WIP Wednesday: Hodge-Podge

Well, this week I really jumped around on several different projects. But at least I finished something I started this week, two FMQ potholders. Since I had just finished FMQ a big quilt last week (which was Leah's homework this week), I decided to work on something small that would kill two (or three) birds with one project.

1. February's entry for Sew Cal Gal's FMQ Challenge

2. Homework/practice for Leah Day's QAL Wednesday

3. New potholders for ME!!!!

Close-up of my second one.

I'm really quite pleased with how these turned out and since I used Insul-Bright batting, I can actually use them.

So my question for Leah this week isn't really about FMQ, it's about using a walking foot. I rarely get puckers or tucks when I FMQ, but I always get them when I use a walking foot. The top fabric always pushes ahead no matter how hard I try to ease it in.  Last week when I was joining QAYG blocks, the bottom strip was always fine, but my top strip always "grew" or pushed ahead by nearly a half inch in the short distance of one block. I am using a Baby Lock Ellegante with the proper Baby Lock walking foot. I have checked and rechecked the manual to see if there are any adjustments I can make to the foot, there aren't any. I always thought that this was something I was doing wrong when I would straight line quilt, because I ALWAYS get tucks. I had my machine serviced/cleaned in November (it has done this before and after service), could the problem be the machine??? I didn't say anything to the repair person, because I thought this was my fault. But recently I've read on other blogs, that this could be a machine problem. What do you think?

On with other projects this week.

I got two blocks completed for my Urban Nine Patch/FLMQG solids quilt.

I also did a class on fusing at my local library with a great group of kids that made up some blocks that I'm now in charge of putting together and quilting.

So, my stats this week are:
In-process: (7)
FLMQG solids challenge crib quilt (2 out of 12 Urban Nine Patch blocks done)
Purple heart wall hanging ( needs borders, backing, quilting and binding)
Expanding Possibilities quilt (needs backing, quilting and binding)
Storybook quilt # 1 -  Started joining block with QAYG method
Storybook quilt # 2 - All embroidery is done
Quokka Quilts QAYGFMQQAL quilt (7 blocks quilted)
Sewing Machine Cover - pieced, basted, started FMQ

New projects in the cue to start: (2)
Geneva Public Library quilt - join and quilt (maybe make a block or two to even it out)
New Wave quilt (not started)

Finished (2)
Two FMQ potholders (for ME)!!!
 
I'm linking up with Freshly Pieced for WIP Wednesday, The Free Motion Quilting Project for Quilt A Long Wednesday!

Color Me Quilty!


Pat

Try New Things (TNT) Thursday: Quilt Fusing at the Library

Can you do more than just look at books on quilting at the library? You can at the Geneva Public Library. Yesterday, I got to work with a great group of kids and get them excited about quilting. I brought in quilts, blocks and batting to let them see and touch.

Miss Tanya showed them pictures of different quilts on line.

I'm a firm believer that actually creating a quilt is better that just being lectured, so we set up fabric with fusible web already attached and set them loose to create!

And create they did! Even the librarians got into the act! Now my job is to turn this into a quilt so they can hang it in the library. I think we were quite successful, the kids were incredibly good throughout the process and even the parents asked if we could do an adult class! Considering I have never fused or taught a quilting class, I'm pleased with the outcome!

I'm linking up with the wonderful Melissa at Happy Quilting for Try New Things (TNT) Thursday.

Color Me Quilty!

Pat