Sunday, November 6, 2011

Oh Look, There's A Squirrel

I have diagnosed myself as having crafty induced "ADD".
I don't seem to be able to stay focused on one or two projects. I have several projects, (fiber, fabric, yarn, markers), going on all at one time. How do you focus. I start with a couple of projects, before I know it I see or here something that I totally want to do. So what do I do? I start something new to add to the pot!! Does that sound like ADD to you? With the lack of the ability to focus on one thing before being distracted---it's sorta like----"Oh Look, There's A Squirrel", hence the title.

Regardless of my self diagnosis, I a focused on improving my precision piecing. I had 3 suggestions that I have acted on, the book and DVD by Sally Collins, "Mastering Precision Piecing" (suggested by Pam & Nonnie respectively) and the single hole plate (suggested by Tammy in Denmark). I have thumbed through the book and viewed a portion of the DVD. I will admit, it is a lot of information to wrap your head around. Good stuff though! I will be testing out the new machine plate today while finishing the Irish Chain quilt top. The top is more than 3 yrs old. I used the Accuquilt Go "Doggy Die" to add an applique addition to the top. Inner and outer border still to come.

Irish Chain-UFO
Original

Irish Chain updated
Updated

Completed Mondo Bag. I still have to top stitch around the top and give it a press.
Mondo Bag

A couple of progress pictures of the Mondo Bag:

IMG_2239
Mondo Bag 1 Mondo Bag 2

In the midst of working on the Mondo Bag I decided I wanted to start a new project. I cut out a hefty backgound square and fused some hexagons and circles. I guess the talk about "attack of the Hexies", I wanted to be a part of it. Well this is my take!!! BTW, a whole lot quicker I may add. I call it: "Hex's and O's". I used my Accuquilt Go to cut the shapes. My question, does it need an inner and outer border? I purchased a fabric to use as an inner border and would use that background for the outer border and add the remaining hexagons and circles. What do you think?

Hex's & O's


A closer look
Hex's & O's-detail

My idea of an art quilt in the making...proud to say it came from my brain. Pretty ok for a first!!

What I scored on my "road trip"!

Stash enchancer

What I am planning:
* a knitted blanket or a shawl
* string quilt table runner and placemats for the holidays using the "Sushi Jelly Roll" pictured above. It doesn't scream Christmas but more like, it's the holidays.

Thanks to all who commented in various places. BTW, TQP #5 is up!

Until next time.............

7 comments:

  1. I really like your hexie/ circle art quilt! More suggestions for accurate piecing: starch your fabric when you press it- stiff, paper-like fabric is easy to piece. Use a non-slip ruler for cutting (Good Grips) or put the sandpaper stickers on the back of yours so your cutting is accurate. Don't be in a hurry to press triangle units. Finger press them and finish the block before you press so they don't stretch. Use the half-square triangle technique where you stich diagonally through the squares before you cut them apart. You'll be in good shape!

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  2. Thanks for the suggestions. Didn't think of finger pressing during block construction and pressing after block completion. Oh, I do have a couple of Creative Grid Rulers.

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  3. AJ, that hex's and o's quilt is beautiful!!!! :-)
    Glad to see you blogging.
    Also love the puppies and the bag and the loot!
    Take care
    Martha

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  4. The doggies are the perfect addition to the white space of your top.
    The hex's and o's is a very modern look. I know any quilt can have borders but many modern designs do not. So border addition is up to you.

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  5. Hi!! I just wanted to say that. I just found your podcast and listened to your episodes over the last few days. You do a great job and I love hearing about all your crafts. I think we were meant to meet. I have have 3 grown children, well 6 now, because I am married again and have 3 more to add to my family. I like to quilt, sew, crochet and weave. I found a tri loom about a year ago and gave it a whirl. I like it, but it is different from traditional weaving. I also decided I need to learn to knit. I also like to make cards and scrapbook. ADD is right! Sometimes I sit and stare at everything because I can't decide what to work on. And, I must say, work sure gets in the way. Oh, one more thing. I used to live in San Antonio and all of our childred and grandchildren live there. We travel there several times a year. Well, thanks for podcasting. Your projects are fantastic!

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  6. Love Hex's and O's. I really love the look of a double border, though Victoria (peacebrook) has a point--modern quilts don't seem to have them so much.

    Enjoying the podcast very much!

    frances

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  7. Love the dogs in the Irish chain.
    REALLY love the hex's and o's! I think a double border would be nice. Or even one dark border.
    You seem to work really fast, so you may have finished this by now! But I just started listening to your podcast.

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