Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Three WIPs

I have been sick since Sunday (sniffle, cough), and tomorrow I’m supposed to leave for a conference in Bend (in Central Oregon) till Saturday night. Bend is near the quaint little town of Sisters, home to Jean Wells and The Stitchin' Post.  I have decided that if I survive the drive (about 3-1/2 hours) and a board meeting Thursday night, I will live. And maybe, just maybe, I'll have time to run over to Sisters.  In the meantime, here are three WIPs in various stages:

Block 1 of the Sue Ross BOM


So far, so good.  Feeling pretty clever.



Feeling like a genius!  Super quilter!  


Now, to combine the inner ring with the outer ring.  Pin, pin, pin.....


  Sew, sew, sew....
Feeling in awe of my own brilliance, and the fact that it actually works!


Inner and outer rings together at last!
Yes, the light colored triangles are a little puckery, but the block lies flat and I think it will "quilt out."  It's not perfect, but I'm glowing with happiness over it.


And there's nothing like a little self-congratulatory margarita on the rocks with salt to help you live with the imperfections.  I still need to appliqué a circle into the center and then appliqué the whole block onto the background.  It's really an incredible looking block!



So, while I was still basking in the glow of my success, I decided to start block 2, and immediately got into GREAT difficulty!  From the thrill of victory to the agony of defeat (anyone remember that phrase -- it dates me).  
I have set block 2 aside for now.  I can whine about that later.


The next WIP is this Kaffe Fassett Red Columns Quilt from Westminster Patchwork and Quilting Book Number 2 (Westminster, 2000).  I really wish that I was a better photographer, because the stunning thing about this quilt is the rich, vibrant colors that I just couldn't seem to capture.  The quilt top is completed, I just have to decide on a back and a binding.









The wonky long cabin top is ALMOST finished.  I want to add about two more inches of white all the way around (I ran out of Moda Bella), perhaps a back pieced with large pieces of some of the Amy Butler fabrics, and then a pieced binding.







I made two other blocks with the strings from this quilt, just to play around a bit.  I think I will incorporate them into the backing.  Although, they would also make nice pillows...


Wonky quarter log cabin block.

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String block.  Sometime soon I am going to make a string quilt.



Oh, and Tobey (of recent improvisational block fame) admits that she is getting a big head from all the nice comments.  I, too, appreciate the lovely comments, both on the blog and those emailed to me.  I so enjoy hearing from everyone and love responding when I know your email address.  It’s so much more fun to have a conversation than write a monologue.






With wishes, true and kind -- Joan

13 comments:

  1. wow your quilts (wips) are all so wonderful...so colorful and vibrant (first 2) and then dreamy ... what a great bed quilt the Amy Butler will make.

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  2. Oh Joan, knock me in the eye with colour!!! I love your sue ross bom block, stunning and yes I think any wobbles will quilt out, mine have a few too! What happened with block 2? And as for your Kaffe Red Columns...what can I say? I love it. Oh Wow, what a quilt. So vibrant, so colourful, so beautiful. Fabulous job. (can you tell I like it?)! Your wonky cabin top is looking great too. You know, I think I am liking Amy's newer fabrics especially seeing them here with some of her older line. I have just ordered some of her love fabrics, can't wait. Sorry about the really long comment! xo

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  3. A-W-E-S-O-M-E!!! Your WIP's and COLORS are fab-YOU-lous!!! : )

    I hope you feel better SOON! Sisters...I'm SURE you can eek out some time and feel well enough for a visit! ; ) Fabric shopping cures many ailments!

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  4. They all is so fantastic - My English do's not have the word I want to use to describe thes WIPs...... I hope that your cold woud be so nice that it's disappear soon :o)

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  5. Wow, I can´t decide what I like more, the kaffe fassett quilt or the log cabin. Both are beautiful! And I´m looking forward to your progress with the first one. I love this block, too!

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  6. I THOUGHT YOU SAID YOU'D BEEN SICK?!?! Not by the looks of all these lovely projects! ;-) Really LOVE your Kaffe columns quilt! SOme of my favorite fabrics in there. THe wonky log cabins are a breath of fresh air! And that Tobey is a natural! Feel better, have a safe trip!!

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  7. Wow, you should be so proud of that round block! It really is stunning! I am so impressed, and would have been so intimidated to tackle that. I think your Kaffe quilt really radiates in the picture taken outside. And yet another project with those wonky log cabins? Your productivity is very impressive, even with being sick. I know what you mean about string quilts - I've been dying to make one lately too! Have a safe trip!

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  8. Love those quilts and block! My favorite is the Wonky log cabin. Love Amy Butler!!! Sorry you are feeling unwell, but thankful that I couldn't have given it to you via internet!!! Hope you are well soon!

    Blessings,

    KT

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  9. oh I love your block, I am still sorry I didn't order that bom!
    I could see a whole quilt made from this block.
    oh your kaffe quilt, beautiful...
    love the colors...
    you really have a few great wip here!
    have fun working on them and I sure hope you feel better soon
    Kathie

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  10. Holey Schnikes! You blew me away with the color and craftiness of your BOM! I need to just hang up the sewing and call it a day...yours is so awesome! All the color and such cool blocks. I bow to your superior piecing and quilting! LOL Fabulous.

    Feel better soon. Virtual chocolate, chicken noodle soup, Merry Maids and personal assistant to help you be on the mend!

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  11. wow! where to start?! They are all excellent!

    I really love your wonky log cabin - now that I'm feeling a bit better (hope you are too) maybe I can get back on those blocks!

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  12. Oh, my but you have been a busy girl! Loving the wonky cabins and the BOM...it (the Susan Ross BOM) looks a bit (no, really) intimidating, but I suppose if you approach it like eating an elephant...LOL

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  13. such fabulousity!

    you are a genius!


    feel better.... enjoy Bend!

    and you are right...a monologue can be pretty boring but i have found a lot of people read my blog...they just do not comment so its not really a monologue i guess.

    funny thing is i am on a lot of people's blogrolls...and they have never commented themselves!

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