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Saturday, March 31, 2012

Blogger's BOM


I have completed both colorways of the Blogger's Block of the Month. This is the seventh block in the eight block series. Almost done!


This is block #7 in my Christmas fabrics. I am not happy with my color selections. I really need more contrast in the strips on the sides of the block. This turned out really muddy looking. I may or may not redo it. I'll see when all of the blocks are finished.
When I get them all assembled it might not look too bad. Many thanks to all of the designers who are creating these blocks. I have really been enjoying the process.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

36 Houses

I have been adding my sashing and cornerstones as well as adding a few more houses. I now have 36 houses.
I am really happy with my gray/polka dot sashing and the darker red cornerstones. I think they really balance out with the bright spots of color. 36 houses brings me to February 5. I am determined to get this done.
   I have some size issues. How does that happen with paper piecing? How could anyone have blocks that aren't QUITE the right size? I was too stingy when I started cutting my stash into pieces for the houses. I am now cutting my pieces with more adequate seam allowances, but I have a lot of precut pieces to use yet. They aren't exactly unusable, but it really slows me down when I have to make sure everything lines up exactly so I don't miss the line. Live an learn. I am definitely still a work in process.

Thanks for stopping by.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

March FMQ Challenge

Making Progress

I have been able to spend some time in my sewing room lately. I have accomplished several things.
I am participating in a rainbow charm swap. I was assigned yellow. I sent these two swatches off today. I purchased both from Fat Quarter Shop. On the left is a marigold shooting stars fabric. It looks more vibrant in person than this photo. The other is Daisy chain. I love this yellow. Anyway, they have been sent off and I am looking forward to receiving my package of a rainbow of charms in exchange.

I have also been practicing free motion quilting. The first picture is the February assignment. I didn't get it posted in time to be included in the prize drawing for the month, but I finished it anyway. The second is the March FMQ assignment. I will get that posted tonight.
Finally, I made the decision about the sashing and cornerstone fabric for my 365 houses project. I am really loving this choice. I think the gray w/polka dots is a good alternative to black and I really like the red that is toned down with black squiggles. I am looking forward to getting this attached to the blocks I have completed so far.
Thanks for stopping by.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Seventeen Houses

I have been trying to catch up on the 365 Scrap Houses in 365 Days Challenge. So far, I am at January 17. I haven't given up, though.
I know it looks like my houses are quite crooked. Actually, they aren't laying flat on the design wall. There are so many seam allowances in such a small space that I can't get them to cling to the felt. I have pinned them on the wall. I want to report that I have taken the suggestions of my followers who suggested using paper that is made for paper piecing. That has helped. I have also switched to a larger needle size. It is now much easier to remove the paper. Thank you for your suggestions.

I think I am very slow at the paper piecing process. Chain piecing certainly doesn't work. Do any of you have any tricks for speeding things up? 

I haven't added the sashing and corner blocks yet because I am still trying to decide what colors I want to use. I think most will be doing black sashing with red corner blocks because that is what the originator of the challenge is using. I want to do something different. I am thinking about sage green sashing with brown corner blocks, or a charcoal gray sashing with a bright corner block...maybe orange or turquoise. Still thinking. I need to wander around in a shop that has lots of fabric. The local Hobby Lobby just doesn't do it for me. I hope to get into Lexington this weekend so I can do some fabric shopping.

Thanks for stopping by.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Merry Snowman BOM

I just finished Block #1 as far as it can be completed until after it is quilted.
After the whole quilt is quilted I will be adding small buttons for the snowman eyes. I bought this BOM from Shabby Fabrics, but I have seen it offered by several online quilt shops. I am revisiting my applique skills. I haven't done hand applique for a long time. I am also very rusty with my embroidery. I am finding the instructions to be very complete and easy to follow with this BOM. I am anxious for the next mailing.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Catching Up

I am back from my conference in Orlando, FL. The weather was great. Too bad that my schedule was full of business with no time to play. The day after I returned, we drove to Michigan to visit Son, D-I-L, and granddaughter. We had a great visit. We drove back yesterday. Even though it is still my spring break, I have work to do. Instead of getting it out of the way, I really needed to play in my sewing room. It has been too long since I have had time to sew. I spent the afternoon trying to catch up on the Blogger BOM project.
I completed the February block in both colorways that I am working on. I really enjoyed sewing this block. I might want to revisit it again in another project. I really liked the method that the designer shared. It went together rather quickly.
Here are the sets that I have completed so far. There are eight months in the BOM project. Just two more to go. The blocks are 8" finished. I am planning to put each together with setting blocks so the projects will be larger.

I hope to get some more sewing time this weekend. Thanks for stopping by.