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

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

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
 

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

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
 

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


 

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



 

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




 

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