BB1: First and Second Borders Continued

When I started counting my blassings, my whole life turned around.

~Willie Nelson

Quilting

My leftovers box contains a pile of Ohio Stars. Most have red centers but several have this bright, strong yellow. The four added as cornerstones make me smile. But now the white looks weak. 

Eventually I pulled some of my never-ending Chinese Coins to make this border. Who'd have thought this much pink/coral would work so well with the reds and yellows?

That pushes the white round out. Something needs to go in it and there's not a lot of white fabric left in this pile. While pondering, I pulled more Lattice blocks {another never-ending stack} for the outer border. 

Many of the same colors but it's too bright/varied. It's taking attention away from the center. {Bet you never thought I'd like less color.}

Taking the blue backgrounds out calms the design. I like this better. But now, more Lattices will be needed. And the white background area still isn't resolved.

Reading

What a fun book Cody Cassidy has written. Meandering through current archeological and anthropological research, he answers burning questions such as: Who sparked the first fire; who was the first surgeon; who wore the first clothes and told the first joke? Check it out.

Enjoy the day, Ann

Relatives

Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, 

and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, 

you should include all things in your gratitude.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Quilting

Since my SIL retired she's enjoying many new hobbies. Fortunately she has a multitude of skilled relatives to show her the steps. She asked me to help her make her first quilt. Some of you may notice these are the same colors, and indeed some of the same fabrics, in the two quilts I made for her previously: a Lone Star baby quilt and the Farmhouse quilt.

She'd already cut the blues and whites into large triangles and sewed them into hourglasses. I spent the weekend talking her through sewing them into a top with setting triangles, adding borders (which included visiting a local quilt shop!}, and pin basting the quilt. 

The next time we get together, we'll work on walking foot and free-motion quilting. Fortunately, we own identical Bernina machines. I'm bringing some extra feet for her to test. 

Our mutual BIL also sews... and welds, rebuilds cars, etc. He made these blocks with leftover and gifted fabric a few years ago. We all helped lay them out and he spent his time sewing them into sets of four. 

While we were at the LQS, he purchased this cheery yellow to make narrow sashing. Now he has to cut it and sew the top.

As if that wasn't enough, Grandchild 3 {G3} visited and worked her way through my scrap bag. She pulled a bunch of leftover pastel squares leftover and laid out a throw quilt for herself. She maintained attention long enough to help sew the rows together. I may be finishing this on my own unless she visits again soon.

Reading

I spent several weeks reading Dress Codes by Richard Thompson Ford and enjoyed it tremendously. Starting in the middle ages when tailored clothing first developed, Richard covers laws limiting every aspect of clothing to maintain the social order. With the Great Male Renunciation where men eschewed colorful and embroidered fabrics to demonstrate they contributed to and supported Enlightenment politics. With pressure from seamtresses, women's clothing began to diverge significantly from men's. 

That's only the first quarter of the book. The rest discusses more modern sartorial effects from flappers and zoot suits to hoodies and the CROWN act. 

Enjoy the day, Ann

Bordering BB1

We are one people, one family - the human family - and what affects one of us affects us all.

~John Lewis

Quilting

With Ocean Waves V sewed {but still missing a border}, BB1 needs its first {and second} border{s.} My fabric stack contains lots of pinks and very limited amounts of other colors so pink was test first. 

Wow. They pump the energy of the center, especially the bright print on the left. That was one of the prettiest fabrics I'd seen in years but it's never fit anywhere. It will work with this project, though.

Next, dark browns were inserted as a narrow inner border, partly because there's not much yardage here. 

What would the dark brown look like as an outer border?

This was the final choice: pink/red print on the inside with a narrow dark brown outer border. 

Now to work on the next border. White with yellow cornerstones? We'll see.

Enjoy the day, Ann

Ocean Waves V and BB1 Centers

'Thank you' is the best prayer that anyone could say. I say that one a lot. Thank you expresses extreme gratitude, humility, and understanding.

~Alice Walker

Quilting

The quilt became too large to lay out on the floor of my sewing area which made it a bit harder to put together. There may be a few triangles leftover but I'll put them on my guild's Free Fabric table. What a diversity of triangles from dusty reproductions to fairly current clear tones and everything in between. I thought this mixture might look terrible but it may be my favorite of all these quilts.

A quarter of Ocean Waves V

Although my BB1doesn't look different, all the appliqué is stitched - by machine. I deliberately didn't put a blue-green center in the lower right leaf and think I like it. We'll see how it weathers. 

Bramble Blooms #1 QAL center

Now to plan borders for both. Appliqué or some piecing? Time will tell. Audrey and I use a similar method here - we both pull fabric and set it around the centers. I'll try to take more photos.

Enjoy the day, Ann

Round and Round on Ocean Waves V

186,000 miles per second is not just a good idea, it's the law.

~Albert Einstein

Quilting

This is the fourth round and I think there's enough for a fifth. Wow. Someone cut way too many QSTs. At least they are all going into this final Ocean Waves quilt. Although I've complained about the repetitive sewing I want to finish this quilt. 

Ocean Waves V in progress, starting round 4 

And here it is with the next round of triangles sewn. 

Ocean Waves V in progress, round 4 finished

There's at least a yard of the fabric used for Bramble Blossom #1 stems that might make work in the border here. Using up more stash stuff. Win/win.

Kawandi placemats in blues

Meanwhile I've continued working on the kawandi placemats. Four finished; all with this soft brown plaid backing. My previous set is multicolored. With Fiesta plates in a variety of colors, it seemed more monochromatic placemats would better set them off. The top left print on the left-most placemat is a gift from Sujata Shah who is visiting this year. We'll certainly be eating off these. 

The center of BB1 is basted. The next step is machine appliqueing them. Then I can start on some borders. Way behind but still plugging along... very slowly.

Enjoy the day, Ann

Trying to Finish Off the Ocean Wave Triangles

There are two ways to be fooled. 

One is to believe what isn't true. The other is to refuse to believe what is true.

~Soren Kirkengaard

Quilting

When will they end? There are still a bunch of Ocean Wave triangles: both individual and in sets of four.  I thought there were just enough for a five-block baby quilt but, no. Silly me. While I love the finished quilts, I'm sick of making the same pattern. 

Here's my plan to avoid counting and continual cutting of new triangles.  As I finish a "round", I'll move the outer half and quarter blocks out, add a new "round" and fill it with waves. As soon as there aren't enough to finish one more round, this quilt will be done. 

In the photo above, I've moved the outer blocks, added a new round of center squares and then filled the waves in around them. These are leftover triangles from all my previous Ocean Wave quilts, ignoring all colors and values. The Use Them Up philosophy.

 

There seems to be enough triangles for one or two more rounds. Perhaps one and a half. Then it would be a rectangle. 

Reading

Since I enjoyed Steven's previous book, The Guncle, tremendously, The Celebrants was on my list. It reminds me of The Big Chill although the friends meet for multiple "living funerals." The two Jordans (Jordan and Jordy), Marielly, Naomi, and Craig made a pact in college that each could call a meeting once - when they desperately need to be reminded that they matter and that their lives mean something. 

Steven writing highlights the joys of connection and friendship despite the unexpected twists of life. 

Enjoy the day, Ann

Slow Progress on Bramble Blooms QAL

Your voice matters. If it didn't why would some people keep trying to take it away?

~ US Rep. John Lewis

Quilting

Very slow progress. I changed the curvy leaves that were my first choice and constant downfall. You'll notice a couple still have curves and I may replace those later. 

Bramble Blooms QAL - Improv roses

Taking a cue from the striped stems and Audrey's post, I added a second leaf color. It looks much better.  

I also turned the background 180 degrees so the bubbles show up more. They inspired the stem and leaf colors. Although it's hard to see in the photo, I'm hand basting the seam allowances. It's a pain but less painful than trying to needle turn.

Reading

DH and I saw Wonka over the holidays so I pulled Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to re-read. Although it's classified as juvenile fiction, it was still enjoyable. I think my grandchildren may like it when they're older. BTW, we both loved Wonka. What a delightful adaptation. 

Enjoy the day, Ann

Ocean Waves IV

It's no trick to make a soup out of fish, but making a fish out of soup is a challenge.

~Czech saying

Quilting

This is a soup made from fish. I just threw a line into the depths of my leftovers and there were all the pieces. Not the most original or exciting but we both love the colors and design. We’ll keep this “fish” forever.

Ocean Waves IV

It took longer than expected this time. Restarting in the summer may have been reasonable but trying to quilt in the excessive heat was a mistake. So it was put away till fall. Because of health and family issues, I didn't work diligently. Even making a schedule didn't help much. But after New Year's there was finally time and determination to get busy again... plus, I'd already embroidered 2023 on the corner. Can't be a liar.

The foolish plan to SID all the triangles was part of the difficulty. This is too large a quilt to turn so much fabric (although I did it) but I couldn't think of any other choices. 

Next was the red centers. FMQ wreaths are alway a choice but my eyes don't let me see marks on dark fabrics. Instead I mixed spirals and circles. Pretty good and certainly easier than a wreath.

Free Motion waves spirals and circles 

By then I was tired and ready to be done so simple loops fill the outer border. They are very quick and easy.  

Finally, it was time to bind. I pulled two choices: a busy print on black and a stripe. I wanted to use the stripe (which works well with the back) but the print matches many of the triangles on the front much better (probably because so many of them are 10-15 years old.)

Quilt Specifics

Size: 103" x 92"

Design: Ocean Waves

Batting: Mountain Mist Cotton

Thread: Superior red and white cotton thread

Quilting: walking foot and free motion

Approximate yardage: 20 yds

Previous posts:

1. Pulling pieces

2. Sewing the blocks

3. Choosing a border plan

4. Backing for Ocean Waves

5. Fixing a mistake

6. Restarting the quilting

7. FMQ on Ocean Waves

Belated Happy New Year. 

Enjoy the day, Ann

Working on the Center of Bramble Blooms and Ocean Waves

God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December.

~J.M. Barrie

Quilting

The quote made me consider using roses in the centerpiece but my applique skills are rusty to say the least. Red circles are more my style... and ability. A pink center was much too soft/ill-defined; the black center is better. After rereading Audrey's post, I went back through my stash for stronger yellows. Here are three that might work. 

The one on top was too green. I thought the one on the lower right would work but it's still too light so I'll be making petals from the remaining yellow. 

The stems are a stripe that both Audrey and I purchased. I thought of it as binding but immediately noticed {and admired} when she used it in this quilt. My two-yard cut is a bit of overkill for stems only. We'll see where else it works.

On to leaves. The large olive green leaves match the darker strip but are making the bottom too dark. What about adding blue polka dot leaves, too. And why are my first leaves always wavy? This needs quite a bit more thought. 

I'm behind schedule quilting Ocean Waves and need to double down. Fortunately the quilting is now free motion and that usually goes faster.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 

Enjoy the day, Ann

Finally Starting Bramble Blooms QAL

I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.

~Gilbert K Chesterton

Quilting

Are you as busy as I've been? All summer it was too hot to move. Now there are a multitude of projects to finish {and some that still need to be started} from summer as well as the swell of fall, family, and holiday activities. Additionally, some sinus/allergy issues continue. 

I finished my jacket before the start of cold weather; however,  Ocean Waves is intended as a Christmas present. Lots of quilting still although it doesn’t look different than last time. Forty-one center squares need to be quilted as well as the border and binding. That means five to six squares daily, two to three days for the border with a final day or two for the binding. Having a schedule should help me finish on time. 

I decided to alternate it with Audrey's Bramble Blooms QAL. The first step in this project was to pull fabric. My, oh, my. So many value gaps. The whites are fairly diverse but there is no progression from beige through brown. The same problem with light and dark greens. 

Nevertheless, I divided them into three groups and chose this assortment to start BB1.

Creating a center background was the second step. That lovely piece with printed circles is all that remains of that fabric. I've been determined to find a place to showcase it, so it was the first bit pulled. Everything else was chosen because it worked with that.

FUR (Fabric Use Rate):

This statistic was left off the previous post but November used 9.5 yards and the yearly total is now 58.25 yards. Quite the slow down.

Reading

Originally I thought On Fire Island would concern protagonist Julia's last summer of cancer. Instead, it begins with her death. Julia's spirit follows her husband, Ben, as he works through his grief and learns to live again. A teenager facing adult life and an elderly widower are the main supporting characters. Jane weaves them all into an engaging read.  

Enjoy the day, Ann

My Quilted Jacket

Figure out who you are, then do it on purpose.

~Dolly Parton

Quilting

Finished in time for cooler weather. The flannel batting was very difficult to seam and makes the jacket cooler to wear. Or perhaps the open neck makes it cooler. I like the shawl collar and it wasn't that hard to sew. Horizontal lines are matched on the sleeves; I didn't worry about matching each block of the Chain.

I started by planning the front then matched the same location at the seams as I moved to the back and sleeves. It worked pretty well. 

My muslin was pinned higher than the final jacket buttons. So this final version hangs a bit further off the shoulders. Something to remember. Before sewing the parts together, I adjusted the collar seam at the back to get a slightly closer fit. 

The jacket is bound in the same fabric as the background. I didn't want it to show much. 

Quilting Specifics

Design: Shawl collared jacket

Quilt block: Triple Irish Chain 

Batting: cotton flannel

Thread: Superior blue cotton thread

Quilting: Walking foot

Approximate yardage: IDK but guess 9.5 yds 

(not counting the batting/flannel)

Previous posts:

1. Making the muslin

2. Sewing the top

3. Quilting and binding the jacket

4. Men's quilted jacket

Reading

The Things We Make by Bill Hammack explores how engineering builds on scientific and mathematical discoveries even when they aren't well defined. The opening chapter shows how mostly illiterate stonemasons built enormous medieval cathedrals using rules of thumb. Using topics such as photography, ceramics, steam, and faucets to show how engineers and tinkerers use observation to create new technologies. The book ends by emphasizing that the myth of  a "lone" inventor discourages technological advancement and innovations may not solve the problem the inventor expected. 

I hope you find time to read this engaging book but at least listen to half hour summary on YouTube.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Enjoy the day, Ann

Still Working on my Quilted Jacket

Whoever said life was about the journey and not the destination never had to look for a place to park.

~ Henry Grabar

Quilting

My sister finally visited me. Usually I visit her. What a wonderful week we had: butterfly pavilion, arboretum, choral recital, lots of meals with extended family… and the Quilt Festival. Lovely although smaller than previous years. We also worked on a shirt for her. Now she’s on her way home but we’re planning future visits. 

Before she arrived I worked on my jacket. Each pattern piece has it's own translucent paper template that allows me to align intersections better (not perfect.) Once the tops were sewn, I cut lining and flannel {instead of batting} for each piece from the blue.

Stitch in the ditch was the choice for the previous jacket; it showed off the prints better. Since this jacket is all solids, I grid quilted on the diagonal, going from point to point on the design. I did use a washable marker when the points were further apart. 

The cotton flannel filling was a big mistake. There were no problems quilting the separate pieces but it was very difficult to sew seams. Probably because it was too tightly woven. It's not even noticeably thinner than Mountain Mist batting. It does crinkle less but there are easier ways to achieve that effect.

Reading

Americans expect parking to be "convenient, available, and free"... in other words "perfect." We are only now facing the environmental consequences of paving so much land for automobiles. Henry Grabar explores current issues of urban parking and offers possible solutions in an engaging and humorous manner. 

Enjoy the day, Ann

Quilt Jacket Progress

A grandmother pretends she doesn't know who you are on Halloween.

~Erma Bombeck

Quilting

Many, many pieces have been moved but it seems to be working out now. The design centers horizontally on the back although I'm thinking about exactly where that piece will fall vertically. To the right is the right front. It's lining up to "semi-match" at the side seam. 

With the right front pieces sewed, I can decide where to position the pattern piece. That big notch near the top left is where the shawl collar attaches to the shoulder. In order to avoid quilt design seams at the buttonholes, the pattern may be moved a bit more. Then I'll know exactly where to place the back vertically. Then on to the left front and sleeves. 

A second placemat is finished. I've been sewing on them while waiting at airports. It's a bit too crowded to sew on board any plane these days. 

FUR (Fabric Use Rate)

Finishing two more placemats used 1.5 yards so my running total 48.75 yards this year.

Reading

Killers of the Flower Moon 
by David Grann

A staff writer for The New Yorker, David Grann researches forgotten events... and writes excellent books about them. One is Killers of the Flower Moon which I didn't think was "forgotten." Growing up in Oklahoma, I occasionally heard of the murders of many Osage to steal their oil wealth. And Jimmy Stewart starred in The FBI Story which surely covered the case. How much more could there be? It turned out to be quite a lot. By conniving to place Osage under guardianship because they were deemed incapable of managing their own money, the government set them up to be manipulated and robbed by upstanding {white} men in their community. Then the murders started. Conspiracies and coverups continued until the nascent FBI entered the scene. Even when some of the evildoers were convicted, they were given short sentences {at a time when most murder convictions meant a death sentence.} David knows how to research and it shows. Plus, he writes a gripping story whose lessons shouldn't be forgotten again. 

On a happier note, let's all pretend we don't know who those little trick-or-treaters are next week.

Enjoy the day, Ann