Last Minute Finishes

The year is quickly coming to an end.  The quilting that was done isn't always seen here.  We have neighbors with new babies.   So far all new babies in the neighborhood receive a quilt close to birth.  These are no exception.

The newest one, coming any day, is a girl.  This Fat Quarter Shop quilt is cute and quick.  Charm Box is demonstrated on YouTube by Kimberly.

This is slightly bigger and probably should have added an inner border-yellow or black.  The sides of the outside border were already on and cut to size before the thought crossed my mind.

The second quilt is for another neighbor.  This one you guys checked out in progress earlier.  This quilt is the Cozy Quilt Design Strip Club-Blurred Lines.  Here is the YouTube video.  No measurements given except 2 1/2" strips.  The accent pieces are probably larger in this quilt than the original.  The baby boy's dad is a veteran and the fabric is leftover from my stepdad's QOV.

Thanks for stopping by in 2016.  Next year will have some monumental moments.  MJJR graduates from high school.  Lola will graduate from college.  DH will hopefully retire.  That leaves us free as a  bird as our nest will be empty.  Some of the long time blogging buddies, I may be in your part of the country/world.......

Happy New Year

Just Another Quilter

Finish It Up Friday

This is the last of the Friday for 2016.  I have a few finishes for this year that have not been shared.  Here is one.


Here is the beginnings of the quilt a couple years ago.  It is based on the Moda Bake Shop pattern Anasazi Medallion quilt by Shannon Mower.

Now for the finished product.  My step dad is a Vietnam Veteran.  He served our country in the Navy on the USS Myles C. Fox.  He ship was stationed in the Tonkin Gulf.   

The anchors were machine appliquéd down after edges were starched and pressed under.  The patches were found on www.MedalsofAmerica.com except the patch from his ship was found on eBay.  The large center motif is a transfer of a window cling. 

He is a retired railroad yard master.  That means he gets to tell the trains where to go when.  This train fabric is just what the back needed.

I am linking up the Crazy Mom Quilts-Amanda Jean.  Stop over and check out what others have done for 2016.

Keep sewing.  Check back in for a couple more 2016 quilts. 

Just Another Quilter

Design Wall Monday November 14th

Yesterday the finishes to the top was put on the Quilt of Valor quilt I have been working on.  It will go on the long arm tomorrow.  I will show a picture soon.  It is for my step-dad.  Currently it is a surprise.  He is no way will read this.  If mom has it up on her computer, I don't want him to see a picture....he might ask whose quilt.

So, today...picked up the parts and pieces left behind from the Quilt of Valor and started a baby quilt for a neighbor.   The leftovers fit together well.  Her husband is a veteran. They are having a boy.  She has been on bed rest for the last couple months. It might be a quick pattern, but I hope it is just what they need.

YouTube videos have become much of my daily entertainment.  Most of us know of the Missouri Star Quilt Company.  The videos have great instruction and loads of ideas for pre-cuts.  (My  pre-cuts often come from just cutting up scraps.)  Lessons on machine quilting, knitting, applique, and even how to clean the carburetor on your tractor.  DH husband loves to watch all the different things too. 

My newest find is the Strip (2 1/2" inch fabric) Club from Cozy Quilt Designs outside of San Diego.  Many of these patterns can be found in your LQS.  Daniela Stout and her mother work together to bring a new pattern each month based on a jelly roll.  Daniela is a hoot to watch.  Just Love Her Humor.   There is usually 2 quilts in different colors to compare.  Sometimes the audience brings in the quilts that were made from last months pattern.  These patterns make it look hard but not be hard.  Right up my alley. 

This is the start of the Cozy Quilt Designs pattern Blurred Lines.  I estimated on the sizes of the yellow strips.  These sizes aren't given on the videos, however, most of the smaller yellow strips were left from the QOV.  That is how the smaller size was chosen--mine was 1 1/8"--yep really.  The larger yellow strip was cut at 1 3/4".  The sashing and inner border will be white.  The outer border.....Blue or Red.  Will have to see what jumps out of the stash.   Which would you go with? 

Check out other Design Walls at Patchwork Times and Making Monday and Cooking Up Quilts

Just Another Quilter

Finish It Up Friday

Early this summer I finished up a quilt. Thought it was time to share.

This quilt is Bonnie Hunter's mystery quilt from 2014-Grand Illusion. It is based on the décor at the Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island in Michigan. Mackinaw Island holds a dear place in my heart as I passed near it many times through my college career.

Grand Illusion was completed while Bonnie was in our area back in June.

I decided to go with a slightly smaller version than the original design. My leftover corner parts from the main block were put together and then framed with black prints (5" charms) to make this second piece.  The outer border was found on clearance at Michael's.  This is a top at this point.

 

I am linking up with CrazyMomQuilter.  Stop over and check out some of the great things Amanda Jean is working on.

Keep sewing.
Just Another Quilter

WIP. A Christmas Tradition Quilt

Every year our church has a fabulous open house. One of the rooms is the Silent Auction Room.  This room is pure profit because the church members do a little fall cleaning and bring the items to the church.  Some of the members get together to make a quilt every year. We have been doing this for almost 10 years now. The quilt tends to one of the biggest money makers in the the room.

Here it the progress for this years quilt.  The sashing is borrowed from Canuck Quilter's sashing found in the Quilter's Scrapbook. 

The blocks are done and a couple borders are all that is left before it makes it to the longarm.

These squares started as bonus square leftover from last years quilt that included snow ball blocks.

Visit www.sillymamasewing.com at the  Fall Sewing Link UP! 

Keep sewing!  Just Another Quilter

Finish it Up Friday-Scrappy

Tuesday was my presentation at one of the local guilds. My goal was to finish up a scrappy quilt I was working on as "Using Your Scraps and Stash" was the topic.
Here you can get a little idea of the direction of the quilt.

Here is the pile still waiting for some attention. 

Here is the finished product. The last binding stitches were put in at 4pm. Not much before the 7pm presentation. It feels good to set a goal and achieve it. 

I am linking up with Amanda Jean at Crazy Mom Quilts 

Happy Quilting,
Just Another Quilter

Art Institute of Chicago

I get the opportunity to check out the Art Institute of Chicago. It is one of the few museums in Chicago I haven't visited yet. 

They have beautiful grounds right on Michigan Avenue. 

I hear the miniature collection is really cool. 

Don't know if there is a great fabric place down here. I know of 1 and it is a packed mess. Did purchase some fabric a couple years back. 

FYI-The appliqué is cut out. Not very happy with the looks. It needs some work. Maybe Sunday. Here looking at schools with MJJR. 

Happy Exploring. 

Just Another Quilter 

Monday's Design Wall Scraps

Next Month I am the featured speaker at a local guild.  I have done some speaking and teaching over the years....but it still makes me a little nervous.  The topic is "Using Your Scraps and Stash".  I love to take the leftovers and make something beautiful.  Inspiration usually comes from on-line photos. 

Scrap quilts usually begin with choosing a unit and a size.  This scrap design began by having leftovers from 2" nine patches.  Many of the strips had a useable chunk of fabric left at the end.  By connecting the chunks together and picking a size.....1 1/4" x 2" the light and dark sides developed into these units.  You can see the brown was added to have them flip flop back and forth.

TheUpsandDownsofQuilting.blogspot.com

These rows will be added to a brown stash fabric.  Applique will be added to the brown sections.  The blue is the bias.  Some flowers and leaves will be added.

TheUpsandDownsofQuilting.blogspot.com

 Always the challenge....is there enough brown.  A border fabric to surround the whole thing to round out the quilt.  Check and see how long this takes.  Deadline...30 days.

I am linking up with Judy L's Design Wall Monday at Patchwork Times
and with Cynthia for Oh Scrap!

Heading to the Machine Now!!
Just Another Quilter

The Bonnie Hunter Visit

Our guild was blessed to have the legendary Bonnie Hunter this month as our National Speaker.  She was here April 2012.  Back then guild days generally consisted of....work.  I took the day off to go to the guild meeting, however, no classes, just an in and out.

Retirement is nice.  This time...2 classes.  I now have 2 more UFO's on the list.  It is so worth it.

I have been active in our guild for more than 15 years.  I know many of the members.  If someone needs a helping hand (as I am younger than many-it used to be most) I will carry, hoist, drag, climb or lift for those in need.  Bonnie needed help with her quilt bags...into the building, down the stairs, and even onto the table.  And after taking classes for 2 days, I was a familiar face.  Our meeting room was the location for Vacation Bible School. We all needed to chip in and quickly turn the room around before the 165 people arrived.

 The Sunday class was Scrap Crystals.  This block is just 1/2 square triangles (with the easy angle ruler) and squares.  Color, accuracy and 96 pieces make up this block.  We had 38 ladies in the class....this was the end product of a 6 hr. class. 

My block is the darker background with purple.

The progress has been slow.   Here are the 2 blocks now completed.

Hoping to have a little Quilt Cam time with Bonnie today.  This is usually the only time I clean my area.

Happy Quilting,

Just Another Quilter 

Finished it Up on Friday-Quilter's Scrapbook

Finished Up the quilting and binding. Here's the quilt.

After some car rides last weekend, the binding is done just in time for Bonnie Hunter to see it for Show and Share.

The Quilter's Scrapbook pattern is designed by Canuck Quilter.  I just love looking at all the pieces. It brings back all the quilts given to loved ones over the years. This quilt top is a from 2012. I just might have to make a new one with all the current leftovers.
This quilt gave some practice on the long arm.  The spiral designs turned out great. a different design in each block.

 These spirals are so forgiving.

 There is some straight line ruler work in the quilt.  The lines aren't straight. No pictures. No proof.

 Always something different to try.  Those corner loops were just added to bring the design into the corner better.

This is my youngest in the house.  She arrived in January 2015.  She left a house a full house where she couldn't get along with her brother and sisters.  Here she is the Queen.  She loves to sleep while I sew.  She took a quick nap in the sun while I took the few pictures.  She found the spot and was all cozy while the block pictures were taken.

Linking Up with Amanda Jean and Finish It Up Friday

and with Shannon at Modern Traditions Quilts-Keep It Simple & Make It Fun

Happy Quilting,

Just Another Quilter 

Scraptastic Tuesday

Scraptastic Tuesday   is going on over at Mrs Sew & Sow.  Check things out over there.

Last week I showed the Batik Leaf Quilt.  So excited today when I dropped in to see the projects and found I was a gift certificate winner!! Check out the options that come with the gift certificate from Green Fairy Quilts.  

The latest project is machine quilting on the DSM a quilt made by a lovely lady from church.  She had a machine quilter at least 10-15 years ago finish some of her pieces while her and her husband would winter in Texas.  This quilt was slated to be quilted when they no longer could make the trip.

 Here is the close up of the blocks.

The sashing and borders need to be finished.  Below is the pattern that was slated for in the sashing.  

 

I am afraid that enough of the fullness won't be taken up with the quilting.  The outside border will get the Baptist fan design. This is my go to design for the outer border.  

Any ideas to help quilt out some of the fullness.  I suppose a meander might take up more of the fullness than the loops.

Linky Tuesday is also running at Freemotion on the River

Just Another Quilter

Scraptastic Tuesday

Yesterday the last stitch was put in the binding. The sleeve was put on and hung up in the sew room. Late last night. It looks great in there. Enjoyed a little Netflix while it was hanging last night.

I didn't take a picture in natural light before it was hung.....so this morning down it came. The sun was beautiful this morning. 

It was quilted on the long arm, which I still am growing accustomed to. Since the quilt was going in my sew room I decided that it was an opportunity to practice some new designs. The quilt was sectioned off with double lines and loops. Each section has a different pattern. It gives some practice without a huge commitment. 

The quilt is made with blocks cut with the Accuquilt drunkards path block and 5" batik squares. The 5" squares are from the guild fabric exchange in February 2015. 

Check out the other projects at Connie's Linky Tuesday and with Mrs Sew & Sow Scraptastic Tuesday.

Happy Quilting,
Just Another Quilter

A Spring Green Finish

Recently I was asked to donate a quilt for a fundraiser for an organization at my husbands work.  Currently there are no quilts that are set aside for this purpose.  Frequently there is something laying about that is made from scraps that has no meaning or no scheduled home.
The deadline for the drawing was close and I decided that it wasn't in the cards this year.  After some consideration, I asked 3 others who have a tie to the facility if they were interested in helping....all said yes.
What looks hard but isn't?  That many can work on?  Can use any pre-cuts that we already have?  Will appeal to men (generally male work population)?

The neighbor with her sister had recently made a quilt for her grandson who is getting married.  It was beautiful and made with jelly rolls.  And the neighbor stated how easy it went together.  Off to do some research.  The pattern is a 3 Dudes Quilting in Mesa, Arizona.  After saving some pictures of the variety available in the pattern, this was the inspiration.

So a YouTube video is available from Missouri Star quilt company for this Quilt.  

Ron Appell 3 Dudes Quilt

This version has a slightly different strip set.  But the strip set is available on-line, is made with jelly rolls and 1 1/2" black strips.  And best part....looks hard without being hard.

Spring Green with 3Dudes

Here is some pictures of us working on it along with the final top.  The quilting is done-interlocking squares.  The fundraiser is going great and we are proud of the finished product.  Thanks to those that made it possible in the 3 week process.

Keep Quilting,
Just Another Quilter

Quilt of Valor Option

Our guild swapped Blue and Red 10" squares about 2 months ago.  These will lend themselves to making a great Quilt of Valor quilt.  The medallion style quilt found on Moda Bake Shop by Andrea Harris is called Avignon Picnic. It utilizes jelly rolls for a quilt classified as "easy".   Here is how to convert the pattern into 10" squares.  Here are my blue choices.

Layer up 2-10" squares and sew on both sides.  I paired up blues with blues.

 Cut the units apart and press seams to 1 side. Trim unit to 9 1/2" square.

Place background and blue unit that are 9 1/2" square, right sides together.  Cut apart on the diagonal.  Sew the diagonal seam.  Press to the dark.

 

 Arrange in a pleasing manor.  You can see my plan.  These are very versatile blocks.  Any of the log cabin or half square designs can be achieved.  Bonnie Hunter of Quiltville.com has shown numerous different layouts.  Her blocks measure 6" these more in the 9" arena.

I will post more about this quilt as it gets closer.  Problems: Only 1 background fabric used.....Not enough to make those last blocks.   First option is to go shopping to see if any is left. 

Here is the previous quilt finished with the medallion style layout in the Avignon Picnic Quilt. The quilt below has an inner border that is 2 1/2" around the center unit.  The next border is more 2 1/2" strips.  The strips alternate 2 1/2" by 6" and 2 1/2" x 4" with a background 2 1/2" square. 

Check out what is going on over at Freemotion by the River's Linky Tuesday.  Connie always has a great response with so much to check out just down river.

Just Another Quilter

Design Wall Monday

I am hoping to turn over a new leaf for 2016.  This blog has taken a back seat to life.  This isn't always a bad thing, but I am hoping to spur on some quilt finishes this year.

The design wall is full of possibilities.  Goal for this quilt:  to be finished by the first Tuesday of February.  That is our quilt guild meeting.  Most of it is done.  It won't take long to finish up.  I am hoping to get it on the long arm soon.

It is based on an idea from the web.  Possibly Angel Pingel's Cut to Pieces.  I love her book "A Quilter's Mixology".  It "seams" like I came across a cool quilt from somewhere on her site, maybe pictures from a class.  That was my inspiration for this quilt.  Our guild swapped 5" square pastel/light batiks in 2015.  This quilt just goes together great using these 5" squares as the main area of the quilt.  The leafs let me use the Accuquilt Drunkards Path Dye.  The design wall is a little small for the current size.  Stop back and let's see if I can hit that deadline. I am imagining a small dark border surrounded by another round of light squares.  Opinions please.

I am linking up with Judy L. "The Patchwork Times"-Design Wall Monday.  Go see what others are up too.

Just Another Quilter