Quilting Bucket Lists

At the beginning of the year I challenged myself to step out of my box to learn new techniques. I love learning and I love quilting so I made myself a "Bucket List" of techniques that I want to learn how to do. Some of the techniques I have already started on and others are still on my to-do list. I also have a few patterns that I really want to do but are a matter of setting aside the time to do it.
I always shy away from Applique. It can add such a detailed touch to a project and yet if I see applique in a pattern I will often drop it like a hot potato and choose something else. I have done some raw edge applique in the past but have never done any turned-edge applique. So it is on my list of things to learn. Last week I found a project with it and told myself that I was going to do it. I have watched a few tutorials on it now, mostly by Lori Holt and am hoping to start it in the next couple weeks.
Paper Piecing, both Foundation and English, were also on my list of things to do. I had started the Elephant Abstractions quilt by Violet Craft several years ago, but it got pushed to the side when other projects came along. I pulled it out last month and completed it, so I can cross it off the Works In Progress List as well as the bucket list. The only problem is that I loved doing it and now I have more FPP projects that I want to do.
I started an EPP project when I was on vacation in Mexico this past Christmas, and am loving it, I am doing the Lion by Violet Craft which I am finding more fun than the Hexagons which I started 3 years ago. It is such a nice thing to work on in the evenings, I am finished the face and just need to complete the mane and background now, but since I am currently caught up on hand binding I will be able to work on it again.
I have always bound all my quilts by hand, but I wanted to learn machine binding as well and added that to my list. I have done about 6 quilts now, and I have improved though it is far from perfect yet.
Also on my Bucket list is to learn how to Hand Quilt. I love the look of it, but have never tried it. Hopefully I will be brave enough to attempt it at some point this year.
I have wanted to do the Gypsy Wife quilt for some time, and so I am really enjoying the Quilt Along, because I am actually getting the blocks done, and I am so excited for it to be finished.
We received Lori Holt's Vintage Christmas book a couple weeks ago and it has been added to my list of quilts to make one day! I adore the quilt.

I also have the Moda Dessert Sampler on my list. It is a kit that we got in this past fall and I would really like to get it done, but it looks like it may be a time consuming project.
I also have a Bargello and a 3D Illusion Quilt on my list for when time is no longer an issue, ha ha.

It can be easy to stay in a self made quilters box, using the same techniques and colors, but it can be a lot of fun to break down those walls and try new things. A great way to step out is to sign up for a class, and learn from someone who is confident in doing the technique, while spending time with other quilters eager to learn just as you are.
Do you have a bucket list of quilts you want to make or new techniques to learn? I would love to hear what they are so leave a comment below.
Kayla

January Classes

January is right around the corner, and with it a new class list. Many of these classes we have held before, but there have been several requests to run them again.

On Saturday January 12, Esther will be teaching a Tuffet class, we have not done this class in quite some time, but several people have asked u to teach it again. The Tuffet is a cute little stool, and we use a 15 degree ruler to cut the wedges. Layout of color and the fabrics chosen make each tuffet truly unique. The class will run from 10am-2pm. The fee is $125, which also includes the hardware kit (foam, legs, wood base). The fabric, ruler and pattern are an additional cost. 

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We are also doing the Jelly Roll Rug Class again. This time around we will do it over two evenings with some homework in between, rather than one long day of sewing. The dates are January 15 and 29 from 7-9pm. The class fee is $40, and the pattern, fabric and batting are extra. We just received the Colossal Round Rug Pattern which uses two jelly rolls, and measures 54" in diameter. You may use this pattern instead of the Original Jelly Roll Rug, but you may not finish it in the allotted class time. 

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Laura has fallen in love with English Paper Piecing (EPP) and will be teaching a class so you cn learn to love it as well. She will be teaching the Sunflower Pattern by Violet Craft. The project finishes at 40" square, and would be a great for the coming spring. The class fee is $60 an we will have kits available for $115. The class will include 3 sessions of instruction and sewing which will take place from 7-9pm on January 22, February 5, and February 19.

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Esther will also be teaching two Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) classes. The class fee of $50 includes the pattern and fabrics to make either a Valentine or Spring Table Topper. This is a great beginner class for those that have never done FPP but would like to give it a try, or a great refresher course for those wanting to get back into it. She will teach one evening class, which will take place over two sessions, January 17 and 24 from 7-9pm, and a day course that runs 10am-2pm on January 24. 

If any of these classes interest you, sign up in store, or by email or phone. 

Our Holiday Hours for the next two weeks are listed below:

December 24: 10am-1pm

December 25 and 26: Closed

December 27 and 28: 10am-5pm

December 29: 10am-4pm

December 30: Closed

December 31: 10am-1pm

January 1 and 2: Closed

January 3: Regular Hours Resume

This will be the last blog post until January 4th as my family will be going to Mexico for a Christmas Vacation.

On the behalf of all the Chicken Feed Quilts Staff I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.

Thank you again for your continued support in all our endeavors and I look forward to seeing you all again in 2019.

Kayla