::Scrappalicious Double-Trouble Quilt::

Thanks to Sandie the Double-Trouble quilt is quilted and hopefully bound with Kei Dots (also Sandie’s suggestion) by the time I hit the Gig Harbor Guild tomorrow for a lecture on Quilting Modern.

You know I’ve got a thing for triangles right?

The double-trouble block originated from a quilt we designed for Quilting Modern called Swirling Medallion.

This quilt went through some morphs before ending here with the triple diamonds.  Here’s just examples of what you can do with this block.

Chevrons or zig-zags.

Multiple diamonds.

Blocks on point.

Alternating side blocks,

and my favorite, the big radiating diamond medallion.

I have a bunch of leftovers that I’m hoping will make it into something soon.

Looking at these photos makes me so happy to have a large grey design wall now.

Happy Tuesday!

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::Finally, a Finish::

It may be small, but it’s grand to finish something.

A little sample for my Psychedelic Baby Block Class at Make*Do*Mend.  I’ve got two other samples up on the design wall surrounded by a million other things that I hope to get to.  This list includes a Supernova quilt for next weeks class that will later be gifted to a new neighbor baby.

My next post should really be a compilation of all the UFOs around here.

Half way through the week!

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::Quiltcon 2013::

Well it’s back to reality around here!  Quiltcon was more than I could have ever expected and comes with the added bonus of something to look forward to in 2015.

I’ve only got a minute to post before diving into classwork and inputting receipts, so I thought I’d post a few photos.  Stick through to the end and there will be a little giveaway for feedback.

Highlight #1 For sure was doing a demo and a book signing for Quilting Modern with Jacquie.  It was the first time we’ve been in the same room since working on the book.

Hightlight #2 We were extremely proud to have two quilts from the book exhibited and I had one of my own on display that I sold.  How nice to come home with my margaritas covered.

Blue Ice from the Going Crazy Chapter on Modern Crazy Piecing.

And Add It Up from the Free Yourself Free Piecing chapter.

My Psychedelic Baby Quilt was accepted into the exhibit as well.

A special thanks to the Quiltcon board and all the volunteers!  What a wonderful job.  There was nothing but rave reviews that I heard.  XOXO.

Hightlight #3 (or maybe it should be #1) Meeting all of you!  Thanks for taking a minute and introducing yourselves. It was also highly entertaining to be walking by someone and all of a sudden realize I ‘knew’ them.  You are all the warm wonderful people I thought you would be.

Help me out if you can and leave a comment with your name and blog or when we collided to jog my awful memory.  I also realized I don’t have any photos, I would also be delighted to have a copy if we took one together (sewkatiedid@gmail.com).

Before I’m off to start laundry, Jacquie and I will be teaching three days of workshops on May 20th, 21st and 22nd on Vashon Island with details to be announced soon.  For a chance to win a copy of Quilting Modern, leave a comment on what class or technique you would most like us to teach.

I’ll close this on March 2nd.

XOXO

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::Scattered::

Thanks for all the quilt names!  We did some rearranging yesterday and I lost a major storage spot.  The spot held a large tote full to the brim with unfinished projects.  As I was trying to reorganize I finally came up with the quilt’s name, Scattered.

The name seems to fit where I am with projects too.

This loss of space created a fire under my ass to reorganize further and work through those projects.  I’ve had a few small projects on my sewing table that were becoming clutter, beautiful clutter, but still clutter.  So I made a list and am striking some off instantly.  Clutter keeps me at a stand-still and I’m re-energize for sure upon checking off a few.

These small projects are created from fabrics that I’ve picked up locally.

This fabulous Anna Maria Horner velveteen that I got at  The West Seattle Fabric Company is finally an infinity scarf.  I’ve been matching the voiles with flannel or velveteen to make as gifts and was happy to see some of this type of fabric available in town.

I could procrastinate no longer on my delivery of my quilt to Quiltcon.  This required making a drawstring bag for its containment.  My boots will need something to travel in to Austin too and this Alexander Henry zebra print I got from Island Quilter is just so sassy.  I want to replenish its supply even though I have no project planned.

Island Quilter had this Alexander Henry fabric in a variety of colors.  I wanted to go with the black, but as an ironing board cover I thought it would fade.  I totally white-trashed the construction by tracing around the shape plus an inch or so, zig-zagging an inch down to the wrong side and pulling some elastic through the hem.  The elastic is pulled taunt and held tight by a toggle.  If I could do it with duct tape I would.  You just don’t see it so perfection doesn’t matter.

It could use some ironing.  This will surely happen.

I’m itchin’ to piece this Star-Bright Star-Light Quilt as a sample before the HST LOVE class on Saturday at Island Quilter and those diamond blocks are killing me.  I pulled it down to work on step outs for Jacquie’s and my Quiltcon Demo though.  Stick to the list.

Ok, ignoring the list for a second and dreaming of Valentine’s Day I couldn’t help but pile.  I’m always collecting fabrics for gift making.

This one from Drygood’s is my favorite this year!  I’m back to add this one too.

Here’s to a productive Monday!  We’ll see how long I can stick to the list.

————————————————–OPEN QUILTING STUDIOS THIS WEEK—————————————

This Wednesday we have Open Quilting Studio at Make*Do*Mend in Ballard from 11-3pm and at Island Quilter on Saturday from 4-9pm following the HST Love class below.  This is a great opportunity to take a class and then stick around to finish the quilt!

::Half-Square Triangle LOVE Class::

$85/Saturday February 16th from 10am to 4pm at Island Quilter on Vashon Island.

This versatile quilt block lends itself to endless designs. We’ll cover quilting basics such as picking fabrics, matching seams and create perfect points.  We’ll play with a layout that suites your style and you’ll walk away with ideas for a multitude of quilts. All level of sewists welcome.

::Improvisational Coin Quilt Workshop::

$85/Tuesdays, February 19th and 26th from 6-9pm at Make*Do*Mend in Ballard.

No two will be the same. Learn improvisational techniques like angle piecing and strip piecing while creating a modern coin quilt loosely based on a tradition Chinese Coin Quilt Design. A great quilt to feature your favorite prints. All levels of sewists welcome/machines and tools provided.

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::No Name::

If you are on my Instagram you are fully aware of the layouts this quilt went through and in a previous post I was about to throw in the towel.  I can honestly say that in all the time my seam ripper and I have spent together, this quilt collected some togetherness miles for us.

But if the book and Jacquie have taught me anything, it was to be persistent and an idea would come.  Something different that would make you step back and say to yourself, “That’s it.”  I can’t emphasize enough what a design wall can do for you in developing your quilt AND your design process.

Matches my boots too doesn’t it?  I couldn’t help but move them into the photo when I caught the color in the background.

Jefe in the foreground here watching soccer in his pjs.  Have you worked with the Essex Linen yet?  This is the yarn dyed denim.  Unlike regular linen (Essex has some cotton in it) it stays the shape you cut it.

The original block design is from Joelle Hoverson’s book Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts.  I would categorize it under the technique of Slice and Insert (which Jacquie and I will be demonstrating at Quiltcon btw).  I was a little late to have it complete for my class, but will certainly have it quilt and bound before my next Slice and Insert Workshop.

Navy, it’s suppose to be the new black you know?  New territory color-wise for me, but most of these bits have been in the stash for a while.  I’m crazy for the Anna Maria Horner flower with the burgandy/red and the other deep purple is likely one of the first Amy Butler additions ever to make it into my stash.

It feels so good to stick with something and figure it out with a new twist.

Now it needs a backing, quilting and binding.

It also needs a name and I’m a bit stumped, any ideas?

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::Shattered Again::

Pulling sample fabrics for my Shattered Quilt Starter Workshop tonight.  Wanna join us?  There are spots!

(Photo by Rendy Tucker)

I loved playing with the recreation of this quilt in Carolina Chambray and Osnaburg.  The texture is fabulous with the velveteen on the back.

But now it’s time to try something new.

I wanna stick with the textured fabric, so I’m going with the Essex Linen, but I have some ideas with all this Echino that I’ve collected over the years.

I won’t have time for this idea anytime soon, but it might jettison to the top of the list a little faster now that I have a fabric stack.

Maybe I will see you tonight.

Tomorrow I’ve got a quilt top to show you!

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::Practice::

makes…not necessarily perfect, but what is?

 

Me likie.  Get some sewing in today?

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::Stepping Stone Block Workshop::

$85/Tuesdays, February 5th and 12th from 6-9pm at Make*Do*Mend in Ballard.

Two nights to explore the creation of your own quilt designs utilizing improvisational strip piecing in a log cabin quilt block. We’ll cover this improvisational patchwork technique while you construct blocks for your own quilt design! Please note this is a two-part class with attendance required for both sessions. A copy of Quilting Modern is required.

::Shattered Quilt Starter Workshop::

$85/ Thursdays, February 7th and 14th from 6-9pm at The Quilting Loft in Ballard.

Learn the tips and tricks of the Slice and Insert technique to create this two colored masculine quilt. Quilting Modern book required.  All level of sewists welcome.

 

 

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::Design Wall Awesomeness::

Please ignore that large looming pile of laundry that’s engulfed my couch, I am.

Instead, focus on my new design wall!!!

It’s gray flannel.  My friend Anja says it is the color that Kaffe Fassett requires on his design walls when he does workshops for her and heh, I wouldn’t question him.  AND it blends in so well with my current gray walls.

I’ve been loving my dual design wall system (above) for years now, but the Livudio (living room/studio) needed some refinement.

I briefly mentioned using foam board a few months ago to Jefe and he was all over it.  I love my husband.

Jacquie and I covered options for design walls in Quilting Modern including my dual system and how to create a foam board one too if you want to make one, or google it, there’s options out there.

We placed two insulation boards together, connecting them with Gorilla Tape.  I wrapped the boards in flannel that I bought on sale (here) so there was no piecing with this large of a scale and again taped it to the back.  I used the areas of tape to secure the staples, though this was probably overkill I wanted it to remain in place for sure.

We snipped holes for the screws in the flannel and drilled through the flannel and boards into the wall.  Before its final placement we removed the whole thing, plus screws to place anchors in the wall.  Secure and here to stay it is!

I wouldn’t have thought of these things on top of the screw heads on my own, what ever they are called.  Thanks Jefe!

I’ve been playing with these blocks a bit for my Slice and Insert block Workshop coming up and need to settle on a baby quilt size design.

I’ve been noodling my way through taxes and with a due date of a week from today, I’m certain not to get much use out of this wall, but I can look at it.  Even Jefe has commented on its good looks.

I highly recommend you go all ‘Parks and Rec‘ on a design wall and “Treat Yourself!”  You’ll feel so good.  And if you don’t know what I am referring to then you have a new show to watch while you sew.

Happy almost TGIF.

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—————————Open Studio Quilting Dates/Times—————————-

Need help with a quilting project?  Open studio dates:

Wednesdays (2nd and 4th of every month), February 13th and 27th from 11am-3pm at Make*Do*Mend.

Friday (last Friday of every month), January 25th from 5-10pm at Island Quilter on Vashon Island (sign-up required).

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FULL!

::Magic Number Quilt Workshop::

$85 Saturday, January 26th from 10am to 4pm at the Island Quilter on Vashon Island.

Learn this system of using block sizes that fit together automatically for flexibility in quilt design.  We’ll cover fabric selection and how to create a more traditional or improvisational looking quilt design.  Great for all levels of sewists.  1/4″ foot required.

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::Split Decision Block Workshop::

$85/ Saturday February 2nd from 10am-4pm at Make*Do*Mend in Ballard.

Play with the slice and insert technique creating a modern quilt that features snippets of your favorite fabrics.  This is a great class for all levels of sewists that want to explore a new technique and play with design.  All levels welcome!  Machines and tools provided.

———————————————-

::Stepping Stone Block Workshop::

$85/Tuesdays, February 5th and 12th from 6-9pm at Make*Do*Mend in Ballard.

Two nights to explore the creation of your own quilt designs utilizing improvisational strip piecing in a log cabin quilt block. We’ll cover this improvisational patchwork technique while you construct blocks for your own quilt design! Please note this is a two-part class with attendance required for both sessions. A copy of Quilting Modern is required.

————————————————————

::Half-Square Triangle LOVE Class::

$85/Saturday February 16th from 10am to 4pm at Island Quilter on Vashon Island.

This versatile quilt block lends itself to endless designs. We’ll cover quilting basics such as picking fabrics, matching seams and create perfect points.  We’ll play with a layout that suites your style and you’ll walk away with ideas for a multitude of quilts. All level of sewists welcome.

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::Truly a (re)treat::

Last weekend I loaded up the car, hopped the ferry and spent the weekend teaching an Improv Coin Quilt Workshop on Vashon Island at Island Quilter.  I’ve got my timing down now, if I aim for the right ferry, from my doorstep in Seattle to theirs it takes me only about an hour.

I had great company.  The class was full of students that have become close friends and a few newbies.  The flu has hit the area and we missed those that couldn’t make it.

As usual I didn’t get finished photos.  I’m working on that.

My friend Anne above made a return from a previous coin quilt class to finish hers up.  Her colors popped.

Anja, who owns Island Quilter joined in.  I was so delighted, she’s always working so hard and it was fun to have her play along.  She dug into her old Heather Ross.

Love this lady!  Suzie thinks outside the box and always keeps a class lively. She went vivid with her colors and ended with a fun mix of saturated shot cottons in her background.

I can’t wait to see Lotta’s quilt finished.  She dug through my white/neutral scrap box to piece the background for her quilt.  Like my sample below.

It’s fun how it adds another dimension.

Katie is new to quilting.  I loved how hers had long curves to the piecing once she started putting the background in.  I’ll see her at my Open Sew there on Friday night to finish up.

Fabric!  I can’t help but browse the unbelievable amount of fabric they have.

This time around I had two projects in mind.  Valentine pouches for my pouch class there.

And some Alexander Henry home decor for a much needed new ironing board cover.

I’ve got some classes this week, but I’m etching out some time to sew!

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::Whole Cloth Quilt Finishing Class:: $85/Tuesdays, January 22nd and 29th at Make*Do*Mend in Ballard.  Quilt top, batting, and a backing…baste, quilt, and bind!  Learn the essential basics of finishing a quilt without piecing a thing!  Create a simple crisp modern baby quilt while learning the process.  Quilting designs with a walking foot will be a covered.  Walking foot required.

Need help with a quilting project?  Open studio dates:

Wednesday, January 23rd from 11am-3pm at Make*Do*Mend.

Friday, January 25th from 5-10pm at Island Quilter on Vashon Island (sign-up required).

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::2012 Quilt Role-Call::

Thanks for all the encouragement this year My Peeps.

Eighteen quilts and a full time job until the end of November!  No wonder my family isn’t feed and the dishes are dirty.

I’ve tried hard to stick with my process of finishing a quilt before starting another.

I think my resolution this year is to use up some of the stash that is taking over my closet.  Mix the old with the new, but I think that resolution might be a repeat from the last 8 years.

Smitten Kitten Quilt

Rock Star Wedding Quilt

Sunspots Quilt

Opposing Triangles Remake (photo by Sue Tamcsin)

Stitched and Flipped Value Quilt

Modern Charm Squared Quilts

Seattle Lone Star Quilt

From Point A to Point B Quilt Top

Double Herringbone Whole Cloth Quilt

Unknown Direction Quilt Take Two

Pantone Pop

Grape Crush

Psychedelic Baby Quilt

Shattered Remake

Anything Goes

Opposing Triangles Quilt

Unknown Direction Quilt

Let 2013 bring more time for creativity to flow and for all of us to try something new!

I’m looking forward to Quiltcon in February, who’s going?

xoxo

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::Double Trouble Quilt Block:: 

$85/Saturday, January 5th from 10am-4pm at Make*Do*Mend Sewing Studio at Drygoods Design in Ballard.

Combine two triangle techniques, one traditional and one improvisational in this block building workshop.  We’ll cover proper technique and the mulitiple designs that this blocks creates.  All level of sewists welcome.  View more designs with this block here.

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