New Blocks!

This year, I am hoppin' on the RainbowScrapChallenge!

I came up with a block that utilizes my "odd-strips" bin, as well as my heaping neutrals bin.
I'm thinking I will make two of these each month.

My second one is in-process. I start by making a panel with blue strips trimmed to 1.5", and neutral strips trimmed to 3.5".
The strips are about 18.5" long.

Next, I'll cross-cut the panel into 1.5" strips, and of course, I sew them all back together again.
That is what we do, yes?

 

Well, it isn't quite that simple actually:)
I had to rip a few seams and re-position them to make the 12.5" block.
This whole process created a bunch of leftover scraps that I trimmed to look like this,

I think it will make a nice border!
Perhaps the blocks will look cool set on point.

They are certain to create some fun, design wall time!

Following are the lovely places I am linking this block,

then I am back to the sewing grind!

 

Cozy Christmas Quilt Sandwich

This is an accomplishment I can say for certain would not have happened were it not for the monthly goal setting we do at ALYoF! A bit of a scramble over the weekend, but I managed to meet my goal!
Cozy Christmas has a backing, and basting is completed!

All credit goes to Melissa, of Sew BitterSweet Designs, and Shanna, from Fiber of All Sorts for hosting A Lovely Year of Finishes! I set my GOAL and linked my post up (#40) early this month. I have three threads selected for the quilting, however the sandwich is all rolled up. There are a few projects ahead of this one, hopefully I will get to it soon - like before Christmas!
Thank you Melissa and Shanna for keeping us motivated!

Also in the works this week, I am piecing my Christmas Topper for the QAL led by Carole of From My Carolina Home. Initially this was going to be a Mystery QAL, however Carole's followers voted for a reveal. Of course, once I saw what we were to make I began playing with layout options! This first one is according to pattern layout:


Block Option ONE



Block Option TWO



Block Option THREE

I decided not to share with you my final decision! I do hope you won't lose any sleep over this, but it will remain a mystery until I reveal my topper!

I'll be sharing the suspense with Lyn at What a Hoot, for BOM's Away, and with Jen at Quilter in the Closet for Building Blocks Tuesday!

Christmas Topper Quilt Along, Mystery or Not?

I am game to create a quick Christmas Quilty, with weekly assignments led by Carole of From My Carolina Home.
Carole is running a poll this week and will announce on Friday whether this is a mystery, or reveal the design to us along with Step Two of the Quilt Along.

Since I love the suspense, I went ahead and selected my four fabrics and made their cuts.
Done! Decisions made. Irreversible, regardless of the poll results!!

I have several more things to share today!

October was busy busy with visits from both our parents. Spring and Fall are the best times of year in Southern Nevada, and we look forward to company, and sitting outside for dinner.

Perhaps I risk exposing my ignorance, but I learned two new things from my DFIL last month:

1. The gas gage in most cars is located on the dash, on the same side of the steering wheel that the tank access is. (Am I the only one who has never noticed this? How handy when driving a rental, right?)

2. The song Vincent (Starry Starry Night), by Don McLean was written about Van Gogh! Here is a 4min clip with lyrics set to his artwork..

Best October ever!
My sister stayed for five nights! Here we are at Hoover Dam taking selfies...

It went by so fast, but it did give me the time I needed to hook her into quilting!

That's right, JULIE IS A QUILTER!
I didn't give her time to make decisions - I just gave her squares leftover from a mini I made early this year (see Traditional Sunrise). She learned to make HST's, piece and square them; she arranged them in every way imaginable (that's when I knew she was hooked, haha!), and finally decided on this layout.
She is free-motion quilting!
The binding was attached mere minutes before we left for her flight, and she took it home to complete by hand:)

On-Point: A Setting for Cozy Afternoon!

I have always been attracted to quilt blocks that are set on-point, how bout you?
For me, The "Cozy Afternoon" Quilt Setting is no exception!

Love Love Love the lattice design!

Really, this setting could be used in so many ways!

All the math has been done for us --- Thank you Jacquelynne!

How bout you, do you love windy shots?

Today, as we celebrate the release of Jacquelynne Steve's setting instructions (link HERE!), we also wrap up The Cozy Afternoon BOM Bloghop! I have really been looking forward to seeing all these blocks come together and I will definitely be visiting all the participant's blogs:



 Teresa @ A Quilt and a Prayer

Jacque @ Lily Pad Quilting

Julie @ The Crafty Quilter

Bev @ 44th Street Fabric

Kahryn @ Kathy's Quilts

Are you wondering if Jacquelynne is offering another e-bundle pattern giveaway?

Well, of course she is!

But first, a close up of my Cozy Afternoon Christmas blocks:

The idea to mimic the sweet little critters and use Jacquelynne's fabric, "Joy, Love, Peace, Noel" as my theme fabric was irresistible, though I love the sweet, teacup blocks designed for Cozy Afternoon! I plan to use one or two of the block patterns (the birdie!) to embroider dish towels as Christmas gifts.

 

As everyone gets to work on their settings, this seems like a good time to share a quick tip!

Did you know there is usually less stretch in your fabric running lengthwise than widthwise? Whenever possible, I cut my borders from the length of my fabric rather than across the width...

 

And now, let's see what Jacquelynne is sharing for the finale!

I adore the black and red version of Hugs & Kisses!!

This pattern "e-bundle" will be awarded to one lucky reader at EACH stop in the blog hop!

 

To enter the giveaway:

Please leave a comment on this post prior to Sunday October 18th, at midnight (PDT time!).

Maybe you have a tip to share with readers about working with borders? Or not, haha!

 

Blog followers receive a second entry, because it makes me so happy to know who is reading;)

Each comment is an 'entry', so please leave a second one to let me know how you follow!

 

The winners will be contacted by email on Wednesday, Oct. 21st!

Remember to leave your email address if you are a no-reply blogger!

 

 

Although I may not be able to reply to every comment during a giveaway, please know how much I appreciate your visit and enjoy hearing from you!

Cozy Afternoon Block of the Month - The Fifth and Final Block!

Jacquelynne Steves releases the fifth and final Cozy Afternoon quilt block today!

This month's block features a teacup and butterfly to applique or embroider.

Cute Cute Cute! I plan to use the pattern the pattern to embroider tea towels, however my Quilt Along is a Cozy Christmas version!

I love visiting all the bloghop participants to see their versions! 

Teresa @ A Quilt and a Prayer

Jacque @ Lily Pad Quilting

Julie @ The Crafty Quilter

Bev @ 44th Street Fabric

Kahryn @ Kathy's Quilts

The Pinterest Board is another fun way to view more versions of this Quilt Along!

This month I have embroidered the bunny character from Jacquelynne's fabric line, "Joy, Love, Peace, Noel".  He is my favorite critter yet, and represents my favorite carol as well, "Noel".

I have found that I love coloring the fabric in preparation of embroidery! It took a bit of practice to ensure each color would hold fast.

Using Crayola crayons, with a heavy hand, I then heat-set with an iron and ran them through the wash before stitching.

Next month, we work on the setting!

I hope you will visit Jacquelynne and share some love!

I've never hosted a Quilt Along, but I know she has put a lot of time and effort into this free pattern and I am filled with gratitude! Perhaps you are interested in joining her Sew Along Day:

Now for the GIVEAWAY:
Jacquelynne has generously offered an electronic 'pattern bundle' giveaway -

This bundle will be awarded to one lucky reader at each stop in the blog hop!

To enter the giveaway:

Please leave a comment on this post prior to Sunday September 20th, at midnight!

The winners will be contacted by email on Wednesday, the 23rd!

Remember to leave your email address if you are a no-reply blogger!

Thank you so much for visiting! Please know how much I appreciate your comments even though I may not be able to reply to everyone during a giveaway - 

especially this month since I am still in Alaska!!

 

  

In other news, today is Day Fourteen of the Jaftex 85th Anniversary Bloghop and Giveaway!

Visit  Melissa @ Sew Bitter Sweet Designs!

Thank you and Good Luck!

Southwest Summer Quilt Block Tutorial

Summer in the Southwest is HOT, inspiring me to pull my deepest orange for this project!

I love the way it plays with this Echino NiCo Scooter Fabric!

Finished block = 13.5" x 17"
Although there are bias edges to be careful with, this is an easy block and a fun method...

1. Select three fabrics with good contrast.

2. Cutting:
     Fabric One: Cut your center fabric 6.5" Square.

     Fabric Two: Cut four pieces of the contrast fabric, (to be sewn next to the center):
          2 - 3.5" x 6.5"
          2 - 3.5" x 12.5"

     Fabric Three: Cut two squares of the outer fabric, 9 3/8" , then cut them diagonally in half.

3. Starch and press your pieces for best results when working with bias edges.

4. Lay your pieces out:

5. Sew one 3.5" x 6.5" rectangle to each side of your center square and press seams outward.
Sew one 3.5" x 12.5"rectangle to the other side of your center square and press those seams outward.
Sew one triangle to each side of your pieced square, and press those seams outward as well, toward the triangles.

6. Cut the block down the center first. Make three more cuts, 2" apart on each side of the center cut:

7. Invert the strips. This is the traditional layout, with the outer strips inverted to match the others:

This is the layout I selected:

8. Sew the strips together, preferably with a walking foot.
9. P ress the center seam open, and the other seams outward to complete the block.

 

Someday, this will be a fun tote bag!

Soon, I hope!

Cozy Afternoon Block Four - The Joyful Christmas Mouse!

I have been looking forward to sharing this joyful little Mouse!

My 'Christmas' version of Block #4!

This month's pattern includes the cutest little birdie and it was just released today! Check out the other blog hop participants to see the bird - some are appliqued and some are embroidered:

Teresa @ A Quilt and a Prayer

 

Jacque @ Lily Pad Quilting

 

Julie @ The Crafty Quilter

 

Bev @ 44th Street Fabric

 

Kahryn @ Kathy's Quilts



'Cozy Afternoon' is a free Block of the Month Quilt, designed and led by Jacquelynne Steves. The sweet little mouse is her artwork as well - I copied it from the theme fabric I will be using in the borders, from her line, "Joy, Love, Peace, Noel".

Here are all my 'Cozy Christmas' blocks so far:

I am having fun with these critters!

Only one more block to go and then we get an additional month for the setting! Yep, that means there is still time to receive the patterns! Visit Jacquelynne's blog, The Art of Home to sign up.

Jacquelynne has generously offered an electronic 'pattern bundle' giveaway -

This bundle will be awarded to one lucky reader at each stop in the blog hop!

 

To enter the giveaway:

Please leave a comment on this post prior to Sunday August 16th, at midnight.

 

I am interested to know of your favorite authors and/or books! A short, yet heartwarming book I recommend - a favorite since I was young, "That Quail, Robert" by Margaret Stanger.  

Have you read any of the books (to the right) I have conquered this year?

BTW, I am a 'hands free' reader! 80% of the books I read are on CD, often with headphones!

 

Followers of my blog may leave a second comment for another entry! I know, I know, shameless right? But followers should be rewarded, yes!! And I am coming up on my 300th post so this is good timing - hint hint;)

 

The winners will be contacted by email on Wednesday, the 19th!

 

Remember to leave your email address if you are a no-reply blogger!

 

Thank you so much for visiting! Please know how much I appreciate your comments even though I may not be able to reply to everyone during a giveaway!

Travelling to The Pacific Northwest with my EPP

My quick trip home was loaded with hugs, many of those from family I had not seen in a decade! Holidays were often spent with cousins growing up, but as adults we have spread out & lead busy lives in different states and countries. Visiting Seattle was in honor of my Uncle Tom's passing, but it was every bit the reunion I had anticipated. Tom was a family man and this is what he'd want as a celebration of his life.

I did not take pictures as I should have along the way (I really need to work on that(!).

I used to be such a photography geek, forever carrying my 135mm with all it's lenses, film and such. Now that my camera can fit in a pocket, taking photos seems a chore. hmph, go figure..

I managed a cell-shot of the huge Clematis in my sister's yard.

Flowers, berries, and green trees make me homesick. When I stepped off the plane in Bellingham, I held back tears as the smell of cedar immediately came to me. BTW, Bellingham is such an awesome little airport!

While travelling, I worked on Flower Block #24 for my oldest WIP, Grandmother's Flower Garden. I think this will be my last one - time to decide between appliqueing these all on whole cloth, or making hexies to connect them all. These have been a wonderful travel project, many have notes on the back with the date and place/event I was attending recorded. Somehow I would like to record the notes on the finished quilt, probably a big label on the back..  Previous posts are HERE if you would like to see some of the other blocks!

Congratulations to KathleenD, who participated in Cozy Afternoon Blog Hop for Block #3, Kathleen won the drawing last week for the pattern bundle by Jacquelynne Steve's!

And now I am back in the saddle with my foot on the pedal!

*Home Sweet Home*

Block #3 - Cozy Afternoon Bloghop & Giveaway!

Woo-Hoo!

It's Bloghop Time!

Today we celebrate the release of block Number Three for the Cozy Afternoon Free BOM!

 

My quilt is a Cozy Christmas version, made with fabric from Jacquelynne Steve's line,

"Joy, Love, Peace, Noel"

The red and green snowball prints are from her line, "Fruitful Hands"

The embroidery is inspired by the characters in the theme fabric. For July, I stitched the sweet raccoon, with a sign waving PEACE.

 

Even though this is the second month in the Quilt Along, this is the third block pattern to be released. The first two blocks were quick and easy, and both were offered last month, but the patterns are still available! Check out my June post to see my Cozy Christmas Blocks One and Two.

 

I hope you will jump on board - there is still time to catch up!

The pattern has five blocks; one more in August and another in September, then we finish up in October. Visit Jacquelynne's blog to sign up!

 

And visit the Pinterest Group Board to see a lot more variations!

 

Jacquelynne has generously offered an electronic 'pattern bundle' giveaway -

This bundle will be awarded to one lucky reader at each stop in the blog hop!

 

 

For inspiration and variations of Cozy Afternoon, (and more chances to win!), there are five more quilter's participating:

 

Teresa @ A Quilt and a Prayer

 

Jacque @ Lily Pad Quilting

 

Julie @ The Crafty Quilter

 

Bev @ 44th Street Fabric

 

Kahryn @ Kathy's Quilts

To enter the giveaway: Please leave a comment on this post prior to Sunday July 19th, at midnight. Followers may leave a second comment for another entry! Winner will be contacted by email on Wednesday, the 22nd! (Please leave your email address if you are a no-reply blogger - I was so surprised at how many there were last time!).

I have a trip planned this week and it is unlikely I will be able to reply to every comment -

Please know how much I appreciate your visit!

I will try and remember to take a few vacation pictures to share this time, haha!



Cozy Afternoon Blog Hop - The Big Reveal!

Today marks the start of Cozy Afternoon, a Free Block of the Month led by Jacquelynne Steves!
Each month, the patterns offer embroidery and applique options. Search your stash for the perfect fabric, make it scrappy, or pick up a kit with these beautiful fabrics:

Jacquelynne's designs are always adorable and her fabric lines never fall short either! I love love LOVE the Christmas fabric line she designed for Henry Glass,  "Joy, Love, Peace, Noel". 
The characters are so sweet!

With the idea to feature them front and center in my version of this quilt along, these critters inspired me to try my hand at embroidery!
Mr. Mouse was first up, and he became the center attraction of my first block:

The background fabric is from Jacquelynne's 'Happy Town'. I wanted to add color so they could really 'pop', and I spent a good deal of time experimenting before I found a method I am confident   with. A heavy-handed Crayola crayon won out as my preferred method, followed by a HOT heat set with the iron, and an aggressive, warm water wash in the machine. I believe these are now colorfast!

My version of Block Two features an amorous snowman, another character from the same line.  I outlined using backstitch. It took some practice, playing with a few different stitches before I decided to go with the 'stab-style'. I am still fairly inconsistent with stitch size and tension, but I did see improvement pretty quickly and I'm happy with the results:-)
Looks like I forgot to go back with red floss to add French knots for the berries on his hat... funny how things go unnoticed until photographed!

Blocks One and Two are released today!

(July, August, and September will each offer one block for this five-month QAL)



As well as fabric from the Joy, Love, Peace, Noel line, I included the green and red polka-dot fabrics from Fruitful Hands, plus two aqua prints I found in my stash.

Interested in participating? Jacquelynne has a unique talent for accurate pattern writing, with clear instructions that suit all quilting levels. Cozy Afternoon is suited for beginning or advanced quilter's! And, sewing along is even more fun with giveaways planned along the way!

 

Jacquelynne has generously offered an electronic 'pattern bundle' giveaway -

This bundle will be awarded to one lucky reader at each stop in the blog hop!

To enter the giveaway: Please leave a comment on this post prior to Sunday June 21st, at midnight. Any comment qualifies, but perhaps you know a method for coloring on fabric that you would like to share?

For more inspiration, (and more chances to win!!) check out the creative genius of the following guest bloggers revealing their blocks today!

 

Teresa @ A Quilt and a Prayer

 

Jacque @ Lily Pad Quilting

 

Julie @ The Crafty Quilter

 

Bev @ 44th Street Fabric

 

Kahryn @ Kathy's Quilts

 

 

 



Linking up with Myra, today's guest host for Building Blocks Tuesday!