Posted on by agilejack

Ground Walnut Shells and SIX Quilts Done!

My big bag o’ground walnut shells arrived this evening while I was out playing pickleball.

It looks very similar to the more expensive crafting variety I bought several weeks ago. So I’d recommend this cheaper and more plentiful alternative if you’re thinking of making pin cushions. Here’s the link to the one I bought: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BUFRZU2?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

So after dinner for me and three good boys and a walk in the cool night air, I hit my sewing room and cut open the bag and promptly dumped a bunch all over my cutting table. Once I got it cleaned up I actually managed to dump most of it into a ziplock bag. Then grabbed my 1/2 cup measure and funnel and started filling the pin cushions I sewed last night.

It took a little more than a full cup to fill each pin cushion. I’ve filled them pretty full and have clipped the tops closed. I’ll hand sew them tomorrow night.

This photo shows how full they are. They will be perfect once the opening is sewn up.

I filled 8 pin cushions and had almost a full gallon ziplock bag left.

So I’m guessing I can fill another dozen or so pin cushions. I might just whip them up, get them filled, then store them securely in a plastic bin. That’s a better idea than storing the ground walnuts in my mind. I have some ideas for more of them.

So now onto the really fun stuff.

Back in June I took six quilt tops, backings and bindings to a friend who offered to trade quilting for finished quilt tops. I traded her one top for her in exchange for quilting one quilt for me.

Shortly after I left those quilt tops with her she finished the quilting on two:

One was my Ice Storm Quilt. Photo and quilting pattern for this quilt.

Number 1

The other one was this quilt, front, back and quilting pattern:

Number 2

It’s been several months with no word from her. Since it took me about a year and a half to get backings and bindings made after we struck a deal, I figured I should cut her some slack! So waited patiently to hear from her.

About a week ago she sent me a photo of the next quilt she finished. Then the two more in a few days. Today she sent the final one of the six!

So let’s take a look.

Number 3, what I’ve called my black quilt.

A closer look at the quilting.

And the quilting pattern.

I was soooo close to cutting up that black quilt and making bags out of it. I’m pretty glad I didn’t. I’m really excited to see this in person!

Number 4, Fractured. My friend helped me make this when she visited a year ago this Labor Day.

And a close up view of the quilting.

And the quilting pattern.

Number 5, my red Algorithm quilt.

And a close up view of the quilting.

And the quilting design.

I have LOVED this quilt from the day I started on it. There’s just something magical about the reds, pinks and yellows combined with those black and white jumble strips. This is one of my favorites that I’ve ever made. It will be hard for me to part with this one. It might be one that gets to hang in rotation over my bed.

Finally, #6, my starburst jumble quilt. I made this quilt a lot more difficult than it needed to be. I’m really excited to see this one in person. It was such an impulse make. The best kind of quilting project!

And a close up of the quilting.

And the quilting design for this one.

I’m going to meet her on Saturday to get my hands on these babies after early pickleball and Rico’s herding lesson! And then I’ll have six quilt bindings to finish! But I’m happy that she sewed all the bindings on for me. All that’s left for me is the hand work.

We sure are enjoying Ernie’s company. He has such a fun little positive spirit. He fits into our household really nicely.

And he’s really affectionate! I really miss having a small dog in the house. And I REALLY miss having a terrier to smooch on!

It was a pretty much perfect fall day today. These three good boys agree!

One more day of work and then a LONG weekend! I have a lot planned so I’m sure it will go by way too fast.

72 Replies to “Ground Walnut Shells and SIX Quilts Done!”

  1. I love the quilting on all your quilts. I like alot of quilting on mine. I would have never put yellow and red together but it’s works really well. Again you’ve shown me how to push the boundaries of colour and experiment, for a more exciting finish. Thank you for sharing them with us.
    Kathleen. ENGLAND 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

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    1. I like a dense quilting too, especially if it’s a quilt that will have dogs on it!!!

      that red and yellow quilt was actually. made from a layer cake I had in my stash for a few years I had to add a few fabrics to bring it up to a size I like. so I can’t take all the credit. The addition of the black and white fabric was all my genius!

      thanks for reading! And I’m really glad you’re pushing your color boundaries!

      Anne

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  3. Thank you for the link. I will be putting it in my cart.

    It is so satisfying to get quilts back frome the LAQ! They look great! That was so nice of her to attach the bindings for you. And now it is the perfect time of year to sit on the couch with a quilt on your lap to stitch.

    Ernie is as cute as Rico and Bender. Looks like a little love muffin on your lap.

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    1. with my regular long arm quilter, we always unfold the quilts in her studio and ooh and aah over them. it’s like opening packages on Christmas morning. I just love it!

      Anne

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      1. You’re right, it is. My LAQ sends me a picture of the quilt once she starts is to show the first row of quilting but, there is nothing like seeing it all done. I love that.

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  4. Your quilts are even more beautiful now that they’re quilted!
    I remember reading numerous times how much you “love” hand sewing. Here is another idea for finishing your pincushions. From the photos of the pincushions waiting to be hand stitched, there appears to be about a half inch from where the crushed walnut shells are squished down to the open edge (from the cushion edge to the end of the clip). Put a row of straight pins as close to the shells as possible. Make sure to overlap pins to keep the filling from escaping. Then, using an edge stitch foot (hopefully you have one) and adjusting the needle position, you can sew the seam closed. Yes, you’ll be able to see a little of the stitching as opposed to hiding your stitching with hand sewing, but as much as you dislike handwork, this may be a more palatable option. I use this method all the time when making microwave neck warmer bags, and it works well. The key is to make sure to overlap the pins to minimize movement and escape of the filling.

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    1. It’s really not that bad of a job. the opening is only about two inches wide. I just like to complain about it. Plus, the ones with the blue borders will be easier because I can match the thread better and the stitches will hide better.

      Anne

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  5. Oh wow they are all so gorgeous. Nice variety of quilting. I love the Ice Storm. That’s been a long time since you started that one. Then the black quilt is second favorite. Something about all the pops of black. Curious who she took the photos so flat and square. Looks like a professional photo shoot. Would be a great way to categorize a history of quilts you’ve made with those photos. Do you keep a record of your finished quilts? If so how many have you made? How long have you been quilting? And curious to know what you’re doing with all the pincushions???

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    1. I haven’t kept track of how many quilts I’ve made. If I could quilts that have actually been finished, all the way to quilting and binding, the number is probably around 20 or so. then add on the six I’ll pick up tomorrow. I’ve recently given away or traded 8 quilt tops!!! I have a couple left in my closet that need to be quilted. Total quilt tops is probably around 35 or so. Maybe 40 if you count smaller projects like baby quilts, table runners and wall hangings.

      I have no idea how she takes those photos. I’ll try to remember to ask her tomorrow.

      I actually started this blog as a way to keep track of stuff I was making and notes on how I made it, then it sort of took off. If I had more time I could go back through many years of posts and record it all! I can’t even figure out how many Frankenbags I’ve made.

      Anne

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  6. Just WOW , the Black Quilt is my favorite, the colors just shout happy , I’m curious as to how many quilts you do a year ? Your friend as well choses well with the quilting designs . Have a great weekend

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    1. I made A LOT of quilts the first year of the pandemic. It sort of kept me from going completely crazy. I think I made 15 or so quilt tops that year. And A LOT of Frankenbags. in the last year I’ve made fewer. I’d have to check, but probably not more than six or seven. But I basically took the summer off from making quilt tops. I’m getting back into it now but am enjoying these small projects.

      I always ask my quilter to recommend designs. Then I choose from the ones she offers. they have a lot of experience.

      Anne

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  7. Beautiful quilts Anne, it is fun to see them quilted, I love them all ! The pin cushions are cute, you come up with the best ideas, and so generously share them! Oh, and the dogs, they are all so stinking cute, each one having their own personalities, always a joy to see what their up to ! Enjoy your 3 day weekend !!

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  8. Lots of fun getting quilts back after they’ve been quilted .
    Does your friend guide the machine design as it’s quilting or is it automatic, just set the design, no hand guiding needed?
    I don’t enjoy sewing the binding by hand. I now sew the binding on with sewing machine by stitching in the ditch. You can’t really see the stitching on the top, especially when the thread is matched to the quilt. Some people use invisible thread, but I haven’t tried that yet.

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    1. These are all edge to edge computerized quilting. Depending on the machine, they do a section 15 or 18 or so inches tall across the width of the quilt. Then you roll the quilt, batting and backing forward and do the next 15 inches.

      I’ve sewn bindings on with the stitch in the ditch method but I don’t like how the back looks. As much as I dislike hand work, I LOVE a hand finished binding.

      Anne

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  9. I love your quilts. When I use Kaffe’s fabrics, they end up being in a subdued quilt. I have a long arm so I was very interested in the designs, they are very complicated. They work well with the fabrics in the quilts. Little Ernie sure is cute, I love terriers. Your two boys are very striking in pictures.

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    1. Well, my quilts are certainly not subdued. some of them are pretty chaotic… that’s what bothers me about that black quilt. I like a controlled chaos in my quilts!

      I love terriers too. Really missing having one of my own.

      Anne

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  10. I’ve got a cool idea for the usage of your pin bags, how about making them into weighted bags to hold material while cutting?
    Ok that’s my next project.

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  12. Sweet fur babies 🥰 Ernie looks right at home!
    Those quilts are spectacular. Excellent quilt patterns too.
    Those pin cushions are super cute! I would like to make a few – but – I certainly don’t need so much walnut shells. I might check around – maybe someone would split a bag with me. Thanks for sharing ♥️

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  14. Absolutely beautiful quilt tops and quilting. Wondering if you know the name of the pantograph on your Ice Storm quilt. Hard to chose a favorite they are all so lovely.

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  17. Wow, Ann, you have a lot of hand work ahead of you! My fave quilts of yours are the two featuring the jumble fabric. I really like that fabric. You are prolific!
    Sheryl

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  18. Wow, Ann, you have a lot of hand work ahead of you! My fave quilts of yours are the two featuring the jumble fabric. I really like that fabric. You are prolific!
    Sheryl

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    1. Well, it’s only a couple inches on each pin cushion so I should be able to hold it together until I get them all done! I agree… that jumble fabric is so amazing!

      Anne

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  19. Oh, my heavens – those are dropdead gorgeous quilts! well, done you! Was the algorithm quilt difficult? It looks a bit challenging for my expertise.
    Anyway, thank you for posting. I enjoy your blog so much.

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    1. The algorithm quilt is really easy and really fast to make. I think I’ve made at least four… maybe five. Can’t remember. The pattern works really with these colorful large prints. it’s in a book called Stripology Squared by GE designs. If you buy it let me know and I’ll send you my notes on how I varied it from the pattern.

      Anne

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      1. I did buy Stripology because you mentioned it in one of your earlier blogs. I just received it.
        Any tips you can give me would be greatly appreciated if you have time.
        Thanks, Robbin

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  21. i want all your quilts!!! Gorgeous! quilting designs too too pretty. and will take the small poochie my house is too small for the larger ones – they are beautiful too thank you for sharing 🌻

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  22. Anne, your quilts are all fabulous! I’m always amazed by the difference between a flimsy and when it comes back quilted. I love them all, especially ice storm, and the red Algorithm.

    The pin cushions are so cute too! You are so creative. Thank you for sharing with us.

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    1. Those might be my favorite two as well. The Ice Storm quilt is so different from my normal vibe, but I just love it. It feels very loved and homey.

      Thanks for reading!

      Anne

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  24. I’m so impressed at how much you get done! The quilts are awesome and so are the sweet pincushions 🥰! It’s probably really helping Ernie to be with you and your boys after losing Bogart. Hugs to all 😻👍

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  25. Your quilts turned out beautifully, there was no doubt they would. They are all so different, not the traditional quilt, but have to tell you I love each and every one of them. Great job and beautiful work, keep it up.

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  27. Oh my goodness what a treat to see all your quilts quilted up!! Sensory overload with your glorious colour in this post, the more colour the better for me!

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  30. Thanks for sharing your beautiful creations. I keep holding on to my Kaffe fabrics cause I can’t decide what pattern to make. Yours are inspiring!!

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  32. Thank you for the heads up on your Bird Walnut packet. It is very affordable that way!! I love your quilts! The colors are spectacular and the quilt designs you chose are FABULOUS!! I love to do the tops of quilts but cannot stand the rest. I ship mine of to the Longarm person and wait. I have 2 to go in January or February when they have less work. I love your blog and there is so much information in them. Thank you! Beverly

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