STARDUST

I've mentioned before that I never follow an existing pattern.  By doing so, for me, it takes the fun out of making a quilt.  I enjoy the prep work as much as the actual sewing and quilting.  If I'm not making a scrappy quilt, which I usually just design as I go; this is what I do to figure yardage requirements, patterns, etc.

I know it doesn't make sense to everyone, but I find it a fun and creative activity!  I, also, realize I'm a number's nerd.

THE STATS:  Stardust, 2023, 36"x36", Paper pieced, Machine pieced, Machine quilted.

I don't often critique my quilts on this forum, letting the readers form their own opinions.  However, this quilt bothers me on several levels.

1.  When I designed this quilt on paper, I intended to make the individual blocks 3" square.  In some memory lapse; when I drew the blocks actual size, I made them 4".  By the time I discovered this, I was into the making of the quilt and continued on.  To me it would have been much better in a smaller format with less negative space.

2.  The accuracy in piecing is good.  I liked the colors and the fabrics of this collection very much, so I bought them specifically for this quilt.  However, in my frugal nature; I don't usually do that.  There are no scraps of fabric purchased in the past at lower price in this quilt.  It was, therefore, an expensive hit to my quilting budget; and also now the quilt appears boring to me.

3.  I did use a fabric from my stash for the backing.  It is too plain for my liking, but I felt I had to use what I had because of the budget.

4.  My machine quilting on a domestic machine is always questionable.  This is no exception, but acceptable for the amount of quilting required in the negative space.

5.  On the positive side, I enjoyed the geometric challenge of design and the piecing process was fun; and with quilting complete, it appeals to me a little better.

It is what it is -- always a learning experience.  Your comments????

BAA, BAA, PLAID SHEEP

 After 8 years, I have finally finished this wool applique project.  There are too many reasons for the delay to explain, but I set one of this year's goals to complete it.

All of the wool in this project is reclaimed fabric.  Ten years ago is was easy to find wool garments from Pendleton, Ralph Lauren, etc. at thrift stores for very little money ($3-$5 a garment).  I bought many during those years; and would then deconstruct the garments, felt the fabric by washing and drying in hot temperatures to keep it from fraying, fading, or shrinking resulting in 2-4 yards each of usable fabric.  I have used the wool for projects over the years, but still have a nice supply of this fabric. 

 "Baa, Baa, Plaid Sheep.  Have you any wool?  Yes sir, yes sir, at least three drawers full!"

The Stats: "Baa, Baa, Plaid Sheep", 2023, 30"x27", Hand Appliqued, Hand Embroidered, Machine Pieced, Machine Quilted.

Here are some of my wool projects from the past.  Some of these former projects also include purchased 100% wool felt.

STICKS AND STONES

 

Time for some string piecing to use up the many brown and beige strips in my scrap bins.  The blue accents are to keep the project from getting boring!

I have a love/hate relationship with string piecing.  I love choosing the fabrics, colors, and embellishments; but hate the mess as I can't seem to stay organized when dealing with strips!

THE STATS:  "Sticks and Stones", 2023, 33"x33", Paper Pieced, Machine Pieced, Machine Embroidered, Machine Quilted

I have had this quilt percolating in my brain for some time; it finally became reality and is finished, and has become my favorite for 2023!!

GOOD CHEER

 I wanted something new to use this upcoming Christmas season, so I went with red, green, and beige; and two simple paper-pieced blocks.  I didn't count how many different fabrics I used, but it was a bunch in my ongoing efforts to use up my scraps that I have accumulated over 40+ years.

THE STATS:  "Good Cheer", 2023, 33"x33", Paper pieced, Machine pieced, 

Machine quilted.

THE NAME:  "Good Cheer" comes from a poem I was supposed to say as a four-year old at the annual Sunday School Christmas pageant.  It goes like this:  "Christmas comes but once a year; and when it comes, it brings GOOD CHEER".  Well, Sally couldn't follow the rules even then.  Instead, I said, "I'm a cute little girl with a cute little figure; stand back boys until I get a little bigger."  My family and the Sunday school teacher were horrified; thus ending my acting career forever.