February 17, 2014

When it rains...

When it snows, it's only right to make snowmen.  What do you sew when it is grey and drab and rains (pours) all the time?  Well plaid blocks, of course.

I've spent much of the last week making a few more blocks from the Just Takes Two BOM from a year or two ago.  My method is to look through the remaining undone blocks and pick the easiest ones--which isn't a good method as they get harder and harder.  I still have quite a few more to go. 
I'm also trying to use up pre-cut squares I have left from earlier plaid projects.  Definitely forces the blocks to be a bit mixed up, which I like, and blends well with my lack of precision when putting the blocks together, as a couple didn't end up being the right size. 
 
I think there may have been a correction done after I printed out the instructions that I didn't pay attention to (and I apparently can't read), so I've created slightly new blocks.  I figure they will fit together (or not) when I get them all done, and if not, I'll just use a few fill strips or blocks. 
 
 
The basket block is one example--I just sized it up to the next size and will trim off the extra when the time comes.  And the block to its lower right is another example.  They were supposed to be 3 of the little blocks, but since each ended up exactly 1/2 inch too small, I made a 4th and stitched them all together. I may eventually just create a few more blocks of my own.   And note to self:  Measure, READ, and check the math before you cut and sew them.  Duh.  
 
After a week of plaid, though, I'm ready to move on to some sunshine (yes, I'm trying to be hopeful).  And, no, I still haven't done anything about those bothersome pyramids...  Maybe it's their turn this week?  Doubtful.  I've something new I'd like to start.  ;)   


  Hope you are staying warm--Happy Stitching & Happy President's Day!

February 14, 2014

Snow Sewing

A week ago, our street looked like this: 
 
 
Which was just the inspiration for me to work on these guys:

 

These are the first two blocks of the BOM that Cindy of Quilt Doodle Doodles is hosting.  (I added red shutters to my window--just seemed like they were needed.)

It's not too late for you to join in the fun! 

February 05, 2014

Stitch by Stitch

Inch by inch, stitch by stitch....another King George III circle is done!  Maybe in ten or so years all the circles will be finished! ;)
 
 
 
I figure if I post photos as I complete them, it will help me know how many or what to look for when I get them all done yet can't find them all.  (Despite having project bins and being relatively organized, a block or two always seem to wander off, stuck to the back of something else.)

We have a lovely bit of snow here today.  Hope you're staying warm!

February 03, 2014

Taking care of a little business

I've been pretty good this year, working on our taxes, Quicken, and putting our financial papers in order.  I've been making good progress, but finally gave in and had to do a little quilt related Kaffe "business" this weekend.

Saturday, I did a little laundry, washing the Flower Garden applique blocks I've finished in the last few months.  They are lined up on my never changing design wall.  (I really need to work on these pink/green triangles for the Pyramid quilt or take them down.)

  
I haven't counted them all up yet, but I think I'm done with all the Flower Garden center blocks.  ( I'd put an exclamation point after that sentence, but I don't want to end up disappointed if I find there are still a few more to go.)
Just another close up.  I sure hope this is all of them.
Sunday I spent working on a binding for Turn by Turn.  (The quilting was finished almost a year ago.)  Sigh.   It always seems to take so long to get it ready and sewn on.


Ended up being VERY lucky in the amount of binding--only an inch or two extra.  (not bad for not just guessing on the size and amount to make.) 


Love using the clover clips for binding.    What color of thread do you use with a print like this?  Seems like any color will show in one area or another. 


Now just a few days (weeks?) of hand stitching to go.  But oh, the Kaffe's are absolutely glorious to work on!    I guess stitching binding is a good way to stay warm.  Will save the big quilt reveal for when (IF) I ever get the binding sewn on.

I sure hope these fabrics that just happened to hop into a bin together don't interfere with my progress.  Seems that temptress Heather (who blogs at Happy Appliquer) started another BOM which just happened to catch my eye at a weak moment.  The BOM is hosted by Cindy at Quilt Doodle Doodles, and you can join the fun here.  Several speedy people have already posted their blocks on Pinterest--go here to see them.


Happy Quilting!