Hoffman Challenge I am behind the 8 ball

My Hoffman Challenge quilt top has been sitting on the ironing table (yes I have an ironing board as well) for several days.  The deadline is not too far away.  My LQS is have a 5th Saturday sale this week and I want to pick up the thread for the quilting.

I will try to post soon with updated information.

Keep on quilting.

Progress on my Quilt Top

I have almost completed all the Ohio Star Blocks.  There are two left to finish sewing.  Then I will place the challenge fabric in between each block in an alternating pattern.  The finished top will be a 5 by 5 pattern with the Ohio Star Blocks starting in each corner.

As soon as I finish the top I will proceed with the borders.  Since the finished size of the blocks is 30 by 30 and the Challenge size minimum is 40 by 40 I have some bordering to do.

Keep on piecing and quilting

I didn't get enough fabric

Have you ever been working on a project and realized that you didn't plan for enough fabric?  Well...I was cutting the red fabric today and realized that I don't have enough for the quarter square triangles.  I might be able to make half square triangles from the remaining fabric and then sew the quarter square triangles from there.  Measure twice and cut once.
Have a great day piecing and quilting.

My progress with my Hoffman Challenge Quilt.

I have actually started making the Ohio Star blocks with the Hoffman fabric.  I have three finished.  They are turning out well.  I have done some un-sewing because I did not like a piece in the block or the way they are finished.  It is fun doing this and I can see myself doing this again.

Keep piecing and quilting,

My travels down the Hoffman Challenge

For days I have been looking for my fabric for the Challenge.  I could not find it anywhere!  This morning I tried the ultimate search.  I started to clean my sewing studio and putting like things together.  In the process I found a yarn tote that I recently purchased.  It was heavy.  But you cannot guess but I had put the fabric into the tote to take downstairs to the studio.  Duh!

My quarters square triangle is getting better.  I think I need to use a different method of pressing.  I am pulling the square out of true.

By next week I will be trying a small amount of the fabric and start with my first triangle.  Wish me luck.

Keep on piecing and quilting.  It is very good for you to have a stress free hobby.

Quarter square triangle

Have you ever tried to make a 99% perfect qst?  I have already gone thru a fat quarter trying to attain the qst of my dreams.  I am getting closer, but until I get it as close to great as possible my Hoffman Challenge fabric will stay in the bag.
Keep quilting and piecing.  Karen

My quilting life since I retired

Week before last was the 3rd annual Spring IQF in Cincinnati Ohio.  I worked Monday through Saturday.  It was wonderful seeing my friends from the Piece Squad.
I helped hang quilts on Monday and Tuesday and was a Quilt Guardian Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  Saturday evening I volunteered as a Quilt Angel.  Next year I will be taking a class during the show that will be free due to my Quilt Angel time.
Take down was great!  I highly recommend providing time to work the show.

Quilts Inc.  has signed a two year contract with Duke Energy Convention Center for 2014 and 2015. Please  make an effort to attend the show to see the quilts on display and to shop the vendors.  Those of you who have had the opportunity to go to Houston or Paducah realize how much the IQF means to the greater Cincinnati area.  Be present and support the continuing of this show.

In 2011 and again in 2013 I helped hang the Hoffman Quilt Challenge quilts.  2011 was a display of quilt artists that created art quilts.  None used a traditional quilt pattern.  2013 was a combination of art quilts and traditional quilts.  I am inspired.  Saturday, April 20 I went to a local quilt shop that carries the 2013 challenge fabrics.  I will blog as I work on the quilt.

My studio is still in terrible shape.  I have been working on it a little at a time since I retired.  I have several things to remove from the room so that I can begin to place my purchases into the studio.  I will try to have more information on my blog about the studio as well.

Have a great day and take time to piece or quilt.