Saturday, February 25, 2023

Circle a Day

 I must admit, I missed making a monthly mini in January. My solution is to take my "daily circles" and turn them into a monthly mini. The layout for the quilt will be 12 "potholder" blocks (3 across x 4 down). Each blocks contains 30 circles. Obviously, not every month has 30 days, so there will be some adjustments to make. And, for the math minded I'm sure you have already figured out that 30 x 12 does not equal 365 so there will be five little circles on my label on the back!

Here is my January block. 
 
I'm pretty sure I am going to use the same binding for all blocks, but the backings will all be different novelty feedsacks. I have decided to call this one "Sugar Cookies". Yum!!
 

Have a super day!



Monday, February 20, 2023

Housing Project

 Here are blocks 4 and 5 in my "Cecile and Corinne Quilt-a-long". 

 

 

I'd like to share a little bit about my construction of these humble abodes. Because feedsacks tend to be quite bulky, I am assembling them in "units" so that after I applique the entire house unit down, I can cut out the background for less bulk when hand quilting. 


I had a little trouble decided on the front door for block #5. I played around a bit and learned (after 3 tries) that it is best to audition "before" appliqueing the entire thing down! 
reject # 2 
reject #3
 
Red wins! 
 

When the applique is done, I choose the backing and cut my square just a bit larger than the front. I add my wool batt (split in half for a light loft). Then I baste "waste" fabric strips along the edge so it will fit in my 14" hoop. 

"Potholder Quilting 101"!

Enjoy the day!




 



Sunday, February 19, 2023

"Mathilde" - Quiltmania Mystery Quilt 2023

 I have fondly followed many Quiltmania mystery quilts over the years, always thinking, "This looks like fun!" So, with a little encouragement from my friends Barb (Fun with Barb) and Randy (Barrister's Block), I finally took the plunge. This is the first step (Quiltmania issue number 153). Thirteen 4" stars and four 6" applique blocks.


I am using Dutch reproduction prints including a few vintage fabrics I bought on a sailing vacation in St. Barts in 1993!! Once again, my "scrap' gene took over. There are 26 different fabrics in the stars alone. I auditioned several backgrounds.

I really wanted to use a buttery yellow but feared I might not have enough to finish, so I opted for this lovely "Arundel" by Christopher Wilson Tate (because I had 5 yards!!).

The stars went together quickly as I used my square in a square method to make the geese units.


There is a bit of waste with this method, but at this point in my life, time saved is worth more than fabric wasted. The gorgeous print I chose for the appliques is quite airy, so I softened the concave of the leaf a bit to get as much color out of it as I could. It makes it look a little more "folky", but it works for me. I can't wait for step #2!! 

Monday, February 6, 2023

Sugar Shacks

 Just a quick update on my Corinne and Cecile quilt-a-long house project. The little houses are coming along. Number 2 block is now quilted and bound.


The backing for this one has thankfully been reproduced but, this is the real deal. 

This is block number 3. 

This backing sack is one of my all time favorites. 

O.k., I do love them all, but isn't this one sweet?! Do visit their Facebook page to see all the fabulous progress. I know I keep saying this, but there is so much creativity this year! Enjoy your day.