Sunday 15 October 2017

Meet the Host - Felicity Quilts

Each month one host (or sometimes two) of the Finishalong is featured on the blog so you can get to know them a little better. Today Felicity of Felicity Quilts tells a little bit about herself:


Helloooo!

I'm Felicity

and this is my family - Husband of 17 years K and our nearly-10-year-old daughter G:

being silly, something we do very well

I am lucky enough to live in Naramata, British Columbia. It's a village of fewer than 2,000 people nestled on the Naramata Bench in one of Canada's fruit- and wine-producing regions, the Okanagan Valley.



As you can see, we're on the side of a lake, and it's a big tourist destination because our summer weather is hot and dry.


We moved to Naramata from Vancouver just over a year ago. After living for nearly 25 years in Vancouver, we grew tired of the traffic and the astronomical cost of living and decided to take a different approach to life. We couldn't be happier.

I quit my job in the financial services industry and now I work part time in a local quilt shop as a designer, teacher and retail associate. I also work from home as a training and development consultant. My husband was a stay at home dad in Vancouver and he also works part time here in the area.

I began quilting in 2000, shortly after I got married. My husband is the one who encouraged me to look for a beginner's class because I spent a lot of time looking at and admiring quilts in museums and at shows but I was too intimidated to try it myself. But boy am I glad I did. I knew from the first minute of that first class that this was going to be my thing.

This is my first quilt - the classic beginner's sampler with one large scale fabric plus some blenders.


I even free motion quilted it all by myself on my tiny Bernina 145.



Yikes, amirite? But you know what? That was the start of something, and you gotta start somewhere.

Baby quilts for nieces and nephews happened in due course, as did a quilt for my husband's 40th birthday (2 years late).


I subscribed to quilting magazines, I read books about quilting, I could spend a whole weekend at a quilt retreat and come home and sew some more. It consumed all of my free time! Eventually, though, I got to the point where I was reading about quilting but becoming overwhelmed by all the projects I wanted to do so I didn't start anything.

Thankfully, I was able to give myself a good talking to, and came to my senses. Every quilt is just a whole bunch of seams that are sewn one at a time, right? Well, I said to myself, just commit to 20 minutes a day of sewing something. Anything. But sew. Eventually you'll get something done.

One of my first modern quilts

I was right! I did get lots done, aided as well by the explosion of the online world of modern quilting. I found Flickr and the myriad active quilt groups it hosted (RIP, old Flickr). I also found quilt blogs and started my own as a way to keep myself accountable by journalling my progress.


It's not an exaggeration to say that blogging and sharing online changed my life! I found Vancouver Modern Quilt Guild online and attended the first meeting in mid-2010. I met dear friends in person and via blogging (and blogging friends became in-person friends too). I participated in Flickr quilt swaps, virtual bees and met many of my online friends at the inaugural QuiltCon in Austin.



These two quilts won honourable mention at QuiltCon 2013.

Though  I don't do many swaps anymore and online bees have fallen a little out of fashion, I still belong to a virtual quilt bee with 9 other incredible quilters, called Bee Sewcial. We work in solids only and we piece improvisationally based on that month's prompt and colour story.

Winter is my first quilt finished with Bee Sewcial blocks. The prompt was "abstract minimalist winter landscapes in shades of grey." Did my bee mates deliver or what? I love this quilt, and I will be submitting it to QuiltCon 2018 show.

Winter, a Bee Sewcial Collaboration

I like to have lots of projects on the go, in varying degrees of complexity because I never know what I want to work on at any given time.

Here's a sampling of some of my favourite quilts from over the years:

In a (Solid) Pickle, 2011 (swap quilt)

Burst of Colour, 2013

Helen Keller Wisdom, 2011


Selfie, 2015


Naramata Summer, 2014 (made after a visit and before we knew we'd be moving here!)


Modern Stripes, 2016 (accepted to QuiltCon 2017)

I'm extremely fortunate to be able to have a completely separate studio to work in - we finished the 450 square foot space over our detached 2-car garage just for my quilting. (Truth be told that space was what sold us on this house. Good thing we like the rest of it!)

 
Before

After

I love participating in the Finish A Long, and I'm so happy to be a host as well. We motivate each other to get our beautiful projects finished so we can move along to the next thing that makes us happy, yes? Yes.

Thanks for visiting with me!

Felicity

Lovely meeting you here, Felicity!
I will write a post myself again soon, I promise! - Sandra


Thursday 5 October 2017

Finishalong Quarter 4 - a Long List as Ever

- to find out more about the Finishalong, see my Finishalong PAGE -

My Finishalong Quarter 3 List was the longest list I ever put out there, and I finished two projects from that list: The Goody Goody Binding Kit for a swap (no. 15 on the Q3 list) and Lily Lapin's wrap/shawl (no. 13).
As well as finishing two projects, I wrote a tutorial on "spinning" seams as part of the Finishalong tutorial week. Well worth checking out those tutorial posts if you have the time. They are all very different, and direct links can be found on my Finishalong Q3 Finishes Linkup post, about halfway down the post.

I have one new item for my list as well, so I still have a long list this quarter. I do like seeing my projects on this list though. Seeing the images reminds me of the lovely projects that I have started, and gives me motivation to do some work on them anyway. Of course, the ones I really don't like any more have never made it on the list in the first place!

If you are inspired to join in with the Finishalong, check my Finishalong Page or check us out on Facebook or Instagram. We are really a friendly bunch, and aim to encourage each other to finish those unfinished projects - without telling you off for not finishing them (there would be a lot of telling off going on here otherwise, I can tell you)!

So here is my edited list for Quarter 4:

1. Flower Fans



This project was started a while ago with the local quilt group. I am designing it as I go along, and I am finally using my collection of batiks. I have been working on this since the last quarter, only a small bit done though. I have decided that this is going to be finished as a table runner rather than a quilt. Maybe a bit more doable?

2. Feathered Star top


Well yes, this still needs quilting!


3. Hearty


The quilt top from (More) Hearty Good Wishes fabrics and sashiko-stitched linen is finished. It needs to be quilted and bound (not changed from last time).

4. Cubes quilt

Not worked on this at all recently, time to finish it though, it's so close (not changed from last time).

5. Curved improv


The top is (probably) finished, time to turn it into a quilt (not changed from last time).

6. Sunflowers

The blocks are together for years, I intended to quilt it for free motion quilting practice. The idea is that the riot of colours and shapes will not show up my lack of experience too much... (also not changed from last time).

7. Stack and cut log cabin

Another top ready for quilting.

8.Jungle quilt.

Started as a sample for a quilt-as-you-go workshop many years ago (when my boys might have liked it) it really should be finished and given (sold?) to someone else to be enjoyed.

9. Black and white/folk fabrics quilt


This collection of fabrics are mainly Dutch national costume style fabrics ( I think I have a few more stashed away somewhere). I cannot decide whether I will move it to a black and white quilt (leaving out the red and adding different B/W or even grey fabrics), or whether I will keep to the folk style and include the red. Decisions to be made before I can start sewing.

10. Log cabin



I have been looking for a project to take on my holidays, and decided to start hand sewing log cabin blocks. I raided my stash and decided on these fabrics. The bottom image is of a mock up from laying the fabrics log cabin style. When I looked at the fabrics I pulled I was surprised to find that I am more attracted to very saturated colours than I thought. I started as I intended, but have since sewn a few blocks by machine, too. Only to be expected I suppose... Still a lot to do though!

11. Top


For ages I have a few dress making fabrics in the cupboard, and it is high time I did something with them. I intend to dust off my old dress making skills, and start with a simple top (I meant to make it in the last few weeks, but time has run away with that intention). There is enough fabric there for a dress, but I cannot see myself head to toe in this colour, so a top it is. Hopefully my confidence will increase so that I can make a dress next. I may need one some day...

12. ABC doll's quilt set

Another very old project. The quilt is a panel, and has been hand quilted. But the pillow/cushion is not done. This could make a child's doll or teddy bear very happy, if only it was finished.


13. Flannels for a traditional quilt

I won this box of flannels at a guild challenge 18 21 months ago, and have a pattern in mind, too. I'd like to make a simple Irish chain-style quilt with uneven nine patches. Just the small matter of deciding on colour placement, size of blocks, and sewing it!


14.  Flying geese sampler

- no image -

I have a Flying Geese quilt hidden away (deeply hidden away, therefore no picture at the moment). It is purples and blues and creams, and has all variations of flying geese blocks in it. I started hand quilting it ages ago, so it needs finishing off the quilting, and binding.

15. Shawl/wrap for myself

No, not inspired by the wrap I made for Lily Lapin, but by the wrap I saw at Ireland's online fibre and crafts magazine Olann and called "Mind the Gap". I am not going to add any gaps though, with the wool I am using there is enough going on, but I am going for the shape. This image was posted on my Instagram, when I had it with me on the train to Dublin recently. It has been progressing steadily since...


I am sure if I had more time, I could find more projects for the list, but I think I will be busy enough with this lot for a long time to come!

Linking up with the 2017 Quarter 4 Finishalong at my own linkup - yes, I am a host now, too!!
#2017FALQ4sewofcourse
#ridiculouslylongfallist
#ridiculouslylongfallistgang

Better get stitching now, of course!


Sandra

Sunday 1 October 2017

Finishalong Quarter 4 Linkup

What projects do you hope to finish this quarter?



It's time to link up your list of unfinished projects that you propose to finish in Q4 of the Finishalong (FAL). We are hoping that the FAL community will be finishing a lot of projects as we move into the last quarter of the year.

The FAL is hosted by a community of bloggers across the world. Our hosts are:
  • Sarah - Sew me - Northern Ireland

For those of you who are new to the FAL, it is a place to find motivation and encouragement to complete those unfinished projects that are hanging about becoming UFOs. Every quarter you post a list of projects you hope to finish in the next three months, and then at the end of the quarter, you post a link from your blog, Flickr or Instagram of each successful finish from your original list.

Each finish is an entry for wonderful prizes from our sponsors. There is no penalty for not finishing a listed project, so feel free to make your list long or short, as you wish.
More information can be found on my Finishalong page. More information on the 2017 Schedule and Rules for the FAL are on Leanne's permanent FAL page, and the other hosts' pages (my page does not include all the rules at the moment, I haven't had a change to update it since I am only a recent host. All the other hosts should have a more complete page though, and I hope to update in the next day or two). Let me know if you have any questions.

Here are the fantastic and generous sponsors for Q4 of the FAL - you can see each of their prizes listed under their logo (think about visiting them and saying thank you):



It's now time to round up those projects you want to finish over the next three months, take a photo of each one and make your list. Please ensure that you have at least started your projects - pulled fabric with a pattern is considered a UFO and does qualify - and remember it is only completely finished projects that will get you an entry toward the above listed prizes. So while we love to see your bee blocks, the "finish" is when they are a completed, usable project.

It is very helpful if you tag your list as #2017FALQ4yourname when posting on social media: Flickr, Facebook & Instagram. Using the same hashtag over the quarter when sharing progress or finishes before the link, helps the hosts find your original list quickly - especially when this is done over a 3 month period. 
IMPORTANT: Don't forget to link your finishes up when the quarter closes!

The 2017 Q4 link for your list of proposed finishes is now open below on my blog and on each of the other hosting blogs. You need only link your list once, on one blog - and that link will show up on all of the blogs. If you are using Facebook, Flickr or Instagram, link a mosaic and put your list in the description. Katy of The Littlest Thistle has a great tutorial on how to link-up if you need it.

We also ask that you become part of the FAL community. Please check out the links of others - visit and comment on their lists. We all need encouragement to get those finishes done, so please share some of your own too. When creating your list there is one thing to remember....No deductions for not completing something so ..... Aim High! Nothing to lose!!! There is even a hashtag going on instagram: #ridiculouslylongfallist and a little banter on who has the longest list!

Well now..... Get those lists together and get linked up!

The Q4 proposed finish linky party will stay open until 8 October 2017, 04:00 am GMT (which is 11 pm EST, October 7, 2017) - as we are global, you might want to check your time zone to determine your last possible time to link. To make it easy, there is an indication at the bottom of the linkup that says how much time you've got left. Remember: you only need to link up on ONE hosting blog and it will automatically show up on all hosting blogs.




Sandra