Lou Lou Thi Grid

I splurged when this fabric line came out and bought the whole line.  I've used quite a bit in other projects, but I wanted this quilt to be made with just this collection.  I loved how it looked with white, so this design was born.

I wanted to try sashing without using long strips, so each block is outlined on two sides, then I layed it out and figured out which blocks needed three sides, or four sides outlined.  This was slightly annoying, since I don't have a design wall, and had to use the living room floor.  But, I love the finished product.  It's sunny.  I didn't realize how much yellow is in the collection until you see the whole thing spread out.

Quilt stats:
4-1/2" finished squares, all Lou Lou Thi fabrics.
1" finshed width Kona Snow sashing
Backing - a lot of random fabrics
Binding - scrappy, Lou Lou Thi - I picked the smaller prints for this.
Size: Huge.  The picture above is on a king sized bed.  There are two rows hanging off the bottom and sides, with about a foot left uncovered at the head.
Quilting: Straight lines along the short side of the quilt,  about a 1/4 in on the inside of the sashing.

Curves Class

It may seem like I'm not working on my curves, but I swear I am.  I've just been really busy at my day job, and haven't been home to post, much less take any daylight pictures.  I managed to get a few this past weekend, so I've got a few posts to share!

This is my interpretation of Rainbow Road by Rachel.  I planned for it to hang in my bathroom (the true sign of a quilter, I think), but I'm not sure where.

It's made from a bunch of stashed blues and blue/whites.  Bound with Kona brown.

I didn't seem to have too much trouble, I've heard some others in the class did.  But, there was one section that didn't quite want to be flat.  That's what steam ironing is for, right?

All in all, I'm happy with the finished wall hanging.

It's Done, It's Done, It's FINALLY Done!

Yep, that's a lot of blue squares...a lot of 1 inch squares.

I stupidly thought, I liked making this blue quilt - why not make one for my king size bed????

Oh, that's right, it's a lot, lot bigger than a 7" x 10" quilt. Here's a detail:

See that all 1" squares did not work for me, and several 4x4 solid blocks and striped squares jumped in. Thank goodness, or I'd still be sewing. It is mostly blues, mostly scraps, and most importantly, now it's done.

On to other...smaller...things.

A Bevy of Baby Quilts

Sewing Machine Meme

A bit about my sewing machine as requested by sew, mama, sew.

What brand and model do you have?
White 1418

How long have you had it?
Seven years.

How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
$100

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?
Mostly Quilts, with some other craft projects thrown in. I do not do much machine quilting.

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
Usually sew every weekend, depending on the project it may get some use during the week.

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
I love the machine because it is easy to use. I do wish it had some additional features. A needle down option would be very nice, I have to do this by hand now.

What features does your machine have that work well for you?
Most of what I sew uses straight stitches. It is simple to use, and easy to troubleshoot.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
It has required service twice. The timing in the bobbin gets screwed up, and it won't stitch properly.

Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!
My mother bought it for me for X-mas.

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
Yes, as a beginning machine. It's simple to figure out, without alot of intimidating features.

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
I'm starting to look around for something that will do a better job at machine quilting. However, I also have to factor price in.

Do you have a dream machine?
Not yet, but I'm always looking!

Not a Quilt...

Had to post this and say thank you to Kate for posting this pattern. It's the first thing I've tried from a tutorial that actually looked like the picture when I was done.

Directions are posted here, and the template took some searching, but it's here.

Anyway, it's made with light brown linen on the outside, with Amy Butler fabrics inside. Can't wait to use it on my summer vacation!