This past month or so has seriously been a whirlwind. I have actually sewn more and written more than I have in a long, long time.  What I found though is that even though the projects that I was sewing for the most part were ‘required’ (either for the group or the blog here) I enjoyed every minute of it!

There was one quilt in particular that I thoroughly enjoyed- the butterfly quilt.  It was something that the modern quilt guild in Salt Lake challenged us to do this year. It was a quilt based on an artist of our choice.  We had to announce who the artist was at some point….. design and sew the quilt and show it off.

What a process.  While I do design all kinds of patterns, this one has been a reminder that I love the process of being inspired by something.

This year, I’m trying something new with the newsletter.

There are a few things that after 10 years of blogging (yes, can you even believe?!) I have found I enjoy writing and while I have been writing here on the blog, it’s been kind of in a more formal, business style.  I have missed the casual conversation writing.  I’ve missed sharing a few thoughts or glimpses into my life- with kids, family, animals.  I’ve missed all that kind of stuff.

This year, it’s back. In fact, it’s back weekly.  There was already an email going out weekly to the list (sign up here if you are interested in getting the emails) and they were full of techniques and tutorial links…which is what will blend into this as well, but I’ll be adding my own little chit chat to the beginning and a few other goodies as well.

Here’s a quick look at what will be contained or shared in the emails– and if you are interested in getting them, make sure you drop your email in the box.

the Round Robin

a weekly collection of new projects, tips, products and quilty chit chat. thanks for reading….

in the sewing room….

I attend the local modern quilt group in SLC. This past year they had a challenge…..pick an art piece and make a quilt based on it.

It took me a long time to figure out what art piece I wanted and at first, I had picked something totally different!

I ended up picking Butterflies by MC Escher.  Not sure how this came about, but at some point in the fall, I was reminded how much I liked MC Escher. In fact, I had a bunch of posters and drew things related to his art. Not sure where all of those went, but I came upon his pieces again and chose one for the challenge.

Butterflies by MC Escher

A simpler drawing compared to his other staircases and such, but still interesting with the transition between light and dark.

I ended up making the butterflies abstract and random. And for some (like the honey) they mentioned- I don’t get it. I don’t see the butterflies. Which is fine. 🙂

This was such a fun challenge and one that made me think outside of the box, explore the light and dark play, fun shapes and placement. The stripes ended up as the binding, which I love.

I couldn’t be more happy with the results and it was one quilt that I finished during 2017!

 

tips…..

It’s the beginning of the year and everything is kind of buzzing around in my head….is it yours too?

This buzz has me so excited for what I have planned in the calendar and projects that are happening in quilt groups and sewing retreats!

I tend though to jump way ahead and just hit the peddle to the metal.

This can cause me some issues. They don’t make me happy.

In fact, some of the problems are so simple– it’s like, what was I even thinking?!

Today I’m sharing a few tips that will help you avoid the speed sewing problems and excitement overlook.

Taking the time for a quick reminder will only make things better in the end!

Quilting can be sometimes totally overwhelming. 

Where do you start? What is important…what should I just ignore for now and not do anything about.

Here’s some great places to start:

• Strip piecing – a quick way to sew strips and quilts quickly
• Nesting seams – this makes those points and intersections fit together every time
• 1/4″ seams – a must when sewing! Keeping those seams correct saves a lot of time and frustration
• Square up your fabric – before making that first cut, make sure it’s straight!

Quilting Supplies – most of the time when frustration happens in quilting, it’s because we don’t have the correct supplies!  There are a few basic tools that will make all the difference in the world when it comes to quilting.

sew it…..

The baby quilt is a perfect size for getting your feet a little wet in the quilting world.  This free quilt tutorial uses 30 — 5″ X 5″ squares of fabric + sashing and borders. Super simple and great quilt for beginners.

Check out the Zippy Baby Quilt Tutorial here.

 

something fun….

Looking for a block of the month for 2018?  Here’s one that features 3 quilt blocks inside the monthly quilt block. Kind of a fun idea and the setting is simple- no fancy piecing in this quilt!  Click here to read more.

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Finishing up projects and need a way to make labels for them? This tutorial on The Sewing Loft will take you from start to finish– so you can finish that project!  Click here to read more.

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It’s winter out there– and Jacquelynne Steves has a great round up of Snowman projects. They include pillows, quilts, baby fun projects and more.  Click here to read more.

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If sewing curves is on  your to do list- then Diary of a Quilter is where you’ll need to stop by.  She has a great sewing curves tutorials full of hints and tips to get you around those curves perfectly every time.  Click here to read more.

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quilty chit chat…..

My first attempt at making a quilt! Patchwork made with 18 different fabrics took me 2.5 months to complete. The final outcome has been worth every inch of pain in my shoulders and neck and worth every drop of sweat. This quilt is dedicated to all the lovely ladies in this group who helped me at every step where I got stuck. At one point, I was wondering if I had done the right thing taking up quilting, but u guys made the process easier. Thank you so much!  — Deepti

After many suggestions were offered- here was the result: Good news! The Shout color catchers worked on the red center squares and all the excess dye got absorbed by the sheets. Relieved — Dianne

What is another hobby you have other than sewing? This question received over 100 answers!

Join here if you are interested in adding your quilty cents!

 

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