Selvage Streaker!

Selvage Streaker top

86 x 99 inches, another really big quilt

I started making the selvage trapezoid blocks last year but had to put them up so I could finish Phebe. Originally, I'd purchased the background fabric, decided it was too bold and purchased a dark gray solid for the background and hot pink for the sashing. When it came time to piece it, I just could not make myself use those fabrics so I went back to the original background. These colors are out of my comfort zone (red) but I like it now that the top is pieced!

I think Jesse likes it too!

 I'd like to say this is the last selvage project for a little while but there's another project which may or may not happen soon. Ever get a quilting project into your brain and it won't leave you alone?

Here's my Selvage Star quilt which I bound with selvage binding this past week. This quilt will be entered into our Common Threads 2014 Quilt Show coming up June 26 - 28 in Wichita. I hope anyone within driving distance will come see our show! 

I'm busy stitching sleeves and labels onto my quilt entries but yesterday evening, I worked on an applique block. Yes, I think my Quilter's Seasonal Color Disorder is under control and my applique projects are once again looking like I might want to work on them!

Until next time, Mayleen

My Three Projects

Now that Phebe no longer takes up all of my time, I've been working on my version of Love Entwined in the evenings. I had put it aside so I could work exclusively on Phebe and I'm seriously behind! Here you see most of Part 2 finished and a start on Part 3. Its looking a little pink at the moment which I hope to tone down with the addition of the flower vases in parts 4 through 7.

I've made the same mistake on the Selvage Star that I made on the Parlour's Tin Ceiling quilt - too narrow seam allowances. When I tore out the foundation paper, some of the seams let loose. I have quite a bit of resewing to do and quite simply, I don't like resewing. When I'm done, I'm done except in this case. Remember I said this would be a large wallhanging? Its going to be a really large wallhanging. Without the borders, it already measures 62 inches wide. 

On the subject of foundation paper, I have had several people tell me they use regular printer paper when they paper piece. I tried it - disaster. I've also tried pages from old telephone books but I caused a major printer paper jam and now our printer squeaks. So now I use purchased foundation paper, sew with a large needle, a small stitch length, press the paper with a hot iron before removing it, crease it before tearing and I still occasionally have problems. I won't give up paper piecing because it gives me more accurate piecing so if you have any tips for removing foundation paper, send them on!    

Guess who's home and ready to be bound?

Check back early next week to see Phebe in all her glory!

Until next time, Mayleen