Story Fabric Line Quilt Top

The top is completed and the pattern will soon be ready.

I was tasked with designing something to use the large print in the center. It is not a true panel in the traditional sense, but functions as one.

The finished quilt size will be 48" by 66", a good lap size quilt. You could easily add an additional border using one of the prints in the line to make it a twin size.

Progress on a Few Projects

I've made some progress on my Story Quilt. This is the basic idea.

I've got most of the block pieces cut out and a few sewn together. It won't be a large quilt but will be a nice lap size. I'm trying to take careful notes as I cut so I can write the pattern and know exactly how much fabric I used of each print.

I'm also working on some more needle books. I've got the covers for two of them appliqued. 

I plan to add a little embroidery before finishing them up. These are a special order for a friend.

Ornaments and Designing

First, I'm finishing up my 2015 ornaments. So far I only have two completely finished, but the rest only need the embroidery part appliqued to the front. The base is made from maroon cotton velveteen. These started life as my living/dining room curtains. I got new curtains a few years ago but kept the old curtains because "surely I can use these for something else." I'm so glad I saved them.

I used my sewing machine to embroider my initials and the year on the backs.

Second, I'm trying to figure out how to use this adorable panel and write a pattern for whatever I come up with.

Actually, there are two panels shown in the photo above. I got two in case I need to start over or in case I want to make one for myself. Whatever I make will eventually end up at Kathy's Fabric Trunk as a sample and possibly a kit to support the fabric.

I have this whole stack of companion prints to play with.

This is the new Story line by Carrie Bloomston. I have a few ideas. I need to pick one and go for it!

Lastly, where is the best place to nap on a chilly morning?

Answer: On top of the radiator cover.

There are softer surfaces to lay on in this house but I bet this is the warmest.

Two Cute Things

I didn't make either of these things but thought you might enjoy seeing them.

First thing: 

Last week I was given a fun pin.

All the ladies at Kathy's Fabric Trunk were wearing them and this one went so perfectly with my outfit that day. It was made by Char, one of the ladies who works at Kathy's. She does beautiful beadwork and jewelry. I wore it on Halloween too.

Second thing:

Even though I didn't get to attend my recent guild retreat, I still got a goodie. How cute is this?

The yo-yo on top is attached with a magnet so it can easily come off.

The jar is a spice jar. The maker left the hole part on the inside so that you could use this as a sewing tool. 

The idea is that you can put a couple spools of thread inside and feed an end of the thread through a hole. I suppose you could put five bobbins inside and feed one thread per hole. I haven't done anything with it yet except photograph it and give my son the candy. I'm using the yo-yo as a magnet on my magnet board in my sewing room.

Stacks :: A Finish

I finally managed to get Spooky off this one long enough to finish it. Doesn't she look sweet?

Here it is all quilted, bound and labeled.

I have to hang it sideways to photograph it on my fence because it is 73" by 81". I love that I had enough left over from the print fat quarters to make most of the binding. The other fabric used for the binding is the backing fabric.

To read the two previous posts about this project click the following links: post 1 and post 2. 

Stacks Top Done

This top went together quickly. It uses the method of strip piecing.

It is pretty big at 73" by 81" - a generous twin size. It is too long to hang properly from my clothesline in the vertical orientation, so I turned it sideways. Then the wind took over.

I need to decide if I want a single fabric backing or if I want to do a pieced back. I will think about that for a bit before proceeding.

To read my first post about this project which includes the reason for making it, click here.

Starting Something New: Stacks

Yesterday I taught a class at Kathy's Fabric Trunk and came home with a new project.

Kathy's birthday is in August. She has a folder of free patterns to choose from, all requiring fat quarters and a background fabric. You choose a pattern, make the quilt, and turn it in before August 15th (I think that's the deadline). The quilts hang for her birthday celebration and the makers are entered into a drawing.

The pattern I chose is called Stacks. When I got home yesterday afternoon I pulled out a few fabric bins that hold collections. I decided to use the above fabrics from one of my favorite collections. I just love the intense colors. I thought about using scraps, but decided that it would be faster, and more enjoyable, to just follow the directions rather than having to figure out how to make my scraps work. Sometimes it is better to trust the pattern writer and just enjoy the process rather than reinvent the pattern.

I am still tidying too, but can't do it for long periods of time. Click here to read about my tidying adventure; it's the second part of this post.