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I am off to a quick start with all of my finish-a-long projects for this quarter! Do you have any of those projects that can only be described as 'a long time in the making'? My flying geese quilt that I have dubbed 'the flock' is the very first full size quilt top I completed [it's a queen size], and probably one of the first big sewing projects I worked on. As I look through my stash I am reminded about my 'urgency' when it comes to buying things, especially fabric. I found this pattern in a quilt magazine in 2001, determined to make it, I bought all the fabric necessary along with ample fabric for pillows, pillowcases, even enough green solid to make a flat sheet. How ambitious, yes the quilt is FINALLY finished, but the pillow and bedding fabric remains folded or on bolts :)
This was before my 'modern' phase, so the colors are a little darker and distressed. It was also before I really knew what I was doing, so there are quite a few squished beaks on the geese.
LABELS: If you don't do this, you need to! I have quilts that my grandma and great grandma made - I think. There is no label, no information, no remembrance of when or for who. It is kind of sad to know that every quilt has a story, but it can't be known or told. This is a little big, but I like it all the same :) I used printable fabric; for more ideas on labels, check out this post.
Robyn Pandolph [who still designs, though not for Moda] designed this grouping called Morning Glory. The line included prints and homespuns [woven plaids] - which makes for an awesome assortment of textures. Still creating wonderful floral prints, you can pick up some of her newer RJR fabrics over at the fat quarter shop.
Quilt Started: 2001 / Binding Finished: 2012
Only 11 years to finish - do you have any projects that have been hanging around your craft area that long [that you're willing to admit]?
Many moons ago, in a place not so far away was a land of dolphins, and seals, and penguins, and killer whales. Amongst the plethora of now-defunct businesses in Ohio lies Sea World Aurora. One of my fondest childhood memories is an elementary field trip to Sea World that my mom and grandma came along to chaperon. From that trip I have 1) memories and 2) a Shamu made from really stinky plastic. One of the attractions I remember was pearl diving - divers are in a giant clear tank and you watch them swim to the bottom and emerge with a pearl. And that, my friends, was the catalyst in the naming process for my latest quilt finish: diving for diamonds.
This is my first 'on-point' quilt. It was really not all that complicated, I just needed to do some math and figuring before I started out - and thank goodness for a design wall to help me lay it all out before sewing! On-point just helps a quilt to shine, next time you are over on flickr take a look at how many quilts are posed in close-up pictures to look as though they are on point. Point envy, perhaps :)
A confession: I accidentally bought backing fabric twice, so the quilt got a border and a considerable boost in size. I am CONSIDERING quilting this myself [eek, I'm scared!] A few more practices with my darning foot, and I think I might be ready! My quilting templates are already drawn up for the borders :)
Want to know a little more about what happened to Sea World Ohio? There are details here and here.
There are a few creatures that I have been working on. The first is a model for work, showing off some of the new Max and Whiskers by Basic Grey for Moda. I was inspired by the scotties Denyse Schmidt posted. Since I was using a charm pack, I used 2 1/2" squares and a 2 1/2" strip. I think he turned out well. For a brief stint I was obsessed with organza flowers. I made 4 of them for headbands, pins, and barrettes - they really jazz up an outfit. My singed fingers need a break though [to finish the edges, I melted them with a lighter].
I will leave you with a sneak peak of a little mousie project that I am working on for a friend's wedding. Can't wait to show them to you all finished!
I am kinda hooked on swaps - it is so exciting to send off a special gift to someone that you've never met. [and then to wait for the mailman to come each day :] I like researching; checking out their blog and flickr photostream - finding out what they gravitate towards. The ORBC quilting group is in the middle of a May swap, and here is what I sent off to parts unknown:
I really enjoy re-purposing vintage items. I used a raw edge applique technique to bring this tea towel back to life.
I also sent along a set of six Hunky Dory prints by Moda. Hope she enjoys :]
So, here it is - the finished wonky log cabin; reveling in all of its glory. I must say I am a bit impressed with myself; this is the most expedient quilt project I have ever worked on! I really do love it! I finished coordinating pillowcases this weekend and plan to take on a couple of other pillow projects to complete the bedding. (namely the anthropologie pillow with the giant applique mum) 
The next step is to have it quilted. I live to piece and hate to quilt, I am simply not patient enough. My thoughts are to have the center done with a diagonal grid and the outside border with a smaller diagonal grid. Should be simple enough; now to find a talented quilter who fits into the budget!
It's DONE! My wonky log cabin quilt top is finito! I am so excited to actually be finished before the next round of the quilt along begins (circles this time - you should join us!) I realize that I am not as speedy as some of my fellow cohorts who have their quilts finished, like completely finished, quilted and on the bed already - but I am thrilled to turn my attention to pillowcases :) Pictures to be posted soon - d a r n rain REALLY puts a 'damper' (haha) on outdoor photos.
Also - what joy is mine as I am the proud new owner of the brand-new-unreleased charm pack of Moda's newest line Blush. (yea for connected m-i-ls) I was going crazy reading everyone's blogs about quilt market whilst I am stuck in Ohio dreaming. I thought I would include a photo so you can dream a little about what you might make when you get some of this lovely line for yourself.
