8/1/11

Design Wall Monday--August 1, 2011

Can you believe it's August already?  Where does the time go anyway?  Maybe the same place where all those extra socks are. 

Sewing wasn't at the top of my list of things to do this week.  Finishing up the "Dave's Not Here" quilt in record time had me taking something of a breather from my sewing machine.  The "Dave's Not Here" quilt is with my quilter now, and, as it turns out, she has an appropriate leaf panto in her repertoire.  Now I'm excited to get it back when the quilting is done. 

Here's what I worked on this week:



This stitchery is about 80% complete now.  I should have it finished by next week, and then I'm planning to make three more stars.  This quilt is getting very near the finish line.  There is still one more stitchery and several stars, but I'm well ahead of schedule to have it finished by the end of the year as I'd hoped.  It's always so exciting when a long-term project like this reaches the home stretch.

Also, I finished the 11th of 13 blocks for my Checkerboard Flowers quilt.  Two more to go on this one, and then it will be ready for quilting.  (Do you get that I'm going to have a pile of finishes all at once?)


Here's a close-up of the top-stitching:


A few years ago, I asked for the 160-spool set of thread from ThreadArt for my birthday.  I wanted it for doing machine embroidery.  As it turns out, the thread is not great quality (I was afraid of that), and it breaks easily when I'm using my embroidery module.  However, it works great for regular sewing.  It's been nice to have while working on this project because I always have exactly the color I need when I'm doing the top-stitching.  I don't regret buying the thread, but I don't use it for machine embroidery any more.

Finally, I have a ping pong table in my sewing room with four cutting mats set up as "stations" for my projects.  The other day, I realized that one station is currently unoccupied.  Of course, that situation is unacceptable, and so today I'm washing fabric to start the next quilt on my to-do list.  It's a pattern called "BQ2" (no idea what that means).


And these are the fabrics I'm going to use.  I just love these red flowers.



I'm also going to start on the next of the "When Sleeping Cats Lie" blocks in these two colors:


Here are the other colors I have so far:


That's it for me for the week.  For more design walls go to:


Patchwork Times

9 comments:

Lynette said...

Hey! Another checkerboard flower done. :D And your Wonderland panel is almost finished. That quilt pattern is neat - terrific for big-scale novelties. I'll have to add it to my bookmarks for future projects.

Stray Stitches (Linda G) said...

Your newest checkerboard flower is beautiful!!! And, of course, your stitchery is pretty as ever.
The fabric you selected for the new pattern looks like it will be amazing - can't wait to see it!

Angie in SoCal said...

Your fabrics are going to make a fabulous BQ - BQ stands for big quilt - and BQ2 is another version. Our guild ladies love to make these as they are great for showcasing large prints. You can go here to see more from Maple Island quilts.

Angie in SoCal said...

Oops forgot the link:
http://www.mapleislandquilts.com/quiltpatterns.asp

AnnieO said...

Just love that pinked edge applique! Adorable block. Glad your thread collection is helping out.

The kitties are so cute too--I have seen that pattern.

Of course the situation needed to be remedied--an empty spot must always be filled :)

Anonymous said...

LOL....love your explanation for starting another project! I may have to utilize that one! I love that BQ2 pattern, that is going to be great with those fabrics!
Jacque in SC
quiltnsrep(at)yahoo(dot)com

Chris said...

I agree that an unoccupied station is unacceptable LOL BQ just stands for Big Quilt. I have done the BQ2 and it comes out great.

Kate said...

Wow, lots going on this week in your sewing room. Love the fabric choices for BQ2! Can't wait to see how they work out.

quiltzyx said...

BQ2? Maybe Big Quilt 2? You picked terrific fabrics for it :D

Your stitchery is wonderful - that is going to be an awesome finished quilt!