Always Learning

So last weekend was a big learning weekend for me.  It was GREAT!

I was stalled on the new "trial" quilt I am working on so I decided to work on my quilting by practicing on some potholders.  I have been wanting to quilt some feathers on quilts but have been to intimidated.  This was my chance!  It went quite well.  I did the round feather pattern and they actually turned out.  Here is how they look.  With a little bit more practice and think the will look very nice.

Regarding my stall on the trial quilt, it was because I needed just the right fabric for the outside of the center portion of the quilt.  It is a bit of a tricky wicket as this fabric touches all of the other fabrics in the quilt.  I knew what just what I wanted and didn't have it in my stash.  Off to the fabric store.  Our plans for Saturday were to have lunch with my Mom and Dad then run around and look for Mighty Beanz.  When the boys ran to Toys R Us, DD and I ran into Hancocks.  I bought a fabric that I thought would work.

When I got home and started cutting out the pieces, I realized it just wasn't the right fabric, it was a bit too bright.  So what does one do when the yellowish tan is too bright?  You throw it in your coffee that is left over from the morning.  PERFECT!  It's almost the exact color.  I was so excited that I wanted DH to come and see.  He kept asking me, "What's burning?"  He must have asked 3 times even though I kept telling him nothing.  In my excitement I didn't really rinse well nor dry my test piece so I guess I burnt the coffee a bit as I was pressing it.  Anyway off I was to making more coffee dyed fabric.  Love it!

Pictures of 2, means another done

So here is are the pictures of Baby C's quilt.  I'm really happy with how it turned out.

Side 1

Side 2

 This is Prayers and Squares quilt #2.

As for my other happenings, I took one project off my project list as I gave it to Anna at church.  Anna is a relatively new quilter and she was interested in doing some work with diagonals.  With having the half square triangle project in the cupboard I gave that to her, with the condition that it becomes a Prayers and Squares quilt.  Gave her a quick explanation on half square triangles and off she goes.  I'm so happy to be able to share this passion with someone else.

After finishing Baby C's quilt I just didn't know what I wanted to work on next.  I have nothing that is needed to be done so I worked on a  couple of bags.  One was the Schlep bag that Lia gave me.  The other a quick little tote with pre-quilted fabric.  I'll post a picture as soon as I get a chance.  

Next I decided to work on the tree skirt.  This is a new pattern with funky rulers so I figured it would be a good idea to do a practice quilt.  Picked out fabrics for a kids quilt for Lia's church.  Boy am I ever glad I did this as I made a mistake in cutting which could have been catastrophic if I had not had extra fabric.  

Today Lia and I went to Bear Patch today to find backing fabric.  It was a relatively successful as I bought backing for 4 quilts, some more 30's reproduction for my English paper piecing, and the batting for our wedding quilt.  So excited to get moving on the wedding quilt!

Progress

Finished the quilt for Baby C.  Hopefully photos tomorrow.  Progress.

Binding on a Prayers and Squares quilt.  Progress.

Borders almost on a Prayers and Squares quilt.  Progress.

Next up I think is going to be the tree skirt.  It has been a long time since I've done a quilt from a pattern and funky rulers.  Am looking forward to the challenge.  Progress.

The best thing that happened recently is that DD sat and sewed with me.  She had taped up a couple of her bandannas and made a paper strap to make a bag.  I suggested she sew it together so she did, at least she started to.  Looking forward to more of this.  After a bit she decided that Mario Brothers was more important.  Oh well, at least she came back to it 2 days later, now that's Progress!