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. :)

Changes & Deadlines

... so I have till Mother's Day now to do a quilt for an X co-worker.. I think I can pull it out in a week.. Well, less than a week.. I need to go out and get some brown fabric for the main blocks.. She had gotten these really pretty Pink & Brown prints.. I have included some of my own neutrals to help break up the patterns of paisley & stripes..

middle part of the pink/brown quilt



So..I've turned in to one of THOSE people!?! I got the puppies shirts. We got the shaved around Easter. With it being cold and rainy out they need something else to keep them warm..

'stud muffin'

'trouble maker

'

So, yes I'm one of those people who dress their dogs up.. but they look CUTE!!!

On another note just because I take this blog as a source to vent and talk about whats going on with my life.. I was flipping through the TV channels yesterday after I got home from work and found this show on OWN called 65 Red Roses It was a show about a young woman living with  cystic fibrosis. Many years ago I went on a walk for cystic fibrosis. I wish I knew more now and I want to do something. So, I think I'm going to become an organ donor. With the slight chance that some day, something happens to me. Then, perhaps some part of me will live on in someone else.  I've been trying to live my life as a better person. Try to change the negative in myself to make myself the person my dog thinks I am..  Brian and I are trying to have a baby.. I want to be someone my children would be proud of.. You know?

Happy Stitching & Lots of Love~

 Laura



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...

Thursday..

...So yes, I know I haven't been blogging lately.. I haven't been sewing lately due to my wrist has been bothering me. Last time I visited the Dr, he said I may have the onset of carpel tunnel not an excuse I know but, I've been dreaming of sewing.. does that count?  So, Today was my day off so I went into my sewing room, looking at the quilt J wanted me to do for her.. Its been over a year since she gave me fabric & payment for said quilt. But, I've been waiting for pictures so there was little I could do without them. Now, after being given the go ahead minus the pictures.. I've to figure out what I was thinking with the colors

pretty little colors.. pinks & browns

 would have been a good idea to mark the pieces even though I wasn't going to sew them yet.. 

So I started making my flying geese segments. She picked a quilt from 'Miss Rosie's Spice of Life' (I think that's what the book is called)

gizmo and Rosie..

When, our babies would have none of it.. Brian was upstairs making dinner when I was sewing and our little puppies decided to start to play between my legs, right under the sewing machine..  Uhmm.. ya.. right..   So, I only got 4 of my flying geese units done but its a start.. 

Been dreaming of quilt retreat.. its less than 3 weeks away..  Last weekend I have Dorothy (the sweetest older woman ever) and T over. I had a few new books I've been hoarding and had them out to show them.. T's been talking about me making a project for her. And wouldn't you know it she picked a quilt out of 'Simply triangles' going I WANT THIS ONE!! I'm unsure scared about anything that doesn't have square corners or is on point..

So I'm going to attempt it at quilt retreat.. Now to debate on a trip to the fabric store.. :) I want to try and make one before I attempt on for T..