This month #7 was pulled, which pleased me. I really needed to get that Sun Hat finished. I guess I feel that way for all of my UFOs.
I did finish my second version this month.
As I mentioned before I groan every month when the number is pulled. I actually didn’t groan this month. I was happy to work on the hat. More than just progress on my project? Progress on my attitude?
This month #3 was pulled so the EPPic it is. I brought the project bag with all of the pieces to Sew Day and looked at them. I didn’t make any progress beyond the photo as I had other things to do. Still, it was a start and it got me going.
I worked on the bag on and off all month and was able to finish it, as you read the other day. One thing I found with thisproject was I didn’t really know where I was when I pulled it out. There are pieces I needed that I didn’t cut out before. I didn’t remember why. I didn’t make any notes like I usually do. I made new decisions as I worked on the project and that worked out fine. I just wonder what I was thinking.
As I mentioned before I groan every month when the number is pulled. I groaned less this time as I thought this project was very doable. Someone asked what the worst part of bagmaking is. Many, many people posted responses and I thought “yes, that is the worst part” to all different answers. Then I stopped myself and asked myself if I really like bagmaking despite, apparently not liking any of the steps. I think this goes back to my old battle of process vs. product. I guess there is more work to be done on that. Still, one of the reasons I thought this was very doable was that 95% of the pieces were already cut out and that is always a not-fun part of the process for me. I’d rather just start sewing, even if some of the parts are difficult.
Also, these are definitely projects that I want to finish. Still why do I groan when it actually comes to working on them? I think it comes down to them being UFOs. Although, I feel a great sense of accomplishment when I finally finish one of them, the excitement of a new project has passed. I think it is better for me to decide to make a project, start it and finish it.
In contemplating UFOs in general, I will never have zero UFOs. I don’t think that is possible. I am happy that I am finishing projects. I cleared up a lot of miscellaneous tasks last month, which made space for other projects. As a result of not putting blocks away and moving on, both the Warm Four Patch Fun and the Cool Four Patch Fun are ready to quilt. The 1-2-3 Mosaic is done.
Canvas VibrantVue from Sewfisticated
I am still thinking about making a small start on some of the other projects on my list. The Catalan Storage Cube and the Joni Tote are the top two. I could start cutting the canvas Vibrant Vue fabric I bought from Sewfisticated to make the Joni totes. EPPic first, however, then I’ll think about making some progress on the other projects.
Sheesh! I haven’t posted about this since April. Well, it is a little bigger! In fact, I finished the top last weekend.
I probably should make it a little longer, but I don’t want to. I am done with this process for the moment. I might quilt it with straight lines myself – a gentle curved line that is one of the decorative stitches on my new machine.
As I mentioned before I groan every month when the number is pulled. These are projects that I theoretically want to finish, but I groan when it actually comes to working on them. Why is that? I feel a great sense of accomplishment when I actually finish one of them which I wouldn’t have if I didn’t work on them.
I said before that I have been contemplating UFOs in general. As a result of not putting blocks away and moving on, the Warm Four Patch Fun is ready to quilt as is, as of June 21, the 1-2-3 Mosaic. The Cool Four Patch Fun is ready to be sewn together.
Canvas Vue from Sewfisticated
As I said there are projects on the list I really want to make. I have an idea for how to use the Catalan Storage Cube and was really hoping it would be pulled this month. I also want to use the Canvas Vue fabric I bought from Sewfisticated to make one of the Joni totes. As a result, I was thinking I could cut these projects out, making a small start on them as well as getting ahead in the challenge and possibly making it easier on myself.
Every month when the number is pulled, I groan. These are projects that I theoretically want to finish, but groan when it actually comes to working on them. I don’t know why, especially since I feel a great sense of accomplishment when I actually finish one of them.
I have been contemplating UFOs recently as I see how easy it is to switch projects and put blocks away and move on. I am working on the Four Patch Fun quilt(s) and the 1-2-3 Mosaic. Neither are really feeding my soul, but I am determined that will not go into the fabric closet as UFOs.
I have a couple of projects on my mind on which I really want to work. I saw a portfolio/folder video for which there is no pattern, as far as I can tell. I would happily buy it if there were. The video shows enough detail that I can sew the bag. The issue is sizes, so I have been thinking about that.
I am also very interested in the quilt I designed for the Chaos with a Twist class. The next class is all about construction and choosing fabrics. I have that nailed and really want to start piecing.
Canvas Vue from Sewfisticated
There are also projects on the list I really want to make. I have an idea for how to use the Catalan Storage Cube and was really hoping it would be pulled this month. I also want to use the Canvas Vue fabric I bought from Sewfisticated to make one of the Joni totes.
I sewed a chunk of the 1-2-3 Mosaic table runner together. I think it looks great.
I wasn’t 100% convinced that the project was going to work out when I saw it on the design wall. After sewing this bit together, I am much more optimistic.
I think it looks a lot better sewn together.
I sewed it in between sewing all the other things on which I am working, but it still went together pretty fast. I’ll know soon if I need more blocks.
I am glad I didn’t make it wider as it will be the right width for the buffet when I put a facing on it.
I spent the other day prepping about 20 blocks for the 1-2-3 Mosaic table runner. I want to get this off the design wall and it won’t happen magically.
I felt like I needed some additional blue blocks so I concentrated on those. Not all of the 20 came out the correct size so some went back on the board waiting for another round of fabric. I made enough of them to feel like I am nearing the finish line.
I spent some time rearranging the layout. I am happier with how it looks and will soon start putting some chunks together. The bottom looks darker than it is because the ironing board is shadowing the bottom corner of the design wall.
I have made the photo really large so you can see it more clearly.
I know there will still be some rearranging as I begin to sew, but I think I am pretty much ready to sew some chunks together. It will at least tell me what other blocks I need to make.
1-2-3 Mosaic blocks organized
As an aside, I finally made the travel board and am using it for this project. I cut up pieces, laid them out in order and then was able to sew them in an assembly line fashion. I haven’t figured out where to store this board, but while it is in use, it is very handy.
I finished the Pacifica Quilter’s Club Lucky Blocks last week. It took me longer than I thought, but I am pleased to be contributing to another good cause.
The Pacifica Quilter’s Club also has a donation block program called “Lucky blocks”. I missed the first round, but picked up the instructions at the last meeting. I have slowly been starting these blocks and over the weekend made some good progress.
I have to trim all the HSTs, so the work takes longer PLUS I am working on about 12 projects at a time.
Lucky Blocks waiting to assemble
I accidentally cut 4 blocks. Either I didn’t read the instructions carefully or I skipped reading them. I made a bunch of HSTs and there were enough for 4 blocks. I’ll sew them together in time for the April meeting. If I can’t make it, I’ll drop them off with the coordinator.
I was able to use some 5″ squares I had cut from scraps for this project, which made me very happy. That scrap processing effort isn’t wasted!
I have been working a bit at a time on more Mosaic blocks.
I think I need to sew some of them together, so I can figure out how many more I need and where.
I have added some more fabrics to vary the contrast and make each block stand out. A two color (ish) color palette can be tricky.
I have been working on making a ton of smaller (2.5 inch) blocks. Lorraine said we would need a lot of them. The size of the blocks I made after I got home from the workshop kept creeping up. I suddenly realized that I wouldn’t be able to put the thing together without more small blocks, so that is my current focus.
Friend Julie wrote a really good post about the workshop. She got some great photos that I neglected to take.
I spent Saturday with the guild and with Lorraine Woodruff-Long. The guild arranged for her to teach her 1-2-3 Mosaic workshop. I have to admit that I wasn’t excited, but I am pleased to report that I loved it. I created a lot of little jewels, which makes me very happy.
The photo, left, shows the blocks I made during the workshop.
After the workshop you end up with enough blocks (or almost) to make a 20 inch or 24 inch cushion cover. DDH has warned me off anymore throw pillows for our living room, but he has not said anything about table runners. As a result, I went into the workshop with the idea of making a spring/start of summer table runner for my buffet. Our buffet is probably our nicest piece of furniture and the top is still pristine. Anyway, I started out with the idea of making a tablerunner, which I will actually use.
As an aside, I am going to have to do a table runner inventory and see what I ‘need’. Thanksgiving and Christmas are well covered, but I could go for all the holidays and have an easy way to change the decor.
Lorraine teaching with her quilts
Lorraine did a nice job teaching.
She has clearly thought through the process and was clear about how to do it. I was super excited about the organization of the pieces to make the blocks. It is a game changer for chain piecing, no question. You really need to take this class!
1-2-3 Mosaic mistake
Lorraine said there were no mistakes, because the blocks could always be enlarged. I found a way to have to use a seam ripper. LOL!
I actually just cut the fabric after I sewed the correct piece on the correct side. I didn’t use a seam ripper all day, though I could have.
All the 1-2-3 blocks
I sewed a third batch of blocks at the very end of the day, but didn’t press them until I got home.
This is about the width I will use for the table runner, but I have to make it about three times as long.
I might sew blocks I like together into chunks so I can move them around more easily. We’ll see.
MaryC shared her scraps
MaryC brought a huge pile of ‘scraps’ (some were half yards!!) to share. I pulled some blues and pinks from that pile, so right now the piece is made up mostly of solids and tone-on-tones. I have a couple of fussy cut motifs in the center of blocks, but I think I need to break up the solids and tone-on-tones with some prints on the outside of a few of the blocks.
Gerre’s Jewels
Lynette’s gem
First batch of blocks
Lorraine with more examples
Above are a few of the blocks other people created as well as the first blocks that I made. Lorraine made an awesome video of all of us in her workshop. Check it and see how fun the guild is. You should join us. 😉
Copyright is only claimed on the photos. Permission is NOT granted to take any photos from this page and use them without permission. Designs of quilts and blocks are copyrighted by the creator.
I made a Potato Chip block based on my discussion with DH. I used the pieces I had cut awhile ago.
I picked out certain pieces from both caches in the medium range and used his idea for a spiral layout. I am pretty pleased with the overall result. The colors look really nice together. I could make the block larger with another round. That would make a finished quilt come together quicker. While the block is finished, it is not too late to make it larger.
One thing that I was reminded of was that the construction revolves around patches that are twice as long as they are wide. This means that while I am using 2.5 x 4.5 inch patches, 1.5 x 2.5 inch patches will work as will 4.5 x 8.5 inch patches. All are easy to cut with the 4.5 x 8.5 inch Creative Grids ruler** that is my favorite.
This is a block that only takes a few minutes to make, but I have a lot going on and am not sure I want to commit to this at the moment. Of course, It is just piecing, because there is a lot cut.
**Obviously, you should shop at local quilt shops and small businesses. However, if you are too busy or can’t find what you need there, I use Amazon affiliate links and may be paid for your purchase of an item when you click on an item’s link in my post. There is no additional cost to you for clicking or purchasing items I recommend. I appreciate your clicks and purchases as it helps support this blog.
I went to a workshop on Thursday with the Pacifica Quilt Club. I mentioned them a few months ago. I did join and have been to one meeting. This was my first workshop. I went because I am interested in the Potato Chip quilts and wanted to see what they had to say.
I talked a little bit with Lynette about Potato Chip quilts at the Retreat, so I knew about them, but have never made one. I have to say that I am excited to try one with some 2.5×4.5 inch piece I cut for another project I will never make.
Spiral Potato Chip block drawing
DH and I talked about the workshop at dinner and I did a little drawing of the block. He added on to it to make a spiral and I think I will start with that idea. I already have some pieces of the right size I was doing to use for another project whose time has passed.
Potato Chip example by Jaysa
Potato Chip example
Potato Chip example – detail of block layout
Potato Chip example by Julie C
Potato Chip example -great fabric choices
Potato Chip example
There were a number of examples, which show the versatility of the idea. The first example is a mini quilt (maybe miniature). It uses 1.5 x 2.5 inch pieces, but the same piecing applies.
Potato Chip example -flower block with self-sashing by Kay
One block I particularly liked was by Kay. She made a quilt, but I just took a picture of one block. It is larger and the white strip with another ’round’ of pieces makes the blocks ‘self-sash’ when you put them together. I love this kind of concept.
The blocks end up large, too, so you can quickly make a quilt.
In this example Kay has used all different kinds of flower fabrics, which shows how well loose themes work for this quilt design.
Potato Chip example -in paper by Jaysa
Jaysa made some paper examples showing additional layouts. These layouts look like Log Cabin blocks, but are Potato Chip blocks.
Potato Chip block 1
Potato Chip block 2
While learning this technique we all made blocks to contribute to a community quilt. I made two blocks during this short workshop. Julie C cut all the pieces, so we didn’t have to bring fabric or spend time cutting.
I used my fabulous wagon for the second time and got a lot of compliments on it.
One of our guild members offered to host a UFO Challenge. She had participated in one at another guild. I am all for members participating so I told her to go for it. She roped Friend Julie in to help, which I thought was a great idea.
This is a Sew Day to Sew Day group project rather than a meeting project. I think it is good to space activities out. Also, some people only attend Sew Days, so it gives them an opportunity to participate in a group project. I don’t want to be in charge of everything or tell people how to do everything, which means letting the UFO team run with the project.
As president of the guild, however, I feel I have to try and participate in most activities. As a result, I dutifully made my list of UFOs. All of mine are bag related since I knew I wouldn’t be able to finish an unquilted quilt in a month. I could certainly finish the top, but not the quilting.
Most of these projects have been on one of my lists or another. You can see links to the ones that I have started on the 26 Projects list, like Serendipity Lady, the EPPic Bag and the Rose Petrillo Bag. The Paris Cell Phone Wallet should be on the list, because it is cut out. I don’t know why it isn’t, but I will add it.
I have cut out a few pieces for the Sheffield. I also made a Sun Hat and didn’t like it so have started another one using the Bardot pattern from Sew Hungry Hippie, but otherwise all of the projects are on my “I want to make this sometime list.” I put the Joni Tote Bag also from Sew Hungry Hippie on my list in order to try some fabric (one of the weird substrates) I bought from Sewfisticated.
I only had 10 things on the list, which was ok, but I decided to add the Catalan Storage Cube to round out the list. I accidentally bought a frame for the pattern with a recent order and I might as well put it to use instead of having the frame sit around the workroom. The Catalan Storage Cube is part of Minikins Season 4, another one of the Sew Sweetness 12 bag bundles.
Pandora Charisma
Finally, I decided it was time to make the Pandora Charisma, so I added that as number 12 as well. This is one the bags I got from the Bag of the Month Club for which I signed up last year. I know I have the skills to make it, but it is a little scary for a couple of reasons. First, I haven’t made a pattern by this designer before. Second, the pattern is 52 pages. Third, there are a lot of weird shapes making up the pattern. The bag is cool so it is time to make it. It is different than any other designs I have seen or made. I can’t imagine that I can’t do it.I need to make it, though. The bag does me no good sitting around on my computer looking pretty.
There were 34 people at the Sew Day/Meeting the other day, which is some kind of record. I am not sure what generated the interest, but I am glad so many people came. We have four new members and they came, too.
BAM Pouch swap 2024
The swap was really successful. I was amazed that almost 20 people participated!
Some were wrapped and some weren’t. Mine was very popular and got stolen twice. It finally ended up with the guild president.
People did nice work, too.
Swap pouch 2024
I chose a pouch made by SueG. It matches the Poolside tote I was gifted by Angela a few years ago.
I worked hard at posting different patterns on our member forum and trying to generate interest. I guess it worked!
