Improv til it's Done!

Well, at least I have started, right? This completely  improved quilt will need to be finished, quilted, bound and in a quilt show next month! I can do it....oh yeah...but we are first going to vacation in the Northwest...and there's that work thing...and the family  gathering and baby shower at my house...and did can't forget about the OTHER quilt for the quilt show! (Need to finish quilting and binding).
   So there it is.
  I have successfully procrastinated.
I still think I can get all this done...and more. I sew fast.
Back to Improv. I really love the intentional allowing of the fabric to guide me to its proper place in the quilt. Sometimes, I will stitch a section, then the fabric just doesn't belong there...and with a quick swipe of the rotary cutter or scissors, it takes on its intended design. It is a fun and relaxing (to me) process.
I hope each quilter would allow themselves the freedom and creativity found in improv quilting.

Improv Invasion

So....this happened.  I decided I needed to quit hoarding all my Cotton & Steel fabrics. I started with making a bunch of 4 1/2" hst - without a plan.  Then, pulled several other C&S fabrics, (I have managed to hoard A LOT of it). Then an Amy Butler jumped out and wanted to join the party. The hst panel was made first, then random pieces put together until it worked...and when some strips were too long- easy, just chopped them right off!

  This quilt measures about 65"x70" at this point. Once I am able to quilt it, I will have to measure it again. The plan for this quilt is to hang it on the lonely, empty wall where my mid-arm is located. 

 With the holidays sneaking up on us, I have some deadlines looming, but first...a visit to the orthopedic surgeon to see what is wrong with my shoulder...and what can be done about it. All quilty plans on hold until the Dr. gives the OK.

Make some quilty goodness!

Julie

Binding Quilts

cute little mug rug I made for a swap

I love to hand sew binding. Weird?  I know it is the part of quilting that a lot of people dread.  But, to me, hand binding a quilt is relaxing. The quilt is nearly done, and now you get to sit down, relax, and put those last stitches in to complete your quilt - how could this be anything but relaxing?  It's not my favorite part of quilting...but it is up in the top 5. 

 I've machine-sewed binding only a few times. I am not good at it, and it doesn't give me that happy feeling. As far as machine-binding goes, I definitely think gluing is the way to go. It still requires some patience to get everything stitched in the right place.

  I just finished binding a quilt that will be a Christmas surprise. Ready for the next one!

Quilt On!

Julie