Wednesday, April 3, 2013

WIP Wednesday #35


Lots to report this week, which is kind of surprising because we had grandparents in town this weekend, which meant not much sewing took place then. Sometimes those finished projects just sneak in, I guess. (Also, sorry for the basement-lighted photos in the first section. I totally forgot to take the pics earlier.)

In progress:
On Saturday, I went to my first sew-in with the St. Louis Modern Quilt Guild and had a wonderful time. The day started with a great machine-quilting class led by a fellow guild member, and I finally tried my hand at a little free-motion quilting. After getting over the mental block of needing to move the needle fast while moving the fabric slowly, I did pretty good. I discovered loops are definitely my specialty. (I know white thread on white fabric isn't the easiest to see. Oops.)
 
Even better, I also had time to work on my Early Bird/Kitchen Window quilt and finished the last four blocks for the top!
I started this quilt back in my early sewing days, which meant that the first blocks especially were not sewn very accurately. Thus, everything turned out to be slightly off, especially after I trimmed everything down, which I also did on Saturday. So, my next task is to figure out how to work with these slightly smaller blocks. I think I'll just have to do a little math and make the sashing a bit bigger on each.
Which leads to the next problem: I also have to decide on what to use for the sashing. Two years ago, when I started this quilt (which has been put on the backburner so many times since then), I chose the green Kona solid in the pic above to pull out the green in the fabrics, but now that I see it all together, I'm really not convinced. I'm thinking I have two options: go with something bolder, like a darkish teal perhaps, or stick with a light neutral or linen.
This pic gives you a better idea of the colors in the quilt. They're much cheerier than the basement photos make them appear. The sashing around the windows is a chocolate brown.
So, any thoughts? I'm so stuck and could really use some ideas.

Completed:
At home, I finished up a number of projects, too.
Two more pillows and coasters for the downstairs guest area
Name tag for the quilt guild meetings

On the "to do" list:
New pillows for the downstairs chairs
Table runner
iPod workout strap
A mug rug for me T-shirt quilt
Picnic quilt
Ironing board cover 
Re-cover downstairs chair

Divided basket from the Noodlehead pattern!
Small diaper bag
Nursery quilt 

Be sure to check out the other great WIPs over at Freshly Pieced!
WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced

10 comments:

  1. I understand your problem. At first I thought the green is the best option, but grey also looks great... I'm afraid I can not help you. But it will look great!

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  2. Love your Kitchen Window blocks, isn't it nice to have evidence that your piecing has improved since you started it!

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  3. Wonderful! I would go with a lighter linen colour make the blocks really stand out.

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  4. I think linen would make it all so wonderful!

    Your FMQ is great, keep at it and you will surprise yourself:)

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  5. I really like the colors in your blocks. I think the light green aqua looks good ... but so would a darker teal ... especially with the chocolate brown. A light linen would look good, too. Guess I am not much help. I think your quilt will be bright and colorful whatever your quilty muse tells you to choose. You have brought your quilt this far. I am sure the finish will be lovely. I have wandered in from WIP. Pretty pillowcases! ... Thanks for sharing ... :) Pat

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  6. Oh yes!! the kitchen window quilt is unique..I love it!!!

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  7. Good job trying out FMQ! I love loops, they're easy, plus you can add little other things (like stars, hearts, shamrocks, etc) occasionally. Your quilt is great, dark teal or a light linen sounds beautiful!

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  8. I'm really liking your kitchen windows. Such a great way to show off fabrics, and to do something improv without the wonk.

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  9. I think linen will make the blocks pop.Lovely blocks I must say...

    Leena
    India

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  10. I think the colours would stand out more against a neutral coloured background. Can you use the green on the back?

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