On and Off the Frame

This is a double slice layer cake quilt which I made this summer during rainy afternoons at the beach.  It's an instant gratification type of pattern and perfect for travel when you don't have access to your whole sewing studio with all those tools.

You can find the pattern as a video tutorial at Missouri Star Double Slice Layer Cake Tutorial

I haven't used a pantograph since the first month that I had my machine, so I decided to try this method again.  Admittedly, it would have been much wiser to choose a beginner type design, but I'm a bit of a rebel.  ... And this one won't ever be in a quilt show. 

I really like the paisley designs in this one.  It's by Urban Elementz and is called New Delhi.  It adds a nice texture to this quilt top.

Here's a view with the paper showing.  I had to re-learn how to adjust the laser light to fit the 10 inch row and to make it more of a pinpoint (painter's tape and a small hole made with a seam ripper to mask the edges of the spot).  I also had to re-learn how to set up the alignment for those nesting rows.  It was fun and a good way to quilt something this busy.  I would use this design again to get some of those UFOs completed.  It will give me a chance to improve.

Next, I'll be back to a simple custom quilting for my guild's Block Swap quilt.  The back is loaded and I need to either purchase a King sized batting or piece something together so I can start this next one.  Photos will be posted here after our guild meeting in September.

Enjoy your day!
- SeeingStars

More quilting over batiks

This quilt top was made from a jelly roll of batiks.  I loved this design when I saw it on Dee's blog Bitten by the quilting bug.  It holds dear memories of my first quilting retreat.  Some wonderful quilters who helped me arrange and rearrange the blocks until they were just right.  Libby, aka SouthCarolinaLady was a special part of helping balance those lights and darks.  They didn't want to behave!

I couldn't wait to start quilting it ... until it was loaded on the frame.  Then I began to feel that intimidation set in.  Other than being certain this one didn't need an overall quilting design, I wasn't sure where to start or what it needed. 

What am I gonna do?  What if I mess it up?  What if ... 
How silly.  Don't we all do that to ourselves at some point?

Texture!  I really love it.

I'm thankful that we had a full house last week with a few extra teens and their activities to keep me distracted.  During that time, I could doodle and brainstorm, but didn't have any time to sneak into the studio.  It made this weekend's free time more precious to me and more productive.

More texture!

 
There are 2 customer quilts waiting patiently for now, but not forever.  So, this weekend, I knew I needed to get over the fear and Just Do It!

Next, I might test out my new circle templates on a Project Linus quilt top.  Then I can repeat those circles on a baby boy quilt.  It should be fun!

Whoops!  I see a thread that needs to be clipped.

Once it's bound, this one will reside in our rec room for snuggling while watching movies or ball games.  It needs a name.  Hmmmmmm. Something besides the obvious reference to a brick wall.

Back fabric is actually a little more caramel colored.  Photography & lighting.  Sigh.  I still have lots to learn.

From the back, you might be about to tell that I stitched in the ditch around the inner portion of each block.  I have rulers and like to use them.  But ... decided that for this one, the little bobbles and wiggles would be more at home than the perfection of lines made with rulers.  I don't regret it at all, but I probably wouldn't do it on a customer's quilt.  I guess the trendy adjective "organic" works here.

Next week:  a full house again.  More giggles and even full bellied cackling at the dinner table.  It's amazing how the dynamics change with 2 more teens!  Everything's a little more magnified.  More rowdy.  More clutter.  More laughter.  More shoes strewn around the laundry room.  More last minute needs to be handled.  Much more food consumed as everyone's appetites seem to increase.  I would have expected that it would be overwhelming, but instead, I miss them when they leave.

One more photo ... just because.

Also, my husband returns home tomorrow from visiting his momma.  It will be great to have him back here even though I'm happy to share him every once in a while with Roxy.   They've tackled a to-do list as usual this weekend.  From what I've heard, some parts of the list have been more successful than other parts.  For instance, the UNC basketball game was attended and the good guys where able to be victorious with the aid of their loyal fans enthusiasm and cheers.  However, the ceiling fan installation still has issues.  Somehow, it came to the house a decade ago with no instructions and a rebellious heart.  I'm thinking a fan shopping trip during the President's Day sales might be the answer.

Enjoy your next week! I'm looking forward to mine.
- SeeingStars