Sweet Dreams :: Woven Stripes

How can it always be that I have a stack of quilts that need quilting?!  They stack up so fast!  I guess when you are on a stash busting mission there are bound to be a backlog every once in a while.  

My woven stripes stash was bound to get the 'busting' treatment...it was only a matter of time.  'Stash Busting Woven Stripes' I shared my design idea and how I tackled the blocks as well as how I prep the thin woven fabric to maintain its shape.  At that time I had all the blocks, sashing and setting blocks pieced together.  But I wasn't quite done yet!

WOVEN STRIPES
47" X 62"

At the time I was hesitant to say I wanted to add a border to finish it off.  It doesn't matter how much prep work you do to wovens, they are still going to distort!  Starch is great, but wovens have a mind of their own.  I added a 3 1/2" border using Kona Chocolate and by the time I finished I could see how wonky and wavy it was going to be.  But I stuck to my guns and decided to pin it anyway.  If after quilting it was still awful, I was fully prepared to cut it off and chalk it up to a lesson learned.



Somewhere along the way the quilting gods shined upon me and the border ended up being a non issue.  Don't ask me how or why...I was just thankful it happened!  

  

I always have a moment of panic when it's time to quilt woven fabric.  The stretch is real and I never want puckers!  It didn't happen!  Whew!  All that worry for nothing!

The backing is Kona Pickle which I love so much!  A few extra blocks placed and pieced and it was ready for quilting!  But how should I quilt it?! 



I stitched in the ditch around the blocks and sashing to start with.  Then decided it would be best to quilt each block with straight lines.  Although you can't tell from the photos, I used 
8 -10 different thread colors throughout the blocks.  The lines are all random which seems to fit with the fabric and design.  The saving grace was the border quilting.  I quilted 1/2" lines that seemed to anchor the border and take care of any wonkiness much to my surprise.  
  


I had planned on using the same brown for the binding, but after the 3 1/2" border I didn't have enough.  The next best thing I could come up with was using more woven stripes, and I just happened to have a big piece that would work perfectly! 



Washed and dried!  And DONE!  There's something about these stripes and chocolate brown together that scream comfy, cozy warmth!  It's a good combination!  I could see myself in front of a blazing hot fire wrapped in this quilt! 

   LINKING:

OH SCRAP! ● MAIN CRUSH MONDAY ●  MONDAY MAKING 
MIDWEEK MAKERS ● NEEDLE & THREAD 

PEACOCK PARTY  ● TGIFF ● WHOOP WHOOP FRIDAY

BRAG ABOUT YOUR BEAUTIES ● FINISHED OR NOT FRIDAY

Ruffled Feathers

Another installment of aimlessly wandering through my quilting adventures!  I'm semi focused on quilting these days.  Mostly by making things that I've made in the past that I've wanted to make again, yet time didn't allow me to do so.  Now I have bits of time that I can use for those kind of projects.

Feathers.  I've always enjoyed making the Anna Maria Horner feather using woven stripes and thought it was a worth another visit.  You can get the free PDF pattern here:  Feather Bed Quilt.  I've made these feathers many times and really enjoy the simple process of piecing them together.  For my table runner I reduced the size from 9" x 18" to approximately 10" x 6".  That size varies depending on what I'm making with the feathers.

FEATHER RUNNER
15" X 49 1/2"

In this case, I made a runner!  Combining four feathers with chevrons made from Half Square Triangles.  The background I used for this runner is Kona Khaki.  I've always liked this neutral paired with the woven stripes.  The chevrons are made with Peppered Cottons.

  

I have a stack of woven stripe strips in various lengths that I used for my feathers.  It's a good way to use some scraps and make each feather unique.  The AMH feather pattern has you sew long strips together and then cutting the sides by flipping the template as you go.  If you are doing a large quilt, then this might be the best way to go.  I like each of my feathers to be different, so I generally make my sections large enough to be able to cut half of a feather from.



I'll use the same color stripe several times in each feather, except you won't see any repeat sides...I don't know if that makes sense!  



Before I started I had to make sure I had enough background fabric on hand for the front.  There is nothing worse than being just a tad bit too short, or having two dye lots of the same color yet they are just 'that much' off from each other!



With the front finished, it's also a good time to use some scraps for the back.



This Espresso brown has been hanging in my stash for years!  It wasn't big enough for much, but paired with a strip across the back of stripes...it works!  It does feel good to use what I have on hand.  

And so, you know how this story goes.  I was on a roll, my stripes were already out and strewn across my table, so I may as well make something else!  

FEATHER WALL HANGING
11 1/4" x 17 3/4"

A wall hanging was calling my name!  Gah!  I can't tell you how many times I've made a quilt and end up making one, two or three different things from the same fabrics.  It's something I cannot help.  I don't think it's a sickness, perhaps it's a desire to use every scrap so that I don't have to look at them for a while!



I just think the feathers are gorgeous!  





Of all the times I've made something 'feather', I've never used a black binding to finish it off!  After I did on this wall hanging, I wondered why I hadn't done it sooner.  I really like how it frames the piece!  Next time I revisit this pattern I'll be sure to keep that in mind for the binding!



Each feather was quilted in a different thread color and in between each feather I did a little match stick quilting.

If you think this is the end of those pesky stripe projects...you'd be wrong!  



One last...and I mean last...project was using some of the scraps that weren't long enough for a feather.  Pot Holders.  I made log cabin blocks to start with and pieced four together for each pot holder.  I know what you are thinking.  I think the same thing!  Overkill.  Over achiever.  Enough is enough.  Get a life!

What the next while has in store for me I can't say.  My daughter is moving home and it'll certainly change the every day dynamics of my life.  I'm staying positive!  I also know she hates living at home and loves her independence, which means she won't be here long!!  I'm just happy were able to help her out.  Hopefully I'll still be saying that after week one!!

LINKING:

OH SCRAP! ● MAIN CRUSH MONDAY ●  MONDAY MAKING ●  LINKY TUESDAY 
LETS BEE SOCIAL ● MIDWEEK MAKERS ● NEEDLE & THREAD 

PEACOCK PARTY  ● TGIFF 

BRAG ABOUT YOUR BEAUTIES ● FINISHED OR NOT FRIDAY

Woven Stripe Runner Test

Every once in a while I need to stop everything and test out an idea.  What better way than with a table runner?  If you don't know if a new design will work out as you hope, making something small is a good way to test ideas.  It takes less time than making a large quilt, and gives you some creative time to play!

MODERN STRIPES
14" X 46"

In this case I feel like my time was well spent!  My design came through just as I had hoped and planned.

I choose to use woven stripes for no other reason than I'm trying to work through my stash.  The background is where I was focusing on the most.  I wanted to create more interest but not in an over the top way.    



I used two neutrals, Putty and Tan for the dual effect.  I like the subtle difference between the two shades, and especially like how they work together to create motion.  It isn't mind blowing, but I think is effective!



I've got some other ideas that doesn't involve woven stripes!  I love the colors in each stripe, but if you've worked with woven fabric you know there is almost always a slight distortion that happens when quilting.  I use starch every time I venture into the world of woven fabric.  It helps but it isn't a cure all!



I kept the quilting simple by adding 1/2" lines in the stripes and three rows of 1/4" lines in the center of the neutral fabric.  



All in all, it was a fun distraction!  I'm anxious to try some other ideas and designs along these lines.  There may be a quilt in the future or another runner at the very least!

I also want to remind everyone that it's time for 'MAD FOR SOLIDS', the March Madness extravaganza!

Voting Starts March 18 - 25 

Eight designers have curated fat quarter bundles featuring Painter's Palette Solids.  Each day two bundles will go head to head and the one with the most fan votes advances to the next round.  

You can vote each day for your favorite on Instagram, Facebook or Inspired by Fabrics blog (one vote per site per day), and at the end of the tournament...four lucky people will win a bundle of the winning palette!

I've been lucky enough to participate as one of the curated designers for a few years and it's always a challenge, yet so much fun coming up with a special combination!  Hopefully you'll like what you see...and perhaps throw a vote my way!

Here are the eight designers:

HollyAnne Knight @stringandstory Jayne Willis @twiggyandopal Sheri Cifaldi-Morrill @wholecirclestudio Nicole Daksiewicz @modernhandcraft Annabel Wrigley @littlepincushionstudio Emily Jane @homemadeemilyjane Tania Denyer @iamgingerq Teresa Silva @quiltingismybliss

LINKING:

OH SCRAP! ● MAIN CRUSH MONDAY ●  MONDAY MAKING ●  LINKY TUESDAY 
LETS BEE SOCIAL ● MIDWEEK MAKERS ● NEEDLE & THREAD 

PEACOCK PARTY  ● TGIFF 

BRAG ABOUT YOUR BEAUTIES ● FINISHED OR NOT FRIDAY

Finishing 2016 With Stripes

I think, it's possible, maybe?!  Things get a little hectic this time of the year which make it considerably harder to start or finish a quilt.  I've wanted to barricade myself in my sewing room this past week, but duty calls!  Christmas had to come first...doggone it!  I'm half kidding!  

47"x 69"

This quilt is an attempt at trying something new with woven stripes and trying to deplete my stripe stash.  And through out the year I have accumulated large scraps of the background colors that needed a home.  It's amazing how dye lots of the same color can be so different! Aggravating, actually!  

So I took the random and scrappy approach with random and scrappy neutrals!  Now it looks like I totally planned it that way!

The stripe rectangles consist of 3 different widths (3", 2 1/2" and 2") that create the 'boxes'. With the short end pieces different lengths, the length of the boxes are different lengths...all in all...this is thrown together with little thought or concern.

What do I really like about this combination?  The stripes and background combination feel very comfortable and cozy.  Like an old pair of slippers or a favorite sweater.  It may not be a stunner, but it sure feels good! 

    
While weeding through the stripe bin, I came across a few unfinished feather blocks.  Two birds...one stone...I was in the zone!



I love this feather block!  I used this free pattern from Anna Maria Horner ~ Feathers Bed Quilt. And what could be better than some good old dense straight line quilting?!

With this finished table runner my machine will be taken off the dining room table and replaced with a big holiday meal!

🎄Wishing you all the best Holiday Ever!  Happy Holidays!🎄

Cool and Comforting

Believe it or not, I finished a quilt (okay, not so hard to believe)!  What is hard to believe is that I free motion quilted much of it.  Maybe the design is simple, pretty basic and not mind blowing, but I actually did it!

Good old woven stripes!  It hung on my wall for a while and then lingered over the rail while I went about my business.  I looked at it on occasion, thinking 'I really need to finish this', but quickly moved on to other things.  I just wasn't ready to take it on.    

I'm a big fan of woven stripes.  All colors, all sizes, all the time!  I was drawn to this beautiful stack because of the colors.  Beautiful blue, aqua, green~along with violet, burgundy and purple.  Cool colors with just enough warmth sprinkled in.

The grey is one of my new favorite 'go to' colors.  Kona Shadow.  It's light, airy and works perfectly with so many colors.  I especially love it with these blues!  

63" x 87"

I went big with this one!  Which is one of the reasons I held off on quilting for so long.  It's hard to maneuver even on my machine.  By this time I knew I was going to FMQ this one. The prospect of that, the size and my limited experience with FMQ, it was easy to push it aside!

Backing & Binding Kona Breakers

Eventually the time came to 'you know' or get off the pot...I began ever so slowly.  Simple wiggly lines or fingers for the stripes.  (I said simple!)  The wiggles are not hard at all.  the tough part was twisting, turning, pulling and tugging the quilt along with me!

Once I finished free motion quilting the woven stripes, I had to decide what was best for the grey.  Had I more confidence, skill and patience with FMQ, I would have taken advantage of all that blank space.  Alas...I went with straight lines, with a meandering curve line from top to bottom.  

You know what I'm going to say next.  Everything looks better after a wash and dry!  At least in my mind!  

The little hiccups, inconsistent stitches...magically disappear!  I try not to be so hard on myself with my FMQ skills or lack of skills.  We are our worse critics!  I'll leave it at this:  I'm pleased, relieved and can't complain!

Sew Mama Sew will be holding their biannual Giveaway day on Wednesday, December 9th! I have a giveaway planned, so please stop back for all the details!

  

LINKING:

Sew Cute Tuesday

Let's Bee Social

Stray Blocks

We all have them.  We try to cut only what is needed.  We think we have calculated correctly every last piece.  Math.  I am not ashamed to say that math and me are like oil and water.  We just plain do not get along.  I've tried.  Many times I cut too much, or I buy too little or I get 3/4th's of the way through and realize what an idiot I was...and have to think of a solution before I can start piecing!  

It hasn't stopped me though!  You would think my 'Gozinta's' would be easier by now! (Boom!!! Dated myself!  For those who are not familiar...Beverly Hillbillies...Jethro math)

Not that it is a big deal having extra blocks, for they will never go to waste or cast aside. They become some thing, eventually!  I like the challenge. 

29 1/2" x 35"

I ended up will a nice stack of leftover Woven Stripe/Kona Shadow blocks.  Enough to make a handsome little baby quilt.  

Uncomplicated. Full of juicy colors! 

I thought I would try a different approach to quilting this time.  I loaded up a pretty teal thread and began free motion quilting some 'squiggles' (fingers) on each set of stripes. Because this was a small workable size quilt, I was able to achieve the desired effect!

While 'Baby Woven' is finished, I still have 'Mama Woven' draped over the rail waiting on its finishing touch!  I think I may try FMQ on it if I can get over the fear!  I've never free motion quilted anything that big before!  

For now, I will revel in this little package!  Take in the colors and crinkle!

Math.  It will always be my Achilles Heel!  It won't stop me from trying to calculate correctly when needed!  They end up becoming something, a new design I may have otherwise never thought of!

Do you have a tip or trick when trying to calculate correctly?  

LINKING:

Sew Cute Tuesday

Let's Bee Social  

Fall Flavor

Fall is in the air ~ everywhere!  Along with the leaves changing to brilliant orange, red and yellow, the weather is rapidly changing as well.  Crisp mornings and chilly evenings.  Around here it has been one big rain-fest for days!  One big soggy mushy mess! 

That being said, I wanted to take a photo of this quilt among the quickly changing trees.  I can picture it nestled over a branch and surrounded my fall foliage, but mother nature is not going to allow that anytime soon!

I'm back to my Kaffe Fassett woven stripes!  This time I will finally use the newest of new colors.

With the older woven stripes I seemed to always go with Kona Khaki or a Chocolate brown. These new colors screamed for something more.  Something different.

I thought about it for a second and knew that Kona Storm would be the chosen one.  It's a beautiful deep, dark and rich color and it paired well with the autumn colors of the stripes.

Some of you may recognize this pattern, 'My Guy', which I've used it in several quilts before. I saw it years ago in an issue of American Patchwork & Quilting (June 2009) and it immediately drew me in.  It makes a wonderful masculine quilt and is perfect with woven stripes.  I use the pattern for reference only.  I like to make the blocks bigger or mix sizes.

Plus...it goes together fast!  Who doesn't love a quick quilt?!  

For the quilting I went with straight lines and waves.  Nothing fancy, but it works for this quilt and for me!

I tried to get a good picture of the entire quilt with not much success!  I'm telling you...the weather is not helping at all!

45" x 64 1/2"
Kaffe Fassett Woven Stripes
Kona Storm

Because I had the stripes out...I decided to delve into the 'COOL' side of things!  This one will be much larger.  I'm using Kona Shadow for the background, I've changed the size of the blocks (again) and I'm using two different widths.

When a design/pattern works for me I seem to go back to it time and again.  And, if I'm looking for a 'quicky'...you can bet this one is at the top of the list!  

I'm pretty sure I'm not alone in this kind of thinking!  Do you have a 'Go To' design?  The perfect 'Quick Quilt' you like to make?

LINKING:

Let's Bee Social

WIP Wednesday

  Needle & Thread
Fabric Frenzy Friday
Crazy Mom Quilts