Tuesday 19 January 2016

Mid January Update

     We have been getting loads and loads of snow here.  It is beautiful fluffy snow and it is making me very happy.  It feels like winter has finally arrived.  The nice thing about snow is that even if you just get a little bit of sun, it gets all sparkly and makes you feel like it is even sunnier than it is.  I'm hoping that after the snow storm passes over it will stay cold and get sunny. Speaking of storms, I've  been sewing up a storm this month.

     At the beginning of the month I made this star block for Laura for the Stash Bee.  She was looking for teal fabric for the star and low volume fabrics for the background. I think mine is the darkest one she's getting. I'm super excited to be in Group 8 for the 2016 bee.  It's my first time participating and I do have to say it's a bit nerve wracking constructing a block for someone else.  I suspect it will get easier as the months go on.




     This last  Friday I spent some time catching up with the November instructions for the Midnight Mystery, so I'm pretty much ready to put the blocks together.  This will require cutting the courthouse steps block.  A task I'm not looking forward to.  I like those big blocks.



     
     The pick up sticks quilt is coming along nicely as well.  I've finished the straight line quilting and I'm ready to work on the free motion quilting in the sashing. In preparation for  that, I've been practicing along with Christina Camelli's " Free Motion Quilting Essentials" class, which is a Craftsy class.  I'm practicing on blocks I drew onto a quilt sized muslin.



     It's been a good way to figure out fmq on my new machine and to try out designs to find one that I'll be comfortable with on the actual quilt.  I'm having so much fun playing with my new machine.  The more I use it the more I love it.  I also really like the class.  Christina's style is very relaxed, she shows you her mistakes and encourages you not to be too hard on yourself.  Accepting my imperfect self is a lifelong project of mine.


     I'm pretty happy with how the wiggly lines worked out.  You can see them in the triangles above. I'll probably use them in the sashing.  I think they will look awesome.

     I've also been happily sewing some burp cloths for my future grandson.  He's likely to be here in about 8 weeks.  Can you believe it!  I'll hold off on sharing these until I have a bunch made.  I'm joining Lorna at Sew Fresh Quilts for Let's Bee Social.  I'm looking forward to seeing what every one else has been up to.



     
     

16 comments:

Cheryl said...

Congrats on a new soon to be grandson! Your mystery quilt blocks look great!

Chantal said...

Busy woman! I haven't participate in any of the swap for the same reason; I'm nervous of sewing for someone else. I think we are just too harsh on ourselves. Your star is perfect. I have to practice my fmq too. I love how your wiggly lines are even. Mine usually get closer together and smaller as I go. Yes, I know; practice, practice, practice! You did a great job. ;^)

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl said...

Oh my, only 8 weeks until you get to hold your grandson? That is going to fly by. :) Yes, it really does get easier making for someone else, and I hope you enjoy your year in Hive 8! I'm loving seeing how everyone's mystery quilt is coming together, so I look forward to seeing yours as you continue to work on it, too.

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

I do like it when the sun is shining on the snow and making it sparkly. Unfortunately, that doesn't last very long, but I will take your attitude and try to think more positively abut winter. Your blocks look great.

Little Black Cat Quilting said...

Sewing for babies is so fun, congrats on your almost here grandbaby! Your star block looks great! I've never sewn for a bee, but I can imagine it is nerve wracking! I'm sure they will love your block. :)

Anja @ Anja Quilts said...

You have been busy. Just go for it and cut those big blocks. You love the snow, and I hate it. We've had a few storms the past week, and another one is coming Saturday night. Can't wait for spring!!!

Afton Warrick said...

Your bee block looks good. Part of me is wishing I joined in on the Midnight Mystery since the final quilt looks so neat, but I would have likely added to my UFO collection. I do love the Craftsy classes for free motion. Angela Walters has some really good ones too.

Lorna McMahon said...

Looking forward to seeing your Mystery quilt blocks finished, Lisa. You chose such sweet fabrics. Glad to hear you are enjoying your new machine! Your practice quilting looks fabulous!

Leanne Parsons said...

I love the snow too, but we have only a little bit so far this year, which is unusual for us. Hopefully we'll get more soon! Your fmq practice looks great!

Paige said...

Love your softer color palette for the mystery quilt! You are further along than I am!
I would love to receive your stash block, I'm sure Laura will be pleased!

Kate said...

Beautiful Midnight Mystery blocks. The softer color palette is lovely. I at about the same place you are on my blocks.

Cut&Alter said...

So glad you have joined up to a Bee - they are so much fun! Your FMQ is looking great.

Kaja said...

I like your bee block - I enjoyed Stash Bee last year but I definitely felt more pressure (though only from myself) to get everything just right than I do when I just make things for myself.

Tish Stemple said...

You have been one busy lady. I have to say I've been enjoying your color choices for the Midnight Mystery since we started. Your free motion looks wonderful. Can't wait to see how you decide to quilt the pick up sticks quilt. With 8 weeks to go, I'm sure you are getting even more excited to meet your new grandson.

Laney said...

I have been practicing fmq so I was very interested to see yours! it looks great! How are you liking the Craftsy class with Christina? I have been eyeing it.

June D said...

Your midnight mystery colors are beautiful! Will be fun to see your quilting on the real quilts! : )