Quilts for Grandkids

I finally got Alyssa, Nick and Tim's quilts to them for Christmas 2009. I had them mostly finished a long time ago - wanted to gift all three at the same time.
It has been SO cold lately, the quilts will help to keep them warm and snuggly.

Basting and Quilting

I was pin basting Evening Stars/Stars of Hope, and wouldn't you know, I saw that two of the paper-pieced star blocks had units turned the wrong way! The blocks were up on the design wall for at least two weeks and I didn't catch it, nor did I notice it when I sewed the blocks and rows together, and I even took it to guild meeting for "show and tell"! Well, I was three quarters done with basting and for a fleeting moment I was going to take it all apart and fix it. Then on second thought - no! Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Just as sometimes we have to accept something less than we had hoped for.
I've begun the machine quilting using Signature #40 variegated blue thread.

Some Zen Machine Stitching

After a day of shopping, some quality time stitching along by chain piecing with my Bernina! These are half square triangle units for "Raspberry Truffle" in double pinks and browns, a kit I bought at an NQA show in maybe 2002?

Hop To It block #3

I'm doing the "Hop To It" quilt from Edyta Sitar's book, as a block-of-the-month from Peace N Applique shop in Rochester. I decided to do the fusible method by machine (the author says it is her favorite method)since I am doing her "Applique Affair" blocks by hand. I'm using Lite Steam a Seam II and a tiny zig-zag stitch with some matching 60 wt. thread and some monofilement. I'm having trouble with the edges fraying - maybe I'm not fusing it long enough? As it is I'm not very happy with it; and am thinking about switching to gluing or basting over freezer paper templates and stitching by machine or hand for the next block.

DQG President's Quilt

On Thursday I took a break from Stars of Hope, and got out my President's Quilt. The guild members gave me autographed blocks at the end of my term in May 2008.
I took off the two narrow blue borders that I put on last summer, and got the border stripe fabric ready.

Stars of Hope Top is Done

I had the first two borders done on Tuesday afternoon, took it to the evening guild meeting, got my name in the drawing but didn't win. We had a delicious potluck and speaker who showed antique family quilts.
On Sunday, I had the center panel together; put it up on the design wall and saw that the fabric I used for the inner part of the big star clashed with the other blues. So I took it all apart and redid it. That was a delay ( I finished the first two borders a half-hour before the meeting on Tuesday!), but am glad I made it right.
Today (Friday) I put the final border on and started getting the backing fabric(from my stash) ready.

I also got a nice surprise this afternoon - the Athena's Puzzle kit that I had ordered from Keepsake last July was delivered! I wasn't expecting it because I just received a card three days ago saying it was still on backorder.

Progress on Stars Quilt

 

This project is my guild's 2009 block of the month challenge. If we get the top together and take it for "show and tell " to the December meeting next Tuesday evening, we will be eligible for a $25 drawing. I'm not too far behind; just need to finish the large center star, put the blocks together and put on the borders. I intend to finish it in time for the drawing!