Modern Table Runner

I have to agree with Jacquie: I never get tired of improvised log cabin blocks.  They are the perfect arena for play.  I used some lovely scraps of hand screen printed fabric from Blueberry Park to make some fun, minimal, improv log cabins.  My favorites are the ones that are missing a log or two. 

I surrounded the log cabins with Essex Linen on my new design wall.  If you do any improv piecing, this makes such a difference.   I don't know how I've gone without one for so long!

The quilting is a simple serpentine stitch on my Bernina.  For most machines I hear it is stitch #4.  I usually mess around with the stitch length and width to get it just right.  I love this stitch because it creates a nice texture with the ease of straight line quilting.

This extra block became a pot holder. Bonus.

I just need to tie these up in a bow and deliver them to a special friend who has encouraged me to think BIG this year.

One More

It seems I spoke too soon about being done with log cabins for a while.  I had forgotten about my guild's log cabin potholder swap with the PMQG.  I made a modern, random log cabin for my partner. She didn't list color preferences, so I made it with some of my favorites.

This Amy Butler print was perfect for the back.

I'm looking forward to seeing all the other potholders made for the swap at our meeting next week.

Chef Swap

Last night, the KCMQG had a chef swap. We each drew a bag of scraps from another member a while ago, and the challenge was to make something for that person's kitchen. I made these items for Dawn.
The trivet and potholder are made from Essex cotton/linen, Dawn's fabric and selvages. You can find Jacquie's spool block tutorial here. She also has a tute on putting in grommets. Thanks Jacquie!
I made another reversible apron out of some Nicey Jane to round out my swap items.
I hope they'll get lots of use!

Also, if you're looking for the FD Pouch Instructions, I've added a link to my sidebar. So far the guild has made over 70! You can find out more information on the guild blog, as well.

Score!

Last night was the KCMQG November meeting, and we had a holiday gift swap. Boy, did I score on two counts! But first, here is what I made for the swap - a potholder and dishcloth. I used this chance to try out gray and yellow, a combo I've been interested in for a while. I like it! Also, love this yellow fabric I found at Joanns - sort of reminscent of lemons, without being literal.

And here is what I received from Sheryl. I was last to pick in my group, and I couldn't believe no one else snapped this up. The quilting on this wine bag is lovely. What a great way to give wine as a gift too.

And look what she included!

To top it off, I was passed a note during the meeting. I don't think I've gotten a note since about 8th grade, and it was just as exciting as I remember. Jenny managed to procure a Neptune Honeybun (impossible to find!), and she let me buy it from her. Score!

Redbud Blossoms Quilt Top

The New Wave pattern by Oh Fransson is very simple and easy to follow, if you read the directions. Do read the directions, or you, like me, may sew the sashing on the wrong edge of half of the blocks and have to rip them all out again. I persevered nonetheless, and here's the finished top. That makes three completed tops in my closet now though, so I'm determined to get at least one completely quilted and bound before moving on to the three new projects I'm already collecting fabric for. It's like a sickness!
I also made another potholder for the swap tomorrow. It is inspired by these by Amy. Super modern and fun to make. The grommet went in much more smoothly this time, although, alas, it is backwards. Maybe on my third attempt I'll get it right.

Mystery Project Revealed

Potholders.

Anticlimactic? Well, they are mini quilts according to the KCMQG which is hosting a swap at our next meeting. We have free rein to make whatever we like in the way of hotpads. These are my first attempt. I may be making different ones if I have time, as these are slightly wonky and the grommet gave me trouble (I hate those plier thingies for grommets and snaps - they never line up right!).

Amy hosted a fab swap on her blog, and I love the two she made. I may need to to try my hand at those designs.