Quilt Show countdown...

The guild I belong to has a quilt show every two years.  You would think I would be better prepared!

(A miniature quilt that I just need to quilt and bind...)

But most of the quilts I make/finish go almost immediately out the door!  So I looked around this week and realized if I'm going to have anything hanging in the show I'd better focus on it NOW!

(My "Almost Modern" top just needs to be quilted on my domestic machine)

I'm quite sure I'll be sewing binding or sleeves or labels the week before the show but if I start now I stand a good chance of having a quilt to sew them onto

The background is finished but my heart quilt needs a lot of embroidered hearts...I'll really have to focus...

And finally my "First a Path" quilt...this quilt used a lot of my stash which is a good thing.  When I was first diagnosed with MS a specialist on setting up your house and workspace visited.  He had lots of good suggestions (think of toddler-proofing your home.)  However when he entered by sewing room he was quiet for a moment then said, "first your need a path."

And if I can I'd like to finish up my two political pillows...one donkey and one elephant (fair and balanced quilting!)

Now...I've got to get back to work!

On the design wall...

First I have to say one of the best things I've done for myself in a long time was putting up a design wall!  I love it...so much easier on my knees and so much easier to audition options.

Which is what I am doing today.  I'm trying to cut and pack the last bits for the retreat.  Today I have to decide on the sashing

Option one is above...a wide grey "striped" with four patch cornerstones.

Option two is slimmer sashing in white on white with single red cornerstones.

The pattern is from Pat Sloan's website.  The second option is closer to what she uses.  The quilt is going to be queen size.  I've made a lot of table runners, wallhangings and pillows in the past few months so I need to make some bed size projects!  I had an huge container of 2-1/2 squares and even a Queen size quilt hardly makes a dent...

Guess I'll let it set for a bit then make a decision.  I like them both so not too tough of a decision...worse when you have several options you don't like!

Did find a bit of another "favorite fabric"...this will go into the quilt.  The last tiny bit...

My MS thought for this week....

Retreat prep and MS awareness

I love going on quilt retreats however I have found them more challenging with my MS.

First, the noise!  I love being a room full of quilters but that is never quiet.  The constant talking, laughing, and occasional screams (a finish!) for a person with MS is exhausting!  It isn't just with quilters.  It takes a lot of energy to process constant stimulation like this and it happens when I go to other workshops.

So I try to keep my projects simple.  I know I'll have difficulty focusing and that I will tire quickly so I avoid projects that require a lot of thought.  For our next retreat I'm packing up this Pat Sloan project that pretty much uses two sizes of squares...and since it is scrappy no problem with putting a fabric in the wrong place!

Also, I don't start a new project from scratch.  When fatigue hits there are cognitive difficulties.  I remember one year when I was embroidering a witches hat...I must have spent an hour reading and rereading and rereading directions!  Sometimes there isn't enough coffee on earth to make things make sense...that is when a hand quilting project (already marked) is great...following lines with one type of stitch is sometimes all I can handle!  Also when hand quilting no getting up and down to go to the ironing stations!

Which leads to my second point...kit up as much as possible.  For the Traffic Jam  Quilt I have cut a quilter's bazillion 2-1/2 inch squares...made about 80 four patches and even made a few of the finished blocks.  This means as little thought and movements as possible (now if they could just set up a caffeine IV I'd be set!)

And just in case always have a backup project.  So say my leg is a but numb so even the walk to the ironing station is tough and my eye is wonky so I can't thread the needle to do hand quilting...go to project number 3.  For this retreat I have a stack of 10-inch squares (mostly from my stash with a few cake layer squares) that I will trace a huge hexagon onto.

So MS just requires a bit more planning...and coffee...

Design wall update....

I have a lot of projects going on at once...I know!  What else is new!

For years I've wanted a French Prov. style quilt for my kitchen wall and I am now close to having it!  I bought the charm packs at the North Carolina Quilt Symposium in May, put it on the design wall in June and stitched them together in July....if all goes according to plan I'll put the border on in August and quilt it in September!

border fabric for my "French" quilt....

I've also started my neutral quilt using a pattern in Pat Wys book.  My interpretation of neutral is a bit broader than hers!

Anything that looks like denim is a neutral....and I included some yellow just to keep it interesting..

I am also working on a quilt for the Orlando Modern Quilt Guild to give to those in their community effected by the shooting.  Several members of my local guild made blocks and am almost finished sewing them into a top!

And finally, I continue to work on blocks for "The Splendid Sampler" led by Pat Sloan.  I am way behind but I'm ok with that.  In the end I guess I'll make about half the blocks...it is still fun!  I'm using only scraps for this project...not making much of a dent in the scrap bags but at least I'm trying!

Helpful things...

Though I am pretty much a traditional quilt when it comes to techniques I am always on the lookout for something to make the process a bit easier (and safer!)

A Splendid Sampler block from Pat Sloan's sew along....

So here are a few of the things I've added to my sewing space the past couple of months that I like.

First, a new sewing chair!  The difference between this and the office style chair I was using is "huge!"  This one goes up much higher making it easier to get to the right height for us vertically challenged folks (aka...short!)  Also the seat is much larger giving me a larger landing spot...yes, this purchase was sparked by my missing the seat on my old chair and landing not so gracefully on the floor!  Duh!  I think the base with the rollers may be larger and more stable as well...

Also in the photo above is my new peg-board!  How many times have you gone out and purchased a new _____ (fill in the blank)___ even though you knew you had one?  I'm hoping this pegboard will help eliminate some of that!

On the smaller side...I am loving this tinted 2-1/2 inch ruler from Missouri Star!  The measuring lines sort of glow making them so much easier to see!  And it is small so easy to carry in the sewing tote.  Even on a bad MS eyesight day I can use this ruler...now, that my friends is sayin' something!

This little wooden rotary cutter stand came from a recent quilt show...wish I could remember who I bought it from.  I usually have a fairly messy cutting table...ok, I almost always have a messy table!  Having a set place that stands out from the piles for the cutter has been a real bonus!  Also, it is easier for me pick it up when it is already almost standing.  Only down side is the stand is the same color as the table...thinking of painting it a really bright color!

Two tops finished!

This week here in Augusta Georgia everything is centered around the Masters Golf Tournament.  There is a lot of traffic, restaurants are crowed, and generally things a bit more difficult...but it is interesting!

However it also gives me reason to stay home and sew more!  First I finished the challenge block by Pat Sloan.  It is a fun block and used up a lot of my 2-1/2 inch strips!

So I made another one!  This one will be going to a Veteran in the local VA hospital.  If you have the strips cut or are using jellyrolls this is a one day project.  Bonnie Hunter fans note: I finally cut into my shirts and used them for the centers in these blocks!

I have all the blocks ready for the Twist and turn quilt...also for the VA home.  Not really sure which one was the leader and ender!  This quilt also used a lot of shirtings!

Watson is being a good quilting dog.  He stays right by me as the workman come in and out of the house.  Progress is being made...today they put up drywall and scraped the ceiling!  Starting to look like a room!

Broke my promise...

I haven't sewn in weeks.  My fabric is almost all inaccessible and my sewing machines packed up.  It has been driving me crazy!

So this week I asked my DH if I could please sew in the kitchen.  It is the only space available right now as the sewing addition is being added.

Fortunately he was on his way out the door with a golf bag over his shoulder when I asked...so of course he said yes!  Whoo hoo...out came a machine

out came the box of 2-1/2 inch strips

and I was off the to races...first some blocks for the Pat Sloan challenge above.  Only need to make 4 more blocks.  I'm called this one Spring Forward because of the garden  and clock fabrics in the centers!

I also am putting together a Strip Twist quilt from Bonnie Hunter's Quiltville.com free patterns.

These strips are being pulled from a different bin than the Spring top!  The finished quilt will go to the local VA nursing home.

These are both good "warm-up" projects as I get used to using the machine again..a bit like riding a bike but not quite!

I did need to open a fabric cabinet that is temporarily sitting in our kitchen.  I just needed a few larger fabrics for the centers...now lets see if I can get it all back in and closed before my DH gets home!

Pat Sloan visit

me, Pat Sloan, and my friend Paula

This past weekend my Guild sponsored two workshops and a lecture with Pat Sloan. Pat is a quilt designer, teacher, lecturer, fabric designer, author, travel guide, and radio host...yikes!

 Unfortunately I had a fever midweek which kicked my MS into high gear so I was only able to attend the lecture on Sunday.

She is really a wonderful presenter.  Really engages the audience.  Her style is a bit folksy but is inclusive (she also has lines of batiks!)  I've only heard good things from the quilters who took her workshops.

I really enjoyed her explanation of how she uses antique or vintage quilts as inspiration.  Since that is where I get most of my inspirations it is fun to listen to someone on that same path!  I really admire her focus...you all know that is a weakness of mine!

She also mentioned "quilting before the Internet."  Do you remember those days!  How much easier and faster information flies these days...not always sure that is a good thing.  (but that is fodder for a future post...need to think on it awhile longer.)

And of course since there were quilters there were cookies...