Thought I’d drop by for a weekly check in and let you know what I’ve been up to. I’ll be linking up at the end of this post with Carol and Brenda as usual. Here’s where I was at in my last progress post:
- Finish binding the mini quilt – Done!
- Fish Quilt – maybe – nope
- Prep quilt back(s) – Done!
- Something new, perhaps? – Yes!
Before I show you my progress, I thought I’d show you the new kid in my quilt room.
I had just been bragging up my old Rowenta on Instagram recently, and wouldn’t you know, about a day or two later, she died. Hahaha. So here’s the new kid. Just a simple Proctor Silex, because the reviews were good and I don’t need anything fancy. A few things I like is the weight of the iron, it’s heavier than my old one. It has auto shut off, which I’ve gotten used to with my old iron and it has been put to use a couple of times when I’ve forgotten to unplug it after I’m done for the day. It also has a nice heat level, along with a stainless steel plate. I’m hoping we’ll have a long gig together!
Alrighty, let me show you that mini quilt.
This is a little mini quilt pattern from one of Kim Diehl’s books. I forgot to note which one, but if you’re interested, let me know and I’ll get you the info. I made it using my Kim Diehl, Jo Morton and a few other designers scraps.
It was a satisfying mini to make, and I found the perfect backing for it. I quilted it with simple diagonal lines and neutral thread.
The fish quilt got a little air time on the design wall, but nothing done on it yet. I got distracted with something new, which I’ll show you in a minute. I did, however, get the quilt back prepped, but just one. You can get a peek at the quilt in the above photo. Some of you might recognize that quilt, the Diatom pattern by Quilting Jetgirl. It’s one of my favorite quilts, and I’ve waited to long to finish it because I was looking for the right backing. Then once I got the backing, I wasn’t sure, but I finally decided to just get it done in time for the fall and winter seasons. More on that soon. The quilt is on its way to Connie for her to add her quilting magic.
The new project has been fun to work on. Jo Avery has an improv medallion
quilt along in the issues of Love Quilting & Patchwork, which I have purchased through The Fat Quarter Shop. Issues 165 and 166 are the first two issues of the quilt along. While Jo Avery is using bright colors, I’ve decided to go with fall colors, mostly traditional but with a few twists.
I’m using the QAL steps as inspiration, since my quilt will be smaller, and I’m doing the improv a little differently than she suggests. So we’ll see how this turns out. I’ve enjoyed the first two rounds!
So that’s my weekly check in as far as what I have gotten accomplished. There have been some other projects in the midst of these, and I may share those in a future post.
And here is my line up for this week:
- Sew Day with Connie & Sally – get my project prepped!
- Finish a UFO
- Find a backing for the Oh Granny quilt
- Finish another Summer Solstice block
That should keep me busy for this week, and I hope to be back for another weekly check in next week to show you what I get done!
Linking up with
- Songbird Designs for Monday Musings
- Quilt Schmilt for Do Tuesday
Happy stitching!
Wendy
Your little mini is pretty – love the backing – and the Diatoms look so pretty on your wall. Nice start on your improv. I was a big fan of Love Patchwork and Quilting back in the day and subscribed for awhile. I think I still have some issues. (I have trouble getting rid of quilting magazines.)
How’s the weather up your way? If it’s decent, would you send some our way? 😉
A new iron is always a relief after the old one gives out – such an important tool for us! That is a fun design in your mini quilt – I love the strips and squares and how the layout gives it a diagonal look. The improv quilt-along has a neat look, too. I like making smaller versions of some things – sometimes that’s all that fits your needs or time at the moment. I did that with Sandra’s Spring QAL this year, and ended up very happy with it.
Your improv quilt looks great! I like the color way you chose.
Cute mini, Wendy! I love the direction your improv quilt is taking. Fun colors, too.
Lesson learned…do not talk about your sewing machine tools! The iron looks great and hope that you have a good run with it. Love that mini…just a fun little quilt and fun finish. The improv is stellar, can’t wait to see how it progresses. I loved your diatom quilt and can’t wait to see it all quilted up!
Very sweet mini quilt. I do love Kim Diehl and Jo Morton quilts and fabrics, but have set my stash aside for awhile. I keep thinking it’s time to pull that bin back out to play.
I just love what you do with improv, Wendy. One day I’m going to get brave enough to give that a try…if I can figure out where to begin!! I like your little mini and your new kid! I really love a heavy iron but my arm doesn’t always agree. I look forward to seeing your Granny quilt. Have fun this week. Thanks for sharing with us at Monday Musings.
Oh, I’m very excited to see how the Diatom quilt comes together for you! I’m sorry that your iron died, and I hope you have a nice relationship with the new one and it is a good partner for you. And I love the improv medallion quilt you are working on; it feels very you!
Your mini looks great and I like your improv. I’ll look forward to new rounds 🙂
You’re having a great time with your projects. The mini quilt is just in time for fall decorating. Please keep posting it’s inspiring for us.
I hope my Rowenta does not fail. I have had it for 25 years. I bought it to do my son’s wedding—The brides maid dresses and children participating in the wedding. Then I did another wedding. It is the best iron I have ever owned. It does leak though.
The QAL by looks to have an interesting start especially with the colors you’re working with. Happy sewing.
Your something new has a lovely twist to it. Enjoy your sew along day with friends
I adore the mini! Well that wasn’t very nice of your Rowenta to give up after you gave it praise. Hope the new one lasts a very long time. The medallion QAL is right up your lane for sure;)
I love love your improv quilt! This will be fun to watch take shape, as I think you are a master of those kinds of quilts. I’m always taken in by the Kim Diehl designs and your mini is very cute. And a new iron! Don’t they seem to run in streaks? You’ll have one for a long time, then bam — it dies? I buy mine at Target–going down to see the “heft” of the thing. Hope this one stays around!
I recognize that little mini, must be in one of the KD books I have? It’s just so fun to see her fabrics all together (along with JM’s), sparking joy. So many quilters fizzle over the hot months but you are going strong!
Wow that Jo Avery improv medallion is going to be amazing – I love how it has begun – what a block! Nice color choice (you have great color sense)!
Your mini turned out beautifully. Looking forward to seeing your finished version of Diatom. It was one of my favorite quilts too, but it was given as a wedding gift pretty much after it was finished. Enjoy your stitching time with friends.