Sunday, February 27, 2011

Dresden Progress

I spent a little time with these blocks this morning...early!  I must admit I am happy with the way they turned out.

You have to be aware of which side of the blade is light and make sure all of your blades are the same, with the light on the same side, otherwise it looks a bit disjointed.  I am happy with the batik.  It is crisp and easy to work with.  I love the color variations in batik.


Now I have the two large blocks made....they will be 22 x 22 so I will have to figure out the rest of my design.  It is not going to be huge but it will require a little figuring!

I have auditioned a few fabrics for the centers.  They are posted on Flickr.  Which one do you like??  I am leaning toward either the turquoise or the yellow/green.  I need to find a nice purple to try also before I decide.  I didn't like the black at all.  They all may have different centers before it is done!

Hope you are having a good sewing weekend.




Saturday, February 26, 2011

The Process

I decided to dig in to a new project this morning.  I still have a few hanging on but nearing the finish point.  I still have the Doll Quilt to quilt.  The due date for the Doll Quilt Swap 10 mailing is fast approaching.  I have had a request for a Dresden Plate quilt.  I love this block and it is not near as complicated as it looks.

First;
Choosing fabric...the colors invloved are purple and pink.  I am never happy with just two colors in my quilts.  So I will add in an accent of greens and blues.

I pulled the fabric from stash that I thought I might like to use.  Too many fabrics but I can always put some away.  The quantity of purple that I own is wonderful...it is my favorite.  After pulling these fat quarter and half yard cuts I went looking for border;


this is the border and background fabric.  I think it will be the
1st fabric on the left for border but I like the 4th from the left too.  Both are sunflowers.  The lighter fabrics are for backgrounds for the Dresdens.  I chose batiks for this quilt.  No particular reason.  I like working with them and thought they would work well.  I also tried something new with the dresden;


I had seen these two fabric blades but......................I finally read my "Thoroughly Modern Dresden" book and decided to try it.

I like it!!  I cut two coordinating 3 inch strips, sewed them up the middle, centered my dresden template over the seam and cut them out.  I will tell you my cutting mat that rotates 360 degrees was very helpful.  Only two of my dresdens with be this split pattern.  The others will be normal one fabric per blade.  I have a design in mind we will see how it goes as we go along.
I forgot to mention my mascot/helper that was with me as my work progressed today;

Back to the sewing room!

Saturday, February 19, 2011

A New Project

I started a new project yesterday and I am under the gun......     My great niece Ava turns 4 on the 28th and I need to have a quilt done for her.  She just loves the quilts I make for her and she is the "orange" child so I am trying to put together this nice bright berry, mango, orange and pink quilt and have it all finished up by next weekend!

I hope to have the top and back finished tomorrow so I can begin, at least, the quilting.   Then I can decide what to do for quilting the Doll Quilt.

Hope you are having a fun sewing weekend!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

DQS 10

Now that I have my obligations taken care of I am working diligently on my Doll Quilt.  It had been sitting there staring at me for several weeks untouched.  I had this idea in my head.  Several ideas melding together.  Of  course my swap partner is the one person that has not commented on anything I have made!!  Always the way for me.  I hope she likes it.  I am trying to incorporate things that she likes.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Vacation at Home

So, I am on vacation this week...use or lose so I am using!  A vacation at home is great for me...it means lots of time in the sewing room and time with my better half, and the dog.  She loves to lay under my quilting table!

I finished the heart quilts for the greats on time even and they seemed to like them.  I started quilting my "No Prints Allowed" top yesterday morning.  Worked off and on all day and finished.  I've got the binding half done so this one is a finish way early for me.  Today I am going to get Carla's KC Scrappy Bee blocks done so then I can dedicate myself to the Doll Quilt Swap 10.

I decided not to buck the system , (who wants Jacquie's wrath?) and piece a solid quilt back.  My quilting turned out to be tolerable...maybe a little better than that so I am pleased.  I could get used to this vacation at home thing.  So far it has been wonderful!

Keep on sewing!

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Valentines Day

The day of Love is just around the corner.  I try each year to make something for the "Greats" for each holiday but usually fail miserably.  I have fabric for next years' Christmas quilts on the "to do" list but we will see what I get done...there are 4 planned!  I have Halloween fabric sitting and waiting...guess maybe next Halloween.  Anyway, this is what I have done so far;

I have the girls tops done...now on to the little boys.  I have something in mind there too.  I am awaiting fabric to finish up on DQS10 so this will keep me busy until then!  Happy Sunday everyone!

By the way this is a Moda Bakeshop pattern that has been modified by me!

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Why do I quilt?

I have asked myself this question on several occasions.  Because I love fabric and have since I was a child.  Because I think I have a little talent in the game???, because it soothes my soul and provides me with sanity when I think I might go insane...because I have two little girls and two little guys that love their Aunt Paula's quilts.  All of those things are true but then I came upon this scene;
There he is in all his glory My husband Larry in his chair, remote in his lap, cell phone on the table,  freshly read newspapers laying on the floor and a fresh cold can of Mountain Dew.  I couldn't love him more!!  I made this quilt for him.  It is backed with flannel and filled with wool batting just to keep him comfy and warm.  I quilt for this picture!  I love all the other arty quilts and mug rugs but this is it folks...a reason for me to keep quilting.  Why do you quilt?

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Blizzard

Just a quick post this morning as I get ready to brave the "Blizzard" to go to work...I never have trouble going, it's the getting home that is tough.

Today is the first day of the Cherry House Quilt Along.  I have my fabric cut and ready to go...now on to the next step next week.


  I have just finished up with the quilt top for the Postage Stamp Quilt Along.  Need to get the backing made out of my precious Neptune and get it quilted.

  I have felt driven to produce since the new year began and I want to keep that going!  I have the DQS 10 looming.  I will need to mail by March 15th as I am mailing over seas!  I will show you more of that project soon!

Stay warm!