Sunday, December 26, 2010

Timeout

The Puss-In-The-Corner blocks are in timeout until I decide how to proceed.  My screensaver has been cycling thru quilt pics and this pinwheel on-point has been calling to me.  Check out the quilt at Liberty Star, Renee Plains' blog.


Each block is constructed from 16 half square triangle units.  I'm using the hst quick piecing method - each square set produces 8 identical hst!  My hst's finish at 1 3/4".  My usual method would be to cut one light/one dark square at 2 3/4" (add 1" to finished size) to produce two hst's.  With this quick method you cut one light/one dark square at double that measurement - 5 1/2".  Since I need 16 hst, I cut 2 light and 2 dark squares at 5 1/2".  Draw lines point-to-point (one line NW to SE and one line NE to SW).  Sew 1/4" on each side of both lines.


Cut the square in half horizontally and vertically (2 3/4" cutting line for this example).  Cut each smaller square along drawn line to yield 8 hst.  Trim each unit to 2 1/4" for finished 1 3/4" unit.


I've been contemplating my quilt resolutions for the New Year.  I want to commit to completing a top from my 'Bucket List' next year.  I have less than a week to make my pick!

Sunday night update

Today's progress.  These blocks remind me of a line from You've Got Mail - "Don't you think that daisies are the friendliest flower?" 

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Work in Progress

Albert is snuggled up with Oregon Trails (Lori's January 2010 quilt-along - Cheddar Cheese and Crackers) guarding the Christmas tree from cat attack.  My doll quilt is still just a top, but I'd love to get it hand quilted soon.  Can't wait for Lori's new quilt-along!




I've started sewing some blocks with the Sarah Johnson fabric from my last post.  I originally thought (and am sticking to) Puss-in-the-Corner blocks with scrappy 4's and constant focus fabric in the middle/corners.  The plan was alternating PITC and 16 patch (two sets of two 4 Patch blocks) set 'on point'.  I made about 10 PITC blocks and put on the design wall (which is currently the spare bed).  I wasn't happy with the clamour of the scrappy 4's.  I don't have a pic of that layout, but here's some of the scrappy 4's:


The next attempt was to use the same layout with a more controlled PITC 4's.  I'm  leaning toward this design:


Here's a last photo with the more controlled PITC 4's with common alternate:



This morning was a sewing session with Elle (granddaughter) working on a Christmas surprise for her mom.  Elle doesn't realize what a treat it is to sew on a Featherweight!  We have a couple more evening's worth of work, but we should make the Friday night deadline.


"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Giant Daisy Quilt

My husband and I both enjoy decorating, and we are big fans of Sarah Richardson, a Canadian interior designer. She has had a few series on HGTV. On the last series, she bought a farmhouse and completely renovated each room. For one of the bedrooms she found this fabulous cheddar, or maybe chrome yellow, quilt. Isn't it dynamic? I know, the pictures could be better, but they were taken off of the television. The entire bedroom design was based on this quilt. I mean, how could you not? Quite a bit of hand quilting, too.
Haven't been doing any sewing at all lately. I've been busy, but hope to have some time free up soon. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!