Design Wall Monday, December 8, 2014

Yesterday I packed up everyones Midnight Flight Swap blocks.  I'll have them enroute to their owners early this week.  This swap was designed to give a head start on Bonnie Hunter's Midnight Flight design from her newest book More Adventures with Leaders and Enders.  My project (Kamikaze) will be started soon, but probably not until 2015.

  

Until I ran into a question for Janet the BOM coordinator I was working on this all too cute Santa block.  I did have one attempt from Janet to answer me, but she answered questions regarding the Candle block :(!  I am hopeful to hear back from Janet a second time.  Tonight will be the last opportunity or I'll just guess...  I do want to win these cute blocks.

The rest of Sunday I spent doing household chores that included putting up some holiday decorations and making a cranberry jello salad for a work party today.  I have a real good White Elephant gift for the exchange.

On Saturday I sent Kookaburra off to Road to California.  I'm very happy to have made it into the show and hopefully will be as lucky as I was last year (or luckier) with Kartwheels.

Tomorrow I will attend Judy Neimeyer's lecture and trunk show at Cozy Quilt Shop at their new location.  I'm so looking forward to meeting her.  She is one of my favorite designers.  After I make Briar Patch (Kurry) I hope to make Osprey's Nest (yet to be named).  I have three of her designs to share if there is the opportunity (Kollaboration, Kartwheels, and Krossfire).  

Kurry

Koncentric Konnection

I'm also taking with me two other quilts that are from Cozy Quilt Shop affiliated designers, Beauty 'n Check (Konentric Konnection) by Janice Ellertson and Jodel Yover and Building Blocks (Konstituent) by Sharyn Craig.  I sure hope Janice, Jodel, and Sharyn are there too.

All set for a busy sewing week with Bonnie Hunter's Clues 1 and 2.  I hope you have something fun planned this week too...  See more fun projects going on around the globe through the links at Judy's Patchwork Times.  =^.^=

Around the World Blog Hop, September 22, 2014

Kerry at Kerry's Quilting invited me to participate in the Around the World Blog Hop started by Karen Miller of Karen's Quilts, Crows and Cardinals.  In the next paragraphs I hope to share with you my "creative process".  I'd hoped to link forward to a few of my blogging friends, but truth to be told everyone has something going on leaving no time to keep the "Hop" going from my end.  I will however share with you links to blogs I enjoy reading.

Casabarka, 2010 San Diego Humane Society's Fur Ball

Kerry is a very dear friend.  We met through Canyon Quilt Guild years ago while I was the Project Linus Chairperson.  Kerry had just purchased a Gammill long arm sewing machine with a Statler Stitcher and was eager to practice.  This union produced not only a very strong and enduring friendship but hundreds of charity quilts for Project Linus.  We've continued on with several other charity donations that include an annual donation to the San Diego Humane Society's Fur Ball, the American Legion Auxiliary, the American Red Cross, the Veterans Association, American Cancer Society, and several disasters around the country caused by Mother Nature.  We meet up as often as possible for sewing days that are mutually cherished.  We've done a few projects together, share our stash, and usually take the same workshops as well as attend the same quilt shows.  We've reached that type of relationship that endures time.  Quilting has truly presented me with a wonderful friendship.

So "What am I working on?"  I'm always busy in my sewing room, nook dining table, or a TV table in my family room.  If I'm not busy doing something...sleep overtakes me!  I have two projects in full swing.  Bird Brain by Buggy Barn and Zuckerwatte by Bonnie Hunter.  

Bird Brain aka Krazy Kookoos by Buggy Barn

Zuckerwatte (yet to be named) by Bonnie Hunter

After finishing my UFO for the month I work at fast pace to get new projects rolling.  Honestly I don't have UFOs in the true definition.  My UFOs are from patterns that I've collected and didn't start when I first learned of them.  You know it's the "Quilting Bucket List" that so many of us have.  I do have a couple of projects that I've been waiting to figure out a setting, but I don't see them as UFOs at this state.  

Kourageous

Quilt Square Quilt Along 2012

My Kourageous project was an idea UFO to make 12 blocks that were exotic flowers made with animal skin themed fabrics.  I also have a Quilt Square Quilt Along started with Jo's Country Junction in 2012 that waits for a setting.

Not sure "How my work differs from others of its genre?"  Except perhaps in my naming convention.  Years ago I started this odd thing of using "K" in the names of my cats.  Kaos and Komotion both of which are Abyssinian cats.  Next my Dad helped me name my website after my two loves Quilts and Cats or kwiltnkats.  In keeping with that my blog and next, each and every quilt or project name starts with a "K".  This certainly at times can be a challenge that my family, friends and blog followers help me with from time to time.  There have certainly been some great names created with a "K".  How about Kwitcherbitchin, Kraps, Kosmic Kaos, Kookaburra or Kartwheels.

Kartwheels
2014 Road to California Quilt Show
2nd Place, Traditional Pieced, Small Winner

"Why do I create what I do?  This is simple...I just love the feeling of accomplishment!  The chatter or the sometimes ribbon or the heart warming feeling that is bestowed when given.  I feel overwhelming comfort just walking into my sewing room every morning.  Wondering how much time I can spend enjoying my craft each day.  Hoping it's hours of uninterrupted time.  I wish everyone can enjoy their hobby as much as I do.  It is true that "my soul is fed with needle and thread".

"How does my creating process work?  It doesn't take much more than a publication of a design...certainly among my most popular choices in designs come from Bonnie Hunter, Judy Niemeyer, or the most recently dissolved Buggy Barn.  

Closeout Book Purchases from Buggy Barn

Then of course there is the very strongest of desires to use up my fabric stash.  I've heard it said I'm great with color.  This of course takes time sifting through my stash with each pattern.  I've got my next three Bonnie Hunter, one Judy Niemeyer, and two Buggy Barn designs ready to sew...just need to finish what is started before moving into these.  I have trouble working on too many projects at once.

So in closing here are a few of my blogger friends.  Hope they have something that tempts you to read more from them in days ahead.  Enjoy the Blogosphere!

Janet - http://roguequilter.blogspot.com/
Elaine - http://elaine-hemmedinbyhim.blogspot.com/
Marti - http://www.52quilts.com/
Karen - http://seamstoanend.blogspot.com/

Friday, January 31, 2014

Konqueror #7 January UFO
50" x 70"

Konqueror is complete!  Mine is a bit smaller; finishing 20" smaller on the sides and the bottom.  #7 Konqueror.  Survivor is a design by Joyce Weeks of Geoff’s Mom Pattern Co.  This is the first San Diego Quilt Show workshop I have taken and the second year workshops have been offered.  I purchased Mourning Grays and added in some fabrics from my stash as well as additional purchases from several area quilt shops.  The last couple of years has me interested in reproduction fabrics.  The workshop was in September 2013 at the San Diego Convention Center.    

Keltic Krest #13 (Extra Credit) UFO
76" x 76"

Keltic Krest is complete!  I made the smaller version.  I have been done with the piecing through the triangle border for sometime now, but just now put the green outer border on.  I am planning a blue binding.  #13 (Extra Credit) UFO; 2013 Mystery Celtic Solstice.   Bonnie Hunter has given her readers a mystery annually for several years that starts in November.  One that comes in several steps each week usually with the last step released right around New Years.  

Once Konqueror was complete I put the labels on Kartwheels and Koriander Kompass that Road to California Quilt Show provided.  A very nice embroidered label.  Then after the outer border went on Keltic Krest the binding and sleeve was put on Kilowatts.  Now comes the time for 400" of hand sewing.  Today I will be putting together backs and cutting batting for Krossfire, Konqueror, and Keltic Krest.  Hmmm...wonder what project I will work on next...the sewing table is clear.

I am thinking Kaptain Khorous is the one to finish.  It is a UFO this year so I can be one up and fulfill the gift for Logan that I have been planning since his birth last year.

Design Wall Monday, January 27, 2014

I have Konqueror on my design wall today.  This is my January UFO that I'm working very hard to finish by the end of the week.  I spent most of January finishing Krossfire so now I'm paying the price :)!  All good though; having Krossfire finished makes me very happy.  

Konqueror Assembled Blocks

These are the next blocks to be assembled, the Star Block.  Off to the right are more of the 4-Patch units that are also ready to assemble.  I am thinking I don't need a 70 x 90 quilt as the pattern calls for...perhaps I'll make it one row less both down the length and across the width.

Road to California 2014 was a great show as always.  It was made a bit more special since Kartwheels took 2nd place in the Traditional Pieced, Wall category!  I also was lucky to have Koriander Kompass entered.  Hopefully next year they accept Krossfire; at least that's where I'm aiming for it to be.

This is the result of a day of instruction with Janna Thomas' Star Fusion design.  Janna's Bloc Loc rulers are used to create the affect of the major star points made from strip sets.  It is a fun design that I will make in both the black and whites that you see in my class project and the Glorious Color fabrics that arrived a little too late for the class.  

Krackerjack In Progress

Bloc Loc Rulers Used for Star Fusion Design

I helped Linda Ballard out as her VIQ (aka class helper).  As a thank you I was gifted a pattern.  I really like the applique on A Gaggle of Geese.  I'm not much of an applique quilter, but I do dabble a bit from time to time.  The tape and the finger lights are purchases I'm anxious to try.

Rulers used making Harmony Square

This is my version of Harmony Square.  There is a snowball block that gets into the design as well.  

Khorous In Progress 

Students Harmony Square Blocks

Let me close with my Blue Ribbon for Kartwheels.  If you haven't tried for a show it is well worth the experience.

Sunday Stash Report, January 26, 2014

Today ends the 2014 Road to California Quilt Show.  Kerry and I spent Tuesday and Wednesday there in Riverside, CA taking two classes.  I also was very lucky to have two quilts, Kartwheels and Koriander Kompass in the juried show.  Kartwheels brought in 2nd Place in the category Traditional Pieced, Wall.  Talk about excited!!!  We attended the Preview Night on Wednesday where I saw my Blue Ribbon...  

Let's start off with receipt of Red Strings/9-Patch Swap blocks turned in.  Mary and Debbie have done a nice job with their reds.  Mary says she has already started on the rest of the reds she'll be using for her Talking Turkey project.  I'm not as far along as Mary, but plan to make my blocks into the same Bonnie Hunter project.

Debbie

Mary

Here is the damage to my stash stats this week.  First from Beverly's at the start of the week I purchased a green for the borders of Celtic Solstice that I'm calling Keltic Krest.  The other two fabrics were used in a class that I took at Road to California Quilt Show by Linda Ballard called Harmony Square.  My project will be called Kaptain Khorous and will be for Logan.  Don't you just love the pirates?

 Next up are the fabrics that were intended and will still be used for Star Fusion by Janna Thomas the other class I took at Road to California.  My project will be called Krackerjack.  The fabrics didn't arrive until after we left for the class, but I do intend to use them for the same design.  I may change the direction of the star points in the pattern.  There are several ways Janna shows and probably dozens more.  I ended up using white and black medium scale prints with good results during the Tuesday class.

Last purchase is for the back of Konqueror.  Konqueror is from the pattern called Survivor by Joyce Weeks.  I'm working real hard to get this project done by the end of January...it is my first UFO of the year with 52 Quilts.  Can't start off the year with a delinquency. 

All said and done with purchases for awhile.  Now is time to sew and finish!!  Hope you are having a great start using your fabrics in 2014.


Used this week:  0 yards
Used YTD:  26.75 yards
Purchased this week:  12.5 yards
Purchased YTD:  22.75 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2014:  4 yards

Others are working on using their stash too.  Check them out at Patchwork Times.

Design Wall Monday, January 20, 2014

Today I have Konqueror on my design wall.  This project is #7, my January 2014 UFO.  I plan to be working on this one solely till the end of the month.  I am a bit concerned that the end of the month will come far too quick... 

There are two blocks in this pattern.  Both blocks have several pieces with the smallest pieces cut at 1 1/2" square.  I am using grays, blacks and purples.  I had hopes of finding a few more purples today at Beverly's, but no luck.  I suppose I will have enough although variety in this scrappy project is certainly desirable.  I did find a sale fabric that I thought would be perfect for the back.  I didn't purchase it, but I might just have to return over the weekend and get what I need. 

I carved out a little time to pull fabrics and sew together Margret's BOM for Sunshine Quilt Guild.  The star fabric was provided.  Participants were to come up with the rest.   

I am thrilled to have Krossfire finished.  I also finished Celtic Solstice, the Bonnie Hunter Mystery this year.  I searched around a bit and finally decided on Keltic Krest for it's name.  I decided on green for the 2" outer border with the blue for the binding. 

Beverly's had a really cute pirate print for the border I will need for my Wednesday workshop with Linda Ballard at Road to California.  I purchased a coordinating blue for the complimentary fabric with shades of taupe and white for the projects center.  Come back later this week for photos of Keltic Krest and the two projects that I have workshops on at Road to California on Tuesday and Wednesday.  If you happen to be at Road to California this week look for my two quilts Koriander Kompass and Kartwheels!  

Others want to show you what they have going on with their Design Walls today.  Check them out at Patchwork Times.  Enjoy your week.

Design Wall Monday, November, 18, 2013

FABULOUS NEWS...I'm so excited!  Both quilts that I submitted to 2014 Road to California Quilters' Showcase were accepted...  Korriander Kompass and Kartwheels will be on display in January at the Ontario Convention Center.  There is prize money involved!

Kookaburra
87" x 87"
November 2013 UFO

 Kookaburra is finished (Licorice Allsorts by The Rabbit Factory).  Now on to Kilowatts!  

Kilowatts
88" x 102"

Kilowatts (High Voltage by Annie Unrein) you may remember was started and thought to be finished earlier this year.  I had it in to work pulling off the foundation paper during my lunch break when along came Charmagne.  She was so excited about this project asking if I could make it larger for her daughter's graduation gift.  I had it put away until Kookaburra was finished.  Now I'm working on it for a December finish.  I've got a couple of weeks before the last UFO of 2013 needs to start and Bonnie Hunter's Celtic Solstice Mystery gets going.

What's going on in your sewing room?  See other projects thourgh the links at Patchwork Times.  Enjoy your week.

Design Wall Monday, September 2, 2013

Happy Birthday Dad!  A true day of labor for my Grandma so many years ago.  Happy Labor Day to you all.

I've been busy getting ready for the San Diego Quilt Show turn in which is today.  I spent most of the week on the last two quilts that I have entered.  Koriander Kompass was earlier this week and Kartwheels had me busy the last two days.  Both are hot off the long arm at Kerry's Quilting.  Gorgeous are both of them with specially designed quilting patterns and a top notch execution.  Kalahari and Khambray are my two other entries this year.  Each one different colors and techniques along with designs by some of quilting's best.  If you are going to the show that starts Wednesday night be sure to look for them.  

I've been getting ready for two classes this week as well.  One is at the quilt show on Thursday with Joyce Weeks and the other at Bits and Pieces with Julanne Bergstrom on Saturday.  I've been showing the fabrics for Konqueror and If the Hat Fits in the past couple of posts.  Later this week I'll be showing my progress.  I've got another name challenge with If the Hat Fits; get your thinking caps on.  It is a Buggy Barn pattern with witches on broom sticks.  Krazy as part of the name would be fabulous.

For now though I've been back working on Wendy's L-Medallion project.  I have the middle and the setting of these blocks in work right now...starting with the pinwheels.

The other project started that needs to be finished in two weeks...EEK!...is just beginning.  First up is to transfer the pattern onto freezer paper.  There will be a stack of 12 fabrics put under this for cutting on the lines of the pattern.  Then there is the crazy Buggy Barn shuffle next.  The designs are a blast.  I've got a named selected for this one, Kounting Kandles.

Marti just let us know what UFO to work on for September in our 2013 UFO challenge.  It is #6.  I'm anxious to get busy on this one.  It's paper pieced.  The design is called Jeweled Forest.  I'll be calling my version Kamp Kastles.


If you have time today sit back and relax with some wonderful projects through the many links at Patchwork Times.

Sunday Stash Report, September 1, 2013

This comic seemed appropriate for today!

I picked this fabric up at Rosie's this week.  It will be used for the binding on Kartwheels.  I really like the design.  Kartwheels has a very busy border and along with the quilting pattern and thread I felt it needed to be a one fabric binding.  I had enough of all the fabrics to do something pieced...a little too much...although I sure was tempted.

This next fabric was also gathered from Rosie's.  Rosie sure knows how to stock the solids.  I started thinking of a purple; then changed my mind to a light gray.  I was carting both bolts around trying to decide; was sure I would go with the purple again...went to put the light gray back and started looking at a darker gray.  Well you see what I came home with!  This fabric is one of many for Konqueror that I'll be doing in a class at the San Diego Quilt Show next Thursday with Joyce Weeks called Survivor.  The project is a scrappy one, but this fabric is predominate.  The scrappy fabrics will be reproduction Morning Grays that I shared with you last week from Fat Quarters Shop.

And the purchases keep adding up with fabrics for If the Hat Fits a Buggy Barn Design for a class next Saturday.  Bits and Pieces in Poway had a nice sale this weekend; purchase two and get one free.  This was for yardage or notions.  I did a bit of both with three pieces of yardage and three FQs.  The green gray stars and the black will go for If the Hat Fits and the others, well just to my stash.

Three more purchases this week!  Whew STOP already!  A second trip to Rosie's brought me some fabrics that will be used for If the Hat Fits and Konqueror.  I also picked up a couple of small scale blacks a stash enhancement.

Country Loft was next on my Friday after Rosie's.  I will be making another Buggy Barn Design in the near future Crazy as a Bird Dog so I'm building up with more small scale prints.  I'm thinking the project will be in browns and greens.

Finally my order from Fat Quarters Shop arrived.  These fabrics are for a the Buggy Barn design Today is Your Birthday!  I'll share more about this project another time, but it will be moved through my sewing room like lightening.  It needs to get to Kerry's Quilting quick so that I can have it back by the first week of October.

For now my stash stats for the first day of September 2013...

Used this week:  13 yards
Used YTD:  271.5 yards
Purchased this week:  23 yards
Purchased YTD:  83.25 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2013:  188.25

For more stash busting quilters see the many links at Patchwork Times.