Summer Fun

Lately I have been working on a few projects, finishing the Three Bean Salad quilt, attending swim meets, working a lot (I work at a college and Fall is just around the corner - instructors return from Summer break next week and students will return the following week.) and making class samples for the Autumn Leaves and Quick Trip patterns. Since mid-June I have also reflected on my progress toward my 2011 quilting goals.

This year it has been a priority to get outside the box and not be the same quilter I was in 2010. I just want to grow as a quilter, that's all...nothing wrong with the 2010 me, but I thought, 'let me spread my wings a little more'. So, I have sought out new techniques and patterns. So with that in mind I have free motion quilted on an actual quilt (not just a bit of muslin!), sketched several original quilt patterns, English paper pieced a pattern I had not done before, improvisationally pieced (so unlike anything I would typically choose -- and that's the point) and learned a new technique for making flying geese in order to keep that commitment. I have not yet done everything I set out to do, but that's the whole idea behind taking stock of my accomplishments and tweaking goals as needed. Did you make quilting goals for 2011? How are you doing?

My favorite freebies of late are:

First, the Market Tote -- to carry your late Summer harvest. If that's not enough to keep you busy, there are two Layer Cake Quilts: the Double Slice Layer Cake Quilt, the quilt top uses only a layer cake (without borders), and the 1 + 2 Easy Quilt pattern which uses the layer cake plus two yards for the quilt top. My favorite freebie accessory to date (yes, ever) is this Sewing Caddy. I use it all the time and I cannot believe I ever sewed without it. It was especially helpful in class, when space is limited. I did not make the pin cushion as I wanted the pocket to be free of encumbrance and available for my rotary cutter. If I were to tweak it, I might consider adding a button hole about half way down one slim pocket to allow my seam ripper to have a 'holster' and be more accessible. As it is I dig for it...but don't mind much.

I have been thinking about the Civil War quilt, saving patterns each week and dreaming of completing them on time...but not keeping up lately. I will get caught up eventually. Also I have been anticipating starting a new irish chain scrappy quilt, so I am collecting blues. How is that for a conundrum....I have such limited time and dreams to sew so many quilts. Such is the puzzle of an inspired quilter, right?!

Keep on stitchin,

~~Lisa

Civil War Blocks

Gorgeous, cold winter day on California's central coast.

Lately I have been playing a bit of catch up. Ms. Brackman issued 9 Birds in the Air this week and I have only completed about half of the blocks yet. Progress was slowed by the irritated nerve in my right arm and the related various appointments and time required for rehabilitation. Well I am now able to get back in the saddle and I have made 7 Log Cabin and 8 Cotton Boll.
I was thrilled to find this fabric in my collection which has a 'cotton boll' feel to it.
I am grateful for these blocks of the week and am enjoying the journey making this quilt to commemorate the sesquicentennial of the Civil War.


Are you making any special item to commemorate an event?


Speaking of events ~ we had snow in the county yesterday. Of course many have snow right now but on the California coast it's not so common. The authorities even had to close a portion of a highway for nearly an hour. No worries though, I was safely inside a warm quilt shop and today is cold but clear, a gorgeous winter day.


~~Lisa

Happy New Year

The new year is upon us. Mr. IQ and I had a quiet dinner out and met some friends for a drink too. I celebrated with a chilled Samuel Adams Winterfest followed by plenty of ice water with a twist of lime. Then we watched lots of festivities on television. It's the first time in many years I have stayed up until the stroke of midnight. Happy New Year!

Traditions ~ what folks do to ring in the new year has held my interest this year. I am amazed at the variety of activities people undertake while ringing in the new year. Of course, it's likely the most popular custom in the United States of America is to make resolutions. There is the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California which began in order to celebrate the orange crop ripening. Some people put coins in food for good fortune, consume blackeyed peas for good luck, eat doughnuts (the ring symbolizes coming full circle). In some cultures rice is lucky while in others cabbage (symbolizing paper currency) is eaten. We actually did have doughnuts. How did you celebrate?

New beginnings ~ did you know of Barbara Brackman's new blog to commemorate the anniversary of the start of the Civil War? I was not aware of this until her post today...hmmm, it appears I have a new project already, and it's only January 1. This adventure sounds like a lot of fun with great learning opportunities. Given the belief that the way you begin the year will color the rest of your year it sounds like a year of relaxation, starting new projects and working on current projects will characterize my 2011. Bring it on!

For most of the day I have been turning these pieces

Pieces waiting to be pressed and assembled.
Bonnie K. Hunter's Roll Roll Cotton Boll mystery.
The mystery was finally revealed to its followers on Friday, December 31.

into these blocks.

I selected slightly different colors for my mystery quilt.
Bonnie used red, pink, green, brown and neutral and
I used orange, tan, green, brown and neutral.

Though we did take the dogs on a walk in a light rain early this morning. How can we resist?

We have two westies, Madison (L) and Bozley (R).

Hope you have enjoyed 2011 so far. I certainly have.

~~Lisa