sew what's new?

I have been working on a modern version of a log cabin quilt. It is all in solids. It is constructed a little bit differently than the older versions by Eleanor Burns or Marti Mitchell methods ,but still looks pretty much the same. I was playing with layouts and this first one is called streak of lighting.... The second layout is the pattern 's version of this quilt... The last two pics seem so much darker, it amazes me there is such a difference. I will be checking back after the next round of holidays, Martha.

Ready to show my Hugs and Kisses quilt by Jaybird Quilts. Got it bound last night while watching TV.... quilting This is the back with all the extra blocks and all the extra scraps. I also finished one of the miniatures from Primitive gatherings new book.... I did a little hand quilting around the outside border. Enjoy the time with you family and share the love, Martha.

Our applique group meets the third  friday of every month. We had a nice turn out yesterday. First a pic of the blocks that have been turned in..... Ladies you have until our January meeting to return your blocks. This quilt is for a charity quilt fundraiser. This picture does not do the fabrics justice. They are really beautiful! The weather was kind to us on the day of our meeting and even though "STAR WARS"     opened up in the theater's the night before we still had people show up!  Kathi Potter came... she was working on her Sue Spargo quilt blocks. Karen Martin and Ann Manly came.... Ann in the plaid, brought her knitting and Karen was working on her free  Buttermilk Basin  12 month wool project.  Sandy Baker also came and had a cute little minion pin cushion in her basket of goodies. Mary Amiot shared her "Birdie all Year Round " project from Bonnie Sullivan. She is marching right along with it (I haven't started mine.)

I finished a charm square runner for the store. It is so cute! The binding is laying on the lower side. It is the same as the frames around the 5" charms. The pattern has two sizes, small (with 6 framed pieces) and large (with 8 framed pieces). This is the large one.  I also had a very pleasant experience in quilt prep . Lisa from Primitive Gatherings has been talking about for a long time (3 years,that I know of) about spray starching your fabrics and letting them dry naturally. Then when dry to steam press them. Less distortion and less fraying when doing small things. Also , she sells a handle to put on those spray starch cans. Just so happens that my darling hubby had one of these that he did not use. I have confiscated it and put it my collection of gadgets!  I love it! No way is he getting it back. You can't see my floor until some of these dry.... Chatter with you later,Martha.

I have put the blocks together, so now I have a finished top. I will take it to the quilter's some time this week.  I am going to bind it in red. Give you a tweak when I get it back from my quilter ....last of the christmas sewing! Martha.

I have finished the left hand side of the tree....  for all blocks and then proceeded to sew the right hand side of the block....  As you can see from the pic below now it is time to sew pairs together of all 16 blocks. So the next time we talk it should be all together! See you back here then! Martha.

Hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving  and a good weekend shopping. I thought I would try to finish at least one more Christmas project.  A couple of month's ago Cherrywood fabrics had a sale on a few 8 step and 4 step bundles. I  decided to do "Tree Farm Quilt " , a free pattern from Moda by Gina Martin. I am working presently on the left hand side of the block. And there are 16 blocks, 2 of each color way! I don't see much of a difference in the pics but you might.  Wish me luck on getting it finished, Martha.

I have the top finished of my gingerbread men. I need to sew on the heart to the center man. I am thinking about embroidering a white outline on each man also, have to give that some more thought. Anyway here is a pic of my progression.... The carmel colored flannel these are made of, is so soft. I think I will both hand quilt and machine quilt this one. I want to finish this before December 1st.  I also finished quilting and binding  the third part of the Christmas panel I had in my stash. For a cat lover, of which there is only one in my family. Forgot to mention I finished the binding on this one too! Chatter later with you thanks for stopping, Martha.

Remember my Ginger bread that came apart?  Well working on that again with number six in progress.... I was digging thru my stash and found an old Christmas  panel . I thought I would try and sew up all four parts to this and send to my daughter. I am currently working on the second part of this panel.... Part I Part II I am currently sewing down the binding on this one! I have block two of  My Enchanted Garden in place and have begun stitching it down..... Colorz  has an applique group that meets the third Friday each month  and is free to everyone who wants to come and stitch.  Here are some pics of friends who stopped in... Karen Martin working on her Buttermilk Basin blocks. Paula Murray working on her project. Twyla Parker working on her Christmas ornament. Arleene stopped by to chit chat. And what would a post be without a Farmer's Wife block. With the holidays coming we all have a lot on our plate, chatter with you later

Just a few catch up blocks to show you... #57 Margaret #62 Millie #45 Jenny #76 Nancy I also finished putting on my binding last night and it is on my bed... I know you can't tell from the picture but the ovals in the quilting mimic the ovals in the background fabric. Looking forward to the Walking Dead tonight, chatter later, Martha.