Migrating Geese

My "test" border of migrating geese is done. This is not the best picture of this project, but you can get the idea. I'll take a better picture when the top is finished.

The migrating geese are along the left hand side. I really like this! I've started on the other three sides. I decided to frame these geese strips with background fabric to make the border the width I need it to be.

I like this pattern so much that I've decide to make another version to use as a class sample for the next quarter of classes at my LQS. It will be my "main project" for my guild retreat at the end of October. I will be using charm squares instead of nine patches though for the second one. I don't think I have another 800 nine patches in me just yet!

The migrating geese is a "precision" technique so you really have to pay attention. Accurate cutting and sewing are a must, but the results are worth the extra time. The link will take you to Deb Tucker's website where you can order your own technique sheet for this.

Metro Medallion Top Finished

I decided to add the diamonds, but used the same fabric for all of the corner triangles so my diamonds are not scrappy.

I'm thrilled with how this turned out! Now I just need to find some time to get this (and other things) quilted.

I love how Jenny is quilting hers!

September Scrap Group Project

This month we are working on another project from the book "Cut the Scraps" by Joan Ford.

I'm calling it Scrap Jar Insanity. In the book it is called Fly Away. Above is just the center portion. It measures 57" square. Each of the four blocks requires 162 2" squares for a total of 648 2" squares for the four blocks. This made a noticeable dent in my stash of 2" squares!

I am working on a pieced border that we will do in October. The quilt in the book uses pieced corner squares but just a single fabric for the outer borders. You'll have to wait until next month to see that.

Hand Embroidery

One upside of spending time in bed last week is that when I was feeling well enough I had time for hand sewing. I've been making slow but steady progress on the top panel of my Dance by the Light of the Moon quilt.

All I have left to do is most of the pumpkins and a little bit left in the moon.

Daily Craft TV

Have you heard about Daily Craft TV?

From their website,

Daily Craft TV is a community showing new craft ideas & projects with online webinar videos. Expert instructors provide online craft classes in Quilting, Scrapbooking, Sewing, Crocheting, Knitting, & Paper Crafts.

Our classes are:

• Convenient. Watch anytime and anywhere.
• Accessible. Watch as often as you like. Your classes never expire!
• Interactive. Share questions, comments & pictures with other quilters.
• Affordable. All classes start as low as $4.99!

I was given the opportunity to take a class for free and chose String Piecing 7 Ways.

This is mainly a technique class, rather than a project class. However it does include three patterns with the cost of the class. One is a pattern for a complete quilt. The other two are block patterns. When you consider the fact that most patterns cost $9 or more, the $9.99 cost of this class is a good deal. I looked through all of their quilting classes before choosing this one. I did not see any quilting class priced higher than $9.99 and there were quite a few that were only $4.99.

The video quality was good. It did look a little pixelated when enlarged to full screen on my laptop, but I don't watch many videos on my laptop because they all seem a bit pixelated to me on this screen. I watched the class on my iPad. The video quality on my iPad was great, even at full screen. The video was professionally filmed. The camera angles were excellent. All steps were clearly demonstrated. The sound quality was great.

The list of quilting instructors is impressive: Cindy Hathaway, Dawn Cavanaugh, Fons & Porter Staff, Heidi Kaisand, Janet Pittman, Jodie Davis, Liz Porter, Marianne Fons, Marti Michell, Mary Fons, Pat Sloan, McCall's Quilting Staff, Quilters Newsletter Staff, Quiltmaker Staff, Stacy Michell, Susan Beck, and Tony Jacobson.

I choose this class because I love scrap quilts. I have never done a string quilt and have been thinking that I might like to give it a try. Even though I haven't done any string piecing, I am pretty familiar with the technique. I was hoping the class would give me some ideas and tips. I was not disappointed! If I hadn't been so sick recently, I'd probably have some string piecing to show you. I'm looking forward to getting back into my sewing room and giving this technique a try!

Disclaimer: I was given a free class but the review is my own opinion.

Weekend Sewing Plans

I had great plans for last weekend. My husband and son went camping with their Boy Scout troop which left me home alone for the weekend. I had several projects on my list to work on. Unfortunately, Friday evening I came home from work with a sore throat. I sewed for a little bit after work, but decided I should go to bed at my regular time rather than stay up late sewing because of my sore throat. It was worse Saturday morning! I sewed for a little bit but not nearly the marathon sewing session I had planned. Sunday I had a fever and my voice was extremely froggy. I spent Monday and Tuesday in bed. I'm feeling better today, but not well enough to go to work.

So instead of being able to show you all the great progress I made on several projects over the weekend on Monday, it is now Wednesday and I still have nothing to show you.

So I'll show you this summit photo from the Boy Scout trip.

The photo was obviously not taken by me, but someone on the trip. Notice the arrows and text though. I'm getting pretty good with PicMonkey! Since we are so proud of elevations here in Colorado, I'll tell you that the summit of Mt. Ouray is 13,979 ft.

And I'll be a bragging momma for a moment. My child was the youngest scout to make it all the way to the top.

Next Scrap Group Project

I'm hard at work on the next scrap group project. We meet next week. This is the block we will be making.

This block is huge - 24" finished! It is made up of 2" squares and background fabric. The quilt consists of four of these blocks plus some sashing and a border. It uses an insane number of 2" squares - like 800! Which is good because my 2" squares are breeding. I am hoping this will get them under control.

The quilt is from the book Cut The Scraps by Joan Ford.

A Finish!

I have finished my Curve It Up Quilt!

I'm thrilled with how it turned out!

The back is even fun.

Miss Spooky Boo approves.

The leftovers from this quilt are what was used for the quilt I posted yesterday.

Scrap Basket Churn Dash

I finished my Scrap Basket Churn Dash.

I used solid white and the left overs from my Curve It Up Quilt (which I showed you all last week). For pattern information see this previous post. My top will measure 45" by 54" when finished. Now that I'm done quilting my Curve It Up Quilt I hope to get some other things quilted.

Curve It Up QAL - Twelfth and Last One Quilted

You can also see in the photo above how I am quilting the sashing around each block. This has been a fun project but I'm ready to be done with this one. The binding is already made. Hopefully I can show you the completed quilt some time next week.

As a reminder, here is where I posted a photo of the entire top (unquilted).

Curve It Up QAL - Eleventh Block Quilted

Curve It Up QAL - Tenth Block Quilted

Curve It Up QAL - Ninth Block Quilted

The long weekend gave me a chance to work more on my Curve It Up quilt. I'll be posting quilted blocks all week.