Tuesday, December 31, 2013

For the Boys

Quilt 2 of 6 - Christmas 2013
This was a Scrappy Trip Around the World from instructions written by Bonnie Hunter.

As I was working on this - I really didn't care for how it was turning out.  I had pulled fabrics that were all too busy - and very dark - and there was no sparkle to it.

After seeing my neighbor drying a "sofa quilt" for her 2 Scottie dogs on the clothesline that had seen better days, I decided the boys (my buddies) needed a new quilt, so I added the applique in the corner and had Jill quilt this for me with dog paws all over.

The quilt finished, bound and washed.

The boys!  I did this raw edge applique so they will get "furry"
The label.
The backing - the aqua strip has tiny Westies on it (the Scottie fabric was on pink - so I compromised).  The tiny print on either side is dragonflies, and the dark reddish strip is bricks -which will have meaning to my neighbor)
Puppy Paws!!!
 

Monday, December 30, 2013

Tranquil Garden

Quilt 1 of 6 -Christmas 2013
Tranquil Garden - from the Hugs and Kisses pattern by Jaybird Quilts using the Lazy Angle Ruler by Lazy Girl Designs.  This is a quick and easy pattern to make - with very dramatic results.  I made 2 quilts with this for Christmas - and each turned out very different.  I would definitely make more.

The quilt after washing.
Free motion quilting - with markings from a Frixion pen.
Quilting after washing.
Quilting from the back.
The pieced backing.
The label.
 

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Polska

Quilt 5 of 6 - Christmas 2013
(again -posting order changed after these posts were written as I know this one has been delivered)

This is a One Block Wonder - not following any specific pattern but figuring it out as I go along.
This was for my brother-in-law and his family.

Unfortunately -I forgot to take any post quilting or post washing pictures of this one -and don't have a picture of the back or tag either (I know - bad quilter!!!)- emailing them to see if I can get some to add before this blog post goes live (I am composing this on Christmas day).

post-gifting... being enjoyed

 

Friday, December 27, 2013

The Big B

Quilt 3 of 6 - Christmas 2013
(NOTE -these are being posted non-sequentially. I numbered them when I wrote the posts on Christmas day - when none had been opened yet. Now that some are opened -I am changing the posting schedule)

This was a self designed quilt for my nephew -using some fabrics he had commented on from another project, and some colors he likes added in to round it out.

The big challenge on this one was the quilting - I finally decided on a big letter "B" for his initials, and played with my free motion quilting on this one.  The rest was done in a big spiral out from the "B"

I did have one hiccup with a frayed seam -but luckily discovered it prior to gifting so I was able to get it repaired.
The finished quilt after washing.
The Big B - frixion pen markings still visible.

The Big B - after ironing the frixion markings away, but before washing.
The Big B - after washing and crinkling.
The real label was in focus - it is just my photography that was blurry.
The backing - I got the text fabric from Ikea.
A bit of the B (backwards) and some of the spiral.
My "uh oh" moment (though I was a little more colorful in my dismay).  I soon had this stitched back into submission.
 

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Cranberry Dreams

Quilt 6 of 6 - Christmas 2013
(NOTE:  I wrote these posts in no particular order - but now that I know which quilts have been delivered I am changing the posting order... so the numbering will be non-sequential)

This quilt was done with the Lazy Angle Ruler and a Jaybird Quilts pattern (one of 2 I did using this pattern - it WILL get used again).

I did not have as many fabrics to work with on this - so chose to add borders to make it a nice comfy size.

And again - I forgot to get some "after" pictures on this one.  (as of composing time -this one was still in the wrapping paper -texting a request for photos)

Photo of quilt awaiting quilting.
Photo after gifting - draped over the back of Dad's couch so not super clear.
And the best photo of all - 'cause it's really not the quilt that's the true focus!!! (she was on the phone with me when this photo was taken -so I got to hear her unwrap it)
 

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas

So I know it is a bit early for New Years Resolutions - but looking back and seeing I hadn't blogged since September I think I need to work harder at this!  Facebook is so quick and easy that I do find myself posting quick little blurbs and pictures and projects there - and not here.

I can't post pictures of much of what I have been working on lately - since I don't know who is looking and I know some holiday packages have yet to be opened.

So I will give you this:












And this:












And heartfelt wishes for a Very Merry Christmas, and a Happy 2014