Wednesday, October 16, 2013

My Quilting Adventures

14 comments:
 
Happy Wednesday everyone!

I find myself in need of a distraction from life today. 

Just last night there was a horrible shooting in my sleepy town of 20,000 and as of right now 3 people are dead. Let's get one thing straight... this type of thing NEVER happens here. The police even issued a warning for everyone to stay inside and lock all the doors. I wasn't at home when this all happened, instead I received a panicked text message from my boyfriend which told me come straight home after my quilting class and not to stop anywhere. I was even afraid to bring my puppy out for a pee! Needless to say I hardly got any sleep as I kept picturing a raving lunatic with a gun at my back door... even at 4:30am... and what's worse is that I was just across the street from the shooting not 15 minutes before it occurred. 

My heart aches  for the tragedy of it all, but also for the innocence that seems to have all but dissipated from my usually happy, bustling yet quiet little town. I completely fail to understand what drives one person to do this to another...

As you can probably tell my mind has been pondering this tragedy all day long... so I've decided to get it off my chest and distract myself a little by taking pictures and writing a post of my new dive into the quilting world.

I have to say I am loving what I'm seeing so far!!!

As I've mentioned in previous posts, I began taking a quilting class back in September and hope to complete a small lap quilt (although it's quickly becoming bigger as I add more things).  Here are my squares so far:


Apparently this type of quilting project is called "stacking the deck" or something like that. I'm not overly fond of the pattern but it'll do for my first quilt :)

Originally I was just going to sew them up in the way I've laid them out above... but I was thinking that perhaps it could use a little sashing between the squares to help break up the patterns I've used. I can't help but feel that it would just be "too much" if I just sewed them up as they are now.

And believe me when I say that those squares weren't so square before I cut the edges off them and made them a consistent size. I lost about 2 inches over all from each square by the time it was all said and done... but I do take comfort in the fact that I was not alone in this :) Thank god for my quilting classmates. 

In the end I suppose I have to accept that I'm just a newbie, and unlike taking up cross stitching again, it will not be like riding a bike!

In preparation for the fact that I will get better (one hopes) I've already bought fabric for my next quilting projects!!!!



Don't those faby's look delicious! They are in what's called a Jellyroll and they can used in various ways to create a quilt. One quilt I'm planning on making is the Jelly Roll Jam quilt that Fat Quarters has kindly created a tutorial for (thank god). Here's the video if your interest is peaked!


If you have any other suggestions/tips or favourite quilt patterns you'd like to share with me I'd love to hear them!!!

Until next time,

Melissa


14 comments:

  1. So sorry to read of the tragedy in your town. How scary that you were so close ~ please stay safe and on guard! Love your quilting pictures!! Love the fabrics and colors!

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  2. So sorry to read of the tragedy in your town. How scary that you were so close ~ please stay safe and on guard! Love your quilting pictures!! Love the fabrics and colors!

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  3. I am very sorry to hear about the horrible tragedy right near you, how scary you were right there! I can understand how rattled you are as I am only a few miles from Newtown CT. You never think something will happen in your own town. Stay safe! Your quilting project looks awesome. I love all the quilting projects I am seeing in the blog world and it is inspiring me to try it too!

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  4. it seems to be happening all over we have had two separate incidents one in the town where I work and the other not far from where I am going to in November ....
    well done on the quilting foray .. I am with you on the beginners bit ..lol and I like it with that bit of gap in it but think it would look ok with out too ... sorry not much help am I ..lol ... happy stitching :) love mouse xxxxxx

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  5. I am so sorry to hear about the tragedy in your town. How scary.
    Your quilting is gorgeous. I love your fabric choices.
    Hugs

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  6. Oh Melissa! How very, very sad.
    Your quilt is lovely! Good for you!

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  7. Beautiful fabrics! I love the colors you picked out for your little lap quilt. I think I know what you mean - it might look too "busy" without sashing in the middle. Can't wait to see the final product!

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  8. I tend toward very traditional tastes but I really like that pattern! I too am a quilting newbie but I may look that pattern up. Thanks for sharing.

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  9. So sad to hear this in the news too. I can't imagine how your community must feel. My heart goes out to all those affected by such a senseless act...Blessing to all.

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  10. I'm from the west coast of NL originally and my thoughts and prayers have been directed to you guys out East. Peace be with you.

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  11. So sorry to read about the shooting. Once upon a time, you would hear about things like this only in the hustle and bustle of the bigger cities, but they have made their way in small town(s) America. Be careful dear.
    Congratulations on learning to quilt:) You will enjoy it!
    On your quilt top, if you have not yet sewn them together, I personally would place sashing strips in between the blocks. It stop/rests the eye from one one block to the other because your block is very busy.
    You are definitely on the path to quilting as I see you have some stash enhancement. I saw that pattern and have "plans" to make that little quit too.
    Good luck on your quilt!
    Jackie:)

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  12. Ooops!!!!~Fingers before brain!

    Re: …"small town(s) America.
    Omit/strike through America.

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  13. So sorry to hear what has been happening

    Your quilt blocks are looking lovely

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  14. It's terrifying when something like this happens close to you! You will need some time to adapt again but things will get better!
    I think it's great that you're venturing in the quilting world. I did a course beginning of last year and I'm very pleased with the projects I have on the go for the moment.
    Have a nice weekend!
    Ann

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