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Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Mistakes are fun

More quilt blocks finished:

Two strip blocks side by side.  
I misunderstood the directions for March's blocks this time and they have backing fabric all the way out to the edges.  This makes the blocks too bulky to put into the quilt.  So, I intend to make those into pillows.

March Block 1
March Block 2
 Last night, I wanted to sew but didn't have any particular blocks to make.  I just cut up some squares and strips that I already had to make a non-Wonky Pound Sign Block.

Not a Wonky Pound Sign block
and another Wonky Pound Sign block, this time using scrap fabrics so it is not a 12.5" block.  I will either sash it to size or use it for a pillow.

Wonky Pound Sign
They were a lot of fun to make.  Made for several relaxing evenings.

Monday, April 23, 2012

More quilt bocks

Last night, I completed two more blocks.  I'm finding the blocks make a good break from working on my thesis.  It's definitely reducing my stress & anxiety levels.

Chunky Chevron Block

Balkan Puzzle Block
The Balkan Puzzle Block was constructed using the technique where 2 layers of fabric are sewn together in a square, all around the outside, and then the blocks are cut into 4 pieces on the diagonal.  The Chunky Chevron used the technique that is more traditional - 2 layers of fabric, one marked on the diagonal, have 2 seams sewn onto each - each one sewn 1/4" from the line.  Then they are cut into 2 pieces along the drawn line.  I actually liked the traditional way better.  Either way, however, I am happy with how they came out.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Cute summer top

We finally had a warm and sunny day!  I started going through my summer clothes.  I realized that I had never updated my review on www.patternreview.com so I took some photos of the back and front views.  I plan to make a few more of these blouses for the summer to use up some lightweight fabric in my stash.

The first try with this blouse

Needs to be a bit larger around the hips and a bit longer

This is the version in which I lowered the CF neckline and enlarged the hip area and lengthened it.

Back view - still not quite big enough

I want to increase the size at the hip just a bit more, and add side vents.  This blouse was made in inexpensive cotton from Walmart - lighter than a quilting cotton.  It has green dots and red ladybugs and is very cute.

Lady bug print

Ivory and red print with trim

Asterisk & Wonky Pound Sign

My next project - the Craftsy Block of the Month Club

My completed January blocks

Asterisk Block

Wonky Pound Sign Block
I liked making the Wonky Pound Sign block better than Asterisk - it wasn't as fussy and came out better looking.  I wish I could have gotten better colors but I took the photos at night.  The pale solid is a buff / off white Kona cotton.

Completed quilt top - love these colors!!!

Quilt top done!  I won't be working with jelly rolls that have pinked edges again.  The width was more than 2.5" so I just kind of had to eyeball halfway between the points and valleys of the pinked edge to make a good seam.  So many seams ended up smaller or larger than needed.  Anyway, next time I will just buy yardage and cut my own strips.

I set up my sewing machine with the cutting board behind it and the ironing board to the right.  Easy to keep working.

Blocks completed
After the blocks were done, I chose the squares to put into each corner.

Completed quilt top

I love the color combination and the prints.  After I buy a quilt batting, I will try my hand at quilting with my machine.

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Starting two quilts

I haven't been much of a quilter and wondered why people would find it satisfying to cut up yardage just to sew it back together in shapes.  But, now I am starting two quilts!  The last quilt I made was a tied Quilt in a Day for my daybed in high school.  Long time ago and a very simple quilt.

Quilt one will be the Double Nine Patch:


 from the "More Layer Cake, Jelly Roll & Charm Quilts" book.

I really like the designs in this book and hope to make several others.  It's a nice blend of modern and traditional.


 I'm using all Moda Fabrics in this quilt.  The first three pics are of the Reunion jelly roll.


Here are the sashing, Bella Solids in gray, and the backing fabric, Reunion Dates (in Vanilla).  I love the grays and the modern feel of the fabrics.  Hopefully, this will be a lovely quilt when finished.









My second quilt is from the Craftsy Block of the Month series.  My mom is working on one and it caught my interest.  I signed up for the free series today.  I can't wait to figure out what fabrics I want to use and get going on it.

Craftsy Block of the Month