Quilting!

Okay, so I haven't actually sewn a stitch, but I did get all my pieces cut out for my patriotic / nautical quilt(s).  Hundreds and hundreds of half-square triangles.  I usually gravitate toward a quilting style that evolves as I go, but I'm trying something new: traditional planned quilting!  I actually cut everything out ahead of time and (loosely) counted my pieces.

See?

I love the navy/white stripe fabric best.  It is actually an old sheet I bought at Good Will during Katie's visit.

Then, I auditioned various layouts before sewing.
1)

 alternating red and blue

 (the rest were taken with the camera phone to text to abby in real-time brainstorming. Please excuse the graininess and coloring.)

2) 

thick diagonal stripes of three, alternating

3)

red and blue horizontal layout

4) winner #1:

red with a random smattering of blue

5) winner # 2 (my personal favorite):

blue with a random smattering of red

I'm pretty sure I have enough for two coordinating twin bed sized quilts.I'm really liking the freshness of the blue and white with little red surprises.

DBC Weekend

What a weekend!  It was DBC-tastic.  Kate, our San Francisco outfit, was in town Thurs night through Sunday evening for some quilty fun, but we didn't limit it to just sewing.  We spent all day Saturday up in the Skagit Valley with the Seattle moms enjoying the annual Tulip Festival.  I thought I'd take you on a little floral parade through the highlights...

...and of course a group photo of the DBC members.  Poor Kate and Abby were trying to stay as dry as possible. I, on the other hand, felt invincible in my rain jacket and boots.

What DBC reunion would be complete without a fabric store excursion.  We visited The Quilting Loft and Fabric Crush where we picked up some beauts.  Here's my loot:

Sunday was absolutely gorgeous, so we spent the morning photographing our finished quilts to be uploaded onto our etsy shop.  We still have to edit down, but here's a sneak preview of our hard work:

That's Kate looking positively nautical on our dock.  She's such a great quilt model.  A couple of hours later we relaxed on that same dock with barbecued chicken and a few Mexican bottled beers.  The sunburn on my shoulders was totally worth it.

Feeling Quilty About Not Guilting... Wait...

I've been working on some things...

Finished the top of my latest baby quilt, and it's currently our art piece on the "dining room" wall.  I really like how it's turning out.

 

Then I got out this old project and started pinning it so I can quilt it and be done with it already.  It's three vertical panels with random pieces, a geisha in each, and some koi applique.

I feel neutral on this one.  I love all the fabrics, but I'm not in love with the design.  This'll go on our website for sale unless my brother claims it.

More Quilting (2 Projects)

I just wanted to show you a little more of my progress.  I got this sucker quilted...

I got the binding attached....

...and I started to finish it.  The fabric for this binding makes me so happy.  I just love it.  But that's not all I've  been working on.

I've listed them here from most favorite (at the top) to least favorite, but I think they'll all look fabulous together in a quilt.

My idea is to make blocks like these where I inverse the fabrics, so the thinner part will be a printed fabric and the thicker ones will be white.

I hope to have it done before DBC gets together mid-month.  That's a pretty lofty goal, though, considering how slowly I move on quilts.

I'm loving it so far!

DBC Quilts Announcement

The ladies of DBC Quilts are looking to add a member to the collective who loves to do the quilting part of making a quilt (and is fast and good at it!).  I offer up my sweet binding skills if you will do the quilting.  You don't have to live in Seattle or San Francisco; FedEx is a beautiful thing.  Other benefits are the friendship of three fabulous ladies, a once-a-year reunion, cool business cards, and constant inspiration.

If you are interested, contact me!