Design Wall Monday

Hi all,

I've been too busy to post on blogger but I have been quilting. Here is a picture of me taking a photo of myself (being silly) so at least my sense of humor is in tact.

I pieced a couple to tops not included in this post and have some scrap quilting club photos that need to be edited and uploaded. Mostly, I've been helping family members with their income tax returns and preparing for quilt lecturers.  Here is a photo of six containers of quilts I took to Piecemakers Quilt Guild last month.
 Hanging Garden is a top I recently completed that is part of my scrap quilting club group.  Next month I'll upload some different variations.

 My t-shirt quilt is stalled.  I received two more shirts that I cut and arranged, getting ready to start sewing but then a couple more people contacted me that will donate some shirts.  I will not receive them until the end of the month so I started working on other projects.  I'll work on this again in May or June.

I have had fun piecing this quilt top.  It still needs a border or two attached.  All the blocks are from Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Vol. 2.  These blocks either have a heart theme or used valentine type fabrics.  It's a little busy but I like it. The setting is an adopted from a Maple Island quilt pattern.

And I finished the applique block that I've had on hold for over a year.  It's an Apple Blossom pattern.  Sadly, the is the 5th block of 30.  I don't think I'll make all of them but I will make a few more.

For more design walls, visit www.patchworktimes.com.
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What I've been doing; 2 Finishes, Give Away

I've been missing in action. My life kind of spun out of control.  What have I been doing?  The very brief version:  In September we had our guild's quilt show, in October I went to NYC and in November I helped coordinate a major line dance party.  I wasn't able to work on anymore Quiltmaker's 100 blocks so I didn't complete the goal to get them all done in a year.  I'll make another post about my NY trip, but here are two finishes.

I did a major happy dance when I completed my dear Jane quilt I call Scrappy Jane.  Hey, that officially makes me a Janiac! The fabrics are only used once per block or triangle; no repeating once the unit was completed.  I enjoyed the process of making the blocks and triangles, having fun with the challenging piecing.  What I did not like was binding the darn thing!  I'm glad it's done and I'm so happy that it does have scallops.  My next scallop quilt will most definitely be smaller. I started out hand quiting, then took it to a local church group to do some hand quilting; it still needs more quilting in the triangles but for now, I'm putting it aside.  Oh yeah, it won 2nd place in the quilt show in Bed Size Quilts category.

Here is another finish, cathedral stars, but I named mine Crystal Stars.  I didn't think I'd ever get through making all the units. Another one I'm glad to get off my to do list.

I have some other quilts I've completed but don't have photos of yet.  Let's see, two baby quilts, a quilt I made for a family member and at two more. So, don't go away too long as I promise to be back soon with more eye candy.

I noticed that while I was gone that I now have 100 followers.  If you are a follower and leave a message, I'll enter you into a drawing.  I have been cutting my batik quarter yards into strips.  I'm sending  15 batik strips 2.5" wide to the lucky winner.  You have until Sunday at 8:00 p.m. to enter.

Have a great day everybody!

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Quiltmakers 100 Blocks: Blocks 55-59

I've been very busy lately, so busy in fact that I haven't made any blocks in over a month!  I'm playing catch up again.  I need 12 blocks to be on schedule so I got busy yesterday.  Here of 5 of them.

Block 55 - Delectable Grapes
Block #110 on page 26
Marian Mapes
46 pieces

This one will be a mini wall hanging for my kitchen.  I decided not to stitch around the appliques at this point but rather during quilting.

Block 56 - Mount Vernon Steps
#195 on page 69
Maria Umhey
Cheerful Quilts
20 pieces

This one is my favorite block in this batch as I'm partial to log cabin quilts, especially those with 1" finished strips.  Sure wish I had time to make this in full size but I already have a log cabin started from a year or two ago that's not finished.

Block 57 - Ripples
#191 on page 67
Laura Stone Roberts
Assistant Editor, McCalls Quilting
www.mccallsquilting.com
96 pieces

Whew! I was so glad to get this one pieced.  I didn't follow the directions, making two "section 2" units instead of one.  What was wonderful in my error is that the same pieces are used in section 2 and section 3 so I just had to frog stitch, you know, "ribbit".

Block 58 - Tapestry
#182 on page 62
Rebecca LoGiudice
Willow Hill Quilts
www.willowhillquilts.net
41 pieces

Again, not paying attention I had to "ribbit" and it took a little longer than necessary.  I guess I need to bet my groove back.  Nice block that one day I'll make in scraps.  This time I used a fun black and white print for the background.

Block 59 - Focal Point
#180 on page 61
Doug Leko
Antler Quilt Design
www.antlerquiltdesign.com
53 pieces

I was so excited that this block went together correctly the first time out! LOL This is a quick block to make with dramatic effect.  Try it.



I have a busy week planned as I have a Sampler Quilts lecture on Wednesday.  Along with my regular scheduled activities, I don't see much sewing in my future.  And, I just remembered I need to send something to the Scrap Quilting Club regarding this week's project.  Gotta go!.
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Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks: Blocks 53 and 54

I'm going to have a hectic next three weeks and am not sure if I will be able to keep up with the blocks.  I'm really thrilled that I got this week's blocks completed.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I can find a few minutes to work on the blocks.  Here are the two for this week.

Block 53 - Bird's Eye View

#108 on page 25
by Dawn Heese
www.dawnheesequilts.blogspot.com
13 pieces

Instead of needle turn, I used fusible web and have a reverse block.

Block 54 - Porch Swing
#197 on page 70
by Cyndi Walker
Stitch Studios
www.stitchstudios.com
56 pieces

I'm not sure what I was thinking.  I didn't use enough contrasting fabrics to make this block but it's completed and included in the count.

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Quiltmaker 100 Blocks Volume 3

Because of my computer issues I have not had a chance to visit or enter the give-aways for Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Volume 3.  One day I did pop into Quilty Pleasures Blog to see a few of the blocks and was again amazed at the blocks show cased on the blog.  I think I am a block addict!

Diane at Quiltmaker contacted me and said in honor of the 100 Blocks Volume 2 Challenge that I'm working on (completing all 100 blocks within a year), she would send me a copy of volume 3.  I really appreciated Diane getting me a copy because as soon as they hit the stores I'd plan to go purchase my copy.  When the package arrived in the mail, I was so excited.  But wait, this package was heavier than a package containing one magazine.  This is what was inside.

Included was the magazine AND 30 fat quarters from the American Jane collection by Moda.  Here is a close up of the FQs.

Then upon closer inspection, I'm now thinking that Diane must have (1) been following me around in Paducah, KY last month or (2) she's been lurking in my home.  In Paducah I purchased a yard each of two chicken prints by Timeless Treasures Fabrics.

I plan to use them to pull fabrics for these patterns which are part of a BOM quilt called A Country Journal by Maggie Walker Design.  I've had these patterns for a long, long time and haven't done a thing with them.  When I saw the fabrics in Paducah I thought maybe just purchasing a little fabric would motivate me to start the project.  FYI - you can still purchase the patterns!

I really got a kick out of the kit Diane sent me.  Now I have enough fabrics to re-do the entire kitchen with this theme.  So, "thanks again Diane for such a wonderful surprise and well appreciated gift."
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Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks: Blocks 50, 51 and 52

I hope all you moms had a wonderful mother's day!  I sure did.  Spent the day with family, having a family meal and then I taught them a few line dances.  I didn't want the day to end.

In case you're wondering where I am online - I'm not there much.  My computer hard drive crashed and is in the shop for up to 30 days.  Funny, if I hadn't purchased a service contract when I purchased the computer, I could have had my computer back in 3-4 days top.  Because the hardware is bad, the machine gets shipped back to the manufacturer.  I've decided I'm never purchasing another service contract again.  I'll just spend the money to fix my equipment or purchase another one.  The one positive is that I've been backing up my computer files since my last crash two years ago so this time I have my files.  Just need my darn computer back...

Now, on the fun stuff! This week is my 26th week of making blocks so that means I need to have up to 52 blocks completed.  I'm really excited that I was able to make the journey so far.  I know some of you have gotten too busy to work on the blocks and I fully understand.  Come back when you get time.  I don't have time either, but since I started this "crazy" challenge, I feel compelled to complete it for as long as I'm able.  So without further ado, here are my blocks for last week.

Block 50 Scarlet Days
#176 on page 59
Kimberly Jolly
Fat Quarter Shop
www.fatquartershop.com
73 pieces

A fun block to make as you got to make half square triangles and flying geese.  I wonder what this block would like like with scraps; just don't have time to play around at the moment.

Block 51 Rosie's Posie
#101 on page 22
B+Cara Bonner
Quilt Nook Gal Designs
www.thequiltrnook.com
mine=22 pieces

I delayed working on this block because I was waiting for my yo-yo makers magically resurface from their hiding place.  I think I have them stored with a WIP, but which one is a mystery.  However, I had these yo-yo made from old calico prints at least five years ago.  I rearranged them, reducing the number needed since they were all the same size.  I also omitted the rick rack bow and the hand embroidery.  I just need to get the base blocks completed at this time.

Block 52 Merry Little Flower
#113 on page 28
by Kari Ramsay
Fresh Cut Quilts Pattern Co.
www.freshcutquilts.com
11 pieces

A very quick block to make, especially since I used fusible which is why it's reversed.  Again, the yo-yo was already in the batch I used for the previous block.

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Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks: Blocks 46, 47, 48 and 49

I have 4 blocks to upload, 2 for last week and 2 for this week.  I'm still one block behind as I should have 50 completed by week's end.  It feels great to be at the half way point in my journey.  I just pulled fabrics from FQs and scraps to make these blocks so they have no defined theme.

Block 46 Midnight Dream
#126 on page 34
Carolyn Cullinan McCormick
CM Designs, Inc.
http://www.addaquarter.com/
57 pieces

A great paper pieced block.  I found that the 4 corner units would make a great block as well so it's two blocks in one.

Block 47 Simply Sweet
#109 on page 26
Barbara Jones
QuiltSoup
http://www.quiltsoup.com/
7 pieces

I need to make some applique blocks so this one is easy.  I didn't even reverse the pattern to make with fusible web as the original is hand applique.  I've finally realized I can't do them all by needle turn with my current schedule; that's how I got behind making the blocks.  I decided to use satin stitch instead of button hole stitch.  I find the washed quilts hold up better with the satin stitch.

Block 48 Star Flight
#155 on page 49
Kathy Brown
The Teacher's Pet
http://www.the-teachers-pet.com/
37 pieces

Cute and easy to piece block. Enjoy the strong contrast of the black print with the other fabrics.

Block 49 Payton's Star
#160 on page 51
Sharyn Craig
http://www.sharyncraig.com/
37 pieces

This one is my favorite for the week.  Love the appearance that the block is made on point.

P.S. - Anyone going to Paducah on Friday?

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Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks: Blocks 43, 44 and 45

After posting the other two blocks for last week, I realized that I was four blocks off schedule.  So, I got busy on Saturday and made three more.  I'm now one block behind, #129 Sew Little Time.  I really wanted make this sewing machine block but need special fusible web that I don't have at home.

Block 43 Paisley Punch
#107 on page 25
Dian Harris
Associate Editor, Quiltmaker
www.quiltmaker.com
9 pieced

This block was a challenge for me even though it's one of the simpler ones.  I decided not to needle turn, as indicated in the directions.  I decided to try freezer paper technique and forgot about reversing the patterns; didn't matter in the end but my block is reversed.  I also tried for the first time to use my machine blind hem stitch.  I wasn't happy with that result either.  Maybe I should have chose another sewing machine for this technique, not my older one.

Block 44 Diamond Blade
#189 on page 66
Leslee Price
Painted Pony 'n Quilts
www.ppnq.com
Mine = 80 pieces

A great scrap buster block.  I changed the method of piecing.  First, I cut two strips to make the 4-patches instead of cutting individual squares; made them a lot faster.  Next, instead of making 12 HSTs, I made 4 HSTs and 4 flying geese units thus reducing the number of pieces.

Block 45 Carousel
#192 on page 67
Gerri Robinson
Planted Seed Designs
www.plantedseeddesigns.com
92 pieces

The ultimate scrap buster block.  Nothing need to match actually, even the pinwheels.  The center five pinwheels were leftovers from blocks I made last week, already sewn.  Just trimmed them to size.  The outer four pinwheels are from HSTs leftover when piecing fabrics for bindings on the diagonal.  This block has 24 different fabrics but could have used a lote more!  Sorry for bad photo; it was blurry and this was the best my software could do.

I wanted to share a photo of a friend's quilt top made with Asian fabrics using 100 Blocks, Vol. 2.  When I saw the quilt I tried to convince her to start a blog but she declined.  It's so pretty that I just had to show you.  She now has border on the quilt and will be quilting it soon.

As I look at Cynthia's quilt top, I can recognize a lot of the blocks I have already made.  Leave me a post letting me know how many of Cynthia's block you have made.  Will be interesting to see who has made the most.  I think I made 21 of the 25 blocks.
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Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks: Blocks 41 and 42

I'm ahead this week posting a couple of blocks.  I know that I have some applique blocks assigned that I have not completed yet.  Still, I haven't had time to tally how many blocks I should have at this point.  My goal is to post a few blocks and then I can get some other things done.

Block 41 Homestead Album
#184 on page 63
Sarah Maxwell and Delores Smith
Homestead Hearth
www.homesteadhearth.com
44 pieces

I must be in a churn dash mood.  I like this block and it's a great scrap buster block.  I did change the 3-piece corner units so that the print and background fabrics did not rotate around the block.  I like the secondary design that changing the positions created.  Homestead Hearth in Mexico, MO is one of my favorite quilt shops.  They are over 100 miles from my home but I still visit them 3-4 times a year.

Block 42 - Shoe Boxes
#127 on page 35
Denise Starck
Graphic Designer, Quiltmaker
www.quiltmaker.com

What fun block to make, especially around Easter.  I'm calling this one Easter Pumps.  I could have used fabrics that contrasts more but then they wouldn't have looked like spring-type shoes.  In addition, I made my heels and straps in a fabric other than the actual shoe as shown.  I just wanted to see how the shoes would look with two fabrics over using just one. I like them both ways and this would be a great pattern made in scrappy pairs, especially for a shoe lover. Be careful when paper piecing; you need to cut these wedges really big.  Ask me how I know...
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Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks: Blocks 38, 39 and 40

I've been behind with the blocks so today I sat down and completed 3; have 1 more in the making.  I chose all traditional pieced blocks so I could get them completed without needing fusible, freezer paper, paper piecing tools, etc. I haven't touched the book with the patterns for a while and spent about an hour looking for it.  Of course it was in a non-sewing area, making me wonder "why did I put it there." 

Block 38 Sew-Easy Butterflies
#200 on page 71
by Darlene Zimmerman
Needlings, Inc.
www.feedsacklady.com
28 pieces

Such a fun block to make.  It went together rather quickly, just as the name implies.  I'd love to have a large quilt of this pattern. 

In an effort to make the blocks quickly, all of them are just scraps laying around the sewing room left over from Bloomin' Flowers quilt top I recently made.

Block 39  Star Dance
#188 on page 65
by Celine Perkins
Perkins Dry Goods
www.perkinsdrygoods.com
37 pieces

I like the addition of the HSTs in the corners to change this block.

Block 40 Chunky Monkey
#187 on page 65
by Carrie Nelson
Miss Rosie's Quilt Co.
www.missrosiesquiltco.com
73 pieces

Whew!  That's a lot of pieces in a 12" block BUT it is my favorite this week.  I would love to have a large bed size quilt of this block.  It is just beautiful.  I used the same print in the middle of the churn dash blocks instead of choosing a different fabric for each one.  From the print I chose the other colors to use for the churn dash units and the sashing.

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Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks: Blocks 35, 36 and 37

I didn't post blocks last week so I was two blocks behind, needing four blocks for this week; here are three of them.  Note that I'm working out of order of the monthly posting to get caught up.  I have basically skipped the applique blocks for now.

I have enough with the Valentine theme so I'm moving on to something new.  For my next blocks I will use African prints whenever possible.  I have collected so many of them over the past 7 years from a vendor at the Paducah and Nashville quilt shows.  I have mostly scraps, FQs and some yardage.  I'm trying to use the smaller pieces first.  These blocks will definitely be challenging in that I'm trying not to add solid fabrics into the mix.  We'll see how long that requirement will last.
 

Block 35 - Rose Twirls
#198 on page 70
by Elisa Wilson
Elisa's Backporch Design
www.backporchdesign.com
24 pieces

This is an interesting block to piece.  With the technique shown in the magazine, you had left over pieces that I used to make an additional block.  The pieced triangles squares are also leftover.  I pieced these units together and may frame them to make 12" blocks for the quilt if needed.

Block 36 - Mini Pod
#157 on page 50
by Emily Cier
Carolina Patchworks
www.carolinapatchworks.com
31 pieces

I just love this block.  I had so much fun fussy cutting the green fabric on the bottom as that's a great area to show case large prints.  I used the wrong side of the fabrics in the connector pieces as it was too busy with the right side of the fabric showing.

Block 37 - Infinity
#164 on page 53
by Vickie Eapen
Spun Sugar Quilts
www.spunsugarquilt.com
26 pieces

Again, I love this block.  I also fussy cut some portions of this block for consistency among the African prints to break up the pattern.  The black stripe was included in the red print and I used it to separate some of the elements.







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Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks: Blocks 33 and 34

Today I'm posting this week's blocks.  At the end of the post is the schedule for the month of March.

Block 33 - Dot Goes to School
#147 on page 45
Jane Quinn Quilting in the Country
www.quiltinginthecountry.com
6 pieces

This block doesn't show Dot going to school at all.  I did want to try the crayon technique so I made the word "love" in the center.  I have decided to make a wall hanging and use this as the center as I don't know how washing a quilt with crayons will hold up over the years.

Block 34 - Hugs & Kisses
#139 on page 41
Linda Lum DeBono
www.lindalumdebono.com
20 pieces

A very straight forward block.  I decided to use the same fabric for the pink squares instead of  two.  I also used the main print for my yo-yo center instead of choosing another fabric.  Basically I'm starting to run out of "heart" theme scraps though I guess I could cut some from yardage.

I hope you enjoy this week's blocks and don't forget to visit the other participating blogs on my side bar.


March 2011 Block Schedule:

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