Block 7 - Layer Cake Quilt Along

My version of the Layer Cake Quilt Along, sponsored by Moose on the Porch, Block 7 - Designed by Celene Perkins, Perkins Dry Goods. Celine named the block "Spin Wheel." This was by far the most challenging block for me, however, I learned a lot and ENJOYED every stitch. I am pleased with the way the block turned out. The pinwheel points are not perfect and I believe there needed to be more color distinction in my fabric choices. I am learning quite a bit about hues and values as I venture further into this world of quilting.

My lone bird is facing front and center. Leave it to me to select directional prints for learning new quilting techniques. Live and learn! However, I do have a stubborn streak which has plagued me for many, many years!

The above picture is my favorite - absolute favorite! All of the seams in this block, which had many small (well small for my skill level) pieces - and lots of pieces on top of that - are laying down! - with NO screwed up seam directions! And, Mr. Seam Ripper went into action ONE time - ONE time - did you get that? - ONE time for Mr. Seam Ripper on this block.

There is no picture; however, I have my 9 patch lap quilt turned into a completed quilt top - just needs borders. I would have finished today but was not pleased with the border fabric I had purchased. That fabric will make something else one day and I get to make a fabric shopping trip! Yeah!

Moving On!

I took a serious look at Blocks 5 & 6 of the Layer Cake Quilt Along. Both were a bit "modern" and did not seem to lend themselves to the overall look of my material (quilt). Determined I plowed on. I started Block 6, did not like the look I was getting and decided (wrong decision!) to become inventive - you know alter the block to my taste and not waste material. The result was an absolute MESS! This block will not make it's way into this quilt.

My MESS!

 

 

 

Please do not misunderstand me. The above looks nothing like the block design. And, the original design was lovely just not right for the look I was going for. I scratched Block 5 - as it too would be lovely in a more modern quilt top. The block said NO! - not this time - and I moved on!

So, then I really did get inventive! To my surprise I like the result. At the moment it is my favorite of the blocks. I fussy cut one of my favorites out of Eden by Lila Tueller, "matted" it like a picture with Crackle by Kathy Schmitz and put the piece in a fancy frame made out of the Eden.

My "Design"

 I did discover "designing" is major WORK! And, on my day off? Phew! Wanting a 6th block so I could theoretically be "caught-up" in the Layer Cake Quilt Along, I turned to the Internet for guidance. I suddenly remembered a block I had seen just earlier today on Learn 2 Quilt Online. Chris Dahl's block was perfect for my quilt. Thanks Chris!

I am pleased with the result. Remembering the unruly geese of last weekend, I tried a new game plan, I carefully carried only the pieces "seam by seam" from my design area ALL the way across the room to my sewing machine, sewed the seam and came ALL the way back to my design area to carefully check "direction" before proceeding. Does ALL the way across the room and ALL the way back count as exercise??? Chain stitching is faster! Today I left the chain stitching to the experts and my seam ripper got a rest!

Block 6 - Yeah!

 

This is the end of sewing for me for today. Believe me - I quit in the Nick of Time! See how much thread I had left!

Tomorrow, with new thread, I am devoting to the sewing kits for the the Queensland, Australia flood victims. I may also start on some fairly simple 9 patch blocks for the Quilts for Queensland (see button on my side bar) that Retro Mummy is graciously offering to turn into quilts. The people in the flood zone need all the help, love and support we can provide.  Happy Quilting to All!

Bumpy Flight - Happy Landing

Where is Air Geese Traffic Control when you need them?  The block I selected to work on for the Layer Cake Quilt Along sponsored by Moose on the Porch yesterday had 12 - count them - 12 HSTs, which became Flying Geese. These little critters have a designated flight pattern. We require ORDER!  My geese had minds of their own. A couple of them changed directions between the layout and piecing processes. Bad geese! Since Geese Traffic Control was apparently sleeping on the job, I used a cattle prod seam ripper to correct the geese. In the end all are safely flying and there are no congestion issues in my quilt.

Layer Cake Quilt Along Block #2

Block #2 (my 4th) was designed by Vickie Eapen of Spun Sugar Quilt. Lovely design and a pleasure to piece. Vickie is also the organizer and first designer in the Be Mine Valentine Blog Hop which yesterday (01/09/11). If you haven't already, go check out the her adorable hearts ornaments - she is offering the instructions for free.

Miss Snitch Hard at Work!

No wonder the geese thought they could fly any old way they wanted! They had been watching the master snitch cat being sneaky and uncontrollable! Happy quilting to all!

Busy, Busy Day - Loads of Fun (and some progress)

Yesterday was wonderful. First I found Jackie of Canton Village Quilt Works' super tutorial for HSTs - see my post from yesterday morning. Thanks again Jackie!

Then I was off to Quilting by the Bay for the Scrap Buffet. I was handed three Styrofoam boxes when I walked in the door. I followed the long line of customers to a very large table piled high with all kinds of scrap material in various sizes and shapes. The instructions were simple. We could fold, jam, cram, whatever all the scrap material we could get into our "little" Styrofoam boxes. As long as no material hung outside of the box the cost per box was $5.00.

My NEATLY Folded LOOT!

LOOT Spread Out! - Quite a Bit of Fabric!

My plans for the LOOT are some colorful mug rugs for an 8 year old. I am having visions of a very "sophisticated" tea party in the near future.

Off I went to meet with a lovely group of ladies who get together once a month to create. I did not take my machine this time. The visit was my first and I wanted to get to know everyone. We are scheduled for February 5. I will be there will all my quilting "thingies" - ready! I had a wonderful time visiting. The ladies are extremely creative!

And, I am catching up on the Layer Cake Quilt Along sponsored by Moose on the Porch. I now have three blocks out of the five published.

My Starry Starry Block!

Sherri McConnell of A Quilting Life designed the Starry Starry Snowblock. I fussy cut the center to get the adorable little bird where I wanted her. My HSTs yesterday's post are pieced into this block.

My Basket Block!

Sarah Vanderburgh of Sew Joy designed the Basket Block. The picture does not do my block justice. This one is my favorite so far. The fabric I selected fits the "basket." I have part of another block cut out. But I was getting tired and decided to stop before I did some creative cutting!

Cha Cha Says She Has Had ENOUGH of the Quilting!

Poor, poor kitty. She strongly dislikes me participating in any activity in which she is not the center of attention. Also, no is her least favorite word ... unfortunately, no is often required when Cha Cha tries her paw at sewing!

Remember the Be Mine Blog Tour starts today. See you there.