Author Archives: mlwilkie

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About mlwilkie

Software Developer, Mother, Wife with keen interest in art, design and crafts of all kinds.

April’s progress report {WiPs}

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I am one of those folks that need a list to get things done. It helps me in two ways, keeps everything in order that I can no longer keep track of in my head, and also helps me celebrate when things get checked off the list. Additionally, posting my “to do” list here, provides me a level of accountability.

The list of things that are currently active is probably a little crazy at the moment. I finally have realized that I am never going to be a one project kind of girl ;-).

Almost finished, is this piece, NY High Line. The straight line quilting is progressing, and I see the light. This has been the project that I have avoided and severely procrastinated over. The 1/2″ quilting lines are color thread matched.

Some of my book projects are also coming along. I started the rainbow medallion quilt this week and I love how it’s already coming to life. I decided to break out my Carolyn Friedlander stash for this one.

I am loving traveling with this needle turn applique project (Manicured Garden). It’s perfect for all the wait-times in the airport and flying time.

The complete list of projects and stages is:

Project Dates Current Status
 NY High Line  April  TOP, BACK, BASTE, QUILT (Underway), BIND
 Medallion  May  TOP (Underway), BACK, BASTE, QUILT, BIND
 Project 1 (Secret)  June  TOP, BACK, BASTE, QUILT, BIND
 Project 2 (Secret)  July  TOP, BACK, BASTE, QUILT, BIND
Project 3 (Secret) August TOP, BACK, BASTE, QUILT, BIND
Graveyard August TOP, BACK, BASTE, QUILT, BIND
 Trellis  September  TOP, BACK, BASTE, QUILT, BIND
 Manicured Garden September TOP (Underway), BACK, BASTE, QUILT, BIND
 Abstract Triangles II & III  May  Pattern Release
 Phased Circles & Lunar Lines  June  Pattern Release
 Square Dance  July  Pattern Release

That’s my progress this week. I’ll check in each month here on my blog but you can always catch-up on my Instagram feed (ml_wilkie). How do you all keep track of your projects? Are you a one project or multi-project kind of person?

Re-engaging Mental Pathways {Quilt Design a Day}

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Even though, I have been administrating Quilt Design a Day, it has been a while where I have been practicing on a regular basis. It was time that changed, time to get my brain re-engaged.

Here are my recent quilt design a day designs. There ones I like and more I don’t like, but that’s what I like about the challenge.

Inspiration: Succulent Leaf


Source: Design Seeds https://www.design-seeds.com/in-nature/succulents/succulent-tones-4/

Design:

Inspiration: Easter Eggs


Source: Design Seeds https://www.design-seeds.com/edible-hues/sweet-tooth/color-pick/

Design:

Inspiration: Center of the flower


Source: Design Seeds https://www.design-seeds.com/seasons/spring/spring-hues-2/

Design:

This one had a few iterations before landing on this one:

Below are Iterations 1 & 2:

Inspiration: Seaside Pools


Source: Design Seeds https://www.design-seeds.com/wander/wanderlust/mental-vacation-9/

Design:

Inspiration: Group of Succulents


Source: Design Seeds https://www.design-seeds.com/in-nature/succulents/succulent-hues-23/

Design:

Inspiration: Paint Powder


Source: Design Seeds https://www.design-seeds.com/studio-hues/collage/color-create-6/

Design 1: Lines

Design 2: Lines & Curves

Inspiration: Doorway


Source: Design Seeds https://www.design-seeds.com/wander/wanderlust/a-door-tones-4/

Design: Final Design was rotated from the literal representation of the door way.

Original Orientation and design:

It’s been fun getting back into it and getting the mental pathways for designing working again. This week (starting tomorrow) is our Medallion Week Challenge, where folks build on their design each day until they have a Medallion quilt (center + 6 rows). The theme is going to be architecture.

Come by and take a look at what folks are coming up with. For more of my designs from QDAD check out my page.

Please Note: If you would like to make or use one of my designs, please email me (ml_wilkie(at)hotmail(dot)com) or leave a comment below. I am happy to talk with you on options and provide the relevant measurements etc. or have you test out a pattern. Also, if you use one of my designs, please use the following text to credit me the design: “Designed by Michelle Wilkie @ Factotum of Arts”.

 

Reigniting Creativity + Giveaway

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I am excited to see the progress in some of my projects at the moment. Things are finally moving forward. I am traveling a bit for work at the moment, which has led to a great opportunity to diversify my projects. I think it has reignited my creativity.

I took a great class with Season Evans on hand quilting small stitches at QuiltCon. Since taking that class I am now confident in tackling the hand quilting I want to add to Orange Creamsicle quilt top. Luckily, I have a trip scheduled next week, so with my 28wt Aurifil thread in hand, I can start adding some of those lines.

The other travel project at the moment, is an applique project for my book. The blocks have been a lot of fun and I have found them relaxing. I have really enjoyed playing with selections of fabrics from my Alison Glass stash.

The bottom right block is all basted and ready for stitching. I now have plenty of choice in thread colors with my new box set of 80 wt threads, that I picked up this week from the Fat Quarter Shop. It’s fantastic for applique, you hardly see the stitches.


(FYI…I am using #ideadesigncreatequilt if you want to check out progress of my book projects over the next year).

Giveaway

UPDATE: Giveaway closed, winners have been contacted (Emily + Wendy).

Since, I bought my new box of threads of 80wt Aurifil,  I have some duplicate spools from a previous purchase. I would love to share these with a couple of people who are interested in trying it out. I have two “collections” of 5 spools (one neutral, the other multi-colored). I will randomly choose 2 winner’s next Monday at 10pm EST.

To win one of these “collections”, leave a comment below letting me know your favorite applique tutorial and/or technique.

 

 

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