A Multitude of Projects!

We are inching our way along through so many beautiful quilts, bags, tablerunners, etc.  What I have here is a small sample of the fun things we are working on.  This is a retreat that is not centered on teaching a specific class.  Instead, everyone is working on their own ideas and patterns.  Some are starting entirely new quilts.  Others have unearthed a few "oldie but goodie" projects that were started sometime in the past, but set aside in favor of something else.  There can be any number of reasons to file a project in the UFO (UnFinished Object) bin.  A missing fabric, a shortage of fabric to match, a misprinted pattern that requires re-working, a loss of interest, or just the allure of something else sparkly and new.  Whatever the reason, it can take a lot of discipline to control the urge to start new things while the old ones sit sad and forlorn in the closet, just waiting until someone kind will bring them out into the light of day and release them from the plastic bag prison.  I swear that sometimes I can hear them calling out to me, but usually so faintly that it is easy to ignore!

These pictures will show you some of the things going on.  If you follow us on Facebook, you will catch more glimpses of our ideas.

Judy brought along a quilt she recently finished to show.  All of the pictures and words are done by machine embroidery.  The designs come from Anita Gooddesigns.

Marlene finished all of the blocks for this beautiful pineapple quilt, named for the layered pieces.  This was a pattern by Edyta Star.

This little purse was made from the hedgehog fabric shown above.  The pattern is Bucket Bag from Kenzie Mac & Co.  The jute webbing really makes a nice finish.  I made this for a store sample, and there are some kits available.

This small tablerunner is a free pattern on allpeoplequilt.com.  It is called the Scrap Lab Tablerunner.
Debbie gave each person a bundle of 5 coordinated fat quarters to make their own souvenir of retreat.

Marlene made this eye-popping tabletopper from a pattern called Triangle Frenzy by Bunnie Cleland.  This pattern, and others like it, are some new best-sellers and are offered in a class at the store.

Eileen made this quilt and we have named it Sea Glass.  Actually, the pattern is named Flora by Valori Well.  But it will be forever Sea Glass in our minds!  I don't see it listed as available on their website, but it was originally from The Stitchin' Post in Sisters, OR.

I did a little assembly line sewing and made 8 of these zipper bags yesterday.  They are really fun to put together in interesting fabric and color combinations.  It's a good way for me to use some of the things that I collect and think are precious.  The front is clear vinyl, letting the inside of the pocket show through.  The pattern is Bridget's Bagettes by Atkinson Designs.

Last night a few of us actually had a sewing break long enough to watch the season premiere of The Good Wife.  Some knitting was going on, but I really had to pay attention to what was going on with the characters so the knitting was not serious.  We all loved the plot, and we are worried about Kerry.  I won't say any more so I don't spoil it for anyone who hasn't watched it.  But I can tell you that when the closing credits came up, we all let out a group cry of anguish because we didn't want it to end!