IS FUNDRAISING JUST AN EXCUSE TO MAKE ANOTHER QUILT?

For the past two Novembers, I have joined my sister and one of her friends to form the Titular Titans, a team committed to participating in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure, a three-day walk in support of breast cancer awareness and research.  

In addition to training to walk 20 miles a day for three days in a row (yes, that's right), we set a goal of raising at least $10,000 among the three of us.  A hefty goal, to be sure, but also a particular challenge due to the economy and to a controversial decision made by the organizers back in February. To help encourage donations (or perhaps as an excuse to make another quilt). I decided to make a quilt to be given to one of our supporters after the walk.  
 
 
I didn't want to make the easy choice and make a quilt with pink ribbon fabric (although there's nothing wrong that choice).  I had developed a fondness for Valori Wells' Wrenly line, so a while ago, I purchased a jelly roll of various fabrics from that line.  It had been hanging around my stash for a while, so I decided this was a good use of the fabric.


I found yardage of some of the fabrics in the roll to use for the back, but since the line has been around for a while, the pickings were somewhat slim.  Luckily, there were a number of fabrics that worked well with the colors and pattern.

I wanted to keep the pattern fairly simple, since I had a number of other projects I was working on (isn't that always the case?) and I wanted to be sure that I could finish it before the walk in mid-November.  And as usual, I wanted to do it as quilt-as-you-go so that it would actually get finished!

I sorted the 42 strips and found that the various colors could be divided evenly into sets of three strips.  Since I don't have room for a permanent design wall, I bought a large flannel-backed tablecloth at the dollar store and sewed a few rings on one end.  Then I hung a few small clear Command hooks on the French doors between our foyer and living room.  Once the doors are closed, I can hang the tablecloth on the hooks (which aren't noticeable) and I have a temporary design wall that can accommodate a fairly good-sized quilt.

I assembled the strips into the color sets and then prepared the back.  After determining what I'd need for the back, I found that I'd have enough fabric to include a few solid blocks with the strips to kind of break the monotony of strips alone. 

I went back to the design wall and worked out how I could place the blocks.  Since I'd already sewn the strips into color-coded strips, I decided to cut the already assembled strips and insert a block in each row.  It's surprising how much easier it has gotten for me to cut my work, although I do still feel a little anxiety.

Once I had the blocks and strips sewn together, I positioned the batting on the back and started sewing each color strip to the batting and back (sorry, I don't have any photos of this step).  I knew this wasn't going to be enough quilting for the whole quilt, but it does help hold everything together for the rest of the quilting.





After everything was assembled, I went back and added linear quilting using a multicolored thread.  I like how it turned out.

Our cat got attached to it while I was sewing the binding, but since she didn't make a contribution, she wasn't eligible to win the quilt.

I finished it before the walk and we were able to draw the winner's name at the finish line.  I hope it helps keep her warm during the sometimes chilly Bay Area winters.

Here's the finished product, front and back.

Quilt front

Quilt back

And here we are at the finish line.  Only seven months before I start training for the next one, but I'll plan next fall's quilt a little earlier to avoid the rush (famous last words).

THE CAT IS OUT OF THE BAG

Shortly after I apparently fell into a giant black hole in July, the event I'd been waiting for finally arrived in mid-August. My niece and new nephew-in-law got married in a beautiful ceremony at a winery in Northern California. (Congrats from your Aunt Consuela, kids.) That means I can now reveal the (as yet unfinished) quilt I was working on all summer. (Read more about the quilt design here.)

Their wedding colors were red and yellow (roses and sunflowers), so I opted to go with black and white fabrics for the front, as well as a few fabrics with dashes of red or yellow, or in some cases, both red and yellow. 

For the back, I selected a total of six floral fabrics (sunflower-esque), three in red with black and white, and three in yellow with black and white. (I must say, it's easier to find red fabrics than yellow these days.)

 



I also found two cute fabrics (one red and one yellow) to use for the sashing on each block.  I chose to go with solid black for the sashing between blocks, because I really didn't need any more pattern going on with all the prints in the blocks. (Thanks to my City Quilter classmates for assisting with sashing fabric selection.)

As anticipated, I did not finish the quilt in time for the wedding (in fact, I'm still working on it), so I took two of the extra back squares and assembled two blocks as pot holders (also known as hot pads in my family). I'd never made them before, but I bought some Insul-Bright and found it surprisingly easy to work with. I did have to pin the blocks together while I was sewing the strips, because the batting and Insul-Bright together moved around quite a bit more than just the batting on its own.

I brought the finished portion of the quilt to the wedding to show the happy couple (no, not at the ceremony; at the brunch the next day). It was only 1/5 the length it will be when it's done, but I was pleased with how it looked and it gave them a good idea of what the pattern will be. The happy couple was pleased with what they saw, and they're unexpectedly happy to have hot pads that match their bedroom decor.

I have to admit that I've taken to working on it more sporadically, since I find my eyes need a break from black and white and red an yellow. I will finish it before their first anniversary, of that I'm sure.

QUILT PROGRESS UPDATE

So, I've been busy lately (who hasn't been?), and haven't been making as much progress on the mystery gift quilt as I'd like. That said, here are the current counts:

Back squares cut (of 90) - 96 (I'll find a use for the extras) 

Batting squares cut (of 90) - 88

______________________

Blocks pieced (of 90) - 45 

Blocks assembled (of 90) - 45

Blocks finished with sashing (of 90) - 41 

______________________ 

Rows of blocks assembled (of 10) - 1 

Rows of blocks finished (of 10) - 0 

______________________ 

Rows attached together (of 10) - 0 

Rows attached & finished (of 10) - 0 

______________________ 

Binding attached - 0 

Binding finished - 0

More hand sewing of the sashing on row 1 is on tap for the bi-weekly "quilt night" at my friend's apartment tonight. A group of quilters worked on a project together last year and enjoyed each other's company so much that a handful of us (whoever is available) get together every two weeks or so to work on whatever hand work we have to do -- quilting, embroidery, or whatever. We bring cheese, crackers, cookies, wine, or whatever strikes our fancy to share. There are always intriguing projects to see and our conversations run the gamut from challenges with kids and family, to travel tips, current events, recipes, and even quilt topics. Yet another instance of a nurturing quilting community. I love me some quilt night!

A POST ABOUT SOMETHING I CAN'T DISCUSS

I have once again been an irresponsible blogger. I am working on a quilt that is a gift, and am therefore unable to post any photos or too much information about it without risking the giftee seeing it. That means I haven't been able to blog about what's been taking up my time over the past few weeks.

So, I've decided to try a new tactic and talk about what I have to accomplish in the broadest possible terms, so that I can post my progress and hopefully feel some accountability to those of you who may be following.

The quilt I'm making is quilt-as-you-go, because I like seeing the quick progress on QAYG projects, and I have a history of actually finishing them, as opposed to the finished quilt tops languishing in my sewing room waiting to be paired with back and batting.

It's going to be a fairly large quilt, so I have to make a total 90 blocks--ten rows of nine blocks across. Each block is constructed of a random number of fabric strips sewed directly onto the back and batting. It's basically foundation piecing, not unlike what's described here, except that instead of just the square of fabric, you also have the square of batting. On this quilt, I've been starting from the middle (the longest strip from corner to corner), but it works starting from the corners as well. When I start from the corners, I sometimes forget to take into account that the next piece will need to be long enough not just to attach to the previous piece, but also long enough to span the width of the foundation.  Starting with the long strip in the middle, everything is shorter and I find I don't have as many errors in length.

I'm using strips varying in width from 1-1/4" to 2" to give the block some variety, and I'm using a number of different fabrics, all in the same color family.  When I'm done, a block looks something like this:

Of course, it also has colors and pattern from the fabrics, which I can't show here (sigh).

After the block is finished, I make a cut and flip part of the block so that the back of that part is now on the front, and the front of that part is now on the back. I can't show the cut I'm really making, of course, so let's pretend it's from corner to corner.

To reattach the two parts of the block, I cut sashing for both the front and back, and use my machine to attach it to both front and back of one of the block parts. Then, I sew the two parts of the block back together using a zigzag stitch. On previous quilts, I've hand stitched the other half of the sashing, but because this quilt will have so many blocks and so much sashing, a friend recommended that I use a decorative stitch on my fancy new Bernina to attach the other half of the sashing. After a bit of trauma with the bobbin thread breaking on me mid-sashing, I found a thread tension that works for the decorative stitch I like and it's saved me a lot of time. With the sashing, it looks something like this.

The block is now complete and ready to be attached to other blocks to make rows.  I use the same technique to assemble the blocks into rows. I cut sashing and assemble it to both sides of one block, then attach the two blocks using a zigzag. I'll use this technique to sew the rows to each other as well. I've decided to hand stitch the sashing between the blocks and the rows, so that's my hand stitching project for the summer! (Isn't it great to have a quilt draped across your lap in the hot, hot weather of July and August?)

So, I'm hoping that I haven't given too much away, should the giftee happen across this post, and I also hope that what I've shared isn't so vague that it's incomprehensible to someone who isn't familiar with this technique. In any case, here's the list of everything I need to complete on this quilt and my progress so far:

Back squares cut (of 90) - 96 (I'll find a use for the extras)

Batting squares cut (of 90) - 62

______________________

Blocks pieced (of 90) - 33

Blocks assembled (of 90) - 31

Blocks finished with sashing (of 90) - 29

______________________

Rows of blocks assembled (of 10) - 1

Rows of blocks finished (of 10) - 0

______________________

Rows attached together (of 10) - 0

Rows attached & finished (of 10) - 0

______________________

Binding attached - 0

Binding finished - 0

QUILTING CLASS COMMUNITY

I signed up for the Checks and Balances Quilt As You Go class at City Quilter this summer because I do love quilt as you go (it helps improve the odds that I'll actually finish what I start!) and Judy Doenias is one of my favorite teachers (she's also one of the teachers for City Quilter's ongoing Dear Jane class). It was a three-session class that ended last night, and although Judy and one of my quilting pals convinced me to do an entirely different pattern (Tipsy Strips, a variation on Drunkard's Path - see one of Judy's samples here), I paid enough attention to the Checks and Balances pattern to give it a try some time.  

I decided to make the quilt as a gift, so once again, I can't post any of my progress yet. But, I'd like to say a bit about the class experience. 

Historically, quilting has always been a community activity as well as a solo endeavor. A quilter might piece together a top alone, but would likely call upon friends and community members to help with the quilting. One of the things I like most about the quilting classes I take is the input and feedback from others in the class. Someone might ask a question that I hadn't thought of, or someone might offer an alternative method for cutting or assembling. And of course, there's the invaluable advice on which color to use for the border, or which of two green batiks best compliments a quilt without overwhelming it. Whether or not the advice is taken, I've found that quilters are happy to offer their thoughts and respect whatever choice is made.

In short, I really appreciate the community of the quilting class. Last night was a perfect example. One of the fabrics I chose for the back of my quilt is considerably brighter than the other fabrics. I'd originally made four blocks with each of the six backing fabrics (three each of two different colors) so that I could get an idea of how they would work together. When I laid out the blocks with like fabrics together, I found that the brighter fabric stood out, but not in a good way. After a lot of thought, I'd decided not to make any more blocks with that fabric and to find a fabric that blended better with the others. I like the fabric, so I was a little disappointed, but I knew I'd find a use for it some time down the road. Last night, I put all my blocks up on the design wall in the class room and started bringing in other fabrics to see what I could use in its place. Judy and the other students were very helpful in offering their thoughts on whether or not something worked.

I hadn't been able to find anything I liked and was feeling a little discouraged, when Judy said she really did like the bright fabric, and a few others agreed. I like it too, but it's just so much brighter than the other fabrics that it drew my eye right to it. Then I got an idea. What if I mixed the like colors together, instead of making a path with just one fabric at a time? I rearranged the blocks on the wall...and it worked. Everyone agreed that mixing the colors made the best arrangement. 

Done! No need to sideline the bright fabric. No need to buy new fabric. Time and money saved! Without the input from the others at the class (not to mention the spacious design wall), I likely would not have found the right combination and layout.

And that's not to say that the sole focus of the class was my layout. There was teaching, and sharing samples, and we also gave our input to another class member who was looking for just the right combination of batiks for her quilt. Very understated colors, but with a little pop of turquoise. How much more turquoise should she use? What would be too much? Everyone chipped in, but no one seemed offended if their suggestion wasn't chosen. 

People may wonder why I take so many classes and spend so much time shopping at quilt stores. Sure, I enjoy learning new techniques and patterns, but I think much of it has to do with the sense of community I feel. Where else will a perfect stranger ask you to help them make a decision on their purchase? I get very strange looks when I ask someone at a department store if something I've tried on looks good, but I've had numerous people ask my advice, or offer advice, on fabric combinations. 

And so I offer my thanks to teachers, classmates (I'll miss everyone from the Checks and Balances class and hope to see your finished quilts someday), store employees, and random shoppers for providing me with such a welcoming and supportive community. You all contribute to keeping me addicted to quilting!

BERNINA UPGRADE

In 1989, my mother offered to buy me a sewing machine, as she had done for my older sisters. We went to the sewing machine dealer and she gave me two options: 1) I could have a new Brand X machine (I honestly don't remember the brand) or 2) I could have a 1969 Bernina model 731.  The 731 was very similar to the model 530 my mom has had since she got married; the machine on which she taught me to sew. I don't remember pausing at all before telling her I wanted the Bernina. She paid $275 for it, which was a hefty sum for her back then, but it seems like a bargain to me now.

I've sewed on that machine ever since. I've used it to make skirts and dresses, curtains and pillows, quilts and quilt tops, and even a few improvised chair covers. It's a great machine, built like a tank and still going strong. But, it doesn't do many stitches and I'd starting getting a little envious of my friends' newer and more amply equipped machines. The question was, would I buy a different brand that might get me more features for less money, or would I spring for a newer Bernina that would probably cost more, but would likely last forever, just like my old machine? A dilemma.

So, when I heard that The City Quilter was upgrading its classroom machines to new 550QE models, and they'd be selling the old 440QEs, it got me thinking. They were having the machines completely refurbished and they would come with a new-machine warranty. Still, a Bernina is rarely cheap, and I while I considered the price fair, it was still a hefty sum.

After discussions with my husband (who is surprisingly supportive of my quilting habit) and my sister (who is always surprisingly wise for one so youthful), I decided that getting one of the used machines would be a good investment. Given how much I've been sewing in the past few years, I can only presume that the new machine will make that sewing easier and more enjoyable.

I stopped by the shop one day to pick up some thread and mentioned that I'd decided that I wanted one of the machines.  About a week earlier, they'd told me that the machines were out being serviced, so I was taken by surprise when they said they had one ready to send home with me.

Huh?!

Sure, I'd decided that I was going to get one, but hadn't planned on getting one that day. But, no sense in procrastinating, so I bought the machine, hailed a cab, and headed home. My husband was out of town, so I photographed the friend in the cab and texted it to him.

He was not entirely surprised.

So, my new machine is home now and I'm not disappointed. It's a little quieter than the 731, which means I can better hear my NPR shows as I sew, and I appreciate the highly specific stitch length options...not to mention the many stitches available!

Included in the purchase price was a three-hour "get to know your machine" guide class. Among other things, we learned how to use the needle threader (I'm still doing it the old-fashioned way), the walking foot, the Bernina Stitch Regulator, and (perhaps my favorite) the programmable memory.

I still need some practice with my free motion quilting...

...and I have to figure out a way to get the apostrophe to show up better...

...but I did make my first ever buttonholes. (I've always either opted for a zipper or had my mom make buttonholes for me.)

I also have to get used to the knee-operated free hand system for lifting the presser foot. I'm told it saves a lot of time. My problem is that the "gas pedal" for my mom's old Bernina is a knee control lever, instead of a foot control. (See item 19 below.)

Even though I haven't used her machine for many years, my muscle memory wants to use anything by my knee to control the speed of my sewing. It's going to take a while to retrain myself.

I have plenty to learn about all the ins and outs of the machine, but I'm very pleased with my purchase and look forward to years of happy quilting together.

LETTING GO...AND HOPING FOR THE BEST

So, I finished the lap quilt I was making for our friend who was moving to Pasadena and have been waiting to give it to her before posting the final product (read more about the quilt here and here). I'm really happy with the way the colors work together in a relatively simple pattern (Lake Shore Drive from Colorful Quilts for Fabric Lovers by Amy Walsh and Janine Burke). And the purple Kaffe Fassett Wood Ear on the back may be my new favorite fabric. It's so vibrant and friendly. Love it!

Betty's Purple Passion

Back of quilt

We took Betty out to dinner a few days before she left and gave her the quilt that night so she'd have time to include it in her packing. She's not one for grand displays of emotion, but my husband (who knows her far better than I do) said he could tell she likes it.

Betty has now made the move west and is settling into her new apartment. We hear that she's using the quilt to add color to her bedroom and carries it with her from room to room to help stay warm in the air conditioned environment. (She's not used to central air at home.)

My goal was to give Betty something that would remind her of her New York friends, and to help make her new home more comfortable. The quilt seems to have succeeded on both counts. I couldn't be more pleased.