Sandwiched and ready to Quilt

Although my time was extremely limited this weekend due to commitments, I actually got three backs assembled and the quilts sandwiched and pinned.  Now they are ready for me to stitch away during the week, hopefully.  Next weekend is going to be so busy with graduation, out of town guests, and Father's Day that I have no choice but to catch time whenever I can during the evenings this week.  I am very happy with my Sweet Safari backing.  It is so fitting for a safari quilt in just the right color.  I will share a peek.

I also solved the problem I had with the backing for my Seaglass quilt.  I was just a bit shy on the length of the backing once I had put the borders on the top.  So I was lucky enough to have charm squares in the same fabric patterns to add a strip in the center of the back.  Really like the effect.

More Flannels Swaddling Blankets

There is another stack of the soft and thick flannel swaddling blankets that are ready for the store.  My resident photographer is falling behind in her photography duties this week.  There is also a marvelous stack of newborn bibs that are just as cute as can be.  They have wonderful cotton print fronts and terry cloth backs to absorb all those drools and spits.  They have easy snap fasteners.

I have spent the better part of the week reorganizing my sewing room and storage areas.  Moved a lot of books and magazines, as well as a lot of yarn that I need to be able to see, so I can use it. Also folded a ton of fabric and stacked so I can view it as well.  It stimulates the mind and reminds me of the different projects that I want to work on.  I always have projects with me whenever I leave the house.  Whether it is a knitting or crochet project or even a bag of YoYo's that are being created for a forthcoming quilt, it is important for me to be able to take advantage of any waiting  or down time that I may have.  I have waited in more than my share of lines or late appointments.

Now that I have organized, however, I have misplaced two large pieces of fabric that I was ready to use for backing.  So much for organizing.

I Spy Quilts

It seems like all of a sudden I have a large backlog of quilt tops.  I guess this is a sign of "startitis".  However, it could be worse, what if there were no choices to finish.   I have two or three "I Spy" tops to finish.  I even have the backs picked out.  Now I just have to stack and pin, and then of course, I have to quilt.  Doesn't sound like much when I say it that way, right??

These  bright prints with the black background are so outstanding.  They are wonderful surrounded by the Kona Black.  

Look for the the next batch to be with Kona Off White background and some large print backings.  I have truly enjoyed making the "I Spy" quilts for little ones.  It is such a wonderful way to teach and play matching games of identification.  The degree of difficulty can be increased if there are siblings that want to play along with younger ones.

Another Top Ready to Quilt

This was a fun quilt to assemble.  It is based on the 1600 design for Jelly Rolls.  A large crib size quilt with a nice solid border of Kona Cotton framed by squares from a charm pack of the same fabric line called Seaglass.  Beautiful greens and blue like sea water.  I have been sketching possible quilting stitches that would work with this layout.  I am almost there.

Up and Coming Quilts

So in between other sewing projects, like the flannel, swaddling blankets, I have several quilt tops that need to be layered, pinned, and quilted so that they can get in the shop.  I am going to share these as tops and then track them through to completion.  So here are the first few that are in the pipeline now.  Sometimes I get the top done and then get stuck picking a backing and a binding which means I can move forward.  Once I get the backing picked, I will proceed because I know will be able to take the quilt to find a binding if it is already quilted where I won't be so excited if it is not layered and quilted.

"Love lives Here" is named after the collection of fabric that makes up these squares.  I am so excited to layer and quilt this particular top because I love the way all the colors came together and I am crazy about the background fabric called "Chocolat".  One of my favorite things that I don't get enough of these days as I am watching my intake of everything.

I will share the backing and binding once it is finished.  This is such a rich collection of colors.  There will be more quilts in the future with this fabric collection.

Royal Baby Quilt

Next item for sale in the store this week, is a small baby quilt fit for a King or Queen, entitled Royal Baby.  This quilt measures 37 x 34 just the right size to wrap a baby in love without smothering it.

I created it from a wonderful charm pack of unknown name and backed it with this amazingly rich, Opulence, by  Paula Nadelstern for BENARTEX  loaded with purples and fuchsias mixed with gold.  The binding,  Super Gold by Sotiba Simpafric, takes the cake with bold gold geometric on Magenta background.  I chose to quilt in a light yellow gold thread with a simple block pattern so I would not overwhelm the backing.  The batting is 100% cotton, Warm and Natural.

As always, hop over to the store to see what is available.

The Store is Open.

After all these years of designing, creating, gifting, and enjoying among friends and family, I have finally been able to open an Etsy store, Donura Designs.  I look forward to being able to share my handcrafted items with those who don't have time or inclination to create something but can appreciate a uniquely crafted blanket or tote or anything else I have available.

I hope to be able to share here part of the process that goes into the items I create.  Whether it is the design and construction of a quilt or the yarns that I pick for a particular baby blanket, I hope to entice you to come to the store any time you are looking for a gift or an addition to your own home.   Please feel free to leave me comments with questions or suggestions.