There Is A Pieced Back--post 3; Churn Dash Quilt Progress--post 2; Grand Kid Visit-Churn Dash Quilt--post 1. May 16, 2021 or post one was our initial post about this project. 

Finished front

I used 10 3/4 yards of fabrics from my stash. This makes a total of 1 1/4 yards of fabrics used since the beginning of the year. Fabric purchased since my self imposed hopping ban in February is at 16 yards. I need to continue quilting to end up with more finishes!

I'm linking to Alycia at Finished or Not Friday, Frédérique at Patchwork and Quilting and Cynthia at Oh Scrap.

Cataract Surgery and Embroidery Software Lesson

Leaf design for a jacket front

July 1, I had cataract surgery on my right eye. Of all the surgeries I have had, this was the one I was concerned about having. Eyesight is such a necessary part of life!

Christmas tree with berries

We left home at 9am and didn't return until after 4:30pm. There was a general delay because a surgery or two went over the 15 minute mark. I was okay with the extra wait. If my eye needed a little extra attention, I'd want the surgeon to take the time to attend to the issue. After waiting an hour and a half for the surgery--the paperwork says to plan on two hours, I had a chat with my husband. He, of course, thought I was finished, so taking the time to let him know is I was still in the queue was good.  If I hadn't been out at two hours and five minutes, he would have been asking what was happening!

Watermelon for a placemat

A few minutes after I had returned to the waiting area, the surgeon moved through the area checking everyone's eye. She made a notation on a piece of tape on each of our foreheads. From there, we each met the anesthesiologist. I chose to have my eye deadened as I couldn't imagine holding my eye still while the surgeon removed the cataract and replaced the lens. The deadening process was painful. Not kidney stone painful; but, close. The needle insertion wasn't bad. It was the contents of the plunger going into my eye that hurt. The anesthesiologist said the worst pain was over and she was right. Getting our eyes ready for the surgeon happened about 15 minutes before the surgeon was ready for each of us.

I learned that it was a slow day with 29 surgeries. I can't imagine doing the same surgery 29 times in a day, let alone doing it day after day! Twenty-nine seemed like a full day to me! The surgeon operated out of two rooms. When she was in one room, staff were cleaning and prepping the other room for the next patient. The staff stayed with their assigned room. 

Flower with filler stitches  

When the room was ready, they brought in the patient to get ready for the surgeon. The surgeon entered. She put on fresh gloves,  gown and mask.  There were at least two other staff in the room. 

The surgeon doesn't say much. The staff must be used to her terms and approach. A nod, a word is all they need from her for them to retired the object that she requested. I found the position my head needed to be in was painful after about 15 minutes. I developed quite a headache before the surgery ended. I think the positioning aggravated the previous car accident injuries of my neck/spine. When she removed the cataract, I was amazed at how bright the light seemed. 

Flower stitched as a postcard

She took quite a bit of time in the removal. There were some actual conversations when it came time to place the lens. She placed it several times. Every time there was movement, it made me feel queasy. No way would I have imagined I'd be wanting to vomit during this surgery! I barely made it. Once she had positioned the lens to her satisfaction, the nausea stopped.

She said that when she lifted the last corner of the cataract from the sac or the lens capsule, the sac tore. She wasn't able to insert the lens into the capsule as she normally does. Instead, my lens capsule created a "hammock" for my new lens. My session lasted about 20 minutes plus the 10-15 minutes of prep time.

Because of the tear, I "got" to return three hours later to have my eye rechecked. The surgeon was concerned about my eye pressure and the stability of the lens. Both were good. Trying to use my eye was another story. I was seeing double; the view was also "slanted," The effect it had on me was . . .nausea. I had no idea my eye could cause me nausea! 

Staff taped my eye closed to give it more time to "wake up." Several hours later, the double vision and odd angle views were in my past. Looking with that eye was amazing. I couldn't believe how bright the sky and grass were. I looked at our dog and was shocked at how iridescent white she was! 

The day after appointment went well. I was told the lens was perfectly centered and that my eye was "still waking up" from surgery. The pupil was still a bit dilated. 

I was scheduled to have surgery on my left eye a week later; but, I came down with COVID and have spent the last ten days laying in bed. I'm on the mend. I tested negative yesterday. Thankfully, my husband has remained COVID free. I'm glad as this is a nasty bug.

I was able to reschedule surgery on my left eye at the end of the month. I hope every aspect of the next surgery is boring! Writing about my surgery was goal number 11 on my July list.

Goal number one on my July list was to finish the June software lesson. I did complete the lesson and the challenge. I liked learning about different options to automatically digitize a drawing for embroidery. I didn't stitch the January lesson. Perhaps, I can do that next month when I'm not recovering from COVID!

Indigo Way from my group

Blog reader Nancy wrote a comment that she would like to see the quilts/projects that the group made during the Bonnie Hunter Indigo Way mystery that ran from October 2023-January 2024. There were about 32 people from my guild who participated. Fifteen people sent me photos of their progress.

First top--Anne

Second top--Anne

Anne stitched two tops that she donated to the Liberty Belles which is a small group that makes and donates quilts to veterans in the Vancouver, Washington area. She chose not to make the triangles that Bonnie used in her final border.

Kinda Sorta Bonnie Hunter

Pat made fewer blocks and in her own color way. She called it Kinda Sorta Bonnie Hunter and she donated her top to Linus. A kid will love this as a finished quilt!

First top--Duane

Second top--Duane

Third top--Daune

Daune made three tops that she donated to the Clark County Quilters Comfort Quilt group. She used fabrics that she had on hand. It is fun to find Bonnie's clues in a different arrangement!

Close up of Jeff's center

Almost each Friday night since the mystery project began, Jeff joined the guild Sit and Sew group to work on his project. This past week, his plan was to spend more time on the project to make more progress toward the finish line. 

He ran out of the dark red fabric and was concerned the red he found was too bright. Now, however, he likes the sparkle it gives the project. He is a beginner quilter and was concerned about his points!

Jeff's layout with more blocks to stitch

Friday, he shared that he had completed all the "B" blocks and half blocks. Then he shared a photo his layout which looks great. 

He has even begun sewing rows together! He shared a photo of his points. . .all intact!

Corrie's clues ready for assembly

Corrie completed all the clues and is working on assembling the parts.

Eileen's blue fabrics from her stash

A sampling of Eileen's red fabrics

One more view of Eileen's blue fabrics

Eileen combed her stash for all of her fabrics. Her son became ill during the project. Unfortunately, she lost him. She is beginning to pull out this project again to work on it.

Linda might make an alternate layout

Then again, Linda might do what Bonnie did

Linda is considering to make an alternate layout; but, then again, she might end up choosing the layout that Bonnie gave us. 

Kathy's project quilted and ready for binding

Kathy has a finish. She has made a number of Bonnie quilts and said she used fabrics from past projects in this mystery.

Sharleen's beginning

From the beginning, Sharleen planned to use cheddar instead of the red in her project. She had some indigo fabrics in her stash but, collected a few more.

Alvera's combination of Judy and Bonnie

From the beginning, Alvera planned to fold the parts of Bonnie's mystery around a center she had made earlier that was a Judy Niemeyer pattern. The "center" was the size of a wall hanging which wasn't useable for Alvera. She chose her fabrics based on the fabrics she used in the center. It grew large enough to fit beautifully on a king size bed.

Sue's top with polka dot border

This was the first mystery that Sue had participated. She had the polka dot fabric in her stash. She was glad that for her first time, she was glad she went with half of the blocks.

Sharon's first mystery top results

Sharon appreciated the different methods of creating the units. She gained so much knowledge in organization and persistence!

Nancy's fabric pull from stash

Nancy's progress on the clues

Nancy continues to make progress on her project too. She said it was hard to pull so many fabrics together to begin the project.

Terry's center

Terry--Me, the writer of this post. . .I'm planning to make progress on this project this month. I have the center pieced.

First top--Shannon

Second top--Shannon

Third top--Shannon

Shannon completed three tops. The top one she plans to finish for herself and the other two she plans to gift. 

There will be a class for people to enter their finished quilts in the quilt show next spring. I shared many times with the group that while I had a goal of getting this one finished before the next mystery started, if I didn't, I'd still keep it where I could see it so I could continue working on it. 

In the end, people learned something while participating. They liked that it is still okay that they are working on their project even though the mystery ended in January. I'm linking to Alycia at Finished Friday or Not; Frédérique at Patchwork and Quilting and Cynthia at Oh Scrap.

Documenting my group's progress was goal number 14 on my July list.