About That Side Note

Hi everyone!  Sorry I haven't posted for a bit; it's been crazy around here.  I have been very productive in the Studio, though, and thought I'd start showing you what I've been working on.

In my last post, I mentioned being able to see what else I've been playing with in the background of one of my photos.  Yes, another string quilt.  On phone book paper.  ???  I may have an addiction problem.  They are so very good at helping me tackle my scraps, though!

Before I realized just what I was doing, I had several blocks done:

I'd been wanting to make string blocks on the diagonal like this because you can do all kinds of fun layouts.  The only drawbacks are 1) the block edges are on the bias now and 2) you need longer strips going diagonally than you would going straight across the block.  Paper foundation piecing helps deal with drawback number one, and way too many scraps helps combat number two.

I settled on this layout:

... then put the whole table runner together in no time.

I also stitched all the way around the quilt, about 1/8th of an inch in, so my bias edges wouldn't get all wonky.

And now, the "fun" part.

Every time I make one of these, I swear off doing paper foundation piecing -- then find myself doing another.  As I said, I might have an addiction problem.

I sorted through my Christmas fabs and chose the "earthier" ones.  Muted tones.  I'm not sure how to describe them.  More casual?  Whatever.  Here are some close ups, showing some of the darling fabrics.

Santa's watching!

He's everywhere!

I love the lights fabric!!!

I think I only had a 5" square of it.  Isn't it adorable, though?  "Let's just buy new lights!"  LOL.  Indeed.

Before  too many HBO words about the paper  I mean before too long, I was all set to baste!

Is it a good sign that I had to order more basting spray?  It must mean I'm getting a lot of quilts done - right?

I forced myself to do some free-motion quilting.  This is a design called "Silly Spirals".  Not perfect by any means, but it was fun and seems to fit the quilt.

King Tut Sands of Time, in case you're wondering

The design reminds me of the old-fashioned glass Christmas ornaments - do you know the ones?

Here's the back:

And another look at the back:

So, yes, the back is pieced, too.  Why not make things interesting!

This is Christmas String Quilt 2, I believe.  Very fun.  And I'm glad I forced myself to do some more free-motion quilting.  It's now in the stack of "doing the hand sewing part of the binding" quilts in the dining room.  AKA the Auxiliary Quilt Studio.  LOL.

Thanks for reading!

KZK