Autumn House - Block 5

Having fallen a little behind on my Autumn House BOM, I've only just now finished block 5, "Main Street":


This is the center block of the design, and it is a biggie: 18" x 18". I'm pretty pleased with how it came out. (Just ignore the slightly crooked house on the right!)

I tried out a tip from Janet at Quiltsalot: I used a tiny drop of Fray Check on the inside points of the birds' wings before clipping the seam allowance (had I known about the tip earlier, I would have used it in lots of other places too). It worked great! And I just now read that basting glue works just as well and will wash out completely—so I'm definitely going to try that next. If you haven't read Janet's recent posts on how she does applique, you should definitely check it out. They are full of great information, tips, and fabulous eye candy!

Another bit of fun: I learned a new embroidery stitch for this block—the chain stitch (used to create the trunk of the pumpkin tree). I think I did pretty well for my first attempt.

And now I'm only two blocks behind. Progress!

More nine-patchy goodness!

A couple days ago, I received my June blocks for the Three-by-Three nine-patch swap:


Aren't they fabulous??? I love them all and I am getting sooo excited about putting together this scrappy nine-patch quilt. I've already bought my sashing fabric, so once the next set arrives (sometime in August) I can get started.

Woo hoo!

A little peek

In addition to the purple panda (of doom!), I managed to complete one other top last weekend. It is my own design using April Cornell's Nostalgia charm squares. Here is just a little peek:


I'm really happy with how it has come together. Hopefully, I'll be able to get it quilted soon so I can show off the whole thing!

Jane Stickle Quilt: E-4

Block number/name: E-4 “Buffalo Tree Hopper”

Date completed: July 17, 2009

Number of pieces: 15

Notes on block: After looking at the original and seeing how some others redrafted the block, I nearly went that direction too. But I had already cut all the pieces out. And I hate cutting. So out went that idea! Fortunately, I really like the look of this version of the block too. My fabric choice in this one was actually inspired by Jane’s—she used a viney striped print very much like this fabric.

Jane Stickle Quilt: LS-11

Block number/name: LS-11 “Kathy’s Cake”

Date completed: July 17, 2009

Number of pieces: 24

Notes on block: A little candle sitting atop a cake. So cute! I didn’t realize until just now, looking at the picture I took, how fitting this block’s name is. I have to say though, that little flame was a pain in the patootie. I just can’t get the hang of appliquéing such tiny pieces. I did needleturn with freezer paper on top. I probably may have done a better job with reverse appliqué, but I’m not even sure I could have pulled that off well either.

Panda peril!

One of the tops I completed last weekend was my purple patchwork panda quilt-along (from AJ Designs). I love how it came together—so cute!


Unfortunately, all is not well in panda-land.


My husband put water in the iron, and I didn't realize it (somehow, the steam billowing out just wasn't clue enough for me). So when I picked up the iron, water dribbled all over one corner of the quilt. I figured it would be fine to just press it dry. But, in doing so, the purple fabric started to bleed. Eeeep! It was just a little bit though. So I let it dry and took it to the sink and used some Synthrapol on it (a quilt appraiser/conservator who spoke at my guild a few months ago swore by its effectiveness at dealing with bleeding fabrics). Yay! It seemed to be working.


Unfortunately, I used hot water (hitting palm to forehead now) and it started to bleed in another spot. A lot. Gah! This is all extra-aggravating since I pre-wash all my fabrics for the express purpose of preventing such events. Sigh. The best picture I was able to take was of the back of the block... it shows the bleeding pretty well.


I'm thoroughly disheartened at this point. And I'm also in a quandary. This quilt was supposed to be a gift for a new baby. On the one hand, with some more Synthrapol (and COLD water) and a thorough wash (or even two) after quilting, I think it will be okay. But, on the other hand... what if it's not??? Do I invest the time if I'm just not sure?

The bleeding is pretty much only in one block. I think I have enough purple to make a replacement block. So would it be better to make the extra effort to remake and replace the offending block? Or should I just go for it as is, and see what happens?

What would you do?

On the cutting table

I actually had a pretty productive weekend, managing to complete two quilt tops. (I'll share more about those later!) As a result, I felt free enough to start a couple of small projects. So far, I've only managed to get them cut out, but I think the sewing will go quickly.


The first is going to be an apron for my little boy. We've recently started baking and cooking together. It is much fun. But it is messy! I saw this pattern made up while I shop hopped a couple of weeks ago, and thought it would be perfect. And my boy LOVES ducks. He actually takes every opportunity to steal it out of my sewing room. So I think he'll like it.


Also cut is Kwik Sew 3126-- just a simple pair of pajama pants. It has been pretty warm here recently, so we haven't been able to use his regular pajamas, and we don't really have anything lighter-weight. So the boy has been sleeping in a t-shirt and diaper. But every night, he still asks for his pajamas. My husband thought that maybe a pair of light-weight pajama pants would make the boy happy and help keep him cool. Brilliant! We picked out the fabrics on the shop hop, and then I found the pattern this weekend.

I'm excited to have a couple of quick-to-make projects all ready to go. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to sit down and put them together soon!