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.

Progress on House Blocks

9/8 A starting point of the blocks 

Goal number ten on my September list was to work on the top for my next book club quilt. I'm using house blocks that my friend Martha had in her stash. The reveal is at the end of the month. I am so behind in the quilting part of the process; but, I thought I might be able to make the top by the end of the month. 

Turning the blocks on point into squares evening of 9/8

Inspiration behind this project is the book, "Strangers in the Night" by Pat Rushford. The main character in the book is contemplating purchasing an abandoned town and turning it into an artist colony. There is a murder, several secrets and a love interest. It was a fun read. 

Playing with the layout. Adding more "parts" morning 9/10

Cynthia Brunz from Quilting Is More Fun Than Housework, spoke at the Mt. Hood Quilt Guild on September 7. Her lecture inspired me to make more of an effort to use my strips and squares that I've cut from the leftovers as I've finished projects. 

Close up of the string piecing mid day 9/10

Finally, Alvera from Project Linus shared a challenge she gave the volunteers. She gave them some orphan blocks and asked participants to make a quilt using the Wanderer's Wife quilt by Jen Kingwell as inspiration for the layout. I pulled "parts" or leftover blocks from the parts department. I auditioned these parts next to some of the house blocks. Martha loved purple. The purple pinwheels are bonus blocks made around 2000. I decided using the parts was better than storing them!

Progress by the end of the day 9/10

Members of one of my small groups made the house blocks for Martha, when she turned 70 in 2013. Five of the twelve blocks contain the maker's name. I shared the blocks at our monthly Zoom quilt day; but, no one remembered if they had contributed blocks or not! No two blocks measured the same size. There was no color parameters either. All Martha requested was that the house be wonky!

Progress beginning 9/11

I started with turning the blocks on point into squares. Next, I concentrated on building the left side of the top. Each day I spent on the project, I tried to at least take one photo of my progress each day. Some days, I took more photos!

Progress at the end of 9/11

I found it helpful to lay the strips in place and to stand back to view the values and contrast. Sometimes, I moved blocks into different areas on the design board. Sometimes, I didn't have quite enough fabric to use in the space I needed to fill. I either chose a different fabric or I changed the size of the space. 

Completing the second "column" 9/15

It's been enjoyable putting these blocks together. Martha would be happy with me finishing her blocks. She would be applauding me for all the scraps I have used. She also would be laughing because when we sewed together, I lacked the skills and the confidence to use scraps. The more I do it, the easier it becomes.

Progress at the end of 9/16

Perhaps, by the end of today, I'll be closer to a finished top! Linking up to Oh Scrap!

Sleepover Number One

Putting the finishing touches on the blueberry pie

Miss J arrived for an overnight or sleepover. This was part one of goal number two on my August list. At nine, we are already at a time in her life where her schedule is full with activities. To have her for uninterrupted time is a treasure. She gets to plan the majority of our activities and menus. 

Adding ice water to the hummus

Dinner request Sunday evening was Papa's spaghetti. He makes a great sauce augmented from canned spaghetti sauce from the market and provides sausage as the meat. He pairs the sauce with lots of pasta. He has the kid palette down! Plus, there are leftovers which is real bonus when it comes to lunch the following day!

Finished hummus (photo Miss J)

I asked for design help. Miss J has a terrific eye for color and shape. She has a particular idea about how particular pieces interact and she has a wonderful sense of color. We made a plan for the following day which would begin with sourdough pancakes and bacon. We had planned to visit the sew day with my Mystery Maven group; even though we were packed and ready to go, we didn't.

Doodling more square in a square designs

My wallet had been stolen the previous day while I was teaching a course, The time it took to cancel a credit card, to order replacement health cards, to order a replacement driving license was about three hours. Then, I spent some time updating all the automatic pay accounts that were associated with the credit card. 

Miss J's doodle of square in a square

My husband, took the lead on the credit card. It was a Chase credit card. He had to go in person to request a new card and had he not had a power of attorney, he wouldn't have been able to replace my card because I had to be present to request a new card. Goodness. . .times and rules change!

Miss J's drawing of a larger size of her doodle

Replacing the key fob for the car was the most expensive. Again, my husband took on this replacement. He called the car dealership and made an appointment for the replacement. He was quoted an hour to wait for the programming; but, it took closer to two hours. While the wallet experience was painful, no one was injured. It will take about a month for the various replacement cards to arrive in my post office box. 

More square in a square doodles

While I'm sorry that I didn't get to introduce Miss J to my small group, my creative juices were shot. We decided a short walk with the dog and lunch would be our next steps. After lunch, she helped me with my square in a square challenge. Playing with more layouts was goal number six on my August list.

Drawing a larger size of a doodle

She looked at my doodles. She drew a couple doodles to add to my pile. I was stuck coming up with a design; but, seeing her take on the challenge had me augmenting a previous design. Actually, I drew in quilting lines. While I liked the "new" take on the design, the design wasn't the "one." She asked me questions about the challenge. I said I wanted to try a modern design. She didn't know what a modern design was, so we looked at examples on Pinterest.

Auditioning a red center

Miss J suggested I blow up a doodle that I thought had potential and to color it in. I did. As I worked, I felt like this design could be the one. When I finished, she gave me the affirmative. I thought that perhaps, the yellow was too strong. She suggested I switch the block to red. I liked that option. This is the design that I plan to make into a top. As of publishing this post, I'm undecided on the color of the center square. Playing with layouts for the challenge was goal number six on my August list. With Miss J's help, I exceeded that goal!

Miss j and her inchies

We had Papa burgers and tater tots for dinner. Earlier in the day, we made a fresh blueberry pie. This recipe has you place fresh berries in a baked pie shell. You cover the berries with a mixture of sugar, mashed berries, water and cornstarch that has boiled for a minute and cooled. Last, you place a few fresh berries on top of the mixture. The whole pie is refrigerated and is ready to eat in about three hours. It tasted great!

My inchies

We also made hummus so we had a "dip" for our vegetables. My hummus recipe makes a large batch so we split it so she could take some home!

Inchies I created this week

After dinner, we made our plan for the following day and I told a few bedtime stories. She likes to hear mama and auntie stories! The next morning, we made blueberry muffins and then played a bit with the inchie challenge that Rachel at Mindful Art Studio is doing for the next week. She supplies a prompt each day and you draw what comes to mind on a two inch square piece of watercolor paper.

 

House block layout with some "parts"

Rachel's prompts were frothy and woven. We made a second of those prompts. Then Miss J suggested that we each choose a prompt. She chose vibrate and I chose lace. After we drew, we added color with watercolor paints. Miss J was interested in continuing with the challenge. Each day I have forwarded the e-mail with the prompt to her mama. I have seen what she drew. I wish I had a photo as she interpreted each prompt in an interesting way. We both said that we will likely add some color to our examples. 

For a long time, I tried to draw a few minutes each day. For the last several years, I haven't. I've missed the play. Perhaps, I'll figure out how to add it back into my routine.

Auditioning fabrics for sashing/coping strips

After we drew, she helped me with layout options with my friend Martha's house blocks. The inspiration for using these blocks came from reading the book, "Strangers in the Night" by Pat Rushford. Pat is a member of our Thread Tales book club, the leader of the book choice this month and the author! I so enjoyed listening to Pat talk about how she developed the characters as well as telling the group about her writing journey. 

In the book, one of the characters is deciding to buy a property that used to be a town. The character is considering turning the site into an artist's colony. I thought of my friend Martha's blocks. When she turned 70, she asked our small group, WIPs (Works In Progress), to make her a house block. That was 2013! After she died, my friend, Pat, thought that she would make a quilt from the blocks; but, decided it was not a project she wanted to prioritize. She gave the blocks to me. Coming up with a design/layout was goal number seven on my August list.

Backing and binding fabrics
for Positively Grows

Finally, she helped me pick backing fabrics for the Positively Grows quilt which was goal number eight on my August list. I like the choices we made. Having Miss J say yay or nay to various options was great. It was also a quick process! I had a fabulous time and I hope she did too. All too soon our time together was over and she was off to soccer practice with her mom. I'm already looking forward to our next sleepover!!!

The fabrics shown in this post are either scraps or stash. I'm linking to Cynthia at Oh Scrap/Quilting Is More Fun Than Housework. Pour yourself a cuppa and see what other people are making out of their scraps!