Colourful Learning Project

Although I haven't quilted much in the last few weeks, I did get a couple of projects finished. That's always a great feeling. Here's the first one.

I started my Beginner's Quilt-Along Quilt with the Quilting Gallery almost 2 years ago, in June 2012! I've been blogging about this project for a while now, in all of its various stages. That's what's so great about a blog; I have a record of what I did and when I did it! That is so much more reliable than my excuse for a memory. In June of 2012, I made the first 4 blocks and another 2 in July. By the end of August I had 11 of the 13 blocks completed. I was more or less up to date, until we had one week to put the quilt together and another to quilt it. That totally did me in.

Finished Beginner's Quilt-Along Quilt

I sort of left the project aside for a while. I'm not sure when I put in the sashing but I do remember adding the piano key border at a CTQG retreat in Cumberland. At some point before March 2014, the quilt was sandwiched and ready to quilt. I do know that I was waiting to learn to free motion quilt (FMQ) so that I could use it as a practice piece. At the beginning of March 2014, I had started to FMQ it using Angela Walter's Dot-to-Dot quilting technique from Craftsy. At the time of the blog, I had 5 squares quilted and 3 others marked.

FMQ on the border and sashing

In March, I joined a 30/30 challenge, where I tried to quilt for 30 minutes each day, for 30 days. I worked on the Beginner's Quilt-Along project during the first week and finished FMQ all of the blocks and sashing. It was a very hectic month with overly ambitious goals, but I sure got a lot accomplished! By the end of the month, I only had the piano key border to finish and the binding to attach. Of course, it didn't help that I couldn't find any more of my sashing fabric to use for the binding!

Since I didn't blog about it, I'm not sure when I finished the quilt. I have a vague recollection of having it done by Easter weekend. Once it was finished, I ordered some Breezy Color Absorber, because I was afraid that the red block would bleed. I had washed the red fabrics several times and even soaked them in salt, but when I rubbed off the marking pencil, some of the red still came off my wet towel. The Breezy worked like a charm and the quilt came out really lovely.

After all of that work, I still needed to create a label for the quilt. It's very pretty, even if it doesn't really look like a sunset.

Foundation Paper Pieced Label

Here are close-ups of some of the quilting on the blocks, sashing and piano key border.






What I learned:

• This was a great project and my first Quilt-Along. I learned a great deal throughout the whole project, from planning and making the blocks to quilting them. 
• The project was perfect for practicing my FMQ. I was able to use many variations of the patterns I learned in the Craftsy course.
• For the FMQ, I used a different thread for the top of the quilt, so that it would blend or match each coloured block. In the bobbin, I used very light Bottom Line polyester thread that matched the back. The thread goes a long way; I didn't have to change the bobbin thread every time I changed colours; and the thread really works well in my machine. It was a real charm.
• The one planning error I did was not putting aside fabric for the finding. I was able to find matching fabric, but I do hope that the next time I make a quilt top, that I'll set aside some fabric in a marked baggy, with the project so that I won't end up using the binding fabric in another project. And, if I don't have the binding fabric, then I should write myself a note in the pattern to say that I need to find fabric for the binding (that might save me an hour or so frantically going through my stash looking for fabric that isn't there!). Here's hoping I'll put this recommendation into action!
• So what do you do with a practice quilt that is by all standards far from perfect but made with love? You find it a good home where it will be appreciated, flaws and all. Thanks Diane!
  
  
  
  

Enjoy the rest of spring, or the beginning of summer wherever you are!
Happy quilting.


Linking up to Show Me Something Rainbow link up with Sarah Goer Quilts

Finishing up - Final Update

What a month! It was a great idea to join the 30/30 Challenge hosted by Berry Barn Designs. It encouraged me to quilt as often as possible and I got to read some great blogs, comments etc. Thank you everyone, especially Sarah of Berry Barn Designs!

Here was my list of projects and what I hoped to accomplish:

• I'll be finishing my Quilt-Along project using Dot-to-dot FMQ (free motion quilting);
• I will also be working on my frog quilt. My objective is to get the quilt top finished.
• I will be working on my Grandmother's Choice quilt.  My objective is to get 10 more blocks finished and blog about them (that takes the longest time since I usually research the Canadian facts about each issue.)

What was I thinking? I think I thought I was going to take the month off work and quilt!

Quilt-Along almost finished

Here are my accomplishments:

• The Quilt-Along project is almost finished. I used only Dot-to-Dot FMQ on it. All of the blocks and the sashing have been quilted. I just need to quilt the border with the Cathedral curves.
• I completed two blocks of the frog quilt in the first week of the challenge. That's as far as it went.
• The Grandmother's Choice quilt is coming along. Before the challenge, I had chosen and cut the fabric for 5 more blocks. This weekend, I completed them, plus one more; and then chose the fabric for another 6 blocks. I haven't blogged about them yet but I will in the near future.

Grandmother's Choice blocks

Accomplishments that were not included in the Challenge:

• I completed a DIY kimono for my daughter;
• I completed the batik quilt top that I started during week 2, when I was too tired to piece my complicated blocks (frog quilt and Grandmother's Choice);
• I have embroidered about half of the leaf for one of the projects from Carol Armstrong's Applique Inside the Lines;
• I have almost finished the Happy Villages project. It's 95% completed. I just have to add boats on the water and FMQ some waves on the water; and



Completed Batik Quilt Top

• I attended one quilt guild meeting and three classes in Canadian art appreciation.

One of the reasons I got so much done was that I went on a quilting retreat from Thursday to Sunday this week. That's essentially where I did everything that I hadn't done in the previous 3 weeks.

It was a great weekend of quilting, sleeping, reading, and eating with friends....not necessarily in that order. It was almost as good as going down south for a holiday (almost but not quite!)

What I learned

Happy Villages - Amalfi Coast

• Why am I always so ambitious in setting goals? At the time, I actually thought they were pretty realistic. Not sure on which planet or alternate universe!
• I really did get a lot done - frankly an incredible amount. It just wasn't on the projects that I had anticipated doing.
• In hindsight my objectives were made up of projects that demanded a fair amount of concentration and focus. What I did accomplish included easier projects that I could do without too much thought.   

Quilting Dot-to-Dot on my Quilt-Along Project

Looking back at my blogs, I realised that I started the Beginners' Quilt-Along well over a year and a half ago. Time sure does fly! My last post was in August 2012. By then, I had eleven of the blocks made. The entire quilt was made of 13 squares. I thought I would use an on-point layout, but changed my mind, so I ended up using only 12 squares. I discarded the black and white square, since technically they are not the same colour. All of the other squares are monochromatic. I was a lot of fun finding (and buying) the fabrics. Thank goodness for fat quarters!

Quilt-Along quilt in progress

I think I put the squares together in the winter of 2013 during a guild quilting retreat. I remember making the piano keys for the border. I really like how it worked out. Here's a partial view of the quilt-in-progress.

I wanted to wait to quilt this until I was able to do some free-motion quilting. Since I now have more experience and have learned various free motion techniques, it's time to practice on my Beginners' Quilt-Along quilt. The technique I decided to use is called Dot-to-Dot quilting with Angela Walters through Craftsy. I've really enjoyed Angela's class. There are three main quilting patterns and then tons of variations that you can create.

Orange block

I now have 5 of the blocks quilted and 3 of them marked, ready for quilting. That leaves 4 more blocks after that, plus the sashing and the piano keys border. I've been able to use the three main patterns and many of the variations on these blocks. It's coming along very well. Here are some of the quilted blocks.

First quilted block without marking - Yikes!

Purple block

This gold block to the left was the first one that I quilted after spending about 30 minutes practicing. It's pretty awful if you consider that most of those lines are supposed to be straight! After that block, I've been marking all of the others before quilting them. Since they are all straight lines that can be done with a ruler, it's really not that time consuming. For the result, I think that it's well worth the time spent.

Yellow block

Pink block

Marked lilac block

Marked green block

Here are the 3 marked blocks that I'll be quilting soon. I've been able to mark all of these squares with a pen that disappears when you iron the fabric. I didn't bother marking all of the lilac square since I'll just be following the lines of the windmill design .

Marked lime green block

What I learned:

• I will probably be marking these for a while. Of course the more I practice, the better I'll get.
• Marking is really not that time consuming since it's only with a ruler and not a template.
• Marking also lets me figure out what I want to quilt. If I don't like it, I just iron the marking off!
• It's also helping me get better at quilting on the line. It's more difficult than you might think!

Summer can't be over!!!

Can you believe it? It's mid-August, the kids are getting ready to go back to school and I haven't done half of what I wanted to get done this summer. Every year it's the same thing...hmmm, isn't that the definition of insanity - doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result? Oh well, maybe next year!

I have been busy, but not necessarily quilting. I did buy lots of fabric :-)  I guess that counts for something.

Eleven Blocks Completed!

Here are the eleven blocks in our Beginner's Quilt-Along. I was running behind, but am now caught up (for now).

I've really enjoyed making these blocks. After making 8 blocks with half-square triangles, I can safely say that I am now comfortable with the technique that makes two half-square triangles at a time. Here's the link if you want to find out how to do it. The only problem was that I actually got over confident and then forgot to trim all of my half-square triangles. Pulling block # 10 apart will probably remind me for the next time!

Block # 11 using quarter-square triangles

I then learned how to use the same technique to then make quarter-square triangles. That was very cool. Here is the link for the quarter-square triangles.

This whole project has been done using tone-on-tone for each block.  It's been a really fun experience.  Those fabrics are not that easy to find, especially when looking for contrast. This block was all in golds and I was lucky to find fabric that had more white in it.  My favourite colour is burgundy - try finding a light burgundy! It's probably called pink!

We only have two blocks left, so I know that one of them will be lighter, brighter greens. The other one will probably be purples, cause you can't have too much purple!

Keep on quilting and enjoy the cooler weather!

Gotta Quilt



Block #5 Count the stars



It's been a crazy summer - too much heat and too many changes. AGHH! When you can't sleep because your mind is spinning, get up and plan a quilt or two!  Of course, once you start thinking about math, squares and yardage, don't be surprised if it then takes you another hour or two to fall asleep :-)



I've got two quilts planned, as well as my fall wardrobe. I'm going to Fabricland as soon as I get home tonight for their sale. Hopefully I'll be able to show you the results in a few weeks.



Block #6 Go on a picnic



I have, however, finished a couple more squares for the Quilt-Along. This is too much fun! I just love the fact that I only have to make one block per week. Sampler quilts are fun, but when I think about all of the different blocks I have to make, it becomes way too daunting. One block per week is definitely the way to go!

I should be getting my Mom's sewing machine back from getting its (probably 1st) cleaning. My old trusty is still great, but I can't use my 1/4 inch foot. What a disaster.

Keep the faith (which ever one works) and keep quilting.



More Quilt-Along Squares to Share



I am very happy that my first 4 squares for the Beginners' Quilt-Along are made, on time and looking not too shabby! 

I made square #4 last night. I decided on a dark and light pink...but misread the instructions (again...I think I need a vacation!) and so ran out of the light pink fabric.  I really wanted that fabric so I pieced a 5 inch square to make my 2 half-square triangles.  You can tell, but I'm not sure it's critical.  I'll see when it's all together - I can always whip up another pink square #4!



Block #4 - Jump in the Pool



Block #3 - Time for Ice Cream (must be peppermint!)













Top: blocks # 1 and 3. Bottom: blocks # 4 and 2



Quilt Along

I've just posted the pictures of my first two squares in the Flickr Beginner's Quilt Along group (http://www.flickr.com/groups/1942851@N24/).  I decided to do some experimenting. Since one of the quilts that I'm presently working on has monochromatic blocks (in blue, red, purple and yellow), I decided that in this new quilt, each block would be a different colour, but monochromatic within the block.

I bought a couple of brown fat quarters for the first square (I don't usually do browns). The second block is in blues (that I have tons of).


Block #1 in browns



Block #2 in blues

I was hoping not to print out all of the instructions for the blocks, but I'm now re-thinking that since I managed to make the first block way too small! Oh well, I'm now on my way.  Looking forward to seeing how my experiment will work.
Andrée