Progress - and Lack Thereof

Ellie Cat

 My cat loves the back of my old computer chair, thankfully it isn't a very comfortable chair so when she destroys it completely I won't miss it.  I have a really good high resolution image of this photo and have been playing around with it to maybe develop a quilt pattern.  Ellie is one reason I'm such a well practiced procrastinator. 

Just Keep Sewing

I feel like Dory of Finding Nemo. Remember all those strips and scraps from last week? 

In Between Quilts

Ugh. I really don't like being in between quilt projects. The start of a new project is the toughest thing for me... coming up with inspiration, maybe being tired from the last quilt, trying to decide if I feel like something simple or complex... so many stumbling blocks.  And GUILT - did I mention guilt?! 

Squaring up and trimming your landscape quilt

First cut

 Now that my quilt is dry and flat, it is time to trim it. This blog entry will show you how to square up your quilt and cut off the edges.  We want nice 90 degree corners and equal dimensions from side to side and top to bottom of your quilt top. 

Blocking your Quilt

Blocked and drying

I finished the quilting and will show you how to block strip pieced quilts in this blog entry.  Usually I soak my quilts in the washer and spin out the excess water before I block it, however I didn't want to do this because of the bright and dark colored fabrics and BLEEDING. Yuck.  Even when working with quality red fabric prints I've had them bleed after washing! I was taking no chances with this one. 

Dealing with the blues and discouragement...

 A week or so ago I received the comments from the judges at the Mancuso quilt show in Denver.  Fairy Godmother's comments from Shrek came to mind almost immediately... 

Making confetti patches

Yay me - I finally got some work done on the tree part of my sunset quilt!  I'll show you all the steps I took to make it in this blog entry. Then it is time for coffee! (I was awake at 3 am worrying about making this tree - ugh!)