Strippy Improv

I've blogged about Sherri Lynn Wood's new book before and go here to see more of her work and learn more about her book.  The first encounter with her process was the quilt I made called "Garden Ladder" using the Rythemic grid score.

Now I'm ready to try another score from her book.  So, I've been in my studio cleaning up and making some mental notes as well as some wipe board notes.  Going through my pile of scraps, I've realized that there are probably enough strips already cut to make a great improv top.  .  Here they are spread on my table and on the floor.  This is why I have to clean up after each project, hahaha. 

 

 

One thing about the improv style that I find liberating and somewhat scary is that you cut with your scissors and no ruler.  The uneven look is intended.  Most of the strips were 2"wide or a little more, so I used my scissors to cut them lengthways to about an 1" for some.  This was random and made for a more interesting design. 

 

Here are two strip pieced blocks and I am thinking about making 2 more, but I did do some playing with the white strips on my design board. 

 

Tomorrow I will continue with the strip pieced blocks and decide if the white strips will make their way into my design or ditch that idea and just cut the strip pieced blocks into smaller shapes and randomly sew them back together.  Maybe I will make some journal drawings to get a better mental picture.  One thing I don't want to do is plan or over think this project as it is suppose to be spontaneous and improvisational. 

We're in for more snow overnight, so it will be a good day to stay in and do more sewing.  ;o)

Crocheted Socks and Leg Warmers

It's a fact that I have to keep my hands and mind busy.  Crocheting is a relaxing and fulfilling way to do just that.   It doesn't take long to complete a pair of simple socks like these I've made for my DH and DS.   I bought 2 balls of Sock-Ease yarn, one solid turquoise and the other is multi-colored.

These were made for DS using Sock Ease yarn

These were made for DH with Sock Ease yarn





I've also made leg warmers for myself.  I worked them in the round ; chain 28, slst in first chain and sc in back loop only for rows 1-4, now start hdc sizing it to your leg as you go.  Work as many rows as you need.  I wanted these to go to my knee, so they are quite tall.  To finish, sc in back loop only for the final 4 rows and tie off.  For these I used a different yarn; Wool-Ease made by Lion Brand.   I have rinsed them in hot water so that the dye in the yarn comes out and rinses clear.  I've blocked them and dryed them on a rack.   These were completed in a few hours. 

 

 

Next, maybe I will finish a wave afghan I started for my DH a few years ago.  Hahaha, I am on a  roll.  ;o)

Another Baby Quilt

Babies love to see bright vibrant colors.  They are stimulated by the colors and reach out to feel the texture of the fabrics; this is their early learning phases.  For my friend who is due with a boy in April, I've decided to give a baby quilt with vibrant colors and soft texture.  I've done this bricks pattern by Kaffe Fassett before and really like the end result. It is a simple pattern of finished 2"X4" rectangles.  

 

I added a green border of 4 different strips and a batik green and yellow binding. This really toned the quilt down from being mostly blue/aqua colors to bring more of the greens out.  I think this rests the eye better and is more interesting. 

 



The reverse of this quilt is a cream colored flannel fabric.  The quilting was done on my home machine using a meandering free hand design. 

 

 

I just found out that my DH's nephew and his wife are expecting.  They had a baby nearly 2 years ago and I had made the Ugly Baby Quilt for them (below and here).

 

Since I love the bricks pattern as mentioned above, I may have to do this one again for their second baby.  Not an exact repeat, but close.  I will pour through my scrap bag and see what can be unearthed.   ;o)

 



Postcards and Crocheted Socks

Quilted postcards are easy and quick to make.
Using just a few supplies, you can make some in less than an hour for your friends. Just affix a postage stamp and make sure they are not too thick and any embellishments are secured tightly.  Buttons without shanks are OK, beads are probably not a good choice, however, I did use a few beads here.

When I showed these to my DH he said,"Oh they look like the frozen character, Olaf"....Ugh.  Not what I was going for, but I see what he's saying.  It's hard to make them look whimsical without looking like something that's been done to death like a character in a movie. 
 

 

 

 

I've mailed them off and can only hope they get to their destination in one piece, beads and all. 

Onto another project...

It has been so cold here in Colorado this winter that I've changed gears and started crocheting again.  These are simple socks I made for DH and DS. They look masculine and are warm and comfortable.  I didn't use a pattern for these, just ch 5, sl st to make a round and start sc around increasing as you go.  I believe I had about 45 st by the time it was wide enough(of course, this is also dependant on how thick the yarn is) and I don't know how many rows.  Just go until you like how high they come on the leg.  I want to try leg warmers for myself.  My feet and legs are always cold. 

  

  

 

Happy New Year to you and hope this will be a productive one.  ;o)

 

 

Portrait quilts

In my last post, I mentioned a surprize for a friend of mine.   I started working on it right away and want to share the process with you.  First off, use a picture with good composition with few details as it will be easier to convert.  I use photo editing software to convert color photos to black and white and posterize the image which will give you 3-4 shaded areas where contrast is high on the subjects features.  When I made this green challenge quilt, I used close up pictures of my DH, DS and myself.   The challenge was to create a quilt measuring 6" X 24" with greens and muslin/calico.  The picture to the left looks pink, but I assure you it's muslin and not good lighting for this photo.   This was an odd size and for most of the participants, the challenge turned into table runners.  For me, I wanted something that would hang in a tight space and try out the portrait technique. 

Getting back to my friend, she is a proud Grandmother and doesn't get the chance to see her son's family as much as she would like as they live out of state.   She sent this picture and I just couldn't resist in trying the portrait technique again. 

So, like I said the first thing to do is to turn it into a black and white photo. 

Then, using photo editing software you posterize it.  If you have patience and a great photo software program, play with the image to get it the way you want it.  You could turn it into a real work of art.  You will be able to edit, save, change or even delete several files until you get the one you like.  Choose what colors you want to use at this point. 

Sketch drawing

Color Posterized photo

Slightly  Posterized

Posterized to show zones of contrast



The next step is to print to your paper.  I wanted to keep it small, but you could make a huge quilt from the printed image.  I also drew out the image onto freezer paper so that the image wouldn't be reversed when fused and appliqued onto the background. 

 

 

You can see my sketch on the freezer paper above.  Fuse the steam a seam or other light weight bondable product to the back side of your fabrics.  Cut the freezer shapes out and fuse onto the right side of your fabric and use a teflon sheet underneath where the fusible is.  You don't want to fuse it onto your ironing board.  Then you carefully cut each piece and layer it onto the background.  Choose what should go down first.  In my case, white was the most prominent fabric used.  Then gray and finally just a few black contrast pieces.  Carefully iron the shapes in place.  Check to make sure they are placed correctly, again you don't want to fuse the shapes onto the ironing board or the bottom of your iron.  Why do I keep stressing this....experience!  I've been there and done that before. 

 

 

 

When you have it fused and ready to go, pin it on your design board and step back.   How does it look, make any changes now before you start your stitching.  I made a few changes at this stage.  The babies head didn't look right to me and the hat looked cut off on the very top. 

Now you can choose your stitching technique and threads.  I used monopoly thread in the top and bottom and zig zagged around each shape.  Take your time, it's not a race, put some music on and enjoy the process.

 

 

Yes, I'm old so I have to use my magnifyer when I sew small spaces.  When you've completed this step put it back on your design board and take a picture.  Now, layer your batting and backing and pin or baste together.  Quilt inside your shapes first saving the background for last.  I find this to be easier as you assign zones and keep your mind straight on what is to be done and where.   So, here I started quilting the white areas on the faces.  Leaving all the contrast alone.  I used white to blend.  On the background, I used gray thread lines to bring out the brick pattern. 

 

 

Now you're ready to trim, add the binding and finish the quilt.  I went back and fixed a spot on the hat and removed the gray contrast piece on the babies head.  Don't forget to add a label to the back.  The finished size is 9" X 11" with a label on the reverse stating who is in the picture, who made the quilt, date and who it is for. 

 

 

 

Now I want to do another one.  I have the coolest picture of my Dad when he was 17 years old.  I am thinking of sticking to the black, white and gray look.  But, I may change my mind as I very rarely do something the same way twice. 

 

 







Catching Up after the move...

I finished 6 placemats in time for a luncheon here in my new house.  Ladies I hadn't seen in nearly 20 years came over to share stories, quilts, laughs and of course, food!

I also finished up my friend Julie's quilt top.  We had started this strip applique quilt about 4 years ago.  The pattern is from the book, "Tile Quilt Revival" by Carol Gilham Jones & Bobbi Finley. 

This pear shaped pin cushion I made with different samples of green fabrics I got from a friend.  It has a home on top of my design board. 

My Bernina decided to give me trouble, so I put its cover on and unplugged it for now.  I went out and bought a cheap Brother machine.  It's a good idea to have a back up anyway and this one is a decent machine that I will use from time to time.  It has already been put to use with over 1,000 stitches sewn.  The Bernina has nearly 3 Million on its counter in just over 2 years of use.  Maybe it decided it needed a break. 

Now, I am on to the next project.  It's a surprise for a dear friend I've had for over 34 years.  I will have to keep it a secret until later and will post about it when I send it to her.

Exploring our new surroundings and getting used to an entirely different climate.  My skin is extremely dry and cracked and we're not even into the winter months!  For now, I'm ready to do sketches for "the surprise".  Shh....

Improv quilt

Just over a year ago, I searched for Modern Quilter groups online.  I found one and read about a talented author in need of test quilters.  Always wanting to challenge myself and learn new techniques, I got in touch with Sherri Lynn Wood. I was expecting her to turn me down to try the instructions out as I had contacted her after the deadline.  But she didn't, and promptly sent me all I needed to get started on the process.  All test quilters were given a few instructions she calls "scores" like in a musical score.  The whole process fit in to my way of creating, no patterns, no pictures and freedom.  The first thing I did after receiving my score was to put on some classical music which helped me to relax and let the creative juices flow.  
 
Once I got going on it, I didn't stop until it was finished.  This is unusual for me as I have basket loads of UFO's needing the finishing touches or are at different stages of completion. 
My quilt was not chosen to be in the book, but I wasn't even expecting to be able to test the score at all.  So, I am very happy with the outcome and I can't wait to try out all the scores in her new book,
"The Improv Handbook for Modern Quilters", by Sherri Lynn Wood. 

My finished quilt is a small wall hanging measuring 29" square.

My interpretation of the Rhymthic grid score described in Sherri Lynn Wood's new book The Improv Handbook.

Close up of the test quilt which I have named, "Garden Ladder".  I used quilting pattern lines and one intersecting grid in one section. 

Clean the Slate (Wipe Board)

Claddagh Ring Applique class

I keep a wipe board and a large pin-up board in my studio where I constantly add projects to the list or drop projects as and when they are completed.   I also keep a journal of the ongoing ones so if I have to set them aside I can refer back to my notes/journal and refresh my memory on the initial direction taken.  This is a tremendous help to me as I have too many UFO's and ideas for new projects.  Also on my bookshelf are 6 large 3-ring binders full of patterns, ideas, information, clippings and techniques to try for future indeavours.  When I get stuck for what to do next or need some information, this is the first place I start looking. 

Metallic Thread Class

The Internet is good if I have a large block of time to spend, but that doesn't happen too often.  I tend to be old-school and on the less technical side of life.  I like it that way, it gives me time to breathe and expand my mind, troubleshooting a problem and making things suit the need, rather than going directly to a factory made pattern followed to the tee.   This has always been my process and I find it funny that the newbies to the  quilting scene  call it "MODERN".  Having said that, and I hope I didn't offend anyone here, it is not intentional, I am a member of a MODERN quilt guild and quite like it, however it is not a new or Modern concept.  But, if you had to put a name to the different paths of processes, I suppose MODERN is as good a name as any.  

Garden Ladder Inprovisational wall-hanging

 

I would consider myself an Improvisational Modern Quilter and have always been right from the very start.  My first ever quilt teacher was not impressed with my way of doing things, and I can't really blame her afterall, but it is just my nature, again, not intentional.  I did learn a lot from that class and hundreds of books and classes afterwards. 

Thread Class scissor case and needle book

I am a hands on person and make mistakes even now some 32 years later, but those mistakes turn out to be mostly pleasant surprizes. 

Slider Puzzle wall-hanging

By the way, all these quilts/projects were completed in 2014 from my UFO pile.  There are a few more, but I just wanted to share some of them.   Let's see what can be accomplished in this New Year?!  Happy Quilting.... ;o) 

Snowman Mug Rug

I have been making mug rugs for all seasons.  This snowman mug rug measures roughly 8" square. 

 

Super simple to make.  Here are the instructions:

 

Cut  1 6" square white cotton for head

Cut 4 2 1/2" squares of background fabric for corners to make the head

Cut 2 1/2" strips of background fabric for the borders

Cut 1 backing fabric square same size as top

Cut 1 batting square same size as top and backing

Cut 1 triangle shape for nose in orange cotton

2 flat button eyes

 

Sew the squares on the diagonal to the white square for the head.  Trim away and press.  Do this to all four corners.  Sew the strips on to the top and bottom, trim.  Sew the strips to the sides, trim.  Press.

Position the nose and sew on using interfacing or bond a web and zig zag stitch.  Press and trim all sides to desired size.  Layer batting, backing (rsf) and top (rsd).  Sew along edges leaving an opening to turn.  Turn to right side and press lightly.  Topstitch along edges 1/8" and quilt as desired.  Position the eyes and sew on through all layers. 

Mincemeat

 

Christmas is just around the corner and I've been busy baking and decorating.  The Finnish Christmas bread is baked and I've made Peanut Butter Balls, Chocolate bark, and Seven Layer Bars in two different flavors.  Today I will make Mince Pies.  These are typically made the 12 days before Christmas and eaten everyday up to Christmas to bring good luck for the following 12 months.  I love mince pies and they can vary in taste.  Mine are homemade using good rum and good quality ingredients with butter instead of suet.   I want to share my Seven Layer Bar recipe here as it is a good candy type treat to give or have on hand when guests come calling. 

 

Seven Layer Bars

 

1 stick unsalted butter

1 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup peanut butter chips

1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

1 cup roughly chopped cashews

1 can sweetened condensed milk (I use fat free)

 

Preheat the oven to 350ºF.  In a 9"X13" pan add the stick of butter and place in the oven for a few minutes just until the butter melts.  Remove from the oven and pour in the crackers and even out the layer.  Next, sprinkle on the chips evenly.  Sprinkle on the coconut and the nuts.  Pour on the milk as evenly as you can covering the entire top.  Bake for 20-22 minutes until golden.  Remove from the oven and let cool completely before slicing into bars.  Store in an airtight container. 

 

You can vary the flavors by adjusting the chips and nuts.  I made bars using almonds, dried cherries, dried cranberries, white chocolate chips and semi-sweet chips.  They are awesome, if I do say so.  You could also try pistachios and white chocolate chips with dried cranberries.   

 

Have yourself a homemade Christmas.  Cheers.  ;o)

 

 



Guild Quilt

My guild quilt is back from my long arm quilter, Juliet, and hanging in my hall.  She did an excellent job and I just love it. 

Guild blocks from May 2001.  Finished quilt August 2014.

Bottom half of the guild quilt.  Overall measures 6 foot square.

 

Detail of the edge to edge quilting design. 



This quilt may have taken me 13 years to get it together, but in the end it was well worth the wait. 

 

As you can see I am not the type that has to finish a project before moving on to the next.  I have a couple more UFO's in my pile and would ideally like to finish them by the end of the year. 

 

Some ideas I come up with can be pushed out in a few hours.  Like this one.

Sliding Puzzle Quilt



 

Remember those sliding picture or number puzzles when you were a kid?  I had small end cuts of decorator fabrics in these large funky patterns.  So, I thought why not cut them into squares and move them just far enough away from each other so the mind tells you, "hey these should move closer to make a single picture".  That's how this quilt was born.  It measures 19" square.   

 

I'm off to scour my UFO basket and see what my mind is ready to conquer today.  ;o)