Quilt Block Challenge

So... We went over to Mom&Dad's today. They're A/C is working.  I started by labeling the paper pieced house block. With the Dodge County Fair Quilt Block Challenge, I've only 4 fabrics I can use.. so I fussy cut the loon print for the window, green for the house, brown for the roof & around the loon, and blue for the sky.

I think it turned out really nice at this point but it was only 4'' or so, so I added a 2" strip of brown around the cabin block.. Then, I wanted to do flying geese. You could call me the queen of flying geese. I love making flying geese. There was a technique that I learned a a quilt retreat last year. They are 3D flying geese.

I figured that I could do 5 on each side and add a little bit of green to balance the geese out.. then I added a 2 1/2'' blocks at the corners. I used the loon print, which I once again fussy cut so I just had the loons.  After sewing the 2 1/2" blocks on the ends of the flying geese blocks I sewed them onto the middle blocks. Then to make it a 12 1/2'' square, I sewed on a 2 inch boarder around the whole thing, then cut it down to size. I figure it was easier to sew on a bigger border and cut it than try to figure out what size border to make..

I'm super happy with it. It doesn't happen very often but all my points are on point. I love the 3D flying geese. I will be interesting to see what happens at the County Fair. But, I'll be on vacation with my family that week :) So, we'll see. :)

Quilt Block Challenge

I think I've decided what to do.. I'm going to make a little cabin on the lake..  I'll post pictures tomorrow.. 

On another note.. its hot...   Not Matthew Magic mike hot.. but close.... 

Its more like walk outside and melt hot.. We haven't A/C anywhere other than out bedroom. So, I haven't been able to sew due to the fact our home is like a sauna. And who wants to be covered in a quilt on the machine when it is 85 degrees in the house??  I could drag my machine back downstairs.. but, I just done have the table space down there.. 

It was 77 degrees this morning in the house when I left for work at 3.30am... uck!!  So I've packed up the quilt I need to pin and the block challenge.. I'm headed over to my folks and the power of their A/C after work tomorrow.. :) It's suppose to be hot like this all week.. ugh!!

 '''I'm dreaming of a white christmas...'''

Quilt Block Challange

I really wonder some days where the Procrastinator Gene came from. Neither of my parents are procrastinators, is it a learned trait?  We got back from Cold Spring last week and lately I haven't felt like doing ANYTHING.. Minus, playing on the computer. My old stand bye include : email, facebook & pinterest.  Tho, I've been playing alot of Sims 3 lately. :)   It wasn't until I was walking through the local Variety Store that inspiration hit. I got in to a conversation with the owner whom I've known for years. It's nice to walk into a store and they know your name. :) She was packaging up the 'Annual Quilt Block Contest' at the Dodge County Fair. It was something I was totally unaware of.. 

The rules are simple: available to the first 20 quilters, you MUST use all 4 fat quarters in the block (DO NOT ADD ANY EXTRA FABRIC) and make one 12 1/2" square. Next year the blocks will be sewn together and auctioned or raffled off.  So, as I walked out to my car with my treasures 'Quilt Block Kit' included.. I now wonder what kind of block I will make.. I'm really partial to 8 pointed stars and I know this REALLY cool way to make 3D flying geese..

Here are the fabrics, I'm wishing there was a cream. I showed my sisters on Sunday and we decided the closes thing to a cream would be the light blue. So, this will be a challenge for me. I love the fabrics tho.. The swirly blue, marblie green and the loon print. They remind me of the Minnesota Shop Hop Fabrics..

Quilt Retreat March 2012 Part1

So this year at retreat I didnt get as much done as I thought I would.. I remember in past years that I could stay up much later than I can now before my eyes would go double and heavy. I blame this on old age. I got to working on the "Simply Stars'' pattern.

 I really thought at first glace that I would be harder than It acctually was.. Funny how you can be sew intimadated in something but really REALLY its so much easier than meets the eye.. Funny..

First, I started by sewing my strips.. The pattern had it greens,purples, red, darker red, blue and tan.. I sometimes *not all the time* will follow the pattern colors.. This isnt one of those times.. I chose pink, blue, green and purples. I love bright vibrant colors- jewel tones.  Then, I cut templates (you can find the template fabric at like Michaels or Hobby Lobby- I would guess that Joanns would have it as well)

I sewed 6 of each color only because I was switching it up and only doing 4 colors and black borders.

The blocks themselves are sewing Y seams.. Its really not as hard as you think and don't pych yourself you, IT WILL TURN OUT.. And if it doesn't pull Jack the Ripper out and Start over..

They reminds me of paper airplanes..

The quilt is sewn on point at a diagional.. I rarely if ever put things on Point.. I may love a quilt or pattern but won't make it if its on point. (I made this one to prove to myself that YES! I CAN make it!! Mostly because T wants it.. and I needed to KNOW I could!!  I didn't use the template for the borders- didnt think that far- but cut a 4'' strip of fabric and winged it like I always do...

Quilter's Snowday...

Armed with a doctored up mug of Double Black Diamond Extra Bold Coffee and the puppies I set off into my sewing oblivion.. :)  I got sew much done!! Its snowy and cold here in Minnesota (finally, but mother nature can take another holiday and bring back the 50's) I have entered my happy place. :)   I worked on my January Project, Black Urban Cabin.. I cut 2 quilts out. *yay me* and worked on a few mug mats that are belated Christmas gifts for a few friends.  Oh, and I started building houses from scraps thanks to Sister C who started doing these as well.. :)



Thurs 1/12/2012 block..

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Friday 1/13/2012 block.. see its 3"

I don't know about anyone else but to sew is like to breathe for me.. :)


my mug mats.. :) and binding options..



Urban Cabin..



Urban Cabin.. its SO pretty.. I'm so happy with the colors..