Friday Finish - 1 Hour Basket

Yes, it really did take 1 hour... or something very close... and it's a free pattern from Kelby Sews. I first saw this basket when Kitty @ Night Quilter whipped one up. I was smitten... as I often am with her creations!

I snagged a Lizzy House print (purchased in Montréal last year) from the stash and paired it with some Kona Avocado. It's one of those colours that doesn't match the name for me... I think of a lighter green when I think Avocado. You know, the one smeared in GT's hair yesterday during snacktime. But I digress...

The pattern called for home decor weight fabric... but I didn't have any I felt like using. So, I backed the print with some canvas ticking purchased for my Sewing Circle Tote. I also used a lightweight fusible batting instead of the Thermolam the pattern called for... 'cause if I had to go the LQS, it definitely wasn't going to be a 1 Hour Basket.

I didn't time myself, so I can't say for certain it was only 1 hour to make... but I can say it was quick enough that I didn't take many pics. It was fast!

This one is housing some of the baby crap paraphernalia that has collected on the table in our living room.  People, if I could offer you a tip in the parenting arena, it is this: Run from the baby/kiddie coloured stuff whenever possible. Match stuff to your living room. That way it blends in a least a little and it doesn't look like babies have taken over your life. (We all know they have... denial is not just a river in Egypt.)

I'm pretty sure this won't be the last 1 Hour Basket I make. Himself admired it and thought it would be great to hold assorted stuff when he's at sea. Next time, I'll be more careful about using the prescribed materials... this one's just a tiny bit shlumpy. But it works, so it's a win.

I'm linking up today with TGIFF, hosted this week by someone not in MMQG (there's been a bit of a streak lately), as well as Finish Up Friday @ Crazy Mom Quilts.

J

WIP Wednesday - Canada Day Edition!

Happy Canada Day! Joyeuse fête du Canada!

I'm not making anything especially patriotic this week, but I am celebrating! Why? I'm finally caught up on my Technicolor Galaxy BOM!

Last week, I got the Arrow Head blocks pieced. The instructions called for a background that was all one low volume print, but I thought it might look a little odd mixed in with all those pieced backgrounds. I went out on a limb and made a scrappy background.

Once I got my backgrounds done, these blocks came together quickly. The arrow heads are held in place using fusible web and then appliquéd. Yup. I said appliqué. Not my favourite technique, but I got 'er done. Instead of using a straight stitch or a tiny zigzag like in the past, I opted to use a blanket stitch. I know. Fancy stuff, huh?

With all my blocks sandwiched and ready to quilt, I headed off to Saturday's MMQG Sew In. I find it tough to all out quilt when DT are napping, so I save it for Sew In. First up, the Scattered Geese blocks! I echo quilted the geese and then added a little detail in the triangles.

Then Arrowheads... I added a little definition to the arrow head and did some back and forth FMQ in the backgrounds.

And lastly, the Piano Keys. The coloured keys got diagonal lines and then I did a little echo quilting in the low volume sections.

 This blue block gave me such stress... but now I love it!

Even the backing fabrics make me pretty danged happy. And this is just the Piano Keys!

I'm linking up today with The Needle and Thread Network (since it's Canada Day!) and (of course) Let's Bee Social @ Sew Fresh Quilts.

Here's my progress to date... pieced and quilted! And today, the July lesson goes live. Bring on the Orange Peels! I'm ready for 'em!

J