May 2012 FMQ Challenge

This month's free-motion quilting challenge was presented by Leah Day.  Her excellent tutorial included lots of helpful hints on getting started with free motion as well as a couple of videos.

The foundation designs she demonstrated she calls double stippling.  To begin you stitch a large squiggle line and then double stitch over that line with loops.  For the second practice piece the double stitching is straight lines and angles that create a railroad track effect.

I liked both these designs and will use them in future projects.

I had a lot of problems with the machine I have here at the cabin.  I have a piece of wood that I plan on cutting to the shape of my machine bed and then adding supports so I will have a nice larger flat surface for the fabric to lay upon while I stitch.  

Please check out SewCalGal's blog for more information about the challenge.

Design Wall Monday - May 21, 2012

This is a block I created after viewing the Craftsy Block of the Month video for May.  It's supposed to be a wonky log cabin.  I added the black in order to make it into a rectangle.  I'm not sure what I will do with this block.  It might make a cute trivet cover or potholder.  I don't have any more of the bug fabric that I used for the center. 



I also made another grannie square block.  Now I have a total of 13.  I've been considering how I will set them and after looking at other quilts online, I'm thinking that I will not add sashing strips.  I think sashing would detract from my efforts to make these blocks replicate crocheted granny squares. 

Now that I've relocated to the cabin for the summer I'm trying to get back into sewing and quilting on a daily basis.  Unfortunately I did not bring all my fabrics.  That would have required yet a third trip so I'll just make due with what supplies I have.  I did pack several UFO projects which should keep me busy.  I also plan on knitting at least one pair of socks this summer. 

Thanks for stopping by.  Feel free to add your comments and check out Judy's Patchwork Times for more Design Walls. 

Happy Sewing.

Design Wall Monday–May 14, 2012

In spite of a very busy month, I was able to make a few more grannie square blocks.  Now there is a total of twelve blocks and I face the decision of what to do with them.  How many more should I make?  Do I add sashing; and if so, how wide and what color? 

Be sure to check out Judy’s blog Patchwork Times to see what others have on their design walls this week.

Happy sewing and quilting!