Saturday night hockey

Saturday night hockey
Saturday night hockey

Friday, February 20, 2015

Last weekend

My buddy Dahn and I had a wonderful mini retreat last weekend, despite some frustrations….  First up I thought I would tackle the two blocks that I had to make for February.  I had all nine pieces of my paper pieced block done before I realized the pieces were different sizes and wouldn’t match up.  ARRGGH!  I blamed it on the pattern maker until the next day when I realized that I had made the copies with the photocopier set on different magnifications… oops…

On to the next project.  The Canadians Quilt bee recipient for the month had asked for a courthouse steps block in a specific colour range with a navy centre.  This block came together quickly and easily.

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Next I pulled out the Valentine placemats that I started about five years ago.  Finished them up and gifted them to hubby for Valentine’s day when I got home. Smile I don’t love them but it’s the thought that counts they say and they are a finish.  Open-mouthed smile

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Next I did the quilting on this table runner, also started quite a few years ago.  This was a class from Quilt University, an on-line quilting school that no longer exists.  I think the class was on Celtic knots, although I learned a lot about making bias tape, applique placement and applique inserts.  I quilted stitch in the ditch on all the seams, including the applique seams, and one round of echo quilting.  I like how this makes the applique and inserts pop.

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Here is a close up of the quilting where you can see that the black fabric really picks up every bit of lint.  I haven’t brushed or washed it yet as I still have to put on a binding.

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Dahn got to flit around and work on lots of pieces of different projects.  That’s the bonus of having the retreat at your own home. Winking smile  This is one of the pieces she worked on – she started this art quilt in a class with Velda Newman a number of years ago. 

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Now she tells me she doesn’t like the pattern and she doesn’t plan to finish it – EVER…. I don’t know if I could make such a decision.  It is like once I start the thing I HAVE to finish it…

I was in the Whitehorse library the other day for a meeting and saw that they have a fun project on for February – Blind Date with a Book.  I had to pick one up.  This is what it looked like in the wrapper (and before I spilt my tea on it and had to open it up lickety split).

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The book is called The Last Thing He Wanted and is by Joan Didion.  I\ve only just started it and don’t know if I am going to like it, but I’ll let you – and the library in their feedback form – know whether this was a happy date or not. 

It is Friday Night Sew In today and that paper pieced block is still waiting to be made.  It isn’t too late to sign up (it’s still Friday night for those of us in North and South America – for Australia and New Zealand it was yesterday).  Hope you’re joining in. Smile

Janet

8 comments:

  1. WOW you sure did get a lot done on your mini retreat. Ah I do recognise some of the lovely heart fabric in the placemats..

    Look forward to seeing your finished PP block tonight.

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  2. Retreats are always fun! You got lots accomplished! And Belated Happy Birthday! :)

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  3. Wow lots of lovely projects worked on. It is much nicer locking the world out and having a retreat in your own home.

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  4. That all looks great to me, love those Celtic knots, super with the inserts, And a retreat is so much fun, no matter how many or less are there with you.

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  5. Your retreat with a friend is always good even if you don't sew much. Love your Celtic table runner. Hope you enjoy the book

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  6. looks lke you can tick some ufo's off the list. Love the celtic knot the quilting looks great.
    Lovely courthouse block too.

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  7. How nice to have a mini retreat with your friend. :D Nice finish there with the Celtic knot work - it looks so neat with the print in the bias taping. I hadn't seen that before, and I really like the effect.

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  8. Your Celtic Knots remind me that I also have this table runner to finish! I have noticed that Nancy Chong teaches the class through Quilt Academy now. You have done a fine job and given me some ideas for quilting. I like your attitude about finishing something you start as I am the same way. My friends don't always understand. Have a great weekend.

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