Finally Something Finished!

I was at a meeting Wednesday evening with other quilters and came home feeling quite down and stressed about all my unfinished projects. In 2003 or 4 a group of us started an exchange project. One person was working on hers and it reminded me that I owe her a piece. I came home and took that out and also went looking for my own piece. My top has been done since 2005 or 6 but not quilted. I decided that what I really need right now is to finish something. I need that sense of accomplishment. The only way to finish something fast is to do it by machine so I decided to finish my fractal ( the projects I had pulled out after the meeting to look at).

My finished piece.

I was surprised at how long it took me to machine quilt it even though it is small (31.5" x 22.5"). All it lacks now is a label. I know it is based on a card but I cannot remember the artist. Can you see the 4 parts? Each of us chose a picture and divided it into 4 parts. Each person got a part to work on and give back to the owner. All of the pieces were done in wool. It is interesting to see how well the pieces blend together.

The Black Hills, SD & some New Projects

Just got back from a trip to Black Hills, SD to visit Toralf's brother and sister in law. Falls leaves were really pretty. I hadn't expected that. Third picture is from the Little Big Horn National Monument.

The trip was a good excuse to cut out a couple new paper pieced projects. I have been wanting to do this for some time. This is what I started.

 

This is the jewel shape with 1"and 2"hexagons. Jewels could also be put together with 2"diamonds. It is a different look and kind of fun. I have a jelly roll of batik for the stars. I'm using a group of tie dyes for the hexagons.

 

This one is ties. Yes I'm finally using them! Design will be tumbling blocks. I need to rethink what I am doing a little bit. I thought I could use the lining on the ends of the ties for the solid top but I don't like the quality fabric so need to find more solid ties and or use the wider solid parts. I have been glue basting the diamonds as I cut them and this stabilizes the slippery fabric. It is working well.

 

Catchup

It has been a busy summer! The end of June I took the train from Whitefish, Montana to Lacrosse, Wisconsin. It was a grand adventure. Biggest drawback was travel time on each end to get to and from train depots, tricky with train delays. I avoided an 18 hour delay by one day.

Spent 2 weeks with good friends from way back.



 

And as always enjoyed the Mississippi.

 





 

Home just a few days and then we headed to California for Oliver's second surgery. He was a trooper and everything came out fine. The palate is now closed so that should facilitate his eating and learning to talk. If all goes well it will be the last surgery until he is 9 or 10 when they will graft a bone in the cleft.

 

 

Hard to believe our little guy turns one tomorrow! He has had quite a year. Right now he is on the verge of walking and eating independently and loves cell phones. Here he is helping Dad and Grandpa in the garage.

 

 

And I would be remiss if I didn't wish all my friends in Mexico Feliz Día de Independencia (Happy Independence Day).