Unexpected Joys

Some things (maybe most things) don't happen as a person would expect.  Life has a way of springing surprises.  

I've started this blog update several times. And every start sounded so cryptic because the story is not mine alone so I'm cautious about revealing too much.

What I will say is something wonderful is working in my life, guiding me in a particular direction, and it's unexpected.

It's similar to that happy bubble deep inside growing and growing. The warmth of it radiating outward and overflowing.... however, it's not euphoric, it's contentment, a feeling of peace and all's well 😊.

So besides the afore mentioned, there's also quilting!!  I can talk all I want about quilting 🤗...

Of course, when a quilting experiment is a success, and a purpose presents itself (a recipient) before the item is completed (giving a reason for a speedy completion).... What's not to feel good about?!!  Let me tell you about it.

I love making Scrappy quilts!!

I love quilt books with ideas on how to make scrappy quilts!

front cover

back cover

I needed a quick project to take to my Monday long-arm session.  The Original Ticker Tape quilt on page 138 of Sunday Morning Quilts book by Amanda Jean Nyberg and Cheryl Arkison was perfect!

I picked out a piece of fabric for the top, another one for the back, a left over piece of batting, and one of my shoe boxes full of scraps.

The book instructions are for using a domestic machine.  However, with only slight modification, i figured it would probably be even easier on the long arm machine.

And so this was my experiment! Not bad at all 😄...

Basically, it's applying the scrap pieces onto the quilt as you're doing the actual quilting.

I used a high loft polyester batting.  I wasn't sure how well that was going to work up with this technique.

I think it turned out pretty well. And by the time I got to attaching the binding, I knew exactly who this quilt belonged to.  My newest grand-nephew, whom I have not met in person yet, has managed to snuggle his way into my 💓.

These pics are to show what you can expect with the first washing.  Because it's raw edge applique there's a bit of lint and fraying.

That's the charm of raw edge!! It's a fuzzy, comfy, worn-in, raggedy effect! Simply trim off any strings that are hanging on and throw the quilt back into the washer and dryer one more time. Trim strings again if needed, then it's ready to be used.

Ok, Little guy who has stolen my heart with just photos over the internet. This one is for you!!

And I liked this new technique well enough that I've started another Ticket Taper quilt!!

Finished quilts

Unexpected Joys

finished Nov. 9, 2017

"It's Pointless to resist"

Finished Sept 2017

"Beholder's Beauty"

Finished Oct 18, 2016

Finished summer 2016

Machine quilted at Luane's in WA. I finished the binding and gifted this quilt to my Aunt Maria.

Feel the Force!!

My son is my biggest fan.  He brags about my works to anyone that will listen.  He also encourages me to branch out and push myself.  This time he convinced me to accept a commission....  a quilt for a toddler with a Star Wars theme.

I was just piecing this calico and turquoise quilt top using the Quick Curve Ruler.  I am so fascinated how easy it is to piece these gentle curves.  I wanted to continue and experiment more with the technique...

I fussy cut some of the Star Wars prints...

And decided this quilt needed a center medallion.  I drafted a 20" Empire's emblem to applique.

At this point, I still didn't have much of a plan.  But I had enough pieces to lay out.

I love when a plan starts falling together!!

.... And then my son mentions that the emblem looks odd. That it would look better if the red wasn't popping out from the black background...🙄

So I re-made the center medallion using reverse applique.... And I'll admit he was totally right!

Lol, can you tell the difference?? 😜

Here, I'm so close to a finished quilt top. There's been lot of lessons learned! The Quick Curve technique does not necessarily lend itself to precise stitching.  (In the calico and turquoise top, blocks are made oversized then trimmed to correct size.)  I don't doubt that it can be perfected, but it's going to take more figuring and more accurate ruler work.  Still, I'm pleased.

I was quite happy to get to the quilting stage. Since this is intended to be a toddler quilt and will hopefully get lots of love, it's going to need a good amount of quilting. So the top is first quilted with a muslin backing because it's going to get covered any way. 

Next the soft Minky fabric is attached with a minimal amount of quilting, just enough to prevent stretch and minimize stress on the binding stitches.

Minky makes the quilt feel luxurious!

Completed in time to be displayed at the Old Man River quilt show.  Lol, I put a $500 sale price on it, simply because I haven't seen many StarWars quilts AND because I can nearly guarantee there will NEVER be another quilt like this one.

Thank goodness there weren't any offers, because....

I sold it as commissioned for $170.

And no matter which side of the Force you prefer,
Whether your Rebel at heart or lean to the Dark Side,

Seeing how happy this little guy is with his quilt makes me all warm and fuzzy!!! 😄💕