RSVP Block 2

EQ Block: Weathervane

As you can imagine, the final week of summer break has left me with very little time. I completed another RSVP block and cut most of an applique block out. However, the applique background fabric doesn't work for me and I haven't found the time to get over to the quilt shop yet. I probably won't get to it this week, but will have to make time soon so I can back to my Baby Jane.

Speaking of Jane, 30s goodies arrived this week! I heart fun mail!! Thank you so much!

Why is it when you're pressed for time, you have machine issues? It's been a while since I've had it in for maintenance and I have been overdoing it a bit lately...if I can just hold off until I get the main blocks done, I'll be happy. Thank goodness the old White is here on standby.
We've been getting reacquainted today.
Happy Quilting,
Heather

PS I just saw a post about a lovely (I'm guessing 30s) quilt on Cumberland Island Quilt Chick with printed linen in it. I just received some this past weekend from my great grandmother's stash via mom. Thought you might like to take a little peek at vintage printed linen. GORGEOUS!----and, they're in pink and green, so you know I'm thrilled.

A Change of Pace

EQ's Merry Kite Pattern

My first RSVP fall-themed block is complete. After working exclusively with 4.5 inch blocks for over 6 months, 12.5" looks gigantic. Since my stash revolves around brights and pastels (mostly 30s, as you already know)...I had to go shopping for autumn bits. I made the mistake of purchasing such small pieces that I'll have to go back. I know, right? Poor me, having to return to my favorite quilt shop. When working with DJ blocks, you can make a block completely from scraps so a fat quarter seems like a lot of fabric. In making gigantic (standard size) blocks, not so much. Luckily, I save just about everything and found the maroon batik folded nicely in the back of my organizer pocket after wishing I had just a tiny bit more from a block I sent 2 years ago. Thank you fabric fairy!

A little bird told me that Pip is sending RSVP a couple of blocks...if you'd like to check out her progress, please click PIP for the Rest is Not Idleness blog. While you're there, be sure to check out all the other gorgeous goodies she's been busy with. Pip's making cheese, sweets, working on her Dear Jane....she's one busy lady and a great person to know!

If you'd like to get in on the fun, be sure to send me an email at heatherl02 at hotmail dot com so we can watch your progress, too. 

Happy Quilting,

Heather 

P.S. In case you missed it, I guest blogged for Stash Manicure again. Pictures of my vintage grandmothers flower garden blocks are available HERE.

Week 29: Feeling Sew Fine

 

K-1, A-2, C-13

6 more for the completed list!! Several readers have asked how I take projects along with me. I have my own kit prepped and ready to go and it rarely leaves my purse. 

B-9, K-11, J-9

When I have some time in betwen errands, a bit of extra time at the library, or before a meeting, I have my trusty projects ready and waiting and after a short applique session, another block is ready for the completed list. I love that. Next, in a separate baggie, I keep my current block. If it's a combination, I piece what I can first and prep the applique pieces for later. Most of my applique is done outside of my home now.

The kit includes a YLI silk thread spool, sharp small scissors just the size for thread cutting, a couple extra applique pins (which I do use on the tiniest of pieces now---call me a convert), a fresh needle or two and just in case, a marking pencil. I prefer the Fons & Porter lead colored pencil for most things and do have a light version to write on darks...I almost never use that one. The F&P version seems to come out well on the fabrics I use most often. I'm very happy with this relatively recent discovery. Next, in a separate baggie, I keep my current block. If it's a combination, I piece what I can first and prep the applique pieces for later. Most of my applique is done outside of the house.

I took a little time for myself this past week and read Sew Retro. What a little gem! At first, I was so busy thumbing through to find the latest mod projects, I really looked past a lot of wonderful information. It's well worth your time to read this one. Judi Ketteler provides an interesting historical perspective on sewing from a feminist point of view and I have to say, it's eye opening. When you have a bit of time to pour over the lovely pages of Sew Retro, you'll find interviews with some of the top designers today (including Judi Rothermel!!), some new projects to add to your must have list and I'm willing to bet a surprise or two.

Speaking of surprises, I had so much fun making headbands designed by Judi Ketteler, I've decided to give a few away. Be one of the first three to respond, stating you'll host a giveaway for Pay it Forward on your blog and your favorite fabric from my recent windfall from Sew LA and I'll get in touch.

As a child of the 70s, School House Rock taught us Elias Howe is credited for inventing the sewing machine...need a refresher? Let's just say, it isn't so. Oh, School House, what other facts have been left out  of some of my favorite tunes from childhood? 

Happy Sewing, 

Heather

116 Blocks on the Completed List!

Week 28 or so, I have a grand total of 116 blocks! Just 52 more of the center beauties to go....not including the triangles, of course. I'm still on the fence about them and probably won't know for certain until the center blocks are done and I've had a nice month or so to refocus.

Happy Quilting!

Heather

SUPER FUN MAIL!!

The latest version mailed out this week.

Oh, what a week! My AccuQuilt GO! arrived Monday and I have been cutting strips daily. 

It's SO easy to use. 

I've been going though some larger 30s scraps from my DJ blocks and making them into various lengths of 2.5" strips for Stefanie Roman's cards----oh, yes, I'm still happily churning those out regularly. 

In other news, my SEW LA fabric and Sew Retro book arrived yesterday afternoon. I couldn't wait to dig in and have already made 4 headbands from the book in just about no time. No doubt I'll add other projects to my wardrobe before long. They're super cute, EASY and make me want an entire collection for daily wear. I'm not alone - the gift requests are rolling in. 

Inspired by my recent good luck, I've decided to start a tutorial page for the blog. Please bear with me over the next couple of weeks as it is a work in progress. Every picture on the site should enlarge if clicked on. Please let me know if you have any difficulties viewing the goodies. 

Happy Retro Sewing!!

Heather