Various & Sundry #15 – Pre-Christmas

Housekeeping
I updated the tutorials page to include the Wine Bottle Gift Bag guidelines. These make great gifts. I may make these guidelines into more of a tutorial, but for the moment, what you see is what you get.

Fabric

Portuguese fabric
Portuguese fabric

I received some Portuguese fabric from a friend. They were in a fabric shop in Portugal on vacation and thought of me. Isn’t that sweet? The lengths are quite large and may be suitable for a very elegant dress.

Exhibitions and Events
The QuiltCon cancellation fee is changing at the end of this month. Through Dec. 31, there is a 50% cancellation fee, but after Jan. 1, no refunds will be available. View the full cancellation policy here.

Alex Anderson will be teaching a 3 Day block class at Alden Lane Nursery January 16-18, 2016, 9am-4pm. Sign up by calling 925-447-0280 and asking for Cyndee, Becky or Ruth.

Patterns & Tutorials
Bonnie Hunter has her 2015 Mystery Quilt well underway. Find Part 1, posted on Black Friday. Part 2 was posted the week of 12/1. Please note that if you are reading this after 2016, the patterns have been removed from the Quiltville site.

I am making a Sew Together Bag and someone pointed me to the Quilt Barn Sew-a-Long. the tutorials were posted last year, but the pictures and tips are a great addition to the pattern. You do need the pattern to use the Sew-a-Long tutorial.

Yes, you still have time to make a Christmas table runner. Charlotte posted a lovely pattern she designed in just my colors. It is so fresh and pretty!

I never heard of Taylor Hackbarth, but I love the design of his wine tote. It would be great for a housewarming gift or a hostess gift. You could put other bottles of tasty treats in it besides wine, too. You will need the pattern as well as the blog post. His blog bio states that he has a goal of making his own clothes and that the blog was started to document that process. I saw a sew-a-long for a backpack on the blog, but no posts about clothes. I didn’t read the entire blog.

Articles, Magazines & Books

I know that magazines and books ARE media, but I wanted to separate out the print publications for videos, movies and such.

The Modern Quilt Studio will have a new issue of Quilts Illustrated soon. Order on their website. You can also get collections of previous issues.

Charlotte of the Slightly Mad Quilt Lady blog and podcast fame has written an article about the Dear Jane phenomenon and related projects such as Tula Pink’s City Sampler and the Farmer Wife books. I agree with many of the things she says, though she doesn’t mention the social aspect of working on these types of large projects.

For those of you who never heard of or saw the Esprit quilt collection, the name Doug Tompkins will mean nothing to you. I was fortunate enough to be in the right place (San Francisco) at the right time (late 1980s, early 1990s) and be heavily influenced by the Esprit collection. “He was instrumental in disseminating the idea that Amish quilts are art objects of the highest caliber.” The collection was eventually sold when the owners went their separate ways and that was a sad day; the end of an era. Doug Tompkins was killed in a kayaking accident recently. You can read more in an article by Janneken Smucker, which talks about Esprit, Doug Tompkins’ aesthetic and principles as well as the quilts of the Esprit Collection.

There was an article recently posted on the Right Sides Together blog about the Modern Quilt Police. I was shocked when I read it because I had the impression that avoiding the regular Quilt Police was one of the things that started the Modern Quilt Guild.

Websites & Blogs
Pink Chalk Fabrics domain name, social media properties etc are for sale. Do you want to continue the journey?

Media

The Modern Quilt Studio (Weeks Ringle and Bill Kerr) has a new YouTube channel. Free subscriptions are available using the normal method for subscribing to YouTube channels.

Other

What it costs to make a quilt
What it costs to make a quilt

Samantha Hostutler posted this image on FB (not sure if the FB link will work for you, but you might take a look in the Quilting FB Group if you want to see the image in the wild) after a friend of hers saw it at a quilt show. While I think hourly rates are low, I think it gives a nice outline of what it costs to make a quilt.

Best Bag Ever

Best Bag Ever Front
Best Bag Ever Front

There are a couple of reasons why this is the best bag ever.

First, I needed a bag which I could use to transport my June Tailor board. If it wasn’t written on my to do list, it was on my mental to do list. Since I took the Dale Fleming class and needed to buy the June Tailor board for it, I have wanted a bag that could accommodate that board. I just never could get to making one.

Next, I didn’t have to make it. This was my BAMQG swap gift. I couldn’t believe someone would make me such a large and wonderful gift. I really was shocked. Amanda made this bag in colors that I really like.  The pocket on the outside will accommodate my Omnigrid 24″ ruler. The outside side pockets will accommodate other rulers and supplies as well.

BBE Inside Pockets
BBE Inside Pockets

Third, she also added useful pockets on the inside for 6″ and 4″ rulers. Amanda included a cutting mat and the small square rulers. Not only is this gift really useful, but Amanda was really generous in the additional bits she included.

Finally, I get to cross something off my to do list. Whether it was on the list or not.

BBE Back
BBE Back

Tuffet #2

Tuffet Pieces
Tuffet Pieces

I am heading to another Tuffet class today. I have spent the past few days putting another Tuffet cover together.

I know I have too many projects on my plate right at the moment. Miss Lottie told me that she spent 25 minutes each working on a variety of projects on which she needed to make progress. I decided to do something similar and worked on a bag at the same time I was working on the Tuffet. I alternated the projects. It didn’t work perfectly, but I made progress on both, which is all that I cared about.

When I decided to make another Tuffet, I decided I would make the cover, etc on my own and only take the second part of the Tuffet class. Being ready for the class meant making the whole Tuffet cover myself, which meant I had to do it. I made the foundations and cut all of the strips, but then I just let the piece languish until almost the last minute and I really couldn’t leave it anymore. Once I really got down to it, I was able to make good progress.

Tuffet halves
Tuffet halves

I wanted the Tuffet I made before and this new Tuffet to look similar since they will be in the same room. I used some of the same fabrics, but exchanged others. I am not sure that I like the combination 100% and think that I will use no more than two of the same fabric strips if I do make another one. I am going to finish it, because I am sure it will be fine and now that the whole cover is together I think it looks ok.

I think, because of the difficulty of the fabric choices, there are more Tuffets in my future. However, how many Tuffets does one family need? I may have to buy more armchairs so I have an excuse to make more Tuffets.

 

Gift Post #1: Tablet Cover

BAMQG had a gift exchange yesterday for the Winter Extravaganza meeting. I made a tablet cover for Cindy C.

Table Cover - closed
Table Cover – closed

I started it a few months ago, right after the announcement and my giftee assignment.

I found many tablet covers, but finally decided I liked the look of the Sew Mama Sew pattern by Jen Carlton Bailly. In the end I got a tablet cover with which I am pleased and it only took me a day, but, in the end, I didn’t like this pattern.

The tablet cover I needed to make was intended for a modern guild’s swap. I have a lot of the Heather Bailey Pop something fabric – Sugar Pop? Pop Rocks? I don’t remember the name of it. It is modern and so I used it with a Bonnie and Camille Bliss print on the inside.

I searched for a tablet cover pattern, cut the pieces and then let them sit for nearly a month. Bad idea, because I had a hard time finding the pattern on my computer. It was there; I just didn’t remember where I filed it. I also forgot where I was in the making process. Sigh. Not an auspicious start.

Tablet Cover Pocket
Tablet Cover Pocket

I started out making the pocket as the directions said. I was quite proud of my pocket. The corners are a little wonky, but I was proud of the way I lined up the fabric.

This pattern ended up being somewhat problematic and the problems started when I went to sew the pocket to the cover. The directions weren’t specific on where to sew the pocket and from the pictures, it looked like it was sewn to the inside. I sewed it on and went on with making the rest of the cover.

I used Soft & Stable instead of the recommended interfacing, because it is nice and cushy. I wanted the cover to keep the tablet from getting scratched and the Soft & Stable provides a good cushion. It is not fusible so I sewed the pieces into the seam allowances to keep them in place.

Tablet cover - open with tablet
Tablet cover – open with tablet

Once you get the hang of bagmaking, most bags (and this is essentially a bag) are very similar. I sewed along at a good clip. I slowed down towards the end, because of the strap for the wristlet. I had to translate the webbing directions to using interfacing and fabric directions. I think my wristlet looks ok.

The velcro was also a challenge and I would have put it on before I sewed the lining and the exterior together if I had known how it would fall in the steps. I’d like my velcro to be hidden, which means sew to the lining and the Soft & Stable NOT to the outside. That type of construction is not much more complicated, however you do have to think ahead.

Yes, I read the directions, but without fabric in my hands, it might has well have been gibberish. I’ll do it a different way if I make another one.

As I mentioned above, I sewed the pocket to the inside of the cover. There was no mention of sewing the tablet cover together. Even reading over the steps above and below, I could find no spot that said to sew the cover together so it looked like an envelope, so I did my best when I got to that spot.there were three sections, so it wasn’t difficult and I used monofilament so the stitching wouldn’t show up.

As it turns out, the pocket ended up on the inside. With the opening down.

Since the opening was down so I couldn’t even claim it is a hidden pocket. I am not a good pattern reader, so I went back to be sure and step two does not mention what fabric (outside or lining) I should sew the pocket to. Different fabrics are shown in different pictures. I know it is hard to write tutorials and thankless, as well, but this was not a complete pattern. I am not sure it was tested.

Finished Tablet Cover - open
Finished Tablet Cover – open

I looked at it and thought about it overnight. I decided to take the whole piece apart and resew it so the pocket would be useful. Unsewing monofilament is no picnic, but I am much happier with how my version of this pattern turned out.

The pocket is nice looking IMO, but it covers the matching of the fabric on the actual cover that worked at. Oh well.

Finished Tablet Cover - closed
Finished Tablet Cover – closed

CQFA December 2015 Meeting-Art Walk

Maureen had a great idea, which was to bring all of our challenge and swap pieces, regardless of level of finishing. The idea was show the pieces off in groups. I wasn’t sure how it would all work out, but it turned out to be fantastic.

Lobster Placemat in progress
Lobster Placemat in progress

First, this idea inspired me to work on the Lobster Placemat (for the placemat challenge), which, as I said, had been on my mind for awhile. I really felt some freedom in making this piece. It was fun to work on layering and also to work on a more casual applique piece. I am looking forward to getting back to it and adding some embroidery and other embellishments to it.

I am thinking of using small black fused fabric for the eyes, but may do some fancy embroidery. In order make a good eye with embroidery, I would need to use a satin stitch or something similar and I don’t have much experience with those types of stitches. We’ll see.

Amy's Response to the Pink Flower challenge
Amy’s Response to the Pink Flower challenge

Next, the idea worked out really well. We had some time while we enjoyed the snacks everyone brought and took the time to look at the pieces.  We were able to take our own time as well as informally chatting with others about the pieces.

Amy’s response to my Pink Flower Challenge is fantastic. Her piece looks like a Ruth McDowell piece and I couldn’t get over how great the piece looked. Her work is so amazing. I have seen such growth in her work since the first Primal Green exhibit.

Next, also, we sat down together and, with Amy’s guidance, we went through each piece and  discussed our thoughts on the pieces. We were able to ask questions of the artists as well as explain our thoughts on our own pieces.

Finally, seeing all these pieces together and talking about them with the other members really inspired me to get back to some art quiltmaking. I’ll work on the Lobster Placemat and, perhaps, get back to the Serendipity Lady.

Creative Prompt #341: Icicle

Reno Icicles
Reno Icicles

I couldn’t resist posting this picture, which is a good example of icicles.

icicle lights

Definition: “a hanging, tapering piece of ice formed by the freezing of dripping water. a thin, shiny strip of plastic or foil hung on a Christmas tree for decoration.” (Google)

The Icicle is Blue’s new stylish USB converter and mic preamp combo that allows you to connect any XLR microphone directly into your computer via USB

Icicle Creek Center for the Arts

Icicles, an Emacs library that enhances minibuffer completion, that is, input completion

performance eyewear

Icicle is a PHP library for writing asynchronous code using synchronous coding techniques.

a font

Icicle Ridge Winery is one of the most unique wineries in Washington Wine Country. Located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains near Leavenworth,, Washington, founder Louie Wagoner and winemaker Don Wood produce hand-crafted, award winning wines that will delight you.

Icicle Farming

Zoomable Icicle

The Icicle Gorge Trail, one of the most popular trails in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

World of Warcraft spell

The 2015 WCBC Icicle may be your first chance to stretch your legs on a long ride after the long, cold, winter.

a type of hitch knot

Cameron Mahkent, alias Icicle, Jr. is the son of the original Icicle, Jora Mahkent

Wikipedia: “An icicle is a spike of ice formed when water dripping or falling from an object freezes.”

Icicles, an Emacs library that enhances minibuffer completion, that is, input completion.

 

Post the direct URL (link) where your drawing, doodle, artwork is posted (e.g. your blog, Flickr) in the comments area of this post. I would really like to keep all the artwork together and provide a way for others to see your work and get familiar with your blog or website.

The Creative Prompt Project, also, has a Flickr group, which you can join to  post your responses. I created this spot so those of you without blogs and websites would have a place to post your responses.

We are also talking about this on Twitter and Instagram. Use the hashtag #CPP

Random Update: STB

SBT Prep DONE!
SBT Prep DONE!

I have a couple of Sew Together Bags (SBT) on my list of Projects To Do. I have mentioned before that I find the prep of bags to be daunting. Unlike quilts, you can’t really cut as you go. It is a little frustrating to do that, if nothing else. Still cutting out bunches of pieces is no picnic either. I did a lot of cutting on my trip to Reno and that helped me, not only move forward on projects (even though I can’t show them just yet), but also be inspired to make other projects of the same kind. At the moment, I am just being inspired. I have not yet cut out other projects since I have a couple from that mass prepping session to sew.

SBT: big zipper section
SBT: big zipper section

A few of us on Facebook have, coincidentally, SBTs on our list of to dos and we have been sharing tips and tricks. It is very helpful. One helpful tip was that there was a sew-a-long done by The Quilt Barn a few years ago and it still posted. I had some problems seeing it on my mobile device, but no problem from my computer. It really helps on the first zipper step, which is all the farther I have gotten on the sewing part of the project. Still, it is nice to see the other ladies finish and post their SBTs as well as the progress they are making.

Even More Gift Bags

I didn’t intend to make more gift bags. However,  I cleared off my cutting/work table and found some cuffs waiting to become Christmas pillowcases. I stared at them and finally decided to make them into gift bags instead. I am done with pillowcases for this year, I think.

Formerly cuffs, now gift bags
Formerly cuffs, now gift bags

They are long skinny bags, but what the heck?

The one on the right will fit a gift I have to give on Saturday at the BAMQG gift exchange, which is great. I am sure I will find a use for the other one. Pretty soon I am going to have to do a gift inventory and see what I still have to make or buy. at that time, I will wrap gifts with bags I have handy.

Thinking about gift bags, this reminds me that I have a huge gift to wrap. I don’t think I want to make a gift bag that big that will only be used once, or very occasionally. I might drape some Christmas fabric over it and tie a ribbon around it and call it done. Did I mention I found another stash of Christmas fabric when I was looking for beads for the ATCs?

More Christmas wrapping
More Christmas wrapping

I also made a few bags from the leftover lights fabrics. These are so cheerful.

Have you been making gift bags?

CQFA December 2015 Meeting-ATCs

The meeting on Saturday was long and fabulous. I can’t write one post on all that happened. It is too much to include.

We had a short business meeting, then everyone put their challenge and workshop pieces up and we all walked around and looked at them.

Nancy, Virginia, Angela, Jaye (Top left to bottom right)
Nancy, Virginia, Angela, Jaye (Top left to bottom right)

While this was happening, some of us exchanged ATCs. Virginia, Angela, Nancy and I were the only ones who made ATCs. This was a GREAT batch, though, and I love the ones I received, including one of my own.

I almost never get one of my own, mostly because I don’t make an extra to keep. My own fault, but it is nice to get one once in a while.

I spent part of the day, and most of the evening, Friday making my ATCs. The big piece of ATC backing that I made at the beginning of the year to help make the ATC process progress more quickly has disappeared (sigh), so I had to start at the beginning. Part of this process was clearing off my cutting/worktable. I had things in progress there, which took up space, so I cleared them off, made the backs of the ATCs and then started in on the fronts.

I used scraps, mostly. I also decided to try using some of the sheer ribbon I save from gifts for gift bags as a starting point. I enjoyed using it as it gave the piece a bit of a sparkle, but I think I should have used a darker fabric if I wanted the ribbon to show up more.

Jaye's ATCs in progress
Jaye’s ATCs in progress

I usually make the 4 ATCs as one big piece and then cut them up. It makes for less fiddliness. This time I was smart and left a little bit between each ATC so I had room to cut them apart. You can see the stitching lines around each 2.5″x3.5″ rectangle. This rectangle is my canvas and helps me remember that whatever is between those two lines will not be seen.

That blue thread is very thin and almost looks like a length of single crochets. I carefully placed it next to the stitching where I stitched down the ribbon and sewed it on with a straight stitch. I bought it and a few other colors on a card that had 5 different types of embellishing thread in about 2-3 yard lengths. I use them periodically for ATCs.

In the evening, I added french knots using several blues, greens and purples from the Anna Maria Horner set of Perl Cotton I bought some time ago. I also put beads on each card, using a Bead Soup selection. I love doing the handwork, especially as it gives me something to do when I watch TV that makes me feel like I am making progress. The handwork was a little hard on my hand. I need to think about that next time.

Angela's ATCs
Angela’s ATCs

Angela told me that she took a class from Valerie Goodwin and used the techniques of blending and adding sheers for her ATCs. The sheers are a similarity between Angela’s and my ATCs.

Virginia's ATCs
Virginia’s ATCs

Virginia’s ATCs felt like they were painted on paper, though mine has part of a leaf under, what looks like, a piece of decoupaged tissue paper. There is some stitching as well. Virginia is immensely talented and I am continually in awe of what she makes.

Nancy's ATCs
Nancy’s ATCs

Nancy used a printing press at work for a project and was inspired to come home and do some printing with glass sheets. I really like her designs and kind of wish she would upload them to Spoonflower and make the designs available as fabric.

One of the things I like about ATC swaps is the opportunity to play a little bit. Of course, I could do that all the time, but I don’t. This is a deadline I can use to make a little piece of art.

Finished: Fabric of the Year 2014

Fabric of the Year 2014 - Complete
Fabric of the Year 2014 – Complete

I finished Fabric of the Year 2014 yesterday. I had the quilt done, but took my sweet time in sewing on the sleeve.

It has some similarities to FOTY 2013, namely the light in the middle. I wanted to try to recreate that glowing aspect again.

The back was one of the easiest I have made. Almost no drama, especially since one piece of fabric made almost the entire back. I added the solid so that large motifs didn’t run against each other when I sewed them. I thought it would look too jangly.

Fabric of the Year 2014 Back - Completed
Fabric of the Year 2014 Back – Completed

I liked pieced backs, but am very happy when I don’t have to piece too much.

Lobster Placemat

There was, at some point, a placemat challenge issued at CQFA. I don’t normally do challenges, but an idea popped into my head. It stayed in my head until the May 2014 meeting where Jen did a workshop on “from drawing to art quilt” That workshop was also about line. I took a minute to get my idea down on paper.

Sketchbook book lobster placemat
Sketchbook book lobster placemat

This past week, since we were having a CQFA art show, I started in on the piece. It is mostly applique’ — well, it is all fusible applique’ at the moment, but I am not finished and I may add some piecing around the edges.

Lobster Placemat in progress
Lobster Placemat in progress

I showed it off at CQFA yesterday during the art walk and people seemed to like it. There was some discussion about next steps. Caroline suggested googly eyes for the eyes, but I am not sure that is the direction I want to go with this piece.
 

December To Do List

I really did make a lot of progress, so I just had to post and crow a bit.

  1. Quilt Christmas table runner
  2. Wash fabric AKA The Great Unwashed-I didn’t wash anything recently, but I have been pressing.
  3. Cut out Anna Maria Horner Multi-tasker tote
  4. Finish sewing Anna Maria Horner Multi-tasker tote -this was a gift I intended to give during Holiday 2013- sigh. Missed 2014 Holiday deadline as well. The bucket part of the bag is done and I just have to add the straps.
  5. Cut out 3 notepad covers for gifts
  6. Finish cutting out Day in the Park backpack variation
  7. Finish cutting out 3rd Petrillo bag
  8. Sew Bon Appetit apron
  9. Cut out Art supplies Sew Together Bag
  10. Sew Art supplies Sew Together Bag
  11. Cut out Art supplies pincushion
  12. Sew Art supplies pincushion
  13. Cut out Purple Sew Together Bag
  14. Sew Purple Sew Together Bag
  15. Cut out Purple pincushion
  16. Sew purple pincushion
  17. Cut out Thanksgiving tablerunner #1
  18. Cut out Thanksgiving tablerunner #2
  19. Cut out Thanksgiving tablerunner #3
  20. Cut out Thanksgiving table mat
  21. **ATCs for CQFA December meeting

**New this time

I did break up some of the steps into cut and sew, which seems to have made the list longer not shorter. Still, it will be better in terms of crossing things off.

To see the 26 Projects Lists, which list quilt WIPS, visit the October 26 Projects update. October’s To Do List has a couple of changes, which is heartening.

Done in 2015:

  • Make stiff bucket or box for TP in second bath
  • Christmas pillowcases
  • 3 Christmas pillowcases (from May list)
  • ATCs for CQFA January Meeting
  • Make binding for Pink T Quilt
  • Make two bags for gifts (January list)
  • Make stiff bucket or box for TP in main bath
  • **More Christmas Pillowcases
  • **ATCs for CQFA October meeting

Other:

  • ATCs for CQFA April Meeting – I think I was sick or skipped this meeting for some reason
  • Fix button on DH’s California shirt – he decided it was fine

Creative Prompt: #340: Pizza

Pizza is what everyone has after Thanksgiving. 😉

Moon in the sky like a big pizza pie….

Pizza Brain – Widely known as the world’s first pizza museum, this Fishtown destination features plenty of pizza-themed memorabilia and serves up tasty brick-oven pies.

Pizza Pizzaazz

Sarah Graley has created Pizza Witch as the very first webcomic for Comic Book Slumber Party!

My MIL always made pizza on Christmas morning. According to family legend, it has all the requirements of a breakfast food. You be the judge.

Chicago style

take and bake

Definition: “Pizza is a flatbread generally topped with tomato sauce and cheese and baked in an oven. It is commonly topped with a selection of meats, vegetables and condiments. The term was first recorded in the 10th century, in a Latin manuscript from Gaeta in Central Italy.[1] The modern pizza was invented in Naples, Italy, and the dish and its variants have since become popular in many areas of the world.[2]

In 2009, upon Italy‘s request, Neapolitan pizza was safeguarded in the European Union as a Traditional Speciality Guaranteed dish.[3][4] The Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (the True Neapolitan Pizza Association) is a non-profit organization founded in 1984 with headquarters in Naples. It promotes and protects the “true Neapolitan pizza”.[5]

Pizza is sold fresh, frozen or in portions. Various types of ovens are used to cook them and many varieties exist. Several similar dishes are prepared from ingredients commonly used in pizza preparation, such as calzone and stromboli. It is a popular fast food item.” (Wikipedia)

order a slice

hand tossed pizzas

izza Camp 2015 went down at the Baker Near-Wilderness Settlement in Maple Plain, MN on Saturday September, 12th

pizzeria

programming language

New York Pizza PRoject – A beautifully printed 192-page coffee table photography book featuring New York City’s last authentic pizzerias

 

Post the direct URL (link) where your drawing, doodle, artwork is posted (e.g. your blog, Flickr) in the comments area of this post. I would really like to keep all the artwork together and provide a way for others to see your work and get familiar with your blog or website.

The Creative Prompt Project, also, has a Flickr group, which you can join to  post your responses. I created this spot so those of you without blogs and websites would have a place to post your responses.

We are also talking about this on Twitter and Instagram. Use the hashtag #CPP

Improv Class Piece

I made major progress on this piece during the weekend before Thanksgiving. I have had a lot to talk about, so posts are getting backed up. For someone who hasn’t had  much of a chance to sew recently, I seem to have a lot of content!

Potential Red & Black Improv Back
Potential Red & Black Improv Back

I walked around my workroom trying to get comfortable with the blue and green backing. I really tried hard to like it. I tried to convince myself that another color scheme would provide a different look and make a good addition to the piece.

No dice.

I had already cut one piece into two and I still couldn’t like what I saw. The blues just didn’t work with the red and black and I couldn’t do it. I admitted to myself that I wanted to save the large piece of red solid for another project and that cleared the way for progress. I found a piece of American Made Brands red solid on sale and bought it. That kind of freed me up to use the large piece of Kona red for the back, which is what I did.

I spent a whole Sunday piecing the back. I wanted to finish and it took me a long time. I did. I just need to make the binding and then I can take it to Colleen’s to be quilted. I like the way the whole piece came out, but I am glad to get it off my design wall.

The thing is huge and I need to take a photo of both sides outside, but that will have to wait for one of my quilt hangers to return from college.

BAMQG Round Robin – Rhonda

As I mentioned the other day, I had Rhonda’s piece and I worked on it very quickly, then sent it off to Cheryl.

Rhonda's IRR piece - November 21, 2015
Rhonda’s IRR piece – November 21, 2015

When I got it from Rhonda, it was getting to be quite curvy. There is a lot of nice piecing and I did not want to touch the bottom portion (ignore my slippered feet!) as I didn’t want to ruin anything.

I took a leaf out of the notebook I used in a class at Fort Mason. Sonya Lee Barrington taught a beginning quilt class and one of the techniques I learned was called “Curved Strip Piecing.”

Rhonda's IRR with my signature fabric
Rhonda’s IRR with my signature fabric

I laid the piece over my signature fabric and cut along the edge. I made quick hash marks across the two fabrics and pinned them together. It made it easier to sew the curve, which came out mostly flat. My addition came out super bold. I hope people know they can cut off my signature fabric.

My contribution to Rhonda's IRR
My contribution to Rhonda’s IRR

For the rest of my addition, I used some piecing that was already done. I added some more and then sewed what I made to the piece.

I would have never thought to put half a piece on to someone else’s round robin, but I saw Michelle do it and decided it would fit with my timeframe. Again, I used some curved strip piecing to help make the piece fit.