Shark Week (Kit)

This is the second top I made this year and the second I quilted. I bought this kit some time ago from Missouri Star Quilting Company to make a shark quilt for my friend Monika to use while she watches shark week. However, shark week comes in July or August, so she’ll be sitting on it instead of under it to watch Discovery Channel’s shark week.  

The kit is called “Cheery-O.” The pattern in the kit is called “Barnacle Bay” by Debbi Hubbs. 

I used an Olfa Rotary Circle Cutter tool to make the circles and doughnuts. It worked like a charm. I highly recommend it. There are enough “doughnut holes” left to make a table topper.

I used two brands of double-sided fusible web to mount the circles and doughnuts (portholes and life preservers?) on the fabric squares. One brand was by Pellon and the other by Warm Company. I prefer the Warm Company brand because it’s not as stiff. 

• 63 1/4” x 73 1/4" throw size
• Quilted in crossing wavy lines, to mimic ocean waves, across width of quilt. Used medium blue thread “Ocean Blue” Omni brand 100% polyester from Superior Threads. Free form quilting. 9 bobbins. Quilting by Patty.
• Backing: A white background shark print to match the 2 layer cakes (Sharktown by Riley Blake) in the kit.  Backing fabric also came from MSQC. I had to splice the backing with a blue and white Kaffe Fasset fabric that resembles shark teeth.  The splice fabric was in my stash. I could have used only the MSQC fabric, but I wanted to keep the backing print and front prints in the same upright direction. Turning the back sideways was just not an appealing option for me.
• Batting: 100% bamboo, from Winline.
• Binding: Bright red tonal print from my stash.
• Pattern: "Barnacle Bay” by Debbi Hubbs.
• Piecing and raw edge appliqué by Patty
• Pinned into frame March 31, 2022. Quilting on long arm quilter March 31-April 1, 2022. (Patty). 
• Binding by Patty. 
• QC by Spencer

Hold Tight (PIGS)

I made 3 quilt tops this year before I had a chance to quilt one. This one is for my friend Shiva’s first grandchild, Capri Isabelle, born February 3, 2022.

I used the “Jumping Jacks” crib quilt pattern from Quilts from Sweet Jane by Sue Pfau. I used this pattern previously for the “Socky” quilt. See May 2014. This is a classic and a fun crib quilt pattern.

The fabric came from Missouri Star Quilting Company. The fabric is called “ Joey” and has koalas and sloths on it, a funny choice since sloths are South American and koalas are Australian. I used charm packs, jelly rolls, and yardage for pattern. 

• 38 1/2" x 51" Crib size
• Quilting: Quilted in wavy vertical lines.  Used light green 100% polyester thread (Omni from Superior Threads-named "Beach Grass"). 4 bobbins. Quilting by Patty. 
• Backing: Light green print that matches the fabric used for the top. Fabric called “Joey” and comes from MSQC.
• Batting: 80% cotton/20% polyester bleached, Comfort Blend by Winline.
• Binding: Dark aqua print from Patty’s stash
• Pattern: “Jumping Jacks” crib quilt pattern from Quilts from Sweet Jane by Sue Pfau
• Piecing by Patty
• Pinned into frame March 23, 2022. Quilting on long arm quilter March 24, 2022. (Patty). 
• Binding by Patty. 
• QC by Mother

Goals for 2022 and Year-End Report 2021

County Line Quilts

2022 Goals

2021 Year-End Report

2022 Goals

• Complete  4 long-armed quilts, including:
• Quilt Sally’s and Mother’s top that they finished in 2021.
• Make 1 quilt from the To Do list of 27 Projects in bags (PIGS) as listed here:

1. Dog Park (Quilting Bee--"Community Garden") in Cal-Asia bag and book
2. Sea Star (Binding Tool Star) in clear plastic orange bag
3. Garden Gate in gold NM bag
4. Marbles (Modern Baby) in UNICEF bag
5. Jumping Jacks (quilts from sweet Jane) in MSQC red bag to be named Tomato Soup?
6. 3 half square triangle quilts in red reptile N-M bag. One red, one blue, one pink
7. Crosswalk in blue clear bag. Needs white. See MSQC video.
8. Strips and tool in brown homemade tote bag for MSQC Basic X quilt. Needs fabric for center(gold?) See MSQC video.
9. Volunteers (Hands) in black Doctors Without Borders bag.
10. Black, White, Red Quilt in bright pink N-M bag—contains instructions
11. Green bug in Kaffe Fasset bag. Needs off white
12. 5”sq baby quilt in UA small canvas bag
13. Koala Jumping Jacks quilt (see Tomato Soup) in medium blue NM bag
14. A couple pieces for STEM quilt in Aunt Janet long skinny bag. Rest of pieces on shelf
15. Burst quilt and tool and instructions in tan and brown NM bag
16. Kiss Me Kate half square triangle quilt in UNICEF bag. Instructions on her web site.
17. Half square triangle quilts in blue bag from sewing machine store. See book with dog park quilt for instructions
18. MSQC Wonky Star quilt in La Prairie white paper bag
19. Don’t remember in Thailand Elephant bag
20. 9-Patch and Hourglass on MSQC or stretched Periwinkle on MSQC using fabric from Lynda at Belmont sewing group. In 2 clear bags.
21. Tula Pink Monkey Wrench . Pattern unknown. In Kaffe Fasset bag
22. Jelly Weave in “give quilter an inch” cloth bag. Needs background fabric
23. Scrap Patch Boxes in clear Quilt in a Day bag. Directions in iBooks
24. Scrappy succulents in clear Quilt in a Day bag. See iBooks.
25. Cacti and Succulents from MSQC in black Williams Sonoma bag
26. Red strips in “Start Over” canvas bag. Dart pattern in iBooks. Use white for back ground. Make it a few inches wider.
27. Scrappy Steps in NM wild print bag.
28. Replacement for N’s quilt in Eva ticking bag. Spin Cycle quilt pattern
29. Van Gogh panel and strips in white bag with blue handles

• Make a donation quilt.
• Make an already purchased quilt kit.
• Organize sewing studio—deep clean the fabric shelves! Spend 1-hour 3 days a week organizing the sewing room/office. Log the time spent.
• Try a new technique. Consider English paper piecing, needle-turned appliqué, or free-motion quilting on the domestic machine. Consider this a fun project.
• Do the already purchased class from Crafty Gemini—curved piecing.
• Only buy fabric to finish quilts, such as backs and bindings. Otherwise, use what is already in my inventory.

2022 Outlook

After the continuing plague year of 2021, I don’t feel enthused about 2022. On the positive side my eye is much better after cataract surgery. Some things are looking up! I will try to have more energy for quilting and organizing projects in 2022.

2021 Year-End Report

• Completed 11 long-armed quilts, including a baby quilt top for Cousin Kristi’s new granddaughter Grace, a t-shirt quilt for Aunt Lucy, 3 quilts for Aunt Linda, 1 quilt for Aunt Joyce, 2 quilts for Grandma Short’s great-great grandsons, 1 quilt for colleague Grace’s new daughter-in-law, and 2 for donation. One of the donation quilts was the sampler quilt I started before my eye surgeries. In addition, I quilted a very small top on the domestic for Thomas’s doll. Goal exceeded for long armed quilts. 
• I did not tidy or organize the sewing room. Goal not met.
• I did not attempt a new technique. Goal not met.
• I used fabric from my inventory, though I had to buy some for Grace’s daughter-in-law’s quilt and the second boat quilt. Goal mostly met.
• Luckily, masks were available for purchase, so I did not have to make any more.
• In addition, I made 12 aprons for friends and family using fabric from my inventory.

One of my 2020 goals was  exceeded. One goal was 80% met. Two goals were not met. The aprons were a bonus achievement. I give myself an C- for 2021. This was definitely a “blah” year with Covid still surging and Mother requiring more time.

Aprons

The Pattern With Button Choices

For my Christmas craft I decided to make a few aprons. I started with a pattern which evolved with each apron. Revisions were made to the length and pocket placement and yoke design.

The first attempt was made exactly like the pattern. Given to Keith for his family.

The second attempt was longer but the pocket is still at the bottom. Given to Keith for his family.

The third attempt was even longer and the pocket was moved up from the bottom. This one was given to my friend Eirin as a Christmas gift for driving me to a holiday party.

The fourth and final (?) attempt was longer and the yoke was redesigned. I may have over shot the length on this one. Given to Keith for his family.

New Pattern, New Look

First attempt. I like the swinginess of this apron. Given to Sally.

I made this one narrower. I think I overshot the pocket size. Gave it to Sonna.

Back to the original one. Modeled by Sally. Made for Gladys.

Another like the third attempt. Animals doing yoga! Given to Ann.

Another using the second swingy pattern. Red and white stripe is the inside. Given to Hannah.

Another like the third attempt. Given to Ann’s sister Kate.

The last 2 for the year. Made for my cousin Kristi and her daughter Tricia. I wanted to use these novelty fabrics for Kristi. I once noticed a Periodic Table on the wall in a photograph of her grandson Cameron. Kristi replied that she didn’t do well in science when she was in school and felt like she missed out. So, she is surrounding Cameron with science related items to inspire him to do well in that subject. I think Kristi is a scientist in her soul, even if she didn’t score well in the classes. These aprons were made the length of the 3rd attempt, but a bit wider for better coverage.

Pastiche (Sampler UFO)

I started these blocks over 2 years ago as part of a Crafty Gemini on-line quilting class. I wanted to hone my piecing skills. Then my right eye went “bad”—torn retina, twice. I tried to pick up the piecing too soon, before my eye was ready. I couldn’t match seams, etc. One block turned out 1/2” too big both directions. I got discouraged and put the project away. I finally decided to finish it, inspired by Cousin Denise finishing her ufo’s. I remade the too big block and sewed the rest of the blocks together with sashing and cornerstones. I added a border and voilà a donation quilt!

• 68” x 82 3/4" single bed size
• Quilted in loose cursive lowercase l’s, some upside down and wavy horizontal lines.  Used white thread “Bright White” Omni brand 100% polyester from Superior Threads for the top thread and off-white thread “Pearl White” Omni brand 100% polyester from Superior Threads for the bobbin thread.  Free form quilting. 6 bobbins. Quilting by Patty.
• Backing: Yellow, green, and cream small floral print from a fabric.com sale.
• Batting: 80% cotton/20% polyester bleached, Comfort Blend by Winline.
• Binding: Light green grunge print from my stash. The green matches the green in the backing and looks good with the aqua grunge border.
• Pattern: A hodgepodge of blocks, hence the name “Pastiche”, from a Crafty Gemini quilting class. I think my quilting skills improved a bit until my right retina tore twice.
• Piecing by Patty
• Pinned into frame November 2, 2021. Quilting on long arm quilter November 5, 2021. (Patty). 
• Binding by Patty. 
• QC by Spencer

Aunt Lucy’s T-Shirt Quilt

Mother QC’ing the Bunny

I had trouble with the longarm after the quilt was mounted but before I started quilting. I futzed around with it all day and finally gave up and called the factory. Dan had me reprogram the machine and in short order it was working fine! Geez! I learned my lesson: call the factory sooner, not later! 

This is a very heavy quilt. Aunt Lucy used heavy-weight stabilizer instead of light- or feather-weight. Therefore, she opted for a thin flannel batting. Even with a light batting the quilt could be used as a weighted therapy blanket. It didn’t have the nice puff of a polyester batting, but it quilted nicely. Aunt Lucy requested that the top be quilted loosely, not closely. 

• 66" x 89" Single bed size
• Quilting: Quilted around the designs in the t-shirts and made wavy lines in the borders. Used light gray 100% polyester thread (Omni from Superior Threads-named "Silver") for the top and dark blue 100% polyester thread (Omni from Superior Threads-named "Navy Blue") for the bobbins. 6 bobbins. Quilting by Patty. 
• Backing: Navy blue cotton printed with bright, different color circles supplied by Aunt Lucy
• Batting: 100% flannel supplied by Aunt Lucy
• Binding: To be done by Aunt Lucy.
• Pattern: Uncle Bruce’s t-shirts arranged artistically
• Piecing by Aunt Lucy
• Pinned into frame October 5, 2021. Quilting on long arm quilter October 11-13, 2021. (Patty). 
• Binding by Aunt Lucy. 
• QC by Mother

Top Before Quilting (Picture from Aunt Lucy)

After Quilting

Burying Thread Ends

Aunt Lucy at the Tucson Quilt Show with her quilt

Dancing Shoos

I made this as a “for fun” project. I saw the picture on the cover of a magazine, realized I had the right fabric in fat quarter assortments, and decided it looked like a fun quilt. I made it slightly bigger than the magazine’s instructions so it would be the suggested size for donation quilts. The guild is currently giving quilts to the homeless shelters and Dixie Fire victims. I hope this one goes to fire victims as it looks cheerful. Turns out that the guild liked the quilt so much, they decided to donate it to Nurses’ Appreciation Day at Mills Peninsula Hospital. I am happy that the quilt was admired and elevated in status, that’s never happened to one of my quilts, ever!

The name of the traditional block is shoo-fly, and the pattern calls the quilt “New Shoos,” so I changed it slightly to “Dancing Shoos.”

• 63 1/2” x 81 1/2" single bed size
• Quilted in parallel, slightly wavy lines at a slight downward angle across width of quilt. Occasionally quilted a slightly wavy line at a slight upward angle that crossed some of the downward lines.  Used bright orange thread “Orange Glow” Omni brand 100% polyester from Superior Threads for the top thread and medium aqua thread “Treasure Isle” Omni brand 100% polyester from Superior Threads for the bobbin thread.  Free form quilting. 8 bobbins. Quilting by Patty.
• Backing: Green and turquoise vine print, wide fabric for quilt backs. Fabric came from a Connecting Threads sale and I have had it in my stash for some time.
• Batting: 80% cotton/20% polyester bleached, Comfort Blend by Winline.
• Binding: Dark turquoise batik print from Connecting Threads, bought as an alternative fabric for Dogs and Sea Otters quilt and not used for that, but looks perfect for the binding of this quilt.
• Pattern: "New Shoos” from Fons and Porter Love of Quilting Mar/Apr 2021. Pattern by Jenny Kae Parks. It’s the Shoo-Fly block made with bold, colorful fabrics and no sashing between the blocks.
• Piecing by Patty
• Pinned into frame September 21, 2021. Quilting on long arm quilter September 21-24, 2021. (Patty). 
• Binding by Patty. 
• QC by Spencer

Picture from the Guild.