Currently Stitching: November Quilt Retreat

There couldn't be a better way to start out November! Three days of sewing with friends, surrounded by fabric and well supplied with snacks! Plus this absolutely beautiful view!

I am very proud of myself because I showed up on time on the first day! I wasn't early or late! Which is huge for me. A couple of the ladies were already there with their coffees getting started on their projects. The rest of the crew trickled in over the next few hours until all the tables were full!

I was lucky enough to get a corner table! I set up my sewing machine, ironing table and power supply. I've talked before about making a nest with my popup table, mini iron, tool bags, and cutting area. So of course, I got it set up! Then I was ready to get some sewing done!

I prefer to leave most of my prepped projects in their baggies in the roller bag (the one to the right of my station). It helps me to feel like I've gotten more done when I tackle them one at a time. I've been working on this quilt for some time. There are thirteen pieces per block, four of each color block, and fourteen colors! Phew! But it reminds me of a beach vacation and will be beautiful once it comes together. 

I've been doing my best to keep up with the leftover half square triangles while making the blocks. I drew two lines on all of the snow ball squares, sewed both while chain piecing, and then cut down the middle. Then I trimmed all the extra triangles down to 1 7/8, and piled them in to a baggy. It added a lot of time and effort to this project, but it's so much better than the collection of half square triangle scraps I've been avoiding! 

Here was the initial layout. I hung it up at the retreat center, but then took it down because I wasn't happy with it. After I got home, I put it up on my design wall to look at again. I still haven't decided exactly how I want it, but I'm already happier with it.

I was pretty stinking pleased with myself for getting all those blocks done! I'll be sure to post after I get it all pieced together.

I decided to move on to another unfinished project. For those of you who remember from last quilt retreat, I started this one over the summer. The pattern has good directions, and I prepped the pieces ahead, but it's just a lot of pieces! Most of the blocks have to be pinned, which is not my favorite.

I have been falling more in love with it with every block I finish. I always love working with red, white and blue! The batiks have been so easy to work with, and they're just beautiful!

I worked really hard to try and ensure no two starbursts were the same color set. When I was laying them out in their half hexagon blocks, I also did my best to get color variation between the diamonds that were next to each other. It's a bit tedious but I love how it's turning out! I am so pumped to finally see all of these coming together!

I decided to put it up on the wall too. I took pictures and rearranged it multiple times. I stood/ sat close by and on the other side of the room to try and get a feel for the best layout. It helps to take the time to look at it from multiple angles. I love that it really has turned out to look like fireworks! It's so festive and colorful, and has been worth the work and the wait! I will also have to send updates for the final layout. It's taking me quite some time to get each row pinned and sewn together.

When I  was starting to feel burnt out on these projects, I worked on bags! They're so fun and colorful! I am feeling so much more comfortable free motion quilting these and installing zippers. I love picking up mini charm packs and matching it with something from my stash for the lining.

I am feeling more and more confident with patterns and changing them to suit whatever needs I'm trying to meet. I really enjoy making it in all these variations! They all have their own personality and it's a joy to watch them come together.

I mostly made whimsical ones with the milk cartons, balloon animals, and fruit. But I also thought it was the perfect time to make an Autumn bag. I've done Halloween and patriotic, but not too many winter holidays. This one got a harvest orange zipper to match the thread. I picked up some cute bag making notions and materials, the shop has a great selection!

We had a few tutorials on a paper piecing projects and tube quilts. These were both projects I don't try very much. Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures, I was too focused on sewing like a maniac. But it's so cool to see what people are learning and teaching!

Of course I did a little shopping. I had a mega win moment when I found fabric to replace what I mis-cut for a quilt kit. I didn't get a chance to work on it this time, but I am exited to have the right fabric for when I'm working on it later! Not to toot my own horn too much, but I also found a blue Fall fabric to match a project I've been stuck! I haven't been able to color match and it's been making me crazy! Yay me!!

I was inspired by this shop sample and built a kit for myself! It's an illusion style pattern called "Chroma." I've never seen or made anything like it! It looks like it's all wonky squares and triangles, except for the outer layer. It'll be a new set of techniques for me, and I'll have to try bias binding for the first time! I am pretty excited about it!

I also picked up quite a few patterns and a book as well! Outside of my two replacement fabrics, and the kit, I did not buy anything for my stash! I even got a few Christmas presents taken care of! Which is dang good for me! *pats self on back*

All in all, it was a really wonderful time. I am fairly wiped after the continual sewing, trimming and ironing. But retreat always leaves me feeling inspired to try new things and get more done! I cannot wait for the next one!