Saturday, December 30, 2017

Not much progress--again!

Another two weeks have passed since I posted and this is the sum total of my stitching--most of it happening after Christmas.

This Wheel of Fortune block was made by the late (and very talented) Jill Reid. It was gifted to me by her good friend, Barb (funwithbarb blog). I have tried to do it justice by hand quilting it--my very first hand quilted feathered wreath!
You can see the pattern in the photo below.
Thank you, Barb. It is so special to have this.




About a year ago, another blog friend, Karen (logcabinquilts blog), had sent me a few applique blocks she had made, but decided she didn't want to include in a quilt she was making. In February I added a border to this one and quilted it. You've seen it before.






I am in need of another portable hand quilting project, so I bordered another one and will get it ready for hand quilting. Thanks, again, Karen. I am looking forward to stitching this.





You may recall the Kim Diehl kit I picked up on a birthday quilt shop trip last month. It is a cute little 10"x12" quilt.



I got the kit home and then discovered that it was applique--which I don't do. I said I would have to find another way to make it. Well, I found one.








I went to work with my graph paper , ruler, micron pigma pen and White-Out. I designed foundations in order to paper piece the blocks.













After getting my Master made for the foundations, I copied the design onto newsprint, for ease of tearing away.











Then I stitched.




The blocks will finish at 2". 

I think this will be a project I will take to my "open sew" retreat in just 10 days! I have been browsing through my UFOs, deciding what will make the trip over the mountain with me. I intend to make good progress on some old projects. The sponsoring shop is offering mini classes each day at the retreat. I was tempted by the wool class, but have decided I am going to stay focused on old projects, rather than accumulating new ones.










I have everything for the blocks of this little quilt all cut and ready to go.

The projects I am considering for retreat are things that are all cut out. I have no excuse for not getting them done. 

Earlier in December I got some things in the mail that haven't found there way onto the blog.
On the left is a wonderful heap of HSTs from Karen for leader/enders. I was using a bag of HSTs from my retreat buddy for my L/E when these arrived. I am mixing them all together and now whatever I make from them will be even scrappier! Gotta love that!


The wrapped package came from my friend Kris (lavenderquilts blog). On her blog a while back she posted a sale she was having on Moda Bella solids (she has an etsy shop). A great deal at $5 a yard, and if you buy 5 or more yards, she pays for priority shipping! Kris said she would still offer the deal on the colors she has left. Find the post here.
I got a few yards each of linen and stone.

Next post I will introduce you to which UFOs I have chosen to take to retreat. Many haven't seen the light of day in a long time!
Until then,
Janet O.


33 comments:

  1. That's a cool stitched basket block. You did a nice job on your hard quilted feathered wreath too. $5 a yard is a great deal. Have fun going to the over the mountain RETREAT. I'm happy to just stay home. HAPPY NEW YEAR! !

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  2. I love this Wheel of Fortune block and your quilting is perfect for it.

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  3. Your hand quilted blocks are wonderful. Great idea to make your own papers to make Prairie Sky!

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  4. firstly, you did excellent justice to the quilted wreath....very nice and a meaningful gift! second, good job on reworking that pattern...hope your retreat is filled with finishes!

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  5. Your hand quilting is just so pretty! Have fun at your retreat sweet girl!

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  6. Any progress is good progress at this time of year. Getting quilty treasures in the mail is the best, isn’t it? Happy New Year!

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  7. The hand quilted wreath is just beautiful and I love that block! What a treasure! Karen does some amazing applique, doesn't she? The blocks she sent to you are gorgeous. I love what you are doing with them. I can't even imagine how you took your applique pattern and turned it into a foundation piecing project. You must have been a whiz in math! :))) Plus, I don't understand the concept of how you would even sew that... I will find a video to see how that all works! You and Karen are so talented and I enjoy following your blogs. Happy New Year!!!

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  8. A really lovely hand quilted project to cherish. And so industrious and talented to create those tiny pp patterns. Enjoy your retreat time.

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  9. It would have taken me longer than 2 weeks to hand quilt the Wheel of Fortune block so I think you did good given the holidays and parties. What would we do without WhiteOut??!! Great way to paperpiece the little kaleidoscope blocks. You’ll have a blast at retreat and get lots done, esp if everything is already cut out.

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  10. Jill was a very talented quilter and you did her proud with the quilting you did on her block. It is truly beautiful. Great blocks from Karen. I love the borders you added. I can't wait to see what you do with all those little triangle squares. Wishing you a very Happy New Year. Hugs, Cathy

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  11. Beautiful hand quilting, Janet! I cannot fathom ever becoming a hand quilter, though I do enjoy cross stitch and embroidery. Hope your open sew produces plenty of little paper pieced happiness and progress on other lovelies. Happy New Year!

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  12. Wonderful quilted feathered wreath...you have not been idle! What a innovative approach to go from applique to foundation paper piecing - clever girl; your math skills are far above mine! Smart idea to do the prep work before your retreat...you can make your sewing machine hum once you get set up. Retreats are the best.

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  13. I think it is amazing that any stitching gets done before Christmas! Your hand stitched wreath is beautiful - such a treasure.
    Very clever of you to adjust that applique kit to piecing. Love that pattern and your fabrics.
    Great time of year for a quilt retreat. Have fun!

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  14. Your hand quilting is so lovely and makes that block even more special! I like your solution to the Kim Diehl quilt--it's going to be adorable!

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  15. Your handquilting on the Wheel of Fortune block is beautiful Janet - such a lovely finish. Well done on being able to nut out an alternative pattern for your Kim Diehl kit - it will be a stunner, I'm sure. It does sound like a wise plan, to gather together some older projects for your retreat, rather than start something new....as tempting as that may be! Happy New Year!

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  16. Fabulous little projects my friend! Your hand quilting is fabulous! I need to get started on my next one! Thank you so very much for birthday goodies! So very thoughtful of you. I love that photo of the flicker in the frosty tree!

    A blessed new year to you and your family!

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  17. That Wheel of Fortune pieced block is beautiful, and your hand quilting on it is awesome! All your other projects are looking great too. Having everything cut prior to the retreat will assure that you will get lots done there. Have fun! ---"Love"

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  18. Your hand quilting is beautiful! Great purchase on the fabric. We must be thinking alike--I am trying my best to give my time to UFO's and clean up some of my stash and projects. Can't wait to see what you accomplish at retreat--it will be great!

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  19. Happy new year! Lovely hand quilting, and foundation piecing, sure you will enjoy both at the camp.

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  20. What a gorgeous sunset. No two are alike, it seems. Your hand quilted feathered star center is very nice. Aren't you clever to make the paper piecing patterns. What a sweet little project. I'm a little jealous that you get to go on a retreat. But, I'm happy for you - have a great time!

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  21. Your hand quilting stitches are exquisite, so tiny and even! Quilting a tiny feather wreath is very difficult, I know. You will have a great time at your retreat, with all the organization done ahead of time. I hope it will be a time of relaxation and fun for you.

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  22. Everything looks so gorgeous & tempting Janet! Love all your blocks. I hope you have a wonderful time on retreat. That Moda Bella fabric was such a bargain!! Happy New Year to you ... lets hope its a creative One Xxx

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  23. I love your paper pieced blocks!! May I tear the papers off for you? :-) And thank you for sharing my Bella Solids sale!!

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  24. Your progress is fantastic! The handquilting just brings that block to life. You continue to be the master of iddy biddy? It just boggles my mind! Have a great time at your retreat. I'm betting you get lots done. Happy New Year!

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  25. happy New Year to you! Your hand quilting looks so pretty! GReat deal on the Moda solids too. That is quite a project converting appliqué to paper piecing. I am impressed.

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  26. What lovely blocks. Love the sunshine quilt block of Jill's and your quilting truly brought it to life.
    Happy New year!

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  27. Such a beautiful hand quilted piece. I love foundation piecing too, the crisp lines and so precise. I hope you haven't crumbled until heavy snow falls over there? Kiwi Hugsxx

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  28. Well... you made so much more progress than I did! lol! Cute little quilts...and I do admire your talent to adapt patterns! :-) Breathtaking sunset!

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  29. Janet, I always love seeing your progress, even if you think it's limited. Your handquilting is great. And you shouldn't shy away from applique!
    Hope you have a great time at your retreat, just sewing whatever you feel like!

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  30. I can't imagine that pattern being applique! Paper piecing is perfect for that design... good for you to draft your own pattern! You reminded me that I have a pattern for tiny paper piecing... I'm going to look for it in my sewing room.
    Can't wait to see what you're taking to retreat!

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  31. Beautifully hand quilted, does the block justice! So fun you were able to figure out a paper piecing way to make the other block. Looking forward to seeing the end result!

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  32. I like how you bordered the snowman. Glad you are making use of him.
    Your hand quilting is well done. I like the center design you used in Jill's block and you will have a memory of her.

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  33. The Wheel of Fortune block looks lovely and I love that you were able to adapt Prairie Sky. I have a feeling I'm really going to like that one :)

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