Bold and Brave: Project Quilting 9.3

Finally, after following for years the posts for Project Quilting I'm participating!  The third challenge of season 9 is the theme "Bold and Brave" and best of all makers are encouraged to interpret however they like.

The turn around is quick with only a week to finish and link up and usually life and other deadlines get in the way.  Voting for my favorites is about all the joining in I've been able to squeeze in but not this time.

In the spirit of multi-tasking, I decided to take the opportunity to use the theme for a gift that I wanted to make anyway.

My granddaughter has been a collaborator in many projects and letting her curate the fabric was fun for both of us.  Obviously I didn't use all of the pull but she enjoyed unpinning and unrolling the pieces from their boards.  She also added two words to her vocabulary: "Insulated and Laminated". 

The original orientation was this direction because it reminded me of a lotus blossom.  A design concept that I'd like to revisit.  I don't use or organize my notions very well so I was proud of myself for owning and more importantly being able to locate where I kept the Insulbrite, snap closure and laminate. 

I shared this sneak on IG captioned "Forge your Own Path".   My take on the theme may seem a bit on the lighthearted side of the spectrum as I'm sure there will be deep meaning tributes by others but that's OK.  

Insulbrite 

Embracing the Bold and Brave within my creative self and taking that approach to quilting and designing is very heartfelt and genuine.    

I used metalic essex linen to add some bling and quilted at whim with Aurifil 40wt and 50 wt in several colors.   Life's path is not a straight line and sometimes you get thrown a curve and redirect but it doesn't mean the journey is any less wonderful.

Depending on the angle viewed you get a different perspective with the curves and that feels symbolic as well.   In more recent years, I've explored "meaning in the make" concepts and if there isn't a direct prompt it has a way of creeping in subconsciously.

The size was partly dictated by the size of the piecing but I made sure it was practical for use and could hold a reusable water bottle with room for snacks.

The loop I included is meant to make it easy for hanging on a doorknob but it worked well for the photoshoot too!

It's a bonus to discover other makers who participate and also the sponsors, like Therm O Web - talk about a selection of notions, wow!  Linking up HERE at Persimmon Dreams.  Instagram hashtag is #pqseason9.  Check it out even if you aren't playing along and be sure revisit when voting opens.

Started 5pm Sunday 2/4/2018
Finished 10pm Monday 2/5/2018
Fabrics/notions: essex Linen, Thermalbrite, stash quilt cotton, laminate, magnetic snap, aurifil 40& 50wt thread.
Sewing machine: Babylock Symphony
Original design.  made in Capitola, CA

MQG QCon Mini Swap - One Monthly Goal

Next Mini on Deck

QCon Mini Swap Sneak

I'm in the home stretch of the one for my MQG Swap partner.  Well, the top is pieced so that's a solid start.  She said she likes pink and had just participated in a Libs Elliott mini swap so I included those elements.  Mustard is of course my go to color.

Backing Chosen

Finding the perfect backing in my stash always brings a smile.  I'm going to bind it with the black bolts fabric.  No clue about the quilting design which is typical but it will probably focus on texture rather than contrasting thread.  My swap partner is coming all the way from Germany, how cool is that?  I'm excited about it being a direct swap since I've never done that before and know I'm going to love what she makes for me.

The palette feels familiar wouldn't you say?  A little bit like the mini from my last post I'd say.   I love how things spill out and overlap.  Creative connections are the best.

This one is on my FAL Q1 goal list and I'm kicking it up to top priority linking up with Elm Street Quilts for February "One Monthly Goal"  My OMG goal is to quilt, bind and label the mini.

Having the opportunity to meet and swap minis in person was a really fun part of participating last year.  Last year was the first time and now that the word is out, I'm wondering if more people are going to do it.  Here's a picture from MQG QuiltConEast 2017 in Savannah GA. 

MQG QConEast MiniSwap 2017

I blogged about making it in the POST but I don't think I shared the swapping smiles on the blog.

Three weeks from now I'll be in Pasadena at QuiltCon.   I've ordered a batch of buttons to hand out.  Not sure how much pin trading there will be but I decided that they are still fun to have just in case someone wants one or two!    

Although I'm excited and honored to have my Reflections quilt displayed in the Bee/Group category, it makes me a little nervous and insecure too.  It's amazing and I love it but there is still the element of being judged by viewers.  Not everything is for everybody and I get that.  Putting yourself out there is still worth the risk and I hope that I continue to feel that way.  PIQF and Road to California are shows that I haven't gathered enough courage to enter but plan to in 2018.

Happy Stitching,  Karen

I'm Published - Curated Quilts Log Cabin edition

Improv Abstraction meets Log Cabin - Photo Credit Sue Quijano

I am so thrilled to be a small part of the latest quarterly publication of Curated Quilts.   It's real.  Holding the beautifully weighted pages in my own two hands - oh, the feeling.    The fact that I really love the mini,  the creative journey involved in making it and that I have the honor of being included alongside so many makers that I admire is a bit overwhelming.

Log Cabin Edition

Eye Candy Table of Contents

Definitely check it out if you haven't already on their website HERE.  Copies are shipping now and digital subscriptions available as well.   Signing up for the newsletter also makes it easy to find out about future themes.  Next issue will be filled with Minimal quilts, a new found favorite style of mine.

Fabric Auditioning 

Creating with a given palette in a specific theme is right in my wheelhouse.   I missed finishing the linear mini for the first publication (shared  HERE) and there wasn't any way that was going to happen again.

Playing with Parts

Working in a series and exploring the same shape seemed like a natural progression.  I had just finished teaching a "Improv Abstraction" workshop for the Bay Area Modern guild in September and was excited for the opportunity to explore how to translate it into a Log Cabin.

Improv Abstraction Workshop

Because of the a size restraint, I decided to make the curve more gently sloped and extend the straight tail as needed.  The contrast of pieced parts on one side and mostly single parts on the other was one way to distinguish them.  More obvious, is the high and low contrast of colors.

Rolling Seams open

Retaining a traditional, recognizable Log Cabin design was my goal.   Having a consistent width throughout and keeping the arch similar was key.  Trying to find the balance within the design layout while giving it a personal touch was challenging but ultimately rewarding.

Squaring Up as I go

Those who know me have heard me describe my style as "perfectly imperfect' .  Sewing specifally for an entry that I hoped would be chosen brought with it a little more precision and yet I made sure to stay true to my aesthetics.

Auditioning Thread

Quilting on my domestic was kind of nice to tell the truth.  I've gotten so spoiled using my friends longarm I was nervous and a bit insecure when I began but quickly warmed up and enjoyed myself.

Opting for Texture

In the end, I opted for texture rather than too many different thread colors to minimize the destruction from the design itself.    On the first side I went with somewhat random improv echo and the second side I kept intentionally minimal and controlled, stitching to outline the dark. 

Thank you Amy and Christine for the opportunity to show my work and to discover other makers in the process.  

November BeeSewcial: Maximalist Improv

23"x24" BeeSewcial November 2017

When I read the description for November's #BeeSewcial block :  Maximalism, fun, happy, all color, no rules, no rulers proposed by Leanne @shecanquilt let's just say I was thrilled.   "Time to laugh and play" how cool is that for prompt?!

building parts

My scrap basket was a perfect place to pull shapes that were already partially cut into bits of inspiration as a starting point.  I also dipped into my fat quarter stash to find the right color and larger pieces when needed.  It was a weekend of scissors, freehand rotary and stitching with no pins.  Definitely my kind of fun. 

composing with "chunks"

I've worked this method enough to know not to get too attached to what I see mid-way on the design board.  Things change and evolve as I sew parts together and I try to remind myself of that.  Although it may look random, in the moment, when I'm in the zone, there are a ton of composition decisions being made. 

The photo above shows the the left and right quadrant on the design wall separated and the photo below showed them overlapped and pinned in place.  With gentle curves I can get away with no pins which I prefer to help keep the momentum going but there are steps near the end where pinning in place to position the key visual "connections" is helpful.  

rare pinning in place before the glue

Excess is left until after I've sewn the joint as seen below in this underside process shot.  The split egg shape has become a favorite thing to include and something I'd like to explore in a series.  

underside before trimmed

Here's a link to see the blocks Leanne has received from my other mates HERE.  There is something so satisfying when they are all together and also a huge relief to see proof that it didn't get lost in the mail.

Split Egg - a Future Series

Maximalist Circles for Leanne November 2016

Waves Depth Flow block for Felicity March 2017

Block for Di 2015

One of my fist BeeSewcial blocks and a design that I'd love to super size into a quilt is this one for Di.  I think that subconsciously it sparked the "Reflections" theme that I chose when it was my turn back in 2015.

my 2018 Q1 FAL Goals

Welcome!  If you are looking to LINK UP your own 2018 Q1 FAL goals, go to THIS POST and scroll to find the blue "add your link" button at the bottom.   

Take a look at what I'm hoping to get done:

My 2018 Q1 FAL Goals

Nine seems to be a good number if for no other reason that is how many fit conveniently in a mosaic grid.  Last quarter I got 3 out of 9 done and I'll be happy if that's the case this time, especially if two are my BeeSewcial UFOs.

From top to bottom left to right they are:

1. QuiltCon Mini Swap: I've pulled fabric with only a sneak here because although it's a two way swap (I make for her and she makes for me) the actual reveal won't happen until we meet in person in Pasadena on Saturday Feb 24th.  

2. Ocean Improv:  Today's the birthday of a friend who I'm just beginning to make a quilt for.  Fortunately he likes batik and improv and it will be fun to sew from stash and scraps.  no real deadline 

3. Ultra Violet Pantone Grannys:  Using my granny swap blocks from way back in the Flickr days seems like a good multi-task but we will see how this one pans out as plans are loose. 

4.  Big Stitch for Me:  So I chose a favorite improv piece to use at the big stitch workshop recently to force me into making something out  of it for myself.  It is one step closer than sitting as a flimsy but still just stacked on the projects pile.  

5.  Eyes:  These gorgeous BeeSewcial 2017 blocks have been staring at me begging to become the quilt they are meant to be.  Top of the goals as I have come pretty close on the layout and love, love them.

6. Color Workshop: I had so much fun at the Tara Faughnan class and was on a roll with many more strips already cut.   No deadline or idea who this will be but I would enjoy myself spending time with this process so I put it on the list.

7. Weight of Love:  When I had the chance to take a repeat workshop with Libs Elliott at PIQF in October I jumped on it.  The parts from QuiltCon honestly don't look all that different so rather than having the UFO weigh on me, it's my goal to get it done.

8.  Stretch: Many of these BeeSewcial 2016 blocks were hand delivered to me in Pasadena at QuiltCon which clearly marks the passage of time since I'll be heading there in a few weeks two years later almost to the date.  With a cohesive limited palette I thought the prompt would be easier to compose into a quilt but have been quite puzzled by the puzzling when attempted many times so far. No excuses.  It's a tip top priority.  

9. Minimalist Winter:  Left overs and cut offs can often become something special in their own right. As I've mentioned before, I feel like a maximalist by nature and a minimalist by influence.  Broadening my aesthetics is something I value and want to encourage of myself. 

I'm linking up my 2018 Finish-A-Long Q1 goals HERE and hope that you will to.   Be sure to check out all of the details and deadlines for the new year ahead on the permanent FAL tab on my blog.  All of the hosts are happy to hand hold to get you going.  Like anything new there can be a learning curve with participating in a linky party so we are here to help!

2018 FAL Q1 Link Up

It's time to link up your list of unfinished projects that you propose to finish in Q1 of the Finish-A-Long.  We are hoping that the FAL community will inspire you to work on your unfinished projects this quarter (and throughout the remainder of the year) and to get them finished!

The FAL is hosted by a community of bloggers across the world.  Our hosts are:

• Marci - Marci Girl Designs - USA 

• Sandra (also Social Media Director) - Studio Sew of Course - Ireland

• Leanne - She Can Quilt - Canada

• Ella - Throw a Wench in the Works - USA

• Felicity - Felicity Quilts - Canada

• Karen - Capitola Quilter - USA (That's ME)

• Izzy - Dizzy Quilts - Canada

• Lynne - Tinking Along - USA

For those of you who are new to the FAL, it is a place to find motivation and encouragement to complete those unfinished projects that are hanging about.  At the start of the quarter you post and link up a list of projects you hope to finish in the next three months, and then at the end of the quarter, you link up each successful finish from your original list.

Each linked up finish is an entry into the draw for wonderful prizes from our sponsors.  There is no penalty for not finishing a listed project, so feel free to make your list long or short, as you wish.  The 2018 Schedule and Rules for the FAL are on my permanent FAL page, let me know if you have any questions.

Here are the fantastic and generous sponsors for Q1 of the Finish-A-Long - you can see each of their prizes listed under their logo (think about visiting them and saying thank you):

$50 Gift Certificate

3 PDF Patterns

$25 Gift Certificate

2 PDF Patterns

$20 Gift Certificate

3 PDF Patterns

2 PDF Patterns

3 Six Month Subscr.

$25 Gift Certificate

$25 Gift Certificate

A Minikins Bundle

$50 Gift Certificate

2 PDF Patterns

$30 Gift Certificate

Join Us!

So, now it is time to round up those projects you want to finish over the next three months!  Take a photo of each one and make your list.  Please ensure that you have at least started your projects - pulled fabric with a pattern is considered a UFO, and remember it is only finished projects that will get you an entry toward the above listed prizes.  So while we love to see your bee blocks, the "finish" is when they are a completed, usable project. 

If posting on social media (Flickr, Facebook & Instagram,) it will be very helpful if you tag your list with #2018FALQ1yourname (where yourname is unique to you.)  Using the same hashtag over the quarter when sharing project progress or finishes, helps the host to make the connection to your original list quickly and easily.
IMPORTANT: Don't forget to link up your finishes when the quarter closes!

The 2018 Q1 link for your list of proposed finished is now open below on my blog and each of the hosting blogs.  You need only link your list once, on one blog - the link will show up on all of the blogs.  If you are using Facebook, Flickr or Instagram, post a mosaic of your projects and put your list in the description.  Don't forget to include your unique hashtag.  Katy of The Littlest Thistle has a great tutorial on how to link-up if you need it. 

We also ask that you become part of the FAL community.  Please check out the links of others - visit and comment on their lists.  We all need encouragement to get those finishes done, so please share some of your own too.

If you want you can follow us on Facebook: Finish-A-Long and/or on Instagram @finishalong, too.  We'll post encouragement during the quarter, and reminders when the finishes link-up opens at the end of the quarter. 

When creating your list there is one thing to remember...No deductions for not completing something so...Aim High!  Nothing to lose!!!  Well Now...Get those lists together and get linked up.

The Q1 proposed finish linky party will stay open until 11 pm EST, Monday January 15, 2018 - as we are global, you might want to check your time zone to determine your last possible time to link (you can also see how much time is left below the linked up images on the right.)

Remember: you only need to link up at ONE hosting blog and it will automatically show up on all hosting blogs.

 

An InLinkz Link-up