Happy to be Scrappy

Happy to be Scrappy

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Design Wall Saturday December 22nd

Well I finally made it to the last block.  Yes, I have not been posting.  But I knew that someone was peaking and they admitted to it.  So I'm glad that there are a few blocks that I have not shown.  So the end result will be something that they have not seen.  Not that the end result will be done any time near the Christmas holiday like it was supposed to.


I hope this looks like a turtle.  I think its supposed to.  I did take liberty with the colors on this one.  I don't have two different browns so instead of brown in the shell I put in purple.  It just makes for a brighter block.  So it is probably better any way.

Now it's on to the the layout and to get the sashing figured out.  This should work out the way I drew it up, but until the rows are put together I never know.

I do have a finish to show.  My friend's husband asked me a couple of weeks ago to make a pillow for her.  It was to be a Christmas gift from him.  She is a penguin person.  So penguins it had to be.


This is what I came up with.  I gave it to him on Thursday.  And he gave it to her on Thursday.  Funny.  At least I didn't have to wait another week to have something to show.

I feel like I have done nothing but work and sew and yet there has been nothing to blog about.  I am so far behind on Bonnie Hunter's mystery quilt.  But there will be time for that pretty soon.  It just may not be such a mystery when I get to it.

Last Saturday I had the grands over.  Grace and Aiden, also my sister Joyce, her granddaughter Iris and my mother Clarel.  We were helping the girls make presents for their parents.  Grace was going to try to keep the secret until Christmas.  She's four.  I'm looking forward to seeing if she's been able to keep it in.  I know Joyce and Grace had a good time.  I'm not so sure about Iris.



I'm off to start laying out my blocks.  And maybe take a nap. Not necessarily in that order.

Happy Sewing,

Julie

Monday, December 3, 2012

A Few More Blocks

I do have a few more of the Mario Brothers blocks done.  They just aren't going very fast.  I'm half done with the 18" blocks.  Then it is on to the sashing and quilting.  I think it should be done by his birthday in May.







I did start making some of the next step in the mystery quilt "Easy Street" as my leader/enders.  That way I'll at least get some of each step done before the next one comes out.



And now off to begin another Monday.

Happy sewing,

Julie

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

More Blocks

I do have a few more blocks done for the Mario Bros. quilt.  These blocks only measure 18" each.  The previous blocks were 27" each.  Hopefully my layout design will work.  It works on paper.  But I'm still a long way from that.


This block is a cloud.  Yes, it is.  I think maybe the gray is a little dark.  At least it doesn't look like a tooth.  Which is what the pattern looks like.


I think this one is called a Mushroom Head.  There will be one of these in green too. 


The question mark.  I really like the depth this one has.  Wonder if in the game it is in any other colors? 

I did the other large (27") Mario/Luigi. It is done in green.  But is literally pinned under these other blocks.  And will eventually get it's day in the lime light.




While I've been working on the Mario blocks I've also been doing the new Bonnie Hunter mystery Clue #1. It is pretty easy, which is nice, since I have so much else to do.  I had been using the mystery blocks as my leader/enders for the other blocks but figured out that I can use the light blue pieces as my leader/enders and get more done at once for the Mario quilt.  Confusing unless you're the one doing the sewing.

Happy sewing,

Julie

 

Monday, November 19, 2012

Another Project Started

Jennifer and I went to a sew-in on Saturday. We got there at 10:00 a.m. then took about a four hour break for a birthday party (in Burlingame), went back and stayed until 10:00 p.m.  Whew.  It was in Perry which is an hour from Burlingame.  They seem to be a great bunch of ladies.  And I'm glad that they have decided to invite us into the group.  That and the potluck type lunch/dinner is just terrific.

Anyway.  I was able to get another new project started.  Zach if for any reason you actually log onto this blog - GO AWAY until after Christmas.


This block is Luigi or Mario.  I don't know for sure.  And probably never will.


Jenn told me what this flower is called.  It already escapes me.

These blocks each measure 27" square and they each have 324 pieces.  There will be another Luigi or Mario that faces the other side of the flower.  These three blocks will create the top third of the quilt.  At least that is the plan for now.


I don't really have much of a pattern for this.  I Googled Super Mario Brothers quilt patterns and came up with a few sites to look at.  The most helpful was Cut to Pieces.  More on that later.  Now off to work.

Happy sewing,

Julie 

Friday, November 9, 2012

Another short post.

I just wanted to do another short post to show my progress on the cat quilt.  Seems like I should already be done with it but I just haven't found much time to work on it.  This week I've been up an hour earlier than necessary on a couple of mornings so instead of lazing in bed I got up and sat at the sewing machine.  That is the only reason I'm this far with it.


This evening I came home and got my Holton b.o.m. done.  Whew, once again I put it off until the last night.  These blocks go together so nicely.  And eventually they might make a very bright baby quilt.


Have a great weekend.  Hug a vet.

Julie

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Productive Extra Hour

I am one of those people who really doesn't like daylight saving time.  It just doesn't make much sense to me in our current world.  But this is the part of it I like the least.  It doesn't help that it gets dark an hour earlier.  Pick a time and stick with it.  Enough said.

However, this morning I put my extra hour to good use.  I'm an early riser anyway, and today was no exception.


This is 1/3 of the center of this baby quilt.  Progress.

Julie
 

Saturday, November 3, 2012

It has a face.

This morning I started with a pile of orange squares.  They measure 2 1/4" each. 


After a trip to Overbrook and Baldwin City for our B.O.M. and then a much deserved nap, I now have a face.


Hopefully, you can see a cats face.  This is from a Quiltmaker magazine pattern.  The pattern is from the July/August '11 issue.  Those large polka dots seem to stand out like a sore thumb right now.  But they are going to stay.  That's just going to be part of this scrappy quilt. 

Now I'm off of here to finish watching Hunt for Red October.  And to get started on the tail section.

Julie

Friday, October 5, 2012

String Blocks

I am needing to get some green string blocks done.  So the first thing I did was pull out my very large tote from h**l.  From this picture it sure doesn't look like there are very many green scraps in there but it ended up being very bountiful.


The main problem was I didn't even make a dent in the container of scraps.  It certainly isn't ready for a smaller tote yet.

I cut some strips from the current green fabrics I'm using and so far have ended up with 20 string blocks.


As of right now the blocks have been squared up to 9 1/2".  The papers have been removed.  And they have been cut in half.  Now I'm off of here to make them into bigger and better blocks.

Happy Sewing,

Julie

 

Monday, October 1, 2012

Another Short Post

I just wanted to post a picture of the four newest blocks.  They are going into the larger project after I make them.  So this is the only chance I get to post them.  Until I'm done with the whole thing, that is.  And since it's a secret it may be a while until that happens.


I really like the way these turned out.  Especially the pinwheel in the star.  Click on the picture to get a larger view of these 4" blocks.

Happy Sewing,

Julie
 

Saturday, September 29, 2012

More 4" Blocks

This is just a short post to show off four more of the 4" blocks that I made this morning.  Two of these are the same pattern as I made and posted before.  The other two blocks just didn't make me happy and these do. So they are the blocks I plan to use. 


Now I'm off of here to get back to figuring out more blocks.  The little ones are just as time consuming as the big ones and I only have a total of eleven useable blocks.

Happy sewing,

Julie

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

More 4" Blocks

These blocks may just get the best of me.  Fabric selection has never been one of my favorite things about quilting.  And with these 4" blocks it is even worse. 

For example:


The blocks on the right were my first draft.  And in my opinion they don't work.  The top right would be okay if I were making a dark Halloween quilt.  Nope, not doing that.  And the bottom right block - What was I thinking?  I love that background print but it certainly didn't work in this case.  Maybe I can fit that fabric in somewhere else.   I really didn't want to go with all light backgrounds but that is what seems to be working.





These are the usable blocks that I have done.  However, I don't like the black and white block.  Maybe it just doesn't have enough pieces?  And the plaid flying geese block is another one that I will make again using fabrics that will go better with the rest of them.  Now the pink and green star in the top row, that's another story.  When I finished it I started thinking about my next leader/ender project. 


Yes, I have been using some of the 6" sow-a-long blocks as an example of some blocks to make.  So I'll show some of them next to each other.  For some reason the size difference amazes me.  





Well, for the most part, I'm having fun making these blocks.  I think it may behoove me to slow down while making fabric selections.  That will, however, mean less orphan blocks to go on the back.  But it will also mean less time wasted making a second block.

Happy Sewing,

Julie

Monday, September 24, 2012

On The Wall Today

I must be in a resting mood after finishing the bow tie quilt because I don't seem to be getting much done. 

The only thing on the wall today are some 4" blocks that I am working up that will be put into a larger project.  Here are what I have done so far. 



These are for a project that I am trying to design.  And since I seem to design as I go, it is yet to be seen if these will actually work into the end result.  If you click on the picture and see it in a larger size it might help emphasize the 4" size.  I thought the bow ties were appropriate after just making hundreds of them for my queen size quilt.  Of course, the bow ties made for my quilt were each 3".  Not four to a 4" block.   The flying geese are from bonus triangles that were leftover when I made a couple of snowball pattern pillow shams a few years ago.  Those bonus triangles sure have been coming in handy lately.

Have a great day.  And be sure to check out all the great design walls at Patchwork Times .

Julie
 

Friday, September 21, 2012

Apple Butter

This morning I started out picking apples from my sister's trees.  And once again I picked too much fruit.  When it gets picked I have a hard time just leaving it sitting there.  And it sure doesn't look like too much when it's in those two little baskets.  Thank goodness I didn't use the laundry basket that I took with me just in case.  I would still be canning.


There are apples from three different variety of trees.  Not too many red ones though.  And I'm glad I didn't pick any more of the red than I did.  They were too hard and took longer to cook.


First batch cooking.  It sure smelled good in my kitchen.  It smelled even better once they were cooked and squished through the sieve.  (Is that the right word?)  Then I added the cinnamon and the aroma was heavenly. 


And here is the sum of my day.  There are 19 half pints, 2 pints and the extra ready to go in the fridge.  I'm pretty sure I'll be making biscuits in the morning to go with my apple butter.  Yum

And there are yet another six apples that will be some kind of dessert for tomorrow.  NO MORE COOKING TODAY!

Julie

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Sew Along Blocks

This morning Randy at Barrister's Block only had time to post two of the three Sew Along blocks.  I've lost count but I think we're pushing 50 about now.  These are the two blocks that I made this morning.  Not that I was waiting for the new blocks or anything like that.


The block on the left doesn't really go with the scrappy blocks.  So I'll just have to see if I need to remake that one.  I don't know if it was me or the pattern but mine came out really wonky.  I had to cut it down quite a bit so I'll probably end up losing some of the yellow corners.  I may need to remake it just for that reason.

The block on the right is just four square in a square blocks put together.  Randy had made hers using blue and white.  I decided to go scrappy and it completely changed the look of the block.  I like the way it turned out but I could certainly make it with just the two colors and it would look entirely different.   I may do that to replace the block on the left. Hmmmm

Now I need something to occupy me for yet another two weeks.

Happy Sewing,

Julie
 

Monday, September 17, 2012

Design Wall Monday

There is not a lot of activity under my needle today.  But this morning I did make the fourth block of the current b.o.m. for Quilting on the Square.  So I'll show you all of them together.  This looks like it may end up being a baby quilt.


And of course, while making the fourth block I was able to get another handful of 9 patches done.

I do have a couple of finishes to note.

A couple of weeks ago I posted on the iris block I made.  Well, I decided to make the iris block a little smaller.  So I cut the squares 1 1/4" instead of 1 1/2".  I didn't think it would make too much difference but boy was I wrong.


Here are the two side by side on the small cutting mat I keep next to my sewing machine.  Each block has 80 pieces. 

This is the Kindle cover I made my sister from the smaller block.  Her granddaughter's name is Iris Lee so I thought it was appropriate.  That will probably be the only block made from the 1 1/4" pieces.

                                                    Front

                                                     Back


And last but certainly not least.  I finished my bow tie quilt.


I'm very pleased with the way it turned out.  To see more pictures of it you can visit this post.

Be sure to visit all the great design walls at Patchwork Times . 

Happy Sewing,

Julie


 

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Bow Tie Quilt Finish


This has been the view from my recliner for the last two days.  I don't know about everyone else, but when I finish a quilt I want to look at it.  There is always such a huge relief and sense of accomplishment and pride.  And as always I think this one may be my favorite.  No, really.


Here is a view of it laid out on the living room floor.  It measures 87" x 87".
The inner border is made from scrappy strips of purple and it is bound in one purple fabric.  This is the leader/ender project I have been working toward for several months. I made it my main project in July.


This is the way it will look on my bed.  Yes, this one is for me.  I named it "Fired Up".  Those that know me may get the hint that will always be there for me in that name.


Here is a view of the back.  The two fabrics are the same pattern.  They just are a light and dark version of it.  When it became popular to make a scrappy back I was thrilled to join the band wagon.  Buying a large quantity of backing fabric is always a huge expense.  But being able to "make do" is so much better.


This is a view of one of the corners.  It gives a view of my "mitered" corners and also of the scrappy inner purple border.

One big finish for 2012.  More to come.

Happy Sewing,

Julie



 

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Current Blocks

Well, I have been getting a lot of sewing done.  I just haven't been posting about it.  Shame on me.  I've taken a few pictures along the way.  The intent is there.  The follow through is not.  Not right now at least.

The bow tie quilt is done.  Nope no picture right now.  Alas the camera battery is dead.  So once it recharges I'll get a picture or two taken and I WILL do a post on the latest finish.

I will say that when you're quilting you might not want to leave the bowl of pins too close to the edge of the table.


This is what happens when it gets pushed off.  This is nothing.  There were at least two hundred pins in there and they went every where.  I had moved the dining room table into the living room (so I could watch TV while quilting) and the bowl fell right at the edge of the two rooms.  They didn't spread far on the carpet but they exploded into the dining room. 


Lucky for me.  Jennifer had given me this nifty extending magnet.  It worked like a charm.  I just swept it under the hutch and I think it picked up all the stray pins under there.  If you don't own one of these I highly recommend you get one.  I am still walking around barefoot on the carpet. Hoping that if there is still one little pin there that I get it stuck in my foot and not in Grace's foot.


These are the current blocks for the Barrister's Block sew along.  I must have been having a red day.  I'm caught up again and she won't post anymore until next Wednesday. All of the 1" half square triangles are from other quilts. They are all bonus triangles.  The ones in the top block are from a quilt I made six years ago.  The lesson is to never throw anything out.


While I was making those three blocks I was also able to make seven more of my nine patch leader/ender blocks. 

Now I'm off here and going to make the b.o.m. I need this Saturday for Holton.

Happy Sewing,

Julie




 

Monday, September 3, 2012

Design Wall Monday

Here are the blocks I did this week for the sew-along at Barrister's Block .  Once again I'm all caught up.  The next blocks post this Wednesday.

The bottom block in the middle row looks great but it may be a little to much for the rest of the them. Only time will tell. Maybe there will be more that are similar so it will fit in better. The top left with yellow and green may be my favorite to date. However, I have vowed never to make that pattern again. 






Here is a view of all of the blocks.  All but a basket block that is STILL missing its handle.  Pretty soon there will be too many to lay out on my bed.  As of now there are 45 that will finish at 6".   I'm thinking that I may need to make less with yellow/orange and more with blue fabrics.  It's always good to lay them out every once in a while to see the progress.

Have a great holiday Monday.

Happy sewing,

Julie

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Not a Block of the Month

It is already Wednesday, August 29th and I need to have two of my three block of the month blocks done by Saturday morning at 8:00.  I have made one.  It's the block for Baldwin City.  The center was supposed to have an anvil type pattern but I didn't care for that at all.  So I turned the black blocks around to give a friendship star pattern.  I don't think that's the first time I've done that.


This one has pretty wild colors but it will fit in with the rest of them.  As for the block for Overbrook.  Well, I have found the bag with the pieces but I got sidetracked. 


I've been going through old magazines.  This issue is from May of 1996.  Usually the patterns and colors are not something I would work with.  But this particular magazine had a block in it I just had to sit down and make.


It looks super simple and basically is.  But I decided to make it with 1 1/2" scrap blocks.  So it is a lot of little pieces.  If you click on the picture you can see that I used several different background whites and several dark purples. Just don't look at where my seams don't match up.  Using the 1 1/2" squares they should finish at 1" and the block should finish at 8" x 10".  The (old) magazine gave templates to use.  The templates don't show sizes on them.  But laying my ruler on the picture shows a 2 1/4" piece.  I used my Easy Angle ruler to make the 1/2 square triangle blocks. 

The last thing I need is another project to start.  But I will probably try making this again using 2" squares.  Sometimes you just have to jump into something or risk forgetting about it.

My bow tie top is done.  I got the back made and pinned it yesterday.  So I need to get my B.O.M. blocks done so I can switch my machine over to quilting mode.  And get in that mind set.  Maybe that's why it was so easy to talk myself into the Iris block.

Since the bow tie top is done I needed a new leader/ender project.  So I've decided to make scrappy nine patch blocks.



I started by just putting a light with a dark.  After getting a pile of them I added a light to the other end for the center strip or a dark to it for the outer strip.  Which should eventually end up being a pile of 9 patch blocks that will finish at 3".  Evidently, I am a glutton for punishment and just can't seem to steer myself away from the little pieces.

Happy quilting.

Julie