Journey of a cutting table

The idea of incorporating this dresser into a cutting table has been in the planning stages for years, and it has been quite the journey. . . .

which started with some major bribing and pleading (homemade chocolate chip cookies) . . . 

a table top from Ikea

some muscle power and big tools, and more bribing . . .

and some creativity.

I needed to incorporate the dresser cuz it is full of fabric, and I didn't have room for both pieces in my sewing room.  

I absolutely love this antique blue.  And since my husband won't let me paint the whole kitchen in it, this will fill the niche.  (he probably knows he'd end up being the designated painter :) #hefinishesallmyprojects 

gotta have new hardware!

"Pleased as punch" describes the mood around here.  I think my family will be happy when the newness wears off, they're getting tired of me pulling them into my sewing room to show off these beautiful details (talk about my new table)

Time to put the fabric away.

What do you use for cutting your fabric?  Are you still taking the cutting phase of your quilting projects down to the kitchen where the counter top is taller?  or are you just dealing with the sore back?

giant flying geese

Once in a great while, when the seasons are changing, I'll hear distant cries.  I quickly run outside to witness the majestic site of a flock of geese, migrating to some distant location.  For a few moments, time stands still, and my heart sings.  

 Giant geese

This is my new "go-to" fast quilt, and a great option for donation quilts.  I can get one done in 6-7 hours (maybe faster for you, I'm pretty slow),   a good "purge exercise".

The idea is to use as much of a fat quarter as you can.  So I've done 17 inch squares, but 14 inch is my favorite.  When time is of the essence, it's an easier size to work with, and I like the finished look.

I was skeptical about this tool, then I tried it ...  it is amazing!  No ink showing through, and it is easy to see.  Available at the big box or your LQS.

I dug through my box of "left-overs" to make the back.  A left-overs box is what happens when you divert from pattern directions frequently :)

If I don't have much white fabric in the top and back, I use my batting scraps, spray basting them well so they stay close until quilted.

 My current go-to free motion quilting design has been this big scroll with a large empty center.  After it's washed, the middle puffs up creating a nice contrast, and soft finished feel.

 

stats:

10 light fat quarters

10 dark fat quarters

or 20 - 14 inch squares 

66 x 54 finished, washed

What's your favorite quick quilt to make?

linked:

fabric addict

she can quilt

crazy mom