Christmas Project FINISHED

And it's only August.

Two years ago, I made the Hexagon Table Topper as part of a challenge in my store.  Here's the original:

Then I developed a pattern for sale.

I wanted to make sure that people realize it could be a holiday decoration too, just by altering the fabrics.  I enjoyed making the first one, so I went to work on a second.  This morning I finished the last of the binding.

Here are a few close-ups, as promised:

For inspiration, I used my Pocket Guide (to) Crazy Quilt Stitches, which I also carry in the store. 

Christmas Project

I've been working on this table topper all week, but didn't take "work in progress" pictures.  Sorry.  There is batting layered under the crazy patch hexagon, and trimmed to size.  It needs to be tied, then I'll trim the backing and roll it to the front for the binding.  The finished product should be ready for viewing in a day or two.  I'll include close-ups and further explanation.

I've begun machine quilting on the third bird quilt, but it's not quite ready to show yet. 

The Winners

Here are the WINNERS of my annual store challenge. First prize goes to Ruth Larson for her quilt "Love, Peace, and the Summer of 1969".

Second prize goes to Sally Hamilton for her quilt "Hearts Galore".

Two more challenge entries were delivered after my last post.

I certainly appreciate the effort and creativity of each person.  All the quilts were wonderful and each was unique in it's own way.

Challenge - Have a Heart

Time for the annual Cotton Fields Quilt Shop Anniversary Challenge.  The theme was "Have a Heart".  Each participant was furnished with 1/2 yard of the same multi-colored fabric and lenient rules.  This year, there was no set size or limit to number of fabrics used.  Quilts just needed to be finished and include a heart or hearts.

There were fewer entries this year, but each are very different and delightful. Visitors to the shop during the sale will vote for their favorite.  Two winners will each receive a $25 gift certificate.

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

Winners will be announced next week.

Tenth Anniversary

This is what I'll be doing next weekend:

There have been a lot of ups and downs along the way. And a lot of LEARNING.  But, oh, the wonderful friends I have made.  Two of the best, plus my dear daughter, will be helping me out on the two special days.

Not My Idea of Fun

Here's what I gave you a glimpse of the other day:

After working (struggling) all weekend, using two different sewing machines, here's what I've got:

This is the smaller of the two purses in the Bailey Island Hobo Bag pattern. It is finished except for adding a magnetic closure.  It was not fun to make.

THIS is my idea of fun:

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the lost orange blocks have been found.  I'll settle on the final layout and get them stitched together today.  Fun - fun - fun!

And the latest birds have been hanging on the wall too long.  They will get a border SOON, so I can finish them also.

Growth Rings

My first strata style quilt, "Growth Rings", is finished.  Four and a half bobbins later!

I'm very happy with the results and already started on my next strata project. Here's a close up so you can see how I used up so much thread.  

From there, I went on to work on those tubes that will become the Bailey Island Hobo Bag.  Unfortunately, I ran into all sorts of trouble.  All of the tubes have to be zig-zagged together and the thread kept breaking, then I was skipping stitches.  I changed to a denim needle as the pattern recommended, but that didn't help either.  My Babylock is a wonderful machine, but sometimes it does miss stitches when sewing through several thicknesses.  Today I may get out my OLD Singer and see what she can do.