As much as I’ve wanted to sew these last few weeks, I haven’t spent nearly as much time behind my machine as I would have liked. Training for a triathlon is tough! It’s not like I can quilt while careening down the bike trail.
I have done a bit, though. I have been working on Jessica Levitt’s Modern Mix Gradations Bag. I pieced the exterior using the collection that Heather put together for the Blogger’s Choice FQ bundle for Fat Quarter Shop, plus some Kona black. It’s foundation pieced on interfacing, which is kind of new to me. But I love how it’s turning out so far. Very crisp!
I also made the final two blocks for my Essential Quilting class. I’m behind — this thing should be pretty much done by now! Hoping to get it sashed and basted soon.
The first block is the Dresden Plate. It looked scary, but was fairly easy to tackle thanks to Deborah’s great instructions. The plate turned out tiny, so I went ahead and made two for the one block. It was my first time doing applique, and I really enjoyed it. Definitely going to be making more blocks like this in the future.
The second was an extra block not from the class. I used Six White Horses’ tutorial to make these Improv Chevrons. Not too difficult, but it definitely requires a visual brain that can think ahead of what’s actually happening.
Finally, I started binding my pink and orange quilt (I’m thinking of calling it Sherbet Stripes), which I’ve had as a WiP forever. I’m about 2/3 done hand-sewing the binding on, and Ryan and I are driving from Sacramento, CA to Walla Walla, WA this weekend (right after the triathlon — I’m sure this will be a bad choice!), so I should be able to finish up that last bit in the car, and actually have a finished quilt to share here next week!
What are you working on this week?
I love how the bag is turning out. I love its shape!
And don’t worry, you’re still ahead of me in Essential Quilting. I’m still trying to muster up the energy to finish my Tumbling Blocks. And then there’s sashing. And figuring out a back. And pinning. And quilting. I get tired just thinking about it. I’m ready to move onto something new. I think I’m going to try this: http://www.noodle-head.com/2012/06/open-wide-zippered-pouch-diy-tutorial.html. Bags are totally new to me. But I’m hoping to make a largish travel one for Sewing Summit…
I just pinned that the other day! I love it — definitely want to make one for my toiletries for SS. Maybe a bigger one for some sewing essentials to bring with me.
That is going to be one awesome bag. I just love the fabrics you’ve got in it.
Thank you, Lynette! I’m super-happy with it so far.
Wave “hi” on your way through my lovely state en route to Walla Walla. :)
I’ll have a lot of time — we’ll be cruising through at the blistering Oregon pace of 55mph!
Your bag is so nice, it has such great shape to it! The dresdens are so cute too! I love dresdens, they always look deceptively intimidating! The colors on your improv chevron are so fun. Thanks for linking up to WIP Wednesday!
Thank you! Two layers of interfacing on that purse definitely help! :)