Sincere Wishes {Fidget Quilt}

"The sincere friends of this world are as ship lights in the stormiest nights."

Last Christmas, I made my grandparents a quilt HERE using the Sincere Best Wishes fabric by Henry Glass and the pattern called Thistle by Fat Quarter Shop's book Simply Fat Quarters.

It's a sensitive family topic, but my grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer's a few years ago.

I hunted for information that could help him, and my grandmother, manage anxiety that it crease. I came across what is called a Fidget Quilt in my investigations.

  My former nurse self could see the value in having, what is a basically, an activity blanket for him. Textures to fiddle anxious hands.   However. I was very turned off by the idea that they looked like infant/toddler activity mats. I decided that I was going to just make them a quilt that had very subtle things for his hand to grab.

I've had a Elizabeth Hartman quilt pattern called the Kitchen Window marked in her Modern Patchwork book for a long time in mind for a memory quilt.  I was excited to realize I was going to be able to use up the rest of the original fabric bundle of the first quilt.  A matching quilt, but a decidedly more masculine pattern.

I cut all the block parts first and then raided my notions bins.  Zippers, lace, and ribbons were gathered and attached those first to any block parts that I could "hide" it in.

Never having more than two "texture" Block parts in one block.

It was a very simply constructed quilt and I was able to use stash only.  (I'm still not sure if I should be proud of that or not).

The backing had me stopped in my tracks for a few days.  I am at a point where I just don't have a lot of yardage to make backings.  Pieced backing it seemed to call for again.  This time, I realized that I could squeeze some stash into a giant block mimicking the smaller blocks in the front.  After some math crunching,  it was successful in the endeavor.

I was worried I wouldn't be able to center the giant block on my long arm, and it is a bit off, but I was pleased that I was somewhat close.

I opted to do a simple meandering since their were so many notions and bits I had to make my way around.

Lace bits and layers.

Folded fabric block parts.

And functional zippers by layering the same fabric under the zipper parts to make a "pocket".

Binding was made with my preciously hoarded Painted Canvas fabric.

Two happy grandparents who didn't even realize it was a "fidget" blanket

and were just happy for a twin to go with their previous quilt.

Quilt Stats:

Measures: 52" x 68"

Pattern: Kitchen Window by Elizabeth Hartman

Fabric: Sincere Best Wishes by Henry Glass Fabrics, 

Kona Brown and Sandstone, Free Spirit Painted Canvas in Teal

Quilted: Free motion meandering on Handiquilter Avante

Sewing Circle Tote {Quilted Tote}

This tote is......

Enormous. Amazing. Versatile. Awesome.

I bought the Sewing Circle Tote pattern some time ago from Elizabeth Hartman when my friend mentioned there was a sale. I wasn't looking for it in particular, but was looking for a bag that could hold a quilt . I'm always hauling them around in the car when I'm handbinding. So it needed hold a large one. Boy does it!

 I gathered all the materials about a week later after pushing. But I could never justify taking the time to make it, just to hold a quilt.

Fast forward to the end of December 2104, I realized we were moving and immediately bumped up to priority. I knew we might have to live somewhere temporarily if we sold our house too early and if we didn't find a house at its new destination.  I needed a bag to hold the minimal amount of tools and the like.   The sewing circle tote fit the bill.   Coincidentally, Quiltcon was also coming up and after seeing my class supply lists, I knew I needed something big enough to haul my stuff.

I won't bore you with all the details. Or maybe I will?  Once I made the decision, I had the outer shell and straps all attached and the inner zipper pouch liner almost completed before leaving Wednesday night for QuiltCon. 

I took my machine with me and I didn't finish it the night I arrived because three hour drive wore me out after a few late nights at home. I scurried back to the hotel after my first day of classes that Thursday and finished it up for the next day!

Fuzzy hotel room picture!

So glad I did!! 

It holds rulers, thread, irons.

My folding cutting/ironing mat fit beautifully in it.

And, yes...it's not a tiny one, the mat is 12" x 17"!!!

 
My rotary cutters and more rulers.

Inside pockets of End of Tote

It can fit fabric or more rulers.

Inside of other End of Tote

Or whatever you need.

Large layered pocket and pouch on inside of side of tote

The zipper pockets held everything

Layered pockets on inside of large side

and anything.

It might seem crazy, but the fact that my books can fit in the pockets?!!

 Amazing!!  I'm a quilt book girl. 

I realize that I worked tirelessly on the bag, but I am so glad I did.  The pattern instructions were very well done.  The only part I hated was the cutting...but if you've followed me long enough, you'll know that cutting is the most tedious and unfulfilling part of quilting for me. 

The fabrics are Essex linen in Charcoal and Moda Fabrics by Sweetwater with a few other fabrics thrown in from my stash. 

I used leftover Denyse Schmidt stripes for my lining. 

I'm writing this post two years later (postmarked to the date I made it) and I have to say that I have used this bag SO much since I made it. It was amazing for Quiltcon. I actually carried our "precious" things in it during our move. I haul quilts to guild meeting show and tells.  It was perfect for the one Sew-in for our guild I made it to.  I use it to haul things to the school for parties.  You name it.

psssst...that book is in this pocket and you can't even see it!!

Can I say it one more time?   I love this bag.

Giant Star Quilt

This quilt was a tough one to let go.

My only regret?  

Not getting a better photo of it!! 

 A good friend that I scrapbook with asked me if I would make her coming granddaughter a quilt as a gift.  I have decided that baby quilts are some of my favorites.  There is something very satisfying about making something for someone so tiny. 

My friend sent me this photo of the twin bedset that was going to go in the room with the crib.  

Source: Unknown

I have learned that mommas normally have plans for their nurseries, so I try to get something that matches the set, but the pattern can be a bit different so it can live in the room on a chair or on the floor for tummy time...unless of course, they DO want it in their crib.

 I started with the colors and grabbed up these two fat quarter bundles by Free Spirit.

Free Spirit Bundles:::: Left: Novella by Valori Wells,  Right: The Painted Garden by Dana Designs.

 The Painted Garden by Dana Designs for Free Spirit 

and Novella fat quarter by Valori Wells for Free Spirit

  I then fell in love with this Giant Vintage Star pattern by In Color Order.

 I hope you can tell how amazing the large motifs played out in my rendition!
One important note!  I DID not go with the 18 inch squares that she has in the tutorial.  I went much smaller and used 12 inch squares so my final size was 40 x 40 inches.

Most of the points are made up of fat quarters from The Painted Garden.   I used one Novella fat quarter that had the orange "seeds" because I needed one more softer blue to match the original bedroom set.  

I also went with the Madrona Road Memoirs text fabric instead of the gray fabrics from The Painted Garden.  It wasn't that they would have been awful, but I craved a bit of consistency for the background in order not to distract from the amazing star point prints! 

I mean, seriously?

  How can you resist the words "Sweet Dreams" or "Prince" or "gypsy" that are in it!

Madrona Road Memoirs Text in cream

I don't know if you can tell, but there is a faint beige/off white design in the background of the already amazing text.  It finalized my decision to choose a beige thread for quilting to blend in.

Pantograph Design: Lida on Handiquilter Avante

I'm also extremely happy with the pantograph design called Lida by Golden Threads.  The swirls are just the right density to make a nice overall pattern for a pattern that didn't need "help".

Rosebud Minky

I am in love with this rosebud minky.  It is super soft.  The one drawback is that it actually didn't enhance the quilting on the backside, but rather, hid it.  But, I didn't mind because I really did adore the pattern the swirls make!!

My friend wanted to have her granddaughter's name embroidered somewhere on the quilt.  By choosing the text fabric print for the background, I felt that no matter what font or color I chose, it would compete with the text.

 I admit, I haphazardly made a star block out of white with the remaining scraps from one of the star points from the front. But I am pretty happy with the results

Binding: Tula Pink Lazy Stripe

The binding is again...one of those things meant to be!  I really didn't want to go scrappy with the leftover fat quarters, so I hunted my own shelves for some choices.  This cool orange and pink striped fabric popped out at me and did not want to be ignored.  The oranges and pinks were an exact match and I just couldn't get over it.  

I didn't really realize how fate decided to help me out until I was typing up the post and checking my selvage edges.

  It is designed by none other than Birds and Bees by Tula Pink for Free Spirit.
Yup....Meant to be.

Quilt Stats:

Measures: 40 x 40 inches

Pattern:  Giant Vintage Star by Incoloroder.com

Quilt Top: The Painted Garden by Dana Designs for Free Spirit 

and Novella fat quarter by Valori Wells for Free Spirit
Backing: Rosebud in Pink (Hobby Lobby)
Binding:  Lazy Stripe in Orange and Pink from Birds and Bees by Tula Pink for Free Spirit
Pantograph Pattern: Lida by Golden Threads 
Quilted by: Heidi Grohs (me) on my Handiquilter Longarm Avante

I will miss this quilt dearly.

Busy, Busy, Busy

I knew this month would be busy, and it really shouldn't be too busy, but the boys seem to have a ton of things going on!

I have been squeezing some quilting here and there this week.

The Giant Vintage Star Quilt was cut
(loving these Free Spirit fabrics)

the night before his braces came off!

And I squeezed in cutting the background the night after!
Madrona Road text!!!

This is the VERY first time I have ever bought and used text and I am in love.
 I am still shocked that I was able to keep the text oriented in the right direction.

During naptime on Friday, I was able to piece it together and by night I was making backing and binding choices.

But I had to stop to get ready for

Button's Birthday!

I am trying to finish it, but explosive baked potatoes and clogged up washing machine pump filters are slowing me down!  I am still trying to figure out how Mr. Boss managed to create the perfect combination to make a baked potato explode in the oven!??!?! 

Normally, I really try to interact and reply back to comments, but I just have not had the time.
Here is my THANK YOU!!!!  Thank you for all the kind comments on Imagination.  I am in love with that quilt!  After I unclogged the laundry pump filter, I was able to wash and crinkle dry it!

 It is off to Threading Hope this afternoon!!

After the birthday "party", I did need some quilt therapy after the cake debacle
 (I promise you will be hearing about the cake debacle because it makes me giggle).

It is ready for some embroidery for the backing!

Now I have to get back to laundry, I burnt my hand on the iron last night and decided to call it quits for the night!!

The day can only get better, right? 
If not, I really don't want to know how awful it can get either...