Piecing Like Crazy

I'm determined to stick with the jelly roll quilt-a-long even though I've been very much distracted by my weaving projects (if you want to see these distractions, look here) I had only two blocks pieced so I had to play "catch up".  They're on block number 8 and I'm happy to report, so am I. (blocks 1 thru 8 will be uploaded to jelly roll sampler flickr group)

The quilt-a-long ends in August and that's when the fun really begins -- choosing a quilting pattern.  I'm so indecisive when it comes to choosing the quilting design...Do I stipple?  Do I stitch in the ditch?  Do I free motion?  Do I package it up and send it to the Long Arm Quilter?  Lately, it's been the latter (which reminds me, I never posted a pic of the last quilt that I picked up, I'll show that one next post).  I was doing a bit of shopping at my favorite quilt shop last week and overheard that there's a five month wait time for quilts right now.  That really doesn't bother me because the last block comes out in August and by then I'll be well into my autumn sewing, so I wouldn't get around to quilting it any time soon.  Does it sound like I've made a decision to send it to the quilters?

Do you realize that July is just around the corner?  I love Christmas in July sewing.  I've already planned my projects.  I'm planning to have a new toy to help me with my fabric cutting...The Accuquilt Go.  A while back I had given it a cursory glance, never really looked into how it would aid my quilting.  The other day I took a good look at it, checked out a few quilter's blogs to read about their experience with it; talked through it's pros and cons with a dear friend.  What sold me is its ability to cut multliple layers for piecing or applique accurately and fast.  I do a fair bit of spinning and weaving which eats up a lot of time leaving my quilting projects pushed to the side so anything that will help me to get things cut out easier and faster makes me happy.  I'm already familiar with the accuquilt concept but using paper not fabric (I have a cricut cutter and a sizzix die cutter) so the learning curve will not be an issue.  What I don't like about the system is the price.  Needless-to-say, I'll be looking out for sales.  I'm planning to purchase the accuquilt this weekend so if you have one and would like to share your experiences with me I'd appreciate it.


Lastly, I've been having so much fun making potholders. What started it was a potholder swap that I participated in.  I made these...

Then I wanted a set for myself...I have three more sets of potholders waiting for the binding to be stitched, I'll upload them in my next post so please stop by again, I really appreciate your visits.