WiP Wednesday: The one with cabins

It has been quite awhile since I had something to show for WiP Wednesday. What a slacker! Well, I have been busy this week working on the Tilted Cabins quilt. Last night I finished all of the log cabin blocks and the background is cut and ready for top piecing!

 

I am really liking how the blocks are looking together. I think adding the grey to the red and blue scheme has made this quilt a little more "grown up".

I love how when I start a project, cut fabric starts like this

and ends up like this

I have made the decision to Quilt as I Go with this one. I find these days that I have a ball piecing my tops, but then when I quilt, it does not go well and I feel very let down by the finished product. I mean I know the quilting is not "awful", but it is not as good as I think it could be (and trust me folks I am not a perfectionist when it comes to my craft - perhaps I should be - but I have too much fun doing it to put that much pressure on myself). I guess the bottom line is that I would like my quilting to be better!

When I think about why my quilting is lacking, I think I have a couple of barriers. Both related to my machine. Now, don't get me wrong, My Kenmore and I have been together many years (and likely more to come) and have held it together through good times and bad, but she does have a few major drawbacks. One - a small throat

Trying to jam a quilt of any size - and I do mean Jam people - through this tiny throat means everything gets plain fugly. I get mad, I get sore shoulders, and stitches tend to go off track, get inconsistent and fabric pulling and puckering is an issue.

Second, is the lack of a quilting surface. This model did not come with a "flatbed" extension table (and at the time that I bought it, I really didn't know I needed it), which means there is a lot of tension and pull on the quilt as I am working, not good. But I do have some good news about this problem. I have ordered one of these

I do not have it in my hot little lands yet, but will be sure to report when I do! (excited about this, can you tell!?!)

Anyway, all of that being said, I am going to use Maureen Cracknell's approach to QAYG and quilt each log cabin block individually and then piece the top all together. I think the result will be way better and since this quilt is a commission, my customer should be pleased:)

Do you have problems with quilting or have any tips? Always looking to be better!

Linking up today

So, that's it for me on this Wednesday, back to the blocks...
Adrienne

Don't Miss Out On Getting Acquainted!

I cannot believe that this coming week is the last on the Plum and June Hop. I cannot thank Beth enough for organizing such a great event and allowing me to be a part of it. I have met so many amazing people and learned so much. Last week was my turn on the hop (you can read my intro post here) and I have never had so many visitors to my blog before. What a hoot is has all been!

But, there is still one week to go, so get out those mice people and hop over to some more amazing blogs! If you would like to see the full list of participants, so you can go back and visit, just click on the Let's Get Acquainted Button above and you will be magically transported!

Vicki @ A Quilter's Mission

RobinSue @ RobinSue Quilts

Elisa Lea @ Lovelea Designs

Elizabeth @ In The Boon Docks

Jenny @ A Note To Follow Sew

Lorna @ Sew Fresh Quilts

Sonia @ Fabric & Flowers

Emily @ Sew E.T.

Em @ Sewing by Moonlight

So this weekend I will be hopping and working on a new project that made it to the cutting mat last night, my Crooked Cabins quilt (pattern from From the Blue Chair).

What are you up to this weekend?
Adrienne

Holy Hannah...

....I am so behind! All of this moving and sewing-room creation has been fun and all, but now I am just plain behind in- well - everything! Last night I sat down and made a list of Bee Blocks I owe, BoMs I would like to get caught up on, WIPs and commissioned work. I won't bore you with the details, but I need to get my butt in gear! I think at least I have the priority items will in hand

Helping to put together a Thank You quilt, I randomly opened  my new copy of Tula Pinks 100 Modern Quilt Blocks and made this baby. Love the pattern (Block #60 in case you are interested)

Caught up on some cute 60 degree strip Blocks for Stash Bee

Finally got Barb's Improv block done for the ModQImprovB Canada

On other happy notes, the mail fairy brought me three new members of my library. Happy Happy, Joy Joy.

OH, and how can I forget! I was the lucky winner of an Etsy Gift Card from Happier Than A Bird Quilts as part of her 500 Facebook Fan giveaway . So of course I did some shopping today. I cannot wait to get this bundle of Nordika by Jeni Baker. Any new fabric out there that is beckoning you?

 

 

Ok, enough taking, wasn't I the one behind!? On to those commissions!

Thanks for dropping by
Adrienne

Where I sew.... Let's Get Acquainted

I cannot believe it is my turn on the Plum & June Hop! I have seen some amazing work over the last several weeks, and have thoroughly enjoyed visiting and meeting some fantastic artists.

Without further ado, Hi! My name is Adrienne and I would like to welcome you to Chezzetcook Modern Quilts. Chezzetcook what you say? I know, it is a funny name, and likely you are not sure how to pronounce it. Chezzetcook is a small community on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia, where I grew up. If you are a local, you drop the "t", add an "n" and say it fast - Chezzencook. Go on, give it a try...

I figure a good way to get to know me is by taking a tour of my spanking new sewing room! This is how it started just three weeks ago

So here is the first interesting fact about me, I have been married for almost five years, but my husband and I have never lived together! What? Some of you are like "lucky buggers" and others are like "weird people". Yes to both! But I am happy to report that on July 1st, we moved into our new space, in the same country! Pretty cool. And while that is all exciting stuff (seriously people) I also had another first with this move - my very own sewing room!

First thing I wanted to do was brighten the room up. So with a little help from a mischievous nephew, brown begone and white appears!

Second fact about me, I love to organize! I love me a tidy bin with folded fabric, all in the same color. So Before I moved home to Nova Scotia from Ottawa I made a trip to Ikea and bought a nifty shelving unit. Here is the room mid-unpack as my Dad helps me assemble...I'm afraid the room had to get worse before it got better

Enough mess, it's time for the reveal!



nice and bright now!



Check out those shelves! Every bin has it's own color, and some have current WIPs



Closet of goodness, batting, finished quilts and such

Further inside the closet you will find more sewing supplies and my collection of over 300 movies. I LOVE movies and never sew without something on the DVD



I have a new table coming which will be MUCH bigger, but as long as I have my tool cart I am good



I finally have a design wall! I even made it myself - I talked about this earlier this week here

How about some detail shots

This is my mantra. I had this long before it trended on Pinterest etc. I am glad it has caught on! Another good Mantra I have been repeating to myself lately "Comparison is the Thief of Joy" How true is that!
  

These little darlings were a gift from a good friend, not sure why, but they are me. The color, the simple design, I want to eat them up (but I think that would result in costly dental bills)



Who doesn't need a basket 'o rulers?

My "Modern" Library - another fact, I am obsessed with books, in fact all things paper. Very hard not to buy. My latest gift in the mail was Tula Pink's 100 Modern Quilt Blocks. Jumping on that bandwagon soon!

So, why do I blog?  I love to quilt, I love to take pictures, I really like to write. Seemed like a good combo. But I must tell you that other modern quilt bloggers are who really inspired me to start this little ditty. I have been quilting for about 17 years. But let me tell you I am still learning every single day.I by no means think that I have any special talent, but I have been having so much fun learning from this amazing on-line community. If one of my experiences, help one other person out there learn, or even to inspire them to talk about their similar experiences, I am tickled!

I guess since this blog is all about the quilts I should share a couple of things I have worked on

Ok, I guess I should stop talking now. Another fact about me, I like to talk (ha!)

I am looking forward to more stitching and ripping in this new space. I still have some things I would like to add, but it is a great start! What is your space like? Do you have a favorite thing in it? I would love to see it, invite me over some time why dontcha?

It has been a pleasure having you drop by on the hop, but don't forget it is not over yet, check out the other featured blogs this week

Karen @ Little Birdie Quilting Studio

Kathy @ Kwilty Pleasures

Katie @ Snuggle Up With A Dish From Karma

Alison @ Making Happyness

Ella and Nesta @ Ella & Nesta's Little Room

Nicole @ Modern Handcraft

Aylin @ AyliN-Nilya

Kelsey and Amanda @ Everyday Fray

For those of you who like to read as much as I like to talk / write, five more facts about the crazy that is me:

• My favorite Popsicle flavor is root beer, which is nearly impossible to find 
• I like to finish one project before I start a new one. I am usually planning the next three or four, but I won't cut unless I am done!
• I met my husband in grade eight home room the first time, and on facebook the second time
• I buy purses and shoes because they always fit
• Wherever I travel I look for waterfalls, I have a thing for waterfalls

See you soon!
Adrienne

The Design Wall Cometh

I had a whole plan to "unveil" my completed new sewing room all at one time, but I could. not. wait. to show you my new design wall!

I have been scouting tutorials for a while now, and put this together over the weekend. Luckily I had a perfect big wall for it. It is 80" square! I started at Home Depot where a nice guy cut some Styrofoam sheets down to my desired length. The sheets came in 2 ft strips so I needed three to cover the space.

 I put the three panel together using Velcro and then laid the unit down on top of quilt bat.

Then it was time for some fancy duct taping. I mean a real professional would have made sure all of this was straight and beautiful. But it was Saturday night, I was drinking beer and I REALLY wanted to put some quilt blocks on it! Besides, no one is going to see the back...

An extra nicey about this wall is that I know this smiling guy is under there. I love the Pink Panther movies - hilarious!

The other nicey about this project was my helper

Once all was taped and nice and tight across the front I simply nailed that sucker to the wall. I made sure to use a nail with a wide cap so that it would not work it's way through the foam. Within one minute of it being up, WIPs hit the wall!

On the left are the amazing blocks from my ModQImprov Bee mates, an Orb block that is hoping to be a pillow and the first four blocks from the Sugar Block Club BoM.

Well, that's it! I just could not wait to share. This piece of foam and batting makes me so happy! That is all.
What is the happiest thing in your sewing space?

Happy Tuesday
Adrienne

Being Clashy Bright While We Hop

Still making the new sewing room workable (not to mention the rest of the house) so new sewing this week - oh the humanity! But this does not stop me from dreaming about fabric. Rachel over at Stitched in Color, in cahoots with Marmalade Fabrics, is doing a Clashy Bright Mosaic Contest. What Fun! I just spent a most enjoyable hour perusing fabric and putting together my clashy masterpiece

So bright and happy! (well I think so anyway) from left to right, top to bottom, my picks are:
Metro Living White Rings on Marigold
Modern Bliss Leaves Turquoise
Outside Oslo Dawn Sticks
Lucky Penny Grate at Night
Comma by Zen Chic Asteriks Tangerine
Simply Color Diamonds Spicy Hot Pink
Bright Pink Kona Cotton
Carnaby Street Go-Go London Lustrous
Architextures Grass Trees
Simple Marks Little Dot Clementine
Carnaby Street King's Road Turquoise

It's also time for a stop on the on the Plum and June Let's Get Acquainted New Blogger Blog Hop. Hop over to this week's featured folks

Karen @ Karen, {Novice} Quilter

Anne @ PlayCrafts

Rachel @ Let's Begin Sewing...

Jan @ Sew And Sow Farm

Anna @ Quilting Along The Grain

Cath @ Wombat Quilts

Sarah @ {no} hats in the house
Christen @ Love by Hand
Julie @ 627handworks

Have a fantastic weekend!
Adrienne

Hops and Paint

Frankly, tonight is all about Hops and Barley. Relaxing with a cold one after a super busy week of moving into our new place. I'm a little smitten with this house. Trees all around, and a house with tons of windows, means it feels like you are sitting outside even though you are comfy inside.

Don't tell anyone, but I am a bit of a neat / clean freak... just a bit... so I wanted to paint a lot in the house before I unpacked boxes. It seemed like a good idea. Well three days later and a LOT of help from family and friends, all the painting is done! I cannot even begin to tell you about the weird muscles (that I never knew that I had) that hurt from all of that work. But it is totally worth it, clean walls, ready for quilts!

My mom - she does ceilings

The room I am most excited about is my sewing room! This will officially be the first time that I have had a designated sewing area. I am going to share more as I get it organized, but here are some sneak peeks

The culprit of the Happy Face

It is also the end of the week, so time for a stop on the on the Plum and June Let's Get Acquainted New Blogger Blog Hop. Check out this week's featured blogs:

Christa @ Christa Quilts!

Alyce @ Wonderland By Alyce

Anna @ The Crooked Banana

Rachel @ Sew Happily Ever After 

Stephanie @ Quarter Incher

Shayla @ Sassafras Lane Designs

Caroline @ Carolines Craftiness

Lisa @ Hilltop House Creative Works

Enjoy the rest of your weekend! I am going to be unpacking fabric! 
Adrienne