April Fool Car Wash by Diane Crawford

It’s been a rainy April here in the San Francisco Bay area. My car really needed a wash, but every time I had some time to have it washed, rain was in the forecast.  My car also needed just a bit of work (nothing serious) and when they were done, they washed the car—for free.  Wouldn’t you know that it rained the next day…At least it was a “free” car wash that got rained on.  So, that was the inspiration for this 15” x 24” project.  (BTW, the lightning is just for effect.  We never have lightning strikes here by The Bay.)

Hope Spring is finally coming to Wisconsin.

Thanks to both of you for another fun project.

Created by Diane Crawford for the Project QUILTING April Fools Challenge.

Tumbling Blues by Jen M

Here's my entry for the off season April Fool's challenge.

I call this quilt Tumbling Blues.    It is a triaxially woven quilt that finishes at 50 x 65 inches.   I felt it fit the challenge, because all of the strips needed to be completely finished so it would be a stand alone quilt.  The thought of doing all that prep work made me put it off for a solid week.   Then, I decided I just needed to do it or not, so I DID. 

I started by creating the set to create the kaleidoscope style weave.   I started with 40 fabrics and culled it down to 22.   I chose Kona Cotton Solids and Fossil Ferns all in shades of blues and white.    

First I cut these into 2.5 inch strips which went quickly on the accuquilt.  Then stitched the strips together to form long strips.   These were pressed in 1/4 inch on each side, then pressed in half and finally stitched closed so they could be woven.   I went through 16 bobbins stitching the strips!!

I wound the strips around bolts to keep them in order. I had over 40 hours amassed in doing this before I could even start the weaving.  

I modified a sheet of insulation foam to make the board for weaving.   Following the Wefty weaving instructions, I first put down the verticals and then started with the second layer at 30 degrees.    The final layer finished the quilt. 

I took it to the long arm and did a meander in a middle blue color to keep it together when washed.  Finally I bound the quilt.   I am amazed how heavy it is.

I create in Madison, WI.

Thanks!

--Jen

The Electric Needle