Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Dear Santa

Santa, I was browsing around at the Fat Quarter Shop and I found a few things that I'd just love to have.  Nothing too extravagant and of course, everything would be put to good use.

This new fabric called Nicey Jane is just wonderful.  I could make something really cute with these fat quarter packs.





And a cone of this Gutermann 100% thread in white would go a long way! You know, there are 3,281 yards of thread on that cone. That's almost two miles!


I could also use a new blade for my rotary cutter. Mine began skipping while I was cutting out the fabrics for my latest quilt.


And lastly, I could use some of these clips to hold my bindings in place while sewing them on. I think they would save me a lot of time!
 

The Fat Quarter Shop wants to know what's on your Christmas list and it looks like Santa may grant a few wishes this Christmas. Head over to the Jolly Jabber and create your wish list!

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Pinata Throw

I finally decided on a layout for the pinata throw. I wanted something that would work with the large scale of the pinata fabric. A while back, I saw a baby quilt made using one large log cabin.  I can still see the photo in my head, but cannot locate the source online. I created a layout and cut the fabrics out yesterday. The top was assembled last night while Shea was out and the backing pieced today. It measures  60 x 70".

the layout


a portion of the quilt top


I didn't have a single piece of batting large enough for this quilt on hand, so I decided to splice and piece two left-over pieces. It's my first time to piece batting, so I hope it holds together after washing. I opted for the curvy cut with machine zig-zag stitching.



I was terribly disappointed to learn the hard way that Warm and Natural is not 100% cotton as I was lead to believe by the packaging. I pressed/steamed the spliced seam after I finished sewing it and the batting melted on to the soleplate of my new iron. But, it's there, on the back of the package, in very, very tiny print:  Polypropylene 12.5%. I think I'll stick with the 50% Cotton/ 50% Bamboo batting in the future.  It's got a wonderful hand after washing.

I just need to assemble to sandwich and get busy with quilting; I've only got two full weekdays left until she's out of school for the holiday. I may have to use my 505 Spray and Fix Adhesive on this one since all 200+ of my quilters safety pins are on the scrappy log cabin sandwich waiting to be quilted!