Twisted Rope (Wrap Up!)...

As I mentioned in my stash report, this quilt is done!  In fact, I've already delivered it to it's new owner and she immediately put it on their bed. So this is my wrap up post on the quilt and after this, I shall cease to mention it.  Or maybe not.  I really like this quilt. 

When I last posted on it, I still had some quilting to do in the borders.  I added a feathered heart to the border on each side. I drew the hearts on the Golden Thread quilting paper, quilted over them and just tore the paper away...

After I removed the paper, I went back and added circles to the spine here and on the rest of the border.  Although not difficult to do, it was rather monotonous...

Here's a look at the border from the back.  The quilting shows up really nicely (in person) on the dark green backing.

She particularly liked the feathered wreaths in the open areas.  Donna Sontag quilted them for me using the HQ Pro-Stitcher.

 What's great about this quilt is there is no top or bottom.  It's square and can be oriented in any direction.  You could even use it with the backing side up if you wanted.  So here it is finished...

It's really hard to get a good overall picture of such a large quilt.  This is a picture of it before I finished the borders and put the binding on...

The stats for this quilt are:

• Size: 113" square
• Fabrics: Williamsburg Centennial Collection 1780-1880 (blue), Charleston 1850-1865 (green), Tidings by Nancy Halvorsen (cream), Summer's End by Kansas Troubles (backing)
• Batting: Quilters Dream Cotton Batting Request Loft
• Thread: Superior Threads So Fine 50 wt in various colors
• Quilting: Custom (mostly feathers)
• Started in April 2010, completed February 2011.

So that about does it.  It feels so great to have finished this quilt (my largest one ever), but it also make me want to make one for our bed.  But I think I need to finish a few smaller projects before starting another one this big.

Until later...

“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance”  

1 Corinthians 13:7 (NLT)

More Twisted Rope...

I've made a lot of progress quilting Twisted Rope in the last several weeks and thought I would share it with you.  In my last post about this quilt, I told you how I spent an entire day ripping out the quilting I had already done.  Since then I've been busy renting time on a long-arm and adding new stitching.

Here's the quilt on the frame.  Can you see the feathered wreaths in the cream spaces?

Feathered Wreaths

 Here's a closer picture...

Closeup of Feathered Wreaths

Aren't they beautiful?  Of course, I can't take credit for them.  I actually hired Donna Sontag from Whatever's Quilted to do that portion using the computer.  I could have done them myself, but it would have required loads more time than it took her.  Plus the stitching is perfect and they just look great.  

The rest of the quilting was under my own steam.  I stippled in each of the blue ropes.  Although you can't tell here, the stippling makes the green ropes look elevated from the blue.  Again thanks to Donna for the idea.  I was going to do something completely different on the ropes which would have taken me a lot longer but this turned out to be perfect.

I'm also doing a feathered border on each side of the quilt with a feathered heart in the center.  I made myself a template out of 2 sheets of freezer paper so I could mark the spine of the feathers and leave room for the heart. 

Marking the Feathered Spine

I still need to quilt the heart and small circles inside each spine, but I'm going to do this work at home on my regular sewing machine.  It's right on the edge and will be easier for me to do sitting down rather than standing for so long at a long-arm.  I also need to add some more quilting in the inner border and around the outside feathered wreaths.  However I need to finish a couple of other things before I return to this.  It would be nice if I could finish it before the end of this month, but things don't often turn out like I plan.  I'm usually a little too optimistic.

Here's a picture of the quilt after it came off the frame.  Donna Sontag is on the left and I'm on the right.  You can see it's quite a large quilt.

Twisted Rope

I also managed to get a few closeups of the quilting on the back...

Quilting from the backside

Sorry they're so hard to see.  I wanted the quilting to be visible, but not in your face.  It's also easier to see in person.

Until later...

 

I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray.  

Psalm 17:6 (NLT )

Frogging it...

Have you heard the term?  It's quilter's lingo for unsewing.  Whenever you have to rip out a bunch of stitching, you're frogging it.  (In case you're confused, it's because "rip it" and "ribbit" sound so similar.)

I spent about 6 hours yesterday ripping out most of the quilting I've done on Twisted Rope.  I took out all the stitching for this heart motif because the thread color matches so well, you can barely see it.  In fact, were it not for the paper, you probably wouldn't notice anything except the fabric.

I've decided to re-quilt the feathered hearts in a different thread color.  There will be one on each side of the quilt.  I also quilted feathers on either side of this motif for the length of the quilt (113") - in a different thread color.  After looking at it, I decided that although I liked the new thread color, I wanted to do the feathers differently.  So I removed all that stitching as well.

Fortunately I had a bunch of episodes of my soap saved up (Days of Our Lives) and I could just play episode after episode while I worked.  Jack was also my companion for this task...

I had to finish taking it all out and prepping it for the new stitching because I had an appointment to rent time on a long-arm Tuesday.  So I spent 5 hours today adding the new feathers and stippling the ropes.  No pictures though because I forgot my camera.  I left the quilt on the frame so Donna of Whatever's Quilted can add feathered wreaths to it using the computer aided design.  When she's done, I'll go back and work on it some more - maybe Thursday.

I'm doing most of the quilting on the frame, but there are a few areas that I plan to tackle on my domestic machine because they'll be easier on my back that way.  I'm finding this hybrid quilting is the best approach for me.  Some parts are less taxing on a long-arm while others are better at my home machine sitting down.

In any case, I'll be really glad to finish this quilt.  And I'm so very hopeful that I won't have to frog it anymore.

Until later...

For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. 

 Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

Finally started...

Well, I've finally started the quilting on Twisted Rope.

I've been considering how to quilt this for some time now and had been renting a long-arm machine to practice before starting it.  Last night I drew out a feathered heart on Golden Threads quilting paper.  I want this design to go in the center of each border with feathered swags on either side.

My intention is to also fill all of the vines with small circles.  I managed to get the quilt loaded and stitch the feathered heart, but when I started to tear some of the paper away, I realized that you couldn't see it!  The thread color matched too well and for all my hard work stitching it, it might as well have been invisible.  It was disappointing.  However, I bounced back and decided to do the rest of the feathers in a different color.  They turned out much better.  So I've decided to rip out the heart motif and restitch it with this new thread color.  It will add some more time and work, but I'll be much happier with the results.

So this was day 1 of what will no doubt turn out to be many, many days of quilting.  I must say, I really do enjoy quilting on the long-arm although it's a bit rough on the back.

On my way home from quilting, I stopped at the pet store and found a new toy for my cats.  As soon as I laid it on the table, Sam was all over it.

Until later...

I love you, Lord; you are my strength.  

Psalm 18:1 (NLT)

Irons in the fire...

I'm at a point now where the creative juices are flowing and there are lots of things I want to work on.  Last week, I was even hopeful of finishing a number of them in January.  However, my body is putting up a protest and slowing me down quite a bit.  I've been enjoying my time using the long-arm machine at my local quilt shop, but it's taking a toll on my neck and back.  Oh, to be 8 again and able to twist myself like a pretzel.  If I tried that now, things would pop.  And groan.  And probably break.  It wouldn't be pretty.

However, since I'm not able to work on as much as I would like, I thought I'd make a list for when I do feel better.  These are my more pressing goals...

• Finish block 6 of Winter Wonderland - Another night or two of hand embroidery and I should be done with this one.
• Applique the center of Here's My Heart by Bunny Hill Designs. - I bought this kit more than 2 years ago.  I pulled it out last January, but didn't think I could get it done for Valentine's Day.  I would love to actually finish it before another February 14th passes by.

Here's My Heart

•  Add the binding and label to Nestled in the Branches. - I managed to finish quilting this earlier in the week.  If I feel better tomorrow, I might try to finish this one.
• Finish quilting the Owl quilt. - I only have some stitch-in-the-ditch to do on this to finish the quilting.  I also need to come up with a name for it.  I used minkee on the back as I'll be donating it to a shelter and thought a child might like it to snuggle up with.  In order to load it on the frame, I first adhered the batting to the minkee using spray basting before trimming the batting and backing even with each other.  Although it was pretty thick quilting through, I didn't have any problems with it stretching.

 

• Quilt Twisted Rope. - I have an appointment scheduled for next Tuesday to quilt this.  Because it's 113" square, I expect it to take me a number of visits and I'll have to be careful to spread them out so I can handle them.

Twisted Rope

• Quilt Man Cave. - I just plan to do an allover pantograph so it shouldn't take too awfully long.  But again, I have to spread out the time I spend in front of the frame.  It sure would be nice if I finished this for Mr. Quilting Bug while it was still cold outside.  Although that doesn't look to be an issue any time soon.

Man Cave

• Test Kathy's pattern. - A friend is publishing a book and has asked people to try out the pattern.  I like the pattern and plan to make the quilt.  I'm just missing two fabrics before I can start.

So those are my goals for the near future.  Although at one point I really did think I could finish all of them in January, I now realize I was completely deluding myself and have now returned to reality.  But perhaps they might see a finish by the end of February?  Maybe?

I haven't posted a picture of Gabriel lately, so here she is in her current fat, happy and somnolent state of being.  I keep telling Mr. Quilting Bug that she needs to go on a diet, but he doesn't see it.  Go figure...

Gabriel

Until later...

According to your faith will it be done to you. 

Matthew 9:29 (NIV)

Trying new things...

Here it is January 3rd and I've already tried something new - to me.  I rented time on a long arm quilting machine today at Whatever's Quilted.  I used the HQ Avante 18" and I had so much fun!

HQ Avante 18"

 I pulled out a quilt top I made 5 or 6 years ago to practice on.  The fabrics in this quilt are from Walmart and aren't a great quality but I wanted to practice the machine quilting on something I didn't care if I messed up or not.  I do really like the pattern though and I'm really pleased with how it's turning out so far.

Stargazing Quilt

It took me almost an hour just to load the top on the frame.  But with practice I figure I can cut that in half.  Then I quilted for a little more than 2 hours.  Another 45 minutes and I probably could have finished it, but my back was hurting too much by then to continue.  I decided to do custom quilting in each block because I wanted to try a number of different techniques.  (The blue ruler on the quilt is for stitching in the ditch.)

HQ Avante 18"

 The whole purpose of this exercise was to see if I'd feel comfortable quilting Twisted Rope using one of these machines.  She has a larger HQ Fusion 24" that I can use for that behemoth.  (It's 113" square.)

Twisted Rope

 I felt so comfortable quilting on that machine that I've already made 2 appointments for next week to start on this one - each for 3 hours.  I've no idea how long it will take me, but I figure I can handle 3 hours at a time.  Although my back right now would beg to disagree.

Until later...

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" 

Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)

Stash Report Week #46...

November 12 - 18, 2010

Another good week for stash busting!  This just motivates me to keep going.  I've given some thought as to whether or not I want to continue these reports next year and the answer is an emphatic yes!  I know I would have bought more and used less if I hadn't been keeping track of the details.

I did buy some fabric this week.  In particular I needed some more fabric to finish the Nestled in the Branches quilt I started at the quilt retreat.  The fabric is from JoAnns and it's been over a year since I bought the original batch so I was a little concerned if they still carried it.  It's from their Legacy Studio collection of fabrics.  Well, I was fortunate to find enough of both fabrics I needed.  I bought a total of 2.5 yards between them. 

Legacy Studio's Nestled in the Branches

While there, I started looking for the backing to this charity quilt I made in September.  It's earmarked for Interact once it's quilted.

Owl Charity Quilt for Interact

I found this really soft Minkee type fabric for the backing.  The brown matches nicely with the outer border and it will be great for a kid.  I bought 2 yards of it.  It's 60" wide so I needed less of it than a traditional cotton fabric.

Minkee backing for charity quilt

I don't know what's up with the line through it.  I didn't notice that until I looked at the picture.

Now on to what I used this week.  I only finished 1 quilt top, Twisted Rope, but it is definitely the largest one I've ever made!  112" square.  I used 14.5 yards for this top!  Wow!  That's a lot of fabric.  Here's a picture of the quilt laying on top of LeeAnn's bed.  She's the one I'm making the quilt for.

Twisted Rope Quilt Top

Now all that's left is to quilt it.  LOL!  That's easily going to be as challenging as piecing the top.  I have a pretty good idea of how I want to quilt it, I just have to figure out some of the logistics.

So...
Purchased-this-week: 4.5 yards
Used-this-week: 14.5 yards
Purchased-to-date: 250.5 yards
Used-to-date: 407.25 yards
Net used: 156.75 yards

Wow!  I've finally topped the 400 yard mark.  That feels like quite an accomplishment!

Until later...

"The Lord demands fairness in every business deal." 

Proverbs 16:11 (LB)

Quilt retreats...

I've only been to 3 quilt retreats since I began quilting some 6 years ago.  And all of them have been in the past year or so.  But I can already see that I get so much done then.  And this last retreat in Williamsburg was no different.

I brought 4 projects with me - 2 of them had already been started and the other 2 were just the fabric and patterns.  I thought perhaps it was a little optimistic of me to bring so many but in 3 and a half days, I saw progress on each of them.

My main priority was to finally assemble the blocks for Twisted Rope.  I had already made all 181 blocks but still needed to put them all together.  This is a king size quilt, so it was a challenge.

One quarter of Twisted Rope

 I put the quilt together in quarters so I had fewer of the very long seams to sew together.  After working on it half of Monday and most of Tuesday, I was able to finish everything except the borders.  I decided to hold off on putting the borders on until I returned home and had more space to spread out.  I'm really pleased with how this quilt turned out.  In fact, I'd love to keep it, but it's already earmarked for a dear friend.

Twisted Rope without it's borders

Note: Just tonight I finished putting on all of the borders - so this top is done!

After working so hard on such a large quilt, I was really in the mood for some instant gratification.  I picked up a pattern during stash dash called 'Greta' by Me & My Sister Designs.  It only takes 1 charm pack and a little bit of yardage.  After a few hours between Tuesday night and Wednesday, I had it done and again, I'm pleased with how it turned out.

Greta made with Maison de Garance

This quilt finishes at 36" square.  I'd love to have it quilted and on my table for Thanksgiving but that might be a little too optimistic.

After that quick finish, I moved on to making a quilt called Nestled in the Branches.  It's a free pattern from JoAnn's and I made the same quilt as a prayer quilt for a friend at the end of last year.  I liked it so much (and had a lot of the fabric left over) that I knew I wanted to make it again.  However, when I started to cutting and calculating, I realized I was short on 2 of the fabrics.  I didn't have enough bird blocks or the border fabric.  Although this will end up being 4x5, I only had enough to make 3x3 at the time.  So I put as much of it together as I could and also sewed the sashing and cornerstones for the remaining blocks.  I worked on this one most of Wednesday.

Nestled in the Branches

Fortunately I was able to find the fabric I needed at JoAnn's returned.  It's been washed, pressed and cut up, so this quilt should go together rather quickly now.

Unable to finish the bird quilt, I moved on to the last project I brought.  I worked on it Thursday.  I'm tentatively calling this one Man Cave because of it's colors and because it's for Mr. Quilting Bug.  I already had the fabric cut and organized for the blocks, so it was another one that went together quickly.  The quilt finishes at 65"x73".  Here's hoping it's not another year before I get it quilted!

Man Cave

So that's it for my very productive quilting retreat.  If I went on a few more of these a year, just think of how many UFO's I could knock out!

Until later...

Therefore, accept each other in the same way that Christ accepted you. He did this to bring glory to God. 

Romans 15:7 (GW)

This, that and the other...

I've been working on a few other things lately - in between charity quilts and the CQ block.  I managed to finish the final blocks for LeeAnn's Twisted Rope quilt.  There are 81 of these Twisted Rope blocks in it.

81 Twisted Rope blocks

Now I'm ready to start putting it all together.  I've also finished stitching two of the blocks for the Winter Wonderland quilt by Crabapple Hill.  My mom is working on hers at the same time but in a different colorway.  I'm stitching mine on different flannel backgrounds.

Block 1 - Winter Wonderland

Block 2 - Winter Wonderland

Do you ever consider how long a simple stitchery like this takes to make?  I've not given it much thought.  Handwork is just something I work on at night while watching tv.  But one day last week, I had to spend most of the day getting our car serviced and I just happened to bring a new block to work on.  So I knew that it took me 3 hours to get this much done...

Block 3 - Winter Wonderland (in progress)

Hmm.  I would have thought I'd be further along after that much time.  But I suppose it doesn't matter.  I enjoy working on them and I'm one of those people who has trouble with idle hands.  If I'm not working on this, I'll just be doing something else (like the CQ block or the Ladies of the Sea or Baltimore Halloween or Baltimore Christmas or Camelot Snowmen).  

I just wondered if anyone else had ever figured out how long it takes them to do something like this.  Perhaps I'm just slow?

Here's a rather cute picture of Gabriel from yesterday's ball playing time.  Please excuse the dead plants.  A green thumb is not one of my gifts from God.

Gabriel and the ball

Until later...

Those who know Your name will trust in You; for You, LORD,
have never forsaken those who seek You.Psalm 9:10

Twisted Rope progress...

Note: All of my blog posts this week were written in advance.  I'm currently at a quilt retreat at the beach working on charity quilts.

I haven't blogged about this quilt since May (I think).  It's a quilt I'm making for my good friend LeeAnn and it'll be king-sized when all is said and done.  I'm calling the quilt Twisted Rope because that's the name of one of the main blocks in it.  Here's the picture from EQ7 with the fabrics she's chosen...

Twisted Rope from EQ7

As part of my math obsession, I figured out that there are 931 pieces in it and 181 Snowball and Twisted Rope blocks.  To date, I have everything cut out including borders and setting triangles.  I've also finished piecing all 100 6" snowball blocks.

100 Snowball blocks

I'm bringing the pieces for the 81 Twisted Rope blocks with me and hope to make some progress on them as well.  It's not a hard block but does require partial seaming.  I'm really hoping to have this quilt top completed within the next 2 weeks, but God may have other plans.  We'll just have to see.

Until later...

The Lord has hidden himself from his people, but I trust him and place my hope in him. 

Isaiah 8:17

Twisted Rope...

Someone asked what the pattern is for Twisted Rope - the king-sized quilt I'm making for my friend LeeAnn.

112" x 112"

The quilt looks much more complicated than it is.  There are really only 2 different types of blocks in it - the snowball block and the twisted rope block.

Snowball block

Twisted Rope block

The blocks are alternated to form the lattice look.  All of the twisted rope blocks are made the same - there are 81 I think.  And the snowball blocks vary just slightly.  Half of them have green corners and the other half have blue.  There are 100 of these blocks.

This is a picture of just a few of the blocks together so it's easier to see how they interconnect.  There are a lot of blocks to make, but each one is easy to piece so I expect it to go together fairly quickly.  Quilting it will really be the time consuming part of this quilt.  But I still don't have the fabrics back from LeeAnn, so I'll just work on other things until then...

Until later...

"He takes pleasure in those who honor him, in those who trust in his constant love" 

Psalm 147:11 (TEV)