Free motion thoughts

And a work in process!

I had this top cut in about 20 minutes, pieced together in about 2 hours. Takes 1 yard each of the large patterns, 3/4 yd each for the sashing patterns.

Now I am quilting (my favorite part!)

The zen of quilting relaxes me. And I begin to ponder.

Who ever said you CAN'T turn your quilt while quilting?

Why? I am quilting this in segments, from center out. And turning as needed to get to unquilted places.

I really like this "doodling" style of quilting. I haven't seen any just like it, so maybe it is my own style developing itself.

No thoughts, no pressures, just letting the quilt speak and come to life.

I am taking the pledge!

Go see sewcalgal and join! Looks like a great way to learn and improve FMQ throughout the year!

An Asian-inspired finish

Here is the second of my Asian-inspired quilts:

 Measures 46" by 49 1/2"

Free-motion quilted in a wood-grain style. I used a mult-colored YLI cotton quilting thread in earth tones in top and bobbin.

I love the calm, soothing, taupe colors. Again using my Moda cross weave in Natural. I have less than a yard of it left, and haven't found any more. Still looking!

I hope you all, here in the US, have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday and for all my friends around the globe have a great week!

Playing with blocks - quilter style

I have been playing with some dimensions on some star blocks. I need to make a patriotic block for the Triad Modern Quilt Guild December meeting. We are making a quilt for either "Quilts of Valor" or another organization that serves our veterans. I am also making a patriotic quilt for a fundraiser for next year so this has helped me work out my pattern.

Both blocks were developed by sewing squares together around their outer edges (all 4 sides), then cut diagonally across both corners to create 4 half-square triangles.

The small block has 3" squares, the large block has 3 1/2"squares. Amazing how much difference a 1/2" can make!

Fun and easy, and for a good cause!

On my design wall

I was traveling for work this week, so very little on the quilting front. I did play a bit last night, and got my 2nd Asian -inspired quilt started.

This uses more of the gorgeous "Natural" Moda Cross Weave yardage I have been hoarding along with a Kofu pack of woven Japanese fabrics I purchased at The City Quilter last month.


It is a soothing project. I am hoping to get some quality sewing time this weekend.