As you know, when you have a bad headache a sewing machine sounds more like a jackhammer, so here's all that I finished up this week:
Two aqua blocks for the Steps to Garden quilt, one of my projects for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge. I am really happy with how these turned out. I'm experimenting with a few different ways to make these blocks, and I tried making these using strips instead of quadrants. I think it worked okay, but I'll have to play around some more too.
Here is my progress on this quilt so far:
You can almost see the pattern and how the quilt will look overall. I think I like it, but it needs more color right now. You can also see (if you look closely) that fewer seams makes for a better-looking block.
These blocks have so many seams that they really need to be pressed open, which I have never liked. To help line up the seams for stitching, I used these cool fork pins:
They're like two pins on one shaft and they hold both sides of the seam at the same time. I had my doubts but they worked great! My only problem was that they seem a bit flimsy to me, and I wonder if they'll bend easily after I've used them for a while. I guess we'll see.
The only other sewing-related thing I did this week was pull fabric for the Sewcial Bee Sampler by Maureen Cracknell and Sharon Holland. This is a 25-block sampler, with one block a week for 25 weeks. We'll see if I can handle that because I haven't made the first one yet and it's really easy. Here's the fabric:
Doesn't that look like some happy fabric? The fat quarters were a gift and I added the solids to fill it out a bit. You should definitely go over and have a look at the sew along. The Introduction includes a fun coloring page, too, if you're into that sort of thing.
Hope everyone has a good weekend. We are going to look at flooring! Can you think of anything more dull? Maybe I'll have to make a side trip to a fabric store or something, just to keep my spirits up. I wouldn't want a relapse!
Sharing at soscrappy for RSC17.
I loved the blocks in the first pic, but I am so glad you gave a sneak peek at how they look with last months blocks, LOVE!! And wow it really changes how an individual block looks.
ReplyDeleteMaybe there will be some cool tile patterns at the flooring shop -- they often remind me of quilt patterns. Blocks are looking great, fewer seams is always a nice goal.
ReplyDeleteWell, you might see some great quilt pattern ideas in the flooring store, just sayin'... :-) I really like how that Steps to Garden quilt is taking shape! I saw the QAL and one block a week doesn't seem bad, but I'm already in 2 probably 3, very undemanding each one, but add yet another, AND I have one of my own starting around mid-March, so I do not know, much as I love Maureen Cracknell's work.
ReplyDeleteLove your blocks. It is evident that a great quilt is taking shape here. Also love the fabric for the next project. ;^)
ReplyDeletethe blocks look great- and the extra color will really add a pop, too. you're right: the strips make the block look that much better...
ReplyDeleteWhen you have longer scrappy strips, fewer seams is always a good idea. The two RSC colours work well with your garden theme.
ReplyDeletethose look like the old time hairpins. Back in the 60's when teased hair and the 70's when "falls" were held up with pins.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are feeling better -- and your colors are SO happy and cheerful!
ReplyDeleteGlad you are feeling better. That bug with the nasty headache is roaming around work, so I am holding my breath. The more blocks you do, the more I love them.
ReplyDeleteI need a million hours in a day.
You made some nice progress despite being under the weather ; these look great!
ReplyDeleteLove how those colours are coming together in Steps to the Garden quilt.
ReplyDeleteBEAUTIFUL blocks sewn in shades of SEA GREEN!!
ReplyDeleteYour Steps to the Garden blocks are going to make such a fun pattern! And the fabric pull you did for the QAL is gorgeous! Definitely happy, Spring-y colors!
ReplyDeleteI love your Garden blocks whether they have lots or fewer seams. Looks like so far everything looks wonderful with green.
ReplyDeleteI wondered how those pins worked. I've seen them but never knew of anyone that had used them.
Thanks for the link to the SAL. I think it would look good in Xmas fabrics too. I might join in
ReplyDeleteSuch Beautfiul blocks! I am impressed - most headaches make you want to hide - so glad you didn't!!!
ReplyDeleteOoh, I'm so glad you kicked the headache. The blocks are fabulous too!
ReplyDeleteIn spite of the headache and all, you were able to do some innovative thinking to cut down on the seams. That's a real win for the rest of the quilt. The aqua blocks are lovely and altogether they show the path so nicely. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteThese look good together. Thanks for the tip about the forked pins. I need to find some of those! I'm also not a fan of pressing seams open, but I'm making a quilt right now that doesn't give me much choice.
ReplyDeleteWow, you said you were going to try to use prints more and you are really jumping in with both feet and making a big splash. I love bright colors so I approve your choices. Have fun with it.
ReplyDeletePat
Love your Steps to the Garden blocks. It's going to be a gorgeous quilt! Looking foward to watching your sampler project develop. You picked some pretties for it too.
ReplyDeleteI just love the block!
ReplyDeletePretty blocks and so happy you are feeling better. That bug is really taking it's toll everywhere.
ReplyDeleteYour garden blocks are going to make a gorgeous quilt!
ReplyDeleteIt would be great if flooring came in HSTs, right? Imagine the fun you'd have laying it out!
First off, I do hope you are feeling better. Being sick this time of year is such a downer :( I do love how your Steps to the Garden blocks are coming together. I have never ran across pins like the ones you are using, those are too stinking cool! Maybe you can turn your flooring trip into quilt block extravaganza? Lots of cool inspiration can be found in flooring tiles.
ReplyDeleteIf this is what you accomplish when you are under the weather, I am sure you are a stitching, quilting powerhouse when you are well. The blocks are beautiful, neatly done and I am sure will come together beautifully. Wishing you good health and sending you lots of good vibes.
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