Monday, November 1, 2010

Design Wall Monday

What's old is new again.  That's seem to be so true with quilt making.  I had a guild member ask me if I knew about the tessellating pinwheels quilts made with the new Twister ruler.  Since I'd previously taught the pinwheels class a few times, I knew of the technique which is the same technique as Square Dance by Martha Thompson.  
 That reminded me of the quilt I made in 2004, Tessellating Pinwheel based on the technique.

Back then I wanted to make this quilt in queen size.  I collected squares as I cut scraps during the last 6 years, but never got around to making the quilt.  I've used the squares for other projects, but not for the intended use.  So I got the squares and made a small block to test the directions since it's been so long.  I got addicted and made 8 blocks.  I then decided to make a larger panel.  I haven't cut it out yet, but I now have a start on a queen size quilt even though its not exactly how I thought the design would be.  That's okay as the whole point here is to enjoy the process.
 This must have been the week for experiments because I made a few Arrowhead Blocks using Anita Grossman's technique in the Nov/Dec10 issue of Quiltmaker magazine.  It's a really cool way to make these blocks.  It must be some kind of "good scary" thoughts rolling around in Anita's head.  If you haven't seen the technique, please get the magazine and try it.  It's amazing how these blocks are created.
 I finished the top for my African Inspired project.  The only deviation from the pattern was to use traditional card trick blocks in the border corners.  I had so much fun working with the African prints in my collection that I definitely can't wait for the next quilt that I'll make using those fabrics.
 I finished sewing all the leftover pieces from cutting my Drunkard's Path quilt.  I'll put them up with some other crumb blocks I have around here.  One day I'll make a very interesting crumb quilt.
 I also have 10 of 30 Pineapple Nine Patch blocks pieced.  I'll leave this on my design wall so I will not push this project to the side, again.  I really want all the fabric pieces laying around here into a completed top.
Other than throwing the family Halloween party and handing our 95 bags of candy to trick or treaters, that's how my week went.  To see how other quilters spent their week, visit Patchwork Times.
-------------------------- Type-u-later, http://www.teaquilts.com

14 comments:

  1. Gracious, you are one busy quilter! I love the pinwheel quilt -- and the Arrowhead blocks. Quiltmaker can thank you; you just sold an issue for them!! Happy quilting! :)

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  2. Goodness! You've been busy!

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  3. OK, it is only 9am and, after reading this post, I am so tired I may go back to bed. I, too, like to have several projects going but you really have me beat. Maybe I need to find wall space for 4 more design walls.

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  4. Lots of great projects. It is like an incredible splash of color on a drab day :)

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  5. Boy, how much inspiration can you pack into one post?????? LOTS! Thanks.

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  6. You're outstripping me by miles with all your projects going. Surely you'll never be bored with all that fun play on your design wall.

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  7. Tea, too funny....I made a test arrowhead block too. It was just too interesting not to see how it went together. As usual, you've proved you must not sleep at all!

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  8. Wow, you've been busy! I'm still stuck at 6 blocks of the Pineapple blocks sewn together.

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  9. Good Night!! You are one busy lady! What kind of vitamins are you taking, cause I would buy stock in the company!! Beautiful work!

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  10. Ditto all the comments before me. I've been coined many a times as being a very prolific quilter, but you definitely take the #1 spot! So many things that you are involved in--and all at the same time! How many design walls do you have? When my energy tank runs down I'm going to visit your blog for recharging!

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  11. Wow, so many beautfiul projects! Don't you just love Anita's method for the arrowhead block?

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  12. Wow, you've been busy. I love your African prints quilt, it's so bright.

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  13. Oh my goodness...you have so many fabulous projects going there! I am going to try that arrowhead block this weekend!

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  14. Searched the house for the Quiltmaker issue with the arrowhead pattern and finally realized I let mine subscription expire with the previous issue. Now I'll have to scope it out in the store!

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