Quilts for Queensland

Early Morning Cutting - Lots of 4 1/2" Squares

One of Six Completed 9 Patch Blocks

 

Try my best I could not get a photo showing the true colors of this quilt top to be. The fabrics are truly very pretty - muted and very, very serene. With the massive clean up and rebuild Queensland is looking at, I hoped some sweet lady would appreciate a bit of serenity.

I've emailed Retro Mummy with my intent to send to her a completed, lap sized quilt top for her generous offer of completing the quilt. Go check out her blog - she has the first Quilt for Queensland ready and it is Beautiful!

I have had a rather productive morning - ironing, measuring, cutting, laying out, sewing and Ironing. Did I mention I have been IRONING? Could anyone possibly guess ironing is my least favorite part of the quilting process. My mother swears I begged and begged and begged to learn to iron so she taught me. Gotta love mothers!

Happy Quilting to All!

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!

Heart Shaped Needle Case for Australia

Are you following the Be Mine Blog Tour? You should be. There have been some really great "free" projects.

Today Carol's Crafty Creations presented an adorable heart shaped needle case and scissor holder. I LOVE it!  And, I had an idea when I saw Carol's pattern presentation. Remember Guntree Designers is asking quilters to prepare "New Beginnings Kits" for quilters effected by the horrid flooding in Queensland, Australia. What a wonderful way to send our love and encouragement to these quilters in need - a kit including this lovely heart shaped needle case and scissor holder. Both pretty and practical!

Just a thought to all of you. Happy quilting!

Queensland Flooding

The flooding in Queensland Australia is devastating. Last year I participated in a FRIENDS Swap sponsored by Khris of Sew Prim Khris. My wonderful swap partner was Leanne of Stitch Selection. Both of my blogging/quilting friends live in Australia - not in the flooded area; although Khris has family directly effected by the flooding.

Quilters, I have found, are loving, generous people. This is a time of need and there are things each of us can do to make a difference. Please join me in helping where we can.

On my side bar you will find a lovely pink flower which is a link to Gumtree Designers. These loving people are organizing a drive to assist quilters in the flooded areas. Please take a moment to visit this site. Your help and prayers will be much appreciated.

Directly under the lovely pink flower on my sidebar you will see the cutest stuffed pig - his name is Percy - and Percy will link you to Stitch Selection and Leanne's request for Huggles (soft stuffed toys) for the children of Queensland. Please check it out. The children who have been displaced by the flood will certainly appreciate a Huggle made by you.

Go visit Sew Prim Khris. You will find under her post of 01/12/11 a list of sites/organizations prepared to assist in these difficult times. Follow your heart. Thanks.