Monday, April 12, 2010

Jane Stickle Quilt: I-10

Jane Stickle block I-10Block number/name: I-10 “Iris’ Medallion”

Date completed: April 11, 2010

Number of pieces: 25

Notes on block: All of the inset seams made this block tricky, so I’m really happy with how well it turned out. It seems like about all I have in me these days is maybe one block in an evening, or a little bit of appliqué. My poor fingers are like little sausages by the time evening rolls around, making stitching a lot more challenging for me. It’s really forcing me to slow down, and I’m finding it kind of frustrating. The whole end-of-pregnancy thing leaves much to be desired. I know you're not "due" until the 24th, but feel free to come on out any time now, baby! :)

Sunday, April 11, 2010

The joy of instant gratification

Another project I managed to complete during my camera's demise was a little quilt for Project Linus using the dreaded (seemingly neverending) roll o' fabric. It was awesome because I started cutting on a Saturday afternoon, and had it quilted and bound by Sunday evening. Truly, it was instant gratification!

Happy Charms quilt front
The pattern is by Elizabeth Hartman of Oh! Fransson, created for Sew, Mama, Sew! The free pattern is called "Charm Squares Baby Quilt." It was simple and fun to put together, and it let me use up a little of my stash.

Happy Charms quilting detail
It's a small quilt (about 30" x 40") and it was a perfect little weekend project. I was really feeling the need to actually finish something, as all of my current projects are pretty long-term affairs. So no fancy quilting here-- just some happy stippling.

Happy Charms quilt label
I was able to turn it in at today's Project Linus workshop. Woo hoo!

Friday, April 9, 2010

Greenpiece catch-up

Because of my camera woes, I wasn't able to share my completed Moda Greenpiece BOM blocks for last month. Since I just finished up the center block, it seems like a good time to do a little progress report and share the ones from last month and the center together.

Pieced block 6:

Greenpiece pieced block 6
Applique block 11:

Greenpiece applique block 11
I am so bad at centering these appliques. Ugh! Fortunately, the blocks are cut nearly 2" larger than needed, so I should be able to center the designs better when I trim them down.

Center block:

Greenpiece center tree
I think I'm a little in love with this tree. I'm so happy with how this block came out! It is about 23" square and will be the centerpiece of the quilt. I added a lot more leaves to the original design, because I wanted a fuller-looking tree. I also added more fallen leaves, just because.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Jane Stickle Quilt: G-12

Jane Stickle block G-12Block number/name: G-12 “Gloriae”

Date completed: April 6, 2010

Number of pieces: 25

Notes on block: I really love this block design, but I am not in love with my version of it. I think the fabric is really pretty, but I don’t love it in this block. However, I don’t dislike it enough to re-do it. So it stays.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Snip. Sew. Send. April

I can't believe I managed to finish a Snip.Sew.Send. block in a timely manner. Yay! April is Heather's month, and she sent me a pile of happy aqua fabrics to use in her block.

Snip.Sew.Send. Heather's block
For this block, Heather provided very explicit directions on what she wanted. So there wasn't really a lot of creativity involved on my part-- but really, it was kind of a nice break for me (my brain is just tired lately!). Her instructions were very straightforward, the block went together quickly, and I love how it turned out (such pretty fabrics!).

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Jane Stickle Quilt: K-9, LS-3, M-5

I managed to complete some Stickle blocks over the weekend...

Jane Stickle block K-9Block number/name: K-9 “Scout’s Honor”

Date completed: April 1, 2010

Number of pieces: 21

Notes on block: It’s hard to believe it has been 2 weeks since completing my last block. Exhaustion has set in and I have a hard time staying up past 10 now, really limiting my stitching time. On the one hand, it would probably be good for baby to hang out and cook a little longer. On the other hand, I’m feeling ready to meet baby! My due date is 3 weeks away now. Hopefully, I won’t have to wait quite that long. :)



Jane Stickle block LS-3Block number/name: LS-3 “Connie’s Brownies”

Date completed: April 2, 2010

Number of pieces: 16

Notes on block: This was a fun block to put together and it went together very quickly. A great combination! I probably should have spent a little more time prepping the melons, but I was in a hurry. They aren’t too bad, but I know I could do better. Right now though, I’m just excited to have another block done!



Jane Stickle block M-5Block number/name: M-5 “Mother’s Point”

Date completed: April 5, 2010

Number of pieces: 18

Notes on block: Oof. I think I overdid it today. The boy and I spent 3 hours at the children’s museum, I did lots of chores (including finally getting my hospital bag all packed), and then I topped it off by making a few casserole dinners to freeze for us to use once baby arrives. It was quite a relief to finally take a sit this evening with some stitching. And now, it is time for bed!

Monday, April 5, 2010

Easter treats!

Last week, the wonderful and talented Carrie P. of A Passion for Applique had a fabulous giveaway-- and I won! Look at all of the lovely treats:

treats from the lovely Carrie P.
I received the package on Saturday-- just in time for Easter! How gorgeous is that tea towel? Ah, prairie points, how I do love you... And look-- she included some charm squares so I can make even more if I want to! I can tell you, the chocolate didn't last long. And the boy has already laid claim to the cute little bunny (fortunately, she also included the pattern, so I can always make another). I've actually already read through the magazine too. It's a really interesting publication-- it's really geared toward the quilting lifestyle as opposed to being a project-oriented magazine. I'm curious to see how it fares in the marketplace (this is the premiere issue)-- it seems really different from anything else available right now.

On Sunday, we headed to my in-laws' house for some Easter celebration, including an egg hunt!

egg hunt, 2010
I hope all of you had a wonderful weekend as well!