If you are relatively new to this blog you may not have realized that I have a lot of free projects and tutorials on the blog. They are all listed on the Free Projects page on the header bar above. One of the projects is a quilt pattern for a quilt that my friend, Anne, and I developed. It's called The Gift Quilt and we designed it for those times when we need something quick and easy for a gift. It's a great graduation gift, sofa quilt or cuddle quilt and it's perfect for a set of fat quarters. I mention it because Robin recently finished a Gift Quilt for her husband. You can see it on her blog. I think her husband will love it!
As to my own design wall there's actually something ON it!
All of that prep work that I did for the Dancing Stars quilt has really paid off. These blocks are going together quickly. I am constructing it 11 blocks at a time and each set of 11 represents one gradient lighter than the previous 11. It's hard to see in this photo but the 2 top rows are a tiny bit lighter than the bottom 2 rows. You will see that better when I finish the next 2 rows.
The next 2 rows are coming along well. Here's my set up by the machine and I hope I can get through all of the piecing before I have to move all of this to do something else. After I finish this set I will start putting some of the diagonal rows together so that I don't lose track of my blocks.
I don't have a photo of the longarm today. I finished quilting Mom's quilt and will share some photos tomorrow. I have loaded another quilt but haven't decided yet if I am going to share the progress on it. I think I want it to be a surprise for the recipient. I may change my mind by next week.
But the big news of the week is that the electrician came this week to hook up the electrical outlet for the kiln. I made up a few pieces just to have something to test. My first try at firing didn't work at all and I was worried that I had wasted a lot of money on something that would end up in the dump. Of course, that's the risk with used things. But the kiln came with 2 sets of instructions and the next day I tried the "other" instructions and it worked! I was so relieved and was excited to go to the basement this morning to see these.
The jewelry pieces turned out crap....as I expected. But the other 2 look pretty good. They will still need to be slumped on molds before they are finished but at least I'm in business now. I can't wait to get some more things ready for firing.
Today, though, is "business" day when I do the work stuff and I'm motivated to get done early so I can play with some glass. While I'm working check out whate veryone else is doing over at Patchwork Times.
Don't forget to enter both giveaways from last week. The Thankful Thursday giveaway is for some hand dyed fabric scraps and the Friday giveaway is from some great stencils designed by Terri Stegmiller.
Only you could sew these stars together QUICKLY! Great progress - it's going to be an awesome quilt.
Posted by: Becky in VA | January 28, 2013 at 01:59 PM
Dancing stars is such a perfect name for the way those blocks are set. Best of luck with your new toy. I'm sure once you work out the kinks you'll be designing jewelry to sell in your shop!
Posted by: Stephanie | January 28, 2013 at 04:15 PM
Are you kidding me? You are lightning fast!
Posted by: Debra | January 28, 2013 at 04:28 PM
Your dancing stars are looking great, and that blue/green piece of glass is really awesome!
Posted by: Deb Levy | January 28, 2013 at 05:53 PM
Dancing Stars look fantastic! I love all the movement you're getting there. Glad your new-to-you kiln is working out and the initial frustration turned to smiles!
Posted by: AnnieO | January 28, 2013 at 06:17 PM
Your stars are amazing! I thought I'd struggle with the templates - you sure aren't! Love your color way!
Posted by: Sharon MLS | January 28, 2013 at 08:08 PM
Glad your kiln worked. Love the glass work.
Posted by: Freda Henderson | January 28, 2013 at 10:51 PM
I love your multi-colored Dancing Stars. They are such fun!
Posted by: Julie in GA | January 28, 2013 at 11:19 PM
Love love love love this!!!!! Looks like there are Y seams in the construction? I am a bit intimidated by them...
Posted by: Ivory Spring | January 29, 2013 at 08:41 AM
Wow!! Is your sewing table organized! Good job with the kiln. When I was growing up the lady down the street did pottery - amazed me to watch the raw things go in the kiln,and the beautiful things come out! I look forward to seeing your porjects!!!
Posted by: Alycia | February 01, 2013 at 01:52 PM