WIP Wed: Quilting

I'm trying hard to finish up my "Mark Lipinski Quilt" for February's "A Lovely Year of Finishes".  Any other quilt name ideas would be welcome.  There are already over 70 finishes on her blog party!  Yea!  Be sure to check them out!  I hope to be adding to it very soon!

I just about have the blue and yellow sections finished, but ran our of yellow thread.  I also realized that I didn't have the right orange or green, but now I'm all set, after a trip to the fabric store.

I tried out a new free motion design, in the thin borders, "figure 8's"from Angela Walter's book, and hate to admit that while I love the way it looks, I really don't like sewing it.  I feel the same way about the traditional "loops".  It's interesting how different I feel about various quilting designs.  It's really a lot like different piecing methods, or fabric choices, but it's always good to try something new, even if I decide that I don't like it.

Here's what typically happens in my house when I spread a quilt out on the floor to photograph!  I know I'm not alone ;-).

I have a few ideas, but I would love to hear any suggestions on how to quilt all of the great "negative space" in this quilt!  I'm also linking up to Lee at Freshly Pieced WIP Wed.  With the help of all of the wonderful link ups out in blog land, I'm down to just 3 quilt tops to finish up after this one is done!!!

Off Topic: Dog, Swap, Storage and Vote

Yeah, I'd like to put my dog in storage now, or swap him, but this will help for now.

There's a reason you don't see tons of pretty throw pillows (or lots of white, for that matter) on my blog ;-). He hasn't been on quite this kind of rampage in a long time, and only does it while we are out of the house.  Out lives have been busier as my kids have been getting older.  >>>shrug<<<  Any ideas on how to salvage the pillow would be welcome!

I have to share some shelves that my husband has been working on building for me.  They're going to go on the wall next to my sewing machine.  They're just waiting for some better weather and free time for him to sand and finish!!

I also just love the new configuration of my tables.  They make quilting a quilt much easier (they hold the bulk nicely!).

I also was able to bring out my old sewing machine to work on some swap blocks that are due this week, so I didn't have to reset my 6600.  Even better, almost all of the feet are interchangeable, although the machines have different shank lengths, so not all of them interchange.  The bobbins are now totally interchangeable too, which is fantastic!!! I'll be keeping my old machine handy from now on!!

I turned these in at my LQS today, and picked up the most perfect Kaffe Fasset fabric for the binding for the Mark Lipinski quilt that I'm working on! 

I hope to finish it up in the next day or two.

FINALLY, Kim of Project Quilting has decided to bring back a public vote for the quilts in each weeks' challenge.  The winner gets a nice charm pack, so if you'd vote for my quilt (and 3 others) I'd appreciate it.  Thanks!

February Goals and Sea Star

I couldn't wait at all to start my Lucky Star BOM for February, once my Triple Zipper pouches were all finished!  Again, I am using Tula Pink's Saltwater. 

I even "fussy cut" the coral spokes to highlight the little seahorses, which are just about my favorite element of this line! They are so adorable!

I'm also linking up with Shanna of Fiber of All Sorts' February Goal party for her Lovely Year of Finishes.

My goal this month is to finish up my quilt that I made from my Mark Lipinski Califon stash.  I bought the fabric more than a few years ago, made the top this summer, pin basted it, and even started quilting it this fall.  It got "stuck" once Christmas came around, so I hope to get it all finished up!

A personal somewhat quilt related goal is to finally free up our entry way in our house from my sewing cutting space.  Yes, my family is very patient with me.  This arrangement drives even me crazy, as it has to get moved any time anyone wants extra shoes, coats or winter gear.  There's even some hunting gear in that coat closet.  I'm not sure where I'm going to cut out fabric now, but this just HAS to end!!  Any space saving tips would be more than appreciated!  Our house only has 3 bedrooms, and a large open great room that includes the kitchen, living room, dining room, and entryway.  No extra bedroom, office, den, study, basement, loft, or anything like that. The rest of my sewing space is in our master bedroom, so I'm hoping I can find space there for a cutting area. Wish me luck!!