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
Topsy Turvy Nine Patch. I still need to add three more rows. I just got tired to making half-square rectangles. Very graphic design that depicts movement. This pattern is by Judy Laquidara.
Friends & Fellows by Jessica Smith. My quilt group is working on this mystery. It's due at our December meeting. Still need to add the 3 borders suggested by the pattern. I really, really didn't want to at this is just a gigantic quilt! (Not really, just feels that way - its about 87" square when done.)
The Mock Log Cabin was a project we started for those who stayed overnight during the quilt show. As you can see, I haven't done much more.
I worked a bit more on my Scarecrow project, but ran out of black scraps that would work with this design. I decided to wait to complete it until I get more appropriate black scraps instead of out right cutting them from stash.
Then I realized my scrap box is out of control again. I had my scraps sorted by color. However, a crafter in one of my clubs gave me some scraps and then with everything I've been working on the last 6 months have just created two boxes of scraps that are not sorted. To make it worse, I can't sort them into my current system as it is just too much. So, I decided to make a few mock blocks of patterns that I can cut the scraps for. This is the first one, Pinwheels on Parade, by Pat Speth in More Nickel Quilts.
Emerald Forest from Batiks...Inspired by Bali will be an excellent way to use my batik scraps. I'm using my Accu Go Cutter to cut the strips. Will be all colors when completed.
My step-daughter graduated from St. Louis University this month. She has a B.S. in Social Work. She entered the 5-year master of science in SW so she will obtain her MS next year. We are so proud of her as she graduated summa cum laude! Way to go Cary - here she is with her dad, my husband and a photo of the very large graduating class from SLU. 
Since I'm telling you about school type stuff, here is a photo of my niece before leaving for prom. I've attended three graduation ceremonies this month. I have one more to attend this weekend for my nephew. It is an exciting time in my family. While on the subject of family, here is a family photo of most of the attendees of our Memorial Day celebration. Approximately 6-7 people who attended are missing from the photo (a little camera shy.) My family usually eats all holiday meals together, rotating between members' homes. When asked what I did for a holiday, I tell them this, but this photo shows the closeness of our family unit. 
I have finished my flying geese challenge quilt. The requirements were to make a quilt using flying geese as the main theme. The geese must be pieced and the quilt top could be no larger than 30" on any one side. In addition, the quilt must be completed which includes the binding. I started the quilt 4/7/2009 and completed it 5/3/2009. I purchased this pattern about 4 years ago at Hancocks of Paducah not knowing that I needed to also have the accompanying DVD for piecing directions. So I figured out how to piece it myself. I changed the pattern a little to meet the flying geese requirement and used my own method for piecing the top together. The "Soaring Compliments" pattern by Caryl Bryer Fallert can be found here: http://www.bryerpatch.com/wkshops/soaring_compliments_2day.htm . As you can see in the photo, I won first place! I was pleasantly surprised as the competition was fierce. 
Here are all the challenge quilts. We had art quilts as well as traditional styles entered. 
The above challenge quilts were due at our quilt retreat. Memorial Day weekend, Friday through Sunday, I went on a retreat in Greenville, IL. We had so much fun and the food and hospitality was excellent. Here you see the retreat attendees taking a fun group photo. 
Come back in a day or two to see the 60 cell phone cases I've made. I just need to add buttons to about 20 of them. Then, I will upload a photo and take off my UFO list. Also, I'm making a few free standing lace bookmarks. 