The Final "After"

 I posted the beginning of an improv where a boring block was chopped up and added to until it became interesting (see post here), but it was not done. So I added some 8" scrappy and wonky log cabin blocks and a few other things and wound up with this. It is 37.75" x 47.5" and the quilting is simple: mostly straight lines with a few odd lines thrown in to keep me from getting bored. This one is hanging in my sewing area and I really like it. Besides, it made a great dent in my scraps, at least those colors. Now to hit the rest of them. . . 

Another one made from leftovers

This one needs a label and a name. One of my kaleidoscope quilts had several pieces of strata leftover. I didn't want to throw them away so bought some background and backing to go with it. This one is 72" square. 

My design wall is otherwise occupied so took this picture with the quilt tossed across the bed. The close-up shows the texture in the background created by my first panto design. It was a challenge to quilt, but the result suits the bits and pieces. See K-5 HERE.

A question?

I've a modern quilt loaded on my longarm and was going to do a quilting panto with lots of straight lines. I designed this one myself and do not have the software for the machine to just do it for me. The photo shows two rows.

I tried a few inches and had to unsew it because what seemed straight with the laser was impossible wavy. It looked awful and I had to pick it out. 

Having never marked a quilt already on the machine, does anyone have any tips? I've made a stencil and could use chalk, then quilt it with a ruler, but this could take forever. Is there any way to do this that will not give me a headache and a sore back?

I could change the quilt pattern, but it is perfect for the quilt... and maybe I'm just a little proud of myself for coming up with it? Sigh!

With Scottish blood in my veins, I cannot throw away parts and pieces. The last post, Modern Towers, was made up of leftovers from another quilt. It was so satisfying, so I'm trying another. This time the leftovers are from K-5, a kaleidoscope using Ricky Tim's method. (Click on K-5 to see it.) You make strata and cut out mirror-image pieces. It is great fun, but leaves many triangles of strata. I sat down with a sketchbook and came up with a way to use them. 

First, I cut them all the same size with the lines going parallel to one right-angle edge. Then went to the local fabric store and found a complementary color for the background. From this, I cut pieces to join the bias edges, and strips to attach them to the rectangular pieces (also leftovers). 

This picture is the leftovers up on the wall with the background pinned to it. The strip is actually 12 triangles, so about 52" long x 6" wide. I decided the quilt size - it will be narrower on the left, wider on the right. Next task is to cut those pieces, sew them, then get a backing/batting and put it on the machine. I'm going to use a modern, angular panto to quilt it. More photos soon!

P.S. Kali's Cherry Tree also got a "Viewers' Choice" - I am so blessed!!