Linking up to Scrap Attack

Happy Friday, Saturday to some!!
Based on my previous post, I'm linking up to...

http://www.stitchedincolor.com/2012/01/scrap-attack-quilt-along.html

Dara

Scrapping my scraps

I thought this quilt would do some damage on my scraps...nope. I'm in the process of machine quilting (in the ditch) the arcs on this quilt.

So, I decided to do a couple more scrap quilts to "scrap" my scraps. I really want to buy more fabric so, I'm trying to get rid of some scraps. I need more fabric! :)

I started a New York Beauty quilt, which i'm paper piecing. Paper Piecing hasn't been my favorite technique in the past, however, I'm loving it now. I use to just cut chunks of fabric, always had to remove stitches, and thought it was so time consuming. I'm surprised it has actually been fun creating this quilt. I measured each section and cut strips of fabric to a particular size to cover each section and it made the process much quicker. I also took my time to position the pieces just right so I wouldn't have to pick out so many stitches.

Here are some pictures of my progress.

Curves make me nervous as you can see I pin, pin, then pin some more.

Thanks for all the wonderful comments on the previous posts!! I love comments.

Till next time,
Dara

January 2012 FMQ Challenge

I've took the free motion quilting pledge over at SewCalGal's blog to learn to FMQ in 2012. This month's FMQ expert was Frances Moore. I love this design. I still need a lot more practice, but I'm happy with my first attempt.

Happy quilting,

Dara

FMQ Along Wednesdays: Week 1

I signed up to Leah Day's Quilt Along Wednesday's.

Here's my quilt along practice for week #1:

I had some thread issues at first then it seemed to be better. When I FMQ I never know where to go next, how to get out of tight corners, or how to get back to the other side. Next time i'm going to try quadrant quilting, which Leah mentions (Jan. 11th  blog post) to help you not get lost or stuck.

Happy quilting,

Dara 

I'm taking the "Process Pledge"

I decided to take the process pledge over at Rossie's blog! I want to show the process of making my quilts. I'm a self taught quilter and I might not do things the way it's "suppose" to be done, but I do what works for me. I would love to show my ideas, confusions, and triumphs. Also, I would love to get the opinions of other quilters out there. I personally don't know anyone who quilts, so it would be nice to have other quilters to discuss it with.

I, _Dara_, pledge to talk more about my processes, even when I can’t quite put them in the in words or be sure I’m being totally clear. I’m going to put my thinking and my gut feelings out there. 

Since I just took the process pledge I'll show an applique block I designed in EQ7. I've had EQ5 and now EQ7 and haven't really got into to it the way I want to. I'm still learning how to use it. This was a great challenge for me and i'm looking forward to creating more with EQ. 

It's a 22x24 inch block and I have no idea what i'm going to do with it. I'm hoping to make a lap quilt for a little girl. I'll make sure to post my progress.

Happy Quilting,
Dara

It's 2012...and i'm quilting...lol

I can’t believe It’s 2012! I’m excited for the New Year and all of my continued blessings! This year I want to join some quilt alongs to broaden my quilting“ability” and of course it’ll be lots of fun.

I’m joining Shabby Fabrics’ 2012 mystery BOM of cottages which are a combination some applique and embroidery. Every month around the 7th a new block will be released. I’m excited to see how this will turn out.

 I also want to improve my FMQ…so I’m thinking of joining not one but TWO FMQ alongs. Who says I can’t join both …right? I’m still trying to convince myself I can handle two. I really want to push myself to practice, practice, and practice!

I've decided to take SewCalGal's challenge and work each month to improve my FMQ skills. "Every month in 2012 a FMQ expert will share a tutorial with tips to help quilters learn and/or improve their free-motion quilting skills."

I’m also joining Leah Day’s (Free Motion Quilting Project) has started a new project called the "Quilt Along Wednesdays". Every Wednesday Leah will post a video, on her blog, of a design to work on, which gives you more opportunities to practice and learn more FMQ designs.

I'm excited to get started...i think i have enough to keep me busy for now...

Again, Happy New Year and I wish everyone the best for 2012!

Dara