Quilty Things from Where I Stand!

My Tumblers are screaming at me to get them done!

We have just about a month until the NEXT Leader & Ender challenge starts.

Will you be ready?

I’m kind of excited about it, actually, even if this tumbler Leader & Ender project is just that much shy of being done.

I have worked on it ONLY as Leaders & Enders through the year and I love seeing how much has been accomplished with no “real” construction time or wasted thread in between the lines of sewing other bits of patchwork. I LOVE all the scrappy bits in it!

And if we DO start the new Leader & Ender project in July….maybe I can then kick THIS one into primary status where it doesn’t have to be a strictly Leader & Ender thing anymore.

Today’s Lay Out!

There is one row just laid a the top, almost long enough so it will soon be ready to attach.

I’m going to have to cut some more DARK tumblers…I’ve got plenty of the neutrals, but my colors are starting to dwindle and the mix isn’t that interesting any more.  I may spend some time in the scraps doing that today.

While we are on the subject of Leader & Ender projects, I wanted to share a note from Norma in NY.  She writes:

I’ve thanked you for changing how and what I quilt, but I just wanted you to know (for sure) that there *are* those of us out here who do the Leaders and Enders Challenge as exactly that along side our "regular" projects and not a "Look at this - great pattern -zoom - done two weeks later"!

I started the shaded 9 patch when you launched it - and I loved doing it along side my other projects. However, I chose to make a large queen and it took me two years! In other words, by the time I finished it, everyone else was done not only the shaded 9 patches but the lovely Lozenges challenge and had moved on to the Tumblers!

I paused and then I decided that I would skip the Lozenges and instead jump right in with the tumblers - to be part of the ongoing fun. Guess what? The Tumblers are done - and so, figuring I have another month before the new challenge, last night I went digging in the "intermediate size" scrap bin for Lozenge fabrics and pulled out pieces that could be put through the Studio cutter (thank you for that too) 3.5 x 6.5 brick and ironed the smaller lights/darks for the squares. I just couldn't resist.:^)

The most interesting thing I have learned is that I am *more* not *less* productive on my main projects when have the leaders and enders going alongside. I know that sounds counter-intuitive because of the time one spends  on them, but my interest is held more by having two projects on the move rather than just one. Who knew?
 
Happy Memorial Day, with hugs to Sadie.
Norma in NY

Thank you, Norma! To those who fall so deeply in love with a Leader & Ender Challenge that just like the owl who gets to the center of a tootsie roll tootsie pop in 3 bites that you jump right in making it a primary project and Zoom, it's Done...., I would love to challenge you to slow down with this next year’s project!  Let it BE a Leader & Ender project.  Let it grow on its own along side whatever else you are working on. See how far you can get in a year without forcing it.  Remember, it’s NOT a race.  It’s a journey – one that could take a year. 

But it's a year of enjoyment, of savoring, of really loving and watching things unfold.  Other things can be instant gratification, but this one is all about the simple slow progress.
 
Stay tuned for what we are planning for this year.  I’m really looking forward to this one!
 

 

Last evening’s block finishes!

 

These are the Wanderlust blocks I am doing and turning into a table runner as another sample for the Wanderlust Workshop I’m taping with Quiltmaker Magazine in early August in Golden Colorado.  I’ve asked others what size their favorite table runner is.  My table at the cabin is 34’’ x 84’’.  A 12’ wide runner is just not wide enough so this will have borders.  Something that is not long enough just looks silly on this table, so I’ thinking of something at least 56’’ long, but this could be made shorter just by eliminating one block to adjust the length.

 

At any rate, please let me know what your favorite table runner size is!  I need some options.  I may make a second one in patriotic colors that I can use through the summer, but then a Holiday one would be nice too.  I’m  considering including the table runner patterns free with the purchase of my new book from my website when that is released.  It would be a nice bonus to go with the book since the Wanderlust Quilt is included in the book, don’t you?

 

Of course, those who take my online workshop will also get the table runner pattern free as part of the workshop.  So stay tuned for that as well.

 

 

Binding is finished!

 

 

And I just am beyond the moon thrilled with this quilt!

 

 

I love the back too!

 

We are just that much closer to having this pattern available as a digital download as well.  I head home from the cabin tomorrow morning and I can get the pinwheel baby sized version in the long arm and start the quilting on it before I leave for Moline, Illinois on Friday. 

 

As of last night I am solo at the cabin.  The Hubster headed home last evening to pack.  He’s on his way to New York this morning for business.  Sadie went home with him so Jeff has company, and also so I could make some stops and run some errands on my way home.  This time of year I don’t like to leave a dog in the car, even with windows open it’s too hot.

 

I stayed behind because there is some major deep cleaning to do.  I can breeze through that and have more time to stitch away before hitting the road.

 

 

Quiltville Quote of the Day!

 

We've all heard that each new day is a gift - what if we could unwrap it with the anticipation of a small child? Be excited about the experiences that will happen today! Experience wonder in all the simple little things that we are able to do!

 

Vintage quilt found in West Jefferson, North Carolina this weekend.  Isn’t it a fun one?

 

It’s a Tuesday that feels like a Monday – have a great one, everyone!

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