More is More

How about more Wild Air?

Wild Air is the pattern by Carrie Nelson for Miss Rosie's Quilt Co.  I started my quilt in a class sponsored by the Corn Wagon Quilt Company in Springville, Utah.  After blogging about my Wild Air I received a note from Julie, who was also in my class, along with this picture of her finished Wild Air.  I thought you would enjoy seeing her beautiful quilt as much as I did.

Julie used Glace by 3 Sisters for Moda for the majority of the pieced blocks and Basic Grey Blush also by Moda for the red border.  A funny story about Julie, she has since moved from Utah, and my first reaction was, " oh no, you must really miss the Corn Wagon Quilt Co",  because I remember Julie being very active in several of their classes, but then Julie told me she now lives in Temecula, California, yes home of the Temecula Quilt Co!  How could she be so lucky, Julie said the nice ladies at Temecula Quilt Shop have welcomed her into their fold.  The next time we're moving, I'm insisting we move to a town with an active local quilt shop!

Besides getting ready for Thanksgiving, I'm also counting down to Christmas.  I got my Countdown to Christmas quilt, headboard cover, pillows, and wall hanging out the first of November.  I love this set so much I start counting down to Christmas early.  Also, if I'm going to the trouble to change the fabric on that headboard, it's going to be out for longer than one month!  This is my guest room.

Here's my Christmas in the City wall hanging.

When I'm in  my sewing room, Cooper likes to hang out right next door in this room, he gets a great view of the goings on out on the street, he's always on guard for the UPS, USPS or Fed Ex men.  I know I have a package getting ready to hit the doorstep before it's even out of the truck.

Well since this is a white quilt, and since it is out for a couple of months, I thought I would put an old blanket over Countdown to Christmas for Cooper to lay on when I'm sewing.  As you can see, Cooper was having none of that, he must be excited to have this quilt back out too, to push that old comforter out of the way.  (the bedroom set, including that great headboard where you can swap out the fabric is from Pottery Barn)

And finally, a starlight update.  Thank you all so much for all the great and supportive comments regarding my little problem with starlight, by Camille Roskelley for thimble blossoms.  Knowing you've had similar issues made me feel less foolish.  And between your comments and the passage of time, I'm feeling better about the whole thing.  I'm also taking your advice and working on the un-sewing a little bit everyday.  Once I have the blocks apart and trimmed I may even work on something else, then put those starlight blocks back together, a little break would be good for my soul I think.  Two comments really stand out, Vicky's comment was, "a quilt so nice you'll make it twice!  That's my new mantra,   I think because it's fun and true!  And Ann said, "Sometimes quilting is a humbling experience", and she is right, this was a humbling experience, but I'm better for it.   So really, thanks so much for feeling my pain.  And like I said, I have a fix for this.  If you want to feel some real pain go visit Nicole's blog, she just finished her Clover Schnibbles table topper only to spill hot wax on it, I'm not sure there's a fix for that, but I sure hope so, I feel your pain Nicole!

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Wild Air is Done . . .

It took me no time at all to make the flying geese for that border and finish up this quilt.

The pattern is Wild Air by Miss Rosie's Quilt Co.

I did make one small change to the pattern, I used the same fabric for the center and corner squares in the pieced blocks, the pattern has two fabrics for the squares, one for the corners and one for the centers.  You know how I'm always trying to match everything up, I decided it would be easier to match two fabrics, one for the geese and one for the squares,  instead of three fabrics, one for the corners, one for the center and one for the geese.  Now that's it's done I'm thinking maybe I would have liked having those corners a different fabric.

This is Lifetime Quilt Number 98.

It finished at 76" x 76".

It has approximately 2,261 pieces.

The green background fabric is Covey Toile for Andover Fabrics

The red floral print fabric is Annandale by Jo Morton for Andover Fabrics.

The majority of the remaining fabric is also Jo Morton fabric.

If the geese in this pattern are stopping you from making it, you need to think up a better reason, this quilt goes together in no time, and those geese, if you use the Fit to be Geese ruler, are fun, easy and go  quickly.

I'm so glad I dug this project out of its project box and finished it up, if I'm able to get all the blocks together for Memories of Provence here in the next couple weeks I'll be able to start 2013 with no UFOs! Imagine that!

Now that Wild Air is finished maybe I can focus on finishing up the items on my Christmas To Do List.  The decorating is done, done as in I quit, let the wrapping begin.

Monique at Open Gate quilts blogged about the Supply List for her Blogger Girls BOM that's to start in January.   Go look it over so you can be deciding on your fabric! (click here)

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A Little More Wild Air . . .

My Wild Air blocks went together in no time. The inner border came together quite easily too, or so I thought, until I looked at this picture!!!!!

Bottom right, see it, I've got one block sewn on backwards!  UGH!!  Haste makes waste, there's a reason these old sayings are around, mainly because they're right!  Oh well, it could be worse, I could have noticed once it was back from the quilter!  Although I'm sure one of you would have caught the error too, you're good about that.

I'm not sure this large floral print was a good choice for the focus fabric.  I tried to match up that border as best I could with the blocks, but it doesn't look as good as I would like.  The quilt on the pattern cover used a smaller print fabric, I now see how that would probably blend better.

I'm hoping once it's all done and quilted the piecing won't be so obvious.

Now it's on to the 23 bazillion geese for the border.  If they didn't look so cute on the pattern cover, and if I didn't have my Fit to be Geese rulers, I would be tempted to call it quits right now.

But I enjoy making geese and look forward to sneaking in a few while I juggle everything else that needs to be done.

I'm still decorating and shopping, I sure hope I'm not the last person doing so.

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Wild Air Update . . . .

My Christmas decorating has been put on hold while we work on some home improvements.  This has  given me some sewing time.

All my Wild Air blocks are pieced.  Having everything cut out and ready to go really helped speed things along.

All the fabric is by Jo Morton, mainly from the Annadale family, except for the green toile background fabric.

The home improvements are done for now and I finally got started on my Christmas decorating.  I have no excuse for being so far behind on my shopping, but it is what it is!  Not to freak you out or anything, but Christmas is TWO WEEKS from TODAY!

I sure enjoyed reading what everyone was wishing and hoping for for Christmas, we are an easy group to buy for; give us some time with family and something quilt related and we're happy.  Here are the winners of "The Crumbler", I'm thrilled you love the name too.

Amanda A - who is asking Santa for a lightweight sewing machine to take to quilt group

jmniffer who is asking for "The Crumbler (better take that off the list!)  EQ7 software, and fabric.

Teri at Patchwork Playground who is asking for some quilting books.

Thanks to all for leaving comments and participating in my give-away.

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More Wild Air, Again . . .

Remember this project, Wild Air by Miss Rosie's Quilt Co?

I started this project by attending a class at the Corn Wagon Quilt Shop back in May of 2011.  (click here for class detail)

I didn't finish my Wild Air in class, (does anyone ever finish their project in class???) and in June, 2011 blogged about my fabric drama and how I was going to save this project for the fall.  (click here for that  post, or not, you may have enough of me and my fabric drama)  Well at the time I thought I was talking about the fall of 2011, and here it is, the tail end of fall 2012, but I'm going to finish this quilt, before the first day of winter, December 21, this year!  And I think it's going to be easy, even though this is a busy time of year.

This is my only UFO, I usually start a quilt and finish it during one space of time, or, I start it, hate it, and move on, never thinking about it again.  But I sure am appreciating the benefits of having UFOs with this project.

Here's my project box, it's like a little quilt gift.

I've already gone through the fabric drama phase of fabric selection plus everything is cut out!

And I even have some blocks made, this quilt practically made itself while it was sitting in that project box.

I looked on-line to see if anyone else had made a Wild Air but didn't find a single finish in blogland, which surprises me, I love the look of this quilt.  I wonder if all those geese  scared quilters away.  I'm looking forward to making those geese using my Fit to be Geese ruler, plus that method of geese production makes geese in groups of 4, perfect for this project.  Maybe you have a Wild Air UFO too, want to join me for a great finish to 2012?

Another reason I'm wanting to finish this quilt, it will be Lifetime Quilt #98, making my Memories of Provence BOM #99, and a clean slate for starting #100!

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There's Drama in the Air, Wild Air . . . .

Remember Wild Air?

I've not blogged about it in awhile . . . This project was one of the Carrie Nelson classes I attended in Utah at the Corn Wagon Quilt Co.

I was all up in the air about what fabric to use for this pattern. I'm not happy unless I'm making myself miserable over my fabric choices, and here's why; I think every pattern is better when it is made with just the perfect fabric, not just any fabric, but the best fabric for that design. I also think some fabric deserves just the perfect pattern, to use any old pattern is a horrible waste of that fabric's potential. To make this whole issue even more confusing, I don't think all fabric has to have the perfect pattern, take Fig Tree, Bonnie & Camille, or French General. I don't think any of those fabrics can make an ugly quilt. But then there are some other fabrics, that are so different or unique, that they need just the right pattern to either showcase the design size or color palate of the fabric. Annandale, by Jo Morton for Andover Fabrics to me is a one of a kind type of fabric that needs a special pattern with the a certain look.

After much stewing and stalling I picked Annandale for Wild Air. It was more of a "I'm running out of time and don't really know what else to use, don't have much fabric in my stash and don't have a quilt shop nearby" decision.

So I went to class with Annandale all cut out,

and made this block. That one flying geese block in the center.

I really liked the pattern, but my fabric choice for Wild Air was so different from Carrie's, and from several ladies in the class that I was really questioning my choice. To add to the drama, Annandale came out last year, and I'm guessing getting more of it would be pretty tough, so I really didn't want to waste it.

After I got home I just stared at those 5 blocks on my design wall and questioned my decision. This went on for days. I finally talked myself into making more flying geese blocks, thinking maybe that would help me get that "I LOVE IT" or "LEAVE IT" feeling. By this point I didn't care which direction I went, I just wanted some direction, the whole being in limbo stage was driving me crazy.

I think two things were troubling to me; one, that my project was so dark, bold and crisp compared to Carrie's soothing, calming blue quilt, and that my flying geese blocks potentially wouldn't stand out against the alternate blocks.

So I made more blocks,

and tried to get a feel for what the border will essentially look like, and I'm happy to report,

I LOVE IT.

It feels great to finally feel good about my decision. What was I worried about, I think the colors are good and the contrast is fine. This finished project will really be different from a lot of the quilts I've already made, which is good, variety is good, not ALL quilts need to be red.

I felt so good about my decision I packed it away in a project box . . .

Really!

I thought the colors had a fall feel to them and I like to work with fall fabrics in the fall. But I'm counting the days until I get back to Wild Air!! Which is so much better than throwing it all in the trash!

On an entirely different note, I've had a couple more Eventide finishes, PLUS my Eventide is back from the quilter, stop back by Friday for the latest update!!

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As Promised . . A Couple of Wieners . . Winners . . .

How's your weekend going? After being out of town the last two weekends, being home this weekend feels great. I just love my regular routine and regular food and regular life. No doubt about it, I'm a homebody.

I have two Carrie Nelson for Miss Rosie's Quilt Co. patterns to giveaway, first up Wild Air . . .

Thanks for sharing what made you giggle, several stories made me giggle too, especially the "marshmallows on the loose" line. The Wild Air winner is Marian, who said,

"I flew all the way to Calgary (I live in Toronto) to take a class on Cracked Pots with Carrie, and I loved every minute of it. I'm still working on the top - there are a zillion pieces!

In the past I would have shied away from a pattern with so many flying geese, but thanks to someone showing how she used the Fit to be Geese ruler on her blog, I purchased one and am now the queen of geese! That is one reason why I read blogs - to learn things from other people without having to try everything myself.

Something that made me smile in the past 10 days was finally watching the movie "The Blind Side" and remembering that there are still a lot of people with good hearts."

Marian, I love Cracked Pots, I sure hope you finish it so you can start on Wild Air!!

When it comes to classes, we are all pretty much in agreement, a going at your own pace class is what suits us. To you folks that have never taken a class or haven't taken a class in years, I hope you get the opportunity to do so, soon. Several folks mentioned something that hadn't occurred to me but I totally agreed with, having a prepared instructor! I may waste time talking and fussing, but that's my choice, I have no patience for someone else wasting my time.

The background fabric I'm using for my Long Tall Sally is Miniatures By Julie Hendricksen for Windham Fabrics, Pattern No 31528, sorry I didn't mention it in my earlier post.

The winner of the second Carrie Nelson for Miss Rosie's Quilt Co pattern, Long Tall Sally, is LynCC of What a Hoot, Quilts from the Heart who said,

"really enjoyed the class I took a few months ago with Judy Niemeyer. It was a hybrid lecture/go at your pace. She did a lecture up front showing the initial technique ideas to get us started, then for the next 4 hours she traveled the room, helping those who had trouble with the paper piecing, and visiting with those who were fine. Then she did another lecture for those who were ready for the next stage, and the next 4 hours were spent with her meandering the room again, doing the same - chatting with the speedy rabbits, and re-showing the next stage to the turtles who got to that point later. It was a lot of fun."

I had two Long Tall Sallies leave comments, I'm sorry you didn't win, but if there was ever a quilt pattern calling your name it 's this one, I hope you make it!

Enjoy what's left of your weekend, I'll be back on Monday with a tour of the Corn Wagon Quilt Company and another pattern giveaway.

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I'm Baaaaack . . . , Again . . .

I'm back, does it seem like I've been gone for just forever? It sure seems that way to me, I don't think I've ever spent so many consecutive days away from home, ever!

Where to begin, how about the beginning . . . .

My first stop was in Indianapolis for a little 13.1 mile race around town.

Here I am with 30,647 of my nearest and dearest running buddies.

13,945 folks crossed the finish line before me, but 16,702 finished behind me, so I think that's pretty good. Additionally, I had a new personal best record of 2:16:34. I was hoping for a time closer to 2:10, maybe next time.

Following the race I accepted my finishers medal, took a shower and jumped on a plane for Salt Lake City, Utah.

I never tired of looking up and seeing these beautiful mountains. Where I live, it's flat, very flat, which made me appreciate this view all the more.

So this is why I flew to Salt Lake City,

Wild Air.

Isn't she a beauty! Those little flying geese surrounding the center squares and in the border are my favorite part of the quilt, I just love all 656 of them.

This is a new pattern by Carrie Nelson for Miss Rosie's Quilt Company.

The Corn Wagon Quilt Company in Springville, Utah hosted two Carrie Nelson classes, I took them both and had the best time.

Here's Carrie with a block from a fellow student who's using Bliss, I think it will make a wonderful Wild Air. There was also an Eventide version, Fig Tree version, French General version and 16 other versions that escape me now.

I'm going with Annandale by Jo Morton for Andover Fabrics.

Here's the flying geese block. The pattern calls for the outer corner squares to be a different fabric from the center, but I'm thinking about going with the same fabric for the center and outer squares. Several other folks in the class were thinking the same thing. I'll just have to make a few blocks each way, then decide.

Yes, I only made the one flying geese block in class! It was a social group, by the time we got set up, introduced ourselves, and listened to Carrie's instructions and information regarding Wild Air, it was time for lunch, which was delicious. This was the most friendly group of quilters I've ever had the pleasure of taking a class with. The majority of the quilters knew each other and participate in BOM or other classes regularly. There were a few of us new to the group, be we were all warmly welcomed.

I decided I would take advantage of meeting new quilters and spent the majority of my time socializing. I have a whole summer ahead of me of alone time in my sewing room, it felt great to chat and visit with fellow quilters while I had the opportunity.

Here's my one class block with my alternate blocks. This color is a real change of pace for me. My first fabric choice for Wild Air was Barbara Brackman's Civil War Reunion, but after I cut it all out, I just felt the colors didn't work my alternate blocks, so two days before class I changed to Annandale. I'm still not 100% confident this is a good fabric selection either, time will tell. It sure is different from the look and feel of the pattern quilt.

Here are a few ladies who drove from Idaho for the class!!

Wild Air is one of 3 new full size patterns that Carrie designed for market. It finishes at 76" x 76". This pattern is just now making its way to quilt shops near you but I have one that I'm giving away, plus Carrie was kind enough to personalize it.

I haven't blogged for 10 days so to be eligible to win this pattern leave a comment telling us something that made you giggle over the last ten days. I'll announce the winner Saturday.

For tomorrow, class two and another pattern giveaway, don't miss it!

Official C n D disclaimer; I purchased the pattern Wild Air, Carrie Nelson did not ask me to blog about this pattern or promote this pattern. If I never blogged about a Carrie Nelson pattern she would not see a difference in pattern sales, she does just fine without any help from me.

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