It's the time of the year when it's very stressful here at the AQ house. Lots of things going on and lots and lots of deadlines. In the sewing room, I've been quilting up a bunch of things and it's felt like all I've done for the last couple of weeks is stitch straight lines. These quilts will be awesome, but they can get really dull to work on towards the end. So, what to do to stay creative and sane? Work on a new-ish project, of course! Here's what I came up with:
Tulip fields blocks, from Bonnie Hunter's book String Fling! I'm making my blocks bigger than hers, so I had to adjust the cutting and whatnot, but it's the same idea. I also decided to use scrappy pieces for the tulip petals, too, where Bonnie uses a constant color.
Never fear, I am not making all of these string blocks now! That would add more stress. I started with this pile:
I made these blocks as an RSC project in (gulp!) 2015. I tried them out with some gray triangles earlier this year, but that never went anywhere. Just couldn't find a pattern I liked for them. I'll take those apart and make them into tulips, too. I think these tulip blocks are much more my style and will make a prettier quilt.
That's the update from here! Looking ahead realistically, this project and the black blocks project will probably be all I'll have time to finish off this year. I'll have some fun quilted finishes, but this will likely be the last start of a project. Okay, I did pull one more out of the closet and I might work on it some, but only if it's fun.
Hope you all have a good weekend! Tomorrow it will be December, if you can believe it. Time to trim the tree, add some presents, and submit some final grades. Fun!
Sharing at Confessions of a Fabric Addict, Finished or Not Friday, and soscrappy for RSC18.
23 comments:
I do like your string tulips. They are a lot better than the gray
Love the tulips, especially on this cold, grey morning! We've been gluten free for several years, so let me know if you'd like any other cookie recipes. Not a fan of sugar cookies, so I don't have one for those, but can offer Cocoa Gingersnaps, Lemon Squares, Italian Amaretti, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip, etc. Just let me know!
Great use for those string blocks. I started some a few years back for RSC and got bogged down. That pattern would be a great use for them. Thanks for the inspiration! I love what you're doing with the postage stamp blocks, too.
It's always fun to see what you are working on, Mari! I think you've found a great use for your string blocks! Hope you find a good GF recipe; I can't help you with that. Enjoy decorating!
love all these quilts that you show. I have found that if you get gluten free flour at any store in the baking isle and replace it cup for cup it works or use almond flour
Hi Mari! I love that tulip block!! Talk about thinking Spring - I love it. More snow in the forecast so this looks like the perfect thing to enjoy right about now. And using up those string blocks is a win/win too. Happy Happy Friday to you. ~smile~ Roseanne
Mari - I use the Bobs red mill 1 for 1 gluten free flour and just make my favorite recipes - everything has turned out pretty good so far doing it this way. out of all the flours I have tried ( over 15 years) this one works really good - the other one that works well is the Namaste GF flours - hope that helps?
I love your colorful tulips and what a way to make a fun scrap busting quilt!
This looks like an excellent way to use string blocks! What size are your original blocks, and what size do the tulips end up? I made single color RSC strings this year and love how they look, but hate how thick they are with the muslin foundations. So cutting them up to use as only part of another block might be a solution.
I've been looking at this same block, but hadn't made any yet. I really like how they look, especially with a close up view of those string sections.
Your tulips are so bright and happy. They put a smile on my face.
That's such a great idea for string blocks, Mari! A few at a time and you'll end up with a really fun quilt!
Those tulips are a wonderful breath of spring and a terrific use of the strip blocks.
Oh, I do like those tulips. Glad you are finally putting those string blocks to good use.
I have found that GF recipes for sweet treats and goodies take time, trial and error. So I would take the recipes offered by Carol Kennedy! We have an added limit at our house. Our granddaughter (33) is GF and Dairy Free and is allergic to coconut. It is a struggle to make her something sweet that her body will tolerate. Good Luck with your GF journey.
I love the string tulips!
I especially like these blocks - I don't have that book of Bonnie's but I'll bet I could work out the design . . . our younger son is GF, dairy free, and needs low sugar - quite a challenge. We use coconut sugar which has a lower glycemic load and that seems to work well. He uses almond silk in place of milk and it seems to bake quite well and works great in waffles and pancakes. King Arthur GF flour is the best one we've found (order online - less than in the grocery store).
just wonderful! Both the tulips (love) and the watercolor squares with little inserts dividing them... happy week Mari!
LeeAnna
Cute tulip blocks! Love your scrappy corner sashings
Love your tulips! I've got that book, so I should sit down and take a peek.
Good luck with the GF sweets. I've heard it can be a real struggle!
Oh, my goodness, your work is always so delightful, not to mention, inspiring!
Ooh, I love the sashing treatment on your last set of blocks. It looks quite intricate, but I can see it’s not complicated... it looks great!
Your scrappy string tulips are really pretty. I love a variety of colors and fabrics.
Oh wow!!! Those strings are intense. But then the tulips are a perfect way to use them and multiply the blocks by two :-) Win Win. Yeah, I know what you mean. By the time I get started with quilting one project, I am itching to start something new. Love love love those tiny RSC squares on your design wall.
Do oats have gluten? I was thinking about oatmeal walnut raisin cookies. Oh I saw banana flour and coconut flour in the baking aisle of Harris Teeter. So there are definite possibilities, bit pricier I am sure. But you are worth it. Hugs to you.
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