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. 

IGmini Swap and BIG FAT (quarter) win(s)

IGmini Swap Received 

My new mini has a home on the wall of my sewing room right next to my computer and for now the hoop sits on the shelf above.  I love them both - thank you Kristin @ktstitches and swap mama @mugirl113!

adorable label

Kristin included yummy chocolates, Cotton & Steel and some notions along with a cute card.   You can see the one I sent to my partner in this post.

Lucky Me, x2

In case you happened to notice that big bundle of Kona sitting next to my mini and wondered if I'd been on a shopping spree, the answer is no - I've been on a Lucky Streak.  Thank you Rita @ Red Pepper Quilts and Julie @ Intrepid Threads for the giveaway!

If you follow me you might also remember that I was the BIG winner of this staggering collection of  Denyse Schmidt Hadley FQ's bundle on Quilt Dad's blog - so not to rub it in or anything, but I hadn't shared a picture yet.  Thanks John and Free Spirit Fabrics, you've made for one happy girl. 

Sewing for Sydney #hashtag blocks

Molli Sparkles FAQ details blog post

With so much to be thankful for, I wanted to spread the love a bit and had (made) time on Wednesday to sew these seven blocks and mail them off as part of the Sewing for Sydney quilt making efforts - check out the link above for all the details and help out if you can.

Fresh Sewing Day and December 2014 aLYOF Goal

Fresh Sewing Day - How is it December?

IG mini Swap

Turns out that taking a picture of a mini by yourself is more difficult than I thought.  I'm constantly challenged with getting a decent photo of my larger quilts that require two sets of hands but at least those drape well.

A quick stop at the beach for fabulous natural lighting paid off.  The seagulls were missing the tourists and one in particular was quite the poser.  Fortunately, nobody pooped :) Following the IG feed has been fun now that packages are arriving - fingers crossed! 

That's me on the right

Although two finished quilts for the month felt like a huge accomplishment, it also meant that not a lot else got done.  There was sewing involved in the crafting of my clever slippers for the SBA MQG PJ Party and slipper contest so I'm including them.  And yes, those are Munki Munki's with adorable Heather Ross fabric I've got on.

Redwood Grove Wedding Quilt

I just shared the finish and gifting of this one last post so I'll include a different photo and them looking down at the quilt - such an adorable couple. 

aLYOF December Goal

Veggies 

Now for what's on my plate for December (pun intended).  I'm sticking with items from my Q4 2014 FAL goals to double dip so I'm serving up Veggies and linking up at aLYOF with Melissa and Shanna.  I'm planning on making a gift. Linking up to WIP Wednesday and Let's Bee Social.

Speaking of the Finish Along - did you hear it's headed to New Zealand with Adrianne for 2015?  I started way, way back in the beginning here in the USA with Rhonda 2012, kept up pretty good with Leanne 2013 when it jumped over to neighboring Canada,  and have tried really hard to hold on with Katy in the UK this year.  No matter if I link up every quarter or get all my goals met, I still like to visit other participants to see their progress and send a big huge thank you to the hosts of FAL past, present and future. 

Here's hoping for some Holiday Handmade.

Redwood Grove quilt

Redwood Grove Wedding Quilt

With the help of late night marathon sewing at our recent SBAMQG Quilt Retreat and a bit luck, my FAL Q4 project Redwood Grove has been gifted.   I'd hoped to complete it there but instead brought it home with about 1/3 FMQ done and kept going.

I managed to enlarge and finish the wedding quilt for my niece and her husband and deliver it in person at Thanksgiving - well before their first anniversary and in time for Finish it Up Friday and Whoop Whoop linky parties the aLYOF November goal and 2014 FALQ4 deadlines.   

For the binding, I used two similar fabrics (the green and the blue/green) that were in the quilt and included a pop out of the dark bamboo fabric in just one spot.  Also tossed here and there in the quilt you'll find some brighter rust because as much as I tried to narrow the palette to a cool calm one they had requested, I couldn't help myself.  

Basting at 3am on the floor of the workroom while most of the other attendees at the retreat were fast asleep.  Fortunately there were a couple of other hard core worker bees still at it and they were nice enough to help me manage this beast.   After adding two rows to the side and spicing in another 12" to the bottom the final size is 91"x 87" to give a better drape on their queen bed. 

Detail of Erik's Quilt

Working from stash felt good and I have quite a large batik collection that I still like despite not having added to it in awhile.  To give their quilt a touch of sentiment and cousins loving, I incorporated the fabrics that I used for the two quilts that I had previously made for my sons.    

Kyle's Quilt

My Q4 FAL 2014 goals are now at 2/7 with the finish of my IGmini swap quilt.  It'll be mailed off in a few days and I had better remember to take a photo of it bound.  This shot is from the retreat (matchstick at midnight) as well and I just love the lashes of Aurifil that were created.

FanGirl: Houston Festival part 1

Surrounded by Talent and Inspiration 

Left to Right: Victoria Findlay Wolfe  - let us take a peak at her new book, it's amazing!,  Anita Grossman Solomon - made me blush when she recognized me and told the audience of her open studio about the Old Italian Block quilt I made,  Jenny Doan - as perky in person as on youtube- and Karlee Porter  - entertained beyond words at her graffiti quilting demo and posted the most adorable obligatory selfie on her blog where you can find me waving in the far left. 

Go Ahead and call me a Fangirl 

I knew that going to Houston Festival for the first time would be overwhelming but wasn't exactly sure what to expect.   Once I caught my breath from being star struck - I took off my shy hat and became a full blown Fangirl.  How could I not?  Everyone was so incredibly sweet and happy to pose (or at least they put on a good act).  

Me, Alex, Stephanie, Elena

Above: Alex Voronelli and Elena Gregotti of Aurifil with Stephanie Ruyle and I.

My sister Sheryl and I (Yeah!) 

The Houston MQG had a wonderful meet up on Saturday night (thank you ladies!!) and I won this FQ bundle along with a huge swag bag that barely fit on the plane!  I was one of "those people" with a shoulder bag stuffed bigger than my carryon suitcase. 

FQ Bundle Door Prize to go with my Swag Bag 

I turned my sister on to Oakshott - she's now as hooked as I am so we "had to" stop the Pinwheel booth and pick up a little more each day at the show.

Beautiful Oakshott splurge (in terrible hotel lighting)

The weather was so nice with a gorgeous sunset from our hotel room without fail every night.   We also got to visit with my niece which was such a treat. 

Back at home, we had the first rain in seemingly forever on Halloween.  That didn't stop the fun for my adorable grand daughter.  She was a wee Baby Koa last year with her Pond parents too little to remember, but this time she got to toddle all over and even got her picture in the local newspaper.

2013 Halloween Costumes

2014 Monarch Butterfly and her Eucalyptus purse

Part 2 will include actual quilts from the Festival, I promise!

Between unpacking from Houston and packing for our MQG retreat tomorrow there hasn't been a ton of sewing but I did manage to gather my WIP projects to take along with what just may be another challenge under the wire entry for Michael Miller Cotton Couture:

stash pull and challenge F8 bundle

My hope is to recolor a recent QDAD design and use the fabric above to bring it to life.

QDAD 11.10.2014 

finish up the Redwood Grove wedding quilt before Thanksgiving, the IGswap mini by mailing deadline and also work on my block contribution for QuiltCon charity.  

Linking up to Lee at Freshly Pieced for WIP Wednesday. 

Blogger's Quilt Festival - Modern

Capitola Crossing

I really appreciate Amy's definition of Modern for the Festival - she says ' modern to you, is modern to me"  With that non-judgey spirit in mind I'm entering Capitola Crossing to the linky party.  In all honesty, I think it's pretty special that it was inspired by the Amish Railroad Crossing quilt from 1930

Triangle on a roll - the closest that I get to paper piecing!

Mock up color placement on the design board was a fun step.

The bright colors were chosen to represent the Begonia Festival and the one block mini reflects the small 2 square mile size of town and the railroad that runs through it.

My newish ruler came in so handy trimming up.   Although not a perfectionist (sort of an anti-perfectionist truth be told)  I didn't want to cut too many tips.  

I rarely (read: almost never) mark anything.  The color change is subtle but there are two different threads used inside and out of the chalk line. 

This is as close to matchstick as I've come with a wider spacing for the pink.  Linking up to Blogger's Quilt Festival - Modern category and to ALYOF October Finish Party.

Specs:
Started September 28, 2014
Finished October 4, 2014
Size: 28"x28"
Kona and Cotton Couture Solids
Bamboo Batting
Aurifil 50wt piecing 40wt quilting

Previous Blogger's Quilt Festival Entries: 

Spring 2014

Giant X-Plus  - Scrappy

Rip Tide - ROYGBIV

Fall 2013

Tassels - Group/Bee

Ring Around the Briar Rosies - Baby Quilt

Fall 2012

Old Italian Block - Scrap/ROYGBIV/Bed

Spring 2012

Catalyst (aka Mod Mosaic) - my first time to participate