This week's sewing

I've been working all week to catch up on the cheddarback quilt SAL.  I had decided not to continue after the first two months because some of the blocks didn't turn out the right size and it was frustrating to go to all that work and not be able to use it.

So, after holding off for a couple of weeks, I finally decided that I would regret not making this quilt.  I figured out how to print the 4th month patterns and I got busy.

I added the extra block in the second group, such a cute block.  I added the four shoo-fly mini blocks from another project.  The were just the right size when sewn together - who knew?

I made the other basket block by cutting out all the little pieces, not paper piecing.  When it was finished it measured 6 3/8" instead of the 5 1/2" it was supposed to.  Yet, another block not turning out the correct size.

But, not to be too discouraged, I'm gong to put setting triangles on it (ooh! maybe string pieced) and make it into a 12 1/2" block to replace one of the future ones.

Now, with this done I'll go back to the blind man's fancy blocks and quilt.

Thanks for checkin' in,
Robin

I got a few more blocks done.  They are not necessarily in the order I'm going to sew them together. 

It's looking kind of dark.  I wonder if I should put sashing between the blocks. I have some striped yardage that I want to use for a border so I don't want to make it too big or I won't have enough for the border.  Decisions, decisions.

 I cut out one of the outer pieces wrong and had to sew the fabric together to get a large enough piece for the outside striped green on the left.  I don't think it's very noticeable. 

I think it might need a narrow applique border too.  I'm not used to creating as I go.  It's causing a little apprehension because I might not have enough scraps to do what I want.  I'm used to cutting out the quilt first and then sewing merrily along because I have the confidence that I've got everything I need to finish it.  This is a whole other mind set.

I would probably have more blocks done but I'm working on my hexie project and hand quilting the one on the frames.  I love it.  I'm immersed in needle and thread.

I'm also working on the family pictures I've inherited.  It is extremely time consuming. 

I love this picture.  My grandmother is the youngest child.  She is only eight in this picture.  The other sisters are l-r Nellie age 14, Blanche 18, and Murle 16.  My great grandmother in this picture didn't become a grandmother until she was 70 when her youngest daughter had children.    This is one of the lines in the family that daughtered-out.

Enjoy sewing today,
Robin

My patriotic quilts. . .

I thought it might be fun to see my patriotic and flag quilts all together.

designed by Jan Patek

Plaid quilt in red, white, and blue with buttons - love this quilt

A combination of designs by Blackbird Designs

Little Women 12 by Jo Morton

Made in a SAL with my group Bound Together.
 It now has a border made of the same ombre print as the star and the inner border. 

Ohio Star flag, I don't remember the designer.

My first quilt.

This might not look that patriotic but I sewed flags instead of the solid blocks of fabric that the pattern called for.  It's was a Mystery BOM  called Piece and Plenty from Fat Quarter Shop online.

My first "Women of Grace and Charm" designed by Blackbird Designs.

My 2nd "Women of Grace and Charm" quilt.  I like this one better, I think it's because it's just a little lighter.  But I like the center of the other one better - sigh

I think this is my absolute favorite backing.  It is the backing for the 2nd "Women of Grace and Charm" quilt above.

I have one other one that I didn't include.  It's because there is a big glaring mistake in it and I'm going to have to unpick the quilting, reverse the offending strip, and then quilt that place again.  It's not something I look forward to.

Have a happy flag day!
Robin

Current project (pun)

I wasn't going to do Barbara Brackman's Hospital Sketches QAL but I was enjoying everyone else's progress.  And then, she posted the Cockscomb and Currents block here .  I've always loved this block and wanted to make one.

I bought  some fabric from the Old Sturbridge Christmas line by Judie Rothermel that came out over 5 years ago and have been waiting for just the right quilt project.  I thought it would be perfect for this one. 

I am going to use the block for a center medallion.  I'm making some Blind Man's Fancy blocks to go around it.  (Gotta love that block!)  and then a border and then . . .

The half square triangles in this block finish at 1 5/8th inch.  The tedious part of this is that I have to trim them down to 2 1/16th before I sew them together.  But it works!

This is the 2nd Blind Man's Fancy block but as you can see, I have some unpicking to do.

Sigh~
Robin

Linking up to Design Wall Monday at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts.  Go check it out.