On the Frame - Part 2 Through the Ages

Okay.  The stabilizing stitches are finished and so now it's time to play.

Here's the start of the border.  I'm using a few Native American designs as inspiration for this quilt.  I drew the main spiral with an erasable Frixion pen.  They will be some type of filler above the spiral eventually.

It will be slow going to quilt this, but I'm hoping it will add texture and still not take away from the amazing design of the quilt top.  I *think* I've decided to use a light tan thread for the center design and leave this dark purple for the frames and outer border.

The border design is much easier to see from the back side.

Not all the quilting motifs are decided yet.  But I do have an idea for most of them.  It's fun to get this one started.

After three days of no school and no work, I think I'll be ready for a semi return to normal tomorrow.  We've had fun in the snow and it's always nice to take advantage of an unexpected stay-cation!

Enjoy your Friday!  As the sun rises, I'm reminded that His mercies are renewed each morning.  What a gift!

- SeeingStars

Coasting Along ...

Leftover scraps of paper were put to use as quilt block designs

I had a chance to spend some time with our college ladies at our church this weekend.  And since there is a rumor going around that they love to make crafts and Pinterest is quite popular, I found a fun project for us to do together.

We made coasters starting with 4 inch tiles, adhesive felt dots, scapbooking paper, rubber stamps & stickers, and lots of Mod Podge.  It was a fun and messy.  When we packed up our supplies, there were lots of small scraps of paper left over.  So, those became quilt block coasters.

Too bad that I didn't bring my camera with me.  I wish I had photos of everyone's tiles.  Those college ladies are creative and it was fun to see so many different layouts.


Here are a few that my teens and I made.

These 2 verses have been on my mind lately.  I want to make them more a part of my life, to love God with my all and to direct my thoughts toward things that are positive.   That leaves little room for selfishness or complaining.

I like the off-angled layout.  The zentangle one didn't use any paper, just a sharpie marker.  I really like this one.  I think with another package of felt dots, we could use up the whole box of 100 tiles.  As a set of 4, any of these coasters would make such a neat gift.  Next, we'll find some ribbon to tie up our sets.

I'm still working on the stabilizing stitches for my mom's quilt.  This weekend was full of other things, so progress is slow.  Maybe tonight, I can finish another row.

Enjoy your day!
- SeeingStars

On the Frame

The first step for this one is to receive stabilizing stitches.  I wish straight line ruler work was easier for me.  After a few wobbles, I tossed aside the rulers and am doing it free hand.  For me, the stitch-in-the-ditch lines look better that way.

I've been looking at some Native American pottery and will use some of those designs as inspiration for quilting this one.

February UFO top on the design wall

While I know there is still many hours custom work to be done, I've hung my next top on the design wall.  It's a disappearing 9 patch pattern with navy cherry blossoms and the dark pink is hand dyed from Gees Bend.  My hope is that I'll get a good idea for a quilting design on the cherry blossoms while I work on the current one.

A late breakfast today.  Our "pets" are happy for warmer weather.

We helped our neighbors move furniture yesterday.  They are moving overseas for a year and will keep most of their belongings in storage.  With new carpets and tile, they are getting their home in top shape to sell quickly.  They also helped us move a new couch upstairs and a very old loveseat (slightly chewed by a previous dog) downstairs.  So I wish I'd had the camera ready to capture their expression when we moved that old loveseat to the front porch.  You could see the thought bubbles over their heads accusing us of being rednecks and worrying about the reduced market value of their home. 
In my weak defense, I'm calling the thrift store this morning to arrange a pick up.  Until then, we're thinking of seating the whole family there, armed with red solo cups, loud country music and a cooler close by to watch the neighbors as they work.

Enjoy your day!
- SeeingStars

January UFO is finished

UFO's - Unfinished Objects
They are a common topic of discussion in the quilting world.  Too many of us start a project, hit a snag or face a deadline for something else, and stuff the project deep into a closet to finish later.  I've heard a few quilters admit to a startling number of UFO's.  Most of us do not count them.

I joined a UFO challenge online to encourage each of us to finish 6 projects in the first 6 months of 2014.  We each numbered our six projects.  Then the hostess of this challenge randomly selected a number.  That became this month's project.

Mine was this trio of baby quilts.  They were all made from a fat quarter collection of flannels.  I'd made the tops, but didn't have border fabrics, so they sat.  And waited.  Until their number was drawn.

Now they are all finished and ready to snuggle.  It's a good time to finish them with the frigid temperatures we are facing.  And I'm thrilled to have this project accomplished.

Here's the before photo :

The two green ones on the right were made using Missouri Star Quilting Company's tutorial called Serendipity.  The 2nd quilt is made from the remnants of the first.  It is a neat pattern and I had fun working with flannel fabrics.

Simple cursive e's and l's for the quilting

I have very little left over and will donate those pieces to Project Linus.  Then, I'll be back to regular quilting fabrics and batiks.

Enjoy your day!
- SeeingStars

Rearranging the Studio

 ... Again!  Some changes are small and some are more dramatic, but this room gets used a lot and I keep critiquing what's working here and what isn't.

I've wanted a comfy chair in this space for a long time.  It couldn't be really large or it would feel like there's too much furniture in the studio (which is true).  So I've looked here and there until this one popped up on Craigs List.  I'm pleased with it so far.

My teens have enjoyed it, but they want to use a rolling chair for an ottoman and slouch down nearly horizontal.  Hmmmm.   Not what I imagined, but I do enjoy their company.

The poinsettias are just visiting.   I don't know if they crave light, but most of my plants seem to do better indoors if they get a chance to soak up some sunshine every few days.  There are lots of plants gathered in darkness on the hearth.  So I rotate them when I remember to water them.  Poor plants!

The Necchi sewing machine, which was occupying this space, is now tucked at one end of the long arm frame.  It's not a perfect spot for it, but I can try it for a while.  It's an occasional use machine, at least for now.

Enjoy your day!  I'm off to serve breakfast to some friends.
- SeeingStars

Another One For Mrs. Claus

This doll quilt was made using leftovers from a trio of flannel baby quilts.  I'll send it to Debbie at StitchinTherapy

It's self bound with Minkee backing.  The quilting was accomplished on my home sewing machine, rather than stretching it on a frame.

These scraps are finally available because I've added borders to the flannel baby quilts.  All 3 are quilted too.  I think I'll have the hand-stitching done soon so I can share photos of the finishes.

Enjoy your day!
- SeeingStars

Journal Quilt #1 : Plaid Transparency

I'm hoping to make some journal quilts in my spare time this year.  Since they are so small, it's easier to try a new technique and get 'er done. 

This one is playing with the illusion of transparency.  Where the bands of orange and blue/green intersect, there are both color groups present.

It's interesting, but not as successful as I'd hoped.   I don't regret the time invested in it as I meditate on other things while I sew.  Maybe later, I'll revisit the transparency idea with another attempt.

For my southwestern quilt top, I've attempted to shop locally for the backing fabric.  Since none of those choices worked, I'm found some online and am waiting on a delivery.  It's a good time to finish up UFO's and make another journal quilt.

Enjoy your day!  It's really cold here, but the sun is shining and thus, it's a cheerful cold.
- SeeingStars