A Little Inspiration ...

Not much sewing lately, but here are some morning photos just after sunrise. I especially enjoyed noticing the variety of colors in the sky.

Enjoy your day.

-SeeingStars

Another Top Finished

I also brought this top to the retreat last weekend.  It needed borders and I knew I'd have a large table set at a high height and covered with cutting mats.

The red border seems to jump to the foreground in the photo, but it's not really that commanding.  These blocks are from a block swap and I used the BQ2 pattern for the layout.  There are about 4 BQ patterns now.  BQ stands for Big Quilt.  Somehow, I missed that connection until I realized that this one will be tough to quilt.  I think it will fit on the frame - barely.

Once completed, it will cover our guest bed.  I haven't made many bed quilts and I'm looking forward to seeing this one finished.

This photo shows the fabrics a little better.

All the blocks are so intricate and interesting.  Most were paper pieced.

Enjoy your day!
- SeeingStars

Just Returned Home

... from a quilting mini-retreat.  It was sew fun to make the time to sew and chat with dear friends.

Here's the first top I finished.  I had blocks made and some of the sashing sewn to each block to form an L, but started by adding the rest of the sashing pieces.  Almost every seam was sewn, ripped out and resewn.  I guess that's the penalty for ignoring my sewing room for so long.

I'm pleased with the overall result and this one has already whispered to me a recipient's name.  It will be the next on the frame.

Here's a close up to show off some of the fabrics.  This collection is called Serenade from Moda.

I like the birds and the music along with the soft designs.

Our guild invited Wanda from Old South Fabrics to present a program and teach this pattern in a class.  We had a great time and enjoyed Wanda's company and knowledge.  This design starts with 3 charm packs and a little extra yardage for sashing and borders.  It's called Clovers by Fig Tree & Company. 

A special note to Sara and Libby :
Hi ladies!  Sorry it's been so long since I posted. It's been a busy season with another high school graduate this spring and spending Spring Break with my dad to celebrate his 75th birthday and trying to get the garden planted and and planning a graduation party and a special 75th birthday party for my mom and planning the guild's May program and then ... work.  My part-time self has been working 8+ hours (sometimes even 10) for the past month or so.  I'm actually enjoying the challenge at work, but I'll need to find the balance again.
Prom night was exciting for my senior and she looked stunning all dressed up.  Overall, she still prefers yoga pants and tee shirts with no makeup.  3 inch sparkling silver heels made her at or slightly over 6 feet tall, which her date noticed immediately with a little dismay.  She might have been 1/2 inch taller - no big deal.  This summer, she'll study abroad in Belize as a pre-freshman at Auburn University.  She received the housing assignment yesterday and will be in the honors dorm in The Village on campus, her first choice.  She's been texting some of her roommates and is getting excited to start her college career.  The AP calculus test was yesterday and she's taking AP physics tomorrow, then computer science next Monday.  Also all her regular finals are next week, plus awards ceremonies, a banquet, grad practice, and on and on. Whew!
My college freshman is now officially a college sophomore and has moved back home.  Her belongings are spread throughout the house. Oh my!  No one warned me about that!  It's so comforting to have the whole family sleeping under one roof again and I wouldn't trade the extra rolling chair and laundry baskets for getting to spend the summer with her.  I'm so thrilled and proud to see that spark of excitement which has ignited with her programming class and I look forward to watching that continue.  She's made a few friends and I'm happy to see her enjoying college now rather than just enduring it.  Oh and she's driving my FIL's old pickup truck, which is waaaaay hipster and quirky.  We need to improve / fix the stereo and especially the air conditioning. Self-defense and juditsu have been her "fun" classes and she has loved these.  I think we'll continue to see her thrive in martial arts, although this fall, I think she's taking a body sculpting/fitness class.
Darling Husband is enjoying his rocket science, soccer, whipping the yard into shape, and laughing at me and my crazy antics.  I was worried when he torched the yard and I'd already considering outdoor carpet for the above mentioned parties, but his grass seed has sprouted and it looks adorable with those baby blades of grass. Another week or so of sunshine and the bare spots will be covered. He and I spent a romantic night working on one of his fortran genetic algorithms together.  We modified his code successfully after playing detective to trace the logic.  Sometimes we wonder what "normal" families do for entertainment.
Libby, consider yourself missed.  Oh how we wish our friends live closer together so we can gather more often.


Enjoy your day!
- SeeingStars

More Sunshine Blocks

These are for charity quilts as part of an online group called Sunshine Quilts.  It's a fun way for me to work on a few blocks each month to bless someone else.  Both the Feb and March blocks are meant to be patriotic.  The February quilt will be a sampler, so we could make a block of our choosing.

I saw this one on a Facebook post for Craftsy and wanted to try it.  How fun!  I love the end result, but I truly didn't consider how long each block would take.  That's 57 pieces of fabric in each.

These stars are so pretty.  I may decide to make them again.

March's blocks are requested to be 9 patches.  Here are mine.  These were very quick to make and I had just enough of this white-on-white to use for a couple of blocks.

I can't wait to see the quilts made from our Sunshine blocks this year.  If possible, I'll link to them on this blog once they become a quilt.

Enjoy your day!
- SeeingStars

... A Lot Like Christmas

Here's another Christmas quilt.  I'm working on the borders, so it's still on the frame. This piecing pattern is the Missouri Star Company's Double Slice Layer Cake.  It's a quick pattern and works well for busy prints.

The backing is a cream colored minkee.  I really love how the quilting shows up so well on the minkee side, but blends in on the top.  Ooooh!  That soft, cushy feel of minkee!  It makes a lovely quilt back.

I borrowed some of Lori Kennedy's inspiration for this quilting with the poinsettias and ribbons.  You can find her blog and tutorials at theinboxjaunt.  I like her designs and her tutorials are well organized.

After quilting the swags and holly in the wide border, I needed more to fill in the open spaces.  These bows and long ribbons are a little strange in that they remind me of an octopus.  My hopes are that they won't mess up the overall effect and before I'm finished, I might like them a little more.

I'll share the back side of this quilt soon after it comes off the frame.  So, although the tree is gone and the lights are put away, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in this household.  A few items on my gift list for next season will be checked off early.  Woohoo!

Enjoy your day!
- SeeingStars

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like ....

... I didn't finish all the Christmas projects I'd hoped to make this past fall.  So this is a good time to get them ready early.

This panel wall hanging stayed on the frame through the season and was quilted in early January.  The binding is attached, but needs the hand-stitching.  I love to bring a quilt in this stage with me  anywhere I need to sit still and behave.  It's relaxing and helps me to be patient instead of squirmy.

I think I'll enjoy displaying it when December rolls around. As a wall hanging, I didn't go overboard with the quilting.  Just enough to trace an accent or two in each rectangle.  I used red, green and gold threads to keep the quilting more subtle.

Enjoy your day!
- SeeingStars

Sunshine Quilters - January

These are blocks I made and sent to be used in a quilt for a child.  It's for an online sewing group called the Sunshine Quilters.  Each month, a hostess accepts the donation blocks and makes a quilt to bring a little sunshine into someone's life.

The hostess picks the theme, block size and/or colors.  They also select a recipient organization such as Project Linus or Quilts of Valor. Some requests are very open ended and others are more specific.

I need to get started on some patriotic blocks for next month.

Enjoy your day!
- SeeingStars

On the Frame - Modern

Here's a modern baby quilt in progress.  The top was pieced last fall, but has waited patiently for the holiday activities to subside.

I think these fabrics are cheerful and fun, just right for a friend's baby.

Here's another view.  I'm still on the last row this morning.

I'm using Glide white thread with Warm & Natural cotton batting.

Enjoy your day!
- SeeingStars

Another Quilt Of Valor

This top had been in a to-be-quilted stack at Magnolia Park Retreat for the Alabama Quilts of Valor.
Facebook : QuiltsOfValorAlabamaChapter
They have an HW Sweet 16 sitdown longarm machine there, so last weekend, while I was there, I helped them get this one quilted.  I think they are presenting it tomorrow.

I really like this string pattern with the white stars.  It's forms such a striking pattern.  Plus, it's perfect for using up scraps.  You can find the book/pattern on Bobbie and Ginger's website : Strips and Strings.

Here's a closeup of the front quilting.  I wanted to use something that is masculine and compliments the top's design.  Simple stitch-in-the-ditch and outlines of the white stars, then waving lines in the strings.   The navy border needed some fireworks for fun and pizazz.

Here's the back side.  I like the design that the quilting stitches made.

So, after using my frame and their sitdown machine, I've decided that I really love my frame.  With the sitdown machine, at first I fought gravity as the quilt slipped off the small table.  We set up 2 tables on either side to form a U shaped workspace with me sitting in the middle.  This helped a lot and the quilting went easier after that setup, but the frame quilting supports the weight of the quilt entirely and the machine glides so effortlessly on its wheeled base.

Also, when I quilt my machine, I use the stitch regulator.  For this quilt, I did not use it (although we could have read instructions and set it up).  It took a little while to get the hang of not speeding up too much in the middle of the waves since I slowed down at the ends to stitch down the straight lines.  It's not perfect (and neither is my stitch regulator), but it turned out pretty nice.

An online order for some quilt backing just arrived, so I can get busy quilting a few tops I have stacked up here at home too.  Maybe a few of these will end up under the tree next month.

Enjoy your day!
- SeeingStars

Superman Stars

I love vibrant colors.

These stars have been fun to make for my Superman quilt.  It's an easy project to do when I have 15 or 30 minutes.  This one will be gifted to one of our new babies who are a part of our church.  I've also been able to enjoy the wildlife as the sun rises and sets.

BTW, for those who do not know this about me.  I do not have a cat.  His name is Vincent (as in Van Gogh).  He's missing part of an ear.  And he is not my cat.

The binding is a little over half way completed on my mom's southwestern quilt.  Since I've enjoyed seeing a 6 point buck and a spike from my studio windows in the past few days, here's the hunter block.

The flip side ....

Some of the quilting details in those 5 inch blocks.

Amongst the schedule filled with band competitions and college visits, I'm looking forward to a quilting retreat next week. It will be fun to reunite with quilty friends.  Oh my the full belly laughs we share!

Well, it's time to get organized and dash off to work.  I'm thankful for my job with a renewed challenge.

Enjoy your day!
- SeeingStars

Superman ... Starting a New Quilt

I like making small quilts for babies.  It's a quick and fun way to try something new and to use bright colors.  Some distant time ago, I found this Superman fabric on sale and tucked it away with a few primary colors.  I think I'll make stars for the front and use the Superman for the back.  Maybe a border with the wavy red, white and blue.

Maybe 8 inch star blocks in 5 rows by 5 columns.  I think it will be cute.  Hmmm, might re-think that possible border fabric.  It looks better in person than in the photo, but it's not perfect.

Enjoy your day!  I've wasted 2 hours because I was up "early" from the time change.  So now I'm late.  Hope I can quickly get ready for our church service.  Whoops!
- SeeingStars

Finally Finally Off the Frame For Good This Time!

It's been so long, I was beginning to think this quilt would stay perpetually "in progress".  However, I'm pleased and thrilled to report that this quilt is now quilted and trimmed.  Now I'm working on the hand stitching on the binding.   It's such a large quilt, it will be a challenge as a take along project.  I enjoy this stage of a quilt because it's a chance to enjoy the work on it before it goes to its new home.

Over the next few days, I'll post a few close up photos as a celebration.  I'll do my best to get the bright colors to look as bright in the photos as they appear to the eye.

I marked the borders with a homemade template and pounce chalk.  It's messy but very helpful in laying out the basic shapes.  I like getting to iron it after the quilting and watching the powder disappear.

As a follow up to the cotton blossoms I posted earlier, here's the field right before the cotton was harvested.  When I'd walk outside, I'd think "snow".  It was a pretty sight for the last month.  Now it's all neatly mowed down and we can see the deer walking across the field again.

Enjoy your day!
- SeeingStars

My Little DIY Thread Cabinet

I'm really excited about this project.  It's taken me way longer than it should have, since it was built and painted around May or June.  So I finally bought the hardware to hang this thread cabinet yesterday.  Mr. SeeingStars gets applause for helping me with each step of this project. 

 I tried to build the box and realized it's not as easy to make it have right angles as I'd anticipated.  So there was a little disassembly and then supervised assembly involved.

I have kept The Creative Homemaker's blog bookmarked since it's my inspiration for this project.  With a quick seam or two, I'll have a sheer curtain to keep the dust off the cones of thread.

Since the studio gets lots of sunshine, this cabinet is in the laundry room right next to the door to the studio.  I keep my here in a laundry room closet for sun protection too.  Plus, the studio looks neater without everything piling up.

I have lots more cones of thread, so I could make another one or two and fill them up as well.  But for now, I'll put this one to good use.

I have my mom's quilt back on the frame now.  I've started Row 3 of 4.  So maybe today I can get a little more of this row finished today.  I'm eager to finish this one up and have it ready for to give to her when I see her next - probably at Christmas time.

The horse block is my favorite!

Enjoy your day!
- SeeingStars

A Quilt for Kate

I've had this one on the to-do list for a long time.  Although the top was finished last Spring, it was quilted last week.  You can see that I'm using those neat little clips to hand stitch the last side of the binding.

The free pattern came from Moda Bakeshop

This is belatedly made for a sweet baby with a pink and orange room.  So I was asked to include those colors in her quilt.

Now I need some advice.  The quilting concerns me a little bit.  I made it less dense on purpose, but I'm not sure I like it now.

The beach balls are quilted with butterflies and a more dense.

While the background is quilted with smaller flowers and is spaced much farther apart.  The quilt seems like there is excess fabric on the backing side.  I'm hoping that I can fluff it up in the dryer and the batting will expand enough to make it less baggy.

But if not, I'll need to add some extra quilting stitches in the background.  If I do this, I'd rather not have to start  / stop the threads in each section.  Any ideas?

This shows some of the excess from the top side.  I can block it too, which might help a little.  I really want the back side to work as it is with that design to show off the "bones" of the quilt pattern.  But I guess it's more important that it functions well.  Let's hope the batting fluffs!

Enjoy your day!
- SeeingStars

A Lamp Unto My Feet

I can share the front of this quilt with you now.  We gifted it to our friends last night and actually managed to surprise them.  What a fun time to gather lots of families together for the happy occasion of a 25th anniversary.

Each block contains a Bible verse that Connie and Gerry emulate in their lives and their marriage.  We hope they are encouraged to hear that their friends see them living these words.

The verses are written with a Pigma pen.  Also, a few were quilted (just the references) in the borders, along with the names.  I think it's neat that we couldn't contain the verses to the blocks that were planned.

I never was quick to pick up on symbolism in English classes, but it's much easier if I'm the one making them up.  So here's a few meaningful elements in this quilt :
Mariner's Compass - from Psalm 119:35
"Direct me in the path of your commands."

Lanterns in the dark batik fabric - from Psalm 119:105

"Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."

Tucked into the lantern batik are a few dragonflies which were drawn to the lights. 

This couple has looked to God's Word for their direction.  It's led them to make wise choices.

The flowers quilted in the light blue area with the star points at the corners - 25 flowers, one for each year.  This was fun to do with free motion.  My high school teen, who loves math, was distressed that I'd attempt to put 25 flowers in 4 even rectangles since this is not an even division.  It hurt that part of her which wants symmetry and balance, but when it was finished, she decided that it was subtle enough to be okay.

The colors are Connie's favorites.  It was fun to pick out batiks in these colors and decide where they should go in this quilt.  Their daughter comes to our house often and has helped me tremendously with her advice as I've worked on this one.  She also contacted family members to help me collect the verses.


Someone who saw a previous peek hoped I would post all the verses.  As you read them, I hope you'll be inspired to put these into practice in your life too.

 The top 4 blocks contain the lyrics to the Greatest Command song.  Gerry leads singing often and this is his favorite song.

Love one another, for love is of God.
He who loves is born of God;
And knows God.
He who does not love, does not know God,
For God is love, God is love, God is love.
1 John 4:7 - 8
- Alto
Love bears all things,
Believes all things,
Love hopes all things,
Endures all things.
1 Corinthians 13:7
- Bass
God is love, God is love, God is love.
God is love, God is love, God is love.
God is love, God is love, God is love,
God is love, God is love, God is love.
1 John 4:16
-Tenor
Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart,
With all thy soul, all thy strength,
All thy mind.
Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart,
For God is love, God is love, God is love.
Mark 12:30
- Soprano

The rest are from friends and family.  If you sense some diversity in these names, you are right.  We are a group of people who cross racial lines because of who we are in Christ.  It's Jesus's work, not ours and it's something that often surprises and draws people to find out more about God.

because I rescued the poor who cried for help,
    and the fatherless who had none to assist them.
Job 29:12
Maria (their oldest, whom they adopted after she lost her parents)

Do everything without grumbling or arguing
Phillippians2:14
Darius  (their adopted son)
(Not many parents could be described as "Never arguing with each other" by their son)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Phillippians 4:6-7
Jasmine  (their daughter and the youngest)



Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Galatians 6:10

Tony & Mary

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. 

Philippians 4:12

Herb & Sue

Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God.

Matthew 5:8

Bennie & Dorthea 

We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.  We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
Winfred & Leslie

"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.  Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:11 - 13
Ralph & Tynesha

I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness;
I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.
Psalm 7:17
Lee & Chloe

Plans fail for lack of counsel,
    but with many advisers they succeed.
Proverbs 15:22
Louise

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Hebrews 10:24
Ed & Sharon

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16
Conilia

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
Hebrews 13:2
Byron & Sherri
 
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
    And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
    and to walk humbly with your God. 
Micah 6:8
Hayden

 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Matthew 19:14
Kristen

 You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14 - 16
Nicole
 
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Philippians 2:3-4
John & Tonda
    
 
Love each other devotedly and with brotherly love; and set examples for each other in showing respect.
Romans 12:10 CJB
Rondell & Juanita

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
Ecclesiates 4:9 - 12 NLT
Rodney & SioBhan 

The greatest among you will become your servant.
Matthew 20:26
Ed & Delois


 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12
Jeff & Lisa

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
John & Joyce

Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.
James 5:13b
Allen & Julia
 
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2
Jeremy

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10
Jack & Kay

No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
1 John 4:12
Jon & Pat
 
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12
Tom & Selwyn 

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-35
Sandra

... you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:3-4
Linda

We loved you so much we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our lives as well because you had become so dear to us.
1 Thessalonians 2:8


this one was from me and my comments to them were:

I selected this verse because I've watched you two sharing every part of your lives with people - your faith, your BBQ and southern hospitality, your singing, your wise counsel, and your time as an overflow of your love.  I was amazed that you spent so much time leading the PTO at middle school, even after your children had moved on.  Then I began to realize what an opportunity to bless the whole community by leading these meetings prayerfully and guiding the organization in a godly way.  Connie, your continual service to the ladies committee, keeping our LT organized, and teaching the elementary children haven't gone unnoticed even though Gerry's more in the spotlight on staff and occasionally preaching.  Your example in marriage is a beautiful testimony of how obediently following God leads to peace and joy.

Enjoy your day!
- SeeingStars