The Last Seam

Today I sewed the last seam on my B and W challenge. Here is the back side of the top. Yes, I really did press all those seams open. I have come a long way since the days when pressing a seam open would have been too much trouble for me. All in all this went together easily if you don't count yesterday when I got compulsive about one seam and almost drove myself to the point of baldness. Today it went well and I only tweaked one area and only once.

At this point I am thinking no borders but I will be looking for suggestions on that and quilting.

I may not do any more sewing until after Christmas unless I  tackle my Jellyroll for the race next month.

Take care everyone and have a

Merry Christmas

Black and White + Challenge

I wasn't going to show my challenge piece until the end when we show the finished pieces but since other people are showing their progress I decided I would show mine too. I still have 6 diagonal rows on the left to sew. LOL, you can see my thread catchers still attached at the top.



right side

This larger photo has been cropped. I think this is how I will trim it back. I am not sure about the value of the background on the lower right. Originally I planned to have some red and black diamonds and triangles in the corners but decided to "clean up" the design. I am still  thinking it over. Maybe I will get some suggestions.

A Few More photos

I have a few more photos from our get together yesterday.


Close up of Suzie's blocks

First are a couple of closeups of the things that Lori posted


Closeup of Gwen's bag

The next photos are all Lori's projects. First are her 3 stratas, along with the book she is using for her inspiration.  I am not sure if this is going to be one finished item or a group of them. These are for Lori's Black and White Challenge.

Next is an all batik, all HST quilt that Lori is holding up. It is layered and pin basted and all ready for her to quilt. She is still thinking about how she wants to quilt it. 








A closeup of the blocks with nice crisp points.







A back view of the side of the quilt that is is asymmetrically pieced.  I am looking forward to seeing this finished.



And last is the little quilt on the tabletop wire stand. There is one for every month and I think there may be a Birthday one also. They are all well done and really cute.

Oh, I can't forget this one.This was included in our Christmas cards from Gwen.

Of course,  The Basement Divas are always prepared.

As usual, it was a great day with an over the top lunch, lots of chatter, lots of laughter, and a whole lot of fun with good friends.

December Recap

We had a great day today, as usual.  There was lots of show and tell.

Gwen brought a beautiful Bali bag that she'd made for a gift, I believe.

Lynn brought her challenge piece, in progress.  Many commented that they saw Nancy Crow's influence.

For Susie's challenge, she brought two impeccably pieced blocks (great fabric selection too!).  Sorry, the iphone flash is not the best.

Ruth brought the Quilt Camp top that was partially pieced by the teens and based on Bonnie Hunter's pattern. It will be used as a fund raiser.

Ruth also brought the finished Blitzen tree skirt.  It is beautiful.

Lunch was great as usual.  Judy brought candle salad, holiday style.  Mike and Brady hid out of sight during assembly and unveiling.  Judy wisely said that this will be the salad's final appearance.  We probably have a few more jokes in our system (the hat gave us endless options) but I think it's a smart decision to not beat THIS dead horse.

 

 

We missed Divas Kathy, Laura and Dianne.  Here's a group shot from lunch.  Mary Ann is in the corner between Judy and Susie. 

 

Thanks to everyone for making it a great holiday celebration.  Remember that next month's agenda is the Jelly Roll Race.  Stay tuned for more details.

my take

Quite the year for the Diva's.
We presented the quilt to Tina and she was pleased and did not get mad that Jan had made up some story to get her to the meeting. Unfortunately we were shy a few members. I knew we had it right when she came in wearing the colors of the quilt.
Overheard at another guild meeting..."Aren't you part or Ruth Paul's basement group? I am really going to try to start my own." We could franchise the thing.
I will be missing you all on Sat so I hope for pictures.
Happy Holidays everyone,
K

It's almost that time

The second annual Jelly Roll Race is scheduled for Saturday, January 19.  Stay tuned for more details.  If you want to recall all of the fun we had last year, go over to Ruth's blog for a recap.

It's the little things

I mentioned that I'm keeping my sewing ambitions low.  This lined drawstring bag was on the list.  When Mike gave Brady a Cavs potato head that had multiple outfits and accessories, it was time to find a way to keep them contained.  Jeni's lined drawstring bag pattern was just the ticket.  I highly recommend the pattern.