Big Mistake! Learn from Me!

As many of you guessed, I am using a design from Yvonne Fuchs at Quilting Jetgirl for Morgan's quilt.  He picked this pattern out two years ago so he has forgotten what he picked!  Yay!  It will be a surprise as to what he is getting.  I have been keeping my quilt room door shut so he doesn't accidentally see it and instructed him not to look at my Instagram account.  I don't think he reads the blog so I'm pretty safe there.  Made sure to tell him NOT to just in case he does.   He is very excited to get it which is actually keeping me motivated to press on. 

The pattern I am using is called Triangle Transparency.   The original pattern looks like this. 

I decided I needed to make it a little larger than the original pattern so Yvonne graciously helped me calculate the new cutting instructions for a larger quilt.   Morgan loves blue so I am making this quilt in four shades of blue and the color arrangement is the opposite of what this picture shows.  The darkest blue will be the background instead of white as shown here.

I got everything cut out very quickly!  And all of the HST's sewn together (there are a lot of them).  Look at all that luscious blue!  The stuff on that design wall is going to have to come down. 

Next I started assembling the rows.  There are four sections of the quilt which are all identical so I sewed all four of the first row lickety split!

Sewed 2nd set of rows, then third set of rows (forgot to take pics)  I decided to lay out one of the units to see how everything looked so far and realized with a groan that I had forgotten that the colors were reversed on my quilt to what they were on Yvonne's pattern.  I had followed the placement for lights and darks very carefully forgetting that I should be doing the opposite of what the pattern called for.    

So here is my valuable piece of advice so you can learn from my mistake.  If you have multiples of units that are identical, and you have not made that particular design before, it is better to make at least ONE of the units from start to finish to make sure you are doing everything correctly. Then you can chain piece the rest of them.

I had decided to make all four blocks at one time so I could chain piece and be more efficient (or so I thought).  UGH!!   Mr. Seam Ripper and I had some quality time together yesterday and I was able to correct my mistakes for at least one unit.  I went ahead and finished sewing 1/4 of the quilt together and finally got it right.  Here is a view from afar to get an idea of scale.  This quilt is going to be about 72 x 72.

Second piece of advice.  Be diligent on lettering your units the way the pattern calls for.  I was so thankful I did that or it would have been a nightmare trying to figure out which unit I needed next. 

So I have some more time to spend with the seam ripper before I can move on with this quilt.  But to be honest, I am THRILLED with the progress I am making.  If I keep going at the rate I have been, I'll have Morgan's quilt top done before the end of the month!  YAHOO!!  My secret?  That sew at least 15 minutes every day method has worked like a charm!  If I'm working on something I don't like (like pressing seams open, or trimming HST's) I can quit after 15 minutes and pick up tomorrow.  But more often than not, I have continued on working beyond my 15 minutes.  My motivation from my latest finish is still fresh in my brain!

So I had a fun find this weekend.  I live out on the edge of a small country town so usually have to travel somewhere to do any kind of shopping for decor.  Well, THIS weekend one of my neighbors had a hand crafted fair in her yard with a variety of different crafters and homemade food.   Do you remember this corner in my sewing room?  See that large green chair in the corner?  It's extremely comfortable, but also a big space hog.

So I found THIS at my neighbor's craft fair this weekend.

It's a vintage chair that had old outdated fabric on it and instead of reupholstering the fabric, they dyed it a more modern color.  Love it!  So this chair is all original except for the color of the fabric.  And it's short people friendly!  I can actually touch the floor with my feet when I'm sitting in it.  And comfy!

Here's a little closeup of the detail.  

I'll work on a more attractive lamp at some point, but for now maybe add a pillow or throw.  Hmm!  I'll have to ponder that. What do you think this chair needs?

Linking to:

Monday Making
Main Crush Monday

Moving it Forward Monday

Idaho State Pillow & Quilt Show Pics!

Thanks to the great advice I got from you all, I am very happy with my Idaho state pillow!  I ended up echoing one more time around the shape of the state and then densely quilting the heck out of the inside of the state.

Now you may be wondering why it is so lacking in color.  If I had made it for myself, it would be FULL of color, but since it is for an auction basket, I kept it as neutral as possible to go with anyone's decor.   I probably could have put a LITTLE bit of color in the thread around the edge of the state, but I played it safe.  I don't anticipate our basket will bring a lot as the bidding isn't very lively at this conference. 

I have some great pictures to share from a quilt show I attended this weekend, but before I do that, I have a request.  I have been asked to make a baby quilt featuring elephants, using pastel pinks and grays.  I used to see those particular color combos all over the place and now that I'm actually needing them, I can't find any!  I'll try again this afternoon, but if anybody could point me to some they've seen, I'd be appreciative!  Some FQ bundles would be great.  Or if you have any in your stash you don't think you'll use, I would love to buy them.  Also, any pattern design recommendations would be great too.  I've found a few possibilities, but am still looking.

OK, on to the quilt show eye candy provided by Boise Basin Quilters.   I had such a great time looking at all the wonderful creations!  Some new and some vintage quilts were shared as well.   I took pictures of my favorites and will share a few now and then.

The quilts I share with you today will be the different animals featured on quilts.  This one had the sweetest little Scotty dog.

Isn't he cute??

This next quilt was a collaboration of 15 different quilters who met through Facebook and their love of dachshunds.  They will auctioning their quilt to benefit dachshund rescues later this month.

 This little guy cracked me up!  I love him!

Other animals I saw were cats, giraffes, a crow, a flamingo, and a moose.

This crow quilt is a miniature.  Love that texture in the fields using twisted fabric.  

I wouldn't want to sew it though!

Well, that's all for now.   I'll show you some more in future posts.  

I'm doing really well with my 15 minutes a day on Morgan's quilt.  Today I'll be spending my 15 minutes trimming 44 HST's to size.   Not a chore I enjoy but I can do anything for 15 minutes!  It really does make the tedious parts much easier to get through.  

Hope you can help me find some pink and gray!

Linking to:

Monday Making
Main Crush Monday
Moving it Forward Monday

Ashley's Quilt in the Dorm & Idaho Pillow in Progress

Ashley's quilt has been delivered and she graciously sent me a few shots of her new quilt in her dorm room.   If you want to read the story of this quilt, you can read about it here and here.   If the ceiling seems a little low it's because her bed is on risers to give more storage under the bed.  Ahh!  A quilt home at last.  :)

I had an unexpected project come up and we'll see how it goes.  This is the first time I've made an envelope pillow.   I'm making an Idaho pillow for an auction basket at work.   I'm just on the quilting part and haven't sewed it together yet.  Here's what I have so far and I want opinions!

Should I keep it simple and leave it at this?  Or should I do some more quilting inside the state?  Perhaps some dense quilting? or the word "HOME" in cursive?  Any other ideas?  Or just leave well enough alone?  I LOVE when you guys brainstorm with me so let's hear what ya got!  You don't have to be a blogger to comment either.  Let's here from some of my friends here in Idaho!  What could I do to this pillow to get you to bid on it if you saw it in an auction?  (yeah, I know.  Finish it!)

Linking to:
Busy Hands Quilts
Can I get a Whoop! Whoop!
New to Me

Son #2 Your Quilt is Finally Started!

Two years ago, my son and I sat down and picked out a quilt design and fabric.  It's been so long, he can't remember what we picked!  So now, it's going to be more fun to make since it's going to be a surprise!   I told him if he really wants to be surprised, he can't read my blog anymore (not sure if he ever did, ha! ha!).

The day after I finished Ashley's quilt, I was on such a high that I was really motivated to get going.  I did this!   Yep, that is every single piece of the quilt cut and ready to sew!  Aren't you so proud of me? 

My son is a big fan of blue and also of simplicity.  Some of you may recognize from the colors alone whose design this is.  Can you guess?

Day 2 requires sewing 22 A's and 22 Cs together to create 44 HST's

Only 41 more to go.  UGH!  Thank goodness for Audiobooks while I'm pressing these open.  In order to not let the tedious parts slow me down, I have decided that I'm going to set a goal of working at least 15 minutes every day on this project and if I get bored doing that, I give myself permission to work on a different project.  Or . . . if I'm motivated to keep forging ahead on this after 15 minutes, I will!

Have you guessed what pattern this is yet?  

Ashley's Quilt is Done!

Well, it took me almost two years but it's finally done!  YAHOO!!

I started this January 2017 with the intent of having it finished when my daughter Ashley started college that fall.  Not only did I not make that goal, I'm over a year late!  I don't think I'll be winning any Mom of the Year awards;  however, I used to hardly ever finish anything!  Ever!  So every finish is a REALLY big deal for me.  So I'm celebrating anyway in spite of the major lateness.  It's finished!!  Wrapping up in this quilt is a hug from me to you, Ashley!

  Now, if I can just get the finishes done a little sooner . . .

This quilt was made using a pattern by Erica Jackman who blogs at Kitchen Table Quilting.  I used a pattern she designed called The Betty Quilt.  This pattern goes together very quickly!  The thing that took me forever was the quilting.  I still haven't learned how to quilt less densely.

My daughter is going to be one of those crazy cat ladies so I had to include at least one picture of her cat on the quilt who has already claimed it as her own.

Fun discovery during the making of this quilt.  I was nearing the end and discovered that I hadn't ordered any fabric for the binding.  I went on Etsy and found the periwinkle polka dot fairly easily at a Etsy shop that is located about 45 minutes from me!  That NEVER happens.  Shout out to Phat Quarters for having just what I needed!

I think I mentioned before that this is my month as Queen Bee and I requested more house blocks like the ones I've been making.  I got my first one in the mail recently.  

Thank you for the orange house, Velda!  I needed orange!  (love the fussy cut door)  Velda blogs at Freckled Fox Quiltery and recently had a pattern design published!  Way to go Velda!

Here's a view of my new orange house with the others I have so far.

So, what is next, you may ask?  I have made quilts for two out of my three kids (and one granddaughter)  So son #2 got skipped . . . twice!   He is too easy going for his own good.  I would have been throwing a hissy fit that I got skipped if I was him.  I love that kid.   Believe it or not, I am halfway done cutting all the fabric for his quilt.  I've had the fabric and pattern for a long time and was excited to get going on it.  We'll see how long this one takes me to finish.

Wish me luck!

Linking to:

Monday Making

Main Crush Monday

Bambi's Show & Tell Monday
Brag About Your Beauties
Lizzie Lenard Vintage Sewing

Reroofing a House (Before and After)

So sweet to have two blogging buddies contact me this week to see if I was doing ok.  I wasn't sure why they were asking until I realized it had been a month since I did a blog post!  You ladies made my week and you know who you are!  💓💓

As you know if you've been following me for a while, I have been making random house blocks every so often using a design by Sandra at Mmm! Quilts!  I have been making them in different color ways and my most recent color was red.  Red is my favorite color so I couldn't figure out why in the world I did not like this house!  Here is the offending block:

Then someone made a comment to  me after I was lamenting that I did not like my red block but couldn't figure out why.  They pointed out that I wanted the block to read "red" but the roof reads more like white.  So I decided to reroof that darn red house block!

Here is the reroofed red block . . . Ahh, much better!!

Oh, I did something on a whim that is not like me.  I ordered myself a piece of furniture.  A new sewing chair!  I am blaming my fellow quilt bloggers for this one.  I saw this chair on somebody's blog (can't remember where now) as they had just ordered a bunch of them for a retreat center somewhere.    Maybe one of you saw that blog post?  Anyway, here she is!  I LOVE IT!!  And I didn't even know it when I ordered it but the seat lifts up for some extra storage.  It's perfect for keeping my BSR foot and walking foot very handy.  And the cushioned back is in the perfect spot to support my back when I'm sewing.  Love the color and the fabric too!

One step closer to having a "cute" sewing room.  Right now it's just messy.  Here is the one corner that looks halfway inviting.  It's just a chair for anyone who wants to come in and talk with me while I'm sewing.  And it's still got boxes and "stuff" piled around it.  It is a work in progress for sure.

Not only have I been neglecting my blogging but also my sewing!  I belong to a Stash Bee and I am soooo behind on getting our queen's blocks done.  I finished one tonight (please forgive me Sue!!)  

And Jen's block which was made a long time ago but never got mailed (I am TERRIBLE!)  These are both going in the mail tomorrow.  What is my problem?????

Last but not least, I am still struggling to keep at Ashley's quilt.  It took me forEEEEEVer to decide how I was going to quilt in between the lattice colors and finally went with one I've done before. Swirls.  I kinda like doing those.  I'm on the home stretch.  Yes, I did cheat and used the scallops on two different colors.  They are easy  and quick and I am soooo wanting to be done with this quilt!  Ashley, if you're reading this, yes I know YOU want me to be done too!

Oh, I forgot one more thing!  My son just informed me that I am going to have a third grandchild!  Oh my!  That was unexpected!  The last one just turned one not that long ago!  Well, I have to say those two really do create the most beautiful children so I am looking forward to meeting this new little one.  We're all hoping for a boy this time (two girls already) but if not, oh well!  

It's good to be back blogging again and I am hoping and praying that my good friend Kate (Smiles From Kate) is going to feel like sewing again soon.  What an awful ordeal she has been through!

I hope you all got lots of sewing time in these week and I'll close this blog post with a beautiful sunrise that I caught on the way out of my driveway last week.

Linking to:

Love, Laugh Quilt
Cooking Up Quilts
Em's Scrap Bag

Bambi's Show & Tell

Geese Migration

I'm enjoying making these Geese Migration blocks every so often!  Since the Rainbow Scrap Challenge color for July is red, I've added a red one to my collection.

Here's a closeup view.

That blank corner is just screaming for an orange block don't you think?  

Do I hafta wait for the RSC color to be orange to make one?  

I certainly hope not because I just couldn't do it!

I was planning on making a bigger quilt, but it kind of looks good the way it is!  

Kind of small though right now, even for a baby quilt.  Hmm.  

Would love to hear ideas on how to finish it off and make it a little larger.

And I did get the borders sewn on my RSC red project.   And I'm so excited that a red print fabric that I bought at a yard sale just a few weeks ago is going to work for the back.   Yahoo!!

I really enjoyed using up a bunch of red scraps for this project and have been fun watching all the other RSC projects in the works.   

Linking to:

Let's Bee Social

Free Motion by the River

Quilting is More Fun Than Housework