2.27.2010

Wk 9's last block, "stability"

OK, I was really planning to try some curved piecing on this one but then I wanted to finish on the first try and said forget about it! Happily appliqued, this 'lil gem was done in NO time. I paper pieced once I finished the appliqued center. Easy Peasy.

When I finally attempt curved piecing, I think I'll try on bigger blocks. When in doubt, applique!!!

Week 8's F-9

WHEW. Glad to see I'm done with this week's blocks. If I were not following a set schedule, I'd have saved this block for much later on. Needless to say, it's on the re-do list.
I used needle turn applique for both layers and may have tried reverse applique for better (and FASTER) results. To keep up with the group this week, I need to complete one other block and I'll be good to go....I may have time for the midget blocks from sentimental stitches very soon!!! I'm pulling out scraps and printing patterns, getting things prepped.
Happy Quilting!

2.22.2010

Mini Block Mania

In an earlier post, I mentioned the Sentimental Stitches site which I adore...and admittedly spend a bit too much time on. In March, a US yahoo group is doing a red/white/blue 30s reproduction mini swap from these wonderful patterns and another group of INTERNATIONAL quilters is scheduled for a mixed 30s from the very same site in April. I'm really looking forward to working with these blocks---they will be my very first block swaps---how exciting! I've been busy looking through my fabrics and pouring over the patterns to find several to do for the swaps...and of course, a couple for me, too.

A big, warm welcome to my followers. One can never have too many creative, quilty and/or crafty friends. Please feel free to leave comments. I truly enjoy them.

In other news, I have successfully avoided F-9 another week and will have to face it soon as it's due next Monday. Hopefully, I'll conquer this nasty little beastie soon and post pictures.

Happy Quilting!



2.21.2010

Yes, I Have Been Piecing. WK 8ish

HI everyone! I have not forgotton my little spot on the internet. It's been an especially crazed week but I still managed to get some hexagons cut and a few more JANE blocks done. I'm working ahead of the group while I can because there are a couple mini block swaps coming up very soon and other busy life stuff that tends to get in the way of my quilty time.

I can't sit still for long so I'd like to prep some applique take along projects. If I manage to get a couple more done early this week as planned (which is a big IF) I'll be sure to update again soon.

Have a wonderful week and Happy Quilting.

2.14.2010

PROGRESS!!


Not too shabby for a month and  a half into JANE. I'm taking a break this week to bake cookies, relax, and at least think about the hexagon project...promise.

2.12.2010

Week 7 Blocks


Here we are at week 7 already...time flies when you're having fun. I substituted I-11 this week for the scheduled F-9 because I think a week of mostly paper piecing would make 2 layers of applique easier to digest. Technically, I think I'm supposed to sew curves on F-9 then applique but I'm skipping the curves now for a less complex block later. When in doubt, applique...I think that's going to be my new motto! At the time of this post, a demo has not been completed on "That Quilt" or the board. It could be reverse appliqued but I'd like to keep the seams for now...we'll see when it comes down to it.

The yahoo group is having a charm swap of 8" reproduction prints...if you'd like in, please email me for details.

In other news, the hubs is helping to cut hexagons with me this weekend...what a sweetheart! I've got a keeper for sure!! Now I'll be able to get a jump on that one and get it moving, too. Having some consistent piecing going on will be a bit of down time from the mania that is JANE. I always swore I would never start a big project before completing my current one to avoid UFOs, WIPs and whatever else they're known as...Lesson Learned: Never say NEVER.

Happy Quilting!

2.08.2010

Did I say 2? 3!

Last night I added another block to the completed pile. Tour de France went so quickly it was unbelieveable. I think I'm taking a liking to applique. It's comforting like hand quilting for me. I even did a bit by freezer paper method to give it a shot.

The Clover mini iron is essential to freezer paper method. If you don't have one, add it to the must haves. I'm sure as I go along I'll find other notions that help the process but I've not been using the special pins at all. That was an essential from all the advice I received....I am just using my flower head pin (usually one per shape) and back basting or using freezer paper. It's the inexpensive giant grocery store type because...well, my frugality cheap runs deep! LOL.

I am still more comfortable with basting for the take along projects...there's very little mess---just a few threads and a bit of trimming to watch for. You can also remove any pins from your project once it's basted so it's perfect around little people.

When I'm home and can immediately begin a project, freezer paper RULES! I must have tried it with my regular iron the first attempt because the mini iron shape makes the edge just pop right on to the paper. If you haven't given it a try, take a moment to save yourself some serious time down the road.

Happy APPLIQUE!

2.07.2010

2 More Done!!

Happy Superbowl Sunday AKA Super Sewing Sunday! It went well here---applique and all. I finished Grandpa's Chickens and Decisions, Decisions & made fabric selections for Tour de France and Autumn Aster. I'll get the other 2 done soon and post pix.
Happy Quilting!!

2.06.2010

Week 6 Blocks

Would you like to know how to make JANE even more challenging? Use directional fabrics! Many of my 30s prints are directional and I didn't really give it much thought until this week. I may start mirroring if it bothers me later but I don't think it's worth the time & effort to re-do when I'm really happy with the applique & piecing on the upper right hand block. It's hard to believe but I'm almost done with all of February's scheduled blocks. Later this week....more applique! I should have plenty of time to work on midget blocks and charm squares to swap. Hopefully, I'll find some enthusiasm for the hexi project again, too.

Yesterday, I downloaded the Bunny Hill Designs A Tisket A Tasket & will be sure to print them off soon so I have a hard copy available when I am ready for it. *Anne at Bunny Hill let me know that the designs will be up for a limited time...just another week and a half----so be sure to make the time ASAP. *

2.03.2010

Bunny Hill Designs' Fabu Redwork/Applique FREE Block of the Month Patterns

I never thought I'd be on the hunt for applique patterns until *JANE* but today I browsed. I'm definitely not putting any money into other projects for now, but it couldn't hurt to look for free patterns to add to the to do list, right? Harmless. I'm thinking with the stash I can pull a few projects out of the sewing room at minimal cost & will occasionally post so you can add them to your lists, too!

Now, for the goodies....Bunny Hill Designs has a new block of the month for 2010----snowmen! It's called "Snowbound". The January block is up AND just in case you missed it, all the blocks from 2009 A Tisket, A Tasket are still available for download.

Happy quilty thoughts.

2.02.2010

My FIRST Tute: Selvage Square Tutorial


The above link will take you to Scribd, a file sharing site. If you prefer a quilt related site or PDF download format, please see the same tutorial at The Quilting Board.

The squares can be used for pincushions----I embellished mine with buttons & think it's positively adorable! You can create keepsakes for projects you're passing along to someone else, gifts for quilty friends or you can save your completed squares for a quilt top. Please see Karen Griska's Blogger site called The Selvage Blog for some fantastic ideas and pure inspiration. A reader sent me her information after my tute was published on the Quilting Board.

These are so much fun to do and a great use of fabric that is normally discarded by most quilters. If you haven't been saving them, there's no time like the present.
Happy Quilting =)

2.01.2010

Week 6 blocks started

The first block of the next set (technically week 6, though I just started 4 wks ago) is complete! YAY!! Happy Dancing. This week has 2 applique blocks and another pieced block that reminds me of the dark yellow and white of last week.

I feel like I'm ready for a break and do need to catch up on some of other projects. It's true---I do discuss other projects, promise! The next year or so will be primarily devoted to JANE, so please bear with my non-stop JANE-related postings. I will mix it up from time to time.

I have been neglecting some blocks that are now gathering dust and guilt is beginning to get to me. It's a hexagon project, though...so those of you who have done one inevitably reached this degree of avoidance at some point...or maybe it's just me!

Happy Quilting