FO: Marcelle Medallion

I didn't plan this, but I wrote my first Marcelle post exactly a month ago.

Truly, this quilt was an obsession for me.

I've always been interested in medallion/border quilts, and this quilt pattern, from Alexia's Liberty Love book, was just what I needed after quiltcon.

I think part of the draw was the complete indulgence in scraps and little treasured pieces.

I also felt engaged in each section, and never went into auto-pilot mode, as you sometimes can on large projects.

And knowing I couldn't possibly give this one away, I used a large piece of two favorite prints for the back.

I also took some chances on the quilting, and knew I would still love it if it didn't work out just the way I wanted.

But it did.

I love this quilt, and I loved making it.

And I'll probably make another.

FO: Star 1934

Last July, I started this project with great momentum.

But you know how it goes. I finished the english paper piecing, and then set it aside until I figured out my background fabric.

Fast forward to February, and I picked the background/appliqued my piecing.

I'm embarrassed by how quickly I finished the piece; I should have done it ages ago.

It was supposed to be a birthday gift for my mom. She loved it, late or not, and I guess that's what matters.

Details:

pattern: Modified Star Blossom from Rachel's handstitched class.
Fabric: Circa 1934 on a Kona Nightfall background, bound in Kona Ochre
Size: I forgot to measure, but we'll go with approximately 15" x 21".

I straight-line quilted after applique (partially to secure any poorly attached seams, since I am still new to the applique game) at a slight angle. I wanted to keep it, but I know my mom will give it a nice place to live in her new home.

This week

I intended to be back here sooner, but it's been a fun week with some big accomplishments. I hope you have experienced the same!
First up, I am starting to exercise again. It's been AGES. ages. Too long and I've felt so lazy and complacent.

I hope I can keep it up this time. I'm just running/walking (mostly walking, but that's okay), with a little pilates (dvd) thrown in for good measure. I'm writing it here to add an extra layer of guilt!

I've been on a garment sewing kick, and finished a second version of this top. It's New Look pattern #0134, and I used a pinstripe linen this time.

I also finished New Look #6010 in a favorite Maya print (by Leah Duncan).

I intend to share modeled shots of both shirts soon. I am especially pleased with the Maya top. I'll share more details on both shirts when I post the modeled shots.

I have also been quilting away on my Marcelle Medallion. The quilting is now finished, but you can see a sneak peek above. I'm so SO in love with this quilt. Binding is almost finished, so I hope to be able to share the finish next week!

So, that's my week in a nutshell.

What about you?

FO: Which Way

It's always exciting when you finish a big project, and finishing a long-term project is especially great. I started Which Way back in June.

After piecing several prints in June, it sat for six months.
It happens.

I finished assembling the top just before Quiltcon, and basted last week at our HMQG sew-in.

I quilted the chevron columns with three straight lines running through each one. I felt like it needed a little something more, so I added loopy free-motion quilting in the skinny sashing columns.
I used a print from Jeni's Color Me Retro (found here and here

I especially love the back of this quilt. I used an assortment of stashed coordinating yardage.

I'm really happy to finish this one. It finishes at 70" x 74", and is from Cluck Cluck Sew's pow wow pattern. It's a gift for my sister, and I hope she loves it!

March bee blocks

After finishing Marcelle (which is now basted and ready for some quilting attention), I decided to tackle March bee blocks.
First up, do.Good Stitches blocks for Natalie. For the second time, Natalie planned ahead for her month and wrote a new tutorial for us to use. Here's what she chose this month. Here is the previous one (a stunner!), if you're interested.

I really enjoyed making these blocks. They seem complex, but came together quickly. And I love the colors Natalie selected.

Over here, I shared my first word for Jessica's wonky bee quilt. I decided to work on some neutral patchwork to start assembling the quilt top.

Two words and Melissa's amazing paper-pieced star are now assembled. I also pieced the word art.

And that wraps up bee commitments for March.

Now, to quilt!

A finished Marcelle top

And finished!

I was able to get the cross border and the final Lucky Penny round finished yesterday.

And even better, I plan to baste it today at our HMQG sew-in.

The cross blocks were so much fun to make. I'd like to give these another go someday.

I'll also be basting this one today.

Next up, some bee blocks and a look ahead to future projects.

More Marcelle

The Marcelle Medallion continues to be my obsession. I was devoted to it all week, and haven't sewn another thing this past week.

Most recently, I worked on the geese border. Man, I love flying geese.

The geese are attached, and I'm selecting/cutting pieces for the next round.

I am using this project as an excuse to reorganize some of my stash, though. Fat quarters are finally being sorted by color. Scraps are being resorted (I usually go through them rapidly, looking for some bit or another mid-project).

I also got solid fabrics into one location. I feel a mainly-solid project in my future!

One more progress shot, just because I love it!