Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Well, At Least I Got Something Done

I did great yesterday and pieced five of the Lone Star arms. Woohoo. Baby Pokey goes for a test drive:

I tried to interfere as little as possible and just put these together randomly. I admit I did pay attention to what colors were at the ends of the diamonds, but that was it. Now I'm looking at the big blue blobby bits (right above Pokey's head). sigh. Gonna leave 'em.

Yesterday I had sunshine and confidence. Today, not so much of either. These star arms are easily a half inch off of each other. That's not going to matter because I'm not doing Y-seams - I'm splitting the background up into triangles. I'll explain more about that as I go along.

Annette, I'm using newsprint which comes in a pad. I find it's easy to pull off, yet isn't as flimsy as phonebook pages - but having said that I don't mind ripping standard paper off either. In the old days quilters did use newspapers and you can do that, but you have to age it for 3 weeks first so that the ink cures and doesn't smear off onto your fabric. I used a ruler and rotary cutter and cut the diamonds the size I wanted them and then sewed the strings down to them, like Bonnie did for her Out on a String quilt.

I got the Summer Class of 2008 blog started (even though I was convinced it was still 2007 the whole time I was working on it). Nothing really exciting there yet, but come on over and jump in the pool - the water's great!

25 comments:

Laura said...

This quilt is going to be awesome. It just looks so fun.

jude said...

oh, i am glad you said that, it is getting harder and harder to remember what year it is....

*karendianne. said...

Interested to hear how you're doing this w/o the Y-seams. Look forward to reading that.

I love this piece because it reflects the best in you. Fearlessly Creative to the Core!

...well really the best is Pokey but I'm just shameless that way!

LeeHaven with Cats Love, *karendianne.

jovaliquilts said...

With your style, every half inch off or blob of blue when you are done will look right, like it's supposed to be that way. I'm loving watching this quilt get made!

atet said...

I am loving how those string blocks are coming together! I have to agree with you about Bones too -- I've been catching an episode here and there and while it's ok -- nothing I absolutely LOVE. I miss SG-1 too ;0).

Carol E. said...

Pokey looks especially gorgeous sitting on your beautiful diamond quilt.

Melinda said...

I love the colors and brightness. I can't wait to see the completed quilt.

Anonymous said...

Thank you, Tonya, for answering my question. The only paper piecing I've done was Snail Trail, printed on computer paper. It came off OK but the paper seemed thick, so I removed it before I joined the blocks. That was worse, as the fabric moved all around! --Annette

Lucy said...

Wow, this has power!!

Paula said...

Looks like Pokey is going on a magic carpet ride. The top is turning out great!

Christina said...

It's looking very exciting....!

Unknown said...

What an exciting quilt!! This is going to be absolutely stunning!

Cher said...

if you iron newsprint, that will also take the ink out-use paper towels! these arms are looking fabulous.
oh oh...so much fun.

Unknown said...

Your quilt is fantastic!!! also, taking vitamin D will help when the sun isn't out!

Diane said...

Those diamonds are spectacular! Just when I think it couldn't possibly look any better, you add another arm and it reaches a whole new level of string-pieced fabulousness. Whoever said "Less is more" was wrong.

Susan said...

That's looking great! I wouldn't worry about the blue "blobs" as they really won't be noticeable to anyone but you, because you fixed them in your memory.

Sharon said...

The kitties just can't wait to "test" the project, can they? Pokey looks like she's approving! I think it looks great, and it's gonna be a knockout! Just curious, but how big are you diamonds? Good job! Hope the sun is shining for you.

Quilting For Less said...

What a work of art! Only you would notice the "blue". Thanks for letting me drop by to see your work!

Susan

laura west kong said...

That star is going to be the best!!!

Quilts And Pieces said...

Baby this is just so awesome! It is looking really good!

julieQ said...

Wow, it is turning out sooo great! Love your model...

Holly said...

How do I pay the ultimate compliment -- I can't find the words. When this is finished, it is going to be my favorite of your quilts. It's striking. Delicious.

How do you age newspaper? Sunshine agrees with you :)

Tracey @ozcountryquiltingmum said...

That Lone start is going to be incredible...it is definitely going to be asdded to my list...sigh! lol Tracey

Bunny McCoy said...

I really can't wait to see this Lonestar finished. It will be a wowzer!

Michele

LuĂ­sa Silva said...

The star looks great. You have a big fan appreciating your work right on it!