10/17/11

Design Wall Monday--October 17, 2011

It was a wet week in Oregon, which meant I had lots of time to sew.  While I tire of the rain as the wet season wears on (keeping in mind that it lasts approximately seven months), I can't complain about the amount of sewing I get done.  Sometimes I'm almost grateful to awaken to our gray, dark days.  When the sun shines, it's practically an obligation to get outside and enjoy it while it lasts.  If I'm wanting to sew, I don't always welcome a day of sunshine.  Weird, I know.  I suppose it's a testament to having lived here for 33 years.  So, here's how I spent the week:

First and most importantly to me, I finished ALL of the blocks for the Sunshine on my Shoulders quilt.  I'm so happy to have these finished!


This quilt has eight borders, and one of them is pieced.  Also, I may decide to piece the back, depending on how poor I'm feeling when I go to look at the prices of fabric.  It's a large quilt, and so a solid back will require quite a bit of yardage. There's still a lot to do on this one before it's finished, but I'm still hoping to have it finished by the end of the month.

Then, I completed two block-of-the month blocks.  The first is for the Blogger's Block of the Month put on by Canton Village Quilt Works.  This one is just getting started.  The next block won't post until the 25th, and so you can still get in on the sew along if you want to.


Also, I completed the first block for the There and Back Again block of the month put on by Fandom in Stitches.  This one is just getting started as well.  The first block only just posted, and it will be three weeks before the next one posts.  The blocks are paper-pieced and are based on Tolkein's book, The Hobbit.  The first is Gandalf.



Then, I completed the fourth stitchery for the Sew Happy Me Christmas Sew Along.




It was supposed to have French knots around the mouth and the ears, but I decided to use a running stitch instead.  Cute, huh?  I think this will be adorable when it's all finished.  I found some peppermint stripe fabric to use for the binding, and I have a red and white print for the backs.

Finally, I completed the Christmas stocking I made for the Stockings for Kids campaign put on by Purple Panda Quilts.  There's still plenty of time to make a stocking so that a foster child can have something to call his or her own this Christmas.  This stocking is a quilt-as-you-go pattern, and it's simple and quick to make.  It's also a good way to use up scraps. It's a large stocking, about 8 inches across and approximately 18 inches long.



I would be happy to share the pattern with you if you email me.  Incidentally, one person did comment on my blog requesting the pattern, but she was a no-reply blogger.  If you comment rather than emailing, please be sure I have a way to reach you.  I respond to all comments and to all emails.  If I don't respond to you, it's because there's a problem.  Either I didn't receive your email, or I don't know how to reach you.

Next week, I'm hoping to get well into the borders for the Sunshine on my Shoulders quilt, and I'm going to try to get some of the hand-sewing done on the two bindings I need to finish.  Also, I want to get going on applying the crystals to my Winter Wonderland quilt.  After seeing all the crystal work at Machine Quilter's Expo this past week, I'm more excited than ever to see how it's going to look.

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10 comments:

Dana Gaffney said...

Wow, you are getting a lot done. We're on our third day of rain and everyone is going crazy, normally we have 15 minutes in the afternoon or night during the summer. Your post shows me all the things I should be doing.

Denise :) said...

You definitely had a busy week. Love the stocking -- very sweet! Also love the yummy oranges in your Sunshine On My Shoulders quilt. Do you remember the movie by that same name? Have a great Monday! :)

Stray Stitches (Linda G) said...

You were able to complete an amazing amount with your rainy week! Love the Sunshine quilt!! The Gandalf block looks great and your stitchery block is darling. Wonderful stocking, too! Sure wish you could send some of that rain down this way :)

KatieQ said...

The blocks for your Sunshine on my shoulders quilt look great. I can't wait to see the borders. I have been trying to decide if I want to join in on the Hobbit block quilt along. I am not that happy with my paper piecing. Maybe, that's a good reason to join in and improve.
I would love to have the pattern to make the stocking. I have one I was going to use, but yours is nicer. I love the project that Purple Panda is hosting and can't wait to make a stocking for it.

Unknown said...

Wow, you have certainly been a busy bee! I love all your colors, and the stocking stands out! Sooo creative you are! Hope you have a beautiful week! Love you, Loretta

Snoodles said...

You really inspire me...you get so much done! Makes me look forward to being retired -- wonder when that will be possible! LOL The stocking is just adorable! (I'll email you!)

Sarah said...

Very Very Productive! I also hid from the rain in my studio this weekend. Love the colors in your SOMS quilt - can't wait to see the borders...

quiltzyx said...

Sunshine will have EIGHT borders! Wow!! About how big will it finish? I really like the looks of it. :D
Always like to see your QAL blocks. I do like the running stitch on your bear too. :D

Michelle said...

Love the colors your using for Sunshine -- and I'm guessing you've got some of the real stuff this afternoon, since we're not too far away and it's gorgeous down here!

Lyanna L. said...

I got your stocking today thank you very much! =)

Lyanna