The Transformation Has Begun...

Yep, the backing has been dyed



 

The elements to be added during quilting have been prepped



 

The silk and Razzle-Dazzle threads have arrived, and the top is loaded on the frame



 

The stabilization process is well under way. The "fun" quilting is coming soon.

I really love this part of the process!

The Watchers II...Applique Version

After the reveal of my painted version of this quilt here, Vicki and I talked about developing an applique version on one of her gradient fabrics as a kit for sale.  Well, I finally got it done. As you may remember, the painted version is done entirely in neutral colors.  In this version, I used a neutral background, but added a little blue and green.  The background fabric is 1 yard of ...can you believe I can't remember the name of this gradient!  I'm sure Vicki will pipe up and rescue me!  At any rate, here it is.

[caption id="attachment_2963" align="alignnone" width="269"] The Watchers II[/caption]

It isn't quilted yet, and that will not happen until the High Priestess is done and off the frame.  But at least the top is done.

The pattern is almost done,(just have to burn  the discs and print the covers)  and will be ready to ship to Vicki in the next few days.  When she has the kits ready to go, she'll let you know!

 

Log Cabin Quilts E-Book

Upon returning home from Virginia this week, I had an e-mail from Fons and Porter asking if I would be interested in reviewing their new Log Cabin Quilts E-book.  I certainly was happy to do that and they promptly sent me the E- book.

I have always loved log cabin quilts. They are so many varieties and options to make them very traditional or very contemporary. They are great as stand alone pieced quilts and they also make great backgrounds for applique.  The first large quilt I did was a log cabin quilt.  I have done them the traditional way; I have done them with paper pieced centers; and I have done them with applique.

I read  through the E-book and found it to be a wonderful resource. Not only does it have complete, easy to follow instructions for a variety of log cabin settings; it also has charts with cutting instructions for 5 different size blocks.

Also included are bonus instructions for adding piping and a binding tutorial.   All through the booklet there are lots of photos, hints, and easy to read charts.

But the best part for me is that it is in PDF format...which means you can transfer the booklet to iBooks on your iPad or iPhone . That means when you're in the quilt shop and find the perfect fabrics for a log cabin quilt, you'll have all the info you need right with you!

And the great folks at Fons and Porter are making it possible for you to have your own free copy too! Just follow the link below and get your own.

http://www.fonsandporter.com/landing/free-log-cabin-quilt-patterns

Finished One and Getting Ready For A Trip Home

The High Priestess top is finally finished...major construction issues and a couple of re-do's, but in the end I am happy with it.

Just a few peaks of the final elements...all of which have had further surface design since these photos

Some extra "padded" applique diamonds to accent the pieced ones...



They and the following "padded" elements will be added during the quilting process...The edges are all turned and ready.

The Luna moths



And the word bubbles...oh these photos were before the words were added...



That will have to do you until I get back and load it for quilting.

I'm headed to Virginia to celebrate Mother's birthday with her. Hubby and the kitties will hold down the fort here while I'm gone.  I'm excited to spend time with Mother, and also the kids and grand daughters...all 5 of them!  I am so lucky to have wonderful children and their terrific spouses who gave me 5...count 'em 5 wonderful grand girls. Kara, Becky, Samantha, Fiona, and Siobhan

Life, even with all its challenges... is good!

 

A Re-Do

There was just something about the High Priestess top that bothered me...so much so, I couldn't bring myself to stitch down the applique.  I finally figured out my issue with it,  so I ordered more fabric from Vicki. Then I  took the whole top apart and re- did it.

Tonight it is done and I am happy with the way it looks. So, tomorrow I'll start stitching  down the applique.  Still on track, to have it loaded before I go to Virginia the first week of December.

I'll post photos after the applique is stitched.

Sometimes, you need to listen to that little voice :)

Sampson and Clyde

I finally got around to binding Sampson and Clyde, so I thought I'd post the finished photos.

First, Sampson

[caption id="attachment_2946" align="alignnone" width="300"] Sampson[/caption]

and a close up



and Clyde

[caption id="attachment_2948" align="alignnone" width="300"] Clyde[/caption]

and his close-up



This has really been a fun series for me ...two left to go and Harvey is on the frame being quilted now.

The Watchers

Today is the reveal for the Fiberactions group challenge "Neutrals".  The color palette could include black, gray,white, brown and beige. I wondered if with this shoulder injury I would be able to get mine done, but thankfully I made the deadline! The only things left to do are the label, sleeve and blocking. I also need to get better photos...these aren't the best.

A painted wholecloth: 41" x 40"

[caption id="attachment_2928" align="alignnone" width="300"] "The Watchers"[/caption]

Painted with fiber reactive dyes and Liquitex professional artists inks. Quilted with Superior and Wonderfil threads and filled with 2 battings...Quilters Dream Wool over Quilters Dream Puff.

I did take some photos during the process starting with the freezer paper masks on white PFD fabric



background color added



masks removed



Inspector Bouree



looks like he approves ;)



painting the details



and more



and painting done



on to the quilting...lots of threads tails to bury



and the details





notice the thread painted "ghost" birds? You may need to enlarge the photo to see them



and the back



Be sure to head over to the Fiberactions blog to see the others.