They Don't All Work.....

Last week someone asked me how I choose which blocks that were not going to end up in a quilt that they were made for.

This block is one of the ones that won't make it into the commissioned origami swan quilt that I'm currently working on because of several problems.

The first, and biggest issue to me, is that the plaid fabric that I used for the underneath piece on the right side just shows through the upper yellow print too much (it looks worse in real life).  And yes I'm picky!

the second issue is that pieces slipped when I was fusing them down  - see the circled areas in the upper photo.  Net result is that the block doesn't have the same look as the others that I've been making.

And while I thought about just tossing the block, I did decide to finish it and put it with several other orphan blocks that are in yellow/black.   So it will eventually end up in a quilt  that will go to Sunshine Quilts.

Gratitudes:
1.  For friends who encourage me to be the best that I can be.

2. For the fun that I have in designing and creating.

Hmmmm.....scrap problem here?

I love to work with scraps and most of the quilts I make are what I call multi-fabric quilts.

These two bins that you see here are what I toss the scraps I end up with when working at my cutting table and when sewing.

It might possibly be time to actually sort them and put them into the bags of scraps that I have upstairs in totes.  These two large totes shown to the right.....yup, those are what my ziploc bags of scraps reside in.   And yes, they are full............  Mind you, that isn't all of them because I have a couple of small project totes with scraps in them that have been pulled to be put together for various quilts.

Think I might have scrap problem?


Gratitudes:

1. No tornado's this morning in the Dallas area as the severe thunderstorms went through here.

2. For my job, which while it isn't perfect pays the bills.

A Fishy Tale

Another set of UFO blocks hits the dust.....

This quilt top started with a set of 5 blocks that had been made in response to a challenge I made to Sunshine members.  The fabric I had sent out was the fish fabric in the pieced blocks.

I used a second fish print that was close to the first in look and colors and the solid orange used in the borders to finish it off.

Final size is 41" by 56".

Gratitudes:

1. For the opportunities to get together with friends

2. For getting my tax refund back!

Weekend Progress

Had a list of things that needed to be done or worked on this weekend.  And got most of them accomplished or at least good progress made.

First up to be worked on were the final blocks for the commissioned teddy bear quilt.  Made the last 9 blocks - 8 setting blocks (no pic of them) and the final teddy bear block.   Also tweaked the #11 block by adding a candy cane for Nicholas to be holding.

I then started to layout the blocks so that I could see how it was going to look.   I need to figure out where I can lay it out in full.....I don't have the floor space for sure!

Next up was completing the stitching on the pile of swan blocks that I have been working on for a couple of days.   They are now done, and i'm ready to pull more thread out this evening for the remaining blocks.

The last thing that I did was to put together a quilt top for a belated baby gift.  The baby's room is decorated in an Arizona theme, so I'm hoping that they'll like the quilt.  Still is to find a backing that will work and then get it pinned so that I can quilt it.

Gratitudes:
1. The active shooter situation here in Dallas was not in the buildings where I work (altho it was only 1/2 mile away)

2. Warmer temps are on the way.

Block 11 - Bentley Bear

Teddy bear block #11 for the commissioned quilt -

Bentley is a pilgrim bear who is here to remind everyone to be thankful for their many blessings.

One more teddy bear block to make for the quilt itself and then I can start making the teddy bear blocks that I'm making as extras to go with the Teddy Bear BOM this year.  =)

Did make progress on the final 8 setting blocks - got the 2.5" squares cut that I need for the center of them.  Now I just need time to sew them together.

Gratitudes:

1. It is the weekend.....well almost.  =)

2. Realization that permanent changes (not just a temporary "diet") in the diet really do make a difference in how I feel

New Teddy Bear Block for Commissioned Quilt

Block #10 for the commissioned quilt - Nicholas Bear.   Still thinking about adding a candy cane to the block......

Two more blocks, already designed, to make for the quilt and then I've got four more bonus blocks that I'll be making to go along with the BOM.  Still need to make the final eight setting blocks but before I do that I need to cut 128 - 2 1/2" squares first.....lol......

Gratitudes:
1. Weather is supposed to be good the next couple of days.

2. Counts are up high enough that I can think about getting the needed tooth work done.