11/6/12

Tuesday's Sewing

Did you vote today?  You're probably tired of being asked.  We, here in Oregon, vote by mail, and so I cast my vote last week.  Now we wait the few remaining hours to find out the results.  Are you as sick to death of the campaign as I am?  Maybe the value of the campaigns as we do them here in the US is that it makes us so glad to have it over with that we're happy no matter what the outcome.  It's a lot like running your sewing machine needle through your finger several times, isn't it?  You'll just be glad when it stops.  But enough of politics.  Here's what I did to pass the time today.


I completed the November block for the Hello Sun QAL.  There is just one block left to go.  I'm curious to see what the suggested setting is going to be.


Then I did something kinda fun.  When Sandy hit the Northeast, I was hoping someone would start up a donation process of some kind.  And someone did!  Leave it to quilters for an outpouring of generosity during times of extreme need.  Vesuviusmama over at My Patchwork Life is collecting blocks to be made into quilts.  You can click on the link to her blog for more information.  She chose the disappearing four patch block and is requesting blocks made from one multi-colored floral fabric and one contrasting solid (or reads-as-solid) fabric.  These go together quickly and easily.  I made two that I'll be putting in tomorrow's mail.



It's a pretty block, and I'm glad to help out even if it is in a small donation.  Won't this block be pretty made up into scrappy quilts?

Then I decided to go ahead and do the Free Motion Quilting Challenge for November.  



This month's tutorial was created by Sarah Vedeler.  It was harder than it looked.  The goal was to make swirls and to change direction.  I've been making swirls in my own free motion quilting attempts, but I haven't previously known how to change direction.  I had a few little problems, but all in all, I think I have the idea.  Rather than go edge to edge, I tried going around and around my little block, getting smaller as I went.  When I got to the center, I kind of ran out of room, and so I tried making a few little ribbons.  It worked out okay.  A couple of times I went the wrong direction as I was coming out of the swirl and ended up crossing over a line.  Obviously, this needs more practice.  Oh, and pay no attention to that black smudge at the upper left corner.  I'm using scraps for this challenge, and that was a failed machine embroidery attempt.  I quilted over the top of it.  


So that's what I did for today.  Tomorrow I'm getting a haircut and then hopefully, I'll have a little more time to sew in the afternoon.  I have several embroidery blocks that need borders put on them.

How did your Tuesday go?

15 comments:

Sheila said...

Love your "Hello Sun" block!

WoolenSails said...

I love your sun block, that is something I want to do more of, machine applique and fun pieces.

Debbie

Junebug613 said...

The Sun blocks are so cute and happy looking. I may try and donate some blocks too, if I get some sewing time this weekend. Been so busy with work and I really need a break.

Scooquilt said...

Oh, gosh, you made me laugh about the pain of the election! Its over now. I, too, made some of these blocks to send. I'll post about them soon. Yours look nice.

Scooquilt said...

Oh, gosh, you made me laugh about the pain of the election! Its over now. I, too, made some of these blocks to send. I'll post about them soon. Yours look nice.

karen608 said...

I'm thinking of trying machine quilting, and your challenge piece made me smile. Eek, I think I will start with straight lines? Actually the ribbons look in the center is quite lovely. Made me nervous to try it myself, yet looks exciting.

Irina said...

your free motion quilting looks very good! I think I should practice on making different patterns like this too...

here's a funny thing, maybe I'm not the only one (hope not as it made me feel like I'm an alien), but I've noticed that when I'm doing free motion quilting, stippling for example, my mouth moves involuntarily as I go...!

does this happen to anybody else?

barbara woods said...

we have been screening all our phone calls and now maybe we can just pick it up

Denise :) said...

Lots of fun things going on here -- I haven't picked up my November sunshine block yet -- thanks for the reminder!! :)

Cathy Tomm said...

Great blocks. After reading your post yesterday I looked up My Patchwork Life. I am doing blocks too now. I got a few done last night and have more stared. Thanks.

Quilting Babcia said...

Changing direction with spirals is a challenge here too. Still, we improve each month with practice. Your ribbons in the middle might actually make a great and easier transition between individual spirals when doing them in a row too. Back to tracing for me, maybe these'll be stitched by the end of the month ...

quiltzyx said...

The Sun block is so happy! Cute birdie in the tree too.

I made some blocks this morning to send to Erin. I forgot it was supposed to be floral, but it's a bright bunch of squares with a mottled solid. I think they'll fit it. Yours are gorgeous!

Kate said...

Love the little owl in your Sunny block, very cute. Your disappearing 9 patch blocks are very pretty too, love the bright colors there.

Rebecca Grace said...

You know, I REALLY LIKE those ribbons you quilted in the center when you ran out of room! I wonder how it would look to do a filler just with the ribbon motif?

Jacqueline Bahí said...

Estás haciendo unos bloques con unos colores muy alegres y el acolchado le queda estupendo.