Strip It Down

I've been gone a lot lately for classes and know enough about myself to recognize that when I returned home I really need to sit at my sewing machine, fondle some fabric, and produce a quilt. This travel time was no different!

Before I left, I got out my Strip It Down pattern by Stephanie Palmer for Quilt Theory, pulled fabric, and was all set to work on it at a moment's notice.

I got home, spent time catching up with Jack, and then headed to the sewing room. Here's what I created. I adjusted the pattern a bit to accommodate the Quilt of Valor size needed, and I like how it looks. All of these fabrics are from the American Honor line by Blank Quilting.

Here's Stephanie's original quilt. I love the simplicity and boldness of these fabrics. I'm going to pull some fat quarters and make this again using some really fun fabrics. 

Oh gee! Did I forget to mention that this quilt is fat quarter friendly? Six fat quarters plus background (grey) and accent fabric (white) is all that's needed to make this 48" x 60" quilt. Love it!! 

Stay posted because I'm going to traveling again over the next few weeks for classes and this project is just what I'll need to spend some quality time with my sewing machine when I return home.

Design Wall Monday

I've been away from home so my quilting time has been greatly limited. I do however, have a few quilts on which I'm working. I've got to finish a couple more Quilts of Valor before the presentation November 10, so that's what I've been trying to get done.

Here's a modified Trip Around the World. I'm auditioning borders that will be added to the top and bottom only so I can have it the correct size.

I generally do not make two of the same quilts that will be presented on the same day. I really want to be sure that each recipient gets something unique. With that being said, we will be presenting 12 quilt this year and I knew that my schedule would make it challenging for me to get all the quilts made. So, I decided to make two disappearing nine patches because I know from experience how different they can look based on fabric choices and turning of the blocks. 

Here's one that is ready the have the blocks sewn together. I used a variety of blues in this quilt, including some left overs that I had from the American Honor challenge. 

This one is ready for quilting. The layout is identical to the quilt above. I simply swapped the light and blue fabrics. What do you think? Do you agree with me that they look different enough to present on the same day?  

What are you working on today?

Check out the quilting eye candy at

Judy's Small Quilts and Doll Quilts 

and 

Beth's Monday Making

Design Wall Monday

I have finally gotten the backing fabric for the table runner and placemats that I was working on last week and will hopefully get to quilting them tomorrow night. In the mean time, I've got these three wall hangings on the design wall.

The pattern is Faith Hope Love by J. Michelle Watts. Instructions are provided for making this as one single wall hanging or three separates ones. As you can see, I prefer the three separate ones. This is the fourth set I've made and I have one more set to make. Here is the second set I made back in March.

I need to applique the pieces down and then do the quilting and binding. It really shouldn't take long, as they are all pretty small and I just free motion quilt them. My goal is to have the first set complete tonight. 

It seems appropriate on which to be working today, considering the horrific events in Las Vegas last night. I am so saddened by this, and wonder when it will end. I'm struggling with wrapping my brain around what's happened and what may happen next.

I want to retreat into my own world of happiness and peace. I want to block out events like this, along with hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. I know that I can't turn a blind eye to these events, but I really want to.

I need to step back and evaluate how I can help. I know I can't stop the natural disasters or the actions of other people. Instead, perhaps I can help in the aftermath of these event. I've got a bunch of pillowcases ready to send out to Sarah over at Confessions of a Fabric Addict, and I'm already somewhat involved in helping Scott Fortunoff, President of A.E. Nathan Co., Blank Quilting, StudioE, and Vice-President of Henry Glass Fabric give away free sewing machines. (I have a bunch of used machines that are being given away.) If you haven't heard about this, check out his original blog post HERE.

Scott's blog today says he has more machines to give away; so take a minute, think about who could benefit from this, and send Scott an e-mail.

What are you working on today?

Check out the eye candy at

Judy's Small Quilts and Doll Quilts

and

Beth's Monday Making