Free Motion Friday

Thanks to the Easter break I did complete some quilting on my Express Your Love goddess quilt.

I filled in some of the rays with zippling.  I enjoyed doing this design and started off really well. What I found though was that as the area to be filled got bigger so did my zippling.  I had a little trouble keeping the scale consistent but even though it is not 'micro' I am quite happy with the overall result.

I still hope to finish the rays with another design before I head back to work next week.

I also managed to complete a WIP.  I made this mini quilt with left over fabric from another quilt.  I did not follow any pattern or design.  I literally sewed strips together without thought, rhyme or reason.  This is the result.

I decided to quilt it with a simple stipple but I did try to challenge myself by stippling on a large scale.  I had to concentrate to keep the larger curves smooth but overall it is not too bad.

I still have a ways to go with my free motion quilting but I am gaining confidence every day.  Not so long ago I had to psych myself up before starting.  Now I am no longer afraid to dive right in.  It's only fabric and thread after all.

Leah Day has been the main reason I can fearlessly take on the fmq challenge.  Her down to earth approach and encouragement is inspiring.  Today I am linking up with her Free Motion Friday linky party. 

Have a great day.

Sue

Scrappy Strings

I had planned on getting a few odd jobs done around the house over the Easter break but instead I spent a considerable amount of time in my little sewing room.

I wanted to do something fun and easy (stress free) but I also wanted to challenge myself and do something outside of my comfort zone.  As I don't generally use bright colours I dug into my scraps and ended up with this pile of strings.

Then I "strung" to my hearts content on 6.5 inch paper foundation squares and ended up with this.

After trimming to 6 inch square I placed a 6 inch square of Kona solid on each string block, drew a diagonal line across the square then sewed 1/4 inch either side of the line.  I pressed towards the white fabric and this is the outcome.

It was liberating not having to line seams up or have straight stings.  I spend a weekend watching Friends (my all time favorite TV show) and managed to complete 65 blocks (finished at 5.5 inch square after trimming).

Now the fun really begins - deciding how to put them together.  I have come up with 3 layouts.

My husband likes option 3 but for some reason I find myself leaning towards option 1.  I just love the complete randomness of  it. The other thought I had was to do a series of mini quilts, say 3 or 4 each one using a different design.
I have a large undecorated wall in my family room that needs something on it and a series of (framed?) mini quilts might just fit the bill.

As I ponder what to do I had better get around to those household jobs that I keep putting off.

I am linking up with Plum and June Lets Get Acquainted & Freshly Pieced WIP Wednesday linky parties. If you have some time to spare, it is worth your while to head on over and see what everyone is up to.

Sue