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Wednesday 30 August 2017

Still Obsessed........

with Gypsy Wife.  I can't help it, I have never had this happen before.  If I'm not in my sewing room making blocks, I'm thinking about making them, choosing colours, discarding, choosing again, and all in my head.  Oh and you wouldn't believe how long that takes me, literally hours, then I will start making it and change them again.

So, where are all these blocks I have been making?  Can't tell, no, I decided I am going to drip feed them to you, just like in the sew along.  I may have to have a few weeks off quilting in October so if I do I will still have something to share, that's the theory anyhow, I will be scheduling some posts just in case and I can always edit and add to them to let you know what's happening.

So, without any further ado I give you......


Crazy Anne.  This is the second block with somewhat of a reputation, but I checked it out, read lots of tips, some helpful some not and just went for it.  The one tip that was really helpful was to use a Tri Rec ruler to make the half square rectangle bits AND I already had one, wonderful.  The blocks went together like a dream and Anne wasn't as bad as her reputation.  Mind you I do use very scant seams and I'm happy to report that so far I have not had a single block end up small, which is the most common thing I hear.

Being in a couple of Facebook groups to do with Gypsy Wife has had a great bonus, I discovered a new app, and this is what I did.......

Isn't this helpful, I took a screen shot of the pdf of the colouring page by Pink Door Fabrics, opened it up in the app, and added pics of my blocks.  I should have cropped them a bit more and got rid of the seam allowance though but it gives a great indication of how the colours will mix together.  Here are the first five blocks for the first five weeks, and no I can count, you get a bonus, I had already added a Puss in the Corner block which is week eight so you get that too.  Don't worry though, there are two Puss in the Corners so you will get a new block in week 8.

If you are interested in the app it is piZap and best of all it is free, although it says there are in app purchases, although I haven't been asked if I want to buy any so far.  I would recommend using it on a tablet rather than a phone though, that would be just too fiddly.   There is annoying adverts that come up after you press 'save' though so I press to close it fast.  I can put up with it as there are none while I am actually using it.  I'm not trying to advertise the app mind, remember I don't have sponsors or anything like that and I don't want to either, for me it would take the joy out of blogging and just saying whatever comes into my head if I had to think about advertising stuff.  I blog because I enjoy it and for no other reason.  That said I can understand those who do have sponsors, quilting isn't a cheap hobby, we are all different at the end of the day and what is right for one is not necessarily right for another.  Enough said.

Now I am going to shock you, at least shock those of you who have been reading for a while, here it comes.........


Circles, I've been doing free motion quilting!  A squiggly meander in the background.  No, I was beginning to think I wouldn't see the day either!


Have a closer look.  It's fairly even although it varies slightly in places but hey, tis done and I'm happy, ecstatic actually.  I'm leaving the dark grey diamonds unquilted so they pop, I'm really glad I decided to add them they bring a new dimension to the quilt, in my opinion!  The circles will be the next thing I do, then the borders.  I am hoping to get it finished by the beginning of October, keep your fingers crossed.  Just don't look at the back.........


I said not to look at the back.  Well, go on then what do you think, inspired or dog's dinner?  Closer?  You want jam on it!   Oh all right then.


The colours are slightly distorted on this pic, it's more of a reddy burgundy like the first one, but a bit deeper.   It does give you a good look at the quilting though.  As you can see the size of the meander does vary a bit but in the grand scheme of things and as it is my quilt who is to notice or to care?  My only real mistake was to use solids instead of a tone on tone fabric and thread of a different colour to the the solids to boot,  AND advertise the fact.  I've made a mental note about THAT one.

I'm going away next week but I plan on scheduling a short post before I go which will be due Wednesday.  I won't be here to link up so if you normally read my blog on a regular link up you will have to get me direct next week,  IF you want to read my ravings that is!  I will have no wifi, no phone signal, and no tv either.  Retreat?  I would love another quilting retreat, I haven't done one for five years when I went to France for a week with Sandi Lush doing hand quilting.

So until next time,
With smiles from,
Kate x

Linking up with:
Midweek Makers
Wednesday Wait Loss
Needle And Thread Thursday
Can I Get a Whoop Whoop?
Finished or Not Friday



34 comments:

  1. Kate, I love your circles and meander quilting. Wish I had the courage to try this. I have a buddy in my Guild who is awesome at quilting on her own machine....maybe I'll ask her for a lesson or two. I won't say much about your GW because words fail me. I look forward every week to seeing what you are up to. Your quilt will be stunning.

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  2. I love that first block that you show - such pretty colors and the block looks so complicated at first until you break it down and really look at it.

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  3. Oh, I love the colors in your Gypsy Wife! I'm so close to ordering the book, but I have other projects I really need to do first! Your Circles quilt -- oh my gosh -- I love it! You're so close to being done! Yippee!

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  4. I was just thinking about you and up popped your blog post and it mentioned sponsors. I think you and I must be the last two people who blog and quilt for fun . No selling , no commissions, no sponsors , no affiliate links ! Just because we do !
    Ps I really love the circles .

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  5. That is a really cool app! I love how you are able to arrange your blocks to give us little sneak peaks of your progress. Your quilting on the circle quilt looks GREAT!!! It really gave the background a wonderful texture and allows those circles to just pop right off the quilt. Just keep going, you are so close to your quilty finish.

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  6. Gypsy Wife is on my bucket list. But I have a few other things I need to finish first! I like your colors and the coloring page app is great.

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  7. Kate, the way you're obsessing over your Gypsy Wife blocks is how I've been about my Farmer's Wife/Farmer's Wife 1920's/Other Random 6" Blocks project. Picking and choosing which blocks to make, luxuriating in the fat quarters strewn across my workspace as I try out one color scheme, then another... Your block looks fantastic, and great job on your FMQ!

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  8. Hi, Kate! Your circles quilt is really lovely!!! Actually, it's beautiful! I can't wait to see how you quilt the circles. I hear you about sponsorship on the blog. I, too, am blogging for fun. That way I don't have any deadlines. Oh, wait, yes, I guess I still do, like the bee blocks and quilt-a-longs.

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  9. I really like that circle quilt. The quilting is gorgeous on it and makes those diamonds pop. I hear you about keeping blogging fun. Love your Gypsy Wife quilt too. That block you just finished looks very complicated but the colors are gorgeous.

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  10. Love reading your ravings :p That Crazy Anne is beautiful - I wonder if there is a Crazy Kate block haha. Love reading what you write and seeing all the photo's of your work. Enjoy your coming break :)

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  11. Kate, the fabric in your GW blocks is gorgeous. What line is it? Those are really my colors. The app is so handy to keep track of your work. The circle Quilting really turned out well. I'm a fan of meander and you did a fine job. I had a tooth pulled today so taking it easy like they said. But I have all these fun pink and purple strips cut for a girl row quilt, just calling my name. Have a wonderful getaway in Scotland!

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  12. I understand your infatuation with GW. It's such a busy, involved pattern and it looks great it so many colorways. Your circles quilt is turning out really well. The meanders look great!

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  13. Look at you, meandering all over the place!! Circles is looking great, I love the scrappy back layout. Hooray for making progress on that one!

    And GW is coming along so well, too! I like how you are showing the blocks on the app coloring layout thingie. The color contrast is excellent so far, and Anne's points are very nicely pointy. Very smart to use the TriRecs ruler. You're reaping the benefits of all those other folks who slogged through before you, sharing their tips and tricks.

    Safe and happy travels next week!

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  14. I am loving your blocks for this quilt and your drawings. Very inspirational to me. I love the FMQ on your circle quilt as well. It looks beautiful.

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  15. Hi Kate! Oh my gosh- two awesome projects! The Gypsy Wife quilt is coming along well. I don't have the patience for such a project. Yours will be wonderful tho. Great colors.
    The stippling looks Wonderful on the circle quilt! Great job. What do you plan for the circles? It is really pretty.
    Have a wonderful getaway!

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  16. loving your circles quilt what a great make you have here. Gypsy wife coming along well, have not thought to use just half of the tri rec set I could get rectangles will be having a go at that. So agree re blogging though I do not write mine often but check what everyone is up to on a daily basis

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  17. I just added my link on NTT right after your gorgeous bright colorful block - and boy does mine pale in comparison. Seriously Kate, must you steal all the limelight? Now, if I had two gorgeous projects, I would put them in two separate blogposts, but then you being the overachiever you had to put all this loveliness on one page. Can you feel I am burning with jealousy :-D
    Hugs,
    Preeti.

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  18. Oh tell me about the thoughts in my head. Like you I spend so long thinking about things in my head before I actually get started its a wonder I every make anything. lol
    Briony
    x

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  19. Beautiful bright colors, and great projects!!

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  20. This is an action packed post!! I've been known to obsess over a quilt and blocks before...I get where you are coming from! I did the same thing with the color sheet for my Epic Sampler quilt. It's so much fun watching it come together and getting filled. ANd...thank goodness you are getting your Circles quilt quilted. I love the texture you are getting with the stippling. It's going to be so amazing!!

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  21. Oh sure, now I need to do a Gypsy Wife quilt. Thanks heaps :) I love your colours for it.

    The circles quilt is looking marvellous. Yes, the gray diamonds were a great addition. Your quilting is looking good. You are a lot braver than I am.

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  22. Kate I just love your Gypsy Wife! Those fabrics are sensational and the quilt is looking really good! Circles of course is a favorite and I think you did a nice job on the quilting. Thanks for linking up to Wednesday Wait Loss.

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  23. That's a great app for Gypsy Wife - you can definitely see your progress! Thank you for sharing this week on Midweek Makers

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  24. Kate, I love the back! It's fabulous. Your Gypsy Wife blocks are beautiful! That is a cool app to kep track of them. I've sure it's very helpful for color placement too.

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  25. Your Gypsy Wife block is gorgeous and I think your quilt back is inspired. I love it!

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  26. Your GW blocks are looking great! And isn't that a good idea with the app to keep track of things! I'm 1/2 through my GW#2 but have lost the love somehow... must drag it out again & getting colouring in!

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  27. You did a great job with this tricky GW block! The app looks like very useful. Thank you for mentioning it!

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  28. Very pretty circles quilt! I love those brilliant colors. Your Gypsy Wife blocks look great, too. It looks pretty difficult.
    I'm with Sophie and will check out that app, also. Free is just the right price and it looks interesting.

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  29. Do you have a problem with your stipples? You aren't happy with them. Excuse me but they really are great. Remember, in a few months you won't see all the little details as in oops that wiggle is a bit too big or how did I get a point in my round wiggles. It is wonderful. What are you doing in the circles?

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  30. Love the Crazy Anne block, it's a riot of color. Your Gypsy Wife quilt is going to be very colorful. Congrats on getting all the squiggle quilting done on the circles quilt. It looks great!

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  31. Your GW is going to be fabulous. I love love love brights! The diamonds on your circles quilt look really good. I think it adds a lot. (And HOW SMART getting your posts ready ahead of time! Have fun being unplugged for a while.)

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  32. OH! The Circles!! Wow! It's terrific Kate! And definitely NOT dog's breakfast back. I'm curious to see what you do in the circles. This post is so lush with colour. I can see why you do nowt but think of Gypsy--the Canadian Women 6" blocks are a bit like that with me, although thank goodness it's only shades of red, pink and white/off-white/beige. Plenty to lose myself in, so I totally get how they take so long to make. Cool app too, reminds me I should fiddle around again with Quiltography, was getting pretty good at it earlier this year.

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  33. Love all the Gypsy wife blocks. It's probably a good thing to be obsessed when there's a QAL going on! Yay! Progress on circles as well! My you HAVE been busy!

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Thank you so much for taking the time to read and leave a comment, it helps me grow as a quilter and as a blogger. It also makes me very happy :)
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With smiles from,
Kate