Chinaberry Grove

Beautiful Storm at Sea Using SNS Ruler

2012-02-22T11:27:00.000-08:00

A little while back I taught a class at Kiwiquilts in Powder Springs, GA in which we used the SNS (Square in a Square) ruler to create fast, georgeous storm at sea blocks. Look what a fabulous job Geralynn did on her project! She has a great design sense and excellent quilting skills. Can't wait to see more from her.

Works in Progress

2012-02-19T10:27:00.001-08:00

I hate to say works but I just can't seem to stop starting more projects than I finish. Here are a few play blocks and a finished Love Letters and a half-finished Love Letter.

Etchings Love Letters - 2 More on the Wall

2012-01-30T06:53:00.000-08:00

It's time to focus on finishing the Love Letters quilt. I'm headed toward at least 20 blocks for a king size bed. Nine down, 11 to go.

Then, up pops the quilter's disease...start something new every day syndrome. Geez, I learned not to fight it, just go with the flow. I made 12 3-D bow tie blocks in a few minutes. Three seams and you're done. Had a new baby arrive in the neighborhood and this is a quick solution to a welcome to the world gift.

The Colorful Quilt Is Finished

2012-01-26T14:41:00.000-08:00

Whew! Seems so small for such a lot of work.

Finished Projects...Ahhh, Feels Like 2012 Is Off to Good Start

2012-01-26T05:23:00.000-08:00

Little girl's quilt bound and done. Her birthday was late September so I shouldn't be bragging but at least I finished it before she graduated high school, lol.

Remember the colorful quilt designed by Jacqueline de Jonge? It will join the finished project list very very soon. Here's a reminder.

Finished Valentine

2012-01-10T12:00:00.000-08:00

Done...at least with the top. Now quilting.

Color and More Color

2012-01-09T15:15:00.000-08:00

Here's a small wall hanging I'm going to use as a beginning quilting class project. A lot o' color! No snoozing in my class, lol.

And with Valentine's Day around the corner, we all need to be thinking hearts...and the color of course, red, red, red. This is a prarie point/fold and sew heart, very soft, very tactile.

I started the borders at the end of the day and pooped out. They'll wait until morning.

Last Cheryl Phillips...now for the quilting

2012-01-05T09:47:00.000-08:00

I love this fabric and found the Cheryl Phillips pattern shows it off well.

Cheryl Phillips Exploration

2012-01-01T12:52:00.000-08:00

Along with my favorite quilt shop owner, I'll be presenting a Cheryl Phillips class later this year so I'm creating a few samples that will demonstrate how you can take her lovely designs and go a bit off the beaten path. The first blue/green one is something I've been wanting to make ever since I visited Santorini in the Greek Islands. I wanted something that reminded me of the ocean and traditional square or triangles just didn't give me what I wanted but this low contrast circular pattern seemed to fit the bill. And for those who know me, this low contrast piece is somewhat out of my typical choice of colors/contrast. The the last one is experimenting with Cheryl Phillips at Christmas.

Quilting in 2012

2011-12-29T02:18:00.000-08:00

I've run the gamut of quilting in the last 60 years. English paper piecing, strip piecing on templates cut out of The Tuscaloosa News, making templates out of cardboard, hand piecing feathered stars, allowing a rotary cutter into my toolkit, creating quilts in the style of Judy Martin, Alex Anderson, Judy Niemeyer, Jacqueline de Jonge, Ricky Timms, Philippa Naylor, and so on and so on.

So what's up for 2012?

First, quilt the five tops I made this year. Finish, finish, finish.

Then, explore new fabrics, more duponi silk.

Then, more bed quilts, fewer sandwiches that don't fit anywhere in my house or any one else's. How many wall hangings and table runners can one use!

And then, if I'm not quilted out (and what quilter ever gets "quilted out"?), I'm going to encourage quilters to return to quilts that feel good to the touch and make them feel good when they're snoozing under them. My chorus will be keep your quilts away from those manic compulsive longarm quilters who add so many stitches that you can't see the fabric you fell in love with and lovingly guided into a beautiful top. Or, perhaps I'll find a longarm quilter who understands the words less dense, perhaps become one myself.

My New Year's wish for all my fellow quilters is that you'll find the joy of hand quilting a sandwich with wool batting (quilts like butter), take pleasure in your uneven stitches through the four-layer intersections, and wake up from a nap every Sunday afternoon under your snuggly palette of beautiful fabrics.

Another Solids Party

2011-12-15T14:46:00.000-08:00

I'm half through quilting the building block castle crib quilt so I decided to do one more project in solids. They'll both wait to be finished until January since we're leaving to "do the Danube" Saturday morning. But I'll have something solid to come back to, and something a bit warmer than what we'll be experiencing for the next two weeks.

And here are the colors yet to be added.

Celebrate Solids

2011-12-11T11:51:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I forget how nice solids are since I get so caught up in pattern fabric. If you're in the Atlanta area, watch for upcoming classes at Kiwiquilts focusing on solids. However, when I shoot the backing, you'll see I did fall off the wagon and add a print, oh well, nobody's perfect. I'll post that pix soon.

And as always, I could not accomplish anything without my able assistant Lily, who keeps quilts in progress from flying off the table.

Love Letters Block #7

2011-12-08T06:55:00.000-08:00

Back to work on Love Letters and two new projects (also a bit more modern using all solids, which I've never done before). I'm liking the quilt without the sashing that's included in the pattern. What do you think?

Something a Bit More Contemporary

2011-12-03T04:21:00.000-08:00

Moving into a more contemporary color scheme today. Let's see how folks at the craft fair take to greys/greens next year. I love Dresden Plates but not so much in quilts because of the extra weight so I thought I'd go for home decor with some.

Dancing with the Stars-Done and Shipped to New Home

2011-11-30T16:20:00.001-08:00

Whew, made it under the deadline (which I had set for 12-6). Shipped today to new home in Peoria, Illinois.

Dancing with the Stars: All done but the binding

2011-11-27T14:41:00.000-08:00

Woohooo! Hand quilted except for the border and ready for the binding.

Dancing with the Stars

2011-11-24T04:26:00.000-08:00

I'm posting this just to put it in writing that I'm one and a half blocks away from finishing hand quilting Dancing with the Stars quilt (see pictures in previous post). I plan to start the borders by Sunday, then binding, then whooohoooo, fini. I'll post pix when done.

Paper Piecing Patterns Available

2011-11-17T06:16:00.000-08:00

I've thoroughly tested my paper piecing patterns now for the Love Letters blocks. If you're interested in getting a set, email me at johnniemckenzie@att.net. I'll contact you with details on payment and delivery. If you're in the Atlanta area, you can get the patterns at Kiwiquilts in Powder Springs.

Block 6 is below.

Work In Progress -- Sneak Peak at Another Pattern

Two different looks/fabric styles.

And Another One Joins the Party

2011-11-10T14:43:00.000-08:00

I've made five of the six blocks and am really enjoying this fabric! I got the corners on the last one and #5 on the board a few minutes ago.

Another Love Letters Block on the Board

2011-11-08T16:42:00.000-08:00

I'm beginning to like the Paisley background more and more.

And I added one more block this afternoon...very little gray except in the corner block, which I'll add before end of day.

More BOMs...more of Etchings fabric

2011-11-08T05:17:00.000-08:00

I purchased more of the Etchings line than the BOM lists and love the paisley print. And of course, I'm not following the prescribed color placements. I'm auditioning the paisley as a background. Once I get the corners on, I'll know if it works. Right now, it's too little contrast with the red print for my taste. We'll see later this afternoon. Believe me, paper piecing is the way to go on this quilt! Block #2, the one being auditioned, went together in under 20 minutes. Anyone interested in foundation patterns, let me know.

In answer to Crazylegs' question about design wall. The one in the picture is white flannel (cheap). I have one by Fons and Porter that has a grid on the back that I take to the quilt shops where I teach. It has grommets and works great with those Comnmand strip thingies.

Paper Piecing: faster, easier, better

2011-11-02T05:02:00.000-07:00

I can't remember the last time I pieced a block the traditional way. Cutting little pieces of fabric just isn't for me. So, I turned the local BOM quilt into paper piecing blocks and zoom, zoom, zoom, I'm on my way.

Half way mark hit! Twenty-one blocks done and 21 more to go on this super fast project.

Then, there's my other project, hand quilting Dancing with the Stars so I can ship it off to our friends the first week of December. I've completed 15 blocks (half the blocks). Then there's the border. But I'm sure with such a capable assistant (Lily), I'll make it with no problems.

Around the Quilt Blog World

2011-10-22T04:38:00.000-07:00

After a bit of an absence due to pressing deadlines, I thought I'd tackle blogging again. Even though I didn't take the time to post pictures or share ideas, I did keep up with my favorite bloggers.

Here's one I found today who's doing an interesting series on color, from nature to cloth. (http://crookedseams.blogspot.com/).

I often struggle with who owns the quilt, the quilter or the long arm quilter. Here's an example of what I feel is a happy joint ownership, a very traditional quilt quilted in a way that enhances, not dominates, the lovely pattern and fabric. (http://quiltsonbastings.blogspot.com/2011/10/hexagon-stars-quilt.html).

What is your idea of long-arm dominance over a quilt top? How do you find the balance of density and design over fabric and block structure?

Free Pattern Link List - A Ton of Free Patterns

2011-08-23T04:56:00.000-07:00

It'll take you a month to explore this but good for inspiration while you're avoiding the heat that's sweeping across us in the Southeast this year.

http://thegoldenthimble.com/favoritelinksmain.html

Dancing with the Stars

2011-08-11T06:02:00.000-07:00

This is a fun pattern. We'll be having a class at Kiwiquilts in September.

Another Goose -- Annie's got it together and headin' for the finish line!

2011-08-08T11:19:00.000-07:00

Another WOW!

Linda's Feathered Goose...She's done piecing and now getting it together.

2011-08-07T16:12:00.000-07:00

Linda did a fabulous job on color/design choices and piecing. I can't wait to see this one finished.

One more feathered goose done...I'll give this pattern a rest for a while

2011-08-01T09:57:00.000-07:00

A Flock of Geese

2011-07-18T12:59:00.000-07:00

Take a look at what wonderful designs the students in my Feather Goose class have come up with...one red and white, one many, many colors of batiks, and one blues, greys, reds, and black batiks.

Annie's reds, blues, greys, and black background.

Wanda's many reds and white background.

Linda's all the colors in the rainbow batiks with many lights as background.

Watch for my next posting. Each of these fine quilters will display their finished tops at Kiwiquilts in Powder Springs when they're done. And there's more progress than you see in these pictures. A number of them have made all of some components already.

Feathered Goose #2

2011-07-14T14:46:00.000-07:00

One was just not enough. I'm making another one along with my students in a class at Kiwiquilts. The third session is this coming Saturday. I can't wait to see how they are progressing, one is multi-colored batik with a cream background, one is a multi colored batik with a black background, and one is reds and white. Wow, what a show they'll make.

I haven't posted anything for a long while since I my camera broke. I got a new camera today so here is my progress on Goose #2.

I fussy-cut a border print to make the center star. I tried to use more of the border print in the corner stars and border but abandoned the strategy since it really didn't show up in the stars and make the border look too striped.

The Goose Is Done

2011-05-17T10:31:00.000-07:00

This was one of the most fun quilts I've made. For those of you in the Atlanta, Georgia area, call Kiwiquilts at 770-243-3749 to sign up for a fun Feathered Goose class.

Goose Parts Are Done - Pictures Coming Soon

2011-05-01T13:20:00.001-07:00

I finished all the pieces about an hour ago and it's on my design wall. As soon as I can get the clutter moved, I'll post pictures.

Great Giveaway at From the Blue Chair

2011-03-16T03:35:00.001-07:00

Check it out: http://www.fromthebluechair.com/

Ah...the Goose Must Wait

2011-03-13T06:49:00.000-07:00

Life pokes its ugly head into our quilting plans way too often sometimes. I'm back at work for a few weeks so progress will be slow on the Feathered Goose. But I will find time to finish a project my free motion quilting (FMQ, yes even quilting has its acronyms) class began yesterday to brag on the great progress they made.

For a quick look at some FMQ, check out Patsy Thompson's blog for some enhanced free motion feathers.

http://www.patsythompsondesigns.com/blog/index.php/archives/2418

More Feathers - Two Rows to Go

2011-03-06T05:37:00.000-08:00

I managed to complete a full row this week so there're only two rows to go and I'm done with the star components for those rows. I hung a flannel design cloth and that helps make decisions on the placement of components and move the color sploshes around. I'm not expert and getting the components on the cloth straight yet, however, so you'll see it tends to go down hill on the right side.

Here's a look at my organization. I pull the swatches for the outer curves from this pile.

I cut 2" and 3" strips and organized them in color ways from my Jinny Beyer fabric stash and keep them separated so it's easy to do the border and center geese components.

I've made a number of Judy Niemeyer patterns before but this one has been the easiest. All the patterns I've made are so precisely drawn and go together so beautifully. I've also used her border components on other quilts. The math is easy to re-design and make them work with just about any size quilt.

Ready for France 2011

2011-03-01T04:42:00.000-08:00

Finding this fabric added to my excitement about going back to France this year. I'm not sure you can see it clearly but it's a stylized map of Paris. I decided we could use some mug rugs since we'll be on a cabin cruiser going down the canals of the Rhone and won't have normal space.

Mug rugs and coasters, for wine of course! In the colors of the French flag.

And then there's my class sample I need to finish asap so I can get back to the Feathered Goose. I'm determined to master silk so I'm using silk in the window centers and petals. Then I'll tackle an entire piece using silk.

The Joy of Teaching

2011-02-20T09:10:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of sharing some of my experience with six wonderful quilters yesterday at Kiwiquilts in Powder Springs. We explored the many ways to create and present a Cathedral Window block. I encourage each of you quilters to be a teacher. Share your knowledge and tips with everyone. Here's a sample of the windows.

A Break from the Feathers

2011-02-17T16:18:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I just need an easy project to go from zero to finished in under 48 hours. I made this baby quilt top in a fun contest with a few of my friends. The goal was to be the first to make 12 8.5" squares using 8 fabrics, with an average of 8 pieces per block, including a square in a square, a four patch, four half square triangles, a nine patch, and a few more things I can't remember. I don't know if I was smart or just lazy but I finished first because I didn't try to make the full 9" unfinished square the required block design. I made little blocks and sewed strips around them to make it the required size.

Tomorrow I'll quilt it and then get back to the feathred goose.

A Few More Feathers

2011-02-14T13:05:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Sew Bee It in Ringgold where the Modern Guild Guild of Chattanooga met last Saturday, our first meeting, I have four new Jinny Beyer fabrics to incorporate into the Feathered Goose quilt. I'm working on row three now although I stopped assembly since I may want to rearrange a few things.

The weather is so gorgeous here today I had to take a break from inside work to get back on the bike. Lars and I did a short 10 miles, which was enough for my first ride of the year. Next ride I'll make 15, then 20, 25 ... until I do a 50-mile trek. I've riden only 44 miles so far but this year's the year for 50. All in all, it was a very productive day. I had a great session with my French study group which meets at a lovely French bakery in Roswell, GA. I listen to French language CDs while I quilt.

Modern Quilt Guild-Chattanooga and area

2011-02-14T04:23:00.000-08:00

Here's a link to Fibermania. Check out the Melody's 2/13 post about our session Friday. If there's anyone in the Marietta, Douglas County, Powder Springs area who would like to go with me next month, leave me a comment with your email and I'll get in touch with you.

The Goose Is Getting a Few Feathers

2011-02-08T12:52:00.000-08:00

A little progress...

Quilting Pattern Suggestion for Jewel Box Quilts

2011-02-04T06:08:00.000-08:00

My sister and I both have a Jewel Box lying in wait for quilting. I believe she used reproduction fabric for hers and I used, you guessed it, Jinny Beyer. I've taken quite a while to decide how it should be quilted. Here's my plan. The white template pinned over will be used so imagine just the outline of it over the blocks.

Great Way to Face a Cold Rainy Day

2011-02-04T06:03:00.000-08:00

I can't think of anything better to cheer up the entire house than sitting down in front of a sewing table full of Jinny Beyer fabric and a great Judy Niemeyer pattern (Feathered Goose)! Let me share the joy.

Strips Cut for Making Geese

Goose in Progress

Fabric in Waiting

Three Down Five to Go

Here's Where I'm Headed

A Really Old Quilt Top Breathes New Life

2011-01-27T05:07:00.000-08:00

This quilt top, which my mother made for my sister, stayed in a dresser drawer or big old leather trunk for probably 50 years. Based on some of the fabric, I guess it was made in the late 50's or at least some of the blocks were. Perhaps a few were done in the early 60's at the latest (see red rose flower print below). I believe the background is guano (fertilizer) sacks, it's very uneven weave so I don't think it was store-bought muslin.

Here's a picture after I machine appliqued the circles over the open part of the dresden blades.

Here's what the blocks look like before the applique.

I got all the circles appliqued yesterday. Today I'll sew on the borders and next week I'll take it to the long arm to quilt. I'm still practicing on the long arm at my local quilt shop. I don't think I'll ever win any prizes but at least I'll get these lonely, long-ago tops out of the drawers and onto the foot of some bed.

Another Stash Elimination

2011-01-21T12:40:00.000-08:00

Anyone in my area who needs some inspiration for a new quilt can pick up this book at CrossPoint Quilt Shop in Powder Springs. One less book on my shelf collecting dust. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Springtime Progress

2011-01-21T05:31:00.000-08:00

I need factory line sewing to get this done and everything else I need to finish before spring. So here's a look at today's re-organization on the Springtime project.

The Big Picture

All Trimmed and Ready to Sew

Chain Paper Piecing -- keep them doggies rollin', lol.

Sites for Inspiration for Modern Style Quilts

2011-01-20T05:50:00.000-08:00

I enjoy my hour or so a day scanning some blogs and websites I've marked as favorites over the last year or so and I keep adding more. They're great for inspiration and essentially free resources for new ideas. Here are a few of my favorites that lean to the modern style. I've just put urls so the names may not be apparent until you get there. Take a look and add some to your favorites list.

http://www.redpepperquilts.com/

http://www.ohfransson.com/oh_fransson/

http://mamacjt.blogspot.com/

http://stitchindye.blogspot.com/

http://traceyjayquilts.blogspot.com/

http://claireschaoticcorner.blogspot.com/

http://greenfairyquilts.blogspot.com/ (get a look at this quilting-WOW!)

http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/

http://pieceandpress.blogspot.com/

http://poppyprintcreates.blogspot.com/

http://www.quiltsewscrap.com/

http://raggiegirls.blogspot.com/

http://sewaccomplished.blogspot.com/

http://subversivestitch.blogspot.com/2009/07/nannys-gift-of-memories-rayna-gillman.html

http://tallgrassprairiestudio.blogspot.com/

http://auntiesquaintquilts.blogspot.com/

http://www.psiquilt.com/

http://patchwork-of-mini-grey.blogspot.com/

1st FP (Finished Project) of 2011

2011-01-20T05:17:00.000-08:00

My goals in 2011 are to go more modern and to finish, finish, finish. Whew! One down. Here are a couple of shots of the simple, simple pattern and binding of the baby quilt. Take baby steps - that's my motto.

And I dragged out my Springtime by Jacqueline de Jonge (see photo below of her pattern). I'm set up in a factory line of paper piecing...next step - finish Springtime before springtime!

Stash Elimination Continued

2011-01-19T16:18:00.000-08:00

Here's a great book of Christmas quilts by Marsha McClosky...hope someone will enjoy it. It's available now at Kiwiquilts.

Want to Try Modern Quilts?

2011-01-18T09:49:00.001-08:00

I'm leaning that way. I'll post my first attempt later this afternoon. Here's a link to a fun blog with some ideas:
http://mamacjt.blogspot.com/

I'll post my next stash elimination later today also.

Brown Sugar Guide Show - Check It Out

2011-01-13T07:38:00.000-08:00

Take a look at what these ladies have accomplished!

Great Job on Storm at Sea Vickie!

2011-01-11T09:26:00.000-08:00

Nothing is more fun and rewarding than seeing a student's finished project. Check out the great job Vickie did on her Storm at Sea quilt made with Square in a Square ruler.

Fabulous Giveaway on Stray Stitches

2011-01-07T14:04:00.001-08:00

Check it out and check out the other great content too.

http://straystitches1.blogspot.com/2010/12/lets-celebrate-2011-with-giveaway.html

Back from Germany...So Much To Do

2011-01-03T08:05:00.000-08:00

After a very cold but lovely boat trip on the Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel, I'm ready to go.

First things first - prep samples for upcoming Cathedral Windows class at Kiwiquilts. Watch for class in late January or early February.

Here are the samples I'm using. I'll be sharing the techniques of Lynne Edwards in her book Cathedral Window Quilts. She has an excellent variety of options in that book and I highly recommend it. Gone are the days of standing at the ironing board for hours to press and fold the squares!

Below are samples of the traditional (back pillow) and what Lynne calls Secret Garden with four petals on a square.

Below, with just two squares you can make a neat pin cushion very, very quickly.

Stash Elimination #5 - Left overs from Pillow

These left-overs are certainly enough to make a pillow or lots and lots of pin cushions. Stop by Kiwiquilts and mention Chinaberry Grove Stash Elimination #6 and they're yours.

Another Pillow Finds a Home

2010-12-18T09:19:00.000-08:00

What could be better than between two best pals?

Stash Elimination #4

2010-12-17T04:48:00.000-08:00

Stop by Kiwiquilts in Powder Springs and mention this blog when you check out to get your pick from Stash Stack #4 shown below. Who knows, one might be just the right choice for a hole in your stash.

More to come after the first of the year...

I'm getting the urge to start a Dear Jane quilt. Anybody out there got a favorite spot to find a pattern?

Christmas & Beyond - Still Stuck on Dimensional Blocks

2010-12-13T05:43:00.000-08:00

There is quilt life after a holiday and I'm looking forward to returning to unfinished quilt tops. My commitment in 2011 is to finish, finish, finish. I will restrict my new project indulgence to one-block projects because I know I can't go a week without starting something new, cutting and sewing different fabrics. I have a finished jewel box with all Jinny Beyer fabric that I want to quilt on a long arm. I've sacrificed two very old, unfinished tops to practice and am not ready yet. If there are other long arm wannabe's or beginners, I highly recommend joining Alex Anderson and Ricky Tims thequiltshow.com. Linda Taylor's long arm videos are excellent. I now know how important getting the quilt set up correctly is. It's not just about the hopper!

Here are a few of the latest, the tulip pillow is finished, the other two will be by end of week.

The following wall hanging was a project for a class I taught on ocean waves using a Square In a Square ruler - easy and fast way to get a lot of blocks created.

The following quilt, even though not intentionally a Christmas quilt is a pattern named Christmas Cactus. But it's more spring-like than Christmas. I'll add the appliqued borders later in the week.

Ah, back to a relaxing paper-piecing block. This will be a pillow or just a mini-quilt. Don't know which until I check my stock of stuffing.

I thought I had come up with something unique when I was playing around with left over folded triangles from my previous hot pads. Then I searched the Internet and found a whole site that has nothing but dimensional patterns and there's one identical to this one. Oh well...it's still pretty and I enjoyed producing it.

The Pillow Found a Happy Home

2010-12-07T07:06:00.000-08:00

My frriend Amy found a place for the blue pillow. I must admit, it looks swell in her boudoir.

Final Cathedral Window Hot Pads Done!

2010-12-06T04:45:00.000-08:00

This is such a quick block to make that it does become a bid addictive, especially since it gives me a chance to do a little hand work. .. or not. I did a demo/training session at a local quilt shop Saturday and the response was "This is just the type of project I need - something I can finish one or more of in one sitting." Leave me a comment if you'd like pattern/instructions.

Next post - my newest addiction!

Stash Elimination #2 & #3

2010-11-29T04:40:00.000-08:00

Attention Cobb County Quilters! (Books are in the shops now).

I consider books stash items too. I've collected quilt books for over 35 years and it's now time to share them with others. Here's one of my all time favorite, Marsha McCloskey's Quick Classic Quilts. It will be avaiable for free...just mention Chinaberry Grove blog when you check out at CrossPoint Quilts in Powder Springs on 12/4.

Another book I want to share with a fellow quilter is Scrapy Duos by Donna Lynn Thomas. It's got great ideas for stash busters. This book will be available for free just by mentioning this blog at Kiwiquilts on 12/4.

And finally, one more gift mini-quilt to share. This is a Carol Doak membership block, free on her blog. I love this block but don't think I'll ever make a full-size quilt of it. It's easy to piece and assemble. But wouldn't a scrap quilt be fabulous with this block!!

Redo's Sometimes Are Stress Relievers

2010-11-26T12:18:00.000-08:00

I'm not one to undo a lot. I can forgive being a 1/16 of an inch off now and then. But when the color is wrong it knaws at me. I liked the inner colors of this block and really like the green outer border, especially since it's one of my favorite Jinny Beyer fabrics but...

... it seemed the center was cold and lonely or sitting on an island somewhere. So I changed the border to this ...

... and I reused my Jinny Beyer fabric to make this ...

And one more out of some interesting colors but still holiday-ish.

One more and I'm done with the gifts for work friends. One hot pad became a pillow since I found out it works great in a friend's bedroom - I'll stash some lavender in the back pocket and she can have sweet dreams.

Pattern and Instructions for this fast, easy block are available for $1.50. Leave me your email address in a comment an I'll send you details.

Tomorrow...finish three more blocks using a Carol Doak paper-piecing pattern.

Great Holiday Block - Cube Quilt, Hot Pad, or Just Small Wallhanging

2010-11-23T05:08:00.000-08:00

Here's a simple block that can be chain pieced completely on the machine. Pattern to come soon. Make the sandwich with Insul Bright and use as a hot pad.

Quilting App on iPhone...

2010-11-19T11:22:00.000-08:00

Check out the Robert Kaufman app for the iPhone on Jaybird's site. And to think, I just started using a machine to piece a little over a year ago, lol.

Colorful Quilt Progress

2010-11-18T08:53:00.000-08:00

This quilt is addictive. Here are a few pictures of some of the components I've gotten completed. So far, there's only one that I want to redo because I don't like the color.

Ah, More Tools I Need

2010-11-18T06:54:00.000-08:00

I saw this pad or sheet for ironing on Jaybird Quilts this morning. Anybody know where I can get one? After all these years of being a dedicated presser, I can't believe I haven't run across one of these.

Progress pictures on Colorful quilt by de Jonge to follow later today.

Help Me Eliminate UFOs! Blocks & Fabric Yours for the Asking

2010-11-09T07:11:00.000-08:00

I'm on a much different path in quilting now than I was even two years ago and I'm committed to eliminating all those leftover or never finished blocks that I've saved for so long. Also, I'm committed to getting rid of cloth that I no longer love or doesn't fit into my current color preferences. So, I'm offering it to those who may be able to make table runners or wall hangings, or samplers, or anything that will get into the hands of someone who will love them.

Since I'm in the West Cobb area of Georgia, Tracy at Kiwiquilts has gratiously agreed to help me with my elimination effort. The first one who mentions Chinaberry Grove when you check out at her shop can choose a bundle. The second one will go to the next person who mentions Chinaberry Grove, if they want it. I'll make sure the week's bundle is at Kiwiquilts by open of business each Saturday. I'll deliver two bundles of blocks or fabric each week until I have a stash that's manageable and fits where I'm going with quilting. You will find matching and companion fabrics at Tracy's also if you want to finish the projects.

Bundle #1 - Winding Ways Monocrome Blocks
These are 9"x9" and there are 12.

Bundle #2 - Jewel Box with Jinny Beyer Fabrics

These are 8.5"x8.5" and there are 12. Background fabric and jewel fabric available at Kiwiquilts.

In the next couple of weeks I'll have a little Christmas fabric available among a lot of other fabric that I am setting free to find its way into wonderful quilts in the community.

Ruler That Sharpens your Rotary Cutter

2010-11-03T05:59:00.001-07:00

I was curious about these rulers but unwilling to spend the dough without checking out some experiences of others. Here's one that you might find interesting. She makes several good points about what size ruler to buy and how to use it.

http://appliqueandpatches.blogspot.com/

Jacqueline de Jonge Here I Come

2010-11-02T04:21:00.000-07:00

After finishing several Judy Niemeyer's projects, I decided to move forward a bit. One of my favorite quilters is Jacquline de Jonge because of the many geese she uses - I love geese! So I'm tackling Colorful quilt above. I'll document my progress. My goal is to enter it into the West Cobb Quilt Show so it has to be finished (quilted and bound) by June.

If I was going to tackle one de Jonge pattern, why not too? So I'm half way done with Springtime.

Pictures of progress to come this week.

Learn Every Day

2010-10-30T06:24:00.000-07:00

I have been quilting since I was four years old. I have learned more new techniques and improved my quilting more in the last three years than in the previous 56 years. I hope to share many of my lessons and tips with you and encourage each of you to exploit the joy of quilting in every direction. Teach your sons and daughters. Teach your grandchildren, neighbors, and friends. Volunteer at community organizations. And don't forget to learn something in exchange.

The picture below represents something I learned from a friend, Janet Bland, about a fast way to make pinwheel blocks. Thanks Janet! I fell in love with the fabric, I believe it's Ombre, at my local quilt shop (Kiwiquilts). I didn't buy it with a baby quilt in mind but I think it worked well. The last photo is the technique Janet showed me.

The graphic below makes quick and easy half-square triangles with no sewing of separate triangles. Sew two squares right sides together with a quarter inch seam allowance on all sides (dashed line). Then slice on the red lines diagonally. Voila - you have four half-square triangles.