Hexy Table Runner: I finally finished sewing together all the hexies for my table runner and I am in the process of quilting it. I chose one of the fabrics on the front of the quilt for the backing because it has a great pattern to quilt from the back of the quilt with a walking foot. Keep this trick in mind if you are an inexperienced quilter, especially for free motion quilting. If you have been reading my blog, you know that this table runner was made from my participation in the “Get Your Hex On!” bee. This was my first bee and this is what I learned:
- Make sure you realize the time committment you are making
- Make sure you realize the financial requirements, postage (international), fabric (if pulling from stash), paper pieces
- Make sure you will be able to work on fabrics that are not your aesthetic; I had a hard time getting motivated when the fabrics were not modern
- Do your very best work
- Realize that the quality of work returned to you may not be up to your standards
- You will get lots of experience and I got so much better and piecing hexies
- Pay back time: It is all worth it when you start getting quilt blocks returned to you
It seems like there alot of negatives, but it depends on what you want to get out of the group, online friendships, experience at certain techniques, blocks for a project you are wanting to do. I felt as though I bit off more than I could chew and, therefore, I did not sign up again when this year’s committment was over. I was always late getting my blocks to the owner and I felt bad about that. I always think I can do more than I actually can. However, I love how the table runner turned out and I am so happy to be almost finished.
Florida Modern Quilt Retreat: Last weekend I participated in my first retreat. It was a four day modern quilt retreat and I signed up to have some focused sewing time and to be with like minded quilters. I have been making modern quilts for a while now and done several presentations to guilds on modern quilts, so I was already familiar with all the educational aspects of the retreat. It took place in Sebring, FL at the Kenilworth Lodge. The retreat was hosted by Carol Lyle Shaw, President of the Sarasota (FL) Modern Quilt Guild. A good time was had by all and I came back really inspired. I have included a group shot with some of the projects we worked on.
Upcoming Projects: I have several quilts waiting to be quilted and bound. I will use one of them to prepare the much requested tutorial on my machine sewn piped binding technique. I’m also working on a presentation, trunk show and workshop that I am co-presenting with Linda Hungerford of Flourishing Palms on June 3 and 4 at Quilt Guild of The Villages in The Villages, Florida.
New Discovery: I just starting using Instagram (don’t know what took me so long). It is so much fun. If you would like to follow me my user name is @loradouglas. I just had a “like” on one of my pictures from Fons and Porter, how cool is that? I promise I will be posting more on Instagram than on my blog, as it is so quick and easy.
Linky: I am linking up with Lee over at Freshly Pieced for her WIP Wednesday post. Be sure to check out and comment on some of the other WIP Wednesday posts.