Friday, September 23, 2011

Finished Or Not

Isn't this little guy cute?  He followed my daughter home from England in June.  He's intended to be a cell phone charm but we both agreed he's too fragile for that so I like to hang him from the side of my sewing machine.  Maybe I'll start a new trend.
As promised this is the Christmas quilt I made using the Twisted Sisters template and pattern.  It's sewn together using partial seams.  The fabric is mainly from the Countdown to Christmas line and it's leftovers from a prior quilt.  My motivation was the small amount of leftover green paisley that makes up the center square of the spoke.  I can't decide if it needs a border.  Any ideas?
I also signed up for the Designer Block of the Month at The Fat Quarter Shop using the Strawberry Fields line by Joanna Figueroa early this year.  It was a real splurge for me as I'm on the thrifty side!  The fabric is so beautiful.  I love it.
This is block 4 that came last week.  I like to take it out of the package and just keep it nearby for a few days until I cut into it.  Have I said I love it?!
Here's block 1,
and block 2,
and block 3.
The directions are so clear and the fabric cuts so generous,  I think you could make two blocks every month with what you receive in each packet. Have a nice weekend and see you soon!

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Being Koi

Hey everyone!  It's certainly been awhile.  Remember me?  If there was an award for procrastination, I would win, or at least be nominated.  Thank you for the occasional email asking if I was alright!  And no, I have not given up blogging!  I have no good solid excuses for my hiatus.
I see that Blogger has an updated interface that I will try but first wanted to get a post up before I confuse myself any more than I already am.
I think I'll work backwards with my updates,
I sewed a few pillowcases to donate to my LQS who will donate to ConKerr.
And did the Strip Club at same LQS.  The club meets once a month with the fabric choices revealed but the pattern a mystery.  All we know is the pattern comes from Layer Cake, Jelly Roll and Charm Quilts book.  The fabric used was Sophie with just a bit of Just Wing It for the star points.  This is not mine, but the shop's sample. 
And I tried something new!  I can't remember when I bought the Twisted Sisters booklet but thought it was time to try it.
It comes with a template but once you get the hang of sewing it together it is a lot of fun.  Ami Simms even has a tutorial on her website which is very helpful.  Here's my first block made from my scrap basket.
I had to take it apart so many times to get the outer edges right.  More pictures tomorrow of my Christmas version.
That's it for today.  Thank you for your patience.  I'm glad you've come for a visit.  And welcome back to those of you who have stuck with me!  I think I'm back on track.