Monday, December 9, 2024

Signal Sam

Do you remember Lula May?

The scraps leftover from Lula May became Signal Sam.

Signal Sam


Signal Sam is my response to the December Challenge which states "December brings another month to embark on your own project, regardless of its size, theme, or technique! Seize this chance to unleash your creativity without constraints. Enjoy the process!"




Leftover Strip from Lula May


There is something very satisfying about taking the scraps from a completed quilt and making a brand new one. I definitely enjoyed the process.


Bold and Beautiful


Signal Sam uses the Island Batik collection Celebrate, designed by Kathy Engle. The background is Solid Black.



The batting is Hobbs Cotton. I used Schmetz Microtex 80/12 Needle for both piecing and quilting. 

I used my walking foot to quilt squiggly lines 2" apart. The binding is a scrappy mix of Sunset, Lemongrass and Bumblebee from Island Batik Basics.


Scrappy Binding


Signal sam finished at 40" square and I am loving the bold, modern and minimalist vibe. What do you think? Isn't he handsome?


Handsome Finish!


I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties. See full list on the sidebar.



Monday, November 25, 2024

Happy Thanksgiving - Much To Do!

Above average temperatures for several weeks and then suddenly it was cold and windy. I guess it is an indication to stay indoors and sew :-D

Should you need a new pattern, Fireworks is now available in my Etsy Shop as a standalone pattern. You can get it at a discount of 25% for one week.


Fireworks


Fireworks is a simple pattern that requires no special rulers/templates and is NOT paper-pieced, making it suitable for all skill levels. 


Brightness

Walking Foot Quilting



Fireworks was first published in Make Modern's Issue 59.

Thank you, Paul


I used Island Batik's Fire and Ice Collection, but you could make it in any colors of your choice. Picture it as a Quilt of Valor. At 60" by 79", it certainly meets the size requirements for QOV.


In Peppermint Sprinkles



In Breezy, Black Background


But there is more. Two lucky readers can win a copy of the Fireworks PDF pattern. Leave me a comment on this blogpost, mentioning your favorite Thanksgiving Dessert. I will pick the winners next week. Please make sure that I have a way of reaching you.

Update - The two winners are Sara (#2) and Susie (#11). Emails have been sent.


But wait there is even more. 

On account of Thanksgiving, I am offering a 25% off sale on ALL patterns till Sunday, 12/1/2024.

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Earlier this month, I taught a Workshop on Improvisational Piecing.  It included modules on Color Theory, Improv Exercises and Layout & Composition.  The 5-hour workshop went by so quickly.

Using two fabric bundles (Island Batik Collections), the attendees made fabric pairs such that there was enough contrast between each pair.


Wild Blooms Collection

Morris Mist Collection

The workshop included five exercises, but the time limitation only allowed for four. Here are some of the attendees with their work.

Loving it


Your smile says it all




Inspired!


Happiness

I received excellent feedback. The attendees left inspired and energized. Since this was my first time teaching this class, I really appreciate these notes from Brenda and Robyn.




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Every year we travel to see Paul's parents (mom and stepdad) for Thanksgiving. Since Paul's mom passed away earlier this year, some people asked me - "Are you still going to Georgia for Thanksgiving?"

Yes, we are.  In times of turmoil, it is even more important to maintain our rituals and routine. 

Starter Syrup and Candied Fruit


I am baking my 30-day Friendship Fruit Cake plus two kinds of cookies - Chocolate Drops and Cranberry Shortbread. The cookies can change but the Fruit Cake is a holiday tradition and is more than expected at Thanksgiving :-)

Watch this clip from a favorite movie of mine, emphasizing our need to find a semblance of perfection in our random world. 

Life is random. In the middle of that randomness, carve some time to play with fabric, meditate with music and be good to yourself. A semblance of normalcy may go a long way to battle the absurd.

I wish that your Thanksgiving Holiday brings you just what you need. I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties. See full list on the sidebar.

Lots of Love and Squishy Hugs!

Monday, November 18, 2024

Island Batik Dresden Challenge and Bloghop

Island Batik November Challenge requires us to make a Dresden Quilt using our assigned Summer 2024 collection.

Here is my response. I have named it "Like It Or Not" (LION). LION finished at 45" by 46".

Vintage Fans, 45" by 46"


I received Peach Blossom,  an original collection by Claudia Pfeil. 





Fabrics


There are so many options for Dresden Plate designs. I could use a skinny Dresden Ruler (12 degrees) to make 30 blades per circle or a double Dresden (36 degrees) to make 10 wide blades per circle. I chose the 18 degree ruler. 

I wanted to make a modern design but felt limited by the subdued color palette. I tried several designs but they did not inspire me. Honoring the vintage vibes of the fabric collection, I settled for the classic Grandma's Fans. 


EQ8 Mock-Up

The First Block

I chose Meringue (Island Batik Neutral) as the background and Island Batik Solid Black as the accent. I used 10 of the 20 fabrics in the collection.


Piecing in Progress


All Blocks in Place


I used Schmetz Microtex 80/12 Needle for both piecing and quilting.  I used Aurifil Thread 50wt for piecing and 40wt for quilting.  The batting is Thermore by Hobbs.


Marked and Ready for Quilting


Quilting in Process

The binding is Meringue. 

Here are some close-ups from the photoshoot.

Understated Elegance 


Crinkly Texture


Close-up


Like It Or Not (LION)


I also made this one block. She is on the back, amid darkness, trying to protect the soul of all that is good and kind and hopeful.

Soul Sister, Dresden Skirt


Thank you, Paul!


I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties. See full list on the sidebar.

For the giveaway, I have two scrap packs of batiks that can be yours, if you do the following:

1. Leave a comment on this blogpost.

2. Provide your email. If I do not have your email, you will not be entered into the drawing.

I won't be showing pictures of the scraps. However, if you are the winner, I will reach out to you to ask for your favorite colors, before making the scrap pack for you.

If you are the lucky winner, not in the US, you can get any pattern of your choice from my Etsy Shop. If you don't want/need any more fabric, please do leave a comment and let me know and I won't enter you in the drawing.

Giveaway Update - The two winners are #23 and #44. Emails have been sent.

I will announce the winners next week - 11/25 or11/26, depending on how scrappy I feel. Hang in there and big, squishy hugs!


Below is the complete list of Ambassadors, the collections they’ll feature in their projects, and their scheduled post dates:

WEEK 1

November 4:

November 5:

November 6:

November 7:

November 8:

Blog Hop Round-Up Week 1 and Giveaway

WEEK 2

November 12:

November 13:

November 14:

November 15:

Blog Hop Round-Up Week 2 and Giveaway

WEEK 3

November 18:

November 19:

November 20:

November 21:

November 22:

Blog Hop Round-Up Week 3 and Final Giveaway

WEEK 4

November 25:

November 26:

End of Blog Hop + Final Round Up