Pondering Quilting

Summersville

2012-05-24T15:59:00.000-05:00

Summersville by Lucie Summers

Welcome to Summersville! This is the debut collection for Moda by Lucie Summers, a screen printer from the UK. Lucie hand draws all of her designs and Summersville is inspired textures and shapes found in the countryside where she lives and her ever-growing vintage thrift store ceramic collection. Together with a large dose of whimsy, Lucie’s colourful textiles are sure to delight and inspire! Here are just a few of the fabrics in this bundle. The bundle contains 27 fat eighths (9" x 22").

3 - Fat Eight Bundles - $48 plus shipping. (On Sale $36 plus shipping) Click on Pondering Quilting Store

Click here to see a PDF of the entire line. Summerville

The Get 'R Done and BOM Lists

2012-05-24T08:27:00.003-05:00

I've been keeping on eye on those pesky little projects on the right. Everytime I post I see them glaring at me! Several are close to being finished and ready to be quilted, and some have had no progress at all.

The block of the month projects are a little more involved. Some are still in their bins patiently awaiting, some are screaming finish me, finish me, finish me! A couple of those are just plain hard to finish, the ones I don't particularly care for anymore.

I've pulled out my snowman heads wall hanging. The top is finished, it's not big 18.5X45. I've been waiting to finish to machine embroider snowflakes in their cheeks. The buttons aren't sewn down, they are just there for inspiration.

Here is the pattern picture below, it is from Buttermilk Basin and titled "3 Olde Snow Heads". I did modify the nose so it didn't have the "droopy" look.

When I made this, I used the fusible squares from Pellon. I just didn't want to sew all those little squares. I made the half square triangles and fused that down as a square. Worked out great for me. Plus as I was playing with color, I was able to not lose things as I moved them around. Here is a picture of the back. I didn't have any trouble doing the needle turn applique through it, it was very thin.

This is on my list to quilt this weekend. Right after I get caught up on those house blocks!

Country Homecoming BOM

2012-05-21T07:57:00.004-05:00

I am joining the Country Homecoming Block of the Month hosted by Anne. The houses are made of homespun fabric. I've had the book for quite awhile, I bought it at Half Price Books for $5.98, from comments left on Anne's blog the book sells at Amazon for anywhere from $49 to over $100. Wow, I guess I really got a bargain.

I've found the fabric I want to use! I think I am behind by 3 blocks, time to get busy.

Sunflower Quilt

2012-05-15T17:43:00.003-05:00

After my last post I did a lot more searching for help with cross hatching. I ended up watching a video over at Longarm University. This video was really helpful. A month or so back I purchased a cross hatching ruler from Custom Quilting Templates www.customqt.com. I purchased Debbi's Crosshatch Triangle. There is a YouTube videoCross Hatching Video .

Using the Longarm University video as a guide. I used my white Chalk O Liner to make the guide marks .Longarm University Video

You use the lines on the ruler to make the cross hatching and to measure to the next sewing line. Not too bad except for all the stop and starts and burying threads. In the video she just made small stitches, put a little bit of fray check and clipped the threads. I'm not a big fan of that so, cut and bury is my style.

A close up of the ruler and the lines. I put the solid white line on the stitched line.

The finished sunflower.

The blocks are going to alternate between cross hatching and seeds (small pebbling). First time trying this technique. Going to really try and finish the centers today. I've been playing around on paper with ideas for the background.

A Little Help from Friends

2012-05-11T20:31:00.000-05:00

My friend Joan is a brave woman. Not only does she teach high school, a remarkable feat in and of itself, but she is letting me experiment on another quilt. My custom quilting skills are pretty much unrefined. It takes practice, it takes patience, and it takes perseverance.

This is Joan's sunflower quilt. If you want to see a gorgeously (not sure that is a word) quilted version check out the green fairy blog. My quilting is not anywhere near the skill level Judy has, but hey I'm just starting this process. I'm practicing....

I'm looking at this quilt trying to figure out what to do, and can I do that and how do you do that? How do you do that is a very big and important question.

This is the outside border. At first I put a feather design here using the computer program but it just didn't fit the quilt. Then I thought, cross hatching. Okay here I was really stumped. I know the basics from hand quilting but how do things get lined up? I decided I would cross that bridge on a different quilt and settled on bead board. I watched the you tube video and it worked pretty well. Something I think looks good on the quilt.

Skinny inner board decided to do a leaf style pattern. So far things are going well.

This is a close up of the flower. I did a stitch in the ditch around the center and the petals. I plan to free motion leaves in the body of the quilt. I'll post pictures as it moves along.

My motto for this quilt is to persevere. Besides, Joan would really like her quilt back before the fall. Wish me luck.

Back in the Saddle

2012-05-08T12:28:00.000-05:00

Things are getting back to normal around here. I've been quilting a few things. Today I'm quilting this cute quilt for Diana. I used King Tut - Joseph's Coat on the top and Signature Buttercup in the bobbin. A fun designed by Anne Bright - Splat.

My mother and sister are taking a class to make a purse/bag out of charm packs. My mother chose a blue and my sister black. After spending the weekend trying to clean out my fabric stash, I have discovered a trend. I don't have blue fabric! How did this escape me? I like blue. Next fabric trip I'm going to really examine the blues and see what is up with that!

Sentiments by 3 Sisters Moda

2012-05-03T09:44:00.003-05:00

While I am working away on the webstore (a very very long story) I've decided to post a special on the blog.

Moda has a released a new line of fabric designed by 3 Sisters called Sentiments. This is a holiday line but doesn't scream Christmas. Very soft colors.

There are 2 layer cakes available for $30 each plus shipping

There are 10 charm packs available for $7 each plus shipping

There is 1 fat quarter bundle (33 fabrics including panel), for $50 plus shipping - SOLD

If you are interested in any of these items, please send me an email and I'll get back with you.

This fabric is also included in the line but just doesn't show up well in the sample above. I love fabric with writing on it and 3 Sisters incorporates that into some of their designs.

To see more of this line from Moda, select the link below.

Sentiments PDF

The Store!

2012-02-01T19:01:00.000-06:00

I added a page link to my new store. This has been a very trying experience! The first web designer I had wouldn't return calls, email or text messages. I finally decided on Merchant Mom's to host my site. They have been wonderful. The learning curve is there but I'll figure it out eventually. So far I only have a few items listed. I have more pre-cuts coming in the next few months. Since I was so late ordering, I missed out on the next few releases. But, I'm learning.

If you get a chance, click on the tab and check it out. Once I get it listed all the way, I'll offer a discount code on my blog.

Thanks.

Counting By Fives - A Finish

2012-01-21T16:06:00.000-06:00

I finished the modabakeshop project by Aunt Polly's Porch, Counting by Fives. I had an extra honey bun and decided to make this project. It went together really well and I like the finished look. I'm hoping to have time to quilt it next month, which will be here soon. Here's the link to the project: http://www.modabakeshop.com/2011/01/counting-by-fives.html#more

Me a Store?

2012-01-21T09:15:00.000-06:00

I've taken the plunge and set up an account with United Notions (Moda Fabrics)! I had a great time looking at all the fabric cards and drooling over what is upcoming. The problem was deciding on what to get how much and when. After much discussion and going back and forth I picked a few lines, mostly fatquarter bundles and charm packs plus a kit and got the ball rolling. I picked a few modern lines (Lucy's Crabshack, Vintage Modern); a few reproductions lines (1862 Battle Hymn and Friendship for a Cause); a few Christmas lines (Blitzen and a kit, Snow Day and Sentiment). I'm really excited. On the bundles, I thought I would break them apart by colorway to reduce cost. I've started building the storefront using a hosting service by Merchant Mom's. Hopefully, I'll get the hang of it and get the items listed. There are a few notions coming: foundation paper, baste it glue, books, transfer eze and the like. Stay Tuned drama ahead www.ponderingquiltingstore.com

Help Me I'm Bleeding!

2012-01-14T14:31:00.001-06:00

Not me personally but the table topper. The black fabric ran into the cream fabric. I'm soaking in in Retayne but so far no luck. I've heard rumors of baking soda and letting it dry.

Any ideas out there in blog land!

New Year, New What?

2012-01-01T08:19:00.001-06:00

My resolution to finish my grateful wall hanging is still holding strong, it's been a whole day, but I'm working on it. I finished sewing the flying geese units and the squares. I made a stop at Common Threads Quilting in Waxahachie to pick up the new Blackbird Designs book Weekend Quilts and Projects. My mom wants me to make the appliqued table/bed runner.

While I was there, I also picked up the inner orange fabric for my grateful and a few fat quarters. I came home with good intentions to start sewing the applique. I was going to try to machine applique but I don't have an open toe foot for my machine. Determination set in and I started hand sewing it down. Since I haven't ever done the machine applique, it was probably the better choice anyway.

There were beautiful samplers of the new block of the month's offered and I was tempted by the colors, the basket blocks and the applique. It's called Summer Song. You can see it at: http://www.commonthreadsquilting.com

Sharon and I both resisted the temptation to sign up. Some time in the future I'll regret it but this is the first time in years and years that I'm not actively paying for a block of the month. Notice I didn't say "making"!

While waiting to pay for our purchases we both agreed to finish 2 projects in 2012. Seems like it would have been better to say "12 in 12" but let's get real. No way would that happen. Sharon and I both are going to finish our Libertyville, then Sharon is going to finish the Happy Hauntings by Verna Mosquera and I'm going to finish grateful.

Next on the frame, I'm going to quilt the pillow top my mom made and also the sides and gusset of the sewing machine cover she is making with my sister. I'll post pictures once they are on the frame. The cover is really cute. I'll see if my sister will send me a picture of the pattern.

Happy New Year to everyone.

Percolating

2011-12-30T20:46:00.000-06:00

Well, my friend Sharon called me to discuss my lack of progress. She gave me great ideas and things to ponder. She says I'm percolating, let ideas flow and gathering momentum. Okay, I can go with that but seriously I've got to do something, so I pulled out the grateful project. The applique was all glued down (Sharon Schamber) method and ready for hand stitching. I've cut the borders and put them in labeled baggies and am cutting out the flying geese and square blocks.

This is the pattern

This is my applique block ready to stitch.

This is my "organized" bin holding all the pieces and ready to sew the flying geese, borders and border squares. My self imposed deadline to finish this is by the end of February 2012. Awhile ago I posted the gold wool I'm going to use for the grateful word. I can't wait to see it on the fabric. I am going to change the font of the word to something else but haven't decided yet. I'm also going to add a white wool for the berries instead of buttons.

Ok, I have a deadline! Get busy.

After Christmas Breathing Room

2011-12-30T18:52:00.002-06:00

Christmas is finished, before we know it, it will be here again. Like everyone else, I vow to get all my Christmas projects finished early but here I am with the same table runners, wall quilts and various other items still unfinished! There has to be a way to keep me from starting a new project before I finish the 14 thousand (give or take a hundred) that I already have started. Any ideas out there?

On a positive note, my mother and sister have taken up quilting! Yeah.... My mom is making me a twister from the Kansas Troubles Cattails and Clover line, I love it! My sister is making her twister from a variety of fall tones, beautiful golds, browns and a few teals thrown in here and there. They will both be great. Of course, I get to quilt them and really looking forward to that. They both finished the first phase of the piecing, blocks and border on and are ready for their class, in February! They will be finishers for sure.

Mom went a little fabric crazy over Blackbird Designs new line, Blueberry Crumb Cake. She literally ordered bolts of fabric. She wanted a log cabin so over Christmas I cut out her logs for her. I used the Marti Michell log cabin ruler and boy did that work well. She finished the first block, only 109 more to go! I'm sure happy my Mom and sister have taken up this wonderful hobby it gives me something else to share with them.

During January I'm going to be quilting the king size carpenter star quilt I made for my mom a few years ago. Get that off my list (finally). She wants it custom quilted (gasp) and with wool batting. I'll post pics and comments as it goes along.

Wishing you all a safe and Happy New Year! And for all the other starters, let's resolve to have at least one thing finished in the new year.

Take Care

And the Winner Is....

2011-12-20T07:56:00.002-06:00

I had my trainer, Chris, pick a number between 1 and 122 and he picked number 101. The Happy Quilter. I'll get your pattern and fabric out to you right after Christmas. I hope you enjoy making the pattern and like the fabrics I'm sending to you. Merry Christmas to all. And for those not celebrating Christmas, Happy Holidays.

Take Care and Happy New Year to everyone

Panic Attack - Blog Give Away

2011-12-14T08:32:00.001-06:00

I'm giving away a pattern and 6 fat quarters, see post below for details. Anyway, I was in a panic because I couldn't find the fabric I bought! I was searching, searching, even ventured into the garage to see if it was there... no but lo and behold it was sitting on the edge of the buffet blocked by a box. Thank goodness a big relief. Anyway, here is a picture of the fat quarters to go with the pattern. I'm also going to include a scrap bundle, there are 11 pieces measuring about 10 1/2" X 6 1/2" each.

Make sure to comment on the blog post below. Drawing will be held on December 18 by random number.

Really enjoyed reading all the comments.

The End of 2011 Quilts

2011-12-14T08:16:00.002-06:00

Finished the last quilt for the year 2011. Wow... It was a beautiful quilt made by Diane for her son. The quilt is a brushed cotton. I quilted it with a loop and leaf pattern. The first go around was for a meander but it just didn't quite suit the quilt. The final result was worth the effort. I'm sure Diane's son is going to love this.

The meander was just too big and bulky looking.. that was all I stitched before stopping, just enough to get an idea. Bad idea, bad idea... Had to be careful not to go too small of a design, dense quilting with flannel and brushed cotton is not good. Had to be not too big, not too small but just right.

Much better, goes with the theme of the quilt. Just right.

This is the back, a cream tonal flannel.

Blog Hop Party Give Away!

2011-12-09T07:34:00.001-06:00

I'm giving away a pattern from Primitive Pieces by Lynda called Gathering Baskets. I'll also include 6 fat quarters to coordinate with this project. This quilt measures 80X86 1/2 and the blocks measure 12 1/2.

I am shipping internationally. Please leave me a comment so you have a chance to be the winner.

Sneak Peek Part 2

2011-12-05T07:30:00.000-06:00

Here is a peek of the quilting pattern. I'm almost done only 2 more rows to quilt! Then I have to bind this monster. This might be the time to check out sewing the binding by machine, especially if I want it there by Christmas.

This is part of the back. The brown flowers are in the middle with the "pure" sayings on both sides. Since this was so big across, I didn't think the words would line up just right. Plus the flowers were what I had purchased originally, I got to use it. I'll probably make pillows and pillowcases but it will have to wait until the new year.

Sneak Peek

2011-12-03T16:15:00.000-06:00

This is what I'm loading on the long arm next. This is going to be the quilt my daughter and her husband get for Christmas. It was suppose to be my appliqued Libertyville quilt but I'm not anywhere close to having it finished, let alone quilted. I started this one for her last year and finally finished the top. Can't show you too much or it will ruin the surprise. The colors are various shades of blues and brown. The pattern is an Atkinson's Design, Snapshots. It was fun to put together and has 99 blocks. I'm pondering whether to use the wool batting or go ahead with cotton. Probably cotton since she lives in Arizona, the wool might be okay for that 1 or 2 days a year when it gets cold.

I didn't have enough of the backing fabric, darn, had to go get some more fabric! How horrible for me.....a visit to the United Notions (Moda) warehouse. I bought a bolt of this for the back. Bought a few other things too but that's another story.

Oh No! My Favorite Quilt Shop is Closing - Gasp

2011-12-02T05:52:00.001-06:00

My favorite quilt shop, Suzy's, is closing. Suzy has decided to retire after 20+ years. How can I begrudge her the same happiness I have found in retirement? Her decision to retire has hit our quilting community with shock, despair and in some cases severe depression. I'm happy for her, but sad for me and my group of sewing buddies.

This got me to "pondering"....

I first became familiar with quilts as a small child. My paternal grandmother made us doll quilts. She was an avid quilter and had ladies over weekly from the Relief Society to work on quilts. We didn't live close by and I didn't grow up seeing her quilt. I did hear stories from my parents about her "quilt" gatherings and the ladies.

I have ladies too. Ladies that I have grown close to and fond of... I hear about their lives, their children, their husbands, etc. This got me to thinking about the social aspect of quilting. We, as humans, need to gather together and share. I know social media is all the rage and yes I have a Facebook page but, nothing replaces that face to face interaction. Facial expressions and hand gestures are an important part of communication, they tie us together and bring us closer.

Internet quilt shops seem to be the next big thing in quilting but sadly, unless we can gather together as quilters, those details that can only be shown to each other get lost. That hands on experience. Besides, I need to see the fabric, to feel it, to touch it, to see the actual color next to another piece of fabric. If I know exactly what I need, with the exact stock number, okay I can internet buy with the best of them, but I like the store. I want to wander around, to look, to see, to circle, not once - not twice - but maybe three or four times. I like the input of other people in the shop, every quilter has an opinion and I want it. I may have to adapt eventually to internet buying but until then you'll have to drag me kicking and screaming into it!

Suzy's has been a staple in the Dallas area and quilters come from around the state to visit her shop. I will truly miss the weekly gatherings I have at her shop but hope to continue the friendship in other ways.

Until then, Happy Retirement Suzy. Enjoy each and every moment.

Bright and Cheerful

2011-12-01T19:29:00.000-06:00

Sherri always brings me the brightest, fun, happy quilts. This one is no exception. Every time I see them I smile! I want them, I want bright fabric, bold fabric, fun fabric!

She wanted the Popcorn design on it and it looks great. She picked the thread color - Buttercup. I think she should call this one, Princess Buttercup - or not.

It's June in December!

2011-12-01T19:18:00.000-06:00

These two quilts belong to June. They are the 1600 jelly roll challenge quilts. I loved them both.

Not the best picture. I really need to get a new camera! If you haven't seen the jelly roll challenge, here is a link to youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EomX7t7to_o

I did the Stockings Were Hung pattern on this quilt. This is an Anne Bright pattern.

Here is the next one. This is a Christmas line of fabric but it doesn't scream Christmas. June wanted a holly leaf pattern. I found one that has holly and also looks like it has a paisley repeat.

You can sort of see the design here if you look closely!

I need to add these to my list of to do someday projects.

Blog Hop Give Away?

2011-12-01T07:42:00.000-06:00

I signed up to be a participant in the blog hop give away, not sure what all that entails but will post more info when I get it. I also registered to ship the give away internationally.

Autumn Oaks

2011-11-29T17:17:00.000-06:00

I did this one for Bobbie. She wanted a fall pattern so I used Autumn Oaks as the quilting pattern. You can really see it on the back.

One of these days I'm going to get the webshots album up and running and post pictures there. New Year's Resolution, maybe?