Showing posts with label summer sampler series. Show all posts
Showing posts with label summer sampler series. Show all posts

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Back to Back...

I just finished the backing for the filmstrip quilt...YAY!  (more on it later).  While working on it, I thought about the backings I've put together for my other quilts.  Some quilters prefer to use a single fabric on the back...nothing fancy.  Why?  I suppose because it's meant to be 'the back'.  Ya know?  Who looks at the back when all the gorgeous piecework and fabrics are on the front!  I get that.  I really do.  

However.  I must say, I actually prefer pieced backings.  I almost always opt to put together my backing with fabrics left from piecing the front of the quilt .  I think it's just more interesting to have a fun back.  As I gazed with love and admiration upon the quilt backing I finished this morning {grin}, I thought that it might just be easier for me to make backings.  Only backings.  And, then, ya know...use them for fronts!  {grin} 

Here are some of my fave backings...with links to the original post so that you can see what the fronts look like, for more information on the quilt and, perhaps, additional photos of the backs.

Whirlygig - I love this big floral fabric!  I pieced two pieces together almost perfectly...follow the link to see a photo of that. 

Carole's Quilt  - This is a single fabric backing, too.  I made this quilt in a hurry, so opted for simple.  This is one of my all-time fave quilts.
 



Postage Stamp Quilt - Another single fabric quilt backing...so many fabrics used in the squares (1296), that simple seemed better.  Plus, I suppose the hours and hours put into making the front did me in.  Well, probably not, but it could have been that I just wanted to be done with it, couldn't it have? 

Okay, so that's enough of that!  Now on to the pieced backings...the ones that are more fun to look at...more interesting...

 My First Quilt - Piecing my backings started with my very first quilt.  I'm not sure how much reading of quilter blogs I had read by that point...probably not many.  But, apparently, pieced vs single fabric was an early decision.  Actually, though, for this one, I think I only had a small bit of fabric left.  I know I don't have scraps of it anywhere.  (And, by the way, this is the only quilt with the brown dog label...I really should do something with that idea.)


Iced Mocha - This blue, chocolate and cream colored quilt was made for me Mum's birthday.  I used to get a bit perturbed because she liked this back so much.  I kept asking her if she knew how much time was put into making the front...but she didn't care.  She thought this looked awesome.  Or something.  {grin}

Ashley's Blush Quilt - This backing is so simple...just 4 rectangles put together.  What makes this one special to me is how the rectangular spiral done with brown thread looks on these solid colored pieces. 
  

Ashley's doll quilt - Usually, the smaller quilts are backed very simply.  But, I couldn't resist playing around with this one (and a few others done at the same time). 

Tag's Blanket - Joanne of Snippets & Scraps of My Mind sent fabrics for this little quilt for Tag.  I couldn't resist fancying up the back (a piece of muslin) with the little blocks in the center.  Case you're wondering...yes, he does lay on this blanket.

Sherbet Pips Wonky Charms Quilt - I think this backing is quite fun! 

Summer Sampler Quilt -  This, though.  One of my very most favorite backings.  I wanted to keep some of the Hope Valley fabric for another quilt, so had only so much that I was willing to use for the backing...but it worked out perfectly!  I love it.  LOVE.  

Kashmir Filmstrip (no link...first time shown) - I think that this may become my all-time fave of the faves.  I cannot wait...can. not. wait. to put this quilt together!  To quilt, bind, and finish it!

So.  What about you?  Which do you prefer...single fabric backings or pieced backings?  Do you have a fave?  Of mine...or of yours?  


Inquiring mind and all that.







"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Snow In The Valley...


Well, what can I say?

I did it again.

I fell in love with a quilt.

One that I made.

Oh, Mercy!

10/7...edited to add:  took it to work to
show my coworkers and one of them bought it!  


You know that there's
nothing I like better
than a pieced back.

However.
This one was a challenge.

Here's the problem...
I have more of this fabric,
but I want to keep a specific amount
set aside to use in the future.
So, to get the size backing I needed for this quilt,
I used up every single scrap piece
larger than 5 inches that I could find!

I was almost beginning to feel
like one of the king's men
in the Humpty Dumpty rhyme!
(you know...'all the king's horses & all the king's men
couldn't put Humpty together again!")
Yikes!
{grin}


 Here are the stats:
Started: September 6, 2011.
Finished: October 5, 2011.
Fabrics:  Hope Valley by Denyse Schmidt
& Kona cotton solid in Snow.
Size:  Approx. 58 inches square after laundering.
Pattern:  Summer Sampler Series found here.





"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Sneakin' a Peek...

Here's what I've been working on today.
The quilting is done.
The binding is on.
Just need to hand sew the binding.

 

Hope you all are having a great day!



"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Borders...


bor·der

[bawr-der] 
noun
 
1.  the part or edge of a surface or area that forms its outer boundary.

I am not always quite sure what type of border I want to put on each quilt I make.  It depends on the quilt...I treat them all as individuals.  Do I want to use just one big, wide piece of fabric?  Or, do I want to make it scrappy, using several different fabrics?  Do I want to make floating squares?  Perhaps alternating squares?  Do I want more than one border?  Crazy idea...what about no border?  Endless possibilities, really.

So much to think about.  And, that's not all.

How large I want the finished quilt to be plays a major role in determining the type  and size of the border(s). 

As I wrote in my last post, I decided to make only 9 of the 12 blocks of the Summer Sampler Series Quiltalong.  But, even with 3" sashing around each block, the quilt measured just 48 inches square.  I wanted it to be at least 60 inches square.  So, I gave quite a bit of thought to what type and size of border I wanted on this quilt.  I didn't want it to be too elaborate, as the focus should be on the blocks, not the border.  It took me a few days, but I finally hit upon an idea that I really liked.  And, that I thought would work well with this quilt.  

Half-square triangles (aka hst's)!  I had almost decided upon a floating squares border when I started thinking about all of the hst's I've made lately.  Between this quilt and the Aqua and Red Bee Block Swap that I am in....LOTS of them around here!   HEY!  I KNOW!  Why not a border of hst's??  So, that's what I did.  It's simple and frames the blocks nicely...I think it looks great!

I'm hoping to get that one basted/quilted/finished by the end of this weekend.  EXCEPT, I am not sure how I'll want to quilt it!
  
OH!  And, I finished the wonky charms quilt that I first mentioned here.  I am in love with it (big surprise, hey?).  I quilted it with simple meandering.  After laundering, and in all its crinkly softness, it measures 46 x 54.5 inches.  Thanks, Erin, for allowing me to rip off this great idea!
 



I used a charm pack of Sherbet Pips by Aneela Hoey for Moda and Kona solid in White.  I purchased a bundle of Collection Coordinates from Pink Chalk Fabrics for the other solids used.  The backing is yardage of Sherbet Pips fabrics with 5 more of the charm squares.


"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

Monday, September 12, 2011

Quitter...

Two more blocks of the Summer Sampler Series Quiltalong quilt were finished over the weekend.  

This first one is called Lucky Pieces...all half-square triangles.  Not too bad to put together at all.

After I finished Lucky Pieces, I looked at the remaining blocks and made a decision to do one more and call it quits.  So, I chose the one called Rocky Road to Kansas.  This one was definitely more fun than most of the others...paper-piecing that started with sewing strips of fabric together.

After I found a pleasing arrangement for the blocks, I added sashing all the way around.  

I am liking this.  A lot.  But, it's only 48" square, so I need to add about 6 more inches on each side.  I think something simple for a border is called for...so as not to detract from the blocks.  Don't you agree?  

Have a great day!




"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Corn, Blocks & Dogs...

A bit of this and that today...

One afternoon, as Julie and I were driving home, I wondered aloud how tall the field corn was.  Julie stopped her car and stood next to the corn stalks so I could see.  You could say that she is...outstanding in her field.  (ya know...out standing in her field)  {grin}  Okay.  Never mind.  Julie is 5'4".  But really...see how tall the corn is?


  
I finished two more blocks for the Summer Sampler Series Quiltalong.  Yesterday's block is called 'Star'.  It was paper-pieced.

The block I finished today is called 'Arkansas Traveler'.  It also was paper-pieced.

I have 5 more blocks to make of this summer sampler, but I may make an additional 4 blocks to make it larger.  Time will tell.   

                 

The boys (read dogs) were having a grand time chewing sticks and pieces of bark (ya gotta eat a certain amount of 'bark' so you can make good noises, mama!...???). 

Hope your weekend is wonderful!


"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Flower & Star...

I am rather enjoying the process of making these blocks for my Summer Sampler Series Quiltalong quilt. They are all blocks that are new to me...and I am loving these Hope Valley fabrics (thanks, Cathy!).

This block is called Evening Star...I put it together yesterday.  It called for paper-piecing, which is a process that I do somewhat enjoy!  I like this block...a lot.


And, here is Flower Garden Path.  This was the block I worked on today...and one that is definitely not for the faint of heart!  Flower Garden Path is made up of almost all half-square triangles...28 of them, plus 4 corner squares and one larger center square!  I only placed one hst square the wrong way...luckily, it was an easy fix.  I am quite happy with this block, too!

It's a gorgeous Autumn-ish day.  How can it be so hot and humid one day and the next day, it's Fall?  We've been having these lovely cool & sunny days since the weekend.  If all the days were like this, I'd be happy.   


I am thinking of doing a small giveaway.  No special reason.  Something small.  Sometime  soon.  Stay tuned!


"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

What's a Girl To Do?

I went to the doctor today for a recheck on my pneumonia.  I've been very discouraged because I have no stamina.  Which is all a part of pneumonia...but still.  I'm just so tired of being tired.  Ya know?  And, it's not even really being tired...not sleepy tired.  Just plain fatigued.  There's not much I can do, especially when I'm supposed to rest.  I can sit and sew, though.  For little increments of time.  But, I even need to take a break from that, for pete's sake.

Anyway.  I had chest radiographs taken, and they looked better than the ones that were taken a month ago.  So, that's the good news.  The bad news...well, it's not really bad news...but the other news is that my doctor is not releasing me for work.  Yet.  I go back for another recheck in two weeks.  I will probably be released for work at that time.

In the meantime...what's a girl to do?  Well, how about if this girl starts a new quilt?  Yeah.  I've been thinking about a sampler quilt...and the Denyse Schmidt fabrics have been calling my name.  So.  That's what I did.  Started a new quilt.  Today.

I had seen this quiltalong - Summer Sampler Series - but was in the midst of planning my 'Christmas in August' projects (this was before I had pneumonia), so didn't want to take on another project.  

But now?  Heck, yeah!  

There are twelve 12" blocks in this quilt...I will probably make 16, though, so the quilt finishes at a larger size.  I'm using Kona solid in Snow with the Hope Valley fabrics.

Here are my first 3 blocks...

The Star of Virginia...

Greek Cross...
 
Mosaic...


 
That's all I have for now.  



Must feed the pups.  

Have a good evening!


 
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11