Storm at Sea with a Snail Trail Border

My son is 21 years old and making his way through college. I wish I had taken up quilting when he was younger, he would have tons of quilts by now, but when I thought about making him a quilt, it wasn't easy coming up with a pattern for a boy. It's funny how I still call him a boy because he is growing up into such a man, at least over 6 ft tall and so very handsome. I'm blessed but that didn't make it easy to find a pattern. So I rummaged through all the books, magazines and online patterns -- still turned up with nothing that spoke to me.  Nothing stood out until I made my way to the bottom of a pile of books I have next to my desk. A book that was handed down to me from a woman I never met.  It was given to me through a friend's friend. I suppose that is how these books remain in existence.  "Quick and Easy Patchwork on the Sewing Machine" by Susan Alysworth Murwin and Suzzy Chalfant Payne. The templates in the back of the book are made of heavy card stock.  I browsed through and saw the "Storm at Sea" block. That's it! Eureka!!! 

However, and I do mean "however" this block was far from "Easy Patchwork." I never used paper templates before, so as not to destroy the ones from the book, I copied them, and made my own from heavy card stock paper.

But...what colors should I use? Patrick likes blues and purples. So, why not try batiks. I ran and grabbed a bunch of batiks and when I looked at the colors, washes of blues -- I needed something to bring out a contrast. I don't know why but I chose this orange, sort of purple, pink/green batik. Needless to say, I was a bit reluctant to use these colors.  When I had them in my hand, I couldn't see how they would work together. 

When it came to cutting the fabric, I carefully measured the width so I can cut strips, but that also did not come as easy as I thought.  Although the width was correct, I still had to trace the template, especially the diamond. I was cutting, marking chalk lines and cutting again. I was nervous that I was cutting all of this fabric for the garbage. I normally use traditional colors, earth tones, or something more subtle. Some of these colors made my head spin and quite frankly, I was a bit out of my comfort zone. Between the paper templates and the fabric, I was not sure I was going in the right direction and I most likely drove anyone I spoke to about it, simply crazy. Even when I carefully laid out the first row, I was posting it on Instagram FIRST STORM AT SEA BLOCK 

The fabric I chose and the idea I had with picking the pattern was, like most of my quilts, the thought of the person who would be receiving the quilt.  My son being 21 years old, I'm sure has gone through those years where things have seemed stormy, confusing, and a bit rocky. I wanted to bring any of those emotions from him into the quilt, having challenges, that storm that can build within you, so the colors of the stone which represented rocks on a shoreline, blue waters and greens from the sea, the oranges and yellow for the sun's reflection and then the dark blues and small celestial stars within the middle block to represent the moon light over the water at night was what I had in mind. The quilt represents challenges and overcoming them. I had a plan and I was hoping it would come together.

I carefully labeled the pieces I cut in alphabetical order and marked up the pattern in the book so I knew which piece went where. I knew I couldn't sew all these pieces together until the entire quilt top was in order.  Lucky I used my head with that; however, I have no wall in my little apartment to hang up a design wall, so the dinning room/living room floor was the only option. At this point, I was grateful I didn't have a dog or cat running around my house, although I miss having a pet, this would not have been a good time to have one.   Once the blocks were laid out on the floor, I must have switched them around several hundred times until it came together. 

The sewing was not difficult except when it came to keeping my points. I had to carefully sew on the exact crossing of the seam lines for the diamonds, or just above it so I wouldn't loose those points. For most of the blocks I was successful, but not all the points came out exactly how I planned, because I was loosing my 1/4  inch seam allowance.  Oooooooh, that 1/4 inch. God bless it (sarcasm at its finest).  After some time, I was thinking of taking the picture off of my dinning room wall and putting up a design wall, but that idea came quickly to an end when I thought of someone sitting down for dinner or passing to get a jacket from the closet -- the likelihood of them taking a block or two with them from the design wall was more of a worry.  

All in all, I am happy with the results. It was difficult but very much worth the challenge. Once the Storm at Sea was completed, I knew it wasn't done.  There was something missing. I let it rest for a few days and thought about it. I can tell you that some of the ideas I had were off the wall. I recall one time, waking from a nap and writing to a friend of mine on Instagram.  She was gentle in her response, but my thought was completely from another planet. When I looked at the quilt, I thought about the water. Yes, water ...like...like...a ROMAN BATH! I thought of building marble steps that would be the border, possibly doing a little  applique of palms and ivy wrapping around the steps, so it would be as if you were stepping down into a Roman Bath.  What in the world was I thinking!  Of course, that came to a quick end when my dear friend just told me to think about it some more. I'm sure she thought I had completely lost my mind as well.  So I did and let it rest, until I came across the snail trail pattern.  It hit me like someone had slapped me across the head. Of course! It looks as if waves are crashing up against the quilt and the quilt still holds its form, stronger than ever. The meaning of its entirety came together. I carefully had to do the math on this one  and each block came out to be 7-1/2 inches. If you look at the picture, I wasn't paying enough attention, so the bottom right corner block got a bit messy, but nothing that can't be fixed.  Actually, I have decided to leave it. Why you ask? Because it is a reminder that you cannot be perfect in an imperfect world. We stumble and pick ourselves back up but just like anything in life, you have to meet the challenges head on and even thought you feel the waves are crashing against you, no storm is too big to conqueror.

 

 

Saturday Night Special - What my down time looks like

This is how I spend a comfortable Saturday night. I can recall when I was 20 something being stricken with anxiety if I didn't have someplace to go and people to meet but now that I'm approaching that 50 mark-- I enjoy my alone time. A place I can curl up and relax after a hectic work week - the pleasure of solidarity.  My companions are a needle and thread and can only describe it as a telepathic ,intellectual conversation a quilter has with their work.  The quilt tells you what it needs and it will tell you when it is finished. I know to some that do not quilt, that may seem like a  pretty far fetched, artsy fartsy,over-the-top, divine metaphysical statement. Maybe it is, but what if it's not?  When you imagine, create and work with your hands and actually craft an object, it takes on its own polarity with the universe. Now I'm sure I have completely lost my readers, so let me explain. I have knitted and crocheted for years before I took up quilting a year ago.  It is the same metaphysical process when you create a pattern and you can, while working with the craft, become consumed by it, and actually slip into a meditative state. I spent a few years in college studying anatomy and physiology, psychology, sociology and even philosophy, although my better subjects had to do with the arts, I still can piece together what I learned studying human development. Everything seems to come together and I have a broader understanding, not to mention what used to be so concerning to me back then, hardly enters my thoughts now. Maybe everyone should study cellular functioning once in their lifetime. It seems as life goes by faster as you get older, more stress, little time and trying to save a dollar here and there to retire on, can all ball into one roller coaster I call -- life. So, to slow my roller coaster down, I find ways to destress and reconnect with myself.

Some of the ways I can really connect with myself is experiencing my art. Whether that is picking up my graphite/charcoal and sketching, my knitting needles and yarn, or my most passionate love - quilting. When I was a child my uncle and grandmother would inspire me to draw more, and I found with the gift, I could make the world I would want to live in -- and I did. With quilting, there is something more...something far more than just the fabric. More than just a pattern. It has it's own language that embodies comfort, love, passion, compassion, patience, and challenges. It can be a work of art that you can hang on a wall, or give comfort to someone.  When you wrap yourself with a quilt, it is unlike any feeling I can explain and till today, I still sleep with my very first quilt I made. I think I am up to my 12th quilt and it has been just over 1 year since I started. They dress my couch, and are sprawled over my bed, and have been gifts to at least 4 people now. The reaction you get from giving a quilt is priceless. I think a quilt becomes so powerful because of the time the person puts into making it, their love comes through it, their creative art, and passion is passed through the quilt and the receiver, at least I believe, feels that energy.  A quilt will, most of the time, outlast the quilter; therefore, it is a piece of that person that lives on forever, for as long as that quilt exists.

Here is an article I found from the Oxford Journal of Public Health, "The relationship between quilting and well being" http://jpubhealth.oxfordjournals.org/content/34/1/54.short

Emily L. Burt, Postgraduate Student and Jacqueline Atkinson, Professor of Mental Health Policy 
and I quote, "...findings illustrate how creative craft hobbies such as quilting can be a meaningful vehicle for enhancing wellbeing". 

Bloglovin OMG ! I just "liked" myself

Yes, there are some days that I wonder about myself. So I'm using a widget for Bloglovin and of course I wanted to test it. I clicked on it...and I just started "following" myself. Well, I suppose ....at least someone is. I got excited for a moment...I thought I had a follower. 

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

I guess there is a community out there just for blogs. I thought I would try it. 

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Inspiration for the Beginner Quilter

This was the first time my niece sewed together her four patch quilt.  She showed quite a bit of effort and did so well with keeping her 1/4 inch seam allowance. Just like so many of us, we want someone to mentor us, help us and guide us.  When I started to quilt, I didn't have anyone by my side other than my computer and YouTube. I had to learn by making mistakes and still, I do make mistakes but I don't use the word. Instead I say, "...I made an ooops." Then of course, I go on and laugh about it and correct it. I used to constantly journal my progress but lately, I have not been writing as much as I should. I suppose being on a computer for 40 hours a week can take its wear on you and most of the time, I just look forward to my chair, the hoop and quilt to spend my down time after the days work.

Once my niece had this quilt top pieced it was slightly disproportional, so I offered to help her out. I took the quilt top back to my house and with a seam ripper in hand, I went to work taking out blocks from the bottom and sewing them to each side.  I also fixed a few seams.  After this was completed she was more than happy to get this quilt basted.  

Of course she had to learn what a quilt sandwich was. When I told her we were going to make a sandwich she simply stated that she wasn't hungry. I told her to always stay hungry; that is how you reach your goals. In any event, the picture below is her first pin basting lesson.  I know it meant so much to her for me to help her in this process but what I got out of it was more than I could rhetorically convey. It is an emotion like no other when you can pass a craft to another. A craft that is centuries old and at one time, more utilitarian than decorative. I do say that the first time I stepped back and looked at the first quilt I made, I was in awe and humbled.  This time, to teach someone and pass the secrets and techniques was beyond inspirational. I hope I could do this again with others because there is nothing more rewarding then teaching and spending quality time with another human being.

Myself - Lisa and my niece - Genna    5/1/2016

Started a new block - The Studio Star a/k/a Sisters Choice

I got this new fabric at my door step last week, and I am absolutely adoring it. I usually tend not to lean towards lighter shades, but this retro 30's print was calling my name. Yes....I hear voices. It happens when you are a fabric addict a/k/a fabriholic. There is a psychological phenomenon in which little voices in our heads tells us to just buy it, because some day, we are going to need it...and you never know when that some day will emerge.  Honestly, I'm sitting here completely exhausted from work, after 8 hours of sitting at a computer, one would think I had enough to do with writing; however, I can not resist to show off my current quilting project. Just chalk it up to insanity. Therefore, allow me to indulge.  

Wilmington Prints - 40 Karat Crystals
Pnafores & Petticoats
By Kay England
2 1/2 " jelly roll

In any event, I purchased this fabric from the Missouri Star Quilt Co. and the line is from Willimington Prints www.wilmingtonprints.com Pinafores & Petticoats by Kaye England - 40 Karat Crystals. A perfect 2-1/2 inch cut jelly roll strips.  This is actually my first time purchasing a jelly roll because I am usually too cheap to pay for pre-cuts when I can cut them myself. However, it would have taken an awfully long time to  find all these beautiful coordinating colors on bolts, so therefore, I had to carefully considered my options. This option being the best, whereas, the alternative would have been me bringing 16 to 18 bolts of fabric to the lady at the cutting table in the fabric store. Then again, it might not be the lady at the cutting board who would want to skin me alive, rather, I would be more concerned with those that stood on the line behind me.This option most likely saved me from writing my own death warrant.

Then I was faced with the decision on what I could do with this fabric. Originally, I thought of doing the double wedding ring pattern.  If you are not familiar with that pattern, it has a lot of curves. I was given an old magazine which had the pattern and templates in it but considering that I'm not actually legally married, I didn't want to jinx myself. You see, the double wedding ring quilt is given to a couple that are engaged to be married...and I believe, and someone correct me if I am wrong, that not even the future bride can have it before then, or be in its possession. I know...old superstition but hey, I still don't walk under a ladder so for now, I put that pattern on the back burner; unless someone I know is going to get married. 

One morning, while having my coffee, I stumbled upon the YouTube Video form the Missouri Star Quilt Co.  "Jenny's Studio Star Quilt" and it hit me! Yes, the light went on and I knew I had the fabric -- even the background fabric...so I started cutting. I realized, that I had the actual pattern from the magazine that I subscribe to from MSQ "Block." Sometimes I amaze myself. Simply put -- take a bat to my head and wake me up. The pattern looks complicated but the video helps and with a little patience in cutting, you too can be well on your way of making this block. Jenny calls it the Studio Star but it actually is quite an old block. The original name is "Sister's Choice" and it was done with HST (half square triangles). I like the way that Jenny came up with snowballing the corners for the same effect. 

It is assembled in three rows, actually 2 rows and the middle is the sashing strip.  The backing fabric I had bought at Joann Fabrics and it was sitting in my stash just waiting to be put to good use. I'll have to update you with more pictures as this quilt progresses because I never know what a quilt is going to actually look like until I play with the blocks.

Around this time last year....My First Quilt project began

It was about this time last year when my first quilt project began. Actually, it began just like most

things in my life. Spontaneously -- jumping in with two feet and not looking over my shoulder. For years I had an old Kenmore sewing machine hiding away in my closet. Just like everything, it was taking up space with everything else I seem to hoard, in hopes one day it will find a useful purpose.

Don't get me wrong, it surely has had its days when I made beautiful cafe curtains for my dining room with a sheer swag to drape over it.  How proud I am to display the drapes and bragged about my sewing abilities -- it seemed to have stopped there.

Most of my time was spent on knitting, everything from Aran afghans (celtic knots) to socks. Yes, I said "socks." Using 3 to 4 double pointed knitting needles, I would (and still do) knit socks. The self striping yarns I found were amazing and for hours after work, and even during my lunch hour, I would sit and knit. It was a hobby you could carry with you everywhere. I would grab my skein and go! Tommy was in awe at the turn out and the size of the knitting community when I took him to the NY State Sheep and Wool Festival as I carefully calculated my route to the vendors. Well, more like squeezed through the crowd.  It must have been the first time going to a function in New York that I didn't have to worry about anyone pick pocketing me.

Then....I can remember it well, I was browsing through videos on YouTube and I came across a video from the Missouri Star Quilt Co. - the disappearing four patch block  and to me, it seemed simple enough. I must have played the video 5 times before I ran out to buy some fabric. I did not want to take on a quilt project but I sure could use a nice table runner. Why not -- that old machine is just sitting there and surely it needed some attention. This is where the moment happened. I watched the video again and took notes...measurements and before I knew it -- I was sewing "on point." I simply amazed myself.

At the same time, my dear, close friend was battling lung cancer. I would frequently right through Facebook, sending pictures with the progress and my sheer amazement that by sewing these 4 blogs together and cutting them up again to sew them back together was an epiphany. Something was happening before my eyes, of course my friend, with cancer taking over the body, I still had the words of encouragement to go on, the unconditional support to pursue it further. The night I completed the table runner I message my friend on facebook. No response. Quite unlikely but considering the pain and the medications, I figured my friend was resting. It was not until the day after that I received the news that my friend passed that night. In fact, it was round the same time I took this photo and sent it to my friend that my friend's sweet soul left this planet. I looked back at this picture and noticed an orb in the center of the table runner. Could it be possible -- could it be. My first stitch in the ditch with a walking foot. My first experience with batting. My first time ever venturing to this legendary craft of quilting -- and I have lost my biggest fan, my encouragement, my support -- my friend. Shattered from the death -- I struggled to move past it, but then I could hear the voice. I could still hear the words of "don't give up." Certainly, I couldn't stop there.  Something was driving me, pushing me to do something more challenging...and so it began.

It was about one year ago this month when my quilting addiction began. I went back to the Missouri Star Quilt Co. videos and watched how to construct the "Lattice Quilt."Oh, I can do that! Of course, I have no real knowledge behind me about sewing on the bias and I didn't even have a 1/4" foot on my machine. I thought this could be something I could do...it doesn't seem too difficult, but oh, if I only knew then what I knew now about sewing bias cuts and squaring up and starching fabric before sewing the blocks together! I managed to figure it out because I made so many blocks, the quilt top came out to the size of a twin size bed. Heavens!!! I didn't know it could get so big with the borders. I did take more time out to learn about nesting seams.  Needless to say although I struggled a bit through it, I completed this quilt.

Then I had to learn about the "sandwich." I don't mean food, I mean this thing they call a sandwich. The quilt top, the batting and the backing. How in the world was I going to put this all together. My knees aren't what they used to be, and after spending some time on the floor, I could barely get back up. I used basting spray (which you really don't need to do when you are pin basting), and it got all over the place, including on my hands. My hands began to resemble some kind of wild prehistoric animal because the batting was now glued to them.  I must have stuck myself a few hundred times while attempting to pin baste this sandwich, and I also carelessly pinned my carpet to the back of the quilt. I can recall at this moment, I had an extensive vocabulary and grunted as I had to remove the pins in some spots. Lucky for me I have learned a different method of putting the quilt sandwich together. I've evolved!

In any event, I made it through it and starred at my old Kenmore. There was simply no way I could manage this quilt under that machine. Go back to what you know best Lisa. You have the patience. You knit socks for goodness sake. So, it takes longer than expected but you can hand quilt.  I had to watch more videos, bought myself a large hoop, thimble and some quilting thread and I was off "rocking that needle." To be honest, it was the most relaxing experience for me. There is something about having a quilt on your lap -- the comfort and feel of it. More so, it is the craft of creating something by hand that becomes overwhelming. When it is done, when you step back and look...you can say you did it yourself. The warmth and comfort, the passion and love, the endless hours of work all seem to come together under the quilt. It is for these reasons and so much more, that I continue to make the quilts. Not for myself, but for others, and to that, I can only credit a higher power that gave me the gift to do so.

Below are some more of the quilts I have made, but I believe my biggest accomplishment so far
was Tommy's quilt. (photo on the left)

This quilt is nearly King size, with about 1000 pieces with HST (half square triangles). I had no idea how this was going to come out. I did some math, I drew out what I wanted it to look like but it came out better than expected. In fact, originally, I was going to do sashing with  flying geese in between the blocks but as I stood at the table with four blocks already completed, I was showing Tommy some of the ideas I had with the sashing and then he moved the blocks. When he did , I saw another pattern and stopped the idea of the sashing. I put on the brakes and a light went on! We both looked at each other in awe on how the blocks seemed to have changed every time you looked at them. As if there was some sort of movement. This quilt took me about 8 months to complete from start to finish.

 I used the Union Blues charm pack designed by Barbara Brackman for Moda along with a variety of other mixed stash fabrics. This is what I most recently  finished and hand quilted. Just in time for his birthday.

There is so much to write, and in time, I'll keep posting more of my projects but for now, below are a few more quilt projects I have completed within this year.

My niece Genna's quilt (disappearing 9 patch)

and just in time for the Mets' opening World Series Game

2015 for my nephew Jacob

 

                               

...and so it begins

Queens Size Quilt - Hand Quilted
Fabric: Union Blues - Moda Fabrics

For some time now, I thought about writing about my experience, or should I say- journey I am on, the passion that grows, and the desires I have for quilting. It happened by accident, but like most of the marvelous experiences in life, it comes upon you when you least expect it. Let me correct that word "accident." Nothing is an accident, nothing in the world of quilting is a mistake. At least in my opinion. You can call it an "oops" and it can easily be solved with a seam ripper.

I will have to take some time to put up the content and photos. I do hope that what I am sharing will inspire others to quilt.