Friday, January 15, 2016

First Finish of 2016

And it just happens to fall on a Friday!  And I did not buy a thing to make it!  Not even the book! (read on, as I did not steal!) I started this back in October, when I'd bought two books as the librarian at that time for my guild.  I'd planned to make a project from each book I bought to help promote the book to the members.  You may recall Rosewater, a smaller version of Pearl Gray in Christa Watson's book, Machine Quilting With Style.  This one is from Christina Cameli's book, First Steps to Free-Motion Quilting.


Christina's says "done is better than perfect" but I modified it to what Angela Walters always says which is on a bracelet of hers that I own.  There are a ton of small useable (I like useable) projects in her book where you can improve your FMQ skills.
I used 30 wt Gütermann thread to stitch the words and Isacord 40 wt for the FMQ.  I got a bit bored with the pebbling today so I did some double-pebbling, one of Leah Day's 400+ FMQ designs, and then threw in a few swirls as I worked my way around the bottom back to where I'd started in the top left corner.

The sun finally has come out this afternoon, so I quick grabbed a sunny shot:

It's on the floor of my sewing room because it was too wet outside.  We had torrential downpours most of the night and all morning with gale-force 40 mph winds.  Downpours, you ask?  Yes, we are now in Florida, and very happy to be here!

The back:

I will eventually get a little hanger or dowel for hanging it.  As a label, I wrote my name and the date with a Pigma Micron pen.  I also machine-stitched the binding to the back, very carefully.  I usually work from the front when I do machine-stitching for a binding (I prefer hand-stitching) but I need to get some Elmer's School Glue to hold bindings in place, so this worked better.

For now, it's hung beside my design wall using the Lazy Ass method as found on Right Sides Together, a blog that is new to me, and which I found through an online store's giveaway (cue menopausal absent mind, can't recall what store!).  I had a little snoop around her blog, and I will be going back!

I love angels.  I hang this one that I cross-stitched in 1997 year round.
My sewing room is all set up:
A few of this winter's projects I brought down...think I need a second design wall

I still have to get used to the organization methods I used (oh the trials and tribulations, I know), and Dayna's quilt awaits finishing.  I got a TON done, but there is a fair bit yet to go, so finishing up this little wallhanging FMQ on my Bernina was a great warmup.  How I do love FMQ-ing on my Bernina. (Avril is too far away to hear that, although in her defense, she and I were humming serious good harmony, and I miss her).

Quilt Stats:
Pattern: by Christina Cameli
Size: 8.75" X 11.5"
Fabric: scraps and stash (guess I am jumping on board with Jenn at A Quarter Inch from the Edge for her Year of the Stash celebration--I can hear some of you laughing out loud--think I need a fitbit for restraint in fabric not food)
Batting: Warm 'n Natural
Quilted: on my Bernina
Threads: pieced with Gütermann, quilted with Isacord 40 wt 0015, words with Gütermann 30 wt 800

Something I nearly forgot!!  By now you know how much I love Craftsy, classes and supplies-wise, and remember, for those of you who read my blog but don't quilt, there are classes in cooking, in knitting, in gardening, in painting, to name but a few.  Anyhow there is an amazingly great deal going on this weekend:
This weekend only, Craftsy is doing something they almost never do — all new online classes start at $14.99. That's right! That just-released class you've been eyeing from your favorite instructor? It's on sale at prices so rare, you definitely don't want to miss out. These deals will be gone soon, so shop now!  
http://www.shareasale.com/u.cfm?d=321161&m=29190&u=1074126

Because I am a Craftsy affiliate, clicking through to Craftsy's website on the links I provided will give me a little moola when you make a purchase.  I thank you very much!  I know I watched, and watched, and backed it up, and rewatched (love the 30-second repeat feature), and made notes, and read questions and answers, yet again for Angela Walters Free Motion Quilting With Feathers class when I was doing the feathers on Dayna's quilt.  That one and her Dot to Dot Quilting class I have referred to so many many times.  These classes are like my favourite books on my shelf:  you can pull them out (up) anytime, anywhere (hey, even better if you have your smartphone or iPad with you at all times, wink!) and pick up where you left off, or revisit a section, or start watching a class you've already purchased...

And that's not all.  Craftsy is giving away 5 free classes throughout the entire month of January.  If you click here, you will go to the place to enter.  Good luck!  I know I have to update my Wishlist!

Linking up with Crazy Mom Quilts, Confessions of a Fabric Addict and TGIFF!  I'm also linking up with Scraptastic Tuesdayhttp://www.shecanquilt.ca/2016/01/scraptastic-tuesday-january-link-is-open.html as this project was made from scraps and stash. :-)

Naala has been under the weather since we got here, and came to me last night for my version of Reiki on her.  I think it helped; she usually would not tolerate Bella close by. Bella actually came right up and sniffed Naala's nose at one point.  And lived to see another day. Ha.

24 comments:

  1. Great finish. Love how you have mixed up the quilting. Hope Naala is feeling better.

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  2. Love your mini quilt, Sandra, especially the sentiment it expresses (and that it was made from your stash). Great first finish of 2016!

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  3. What a sweet quilt. I like the saying and I especially like the variety of quilting. I hand quilt and love the look but there are some things hand quilting just can't accomplish.
    Nancy. (ndmessier @ aol.com, joyforgrace.blogspot.com)

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  4. I love your wall hanging, and your impressive fmq skills. Your sewing room looks so tidy I'm in awe and yes I see those Midnight Mystery blocks on your design wall. They look great as well.

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  5. Welcome back to the US! We are hoping to visit Pensacola, FL, in late April for my husband's Navy reunion. I'm looking forward to that as we haven't been to Florida in many years. I love your minis, especially the "Finished is better than perfect" one! A good reminder, especially as what I make is rarely perfect!

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  6. Great sentiment, great quilt! Thanks for sharing the details and what threads you used. The quilting is wonderful. I hope Naala is feeling better soon, and that she continues to remember that Bella is only trying to help.

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  7. That's what I say too - finished is better than perfect! Must say that your FMQ looks pretty darn perfect to me!

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  8. I love this finish! I need to do something like this with Angela's words. I teach English, so words are important to me, and my girl Angela not only teaches me to quilt but tosses in a good bit of attitude which I've been adopting. Thank goodness, because now I'm better at getting things finished! Love a Craftsy sale! I'll try to come here and help you out with a little moola! (You're welcome!)

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  9. A super little project - a good chance to practice the fmq!

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  10. Cute mini with words of encouragement! I totally agree! Thanks for linking up to #scraptastictuesday

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  11. Definitely-finished is good! Those words have stuck with me a lot lately!!

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  12. Loving the doggy politics ! And the pebble quilting is great too . Must check out those free classes , clicking of course on your link

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  13. Love all the quilting on this mini! I struggle with fmq, need to get busy practising more!

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  14. Beautiful! I love the variations in the quilting.

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  15. I love that quote. What a great mini to hang and see and be reminded by.

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  16. I love it! I was just telling my mom this yesterday. She is a bit of a perfectionist.

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  17. Love everything about the mini! From the saying to the FMQing.

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  18. This is a great little project Sandra and so perfect for the wall of your sewing space as a reminder and inspiration!
    I'm glad you made the trip and are settling in so quickly. I hope Naala will be A-Okay very soon!
    "The Lazy Ass method - that is too funny! :) I use it all the time myself for small quilts that won't be hurt by it.

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  19. Love the quilt and the quilting! The quote is perfect, I love it! Your design wall is beautiful. So sorry to hear about Naala. I hope she feels better very soon.

    -Soma

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  20. Poor, Naala. I hope she feels better soon. "Finished is better than perfect." A little phrase I need to keep repeating in my head. Your mini is a great reminder.

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  21. Finished is better, indeed. And you have so many finishes to show off. Such variety and beauty. Love them all.
    Hugs,
    Preeti.

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