Posted on by agilejack

More Noodling and Some Really Fun Stuff

I’m still moving X & + blocks around on my design wall, but I think I’m close to calling this thing done.

I moved some stuff around to lighten that dark bottom left corner. The problem is that every time I move something, I create a problem in a different place. But I’m feeling pretty confident that I’m at that “good enough” stage.

Here’s this layout in black and white.

That bottom left corner still looks dark in the photos, but in real life it looks ok. So I grabbed my LED sewing light and put it on the floor to light up that section for a photo.

So that corner actually IS lighter now. And the black and white photo to see how it looks with better light.

Like I said… good enough.

One of the things that stopped me in my tracks on making this quilt was thinking about how wonky these blocks were and how careful I’d have to be in squaring them up so everything lines up. I even considered adding sashing at one point so I wouldn’t have to be as concerned about that. But I knew the sashing would ruin the effect of the Xs and pluses. So I’m back to no sashing.

The blocks are a little over 12.5 inches square. And they are a little wonky, but not as bad as I thought. I do believe the entire quilt will go together much more nicely if I square up the bocks.

I’d have to trim off a little less than 1/8 inch all the way around. I also think it will be doable to line up the center pluses to make all the blocks line up nicely. But I’ll need to be mindful as I cut.

The arms of the plus would square up with the outer edges 5 inches from the outside edge of the block. So I’m thinking I can pull this off and have the blocks come together nicely.

I’ll wait to start on that when I’m fresh.

Now onto the FUN stuff!

I’ve been getting messages from my long arm quilter with ideas for quilting designs for my six quilts. I’ll share those in a minute, but first… the best part of my day…

MY ICE STORM QUILT IS QUILTED!!!

I just love the way quilting transforms a quilt top! And I love this quilting design. It feels like the winds that blew during that scary ice storm when I could hear branches breaking and falling all around my house. But in a nice way. Hahahaha!

This quilt will have some sort of insane whimsy since the backing is Brandon Mably’s octopus!!! it’s a little crazy, but so absolutely perfect!

So, now onto the quilting ideas the long armer sent me today. She sent several options for each quilt. It was really fun to choose the ones I like.

First off is the orange, pink and purple Another 16 Patch quilt that I made on my Featherweight machine.

And the quilting pattern I chose.

Next up is my Jumble Quarter Log Cabin quilt.

And the pattern for this one… (I love all those little circles with the jumble!)

Next up is my Red Algorithm quilt.

And the pattern I chose for this one. . .

Next is my Red Fractured quilt.

This was the hardest one to decide on, but I landed on this…

And finally, my “black” KFC quilt.

And I just love the pattern I chose for this one.

How much fun is that? It’s going to be the most chaotic quilt ever made!!!

We finally had a hot day today. It got right up to 90. So we didn’t get an afternoon walk and had a two mile evening walk after the sun went down. I finally turned my air conditioner on at around 9 pm because it had gotten up to 78 in the house. I had my furnace on a week ago!

It’s supposed to be hot again tomorrow and then it’s supposed to cool back down to the mid 70s to low 80s. I’m ok if we stay away from the really hot days for a while.

51 Replies to “More Noodling and Some Really Fun Stuff”

  1. Looking at your quilt on the design wall, there is one problem spot I see – top row, block directly to the right of the block with a lot of purple in it and the one directly underneath of this one. The fabric where the pluses meet is very similar. My eyes are drawn there right away because the color similarity makes the plus looks longer than all the others. It’s particularly noticeable in the black and white photo. The quilting designs you picked go so well with the personality of each of your quilts. Seafoam for your Jumble quilt and Marmalade for your “black” KFC are my favorites. I can’t wait to see them all quilted – so exciting!!! Your projects are always so colorful and beautiful. Thank you again for taking the time to keep up with your blog. You are truly an inspiration to so many people!

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    1. the x&+ blocks look really different in person. I was looking at your problem area today and it looks very different in person. it’s so hard to get really representative photos.

      It will be so much fun to see all these quilts done. it’s always so exciting to see them done!

      thanks for reading!

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  3. Hi there Anne…All of your quilts look absolutley amazing to me! I am just starting to gain a tentative confidence in getting my seams to match…so I’m somewhat in awe of both your proficiency and prolificness! I love so many of the quilts you’ve made…but that Japanese X&+ quilt…has got to be my favourite. I’m also astounded by your energy! My dog (Dr Melfi…a Tibet Terier) would so like to get as many long walks as Bender and Rico!
    All the best.
    Dina

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    1. I watched a lot of Donna Jordan from Jordan Fabrics tutorials and learned so much about nesting seams, fabric management and proper pressing. It really made a difference for me.

      And energy… we all feel better when we move our bodies!!!

      Anne

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  4. The Ice Storm quilt and quilting is splendid! Can’t wait to see the rest. You’re on the quilt
    highway….sewing along. I am walking….I will be interested to see what you do with the W quilt for backing and quilting pattern. It’s all about the W’s for me until I start the X’s and +’s…..
    Thanks for being the fast tracker and keeping us inspired.

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    1. I ordered a piece of batik for the back of that Wensleydale quilt. A Blue batik just seemed to be the right choice. I’ll share it once it arrives.

      For quilting pattern, I’m thinking I need something angular to play off all the angles in teh quilt. I don’t usually go with something that doesn’t have some curves, but I think it might be the right choice for this quilt.

      Thanks for reading!

      Anne

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  5. Xs and +s looks good. Amazing how one change in the placement of the blocks can set off a cascade of changes. Sigh. Sometime things are better off left alone. Lighting play a big part and messes with the B&W but if you can see that it is the lighting then you’re good.

    Picking the quilting for a flimsy is like picking buttons for a garment, it can make or break it. Love the choices you made. My LAQ and I discuss options and she too, sends choices to me. The Strummin’ quilt I made I knew I wanted simple musical notes. I picked one that was the simplest of the ones she sent. It had sharp and flat symbols along with notes. Once she got it on the machine she found a simpler one. And that was perfect.

    I try to think about what I want as I am piecing a quilt but sometimes nothing comes to mind. Of course having a theme that is concrete makes it easier. Also not making as many quilts as you are. So happy to have great communication with my LAQ.

    Love the choices for your quilts! can’t wait to see them.

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    1. I’m always inclined to ask my long arm quilter for suggestions for quilting patterns, especially when they’ve done some other quilts for me because they have a better understanding of what I like. I told this quilter the type of designs I tend toward and she gave me great options!

      it’s wonderful to have a quilter that you trust!

      Anne

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  7. I lovecreading your blog and learning about your quilts as they grow. Can you tell me how she is able to impose the design over the picture of the quilt? I longarm quilt for folks in texas and would love to learn about that skill. Thanks. Debbie

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    1. I don’t know how she does that… if it’s something that comes with her quilting machine software or if she’s using some kind of photo editing software. I’ve never seen images like that before. I’ll try to remember to ask her when I see her next.

      Anne

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  8. Wowza!!! That had to be a whole lot of fun picking out quilting designs. I love them all! The X & plus quilt looks awesome 💕 you nailed it!
    We have had lots of good rain here in San Antonio and it helps us stay below 90°. It is about to end though and that means scorching 100’s are on the way.
    Hugs to Rico and Bender 🥰

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  10. You have inspired me to look into paper piecing. Your quilt squares are exquisite and so sharp— just they way I want mine to look. I am looking at 2 Featherweights for sale tomorrow. One is 221 from 1956,,the other is 222 and don’t know what year. Haven’t seen either, but am at a loss as to what to offer. She is elderly and moving close to her children. Prices online are all over then board. Thank you for your dedication to your blog. You would be a great teacher with your great detail and instructions. .

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    1. I love the precision that paper piecing gives me. I could never get those gorgeous points with traditional piecing!

      I’m not much of an expert on Featherweights. But I agree that their prices area ll over the place. check out the Featerhweight Shop. They have a web page and sell all kinds of Featherweights and accessories. I think you can look at machines they’ve sold in the past and see the prices. Also, check out Ebay.

      I didn’t buy mine. it was gifted to me by a friend. It was her mom’s machine and she wanted someone to have it that would love it. It was such a generous gift!

      Anne

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  11. All look fabulous! Why is the design called Japanese x + ? My own Duet (as you call it 16-patch) keeps growing in light and dark/med blues.

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    1. I don’t know why it’s called that. It may say that in the tutorial, but I don’t think I ever actually read the entire thing. I think it’s a block that’s been around for a long time. someone just took the time to write up a tutorial for making it.

      I think I might need to make another 16 patch soon. One of my favorite patterns!

      Anne

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  12. Hi – on the first quilt shown, I would put the square with all the purple in it in the middle of the quilt – that way it would center the whole quilt.  Just a suggestion!

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    1. that purple block actually makes more sense when you se the quilt in person because there are pops of purple everywhere in this quilt. So when you see it in person it’s all in harmony.

      I actually prefer that block off center. It feels more organic that way… more natural… less regimented. I put it off center on purpose!

      Anne

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  13. Just love your ice storm quilt. The quilting design is perfect! Trying to figure out the pattern, scrappytrips or Irish chain variation? Again your color sense is amazing! Do you have art background?
    Sue p/b friend

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    1. the quilting design on the Ice Storm quilt is called Curly Weave. I don’t know who the designer is. But you can probably find it with a google search.

      the pattern is a scrappy quilt following Bonnie Hunters tutorial. you can find that with a google search.

      I don’t have any formal design or art training. I have a great love and appreciation for color. some color combos actually cause a physical reaction in me! So I think I see color differently from other people.

      I’ve always loved making things… knitting, crochet, pottery, welding, painting, et…. and had always had an interest in quilting. So it all sort of makes sense.

      Anne

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  14. Gorgeous ice storm! And the x+ I think you’re driving yourself crazy. By the time it’s quilted and on the bed … well really who’ll see anything wrong if they’re was something. I think it’s perfect.
    All those patterns you’ve picked out for longarming are fun, fun, fun. It week motivate you to finish the bindings for sure. Thanks for sharing.
    PS I think ice storm needs to be your blog photo for awile. I just love that one.

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    1. I’m actually pretty relaxed about the x$+ quilt. I don’t tend to agonize over arranging blocks. I’m willing to quit early enough in the process.

      I love the ice storm but don’t find it nearly as exciting as my current photo. It’s so different from what I usually make. but I love it!

      Anne

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  15. I think you nailed your quilt blocks finally, lighting helps so much. I love all your designs for quilting, I only have about 2 dozen but I also don’t make quilts like you. I love your ice storm quilt, the quilting just enhanced the fabrics and pattern. I know your quilter gets some of your quilts but please show us the finished designs.

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    1. Your weather is crazy but your quilts are fabulous! Really like your quilting choices and how you posted them. And you’re right about the x-o quilt. You’ve got it!
      Greetings from June gloomy Los Angeles. We sure haven’t seen any warm weather here yet.

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      1. June when I first moved here was cool and wet. We haven’t had any rain for a month. things are already starting to dry out after 8 months of rain. I would love to see some rain.

        I’m feeling pretty good about my arrangement on that X&+ quilt. Now I just need to start trimming!

        Anne

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    2. the six I shared on this blog post are all ones that will be coming back to me. the long armer has chosen six different quilt tops that I made and was willing to trade. win win, for me!

      Anne

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  16. Anne . . . thanks for so many wonderful posts. Your enthusiasm for everything is such a joy. My question: do you have a purpose for every quilt or do you give yourself permission to make another and another because you love the process–from fabric selection to just-the-right LAQ pattern? My reason for asking is no one askes an artist why she paints canvas after canvas but non=quilters are forever asking me what I intend to do with all the quilts I make. How do you respond to the question?
    Kate

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    1. I have a purpose for very few of the quilts I make. I usually strike out with an idea for a quilt rather than a pattern. it’s kind of unusual for me to actually make a pattern.

      I do it because I like doing it. the fun for me is in taking an idea for a color combo and pulling the fabrics. then the first few blocks are really exciting. Then it becomes more of a job to finish a top.

      It’s more of a creative approach for me, rather than the act of sewing blocks.

      Thanks for reading!

      Anne

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    1. I wish I could take photos that really show what it looks like. it’s brighter and more lively in person. when it’s all done I’ll take some photos outside. Oh, and I need to do that with my Wensleydale too/1

      Anne

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  21. Your quilts are just AWESOME ………You have ibspired me to get busy with my Kaffe fabrics ! Do you work in the design industry ? Love your two darling dogs too !!

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    1. I don’t have any formal training in design. I think I was just blessed with a love of and sense for color. Plus, when I was a kid my mom could give me a stack of paper, scissors and a stapler and I’d be busy for hours!

      Anne

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  22. Anne, you continue to amaze and inspire me always. Do not remember your creating an x&+ quilt before. Like the limited color palette. The line up of quilts that follow are all stunning – no surprise. Thank you for being so generous sharing your ideas, progress along the way, and completed artistic works!

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