Glampstitchaswap

Finished with a week to spare.  

Bonnie Bucket Bag

What a relief to have been assigned a secret partner for the bag swap at Glamp Stitchalot that has similar likes. 

Instead of two fabrics I used five and had so much fun with the fussy placement. Pat Bravo designs such treasures it feels less invasive cutting them up this was. 

Fussy Details are Fun

The pattern one by Swoon called Bonnie Bucket bag. I was tempted to give it structure with soft and stable but opted to stay with the Pelion 101 with a peltex bottom. 

Welted Zipper pocket success

Having gained confidence from conquering the recessed zipper in my 3-in-1 Betsy bag made tackling the my first double welted zipper a breeze.  Although I pulled fabric from stash the interfacing required 2.5 yards so a trip to my LQS was necessary.  

Initial Fabric Pull

Usually I'd jump at an excuse to ogle bolts on a shelf but let me remind you of the shift in shoppers at craft stores and thrift shops weeks before Halloween.

Fob and Mermaid

At checkout I spotted a small mermaid that color coordinated and couldn't resist.  The fabric for the strap was screaming to become a key fob. 

Pencil Case 

My sister had sent me a book on krafttex so a pencil holder to mark the occasion was a must. 

Personalized 

We were instructed to keep "extras" to a minimum (thankfully - I find them stressful like stocking stuffers).  Three projects for Finish It Up Friday in one post may be a record.

I'm excited and nervous that it is rapidly approaching.  Hanging out with my sister, seeing Quilty friends in real life and meeting new ones - what a great plan for my birthday. 

Just like QuiltCon it's the anticipation of the unknown and the fear the weekend will come and go in a blink. 

I've link up my finish to PursePalooza with Sew Sweetness.  Sara is so sweet to host this hop with countless bag reviews and the Sewcial Challenge on IG is also a favorite.  She picked my scrappy quilt and sent me this amazing prize!

Prize Recieved 

I shared my bag at the last guild meeting and my friend Sharon- who has affectionately earned the nickname Bag Lady was telling me about a bag of the month club she is part of.  No surprise that Sara one of the designers.  When it comes time to sew these patterns I'm definitely bending Sharon's ear.

More Bag News

The Retreat Committee made swag bags this year that are a bit bigger than the pouches of years past and I love it.  During our group sewing session I volunteered to pair and press fabric so I don't actually know how to make one.

3 in 1 Betsy Bag - zipped up!

zippered front

Do you ever start a project and hit pause for no good reason?   My 3 in 1 Betsy Bag sat in the same state as shown on my "travel handmade to be" blog post until now.  Thanks to #fridaynightsewalong for boosting me to finish.

recessed zipper top

At our August guild meeting I purchased the zipper with the intention of bringing it for show and tell last Tuesday.  Oh well, it's done in time for stuffing it full of supplies for our SBAMQG Quilt Retreat in October so that counts. 

hardware detail

The recessed zipper (my first) was a modification from the drawstring in the pattern because I knew I  couldn't stand the thought of squishing my bugs.  

back

Kraftex, was easy to use (also a first) and will be great for the base of more bag projects.   Because this one is so deep I used a shoe box wrapped in fabric as a support to iron out the wrinkles created when flipping the bag inside out after attaching the lining.  I also sprayed with Best Press.

folded option

The bag design cleverly folds inside itself to convert to a briefcase size with an outside zipper becoming an inside zipper.  The interior also features one entire side of divided pockets.

pretty in pink deatils

For a pop of color I used a solid pink for the lining and also added another pink pocket inside with a key clip.  Now that it's all sewn together it's near impossible to photograph so here's a shot I shared on IG when I was auditioning topstitch thread colors. 

recessed zipper parts

I was wanting to make sure change I made wasn't going to be hindered by the opening while unzipped and overestimated the space. I can trim and redo the end tabs easily.

stitching down the rings

Reinforcing the straps strength by leaving a wide turndown and lots - lots - of stitching should make it hold up.  The fussy cut on the straps was worth the effort but these are covered up.  

Excited to have it done and to add a travel handmade to my collection.  Linking to the party at Crazy Mom Quilts for Finish it up Friday

Started: July 6, finished Sept 6, 2015

Pattern: 3 in 1 Besty Bag by Betsy La Honta for Stash Books/C&T Publishing

Fabrics: Tokyo Trainride by Sarah Watts,  Flora& Fauna by Patty Young,  Kona solid and Kraftex in Stone. Thread: Aurifil #2325 50wt and #5014 40wt.  Interfacing: Pellon 808 and Shape-flex Hardware (need to look this up)

QDAD Milestones

Vista View Glam Pic 08.11.2015

Finally a finish. A very first QDAD brought to life or as Anne so cleverly dubbed the event #QDAD2REALITY, a hashtag I plan to use again soon.   

QDAD2REALITY

Collaboritve projects hold a soft spot in my heart and they are worth the extra time and effort of juggling schedules and hauling supplies back and forth.  This one was started at the first of the year with my friend Sue.

We wanted to sew an original pattern and thumbed through my QDAD (quilt design a day) folder on the computer and chose this one - a simple sashed nine patch, right?

We auditioned fabric from my batik stash and began strip piecing.  In my head, it was going to be a slice and insert method that wasn't time consuming or confusing.  

Progress on Pi Day 03.14.15

In reality, we had a lot of laughs (mostly at ourselves) because diagonal alignment is a bit more challenging when you factor in seam allowance and the spacing from the sash let alone the bridge from one square to the next.

Puzzle pieces 05.31.2015

The final block layout as you can see from the original was swapped around but the overall essence of the design rings true.  The FMQ was laborious and I'll just say it - frustrating.  Fortunately the texture even before it's washed was worth it.

For the longest time this project was my ALYoF goal rolling over month to month.   On Monday I brought it to the UFO show and tell at PVQA's guild meeting where about 30 members who had pledged to finish and share did just that.  A really inspiring parade of talent and stories.  Linking up to Finish it Up Friday with Crazy Mom Quilts.

Keep an eye on the blog tabs because I plan to celebrate my one year QDADiversary by adding a gallery of favorite designs to help motivate me to bring more of them to life.

Bee Sewcial: Between Fantasy and Reality

Bee Sewcial May

Bee Sewcial May Blocks

I ended up mailing off four blocks to Marci's for Bee Sewcial's month of May.  She has quite a happy collection now and I'm excited to watch the building of what is sure to be a beautiful quilt.  There was a bit of artistic conflict, torn between abstract and literal when I first started working on them early in the month.  After a "time out" and a revisit, I'm pleased where they landed. 

The 12.5x20" remote retreat with rolling hills and a stream (above) would be a great place for a girls getaway weekend of sewing.  Both of the big blocks have components from that initial session and plan drawn out here. 

I threw in a neighborhood park and another little house to help with the composition of the quilt, scattering similar bits throughout.  (8x9 and 7.5x8).  It's so freeing to not have a traditional 12.5 square restriction. 

When I made this row of houses (9.5x17.5) I had in mind a very neighborly vibe with a front lawn and porch - can't you just picture the kids with a lemonade stand?  I had a couple of ideas that didn't happen, one being a lighthouse. 

For our June blocks Debbie, a quilters table is having us go Mid-Century Modern.  Her pin board is full of great shapes. I've chosen my favorites and there is also one iconic image that comes to mind when I think of that era so I may try and fit that in somewhere.   I was strolling downtown last weekend and noticed this mural with an entirely new appreciation.  Here's the link to the artist and a full view

MidCentury Modern Mural inspiration 

The colors this month are going to allow me to dip into my solids stash and pull out some untouched fabrics.  Super happy about that. 

I've signed up to be on the QuiltCon West Charity quilt committee and am excited for our planning meeting next week.  Improv with Intent marches on. 

Unconventional Sam

Baby Boy Blocks

Remember these Sunbonnet Sue blocks (below) that I made as part of a collaborative project for my niece when she was expecting her baby girl?  I went all out with the props and had a lot of fun representing meaningful subjects like the beach, pie baking and being artistic.  Details HERE

Baby Girl Blocks

Hopefully I'm not spilling the beans posting the boy blocks now for the current quilt being made for her baby boy but I finished them and just had to share.  This time I let the fabric speak to the theme and rather than embellish them I kept the needle turn appliqué simple.  I know he's suppose to have overall straps but I opt for what I like and it was just awkward - so call me a rebel.

I got a kick out of how the bike and game themed ones look like arm tats and that he's hiding a card up his pant leg - although not sure what a 4 of clubs will get you!

(The mosaic crops the shapes to make three fit in one picture but they are actually square)

I'm linking up to Let's Bee Social and  Scraptastic Tuesday with Leanne at She Can Quilt, and Finish it Up Friday - hope you will too.

A Finish and A Feature

Perspective 

Perspective 48"x60"

The title is tentative but the quilt is not.  I'm thrilled to share my latest finish.  It features Anna Maria Horner's Loominous fabric and will be on display at Hart's Fabric if you're local.  The pattern was generated by me and the computer using Play-Crafts tool, Equal. (edit: Anne will be lecturing at QuiltConWest'16- can't wait!).  

Turns out trying to photo shoot in the afternoon on a nice Memorial Day weekend isn't the easiest thing to do.  I thought I'd pop down to the village for a few quick snaps but it was so crowded that I kept driving.

Depot Hill overlooks Capitola Village and was slightly less populated.  I found a 24 minute parking space and here you have it, some glamour shots.

FQM details 

On last "in the works" pics for those not on IG.  You can also see this post for more of the backstory. Linking up to Let's Bee Social and Finish it Up Friday.

Someone at the store assumed that I used metallic thread because of the sparkles but no, illuminated twinkles on its own. There's no shortage of texture in this quilt as accentuated by the lighting through my front windows.  I was curious about how the difference in weave would be and I'm happy to say they didn't present anymore than the FMQ challenges I usually face.

Quilt: Perspective
Finished Size 48"x60"
Designed with Play-Crafts tool Equal
Started on May 15, 2015 Completed on May 25, 2015
Fabric Loominous by Anna Maria Horner, Binding Kona Pansy
Backing Moda Botany and Fig Tree from stash
Thread, pieced with Aurfil 50wt #2325, quilted with 40wt #2515
Batting Winline Bamboo
by me in my living room on my Babylock Symphony 

Well that's "the Finish" now for "the Feature"

The Loveliest of Features!

Head on over to The Plaid Portico to read the loveliest feature about me written by Andover's fabric designer Carol Van Zandt .  She also has some better pictures of my quilts Dig Deep and Ripple Studel on her blog than mine.

Her art and designs reach beyond quilt cotton and include Greeting Cards, Gift Wrap, Cases & Skins, Kitchen Textiles and more - be sure to check it out. 

Gift Wrap - Designed by Carol Van Zandt

On my way home from work today I took a pitstop to Depot Hill again because I realized I never got a decent picture of this quilt of mine and I want to live up to my into!  If you look really closely on the horizon you can see Moss Landing across the Monterey Bay.

Look Who's Walking - Photo update

The walking path seemed an appropriate location given the quilt's name.
(Inspired by the Lattice quilt ca. 1930 Haven Kansas from the book Amish Abstractions: Quilts from the Collection of Faith and Stephen Brown)

ALYoF April and Origami pouches

Done - Complete - Finished 

Amy Loves Kisses, delivered

There's nothing like the feeling of a finish, on time and delivered. I took it back to my sister and she loved it.  Linking up to ALYoF April goal party with a reference back to my goal setting post here. 

Amy's Backside 

One less WIP for her and a finished goal for me. That's a win win.  This is also the first of four 2015 FAL Q2 projects and a happy Finish It Up Friday too.

Charity Pouches for Pooches 

Origami Pouch - pieced version 

Last week I got together with my small quilt group the Fabric Hounds.  In the past we've donated quilts for a local auction event.  This year instead of one big collaborative item, they decided to make up several smaller things.  I volunteered to make all of the coordinating pouches to go along with the animal shaped coin purses they are sewing.  Yes I'm making more things but it still feels like the long end of the stick because these are a breeze. 

Finished Sides

We picked out fabrics for me to take home but the pretty V and Co Simply Color scraps weren't big enough.  I pieced them into an 18" square, problem solved.  Stitching along the sides make the inside seams are a little bulky with the extra layers but it looks nicely finished.   It really is a clever way to avoid raw edges.

Puppy Pouch 

Because I left the pattern on the counter when I walked out the door I referred to the YouTube video by Debbie Shore. I've got a couple more "modification" ideas bouncing around to try out.

QuiltCon Prep- Bags

The sewing drought is over and when it rains it pours.   I jumped off the sidelines of the Travel Handmade QuiltCon prep - take a look! 

S&S Sewed like butter - I'm totally hooked

Soft and Stable and Wonder Clips - yes please.  I modified the pattern to omit the cargo pockets because I could not stand to cover up those awesome dots.  To compensate, I added a side pocket which helps tie in the bright pink. 

A quick spray baste and a few pins along the oversized panel was really helpful to keep it all in place while channel quilting.   Because I fussy cut the bee without calculating the trim it was a little tricky but worked out. 

Front Panel partially quilted

Not only did I finish the February ALYOF goal Slouchy Bags Taylor Made for myself (below) but I am in the home stretch of a Cargo Duffle (above).  After seeing that Debbie and Rachel pulled off making theirs in a weekend I decide it was not too late for me!   

MQG Newsletter

Pressures on now that a pic of the back panel was featured in the MQG newsletter - I'd better get finished and be toting it around in Austin if I wanna hang my head high :)  Honestly, the cheering on via IG has been fabulous, thanks guys.

Finish It Up Friday

progress 

Love these ladies

Linking up with Amanda Jean at Finish it Up Friday and TGIFF at Quilt Matters.

Here's a Sneak Peaks at a couple of secret gift items that I also started and have finished since my last post.  My mojo has officially returned - at least for pockets, zippers and bags in general.  Not a stitch of quilt making but that's OK. 

You'll just have to wait and see.

After conquering my fear of zippers with one bag I managed to sew in a second and then install a by the yard double pull.  Grant it that last one I goofed on and pre-quilted the gussets so it took most the night to figure a plan B, a minor set back.  Let's just say there was fusible web involved and leave it at that.

Pocket Lining 

Choosing what fabric goes where is super exciting.  Dottie on the other hand was not too thrilled that I took #fridaynightsewalong all the way to Saturday morning and was underfoot hinting it was bedtime.

Add caption

Linking up with Lee at Freshly Pieced for WIP Wednesday.

Alive and Blooming

Last but not least I'll share a photo of the beautiful flower from the bulb I received as a Christmas gift that blossomed this week.  I'm pretty proud of that accomplishment too.

Goats Askew and You Know Who

Goats Askew

At first I titled this original design Askew and then I just had to add "Goats", can you see why? I fell in love with the vintage fabric and used stash to feature it. The scale is hard to capture in the same way Capitola Crossing appeared larger than it was, this seems like it photographs smaller.  Finished size is 72"x86"

It's a bit hard to tell but there are several different LV prints used to give a little scrappiness rather than the initial pull of just two shown above. The palette is much more controlled than my typical kitchen sink approach and that was an intentional goal I set out for myself. 

The technique is an improvisational project score from the newly releasing book (pre-orders for March 2015) titled The Improv Handbook For Modern Quiters by Sherri Lynn Wood aka: Daintytime.  She put a call out for testers that I was happy to be part of.  Although it won't be included in the book,  it was fun to give input.   

For the backing sleeve I matched the fabric since it was going to be permanent.  I'll share it at our local guild's show next February since it wasn't accepted at QuiltCon.  My skill set improved much more rapidly than I'd expected.  All the more reason to try new things, right?

The FMQ was a free form inspired by the shapes of the petals as well as the square in a square graphic in the feature fabric.   Although I didn't just finish, I couldn't share it before because it was a secret so I'll link up to Finish It Up at Crazy Mom Quilts and Let's Be Social now that I can. 

Behind the Scenes

First off, using scissors felt so foreign. I found that placing the ruler under gave me better control when cutting the strips.  My experience making bias tape was practically non existent before this and by the end, I felt pretty confident.

The frixion pen for the light fabric and chalk for the light were invaluable for tracing cut lines and registration marks.  

I challenged myself to exclusively machine piece rather than appliqué the quilt despite the need to join many (MANY) odd shaped areas.  This is lovingly referred to as my X-Y-Z seams. 

When the large chunks of progress became too cumbersome for the design wall, I migrated to the living room floor.  I used painters tape to square off the target size on the carpet and build out the background where I was shy and trimmed the excess where the petal hung over. 

I brought it with me to our SBAMQG Retreat last month to cozy up our cabin.   Goats Askew was a tad oversized for the twin.   My friend Renee and I celebrated our birthdays that weekend. 

Renee and I, the Birthday Girls

Funny enough, there's a photo of us at the Get Your Curve On workshop with Sherri Lynn Wood in this magazine.  It's the side of my head but that counts - and I'm especially proud of my excellent posture!  We had no idea until Renee was thumbing through "The Story of Modern Quilting" - so cool.   

One of my News Years Resolutions should be to finish up that UFO from the workshop - it's on my 2014 Q4 FAL goal that's not been met.

S'mores fire pit and our Workroom in the Redwoods

Since I may never get around to a proper post devoted to the 3rd annual retreat, here are some pics.  Anne is in charge of setting up the group shot each year and they are my favorites (past two are here and here)

SBAMQG Fall Retreat - Look what we did

Great Swag Bags

Wonderful Sponsors

One thing that I plan to be working on in 2015 is the Scrappy Log Cabin Quilt Along with Ginny at Fishcreek Studio.   Check it out - and read all about her on the Around the World Bog Hop post.  She tagged me so be sure to visit back and see who I tag next.