the voice of the stash

could no longer be silenced. Some of this was already in progress. Liberated piecing, and sectional quilting and machine assembly are planned. No HAND SEWING!! No pressure from self-imposed deadlines or any others will be tolerated. This is for fun and self satisfaction.Updates will be posted as they become convenient.

Can a chair make a difference?

This new chair will give my back better support, raise and lower  more easily, and brighten the room.  The plastic wheels don’t roll very well on the carpet, so next I will get a mat for that area of the floor.

I began the day by rearranging the sewing table and moving some stackable drawers.  I won’t really know if this is a good solution or not until I actually begin working on a project. I’ve learned to organize as I go. I need things easy to  reach and convenient for staying on track with the project. Not sure what that will be yet. Something small, as I have not used my machine in several months.
I like this layout better.

When I walk past the doorway it’s more inviting. That’s a good thing.

Maybe this will be the answer to my dilemma

Today I went to a local quilt shop that I knew had a ton of books. This is one of three that I purchased. The other two are related to art quilting, so we'll discuss them another time. I like Mary's "no free-motion" ideas. This just might be the ticket. Of course, I will still have to practice. I see Journal size quilts in my future.

Mulling, ruminating, can't make up my mind !!!

I've almost finished piecing the LapTwo top and am still undecided about the quilting. I emailed my friend Melody Johnson, who is a machine quilter extraordinaire. She immediately wrote back with her recommendations. Bottom line? Sample, practice, sample, practice, document. So, OK, that's what I will begin doing. Those PAQA gals, they are all so willing to help out and answer questions. Actually, tomorrow is our monthly meeting, so I will look at what everyone brings with "different eyes".

Laptwo in process

Well, in spite of spending tons of time on the computer I still made some headway on the second top. Here it is on the design wall with the batting that it clings to without pins showing in between the not yet completed segments. Not too much more to go, should have it finished Monday.

The grey around the edges is my design wall.

I won't be getting back to it until at least Monday, as I have a Metalsmith class tomorrow.

The randomness of the piecing technique is almost meditative for me. I focus more on the space needing to be filled then any block pattern. Working on the design wall is an important factor in this technique. If you don't have one, you might want to give it serious consideration.

Even if you don't think you have enough space there are several methods for making your own portable one. Here's a link to a method suggested by Melody Johnson, and I just found this one on-line Cheryl Ann's Design Wall.

As I work on these pieces I am engaged in a conversation with myself about art versus functional art. Is there really a difference? My goal for these pieces is that after the exhibit they would be sought out for their ability to function beyond wall art. Thrown across a bed one would serve a dual purpose. A piece that adds color and beauty to the room as well as a wonderful artwork to keep legs or lap warm while curled up in a chair with a good book, or during a medatative time.

Why is this important? It's about the finishing of the edges. I much prefer no TRADITIONAL binding on my smaller work and generally do a pillowcase finish, a raw edge finish or a fused finish. The only one of these that I feel could be washed is the pillowcase method. I think I've just made up my mind.

What's your opinion?

First Lap

Here is the completed top, 36W X 48L. I didn't practice the "Quilting back to Front"yet, I'm still auditioning likely candidates for the backing, the grey color around the quilt is my design wall. Decisions, decisions, so many decisions.