What a difference a few days can make, the test quilt that I mentioned Monday is all pieced and I love it! The colors so rich that they make me smile. I'm calling this one 'Little Gems' and it will be in Donna Lynn Thomas' next book that will be published by Martingale next fall. There is also a very cool ruler that Donna designed to take the math out of using bias cuts. The ruler is made by Omni and will be out in the spring of 2013 along with it's own pattern. If you would love to make pieced borders to make your quilts extra special then you will love this ruler!

Today I took a class at the Round Bobbin Quilt Shop, in Horsham, PA. Susan Shiveley was the instructor, I've know Susan for years, she is not only an prolific quilter and pattern designer but a math professor. Her designs are often math driven, they are very different than the run of the mill quilt patterns. I've quilted for Susan but this is the first I've made one of her designs and I found it to be like solving a jigsaw puzzle. Change is good and this quilt was pieced differently than what you usually see in patterns. I had to think and thoroughly enjoyed the process, even better it was a small project and it was just about complete when I left the shop today. I'm still deciding if I want to add another border, if I don't then it's done but for the quilting and binding. Isn't it pretty?

Here in Bucks County we are waiting for Hurricane Sandy to arrive, the predictions are pretty bad with this being a huge storm that is  meeting up with a cold front and will become a monster nor'easter causing millions of dollars in damage, lost property and power outages. Everyone please stay safe and be prepared! I'll be here sewing or cutting out more quilts!

Today is about slogging through or persevering. I have a project that is for a friend. It's to test a pattern, which means making a quilt and checking to see if the directions are correct and easily understood. Then passing along this information as well as any suggestions to make it more user friendly to the designer.
I've done this many times and usually enjoy the process but this time the errors were frustrating. When I get frustrated I drag my feet, in this case after all my cutting was done I had to go back and cut more.
I organize my projects into sections, pattern and fabric selection, prepping the fabrics and cutting, sewing the pieces, which if I'm lucky is chain piecing. My ironing board is lowered to my seat height and is next to my sewing machine which saves a lot of time. This keeps me happy and my projects flowing along.
I've got all the added cutting almost done, I've been piecing in between and have a couple of blocks finished. I love them! I know that this quilt will be worth the effort and I'm glad that I pushed myself to get it done but my procrastinating has cost me days that I could have gotten so much more accomplished!
If anyone has a cure for serial procrastination please send it to me!
I can't post pictures of this quilt but it's made with Batiks, no my usual fabric choice and it's a jewel!
Happy Monday!

Happy Autumn, we are almost one month into fall and the leaves are changing over night and falling like rain! Here in Bucks County, PA fall is stunning this year, the golds, reds, rusts and oranges are so bright, it always reminds me of a patchwork quilt. Driving along and seeing a hillside or mountainside with a gorgeous array of colors makes my heart smile and makes me want to recreate it in fabric.
Needless to say I have many fall themed or colored quilts in my collection!

If you haven't guessed Autumn is my favorite season, pumpkins, soups, stews, apples and quilts, what could be better?  I actually enjoy the clocks going back to standard time. When my family was young and it would be dark by 5:30 and everyone was at the table doing homework or coloring the feeling of contentment was and still is unmatched. To have my loved ones home and safe under our roof was the best feeling ever.

Take your time to look around at the leaves, trees and fall decor for your inspiration. Plan a quilt, take a walk, read by the fire but enjoy this season that will soon give way to gray and cold skies and the Holiday rush will be upon us soon.  Make some table runners or candle mats from wool for gifts, there's still time!

If you have a quilt planned that will need to be quilted by a professional call now to get on the list!

Happy Halloween to my gorgeous grandchildren, Laela & Trevor!