June UFO Challenge

I'm trying to finish some "long loved projects" in 2011. I even joined the challenges at Judy's blog Patchwork Times and Nancy's blog Patchwork Penguin. Of course, I didn't finish the right "numbered" project for either list. BUT I did complete a UFO that was very aged. This quilt top, number 2, on my list  is DONE!!!!! The receipt from purchasing this kit was still in the plastic container. I began this project October 2, 2004. The pattern is Friendship Crossing by my friend, Pat Wys of Silver Thimble Quilt Company. The finished project looks complicated, but it's mainly nine patches and half square triangles. I am absolutely thrilled to have this UFO on the way to becoming a much loved quilt.

Field Trip to East Cobb Quilt Guild

The metro Atlanta area is blessed with many quilt stores, quilt teachers, quilt resources and quilt guilds. One of the largest guilds with over 200 members is the East Cobb Quilt Guild. Several times throughout the year, the EC guild brings in speakers/teachers with national/international reputations. Last week, Sue Spargo taught several workshops and spoke at both the evening and daytime meetings. This called for a "Field Trip." We (Pat, Kristie, Debbie, Brenda and I) headed out bright and early to attend the ECQG meeting on Friday morning. My photos from the Guild meeting  are not the very best, but I thought you might enjoy them. Sue Spargo's talk was inspirational. Seeing her quilts and hearing her speak, motivated me to "STRETCH" my creativity and to try new methods and techniques.

Visit Pat's blog and Melinda's blog for better photos of the event.

Design Wall Monday - June 27th

This past week I was able to spend a bit more time  working on the "Rottweiler Quilt." I'm enjoying the process of creating this quilt. I had blocks from a swap. I've put blocks together, but am now attempting to take these fabrics and achieve my vision for this project. It's not there yet. I'm adding and taking away blocks. Having fun sewing!

Jumping from One Thing to the Next

Fabric problem solved! I wasn't able to find more of the Libertyville fabric for my project, but Mary Ellen from Little Quilts saved the day. I was at her shop last week taking an awesome class. I pulled out my selvage from the fabric that I need. Mary Ellen suggested that I find other shirting fabrics to mix and match in this project. She called it "the Little Quilts way." I can definitely do that with this project. It's a block of the month. She immediately pulled fabric so that I could choose the two that matched the best.  I'm loving the new fabric - the center fabric is my original shirting fabric. Thanks, Mary Ellen!


I just can't seem to keep up with posting on my blog. June has been a fun, busy month. I take lots of photos, but don't seem to write the blog post. This post will jump all over the place. That probably describes my month the best:)

Some sewing has actually taken place this past week. With the help of Debbie (no blog) a plan is in the works to use the blocks from the trade of black and tan blocks earlier this year. The blocks were sliced lengthwise and are sewn together with different parts. 

Sharon, who organized the swap, referred to this as our "Rottweiler blocks." The black and tan palette is perfect for one of my brother's gifts this Christmas. Yes, this Saturday June 25th  is called Leon Day (Noel backwards). That means Christmas is six months away.

I participated in several other swaps. In our Thimbles group, we traded 40 ten inch squares. I choose the traditional swap, but a batik swap was also available. Pat provided instruction on the Twister ruler for a possible project with our swap fabrics. Several of us "Thimblettes" also traded fabric strips for Swap 4. 

Photo borrowed from Gretchen's blog, Stella Bella Quilts. (Thanks, Gretch)
Ten of us actually participated in this swap. We select a project. In this case, our new project is Long Road Home by Bonnie Blue. Kristie does some mental magic calculating how many fat quarters we need, what size strips we need to cut and how many we need to package for each swap participant. Our fabrics for this new project are totally awesome shirtings, dark reproduction and neutral fabrics.

Quilt by Sarah (no blog) which inspired our trade

I also cut 2 1/2 inch strips for a swap at Little Quilts. I forgot to take a photo of my fabrics. Next Tuesday is the swap date. 


Ladder update:  Hubby and I did finish painting the old ladder for me to use in displaying quilts. We're loving having some of my quilts on display in our entryway.

I have lots more to share, but better post this while I can:)


Giveaways:
1 Choice 4 Quilting has a giveaway for fat quarter bundles of the new Fig Tree line Strawberry Fields. Ends Monday, June 27th at 10:00 pm EST.


Bookin' with Bingo has a giveaway for some awesome new books. Some of the books include Steve Berry's The Jefferson Key. (Ends July 12th), Guy Fieri Food ends July 5th, The Welcome Home Garden Club  by Lori Wilde (ends July 6),  The10th Anniversary by James Patterson (ends July 12th) and Pie Town by Lynne Hinton (ends July 13th) This is one of my favorite sites for new book reviews with great author information.


Inchworm Fabrics is giving away a quilt book from her store. Looks like this ends on Saturday, June 25th.


Linda at Stray Stitches is hosting a Vacation Giveaway which includes fabric to make a tablerunner and embroidery scissors. Ends July 3rd.

Need More Fabric

 I truly don't need more fabric, but I do need more of this fabric. I am doing our Guild Block of the Month and may need a half yard or yard of this print. I wasn't worried about being short a bit, until I started making the blocks. I'm loving this quilt. This print was designed by Terry C. Thompson for Moda. The line is called Libertyville and this print is Horticulture Hall. If you have some in your stash and would be willing to trade or sell me some, please let me know. Many thanks!

Checking In

Hi Friends!  It seems to be crazy busy here. Last week I spent 3 GLORIOUS days in the north Georgia mountains with Brenda, Kristie and Pat. Once I returned home, I had to prepare for a road trip to Baton Rouge to visit my Dad. I'm presently in Baton Rouge (that's why I missed sewing at the Senior Center yesterday). I'll leave this afternoon for the Houston, TX area to visit with my Uncle and Aunt who are in their 90's. I'm getting wonderful visiting time with family. Internet access is limited and time to blog just doesn't seem to exist. I'll return home on Monday. Take care!