Nothing is Going Right.....

Not been a good last week for my quilting….  Seems like Murphy’s law has hit me.

·         I did cut double the pieces for my Glad Creations Scrap Tamer’s Mystery (See "Scrap Tamers Problem" in this post)

·         My contest entry for the MN Quilter’s show is not acceptable

·         Just can’t get ahead on my Sylvia’s Bridal Sampler

I spent today with some members of my quilt group.  People I consider friends.  I wasn’t feeling 100% - I think I have a touch of a cold or something.  I also seem to be having some sort of reaction to something environmental lately.  My eyes were watering really badly walking to work though the skyways on Thursday, and starting last night (Friday), I got really itchy.   Friday morning, I had a dentist appointment and had a mild panic attack while there.  There were also some emotional things touched upon, and I’m doubting my part of the conversation (remember, I’m socially awkward and unsure of myself in many ways).  The people in the group are very important to me and I want to fit in.

All that, combined with not feeling successful in my projects lately, just has me feeling blah.

What’s wrong with my projects and what am I going to do?

Scrap Tamer Mystery

Click on the referenced link.  I guess I’m making two mysteries this year!  Oh well, it will be an interesting study in color.  The same black and red main focus colors/fabrics – one with a background of off white and black and one with bright pink.  Maybe I’ll have a friend who has twins this year.  (Black in a baby quilt?!)

Contest Entry

I’m kicking myself.  I thought I read the directions well enough.  (see the "Quilting is Social" section in this post for some background).  In a nutshell – the challenge contest is:  two pieces of fabric that must be used in the quilt (both black and white), can use any other black, white, or black and white fabric, a fabric marker that is to be used to embellish the quilt AND you may use fabric that matches that color.  The project can be anything – flat or 3D, must be machine or hand quilted entirely (if a flat quilt) and must be turned in by June 4^th (registration form due earlier).

I’ve read and re-read all this.  Several friends have looked at it.  The form itself says “Quilt/Wall hanging”.

So, why did I JUST notice that it says that the outer edge can measure NO MORE than 160 inches?

That’s 40inches square.

Even without borders, my project is over 50 inches square.

And I noticed this in the directions when I was 95% done with piecing the blocks.

And, there is NO WAY that I can trim, pull in seam allowances, or anything else to make it smaller.  It’s just not the sort of design that will accommodate that.

My design is an original pattern using Ranae Merril’s spiral designs.  I have copied her (available on CD in her books) spiral shapes, but arranged them in a unique way.  Prior to this project, I had not done any of her

Here is a picture of the “test” quilt that I did to learn the spiral technique.  I intended to use the same pattern for the contest entry.

Here is a picture taken from the software that I use to create patterns.  It shows the lines, etc., of the spirals.  The pattern is eight spirals triangle in the center, which create four squares that make up a larger square.  The next “row” is eight octagonal spirals.  Lastly, there are four accent squares that are each two triangular spirals.  Summary:  I use 24 spirals in three different sizes and two different shapes. 

When I discovered that my design was not a valid entry for the contest, I was a little distressed.  My older daughter and husband were both with me and both offered up ideas and advice.

Hubby:  Well, why do you do these challenges anyway?

Me:  To work outside my box, to challenge myself

Hubby:  Do you do them to win?

Me:  That’s not the important part

Hubby:  So, you really have already completed what you want from the challenge.

Yes, he’s right.  I’ve done what I set out to do.  All the blocks are now done, and I will finish the assembly of the quilt.  I laid it out on the floor tonight and it is really looking wonderful.  The green fabric that I used is completely plain and boring on its own.  Every other time that I’ve used a solid in a quilt – be it a border or part of a block – I’ve not been impressed.  This time, however, the solid is really holding its own.

I’m going to create another project for the contest entry.  I have enough of the focus fabrics from the challenge package left.  I could also go get another one, and potentially get another focus color that I like better (purple?!).  Is that cheating?

I don’t know yet what I’m going to do.  It’s going to be a wall hanging, something around 35 inches (so that I don’t get DQed for too large), but not sure what yet.  I may design another spiral design since that’s what I set out to do.  I am NOT going to resize the design I’ve done.  That’s completely doable; it wouldn’t take much.  It’s just that I’ve done this pattern TWICE in the last six months.  I don’t want to do it again, at least not for some time.

Sylvia’s Bridal Sample

I don’t think I’ve mentioned this project before.  Some basics about the Bridal Sample can be found at this site:  http://www.sylviasbridalsampler.org/.  My quilt group – like many other groups – has organized a club inside the club to do these blocks.  We meet every couple of months.

Some of the group members have already created full sized quilts.  This project for me is my “five year plan” project.  Each block is different and is only six inches in size.  I am doing my blocks in all reds and using the same fabric for the background.  When the background is all used up, the quilt will be done.  I don’t know how blocks I will do.  I will almost certainly NOT do all 140, probably closer to 100/120. 

I have all the fabrics in a recyclable grocery bag (nice to carry), along with a small ruler, a tiny cutting board (the six inch ones), one of my many rotary tools and a pin container with pins.  I take the bag to quilt meetings when I know we’ll be sitting at tables.  I cut out all the pieces for blocks at those meetings and baggie them up.  I also took the bag on a couple vacations and cut some blocks during the evenings while hubby and I watched TV. 

So, what’s going wrong there?

Just another thing to whine about since quilting seems to be at a low point right now.

We had a Sylvia’s sewing day today.  It was schedule for 11 – 8 at the church.  I went to my TCQ Block of the month at 10 today, met up with several of my group, and then went to the church.  I was unpacked and semi organized by 11:30, which is when I noticed that while I remembered all the peripherals and small things I wanted to bring – including a quilt to show for another projects – I had forgotten THE BAG.  As in the bag with all the blocks, fabrics, etc….!!!

Arrgh

So, I had to run home and get it.  Home was close, and I acted as the lunch runner for everyone also.

Normally during a Sewing Saturday, since I have many blocks cut out, I can get ten or so assembled.  Not so today, I only got five done, and one of them was incredibly simple (five pieces).  It would have been six – still a low number – but that one totally didn’t turn out.  Usually when one doesn’t work up right, it’s simply a little small and you can work around that most times.  Not so with this one, it was fully two inches too LARGE.  Not sure what I did there.

So, at 5:30, I gave up in frustration and went and had my nails done.  Nothing like a little spa therapy.

New Format for the Project List

My project list is going to continue.  Only things on the list will be worked on.  However, I’m instituting some new “rules” for myself.  I was originally going to complete list one, and then create a new list.  Now, it’s going to be a living entity.

·         When a project is done, it will be crossed off, stay on the list for one published update and then be deleted

·         New things will be added.  Until I feel that I’ve significantly addressed my backlog (moved to only one large project box), the only things that can be added are: classes, new block of the month items, new block of the months.

·         For each item added per the above rule, I must add something from my backlog of projects. 

·         No brand new projects can be added until my backlog is fully addressed.

·         Backlog projects added MUST go in order from my “storage” areas

v  First – from the cardboard box floating around the living room

v  Second – from the wicker trunk that will be the ONLY project box eventually

v  Lastly – things stored in the basement (yeah, I stash things too many places)

Project Boxes

Another organizing step is that I’m going to get some nice boxes/containers for my ongoing projects.  I’m taking a cue from my friend who has nice clear boxes with handles.  The “normal” projects will still be stored in the (soon to be one) project trunk, but all blocks of the month, scrap tamer’s, etc, will each have their own box.  Each box will have the fabrics, instructions, finished pieces, etc.  I’m going shopping tomorrow for boxes.

The Project List

Mariner’s Compass quilt

·         Design layout

·         Print all blocks

·         Cut out/prep all pieces for blocks

·         Assemble blocks

·         Cut sashing pieces

·         Assemble quilt

Scrap Tamers

·         Month 1 clue redux

·         Month 2 clue redux

·         Month 3 – Seven sisters baby quilt

v  Determine layout

v  Cut out any additional blocks needed (most are already cut)

v  Assemble blocks

v  Assemble quilt

v  Quilt

v  Bind quilt

·         Month 3 clue

·         Month 3 clue redux

·         Month four – just got, haven’t looked at

v  Determine project; project will be a full sized quilt

v  Cut out blocks

v  Assemble blocks

v  Assemble quilt

v  Quilt

v  Bind quilt

·         Month 4 clue

·         Month 4 clue redux

·         Add Item 1 - Month 5 clues

·         Add Item 2 - Month 5 project

v  Determine project

v  Piece blocks

v  Assemble quilt

v  Quilt

v  Bind quilt

Contest entry

·         Determine color scheme

·         Organize fabrics

·         Cut fabrics

·         Piece blocks

·         Assemble blocks

Add Item 3 - Contest entry Redux

·         Determine color scheme

·         Organize fabrics

·         Cut fabrics

·         Piece blocks

·         Assemble blocks

Add Item 4 - TCQ New BOM

·         Month 1 block

Add Item 5 – Ranae Merrill BOM

·         Month 1 block

Add Item 6 – Storm at Sea

·         Cut all fabrics

·         Piece blocks

·         Assemble blocks

Add Item 7 – Lemoyne Star

·         Determine layout

·         Piece all blocks

·         Piece quilt (sashing)

New Item 1 – Irish Mist Quilt

·         Border quilt

New Item 2 – Red/black

New Item 3

New Item 4

New Item 5

New Item 6

New Item 7

Challenging Challenges

As in any group, quilt clubs/guilds contain cliques, jealousies, and other bad behaviors.  Just because we enjoy a creative hobby, doesn’t mean that we are all best buddies.  In general, I think that quilters are honest, trustworthy, generous, kind, and forthright people.  I truly enjoy the companionship and value my time spent with a diverse group of people.

I am going to relay an unpleasant story of a series of events that happened in my quilt group.  I may tick off some people, and I may indeed foster bad feelings – something that I’m preaching against.  This story contains a little bit of revenge; I’m human enough to admit that I find that slightly enjoyable, but my main reason in regaling you with this tale is to preach a return to camaraderie.  There’s a resolution at the end of my story that restored my faith in my group and myself.

My quilt group has an annual challenge.  The guidelines change once in a while, but the basic premise is the same – accept the challenge, follow the rules, create a project and then they are judged by our peers.  Blind voting is the general judging versus a committee.

Just as in real life – not all our skill sets are the same and we should celebrate the diversity rather than resent those higher up.

“I’m going to do it until it’s not fun anymore”

Those are the words I told my hubby before Challenge 2011. 

After Challenge 2011 – I told him:  “It’s not fun anymore”.

History:

·         2008 – This was a fat quarter challenge.  The theme of the challenge was “reach for the stars”.  I made a double/queen sized quilt – original pattern - that is all stars.  If I remember correctly, I won “best use of theme” or something like that.

·         2009 – This was another fat quarter challenge.  This time I made a purse which was another original pattern.  The challenge fabric is was black fabric with all the little pieces/jewels/etc., on it.  I also made a wristlet and a key fob to out of my scraps!  I think I won two prize that year – people’s choice and something else.

·         2010 – This was yet another fat quarter challenge.  The challenge fabric was a black/red/grey wavy fabric.  I did a foundation pieced twin sized quilt.  Again, I won something – I think a first place.

I really cannot remember what level I won each year because that’s not the important part to me.  The challenge to myself is. 

The first three years of the challenge were led by one member of the group.  In the fourth year – Challenge 2011 – another woman took over.  I will be honest.  I found Woman #2 to be abrasive and had already had a couple run ins (minor) with her.   Also, in 2011, the premise of the challenge changed.  We were given two color crayons, and could use fabrics matching those and black and/or white fabric. 

The first problem that I had with the challenge was that Woman #2 selected the crayon combinations and kept track of what each person received.  Part of the success of the first three challenges was that it was totally blind – no one had any idea whose project was what until judging was done. 

The next problem that I had was that Woman #2 was openly hostile to me about entering the challenge:

“Don’t you think you should give other people a chance to win?”

That and similar catty things were said to me on several occasions. 

Fast forward.  The projects were done, they were set out on a table for judging and it was obvious to me from moment one that something was hinky.  I handed my project over to Woman #2 and she immediately made complaints.  Something was missing, wrong, did I attach the crayon bag?  I don’t remember the exact words, but the impression I remember is that she seemed to really not want me participating.  There were about 25 projects, and they were numbered 1 – 2 – 3, etc., until you got to mine which was “99”.  Hmmmm…. Stand out much?  And why was mine so separated?

I won nothing.  Four levels and I didn’t even place.  Yes, I was hurt, yes, my ego was bruised, but beyond that, it didn’t seem right.

In the days following, I heard a couple of rumors about my project being excluded from judging. Over the next year, I brooded about it, and discussed it with a couple close friends.  However, that was as far as I took anything. 

A few weeks ago, at a club meeting that I missed, the new challenge was announced and crayons (same challenge) were handed out.  After the meeting, one of the members asked me on Face Book if I was doing the challenge.  I thought that I had told her my suspicions so I responded publically by stating that after the issues of the previous year, I had no desire to.  Yes, I was passive aggressively posting on Face Book…. I’m no better than an angst filled teenager……

“Whisper, whisper”…..  Yes, grown women do that too…..

But, unlike those angst filled teenagers, when grown women are curious they actually speak up to each other.

Two weeks ago, we had a “mini-retreat” at a local church.  After my PA Face Book comment, and some discussion, one of my quilting comrades approached me.

“I don’t want to open a can of worms, but what do you mean by “issues of last year”?”

While I do not regard everyone in my quilting group as a BFF, the vast majority I do consider trustworthy and compassionate.  Of the group there in the church basement that day, I consider all to be good friends.

The story came out… all my suspicions and hard feelings.

I also heard that other people had heard other things about the judging over the last year.  And by other things, I mean that several different stories were in circulation:

·         I hadn’t finished the project

·         I had used more colors than I should have

·         I didn’t turn in the color crayons

Where did all these stories start?  Why so many different things being said?  Obviously something truly hinky went down with the judging.

I’m stopping here with my crabbing about it.  No more is necessary.

What happened next is the good part.

·         One of the group hugged me

·         Another of the group took someone aside and complained about Woman #2.  Apparently I’m not the only one she’s picked on

·         Someone told me that they believed me about my project being correct, done on time, etc.

·         I happened to have my quilting picture book with me, with a picture of the finished quilt, as well as the test piece, and I passed it around.  I got a lot of compliments.

I felt validated.  I felt cared for.  I felt a true part of the group. 

I can quilt/sew anywhere.  I can get a heck of a lot more done when I'm alone at home.  However, as I've said many times in this blog - quilting is social.  I go to classes and groups for socialization.  That day, in that church basement, surrounded by quilters and sewing machines and hundreds of yards of fabric - I felt a PART of something.

Enough sappy stuff, moving one....

The group member in charge of the crayon challenge this year stated empathically that this year will be completely fair.  She’s not keeping track of who has what, etc., etc., and gently pushed me to participate.

I quilt because I love color and fabric and the creation process.  I quilt for me.  I admire others’ quilts.  I even have jealousy over some of them.  I love to win because it’s a validation of ME and MY creativity – not because I beat someone.  That’s was Challenge 2011 and Woman #2 seemed to me – jealous of me, wanting other people to beat me even if done unfairly, etc.

Challenge 2012

Because of the outpouring of good vibes and camaraderie shown to me after telling the story, I AM going to do Challenge 2012.

Really, I’m going to add yet another project to my backlog…. *sigh*

Here is the text of the sheet that was handed out with the color crayons:

“We are going to do the Crayon Challenge again this year.  These crayon colors determine the fabric you pick for the challenge.  The fabric you pick has to read the color the crayons, but it does not have to be a solid color fabric.  For example:  If one of your colors is red, your fabric should read red, but could have a little bit of orange or pink.  Overall, the fabric should read the color the crayon.  Both crayon colors in your bag need to be incorporated in the project you make.  In addition to these two colors, you can, but do not have to, add Yellow in the project.  Again, these additions should read yellow overall.  This will be a fun challenge, a perfect time to work on color or to test a new design.  As usual you can determine what to make, it does not have to be a quilt; you could make a bag, a wall hanging or maybe a lap quilt.”

I’m not telling what my colors are; some of my group reads my blog.

However, I do need some ideas!  I have until May with this one.  I guess that means that somewhere in April I’m going to be frantically working….!!  (No, I’ll get it organized prior to that, really!).

Three colors….

Four was hard enough last year.  I take it truly seriously.  I’m an exacting type of person to begin with, and then add on rules?!  Last year was pink and purple for the focus colors – a particular shade of each – and black and white for fill.  I used ONLY black and white thread – for piecing and quilting – and white batting versus the natural color I usually use.

Yes, I carried it to an extreme.  

That’s me!!

If you read this, make a comment, or send me email.  Give me some ideas.  Should I do a traditional flat quilt?  Or should I make something 3D?  One of my friends is really into folded fabric flowers.  The thought of that appealed to me.

The colors are bright, and while they go together, it’s not a “soothing” combination.  They are very different from each other.  Yellow will work with the right project, but I’m also open to doing something with only two colors.

Ideas:

·         Flowers in a vase – 3D object

·         Something with RaNae Merril’s spiral designs… and original pattern by me, but using her spirals

·         Using several fabrics that “read” each one of the colors.  For example, color 1:  find a batik that reads that color, find a tone on tone calico type fabric that reads that color and find a solid that reads that color.  Would that be cheating?  Would it be confusing?

·         Doll clothing item

·         Table topper with appliqué – out of my comfort zone, but adding thread colors could give me more leeway

·         iPad case.  I have the pattern and the iPad.  However, not very creative, not an original pattern and how do I make it more “me”?

Rejected ideas:

·         Another foundation pieced piece (like in 2010), not enough possible variety with limited colors

·         A purse.  I just don’t want to make another purse.  I thought of the professional tote, but everyone’s made one or more of those and there’s not a lot of creativity at that point.

·         Pillow case and/or pillow… Too simple, not enough creativity.

·         Incorporating machine embroidery… yeah, like that wouldn’t give me away…..

Projects and Promises

On December 24^th, I wrote a blog post lamenting that I was behind on projects, creating a list and boldly stated that I was going to finish that list by the end of January.  Well, I didn’t finish.  I am, however, giving myself a break on this.  The goal was to buckle down, organize and be efficient.  I was all of the above and more.

I have a huge stash, a huge “idea” pile, stacks of patterns, many started projects, etc., etc.  I am constantly getting ideas and starting new projects – I start way more than I finish (but in my defense – I finish a LOT of projects compared to the average quilter).  For the last five weeks, I have worked on that list diligently and only started ONE new project.  That project came out of a class that I took with two friends.  Since I feel that socialization is my greatest need in life – that was perfectly fine to do!  Side note:  I ONLY used fabrics from stash for that project, so I’m addressing the other goal of the year – using stash!

Additionally, I am working more hours per week than I have for many years and that has severely cut into my project time.  Three years ago, I could promise someone a quilt inside even a week because I was working 35-40 hours at a nearly stress free job.  Now, it’s 60 during a full week (30 when I’m technically on vacation) and quite a bit of stress.  I don’t have weekends off, but put in hours during both Saturday and Sunday. 

I’m going to extend my time frame for the current project list, and when it is indeed done, I’m going to write another list from the already started projects and diligently work on that. 

I have a nice wicker thing… ummm…. What is it really?  I guess a “trunk” is the best word for it – in my sewing area.  While my stash and the embroidery machine are in the basement, I mainly sew at the dining room table to be close to hubby.  This trunk was originally meant to be a functional/decorative piece of furniture that would hide my sewing projects so that I wouldn’t have to do a lot of cleanup for company.  In reality, the trunk is full of projects that I haven’t looked at in over a year and there are two buckets on top of the trunk and a large bin off to the side with more.

New “end” goal for all this is reduction and organization.  I’m not going to put a timeline on it – that part was a failure – but I am going to state that the trunk will be the ONLY project bin by the end of this and that the armoire and sideboard in the dining room – different sorts of spaces – will hold tools and patterns; they will not be additionally overflow areas. 

During whatever time frame that this takes – I will work on ONLY the current list with one caveat – class projects.  I will not cease taking classes, attending block of the month programs, etc.  Those are socialization for me and are important.  However, I will make sure that I complete a minimum of THREE projects in order to add ONE (and no fair doing only the small projects!).

Scrap Tamers Problem

I think I screwed up… in a funny way.  This year’s mystery for the scrap tamers group was done a little differently that previous.  At the first session, we were given ALL the cutting directions.  I actually missed the first session, and a friend picked up the directions for me.  I diligently followed them, cut and put the pieces into various baggies.  Now that I’m at the fourth clue (third with sewing actions since #1 was cutting) and something is wrong… I have too many pieces….

I’ve read, and reread the cutting directions for the clue, and conferred with a friend not in the group.  (Friend who IS in the group doesn’t remember what was said at the meeting).  There’s cutting instructions for the “main” pieces and cutting directions for the background.  I cut according to ALL the directions for the main pieces.  However, now that I’ve gotten down the road a little, I think that one section for the mains was if you used quarter yards and the other section was for if you used stash scraps.  End result, I think that I have duplicated the cutting; I think I have pieces for TWO of the mystery.  Note:  the background fabric cutting directions were clearer and I only have ONE set of those pieces.

I have a class at Glad Creations tomorrow and I’m going to ask.  But, I’m about 98% sure that I’m going to be redoing clues 2-4 on the second set.

So, here’s the plan:  I decided to do the mystery with patterned black and red scraps from my stash.  I used some of the extra scraps to make the Month 1 focus pattern – the Bali Runner (see here for a picture to get an idea of the color scheme).  For the back ground, I used a white fabric with a thin, sparse black pattern in it.  The white is more a winter white – not bright – so it’s more soothing than attention grabbing.  For my companion mystery, I’m going to go the opposite path.  Pink comes to mind…. A bright, attention grabbing pink.  I have far more pink in my stash than any other color (I’m a girl, what can I say?!), so it won’t be an issue to come up with something.  I may change my mind when I start digging through my stash if I find the perfect smooth pink, but I really think I’ll come up with something bright.

Since red (in the main pieces) is the color for heart disease awareness in women (wear Red for Women day just occurred) and pink is for Breast Cancer awareness – this could be a great quilt to give to a Women’s organization for a fundraiser.  Readers – start thinking about that and put in your request to me for your favorite charity.

This will also be an interesting color study – with only ONE fabric change, how will the quilt look?  All the main pieces were cut at the same time….of the same stash scraps… the same fabrics will be in both quilts… but the backgrounds will be different.  This could be fun!  Since it’s a mystery, I have NO IDEA of the pattern…..

Stay tuned!!!

Quilting on Minkee and Scrap Tamers Subject Deux

I have a friend who is an EXCELLENT seamstress.  She’s done costuming for years and is highly skilled in sewing.  Similar to me, when she started to run out of people to sew for (and dolls in my case), she turned to quilting to keep going on her love of fabric and color.  She just recently completed a baby quilt using the tossed nine patch pattern.  Her focus fabric was a black with bright colored cats on it.  To complement it, she used bright fabrics, including orange Minkee. 

Since she’s relatively new to this, she is only making tops.  I know that she will eventually master quilting the sandwich.  But for now, she turned to me.  I’ve made bones about doing quilting for people in the past.  I’ve been taken advantage by a couple people, including one who grew to expect me to quilt all her quilts, including one that was a commission, without paying me or even following through on promised favors.  Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to get paid for quilting.  I don’t have a frame, I don’t want to make a living of it (heaven forbid!), but I do really enjoy being able to do things for my good friends.  However, I do also expect them to return the favor in an equitable manner.  I’ll expand later, but this particular friend has ALWAYS done that and will continue to get services from me for a long time.

Getting back to the main part of this bit – she also decided to use the orange Minkee for the BACK of the quilt.  I’ve heard of people using fleece on the back of quilts, and I myself have used Minkee and similar products on simple, small blankets where only the binding holds the top to the back (maybe a few ties too), but I’d never quilted using Minkee on both the front and the back!.

I took a small piece from her, loaded the 40wt orange thread onto the Juki and gave it a test try…. Worked fine!  We pinned out the quilt, and I started on it.  (I also gave her a stack of half square triangles I had that needed to be trimmed – tit for tat, right?).

Thread break…..

Thread break….

Bad stitches….

Thread break….

UGG!  I tried a different orange thread (60 wt) and it was even worse.  Ok, think Mary…. What’s the issue here?  You’ve used the 40wt orange thread on another quilt and you know that the Juki likes it…. It’s stitching fine for a bit, but then breaks…. It’s not breaking right away…. Think…. Think….

I’ve done a few quilts with a muslin back for the pieces (not sure exactly what that’s called), and had a similar problem.  The advice I was given for that was to use a larger needle – 18 – than I normally use.  So, I dug out my box of needles (I buy needles 300-400 at a time, pretty evenly divided with 9 – 11 – 14 and only a couple packs of larger ones), and tried it….

Success!!!

The quilt then quilted up quite lovely with only one or two more thread breaks.  I used a simple meandering pattern as I do on most of my quilts. 

Back to the second part of the story…. As I said, this friend is always good about appreciation.  I figured we were pretty even since she trimmed up my half square triangles while I was quilt.  I also was a baby quilt – not a large quilt!  However, a week later, she handed me a package with two pieces of yellow fabric and one black and white (with tiny bits of blue) fabric!

So, now I have the fabric for one of the monthly focus projects from Scrap tamers…. Not next month, which is going to be a small project, but maybe the month after that.

Storm at Sea and Trim Plates

The friend from above and I took at class at Twin City Quilting.  This was also the one new project that I started during my moratorium.  The class was on the Storm at Sea block and some different quilt designs using it.

First – about the teacher and the class.  Not good.  She made some beautiful quilts but she just couldn’t teach well.  No demonstrations, had us bring things we didn’t use and talked way too much about herself and what she’s done rather than focusing on the quilts, blocks and instructions.  My take away from the class was that it was her show and tell/brag session about her skills and not a teaching / learning experience.  I felt that the class was a waste of time and money.

I also felt that her instructions were subpar.  First, her drawings were rudimentary and sloppy.  Now I realize that no all people can have drafting software and draw things out professionally.  However, I fell that she could have used a ruler and put more effort into her diagrams.  She also forgot half of the cutting directions for one of the main fabrics and went around editing each person’s instructions.  Lastly – the instructions themselves – specifically the fabric descriptions/directions.  Rather than naming them “background”, “corners”, etc., she named them “dark”, “light”, etc.  This seems little, but has really confused me.  I switched up my color scheme from hers, and have to keep reversing in my mind:  “where she says dark, it’s really my light background”, etc.  It’s caused some cutting errors on my part.  Note to direction writers:  name the fabric with its purpose or location - not with a color or value because those can change from quilt to quilt.

This brings me to some larger comments about TCQ.  I love the shop, I love the block of the month programs (the one I just finished and the one starting), and I love the advice I get there.  However, their classes are priced higher than other shops and I’m not hearing good things about them.  I doubt I’ll take another class there for awhile.

Next – about the project.  The special thing about this method was that we were instructed to buy “trimplates” for the class.  These are a set of custom rules/templates for cutting out and trimming up the smaller blocks that make up the Storm at Sea block.

One of my best investments of the year!  These trimplates are really quite nice and made making the block a lot easier.   There are two pieces which are printed with guides for all stages of sewing and trimming the blocks.  By turning the plates and using different sides and corners, it’s quite easy to create a perfectly measured block.  I’m normally a fan of paper piecing to get things exact but with these trimplates, that same level of accuracy is achieved with less work.

My particular project is going to be a larger quilt with pinks, black and black and white fabrics.  Most of the smaller pieces that make up the larger Storm at Sea block are uniform.  However, the sides of the rectangular pieces change fabrics from diagonal row to diagonal row.  In my quilt, those are going to be black and white and pink/black/white fabrics and they increase in darkness from one end of the quilt to another.  Hard to describe but I will show pictures later.

Mini Update on Contest Quilt

I have finished the eight triangles that make up the four squares that are the center of my design.  See here for a picture of the test quilt’s center.   I tried to take a picture but the lighting wasn’t good and two of the colors just run together.  I’ll take better pictures (during the day and with the good camera instead of the iphone) when I get a little more done.  So far, I’m quite pleased!   

The Project List

Mariner’s Compass quilt

·         Design layout

·         Print all blocks

·         Cut out/prep all pieces for blocks

·         Assemble blocks

·         Cut sashing pieces

·         Assemble quilt

Curved Piece quilt

·         Finish cutting blocks

·         Assemble blocks

·         Layout quilt/arrange blocks

·         Assemble quilt top

Block of the Month – TCQ

·         Frame 8 inch blocks

·         Make current blocks

·         Determine layout

·         Decide on other blocks to complete layout

·         Make additional blocks

·         Assemble quilt

Scrap Tamers

·         Month 1 – Bali Runner (can’t remember rest of name)

v  Finish binding

·         Month 1 clue

·         Month 2 – (can’t remember name at all)

v  Finish binding

·         Month 2 clue

·         Month 3 – Seven sisters baby quilt

v  Determine layout

v  Cut out any additional blocks needed (most are already cut)

v  Assemble blocks

v  Assemble quilt

v  Bind quilt

·         Month 3 clue

·         Month four – just got, haven’t looked at

v  Determine project; project will be a full sized quilt

v  Cut out blocks

v  Assemble blocks

v  Assemble quilt

v  Bind quilt

·         Month 4 clue

Contest entry

·         Determine color scheme

·         Organize fabrics

·         Cut fabrics

·         Piece blocks

·         Assemble blocks