I'm loving the new Kate Spain fabric

Hi Everyone! Saw Kate Spain's latest line of fabric, 'Terrain,' in my local quilt store a few weeks back and picked up a layer cake to play with.  I really hadn't planned on buying any new fabric, but you know how that goes....

I decided to cut each 10-inch block into strips of varying widths and make a string quilt.  It's a great change of pace from my Stoney Creek and I should have enough 6.5 inch blocks to make  a lap quilt when I'm done.

 Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

Floral fun table runner done

Hello Everyone!  So glad I can post this for Finish it up Friday and Thank Goodness it's Finished Friday - yoohoo!  I started this project in August and had loads of fun playing around with different flower layouts - it's just like making paper snowflakes...remember doing that as a kid?  Well, this is better, because you're using fabric instead!



I decided to try something different for me and didn't add binding to this project.  I sewed a zigzag stitch over the edge instead.




Here's a closeup of one of the blocks, before quilting.

  

I'll deconstruct it for you, so you can see how many layers there really are per flower.





Naturally, you can add or take away as many as you like.



That's part of the fun, getting to play.





Before I forget again, here's the book this pattern came from: Skinny Quilts and Tablerunners II.  This is the last quilt in the book and it's a Sue Benner design.

Design wall Monday - Stoney Creek update

Hey Everyone!  No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth, just busy with the little one and trying to get organized for the upcoming holiday season...like most of you fab quilters out there!

I've finally managed to put together one section of my Stoney Creek quilt...and am loving it!  Here's a peek....

Here's the first section sewn together...y-seams and all!  I've had quite the time getting the top turquoise strata put together...it always seems to go wonky near the end of the strata, even when I use starch.  I think I'll be ripping out stitches this week and giving it another try.  If I can get one section sewn per week, I'll have it done for Christmas...then I can take advantage of boxing week sales to find the perfect border fabrics! :-)

I'd like to welcome Colleen, BrendaS and Myra to the blog - appreciate it!
Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

November scrap-bee block

Hi all - I took some time while on retreat this weekend to get my blocks done for my scrap-bee.  Made two stars using different techniques.



Here's my first block, a LeMoyne star...y-seams and all!  It's my new favourite star block and the whole y-seam fear?  Totally gone.  Yes, it's a little bit fussy to make, but it's well worth it!




Thought I'd try some applique with this one.  You cut out the same peices for the star as above but you use a satin stitch to applique it onto the back instead of piecing the whole thing together.




As always, when making blocks for the scrap-bee, I had to "make" my own fabric using my scraps.  Here's one square I made.  I then cut this into 2.5 inch strips and cut 2.5 inch diamonds using the 45 degree angle on my ruler.




You need eight diamonds to make a star...sew these together and then applique to your backing...don't forget your interfacing on the back of your fabric!

 Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

Just a little progress this week - Stoney Creek

Wow, where has this week gone?? Wednesday already and I've only managed to get a wee bit done on my quilt...which is quite good really, given the recent arrival of my granddaughter! :-)

Welcome to Kim and Brenda



See what I mean?  Just a little more added this week.  Only have four more strata to make and then I'll have all the pieces cut out.  I'm off to a quilting retreat soon and I'm not sure if I should bring this project along or not.



Work in Progress Wednesday, Stoney Creek update

Hi Everyone! It's that time of the week again, WIP Wednesday, and I've made a little progress on my Stoney Creek quilt.



Made the center strata and cut them out, it looks like it's falling off my design wall, doesn't it? :)  Nothing is sewn yet, didn't feel up to attempting those Y-seams yet. Plus, I was busy writing up the fall newsletter this week for Calgary's Heritage Park 2012 Festival of Quilts...this is my first year on the organizing committee...and I am sooooo excited to be part of this!!

 

Here's a sneak peak at the fabric I chose for the top portion of the background.  Hope to get these done for next WIP Wednesday.  Can't promise I'll have anything sewn together though!!


Be sure to check out what else is happening on WIP Wednesday over at The Needle and Thread Network and at Freshly Pieced!

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

Welcome to the world, baby girl!

My first grandchild, Isabella, was born yesterday at 1:03 pm.
I'm in love with a 7 lb 14 ounce bundle of sweetness.
sigh.