Project Challenge Review

It was in October -  that I took stock of my unfinished projects and actually did something about them. Now, I fully thought I'd work through all of them, as I did have the time, but I realized that sometimes taking an inventory of where one is and then taking action towards doing something about it - is really a vital step in becoming a successful person. If what is done, is done in anguish, hurry and stress why do it in the first place? 

So... I am happy to say I did accomplish part of my goal and what is remaining has been planned out to being finished in the next six months.

I am also working on a new website for quilters that will be a place for sharing great book titles, reviews, and finished projects. It should be available soon... and along with my goals for 2010 will be discussed in my first post of the new year.


Project Review:

So out of the seven projects I listed in October 2009 - here is my review:

 

1. Birthday Quilt – (twin size)

        Quilt top/backing fabric are ready to quilt and then bind. It will be quilted professionally and I'll  add the binding. I figured why not wait until after the Christmas rush to get this one done.

These quilts are finished:

2. Churches in the Country – (wall-hanging)

3. Stained glass flower and butterfly - (wall-hanging)

4. Butterflies Return Home – (wall-hanging)

5. Christmas medallion block – (table topper)

6. Stack ‘n Wack block – (orphan block)

        This is now a finished quilt top and destined to becoming a preemie quilt for the quilt guild I attend. I will quilt and bind it myself after I buy the proper batting that is required for it.

7. Beyond Baby Blocks workshop  -  (quilt design)

        This will hopefully be made into a quilt... since I was not inspired by my original drawings, I was able to reconstruct them. Now with the new design ready, it should be fun to make...maybe in 2010!

New Year's Resolutions:

Why not make them unique, creative and personal? Instead of the usual boring ones that not many people have much hope in accomplishing.... look within and find something that you've always dreamed of doing... and set that as your new goals/resolutions for 2010.

Wishing you all a very happy and properous New Year!!

Project Item #2

Project Complete:

2. "Little Church in the Country” – wall-hanging

This quilt was bought as a kit - pattern, fabric for quilt top, and binding included. I really liked it when I seen it, but I waited because I wasn't ready to let go of that much cash ($80) and then one day is was on for 50% off at the quilt shop. Oh yes, that day I did buy it. It didn't get made for about four years. Now, it is ready!!

I would have preferred for a professional long arm quilting machine person to quilt it, but I decided to try it myself. So, the quilting is only done around the applique designs as I am not ready to try free-motion quilting, just yet.

Top of Quilt (close-ups)

Using a broom handle, I found a place to hang it for these pictures.

I asked my older sister back in the spring of this year, if she'd like any of my quilts that I had made and still had in my collection. And she liked this one, which was only a quilt top at the time, so I am happy to get it finished so I can send it to her. It does feel really nice to be able to stitch up some things for her as she had to always make three dresses, one for herself and two for her two younger siblings, so many years ago for those special occasions. Thanks Sis!! 

Finished Quilt

The pattern is from Meme's Quilts and I really like all her designs. I have made a few of her designs in the past and one day I'll get them put up in the gallery on my website. I always make some changes to the design, as that is how I make quilts, unless of course, I have designed the pattern myself.

Enjoy your preparations for the Holiday Season!

Project Item #5

Project Complete:

5. Christmas Medallion - table topper

I called this one an orphan block because it was a technique I wanted to try but didn't have any purpose for it at the time. It is a stained glass window design using ready-made fusible bias. So, as the Christmas season approaches it seemed fitting to decide to do a table topper project to get it ready for the holidays.  And, entering it in a contest at the quilting gallery was an added bonus.

There wasn't really much work involved to finish the quilt top as a table topper - sew down the remaining bias at the center and add borders to the finished size I wanted. I decided I was just going to keep it small and so added two borders in the green and gold fabrics that were used in the center. I did add red fabric to add depth to the middle of the design and it really stands out nicely.

Center of Design

Adding red fabric and using metallic gold thread to online the design.

I would rather pay someone else to quilt the layers together, however, there comes a time when more difficult techniques need a fair chance, and so I headed into that task.  I at first tried copying the design's shape but was not happy with my attempt. So, I enjoyed an hour of ripping the stitches out and after a break came back to it and thought, I can do straight lines better, so I really simplified it and added some metallic gold thread to the stitching.

Background of Center block

Quilting with straight lines outside the design

 The completed quilt - size: 28 1/4" x 28 1/4"

I hope you enjoy planning for the upcoming holidays - in all the many ways we celebrate the season.  When I find my notebook, I'll add the designer's name and the book I found this pattern in, later as I started this several years ago.

Happy Quilting and Enjoy the Festive Season!