Busting Through My Creative Block - Seamstress Quilt

It's been a good three months that I haven't work on one of my own quilts/projects.  I've worked on store samples and smaller projects with little of my usual enthusiasm.  Perhaps it was because of some of the obstacles that had come from those projects.  

For me, creative blocks happen from time to time.  It's been a while since I've eagerly and joyously worked on a quilt.

I've decided to just dive into a quilt I've put on hold.  I pulled out all the fabrics I have saved for the Seamstress quilt.

Seamstress quilt pattern: https://www.laundrybasketquilts.com/products/276304279?_pos=10&_sid=22c4546e2&_ss=r

I had to sew just one of the small stars that surround the center star and applique.

Once the star was finished, I was very happy with it!  I'm fairly happy with how the center point came together.  I'm going to have to make some more.

Til next time,

- - - - Jane - - - -

More Small Projects - Part 1

How time flies!  I apologize for my absence. 

I feel that I've been struggling with a "creative-block."  I am needing to work on my own projects, but nothing seems to be jumping out at me to finish.  Although I haven't worked on my own sewing projects, I have finished some store samples.

Here are some photos of the items I was working on:

I have made another tote bag, using the Highland tote bag pattern.

The bag was made using fabric inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright.  Way back when, when I was attending college, I was studying interior design and architecture.  Frank Lloyd Wright was a designer that was covered quite a bit.

Frank Lloyd Wright fabric - https://www.sewtech-evv.com/shop/Fabric/New-Fabric-Arrivals/p/Frank-Lloyd-Wright-Fabrics-from-Cloud9-Fabrics-x83696936.htm

Highland tote bag pattern - https://www.sewtech-evv.com/shop/c/p/Poor-House-Designs-Highland-Tote-pattern-x70167062.htm

This the first bag that I made about a year ago.

There is a large slip pocket on the back of the bag. The pattern is really good with showcasing a large striped design.

I love how it includes a zippered opening to hide your goodies inside.

Inside the bag, it includes multiple pockets.

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The next sample is a wall-hanging using a floral panel.

Wild Floral panel fabric - https://www.sewtech-evv.com/shop/c/p/Wild-Floral-panel-from-Timeless-Treasures-x72601260.htm

I'm sorry for the photo.  It was a quick snapshot and the lighting was poor.

A better photo, displayed in our shop.

More to come soon.

Till next time,

- - - - Jane - - - -

Valentine Pillows Completed

I had started two different Valentine's Day pillows, this time last year.  I was unable to complete the pillows.  Although I was so eager when I started the pillows, I believe I soon became tired of these projects.  

Since Valentine's Day is just around the corner, I found the good sense to finally finish the pillows!

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Heart to Heart Pillow

In the last post for my Heart to Heart pillow, I had the hearts appliqued and the blocks pieced together.

I think one of the reasons that I had stopped working on this pillow was because of the quilting.  I wanted to quilt more than straight lines.  I wanted to quilt something that consisted with curves, but I never had much luck with free-motion quilting with my sewing machine.  I had to try something.

I found a continuous line quilting pattern with hearts.  I thought the pillow was small enough to stitch over the marked (frixion pen) lines.  

This is the backing with the quilting design marked...   

the quilting lines stitched...

and the marked lines erased with a hot iron.

I was very surprised with how well the quilting turned out, once it was finished!  My stitches aren't perfect, but I am very happy with my pillow. 

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Love Notes Pillow

When I had last set down my Love Notes pillow, I had completed the top with the large hand-sewn running stitches around the envelope blocks. 

Since I had simple quilting stitches on the front of the pillow, I wanted the same for the back.  I used a large grid pattern, the size of the envelopes on the front.

And again, I am very happy with my Love Notes pillow.  I should have finished these pillows a lot sooner than I did.

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And a little extra for Valentine's Day.  I made a tiny tote bag full of small goodies to surprise a young lady. 

Till next time,

- - - - Jane - - - -

2021 Mystery Quilt - Michigan - Part 3

Now that all four borders are attached, I can get a view of what this quilt looks like finished.  

Although I really enjoy applique, these borders are taking such a long time to complete.  From placing the applique on the border, ironing them in place, and machine-stitching them, it has taken me about five to seven days.  Yes, that's a week!

As far as I can see, I have all of the blocks turned the right direction.  I think I'm going to use a darker blue in the binding, like this fabric:

Next on my to-do list, I have some smaller UFO's that I'd like to finish up.  And I have an unexpected project coming up!

Till next time,

- - - - Jane - - - -

Birthday Mystery Quilt - Assembling the Quilt - Part 5

 All done!!

Once I had rearranged the heart blocks, they are no longer glaring at me.  The fabrics and colors move more steadily across the quilt.  There isn't much of a difference between the before and after.  In my viewpoint, I am happy with the change.

Ironically, I had told myself that I would not make another sampler quilt.  I bet I have more than one unfinished sampler quilts in my UFOs.  This birthday quilt is exactly that, a sample quilt.  Although it is a sampler, I enjoyed this quilt very much.  I loved expecting the next block every week.  I can't believe how quickly the year flew.

Till next time,

- - - - Jane - - - - 

Birthday Mystery Quilt - Assembling the Quilt - Part 4

I have corrected the cornerstones that were going the wrong direction.

Once the quilt was laid out on the floor, I could see the quilt in its entirety.  I didn't like how the appliqué hearts were displaying.

Each of the heart applique blocks are identical.  The fabric of the hearts was not agreeing with me, especially this fabric.  The two bottom heart blocks seemed to be too close together.

I would like to see how it would change if the hearts were turned clockwise, around the center block.  I was so happy, thinking I so close to having this quilt top finished.  I will rearrange the heart blocks and see how I feel about it.

Till next time,

- - - - Jane - - - - 

Birthday Mystery Quilt - Assembling the Quilt - Part 3

I have really enjoyed this quilt along.  I looked forward to seeing each weekly block and making each block within the seven days.  It was the perfect on-going small project.

Now, I am in the final stages of this birthday quilt.  I have carefully cut the sashing and cornerstone pieces.  I like the striped fabric so much, so I'm going to use it for the binding.

I was surprised with how quickly the rows came together.  I am loving the look of this quilt - how the light fabrics start in the center and, as you move your eye to the outside edge, the colors get darker.

Once the quilt was sewn together, I could see some mistakes that need to be corrected.

Several of the striped cornerstones were sewn horizontally, instead of vertically. I thought I was being so careful in getting the stripes correct.  And I believe the floral applique block, in the top left corner, should be turned so the flower will be at the top.

I'm a little disappointed to know that the quilt top isn't finished yet, but the fixes will be simple.  

Till next time,

- - - - Jane - - - -