The Parallel Road

March 9, 2013 Linda Nussbaum

So far this year I think I can say I have been keeping up with keeping goals, just not necessarily the specific goals I set out with. And that's OK.

As I've mentioned in previous posts, I am quite certain I will not complete my entire list of hopefuls for the 1st Quarter Finish-A-Long, hosted this year by Leanne at She Can Quilt. I HAVE been making better progress than I initially thought, though! Of the original 7 items (including the pattern thing) I have finished 4 so far! Granted, I probably will end up going back in to do more quilting on the Icy-Cool diamond quilt, but technically it's finished and bound! And perhaps by the end of March, this

will be crossed off that list, too!

But how did all of these other UFOs and new, exciting things creep in as well??

Not to mention bee blocks! Oh the fun I've been having!

And the best part... I've been reacquainting myself with my stash. Do any of you other quilters out there ever have that issue? I feel as though I got so caught up in either projects that I HAD to work on, or new inspirations which relied on particular prints in the world and was out seeking bits and pieces to finish things up... and neglected my stash. But I'm trying to be better. There are some great prints I have languishing on those shelves!

Kitty Yoshida's "Brooklyn Heights" for Benartex

Those good ol' Dogwood Blooms from Joel Dewberry for Free Spirit

A classic Amy Butler print from her "Belle" collection for Rowan.

Just to highlight a few.

One of the reasons I rarely take part in fabric swaps - not because I'm stingy but because I can't think of anything I am ISO (in search of) that I couldn't find a suitable mate or substitute on my own shelves. Hilarious, I know.

So UFOs, WIPs, unrealized sketches, I'm callin' on you now! Finished quilt tops waiting to be quilted, well, y'all might have to continue to wait, but I'll get there eventually too. And in the mean time, you're getting new friends and neighbors every day this week.

When is Enough Enough, or Not Enough?

March 4, 2013 Linda Nussbaum

I just finished binding a quilt that I am super excited to have finished!

The top is actually hanging over the fence - must be longer than 6'.

This is a quilt top that I began more than 2 years ago, but because it had no specific destination or due date I put off the finishing. But I was excited to try another quilt with the serrated edges, like my teal monochromatic one. However, this time I took a short cut that may or may not prove problematic... I did NOT cut my binding on the bias.

Now, for those of you less familiar with sewing and quilting, one of the main advantages (or disadvantages, in many cases) of cutting on the bias, meaning at a 45° angle to the weave of the fabric, is that the fabric gives much more, enabling one to work it into curves. Or perhaps concave corners. However, because of the print I chose for my binding added to the fact that I really really really do not like cutting and piecing bias binding, I skipped that very wise step and worked with a straight-grain binding on those pesky edges and corners.

And I succeeded. At least, it's finished and bound.

But is it fully quilted??

I went into this with a plan. And I followed that plan, but as I came to the end of my quilting, I was left unsure whether it is quilted enough to keep it together in the long run. I think I managed to get my quilting lines often enough to satisfy the requirements on the batting package, but I don't always take those for their word.

What do you all think??

Would you try and add some echo quilting in there at various places, or perhaps something a little more free-motion and organic going through those open channels? I don't think I've ever considered changing the quilting on something AFTER it's been bound, but this keeps talking to me as though it's just not quite finished. But I'm ready for it to be finished. What voice would you listen to?

My Last Completed Quilt of 2012...

December 27, 2012 Linda Nussbaum

or am I selling myself short?

I gathered these flannels some time in the middle of the summer, of all things! I had just spent too much time drooling over the absolutely gorgeous Westminster/Rowan/FreeSpirit flannels that Marie carries over at good ol' Cool Cottons. At the time I was feeling purely selfish and had no particular design or goal in mind besides a comfy, cozy throw quilt that in no way will match any of my current decor! But I just don't care! This one's not for company, but for my own enjoyment!

Though I got it pieced not TOO long after finding all of the fabrics, I wasn't feeling terribly rushed to quilt and finish this puppy up back in September. But now that we are most definitely into our winter season here and I have successfully gotten most of my Christmas gifts off to their proper recipients, I felt I could take some time on a personal project. Plus, it was a good project to get reacquainted with free-motion quilting.

It has been a while since I have played around with some FMQ (free-motion quilting), and I think that definitely shows, but when better to get some practice in than while working on a little project for oneself?? I'm looking at this as a warm-up for the baby quilt that is next in the queue and will hopefully be hitting my Etsy shop at the beginning of the year.

That being said, I actually do have 2 more quilts basted and partially quilted, but not going to pressure myself to finish in the next day and a half (though I won't put aside the possibility of surprising myself!).

All in all it's been a productive year, I think. Still working on building bonds and growing the business side of this venture, but I can confidently say that's moving forward. I just have to learn how to be a better office manager!