Black and White

Normally, I use bright colors.  For this quilt, I took my inspiration from a black and white wedding invitation. As usual, it took me a long time to plan.  I toyed with many ideas, and by the way, did not choose one of them.  Based on the log cabin block, I did a bit of improvisation with an end result in mind.  Fortunately, my stash was filled with black and white fabrics.  Sizes ranged from a fat quarter to 3 yards.  I had quite a variety from which to work.  I started cutting strips into different widths and cut a variety of squares.  And then began piecing, sewing and trimming.  I organized my blocks into finished sizes of 7", 8" and 9" widths.  Random joining of blocks and then strips hanging on my design wall.

Hanging on the design wall

After much adjusting, adding, trimming and moving strips around, I arrived at a completed top.

 I pin basted using a tabletop technique (something I just learned), and quilted using white thread in a free motion loop pattern.

Dimensions 72" x 80"

And finally, I added a label.

Thanks for stopping by!

Linking up to Needle & Thread Thursday (My Quilt Infatuation) & Crazy Mom Quilts

Been Too Long

Wow, I can't believe a month has gone by since my last post.   What happened to October?  I feel like I blinked and missed it.  I have been keeping quite busy.  I will have everything posted by the end of the week but here's a sample of what I have been working on.

For Scrap-bee-licious, Cath of Wombat Quilts requested paper-pieced blocks in low volume fabrics.  Two challenges at once for me.  I have always been a bit fearful of paper piecing and I tend to purchase bright, colorful fabrics.  I searched the internet high and low for a pattern to tackle, something easy, and with large size sections.  I found Happiness in a Block from Quiltmaker.  I watched the video (great job, Shayla) and set out to make a test block.  It was awesome and I was hooked immediately.

1st Paper Pieced Block - EVER!

Mind you, I liked it so much, I decided to keep it and use the remaining fabric to make more blocks.  So a new fabric selection and a block was made for Cath.   I like this one also,  so I took the photo and quickly packaged it for mailing.

Happiness in a Block - For Cath

My 2nd paper pieced block!

I needed a second block and remembered that Amy Friend of During Quiet Time, had made a gorgeous quilt that is on the cover of a magazine.  Off to my magazine collection I went and there it was, American Quilter, September 2013.  Spinning Wheel Quilt.  

I looked through my collection of fabric and hoped for the best.  I love all the fabrics, not sure if the block is too busy, but I like it.  Oh, and on this block, I conquered the distaste of partial seams.   A big thanks to Cath for pushing me into things I shied away from. 

Spinning Wheel Block

I have much more to share, yet I am out of time.  

Thank you for stopping by!

Falling Behind

I'm a bit behind in everything these days.  I am keeping up with 2 bees - which I thought would be impossible and isn't.  The longest part of making the bee blocks is choosing the fabric.  So satisfying to have a finish.

The latest blocks are for Gwendellyn at The Rainbow Revolts.  She asked for the Scrappy Trip Along block.  I looked at her samples and then back at my scrap stash.  Hmmm.  My stash is so varied; go for bold, subdued or a combination.  I finally decided on keeping the two blocks similar within the same color palette. I loved making this block.  Quick, easy and a perfect block to practice the scant 1/4" seam.

I finally made the time to finish piecing all the curves for my Orange Peel quilt.  Lots and lots of pinning required.  Lots of seam ripping, pressing and re-doing.  Now that everything is a square, it will piece together quickly.  I'm very excited!  

Sadly, I have no other fabric cut for the long list ahead.  I ambitiously planned to keep up with Molli Sparkles Broken Herringbone Quilt-A-Long, and yet, I have tons of fabric and not one piece cut.  Like I said, I'm falling behind.  

I'm itching to get creative so off to the cutting mat I go!

Thanks for stopping by!

Small Steps

I was always hesitant to join a bee.  I couldn't imagine while reading quilting blogs, why quilters join more than one bee.  I didn't  know how one could commit so much time, or what I imagined would be an enormous amount of time, to making blocks to send off and exchange with others.  Now that I am part of two bees, I'm hooked!

I just complete blocks for Adrienne from Chezzetcook Quilts as part of the Global Scrap Bee. These were quite fun to make, especially since I love HSTs!  The block is the Patchwork Wheel from the tutorial by Don't Call Me Betsy.

I'm still practicing my photography skills. These photos could be much better - for instance, all the grey is the Kona Charcoal.  Taking photos indoors is tricky.  I was in a hurry to document so I could get these in the mail.  They are not "due" until the end of the month but I don't want to delay.

Reasons I am thrilled to be in two scrap bees:  using scraps, quick finishes, and connecting with other quilters/bloggers.  Also, some day I will receive blocks that others have made for me.  That is so exciting!


I have also joined the Molli Sparkles Broken Herringbone Quilt A Long,  better known as MSBHQAL.   I love this block and am quite excited to begin.  One thing was holding me back - fabric choices.  I didn't have enough!  So off to shop I went and returned with -

For the Broken Herringbone Blocks

AND.....

Just because....

So sweet!

Who doesn't love Peanuts?

Kona was on sale - such luscious colors

I couldn't pass up these odds and ends!

Now that I have all this new fabric, I better get to the cutting table.

Thanks for stopping by!

Delivered!

I worked until the last minute possible to get this quilt delivered to the party - it was still damp when I dropped it off.  The party organizer took all the pictures of the finished quilt - THANK YOU!!

 BASS LAKE QUILT

Due to time constraints, and being overwhelmed by the size, (102" x 102"), I chose straight line quilting with a decorative wave stitch where the blocks joined together, and joined with the border.  The two color binding was machine sewn.

The backing holds the signature blocks from the eight siblings who gave this quilt as a gift. As amazing as they are, I'm not including close-ups of these blocks as they are personal with family information.   I'm so happy that the everyone loved the quilt.

Here's a close up of the fabric:

I thought perhaps making so many HSTs would stop me from using them again.  No way.  I am already onto the next project, you guessed it, made from HSTs!

Linking up to Crazy Mom Quilts.

Thanks for taking the time to stop by!

The List

I'm sure many of you are like me - lots of lists.  I have more to-do lists than one person should write.  I have lists for reading, work, the house, projects and of course, quilting - and I am sure that's not all.

Happily,  I can say that I can check off 2 projects!

First Check:  I completed my first bee swap blocks for Scap-bee-licioius (my first bee ever!).  Our first Queen is Ashley from Wasn't Quilt in A Day.

• August: Ashley @ Wasn’t Quilt in a Day
• September: Gwendellyn @ The Rainbow Revolts
• October: Cath @ Wombat Quilts
• November: Alyce @ Wonderland by Alyce
• December: Nicole @  Modern Handcraft
• January: Rachel @ Let’s Begin Sewing
• February: Nanette @  Yeah, I Made That
• March: Liz @ beadqueene’s bits and baubles
• April: Robin Sue @  RobinSue Quilts 
• May: Stephanie H @ Simple Sewendipity
• June: Stephanie A @ Quarter Incher
• July: Michelle @ Factotum of Arts
• August: Laura @ Little and Lots

 I am glad Ashley chose a block I had never made - Converging Corners.  The tutorial from Ashley @ Film in the Fridge was super easy to follow!

I like them so much I plan on doing this pattern for myself - so easy, fun and scrap friendly!



Second Check:   I completed the Red, White & Blue quilt - you'll have to wait for the photos.  I was working until the last minute the recipient was to receive it at a birthday party. I managed to deliver it just in time, a bit damp but clean.   No time for photos, but the party organizer said she will take photos for me and I will post them ASAP.


Where does this leave me with the list?  I am ready to make my block for The Global Scrap Bee hosted by Adrienne from Chezzetcook Modern Quilts, begin my Scrappy Trip Along block for Gwendellyn from The Rainbow Revolts, cut fabric for at least two more quilts and sew blocks for my Orange Peel quilt that I cut at the beginning of summer.   And the list?  It didn't get smaller.  While I was checking off the two projects, I thought of at least three more I want to do!

Thanks for stopping by!

Fabric Polaroid Swap

After the Blog Hop,  I joined several events - the first is the Fabric Polaroid Swap hosted by Kris at Duke Says Sew What.  This is my first event where I actually send my work to another person.  Can I tell you how nervous I am?  I measured at least three times for each cut, pinned, and sewed slowly, hoping to show my best work.  Three sides were only 1" - I checked and double checked the needle placement multiple times, and measured seams after they were sewn.

Fabric Polaroids

The instructions were to make no more than two of the same fabric.  I chose as many fabrics as I thought would look good as "snapshots" and only duplicated 3.   Well, truth be told, I made myself a complete set to mingle with the the ones I will receive.

I am sending them off in the mail tomorrow - Phew!   I'll be looking forward to receiving the "polaroids" from the other swappers.

Thanks for stopping by.

Errand Equals Fabric

A few minutes to run an errand and this is what I do with my time - SHOP!

Of course I have no plans in mind, I just couldn't resist.


Thanks for stopping by!

Halfway Completed

I am pleased to share that I finally finished this quilt top made with almost 1300 HSTs.  Just in time as I am back to work this week which really limits my quilting time.  I was in such a rush to show you, I didn't even take the time to press the border seams.  The first photo is most true to the colors - still working on my photography skills!  The border fabric on the left and front edges is much richer than the photo shows.  I'll take better photos when it's completely finished.

This quilt is for the parents of a friend of mine.  It's a surprise gift.  The family members are making signature blocks for me to incorporate into the back.  I'm hoping to get them by the end of the week to work on the back.



Here are some close-up shots:

And here is the picture that inspired me:

Thank you for stopping by!

Patriotic Blocks Completed

HSTs are definitely a favorite of mine - yet - they make for a slow moving project with so many pieces and seams to iron!  If you read my earlier post, you know that ironing is my least favorite part of quilting.

Here are the two blocks - 18 each - they need a quick trim and then I'll be ready to piece the top.  Once that's done it will be a breeze to add the borders.  

Looking forward to showing you the finished top very soon,

As always, thank you for stopping by!
RobinSue

Happy to Meet You

Well here I am, RobinSue, formally introducing myself to you courtesy of Plum and June's Let's Get Acquainted Blog Hop.  It's been a very exciting summer for me learning about the blog world and immersing myself in it.  This couldn't have come at a better time for me.  For ten months a year I am a 1st grade teacher, which coincidentally ended the same week the blog hop started.  I no longer had the excuse of "I don't have the time." Even better is that my post is at the end of the hop after I have had the summer to read and learn from all of you.

My Start:
I started out with a simple plan.  Do something uncomfortable.  This technology world makes me a bit uncomfortable - using, viewing and putting myself in it.  I started reading blogs about 6 months ago in a generalized search for quilts.  I was just curious what others were doing.  Curiosity got the best of me and before I knew it I had a google account to make comments, a bloglovin' account to follow, and a crazy idea that I should join this community.  I must say, I am happy that I followed that crazy idea.  The most difficult part was thinking of a name, and after reading so many blogs, I was stumped for a clever one.  So, I just went with my name and then realized that ' quilts" is both a noun and a verb and the name RobinSueQuilts was formed.  

Top Left:  Ocean Wave & FMQ practice quilt.
Top Center:  Pretty in Pink
Top Right: Carter's Choice
Bottom Left: Daughter's College Quilt - Full Size
Center:  The quilt on my daughter's bed now - Queen Size
Bottom Right: Charity Quilt - Queen Size 

Benefits:
What I had hoped to get from joining this community I have.  I have connected with other quilters - I don't personally know anyone else who quilts.  I'm not a joiner (another uncomfortable activity for me) so I haven't yet joined a guild, taken a class (not even online), gone to any retreats or been part of a bee.  This community has helped me find my local guilds (not joined yet but seriously considering), register for an online class (although I haven't yet viewed it), sign up for 1 bee and learned some computer skills including how to make a photo montage.

I have started documenting my work with photos. I try to post the best of the bunch as I take many, never sure of the lighting, the quality, or if the photo actually shows what I see.  I've become more consistent at taking photos while I work to document the process as well.  Now if I could only learn to pay attention to fabric lines!  

Likes and Dislikes:
When it comes to quilting, my favorite part is the designing; putting fabrics together, deciding on an idea, and even cutting.  Of course, I like the sewing - it's so soothing and a big stress reliever for me.  The part I dislike - pressing seams!  After pressing seams on 1300 HSTs, I thought there has to be a better way.  Alas, unless I can train my loyal companions to hold an iron, I will have to continue to this tedious job.  

Cola and Mini keeping me company

Current  and Future Events:
I have so many ideas in my head and on the never-ending list that I am always doing something.  I am currently piecing two quilts, working out the designs for at least three, cutting scraps into two sizes for future scrap quilts and prepping two tops for sandwiching and quilting.  Also on the list are aprons, mug rugs for back to school gifts, paper piecing, write a tutorial, and finally, use some of the quilting books I own.  

Thank you for spending the time getting to know me.  

Check out the rest of this week's line-up from the Let's Get Acquainted Blog Hop!

Vicki @ A Quilter's Mission

RobinSue @ RobinSue Quilts  Hope you enjoyed!

Elisa Lea @ Lovelea Designs

Elizabeth @ In The Boon Docks

Jenny @ A Note To Follow Sew

Lorna @ Sew Fresh Quilts

Sonia @ Fabric & Flowers

Emily @ Sew E.T.

Em @ Sewing by Moonlight

HST Progress

Not much sewing done last week - enjoyed a few days at the spa.  Spent yesterday working on the red, white & blue quilt.  I had to run out and purchase two half yards of fabric - I couldn't believe I was missing a few squares - that put a crimp in my day!  As of midnight, I have all the strips pinned and ready for a quick seam and press.  Hope to show you all 36 finished blocks by tomorrow.

Red, White & Blue

This basket is the progress on my Orange Peel quilt.  I was a bit afraid of curves and found that they aren't scary at all!  As soon as I have the Red, White & Blue blocks completed it will be back to this project.

Orange Peel

Thanks for taking a look!
RobinSue

Gumdrops-Sunday Mornings Quilt

I finally finished the Gumdrop quilt from Sunday Morning Quilts.  As I haven't learned to write down or keep track of where I buy the fabric or who designed it, I can only tell you that the gumdrops were from scraps and the background is Kona (which shade of gray I can't remember).  The backside is a two-tone gray polka dot and the binding is a two-tone gray chevron print.  I didn't really know what I was doing as far as the FMQ pattern.  I was trying to do bubbles/cobblestones and kept plodding along.  All in all, I'm pleased with finished project!

Finished size is 40" x 60"

My first link up with Crazy Mom Quilts!

July Blog Hop Schedule

I had several projects in the works for June, so July looks hopeful to have many finishes.  My lovely sister is working on a logo for me, so in the meantime I made these labels for some totes I finished up.

Don't forget to check out the following participants in the Let's Get Acquainted Blog Hop hosted by Beth at Plum and June.  It's wonderful learning about other quilters, getting tips and tutorials and just knowing there are so many fabulous people willing to share.

July 5

Christa @ Christa Quilts!

Alyce @ Wonderland By Alyce

Anna @ The Crooked Banana

Rachel @ Sew Happily Ever After 

Stephanie @ Quarter Incher

Shayla @ Sassafras Lane Designs

Caroline @ Carolines Craftiness

Lisa @ Hilltop House Creative Works

 July 12

Karen @ Karen, {Novice} Quilter

Anne @ PlayCrafts

Rachel @ Let's Begin Sewing...

Jan @ Sew And Sow Farm

Anna @ Quilting Along The Grain

Cath @ Wombat Quilts

Sarah @ {no} hats in the house
Christen @ Love by Hand
Julie @ 627handworks

July 19

Karen @ Little Birdie Quilting Studio

Kathy @ Kwilty Pleasures

Katie @ Snuggle Up With A Dish From Karma 

Alison @ Making Happyness

Ella and Nesta @ Ella & Nesta's Little Room

Adrienne @ Chezzetcook Modern Quilts

Nicole @ Modern Handcraft

Aylin @ AyliN-Nilya

Kelsey and Amanda @ Everyday Fray

July 26

Vicki @ A Quilter's Mission

RobinSue @ RobinSue Quilts

Elisa Lea @ Lovelea Designs

Elizabeth @ In The Boon Docks

Jenny @ A Note To Follow Sew

Lorna @ Sew Fresh Quilts

Sonia @ Fabric & Flowers

Emily @ Sew E.T.

Em @ Sewing by Moonlight

Thanks for stopping by!