Shop Hop & Free Motion Quilting

 I really do not like to shop, but I admit I have found lots of fun and enjoyment hopping around all the local quilt shops, collecting their stamps, patterns, charm squares, and entering a chance to win prizes! I went to all 12 shops this year on the Charming Quilt Shop Tour and did not win a thing! Can you say, "BUMMER!"? I did rack up some points on my waze travel app though, as well as add to my bulging stash (not such a good thing)!  I also get 10% off purchases at all 12 shops for the next year when I bring in my bag. Nice!

 


Another adventure I've been on has been by enrolling in the Leah Day, Butterfly Dance, Free-Motion Quilting Class using my domestic sewing machine. This is one of the those classes that has become a real game changer. It has opened so many new possibilities to take this craft to the next level. Practice! Practice! Practice! has become my mantra as I build skill, confidence, and speed. I never imagined I would be attempting this endeavor on my sewing machine no less!


I have made up several of these "quilt sandwiches" to practice on. Picking up a quilted mattress pad at a local garage sale recently gave me the idea to chop it up for practice sandwiches. Now there are plenty of these to work on without fretting over using what seems like wasting the good and pricey batting. Any suggestions on what to do with these blocks when finished? Insulate the attic maybe? 


I used a different motif instead of the butterfly pattern Leah uses. Because I quickly lost interest in this year's row by row experience, I had accumulated a bit of fabric from this year's theme - water, and decided to use up those fabrics on this project. Actually I did not want to start another project but since I already had these fabrics... The umbrellas were enlarged from a pattern I bought at Just Quilt It, a participating Quilt Shop from the Row by Row Experience. Don't they fit perfectly with this theme? Hopefully it will be the drive that will see me through to completion...for another finish....like in the spring of 2016! I guess that is the downside to taking classes - they generate new projects.


I think I have begun as many NEW projects as I have finished this year! Although they are all fairly simple designs, the time does add up. I must sit on my hands when Bonnie Hunter's new mystery comes out this holiday season! What keeps you on track and focused to finish?

Another machine quilting site I found helpful is the Inbox Jaunt by Lori Kennedy. Her button is also on the right. She has tutorials, patterns, and challenges! See you there!

Q3 FAL Finishes 2

It's still time to report to the Finish Along with Adrianne at On the Windy Side with high hopes to snag a win! 


This is a small finish but counts as another to be ticked off my list titled FAL Q3 Quilting Goals. 

This blue table-runner was hand-quilted in the evenings - something I love to do. Handwork is so relaxing. I could have done more but I want to move on toward more finishes. 







It was previously pictured on my post, FAL Q3 Quilting Goals, in July. I removed the corner triangles and left the ends pointed. I like it better this way.

I could imagine making more of these. Not necessarily this pattern but more "Skinny Quilts". Table runners can be fast projects and they are perfect for practicing piecing skills and innovative designs that do not take up a big investment of time and materials.

I've even begun to think about my goals for 2016. It is time to pull to the top of the list at least ONE heirloom quality item that I really dream of completing. You know, one from the bucket list! THE ONE quilt that shows my best work and the one my children will fight over. (But I want to make more than one so they don't have to fight over such silly things! - It's just all stuff, you know?)

If you'd like to read more about prioritizing your goals, check out Lori Kennedy's Quilt Notebook Series at The Inbox Jaunt.  It is time for me to rethink my priorities.

When it comes to quilting, our most limited resource is TIME…

Q3 Finishes

It's time to report to the Finish Along with Adrianne at On the Windy Side with high hopes to snag a win! Many quilters participate in this Finish Along and it is fun to visit their posts for motivation and inspiration. 

I listed 8 items I hoped to have completed in my July post titled FAL Q3 Quilting Goals. Two are complete finishes and a few others are very close and will definitely make the list next time.

Syncopation Quilt was another attempt at using up the juvenile fabrics on my shelf. This is the second quilt (of three) using these fabrics and there's still not much progress in shrinking that pile! This quilt top began using a pattern but I ventured off on my own using various combinations and sets. It is kind of a "planned" orphan block quilt. 



I love these funny and charming prints. I never tire of working with them and I hope they entertain my grandson at bedtime when he is winding down his day. 

There are alligators, and fish, and trucks, and snakes, and monkeys just to name a few of the wonders and adventures of little boys.

It was not machine quilted by me but I chose the pattern, "Bubbles" and picked a variegated thread of primary colors to bring the pattern forward for visual appeal. 

And of course it would not be complete without the special label along with a Scripture verse that I pray will always  carry him throughout his life.



So now I can tick off #4 on my Q3 Finish Along List