Wednesday, October 18, 2017

All Aboard the Productivity Train


I think I'm finally coming back around.  The productivity train is steaming up and getting ready to leave the station.  I've been working on my list from last week (and I added to it) and slowly some things are starting to get crossed off. 

Above is a picture of the Star Blossom Quilt that will be the sample for the class David and I are teaching this Saturday at Bolts and Quarters Quilt Shop.  This has been crossed off the list, but trust me it was a team effort (and honestly, it should be).  David spent most of last Sunday, cutting all the pieces we will use in the class to demo the construction and piecing the blocks for the small top.  I spent most of Monday evening, putting the quilt top together. 

Ummm...Tish, I remember you working on this last week and you were using some pretty purple and turquoise fabrics...where did this come from?  Glad you noticed and good question.  Saturday, we headed to another quilt shop (Elkins Sewing Center) so I could ask about Westalee Rulers and David suggested we but the brakes on my quilt and make our class sample using Christmas fabrics.  Because I'm a quilter and easily distracted I said, "That is a fantastic idea!!!!  Let's buy fabric." 


Speaking of the Westalee Rulers...the Elkins Sewing Center hosted Westalee instructor, Donelle McAdams to share information with us about these wonderful quilting rulers.  The class was packed.  Though the demo was for domestic machines, I was interested in finding out if the company  also offered rulers for long arm and mid arm quilters as well.  Turns out that they do and I picked up a set of 6 rulers.  I cannot wait to play with these babies!

But I have to finish the butterfly quilt.  WHAT IS TAKING ME SO LONG????  With a few waves of my magical blue pen to mark registration lines...

and a few passes with my Handi Quilter straight ruler...
 
 
I was able to create this neat design from one of Angela Walter's Shape by Shape books.  All that is left is the outside border and the very center square.  The customer had a few requests when we made this quilt...lots of pink (check), butterflies (sort of check) and a cancer ribbon (no check yet).  I debated on doing simple piano keys in the borders.  However, I wanted to quilt butterflies into the quilt somewhere but had not until this point.  So I thought what if I just outline most of the butterflies?  Would that count as quilting butterflies?  I tried a practice run with scraps.


I fell in love!  I didn't want to, but I must stitch it this way.  It's going quicker than I thought it would.


Now all that is left, is to put on my big girl panties and tackle the ribbon in the center of the quilt.  I'm thinking this will be the element that will either make or break the quilt...no pressure.

I also managed to get all of my fabric cut for Yvonne's Wayward Transparency QAL.  It feels so good to have everything all cut up and organized in bags. 


So what's next?  Finish the butter fly quilt for heaven sakes!  I'm also prepping some projects for an upcoming road trip/quilt retreat.  I've already made a bit of head way in my gathering of projects.


All of my strips for the border of Jenny's quilt are ready to go.  I'll share more about the other projects that will be going with me later this weekend and my progress when I get back.  I will be interested in seeing just how much I will accomplish. 


Today I'm linking up with Let's Bee Social and Midweek Makers.

15 comments:

Denise said...

I love this, so pretty.

Jayne said...

I was getting worried about you and your productivity Tish! You have come back! You are a machine. I have yet to cut my fabric for Yvonnes quilt...but I am doing it and I do have the fabric! Motivate me!

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl said...

The productivity train is definitely going again! Wow, lots of great work, Tish. Outlining the butterflies in the border looks wonderful. I have full confidence you can do the ribbon in the center. And yay for cutting your fabric... I need to cut mine (I'm trying to give myself a break, I have already made 2 versions). :)

Cheryl said...

The mystery quilt is looking great, I really like the outlined butterflies.

Nancy J said...

It is definitely " ALL Stations GO!!!" at your home, love your transparency fabrics, mine are washed, ironed, and ready for cutting. And another class, what a great team you two are.

Kathy S. said...

Sweet projects! I LOVE your quilt templates!!

Paige said...

I need a ticket on that train, Tish! Good to see everything you are working on especially that ruler work! Well done!

helenjean@midgetgemquilts said...

Keep the pedal to the metal

Stitchin At Home said...

Chug-a-chug steadily goes the productivity train. Great idea outlining the butterflies they look great!

Janice Holton said...

OOO! Love those Christmas fabrics! They look really good on your Star Blossom Quilt. Can't wait to hear your story about how the class you and Dave will be teaching goes. You always have a fun way of telling stories. :)

KaHolly said...

My dear, you are so darned gifted and talented! The two of you! What a Team!

Preeti said...

Wasn't it just last year when David made his first quilt and now he is teaching a class. Well, that is a meteoric rise. Kudos to you both.
Love the butterflies and that birds fabric on the Star Blossom quilt is super cute.

Puppilalla said...

David and Tish the unstoppable duo spreading the quilting lore far and wide. It is faulous that you are going to teach a class. I hope it will be a great success.

Susan said...

Lovely quilting! Your train has left the station! Thanks for sharing

Anja @ Anja Quilts said...

Have fun teaching your class.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...