Plucked

Recently I had to replace our worn bed sheets. I found a great set, almost new, at the Tourist Trap, our local consignment shop. The sheet set is khaki. I replaced the edges of the pillow cases with fabric left over from the quilts and curtains. The effect was satisfying.

Left pillow cases match the quilts and curtains. Red chickens and bedside tables from Joan. Right pillow case from Pam, guarantees sweet dreams.

Close up detail, next to the quilt border.

Other recent activity was a great class I took yesterday in Council, taught by Karla Alexander. I keep thinking that I have learned it all, that I take classes for the socializing and as an excuse to buy new fabric. However, Karla taught me some wonderful new techniques and design theories. I like the idea of secondary borders. The outside row of blocks in a quilt can be a shade darker or lighter, adding another frame to the quilt. More on that as I create my next epic piece. Here is a sneak peak at what I did yesterday in the class, one photo with sashing.

Eight more blocks to go on this quilt. I like the lilac sash, and the colors. This modern project is fun and different. The pattern is called "Paint Chip." I haven't named my quilt yet.  Dinner tonight is left overs and sauteed radishes. They are a little past their prime, should have been plucked from the heart of their warm little bed a week ago, but when sauteed they transform from spicy to mild. mmm

I did finish my goal set at the start of the month, the commissioned quilts. Tomorrow, July.

Good News and Bad News

The bad news first. The A quilt was rejected, although I had followed specifications. I had quilted/appliqued the large A, but otherwise it was still unfinished. So it got put in time out. The mom gave new specifications, and I agreed to start over. I hope they understand that this means additional cost of $75 for fabrics. My time and aggravation = priceless. The original A quilt can be gifted to someone I know who has a name starting with A, or I may sell it. Someone is being a diva, in my opinion.

In other news, all good, the barn quilt was finished in the nick of time, delivered to the Council Quilt Show, and looks good. The theme this year is, "Life on the Farm." Winner gets a $100 prize, chosen by viewer vote.

The sashing and the borders really brought this quilt together.

I had a flurry of procrastinator's remorse as I sewed the binding on. It was about 5" too short. I pulled out a new toy, a 2" bias tape maker, and made the remaining bias tape, and got it on in under 5 minutes. Phew! I highly recommend getting yourself at least one of these great tools. They are simple to use, work great, and can even be used for tote bag handles and items where interfacing is being applied. After making the first press, I take the tape and fold it over, thus creating a double fold bias tape. Here are two examples:

3/4" tape maker.

2" tape maker with interfacing being ironed on. I am using a 3" strip so the folds are narrower.

I entered a challenge block in the quilt show as well. The focus fabric is red and black. Winner of public vote gets 12 blocks. Second place gets the remaining 6. Here is my entry, followed by the whole lot.

Garden Gnomes are camouflaged  and out of view, although they are right in front of you.

The featured artist is Karla Alexander of Saginaw Quilts. She will be giving a trunk show at the luncheon on June 28th, and a class on June 29th. In honor of her, Pam and I each entered a quilt made from her patterns. 

Pam's Red Onion Polka Dot

My Cautionary Tale #2

The quilt show is in Council, ID at the elementary school, and runs daily from 10-5 until July 5. There are about 75 excellent quilts, and a sales area for books and crafts. It is worth the drive! 

I'm a Barbie Girl

I have two commissions due very soon, and they are easy goals because I HAVE to finish them. Both are for little girls' birthdays, and I don't want them to cry because their quilts aren't finished. Here is Ashlynn's:

Chevrons with a large white A, ready to be quilted.

And here is Addison's (not my Addison, Candy's):

The border fabric has Barbie sentiments. White triangles are prairie points.

These two will be in the mail first thing Monday morning. I continue to juggle my various summer tasks; garden tending, housekeeping, pet exercising, and of course, lots of sewing. When other people say they don't have time to sew, and will do it when they retire, I say, pshaw! If you want to do it, make the time. Retirement gets busy in a different way and it is important to be creative NOW.

Another goal, not for anyone but myself, is the Modern Quilt Guild Michael Miller Challenge. As a member, I was given a pack of 6 ~ 1/8ths and a goal to make anything quilted by July 25th. Three winners get monthly fabric for a year. Here are the luscious fabrics, along with 2 pieces of Michael Miller fabric I chose to go with:

I thought I'd like the creamsicle better, but the army green seems better to me. Surprise!

And, a few lovely photos of peonies from my garden. The silly deer don't like them but they are among my favorite flowers. They have been in their current spot for three years, and are finally feeling ready to party.

Single red with yellow center.

Sarah Bernhardt spicy dramatic double bloom.

Happy summer.