Patch Abilities Class-Feb

I attended my first PatchAbilities class at Quilts and Things.  Most ladies who attend the class don't come to quilt but to socialize... since I don't have a whole lot of time to quilt at home, I brought my machine and started working.  Due to it being the first class and a lot of people not showing up, we were late starting the class.  I was able to get the background sewn together and the appliqué pieces cut out during the class.  If the next class starts on time then I can get more done during class time and that is my hope.

After the class, I came home and positioned my appliqué pieces and fused them.  I have not yet started the button hole stitch around the appliqués yet because the teacher told us to quilt it with just the top and batting.  I have never done that before so I am going in on Saturday for more instruction.  Below is a photo of what I have thus far.

We work on the piece for a few months ahead of the current month so that maybe it will get finished in time to use.  In February, we are working on April's hanging.

Spring Arts and Crafts Boutique

I mentioned in a previous post that I will be a vendor at a craft fair hosted by my wonderful Mom's Group, Morgan Hill Mom's Meetup.  Advertisements have been purchased and it is being called the "Spring Arts and Crafts Boutique."  It falls March 9th and I have been working to sew items to sale.  

• I have the 4 full aprons and 1 half apron I posted in a previous post.
• I have also completed two other half aprons, 1 toddler size and 1 kids size. 

• 8 coloring book holders: 4 boy and 4 girl

• 1 of 4 (set of 4) picnic roll.  Plans for two more sets of 4 in different fabric.

• 1 baby quilt (photo not available)
• 2 sets of 10 colored beanbags (unfinished)

Other things in the works is some quilted bookmarks, coffee cup snuggies and two small tote bags.  If I have the time, I should have enough fabric for two doll quilts.  Then I think I will be done.  Hopefully what I have will be sufficient to turn a profit.

Mid-Month Check-in: M's Quilt

It's the 15th of February and time for my mid-month check-in for the "Lovely Year of Finishes" Challenge.

I have basted and begun machine quilting M's Quilt.  I stitched in the ditch around the pinwheels in a dark purple.   I am not crazy about how it looks on the back of the quilt and wish I would have used white in the bobbin but it's done and I don't think it looks bad enough to rip out so it stays.  I have stitched around all pinwheels but one.  That one lines up with the appliqué on the pieced back.  I will probably stitch around the appliqué on the back so that my stitching from the front does not obscure my lovely appliqué on the back.  

My plan was to stitch a vine like pattern on the green nine-patch blocks in a similar green color.  I  couldn't figure out how to make it work considering my limited quilting experience so the *new* plan is to stitch around the center green block of the nine-patch and a second larger square around the center square approximately 1 inch from the first stitch.

Lastly, I think I am going to stitch a large zigzag in the border, but I have been known to change my mind :)  I very much wish I had more machine quilting experience because I'd like this quilt to be perfect for my little girl.

Stay tuned for the finished project at the end of the month.