My current quilting projects (WIP’s)

I have a lot of quilting projects underway and I thought I would give you an update. Sew many projects, SEW little time! I’m sure many of you can relate. I want to do and make all the things!

I’m in awe of those that only have one project going at a time. Which means there’s no UFO’s on top of that! My brain works a little differently. Here’s my scenario: I start something and then:

• Another project gets priority over that one, and then
• I find this new, great technique that I have to try, and then
• It’s Spring and I should make something for the entry table, and then
• Someone is having a baby, and then
• I need a quilt sample for this class I’m teaching, and then…. Oh, gosh!
• My UFO list just keeps growing.

That is the life of a quilter (did someone say quilt addict?) Haha! And let’s not get started with the other hobbies I love and don’t have time for: knitting, crocheting and card making. Anyhow, I have lots of things to show you today!

Kona Sampler BOM

I couldn’t resist enrolling in the Kona Sampler BOM at my local quilt shop, The Granary. Each month we get a kit with the block pattern, fabrics and a coordinating Kona Charm Pack and Aurifil Thread Builder set (not pictured). This month’s color is in the purple/violet range.

Also included in the class is information on color theory and a piecing demo of the block along with tips. And then we get a bonus project and a challenge project. This month, the bonus project that Carol (our teacher) designed uses foundation paper piecing. She also gave us a demonstration on her technique and another pattern to try it out on (which I can’t wait to try).

I’ve already pieced and quilted the first two blocks from the Kona Sampler BOM. I’m planning to “quilt as you go” each block and then join them together at the end. I found the perfect stencil in my stash that fits the block perfectly. It’s a 4″ orange peel, SCL-027-12 from The Stencil Company. I used my favorite Adger Blue Water Erasable Fabric Marker to trace the stencil. You can find them on Amazon as a 12-pack, or you can purchase them from The Stencil Company here. In the photos below, the blue stencil lines are still there; I just need to spritz them with water and they’ll disappear.

Red & Cream BOM

I’m also co-teaching a BOM class at The Granary and we’re using the Red & Cream Sampler pattern by Fig Tree Quilts. I’m making my blocks with blue and white (cream) fabric. The first six blocks are finished and I really like how they turned out. I can’t wait to see how the finished quilt looks!

2024 Bonus Scrap Project

I’m not sure what to call this yet, but I’ve given my BOM class a bonus project to work on throughout the year. I love using leaders and enders in all of my piecing, and I like having precut squares (or rectangles) that I use for my leaders and enders. That way, I’m piecing together a scrappy quilt as I make my other projects. If this doesn’t make sense to you, read my blog post Efficient quilting with leaders and enders.

So, this year, I’m cutting fabric scraps from each of my sampler blocks into squares that will eventually become 9-patches. If anyone is interested, I can do a separate blog post with instructions on this one. The photo below gives you an idea of what it looks like.

Piece & Quilt Sampler

I’m participating in the Piece & Quilt Sampler QAL at Fat Quarter Shop. As a participating blogger, I get to work ahead (at least that’s the plan). I’d like to stay several months in front of this one, so I need to get busy! I have my fabric all starched and pressed, and the first set of blocks made. You can see a peak of some of my blocks below.

Flange binding tutorial

I’m in the process of photographing the steps to make a flanged binding. This is an easy way to add a little pizazz to your binding finish. I’m using a wall hanging that I made several years ago as a sample for the binding tutorial. I’ve been meaning to finish it with binding, so this is the perfect opportunity to get it done and show you how to create a beautiful binding with flange! You can see what it looks like in the corner of the quilt below. I made a test strip to see how it would look.

Happy Easter Wall Hanging

This cute little project has a deadline! I love the combination of applique and embroidery, and this wall hanging has them both. The pattern came from Jacquelynne Steves’ The Art of Home Club from a few years ago. This membership currently has a waitlist, but it will open again soon. She always has the cutest seasonal projects with a large variety of types and sizes.

Knitted Cowl

I’m a very beginner knitter, so I’m a little embarrassed to show you the Ombre Cowl I’m working on. I made the mistake of not testing my gauge before I started, and after knitting the first few inches I decided to tightened up my tension. This is definitely a learning project! My stitches are uneven and it’s just a mess. I’m determined to get through this in the hopes that the next project will be much better.

Something for March

This next project is NOT something I’m currently working on, but I wanted to share it with you because it’s so timely. (What do you know, I’m showing some restraint!) Joanna Figueroa of Fig Tree Quilts just posted this FREE Lucky Shamrock Block and I think it’s so darn cute! Believe me, if I didn’t have so much going on…

There you have it – my current quilting projects for the first quarter of 2024. March has been cold and wet in my area of California which makes the best quilting weather. I love staying inside where it’s cozy so I can work on all of these WIP’s. But Spring Fever will be showing up any day, so I’m trying to stay focused! Thankfully, every season has it’s benefits and I love the variety of them all.

Happy quilting and whatever else you enjoy doing!