Hex on the Beach and other WIPs

I'm about to head to lovely Honduras for a little fun in the sun and sand. I've got a few things to share while I'm away, but I'm going to focus on relaxation...even though I am bringing some work with me! And I figure, if I'm bringing some work, I may as well bring a little hand sewing project too!

3/4" hexagons...it's really going to break the collection down to it's basic colors. 

I bought the Arizona collection and wasn't sure what to do with it. It's so pretty, and so GRAPHIC. That makes it harder for me to use in a quilt (which is probably why my stash keeps growing - I keep buying fabrics I WANT, not fabrics I can USE). Suddenly, it hit me! Tiny hexagons! I'm going to try my hand at English Paper Piecing, with my goal to make  a large enough panel that I can make another glasses case. It should be possible, I only need about an 8" by 6" section...it'll more depend on if I actually take the time to sew!

I just couldn't pass this fabric up! The neutrals are a heavier weight chambray. 

I've also been thinking about projects in the pipeline. I don't want to get overwhelmed, so I'm only starting new projects as I finish them. Since I recently finished the Zipper Pillow for my friend I'm going to make a couple of neutral, improv log cabins based cusions for myself. Yes, you heard it right, I'm sewing for myself! I had found the backing fabric in San Francisco last spring, and have been waiting for inspiration to strike regarding what to do on the other side. I realized that I'd love to play around with log cabins and a neutral palate, so the pillow project was born.

I've got some other ideas as well, but as I mentioned, no new project may be started until I finish an old one! Now to get this pesky vacation over with already...

Zipper Pillow - Finished!

I finished the zipper paper pieced pillow cover for my friend! Just in time too, her birthday party is tonight.

Zipper Pillow!

I had fun with this cover. I tried out some new quilting techniques, and I made a lapped invisible zipper for the first time!

I tried out the negative space quilting I learned from Jacquie Gering's Creative Quilting with your Walking Foot class through Craftsy. It was fairly straightforward, but with my clunky old machine I decided to outline the letters as well. I'm not sure I like the result, but that's why it's fun to practice new things on gifts for other people!

Matchstick Quilting with letters. 

I wanted to do a zipper closure, and usually I just put them in along one edge. This time I decided to do it under the cassette piece, with a tab to cover the zipper. I didn't like the tutorials I saw, so I made up a method, which I liked a lot. I also used an invisible zipper, which I installed per the instructions on the package. It totally worked - invisible! The lapped part just helps with the transition between the two 'fabric zones'.

Detail of the zipper closure. The lap is folded up. Meow!

I did minimal quilting on the cat panel, matchstick with letters around the cassette, and minimal around the zipper. I wanted the designs to really shine.

Side A and Side B. Both patters free from Sewing Under Rainbow. 

And, of course, a stamped label.

One of my favorite parts. Except I almost always forget and have to add it after I finish!

I think she'll like it, and it'll make up for the pillow she bought from me that keeps having seams pop open! In my defense they're all handsewn, and I didn't reinforce them or anything. This one should hold up much better!

Linking up at Finish it up Friday with Crazy Mom Quilts!

Summer Slow Down!

Well, it's about time for Summer VACATION! I'm working hard to finish up a few school related things, and a few quilt related things. Last week I posted about my log cabin love affair, now you can see how the blocks are going to be used! I'm still tweaking the layout a bit, and I'm loving the bold colors. They're all Kona solids. I think.

Nearly final layout. Some more strips,
and a narrow border will complete it. 

My goal is to at least finish the flimsy before I leave, keeping in mind my other commitments and that we're leaving for Honduras for 10 days next Tuesday. Plus I have a finish to share as well, and one other project I want to make before I leave!

I thought I said this was the summer slow down...guess that starts with vacation!

Any suggestions for the name would be appreciated as well. I've been working with Graphic Southwest and Pixelated Southwest, neither of which really roll off the tongue.