Friday, January 22, 2010

Shipshe Retreat

Well, I have many works in progress, but when it came time to decide what to take with me on the Shipshewana retreat, none of my "starts" were in a good state to take along. So, I decided to start a couple of quilts that have been on my very lengthy to do list for some time. First up is a Miss Rosie pattern called Just Ask, and here is a sample of the partial block. I actually got a pretty good start on this one, so it now qualifies as a UFO.
There was quite a pile of half-square triangle trimmings stacking up, so it just had to become a little doll quilt. It's really pretty tiny (1-1/4" hst), so I'm thinking of a few borders, maybe courthouse steps style.
The other project I brought along was my shoebox full of 5" squares to make the Paducah Nine Patch from Pat Speth's first Nickel Quilts book. It is the quilt on the cover. I completed these four blocks to get an idea of where it was headed. If you ever decide to make this, don't follow the pressing directions, or you'll have lumpy seams. I plan to press them open. And, frankly, this would have been much easier to sew with strips, but I've already cut scads of 5" squares! The book has lots of great quilts to look at, and think about making, though.
I rarely make quilts from patterns even though I buy plenty of them! I do think that Miss Rosie patterns are great - clear instructions and illustrations. Plus, they are gorgeous!



12 comments:

Jayne Honnold said...

Thanks for posting your progress on new projects. I really like your fabrics and patterns. I've had good luck with Miss Rosie patterns, too. It's nice to know there are other quilters out there who like to begin new things...finishing all of them is the hard part for me!

Sarah said...

Ooooohhh, I love the square blocks! That's a great design. Have fun at your retreat :-)

antique quilter said...

oh Jan I love your little hst quilt
great colors...can't wait to see what the border will be like.
The Miss Rosie quilt I am going to have to make that too! Love the look of that quilt.
I have always wanted to make the Paducah nine patch
good tip about not cutting 5" squares for it.
I would rather use strips! thanks...how many of these did you make so far?
Kathie

Carol said...

You got tons done...love your Paducah Nine Patch...I did those blocks in a swap and have a bunch of them...oh now I want to get them together...your Miss Rosie is wonderful and your little HST doll quilt is great...can't wait to see the borders. What a great post!

Kath said...

I love those colours, very muted and homey, just wonderful.

Barb said...

I have total doll quilt envy! Sooo sweet.
Love your repro color combinations!

Lori said...

I love all three projects!! The next doll quilt I want to do is from HST. Are you sure a pieced border wouldn't take away from the charm of the little triangles?

Sharon said...

All three of your projects are fabulous! I really am impressed with the little doll quilt, so charming. I love to start projects, then I think of another one to start, and on and on and on. So many UFO's! I have the Nickel book and have it on my to do list, thought about going through my stash and cutting up some 5" squares to get going. I know you had fun at your retreat...I so love going to them!

AllisonK said...

These are beautiful. I can't wait to see how they progress!

Deb said...

I think everything in your post looks fabulous. Great colours and designs. Look forward to sseing how they progress.

Anonymous said...

Love all three - especially the Miss Rosie pattern. Very nice piecing too. I look forward to seeing them when they are finished. They will be great!

Karen said...

I like the quilt in your header photo!