Break the Cycle

It's that time again, to show what we've accomplished during the week, to check out what others are working at, check out Judy's site at Patchwork Times .  For me, this week was more about exploring EQ6, and designing my first quilt.  But then I realized that before I could begin actually sewing on this project, I would need to finish SIL's quilt.  So I got 3 rows set, I do like how the rows will join, so 2 more rows to go, 1 plain border, then off to the quilters it goes.  Here are the 3 rows I finished this weekend. The picture actually posted sideways, and the colors are way off, but that's because I forgot to take a picture yesterday when the sun was out, and at 6 a.m. on the Jerzy shore - the sky is still very dark, and so is my office !  Anyway,  you get the basic idea of what the rows will look like - hopefully next week I'll have a finish pic to post !  And since you're here, I'd love any/all critical feedback on my first ever self-designed q...

If you wear a size XL or above - check out Junonia.com - click on the button on the far right that has "Juno's Closet CLEARANCE" - and have fun.  Shipping is $7 up to $25 order, and then $9 up to $50.  Oh, and the best part - use this code - on the Billing Information page‚ go to the section labeled “Offer or Catalog Key Code” (right side below Shipping Options) and manually enter the Promotion Code 78SBE in the space provided, and you'll get an ADDITIONAL 75% off  everything in clearance !  I got tons of tops and cover ups for $1.24.  I got even more tops for $2.49.  I even splurged and got myself 2 batik tops for $10 each.  In total I got 10 tops, 2 pants, and 3 hoodie coverups for less than $50 (with shipping it was $58.09) - that's less than $4 each item ! Have fun !

Fabrics are ordered - now to finish what I'm working on so I can jump right in.  I guess I should figure out the measurements of the borders so I can cut them before I start cutting out pieces for the quilt itself.  This should be fun .... right?

Stuck with brands I knew - Moda Marbles (love them) as well as a couple Michael Miller's.  Ordered some black thread as well.  Used the 15% off mentioned below - 18 yards of fabric added to my stash ..... VBS

and I'm pretty happy with it.  Printed out the yardage necessary from EQ6 to finish this 128 X 112 inch quilt - which is also the largest I've ever attempted.  Online fabric store is having a sale - so I'll pick up some good, but cheaper fabrics, so that when I finish SIL's quilt - I can jump right in.  Now to find a line of fabrics that I know is good quality, at a cheaper price - if you ever want to check it out - Take 15% off any purchase of $40 or more sitewide at Fabric.com with code "DOD910"! Valid through 9/26/10

Oh, I really love this new EQ6.  When I first started quilting - I started with some books, and some JoAnn's BOM's which were precut.  They were safe - fabrics were chosen for me.  Then I branched out and started buying patterns and getting my own fabrics (but always closely matching what the pattern looked like).  Then I joined an online group and went a little outside the box, using patterns from the net, and sticking to color schemes.  Most of my work now is done from patterns and my own fabrics, but always someone else's designs.  Years ago, I took a picture of a bank in Alexandria, Egypt.  They had the most beautiful stained glass ceilings - don't ask me how they kept them clean.  I vowed that one day I would make them into a quilt.  With this EQ6 - I can see that happening (but no time soon)  Yesterday I started working on my first design, today I added some borders - what do you think - all constructive criticism is appreciated ! ...

 FINALLY - I cracked open the EQ6 manual and downloaded the CD, and actually worked through the first lesson.  My promise to myself is that in 2011, I will design and piece my very own quilt.  My design, my choice of colors, simply mine, with nothing like it anywhere else.  This is what I have so far -

Thanks to Judy at Patchwork Times for inspiring me to keep quilting - even if I only get 10 minutes here and 10 minutes there - at least I have SOMETHING to show for it by the next Monday !  Check out her site to see what others are working on, and find inspiration for your next project ! This is my SIL's quilt.  I love the block, I don't like the colors.  But, she will like them, and that's all that matters.  I have dark red fabric for setting the blocks - so they won't be butted up against eachother - just not sure how to work it yet.  Here they are just all laid out so I could get a picture and show that I finished all 23 blocks !