Upstream Dolce Quilt is finished.

This quilt took a long time, I started it last October, and finished it today; eight months is unusual.  I started with a FQ stack of Dolce, and a pattern idea, "Upstream" quilt by Cozy Quilt Designs; but I did't like the pattern instructions or methods, so I did my own thing.  I'm really happy with how this turned out.  For the back I used some leftovers, my usual method.

The quilt finished at 49 x 57 inches.  The quilting thread is white and the stitch pattern is Flamingo Sunset.

May your bobbins always be full,

Keeping it simple

I had a quilt block and a half, leftover from the blocks I made for the quilt top,  I used those to make an interest point for the quilt back.  I turned it side-ways and centered the bottom of the block half-way down the quilt back.  I'm going to hold this and any new quilts I make, to be quilted after the first of the year.  I'm not in a hurry, and I think my long arm quilter appreciates me not loading her down during the Holiday rush.

May your bobbins always be full,

Dolce Quilt Top is finished.

I'm completely in love with how this quilt top came out.  The quilt top measures 49" x 56.5".  I used all 24 prints in the Dolce collection.  The finished quilt will be for one of my cousins.  These are absolutely her colors.  Now, I've got to think about the quilt back.

This is Max.  He's our new neighbors' cat.  He visits our backyard on a regular basis.  This is the first time he hasn't dashed off when one of us came outside.  He comes and munches grass, they don't have grass, and watches the birds at the birdfeeders.  I'm deathly allergic to cats, but I like all animals and am always happy to see him.

May your bobbins always be full,

Making progress

I've slowly but surely been making progress on the Dolce quilt top I'm working on.  First, I cut the FQs into two sets of rectangles, 24 - 4.5" x 14.5" and 48 - 4.5" x 7.5".  Then I cut my accent fabric.

My next step was attaching an accent piece to one side of each piece, top and bottom of the longer pieces.  After pressing the seam to the print side, I attached an accent piece to the opposing side.  Repeat the pressing, and I have this:

Tomorrow, I'll stitch two smaller pieces together, accent edge in the middle, then join that piece with a larger piece.  That will be my basic block.  I have my work cut out for myself.

In other news, I've been contacted by two different women, who both live in Florida; each of them wants me to make her a custom quilt.  Amy wants a queen size modified Plus Quilt and Betty wants a king size Autumn Maple Leaf Quilt, in reds and white.  I'm just waiting for the deposit(s), before I order fabric!

May your bobbins always be full,

I have a stack of fabric!

Specifically 24 fat quarters of Dolce by Tanya Whelan.  I bought these FQs over 4 years ago, when I first started quilting.  I've decided it's time to use them in a quilt, something like this:

pin, source

I also like the looks for the "Upstream" quilt by Cozy Quilt Designs; but I don't like the pattern instructions or methods.

I'll be doing my own thing, combining ideas into a new quilt.

May your bobbins always be full,

The 100 Follower Giveaway

Thanks to my followers, I get to have a giveaway, today.  This is what you'll win.

1.  Simply Fat Quarters Book ~ Simply Fat Quarters includes 10 fat quarter quilts that can be made in four sizes! With a variety of styles and genres, there is something for everyone. This book is perfect for quilters of all skill levels!

2.  I put together a small bundle of FQs from the Sew Mama Sew line.  I ordered them from Sew Lux, an etsy shop.

I don't have any sponsors, so this giveaway is from my ♥, to you.

I'm going to do this one a bit different.  Instead of leaving a comment (I'd love if you still leave one), I'd like you to use the Linky, below, and leave a link to your latest blog post.  I thought this would be a great way to visit each other and maybe find new blog friends.  Here are the rules:

• You must be a follower of Janice Elaine Sews, new followers are welcome, too.
• You must be an active blogger, because you need a recent blog post. You should link to your latest blog post, below.  Copy and paste the URL of your post.
• You must use the linky to be in the draw.
• The linky will close on the 20th, and I'll announce a winner on the 21st.

May your bobbins always be full,

Productive

 This is the stack of FQ's I won.

I used every bit of this fabric to make these three quilt tops, plus some of it went into the quilt backs.

Kites, HSR quilt

Stash-busting Random Patchwork

Modern Rainbow.

Today, I work in the morning, and there's a "planned" power outage at home, (this is a scheduled post), so no sewing.  I think Bob and I might grab a bite to eat and see a movie this afternoon.

What are you doing this weekend?

May your bobbins always be full,

Interesting Day

I had a really interesting day, today.  First, I drove to Southern San Diego County for Fat Quarter Club, at Cozy Quilt.  I got a free pattern for the above quilt, it's called Mirror, Mirror.  Isn't it delightful.  Before Fat Quarter Club I chatted with a great gal, we talked about our 14 year old grandsons, who are both very athletic.  She was a amazed that I live in Murrieta and drive the long distance for this event.  I told her that a fellow blogger, had told me about it, and I come about 1/2 of the time.  She asked for my blog info, and then said she already reads this blog.  I was really surprised.  Small world.

Next on my agenda, today is the start of the San Diego County Quilters Row Quilt Run; now, that's a mouthful.  I'd never done a quilt run and decided 8 shops was manageable.  The Run last until next Saturday, but I decided to do them all today.  I started at Cozy, the southern most shop and worked my way home.  It was a great deal of fun, and I'm sure glad I have my Garmin GPS! I was all over, and traveled a lot of back-roads with ease.  I saw a lot of wonderful scenery, and a camel, but there weren't great places to pull over when I wanted to, so no scenic photos.

This is the PR on the Row Quilt Run:  During the event days, visit any (or ALL) of the listed shops to receive a FREE pattern.  Each shop will give away directions to make a different row … Put them all together and you can make a terrific quilt measuring about 60" x 72"!


I was extremely happy with two of the patterns; marginally happy with two; and four were no go's.  It's all personal taste, of course.  At one of the no go shops, they were doing a presentation on a new release quilt pattern and it was great.

Would I do this again, you betcha!  I love to drive and have fun!

May your bobbins always be full,