Design Wall Monday, October 7, 2013

Happy 50th Birthday Karen!  Kandle Kounting is a Buggy Barn design that I had lots of fun making.  I used the fabric line by them from Moda called Angel's Among Us.  

The family had a blast celebrating both of our birthdays on Saturday at Matsutake Steak House.  There were 13 of us sitting around two hibachi tables watching the chefs prepare our meals.  Karen was dumbfounded with the birthday gift my parents gave us...transportation, lodging, sightseeing, and a Broadway show in New York.  We head out for the big excursion on Friday morning at 4:45 am.  So excited!!!

After wishing my sister a Happy 50th this morning I got into my Mom's red stash.  I've got about 15 of the 60 string blocks together.  Once they are all together I'll get busy on the 9-patches that will be red/neutral.  I'm planning on making Talkin Turkey! a design by Bonnie Hunter that can be found in her String Fling book.  I suspect that I won't get to the 9-patches until I get back home.  This project is part of a swap that I'm doing with eleven others.  You'll see more on this swap in days ahead.

Hope your week is a great one.  See other great quilting projects through the links at Patchwork Times.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Letters are all in place...binding ready...sleeve ready!  A special label is in the making.  Ready to finish Kandle Kounting.  

I've enjoyed this Buggy Barn design called Today is Your Birthday!  Can't wait to present it to my Sister for her 50th Birthday.

Design Wall Monday, September 23, 2013

 Sunday was a good day in my sewing room.  Download #10 released last week contained the top assembly directions for Deck-Ade the Halls.  The entire pattern is available at Fat Quarters Shop on their Jolly Jabber blog.  The project has been the summer project for a bunch of us at Sunshine Quilt Guild.  Jennifer hosted us several times at her house to share are progress.  Still working on a name for my project; with a "K" of course.  Nice to have a finish for next week's Sunday Stash Report!

Kamp Kastles

I was able to get all the paper pieced components for my September 2013 UFO finished before bedtime.  There is a sashing that join the trees together that will be in a brown fabric and an inner border of green that will join with the pieced border to be worked on next.  This is a pattern called Jeweled Forest by Renee Peterson that was published in McCall's Quilting November/December 2009 magazine.

I continue working on getting all the lettering down on my sister's birthday quilt.  It is going well.  I have the first part of the slogan and the first word of the second part done.  Pictures coming soon!  Then there are four quilts to bind.  Fortunately only one of these has a time deadline that won't be a problem.

So what's on your design wall today?  See more great projects going on at Patchwork Times.  Happy Fall...

Design Wall Monday, September 16, 2013

Wendy!  Your project is finished.  I have the binding to prepare, but it is all ready for Kerry's Quilting just as soon as your back-order backing arrives from Sew Batik.  My day Sunday was consumed by this Marti Michelle design called L-Medallion.  I was determined to get it done before the month is done...YEAH...I did it!  The letters all mixed up to the right are for Kandle Kounting.  I plan to start hand stitching them to the top and right borders of the quilt later tonight.  A little dab of Roxane's glue will keep them in place as I go.

I will be pulling batik strips to start my September UFO, Kamp Kastles.  September is a full month for me.  I'm usually started; heck really finished with my UFO challenge by the middle of the month.  I've not even started this one.

Kerry has my binding queue full with four quilts right now.  Krazy Kattle (Till the Cows Come Home by Buggy Barn), Kubicles (Layer Upon Layer by Country Threads), Knautical (Scraps Ahoy by Judy Laquidara), and Kandle Kounting (Today is Your Birthday by Buggy Barn) are over the banister waiting for their turn.  

Sunday Stash Report, September 15, 2013

I have a couple of purchases and a used to change my stash report statistics this week.  I finished Kandle Kounting on Friday.  This is one time sensitive project.  It has already been quilted and now I'm working on the lettering.  I'll share the finished quilt soon.  Thank you Kerry for rushing my quilt through!

For purchases this week I'm building up FQs for the next Buggy Barn project that I plan to tackle.  Three of the FQs you see are from Beverly's and the other was picked up at the San Diego Quilt Show.  The big piece in the back is the back to Kandle Kounting that I also found at Beverly's.  I say this all the time...I simply love their blenders wall...  One day I'll take a photo and share this fabric wall so you'll understand why I love it so much.

Here's my numbers, both categories a change this week!

Used this week:  14.5 yards
Used YTD:  286 yards
Purchased this week:  6 yards
Purchased YTD:  89.25 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2013:  196.75

Thursday, September 12, 2013

I'm moving right along with Kandle Kounting.  At lunchtime yesterday I cut out the first of the letters.  There are lots of repeat letters and the freezer paper templates will work multiple times...so when I got home the second set of letters were ironed down to the felted wool.  I'll be cutting them out today at lunch.  That will leave me with only a couple more letters to go.  I will be adding the letters on after the quilting by hand with a slip stitch using pearl cotton.

After dinner and cleaning up I trimmed down the cake blocks.  My finished block size is 12" x 22 1/2" contrary to what the pattern mentions.  It doesn't seem possible that they could be cut smaller as I'd loose some of the last cake layer or the flame on the candle.  No matter though, the quilt size will be just a bit larger.

I hope to get to either Beverly's and/or Paradise Quilters tonight after work "back" hunting.  I want a one piece back, but that is looking doubtful at this point.  Going to be looking for something that matches the dark cream.  I'd love a stripe for the binding if I can find it.  Pearl cotton to match the red felted wool is also on the shopping list.  The candle is burning fast on this project...

Enjoy your Thursday!

Design Wall Monday, September 9, 2013

First let me apologize for such a full Design Wall!  I have been so busy and I have way too many things going on, but that's a good thing right?

What is in front of Wendy's project is the one that needs to be finished first.  Kandle Kounting is a Buggy Barn design called Today is your Birthday!  I'm making it for my sister...sshh...it is a surprise for her big 50th that is early October.  There are 12 cakes in three colors; black, cream, and red.  I used Buggy Barn's Angle Among Us fabric line for most of the project.  Each of these blocks get trimmed down to a consistent size and set four across and three down.  There is lettering that will go on the top and right side 6" borders.  I'm working hard against the clock to have this done by Saturday.

Then there is Wendy's project the L-Medallion quilt by Marti Michelle.  I have the setting triangles and the borders to put together yet.

Last Thursday I took a class with Joyce Weeks.  We made her pattern Survivor.  I have five done with much more to do.  I'm excited about the start.  I would love to be working on this project.  So disappointing to take a class and want to keep going with it but instead need to be working on something else.

I took a second class with Julanne Bergstrom on Saturday.  We made If the Hat Fits! by Buggy Barn.  I got one of the witches done during class, but this one too needs to be put on simmer until I can get other projects where they need to be.

Tonight to keep up with Deck-ade the Halls I will be working on the mugs.  It is the last blocks to be made before assembling the project.  There are a group of us with Sunshine Quilt Guild that have been making this project from Fat Quarters Shop through the summer.  We are planning a Show and Share at our first meeting of this new membership year on Tuesday night.

I'm real happy with all my projects even if I have a cluttered Design Wall!  Enjoy your week and hope you find a bit of time to see other quilt projects and a clearer Design Wall through the links today at Patchwork Times.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

I've been working on two projects at the same time.  Cutting one, sewing the other; back to sewing the first one, and cutting on the other.  Have I confused you yet?  

The first project is Kandle Kounting.  This one needs to be done first.  Wait till you see all the cakes...this is just the first of 12.

The second project is the L-Medallion quilt.  (Yes, Wendy I'm back on to your quilt.)  I've got the pinwheels done that will go in the center around the blocks that have already been assembled.  Tuesday at lunchtime I cut out the middle block and plan to assemble it tonight.

Before I rest my head tonight though I'll be getting my sewing supplies together for the workshop, Survivor with Joyce Weeks, that will be bright and early Thursday morning at the San Diego Quilt Show located downtown San Diego Convention Center.

This week is packed full of different projects!  Come back Friday for pictures of the San Diego Quilt Show and my project after a full day of sewing.

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.

Sunday Stash Report, August 25, 2013

I started and finished the size I want this project to be on Bonnie Hunter's 2013 Summer Leader and Ender project.  The split 9 Patch is complete for me; I'll be calling mine Kwiver (thanks Janet O.).  Mine is made with 144 blocks.  I decided not to add the three borders Bonnie shows from Pennsylvania on the instructions.  Instead I added blocks all the way around.  I will probably finish off in the binding with something consistent.  Happy with how this project turned out. 

I did add a bit for the class I will be taking at the San Diego Quilt Show in two weeks.  It is with Joyce Weeks called Survivor on September 5th.  These fabrics are from Keepsake Quilting called Mourning Grays.  I added a very small amount from my stash; too bad but not heavy in the reproduction fabrics to get from.  Kerry plans to see what she has that might add more variety to the mix.  I've already landed upon a name for my Survivor; what do you think of Konqueror?

I'm busy planning and purchasing my next projects.  I've got four on the "burner".  Fabric for Kartwheels that needs a binding, fabrics for a Buggy Barn class, and a special birthday project for my sister that turns 50 this year.  Today I'll be sewing down the binding of Koriander Kompass and having fun at a social at Jennifer's home showing off progress on Deck-Ade The Halls.  

For now my stash stats for the third week of August 2013...

Used this week:  13 yards
Used YTD:  258.5 yards
Purchased this week:  3.5 yards
Purchased YTD:  60.25 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2013:  198.25

I'm pushing o get to 200 yards used; wish it wasn't necessary to purchase to complete!  For more stash busting quilters see the many links at Patchwork Times.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Sunshine's Guild meeting was last night.  There was a very late last minute change in the program, but it was a fun one.  The gals from Butterfly Express Quilting were sure a hoot.  Their hinge quilting idea is a neat one along with their presentation...we were a singing group last night!

The first photo are more HSTs turned in by the participants of the current swap.  From left to right Mary, Teresa, and Karen have done a nice job.  Their fabrics are varied in color with the perfect neutrals.  Five turned in with many more to come by June 23rd!

The guild had a library blow out.  There were all kinds of books being sold for $1.  I happened upon an earlier Buggy Barn Book that was calling out to me.  I listened and now it's part of my library.  The cover quilt interests me for a stash busting project.  I'm sure I can find enough fabrics that will play well together that are FQs.  If there was one lesson to learn from the last Buggy Barn class I took its to use FQs.  Its just too much work doing otherwise.

On my way to the Guild meeting I stopped at Memory Lane to add a couple more fabrics to my current project, Koriander Kompass.  I found three fabrics for it to help with the light side of the oranges and the print side of the darker pinks.  I also found a background that I had to get the opinion of my quilting sisters on using.  The combined opinion was to use it.  Visit back tomorrow and I'll show you more.

Happy Wednesday!

Friday, August 12, 2011

I participated in a workshop last night...one of those unexpected ones (wink)...that was real fun.  In the past several years I've purchased three different Buggy Barn patterns.  Crazy Dog Days, That Crazy Thing We Do, and Frightfully Crazy.  The designs are just too cute!  Last year I got the Frightfully Crazy Pattern Book and even started collecting some oranges for the nine pumpkins in the cover design. 

Needless to say the three patterns Crazy Jacks, Crazy Cats, and Crazy as a Bird Dog haven't made it to the top of my to do list...although they've been not too far from my thoughts.  Every time I visit Amidon Quiltworks their Buggy Barn Club speaks to me to join. 

Crazy Cats

Crazy as a Bird Dog

Crazy Jacks

I went to Amidon's on Monday and I kept on hearing "join me, join me" as I glanced at the information posted about it while having what I went there for cut.  The Club meets the first Thursday of the month and you work on any Buggy Barn pattern while being surrounded by other Buggy Barn enthusiasts.  I've been concerned about the commitment part of the Club, but know without a doubt I'd enjoy myself every time and I'd be getting the three projects done.  So I brought up my desires and of course was encouraged by the staff...then when they learned why I was reluctant (the commitment part) they said "well that design Crazy Cats is a two part workshop in September; very little commitment with that".  They were right and I signed up for the workshop.  Then while they still had my complete attention it was pointed out that behind me was another design also Buggy Barn (Crazy Jacks) with the class held on Thursday.  So I ended up enrolling  in both workshops!  What's great is the educated talent of Julanne Bergstrom who has some connections with the Buggy Barn Quilt Shop leading the way. 

We first prepared our fabrics with iron and starch.  Stacked our fabrics, ironed on our freezer paper template and began cutting out the pieces.  First with the frame parts (purple), then stack, iron freezer paper template pumpkin parts (orange), and finally stack, iron freezer paper template eyes, nose, and mouth (gold).  I had three Jacks assembled by the end of the four hour workshop.  


Julanne went over the Candy Corn border, but that is to be done after all the pumpkins are finished.  Since the Candy Corn assembly is a bit tricky those not familiar with Buggy Barn patterns were invited to come back to one of the "Club" evenings if we needed help.  I think I may have it figured out, but will work on it before September 1st to make sure I don't need more guidance.


So now there is a plan to get two of the three Buggy Barn projects complete.  Julanne says that the Crazy as a Bird Dog pattern is a workshop she'll be doing in 2012.  Of course that means I'll be signing up!


Best of all making Crazy Jacks used my stash all except one purple FQ (Buggy Barn Patterns are designed for FQs).  Just love to use up that stash!


Tomorrow I'll be busy with Kerry finishing the San Diego Humane Society's 25th Annual Fur Ball Fundraiser quilt "Dancing with the Dogs".  You remember the one with Snoopy Dancing.  Pictures on Sunday! 

By the way, I've added to my Birthday/Christmas Wish List Celebrated Craziness Book Patterns found on the Buggy Barn website for $24.00.  I'm interested in making the Today is your Birthday project.