Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Small, Smaller, Smallest Blog Hop Day 4

Welcome to the final day of the Small, Smaller, Smallest blog hop.  Thank you Carol for organizing and keeping us motivated and providing an excellent line up of blogger talent.  (If you're looking for an I like Thursday post this week, I am opting for an I like Friday, so come back tomorrow!)

In case you missed the previous 3 days.

March 5


March 6


March 7

When I decided to participate in this blog hop I had ulterior motives.  Since I am in charge of the 2018 Quilt Challenge for guild I thought I could make an example, because you know it isn't right for the chairman to participate.  Right?  The theme was simple. Words on quilts.  You could use one word or many words.  An inspirational word, or saying, a song....pretty simple.  It could be pieced, applique, preprinted panels.  It had to be bigger than 12 inches on a side but not larger than 36 inches on a side, and quilted, bound, and labeled.  
I chose Robert Kaufman's Effervescence line in the Rainbow colorway.  The word I chose was transformation, and I used 1001 Fonts.  Found a font I liked, blew it up in Microsoft word, transposed it, and traced it onto Thermo Web Heat N Bond Lite.  I used Craftsy's Boundless Ombre in a gray for the word.  I just love how there is so much movement in the background, and in the word.   But it also looks like it has too much light on it.  But from darkness comes the light. 

I wanted to use a caterpillar to a chrysalis to a butterfly, because what better way to show transformation?

I free handed it after looking at some pictures, then attempted to draw it with thread using my sewing machine.  I don't think it is too terrible.

My butterfly came out better I think.

I quilted with organic lines (translate to not straight) in a matchstick style to hold down my applique.

I quilted with Dove Gray Aurifil Mako 50.  My wall hanging finished at 12 X 18

LeeAnna at Not Afraid of Color had challenged me to choose an inspirational word for the year.  Since the death of my husband Jeff last year on this day, I have had to transform, and remake myself once again.  I think about it and marvel at how far I have come.

Since I was unsure if I could get my idea to work I had 2 back up projects that I finished just in case-- which were small too.

I bought this pattern with the embellishments last year, but chose my fabrics from my stash.

I don't know why but whenever I do binding on a small project I always mess it up!  Grrrr.  My favorite-- Cardinals. They say when you see one your loved one from heaven is near.

My other project was a mystery quilt that was shared with me. 


I didn't try to  match or anything.  I just grabbed some green batiks I liked and ran with it.   Same thing with the reds.  I think it turned out alright.  I think my reds are too far apart on the spectrum.   I have been practicing my FMQ.

I used a sparkly silver sulky thread and did alright.

Now go and visit the other talented bloggers.

March 8


Oh wait there is more. To celebrate my 5th year blogging, my birthday, and a fun blog hop I have a prize.  This is open to anyone. 

This super cute pattern by primitive gatherings---it is small just 24 x 24.  Just leave a comment....about anything and your e-mail address.  My give away will be open until Monday, March 12, 2018.

Now go, visit the other blogs.



 

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45 comments:

  1. thatfabricfeeling.wordpress.comMarch 8, 2018 at 12:35 AM

    This is lovely. I think that quilting with the word is magnificent. It isn't cheating if we combine two challenges into one...that's just good management!! Thanks for sharing.

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  2. AmyMarch 8, 2018 at 12:59 AM

    Oh, Colette! The transformation quilt is so beautiful. I love the colors and the quilting. The Christmas wreath is pretty amazing as well. Hugs ~Amy~

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  3. Vroomans' QuiltsMarch 8, 2018 at 3:09 AM

    WOnderful small projects - I like 2 fors - works for me.

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  4. MarianMarch 8, 2018 at 3:53 AM

    What a Cool idea to just stitch over the text like that, I really love that idea, it would have been hard to do that any other way unless you tried thread painting techniques.

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  5. KarenMarch 8, 2018 at 4:46 AM

    What a great idea - love the way the background shines!

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  6. sewyouquilt2March 8, 2018 at 5:25 AM

    love your transformation and the wreath is gorgeous. great job combining the two challenges. love them

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  7. JayneMarch 8, 2018 at 5:47 AM

    Congratulations on 5 years of blogging. I love the Christmas wreath and the FMQ is really good

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  8. Kathy LMarch 8, 2018 at 7:21 AM

    Love your saying about cardinals. Hope it's true. And love the cardinal wallhanging.

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  9. DorianMarch 8, 2018 at 7:25 AM

    What a great mini!! I love it, I love the colors, the word and your great butterfly/cocoon!! ((HUGS)) So sorry for your loss... Your bird and wreath are also very nice, well done.

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  10. Jan SnellMarch 8, 2018 at 7:25 AM

    Love your transformation mini. You made it sound so easy to make. I love organic wavy line quilting and you metamorphosis cocoon, caterpillar, butterfly quilting are wonderful thematic additions. Janice.snell@gmail.com

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  11. krisgrayMarch 8, 2018 at 7:26 AM

    Happy blog-iversary! Your projects are all lovely, fantastic fabrics.

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  12. tink's momMarch 8, 2018 at 7:44 AM

    Love that your challenge for your group was so meaningful to your life. Great job, truly beautiful, as are your backup projects.

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  13. krislovesfabricMarch 8, 2018 at 8:20 AM

    You are in my prayers today, your project is beautiful just like you! Your fmq sure is well done, wow!

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  14. CarolMarch 8, 2018 at 8:28 AM

    Your projects are lovely, and I especially like the word quilt. It is perfect to help you remember. The caterpillar and butterfly--awesome addition. Thanks for sharing!

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  15. Home Sewn By UsMarch 8, 2018 at 8:33 AM

    Hi Colette,
    Congrats to you on your 5th year of blogging! That is a great accomplishment! Woot woot!
    ~smile~ Roseanne

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  16. LJMarch 8, 2018 at 8:39 AM

    Congratulations on your transformation - the quilt and in real life. The quilt has been done so well and your quilting is excellent; I'm a quilt stitching beginner so I KNOW! May your transformation continue as you hold your sweetie in your heart.

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  17. Carol SwiftMarch 8, 2018 at 8:49 AM

    I hadn't realized the significance of this day when I gave you this date. I remember the heartbreak and helplessness I felt for you and have watched your "transformation" over this long, long year. You've come a long way in faith, strength, and endurance...love you sweet lady! Your transformation project is beautiful! Thank you for hopping with us today. xo

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  18. Rozz01March 8, 2018 at 8:49 AM

    You outdid yourself in creating the mini Transformation, the striking red cardinal and wreath wall hanging. rozz01(at)cox(dot)net

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  19. Mary AnnMarch 8, 2018 at 8:53 AM

    My condolences n the loss of your husband. I am sure it has been a hard year, {{{Hugs}}}
    Your projects are beautiful and I am sure your Transformation quilt will inspire others. Your cardinal and wreath are lovely too. I love cardinals. I hope you have a blessed year.

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  20. CarlaMarch 8, 2018 at 9:40 AM

    Transformation is a beauty. Your stitching of the catepillar to the butterfly is amazing. You can draw, girl! It's too beautiful for me to find the right words. You have been through a lot this year and yet you still have your sparkle. You are amazing, Colette! Hugs to you on this day and always.
    Congrats on your 5 year blogiversary!

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  21. Needled MomMarch 8, 2018 at 10:51 AM

    Great mini projects, Colette. I love your Transformation piece with the caterpillar and butterfly. The wreath is gorgeous too. I had not heard that about cardinals before. Perhaps that is because we do not have cardinals here.

    Happy birthday and happy blogaversary.

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  22. CalicojoanMarch 8, 2018 at 11:20 AM

    Wow, I love your transformation... as well as all the other little projects you shared. That wreath is gorgeous!!!

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  23. Jocelyn is Canadian Needle NanaMarch 8, 2018 at 11:49 AM

    Well, I will echo your other commenters to say how much I too loved your transformation piece. Perfect choice of fabrics representing your ideas all the way through. Inspired!

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  24. Marjorie's Busy CornerMarch 8, 2018 at 12:49 PM

    They are all just glorious! Can't pick a favorite, but I did make that wreathe once and loved it. Enjoy the hop

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  25. Patty March 8, 2018 at 1:06 PM

    Beautiful quilt.

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  26. allthingzsewnMarch 8, 2018 at 2:10 PM

    I agree 2fers are great, your's are no exception. Your quilting is looking good.

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  27. SusanMarch 8, 2018 at 2:25 PM

    Love your Transformation piece - the butterfly is a perfect addition

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  28. SherryMarch 8, 2018 at 3:17 PM

    Very pretty projects. I want to do a cardinal for my aunt for Christmas and
    I also like that wreath very much. Might do one of those someday.

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  29. Farm QuilterMarch 8, 2018 at 3:35 PM

    Your mini quilt is beautiful and the word you chose is perfect for you. That first year is hard, but when you look back you can see how far you have come on this new journey. Your back-up projects are wonderful too! Your problem with the binding may be that your binding is too wide and/or too thick. Several others on this hop have commented on how they have switched to a single-thickness binding for small projects that won't get the wear and tear that a quilt gets. I'm going to try that on my next small project...maybe that pattern from your lovely giveaway!!!

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  30. QuiltsmilesMarch 8, 2018 at 3:40 PM

    Colette your transformation quilt is beautiful. Your quilting oils awesome and I ice the subliminal Quito g with the intention, well done.
    Your other. Finishes are fabulous too, love that cardinal hanging and your giveaway! Happy Anniversary,

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  31. BillieBee (billiemick)March 8, 2018 at 3:49 PM

    Love all your projects! Especially the first. Gorgeous fabric.

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  32. Kathy E.March 8, 2018 at 5:10 PM

    Such beautiful projects! I really admire and love your use of color...you aren't afraid of it! I always think of my mom when I see a cardinal and it gives me peace.

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  33. Bev @ kwiltpharmMarch 8, 2018 at 6:25 PM

    great post......I think I may have to try small things so they get done. Your free motion quilting looks great, keep going!

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  34. KimMarch 8, 2018 at 7:11 PM

    Your minis are beautiful! Love the quilting on the transformation quilt.

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  35. LIttle Penguin QuiltsMarch 8, 2018 at 7:35 PM

    I love all your small quilt projects! Your word is perfect for you, as is the cardinal. I've been wanting to make a small cardinal wall-hanging - yours is beautiful!

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  36. RosieGmaMarch 8, 2018 at 8:07 PM

    Like the idea of a word quilt. And i love cardinals also. My mother passed when i was 10 yrs old. So i know seeing these lovely birds is heartfelt.

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  37. Cheryl's Teapots2QuiltingMarch 8, 2018 at 9:13 PM

    I'm all for combining challenges. I'm thinking of doing the same for 2 different groups I'm in. Gotta get started on it soon (first challenge is due in June).

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  38. barbara woods bewtjw@gmail.comMarch 8, 2018 at 9:50 PM

    Beautiful moving wall hanging

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  39. Kathy HMarch 8, 2018 at 10:23 PM

    I think the transformation quilt is great. A great idea. I want to make that cardinal quilt too. My favorite bird.

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  40. BethMarch 8, 2018 at 11:23 PM

    I had never heard that saying about cardinals, but whenever I see one--or an image of one--I always think of my mother, so I would tend to believe it. Thanks for sharing that sweet thought. Your project is very pretty--quite nice for a "back-up". :)

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  41. Sharon AuroraMarch 9, 2018 at 12:56 AM

    I love your Cardinal wall hanging! Thanks for the giveaway.

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  42. GranChrisMarch 9, 2018 at 1:20 AM

    Cardinals are a sign of hope to me. A sad year for you for sure. No words only thoughts of encouragement, just keep going. Jmikebalou (at) aol (dot) com

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  43. TuridMarch 9, 2018 at 2:32 AM

    I immediately fell in love with that Cardinal. And your word quilt showed me that I can applique with straight lines, thanks. Wasn't this a fun blog hop? I've learnt so much and seen so many beautiful small quilts.

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  44. MartinaMarch 10, 2018 at 2:03 PM

    Such lovely projects! I especially love the transformation quilt with the butterfly, so meaningful!

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  45. CorrieMarch 10, 2018 at 11:25 PM

    I agree with everyone else, your projects are lovely, creative and sweet. Thank you for sharing your word and your thoughts.

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Thanks for dropping in to visit.

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