More Quilt Fun

I think I must get the "quilting bug" in spurts. So many circumstances have caused me to stay home and inside this summer that I have resorted to the sewing machine for entertainment. And the bug is with me still - probably won't go away until the temperature cools down! Anyway, I have discovered the convenience of ordering fabric on the internet, whether it be from a store's website or on Ebay. I have gotten hooked on using pre-cuts and have a great source online for tutorials. This one is from a grouping of fabric called "Prayer Flag" by Moda.

The quilt pattern is called "Jelly Charm" and it uses one Jelly Roll and one Charm Pack. I am making this quilt a little larger than lap quilt size, but smaller than a twin. The basic pattern measures six squares by five. I love the variety of mixing all the patterns and colors of fabric.

On the tutorial the instructor did what she called a "piano key" border. She took all the remnants of the jelly strips and sewed them together, then cut them into strips of colorful "keys." I sandwiched that strip between two whites to give it a matted appearance.



Here is the quilt with that part of the border done. My next step is to add another five inch border in a teal floral fabric. You can see that one in the piano key border, right next to the coral paisley. Once I finish all the borders and get a good "feel" for the whole quilt, I'll have to choose something for the back. I'm limited in what I can find online, but the choices are there. Once that's done I'll run it up to Kingsland to be quilted.

I can't finish this post without adding a picture of my sweet Savannah. As much as she loves being outdoors, today she came right back in after doing her "business." It's too darn hot! She's happy to just be inside where I am, usually taking a little snooze at my feet. What a sweetheart!



Quilting Fun

Several weeks ago I discovered a couple of wonderful websites that feature videos of quilting techniques. I purchased a couple sets of lessons that I can access whenever I need them and have picked up quite a few pointers. The Missouri Quilt Shop specializes in pre-cuts - fabric lines that cut to size multiple complimentary designs and sell them in packages. Their teacher then demonstrates how to use these pre-cuts in quilts, often resulting in wonderful shortcuts to the older methods. 

I jumped on the bandwagon to try my hand at one of the easier quilts. This one is called "X's and O's". I love that it looks like it might be really difficult to construct when, in reality, using the pre-cuts and MQS's methods, I was able to put it together quickly and easily. This photo is of the top only. When finished it will be the size of a lap quilt.

Because I was picking my colors in a specific fashion, I ended up having to use three "Charm Pack" pre-cuts. And I had a whole lot of "charms" left over. So I looked through my video lessons and found another really easy pattern that would use up my leftover charms. This one is much smaller and has a very Christmasy feel about it. It might make a really festive table cover  this Christmas.

Because these pre-cuts all come from a particular "line" of fabric, I was able to look on Ebay and order yardage in specific designs to use for my borders and backing. I love the fact that I can find what I need online and either order it cut to specification or, in one case, find it at a local shop.

I have a friend who is brand new to quilting who was referred to a shop in Kingsland Texas to get her quilt "quilted." The lady was both very good and very reasonable in price, so I have contacted her to do both of these quilts for me. We have a day trip coming up this week! My Daddy lived in Kingsland briefly in the '80's when he was constructing a home at Deer Haven. We spent many weekends during that time and will enjoy driving through town once again.

My next pre-cut project will involve the Charm Pack squares and a Jelly Roll! The industry has given delectable names to these pre-cuts. There are also Layer Cakes and Honey Buns! The Jelly Roll has 42 strips, 2 1/2 inches wide, of color coordinated fabric. When I made Graham's quilt I used a Jelly Roll, but I had no idea how cute and convenient the pre-cuts would be. Here is a link to the Missouri Star Quilt Company if you have any interest in the fabric or the video tutorials.

Buds

From the day we brought Savannah into our home, grandson Andrew has set her apart as his friend. Maybe because she is closer to his size, or just because he sees something in her that translates into "playmate," he is the one who delights in her company.

Adrian grew up with Treasure and, though he might not have considered her his best friend, he did acknowledge her and she returned the favor. But sometime between Treasure's departure and Savannah's arrival Adrian had a bad experience with a dog and is admittedly cautious around canines. He will put up with Savannah as long as Savannah keeps her distance.

Usually we find Andrew and Savannah playing with doggie toys, especially balls. He throws the ball, she runs and retrieves it, he gets it back and throws again. They can go on and on and not get tired. Today, however, we noticed a little bit of silence and had to go investigate the quietness. There they were - Savannah on the lookout for lizards and Andrew sitting next to her eating his cookie.

Yes, I would say they are "Best Buds."