Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Lightning in the Hills

It is late again, and yes I was watching the Olympics again.  In fact, my son and I went and bought a can of tennis balls today so we can start playing tennis again.  We are no way Olympian material, but it sure is fun to pretend, be inspired, and celebrate with the athletes.  I did find time while watching and cheering to make my block for today.



This is block number 213 of 366 and it is a 12-inch block.  It is all made of half-square triangles and just four squares.  This is another block I know I have never seen before, but it definitely was a joy to make.  It is now the last day of July, August is just minutes away, and the year is almost 3/4 over.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Monday, July 30, 2012

Flying Fish

I know that I have been flipping this calendar for the last 13 years, but I don't recall this block.  I think it might have something to do with the fact that I am usually on vacation during this week and I might miss this day?!  At any rate, it was really fun to make a block that I don't ever remember seeing.


It calls for a template that I actually enjoyed using.  The sad part about that is this is the only block that uses that template for the whole year.  I guess someday I may need to make another one.  This is number 212 of 366 and it is a 12-inch block.  I think I may be watching a bit too much of the Olympics.  I keep saying that I will only watch this one more event, and here it is almost midnight again.  I can justify it in that it only comes around every four years...right?  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Flyfoot and Stash Report

Today's block is simple...all half-square triangles which worked perfectly for me.  I suddenly realized that the end of July is upon us and soon it will be time to get back into the routine of school and sports again.  We do have a month left of summer vacation, and I plan to enjoy the time before the routine and rush begins.


This is block number 211 of 366 and it is 8 inches.  I'm wondering what it would look like to have rows of these in a quilt.  I'm thinking they may need to be set on point to get the swirls to line up.

We've been watching the summer Olympics again today.  Very early this morning it was women's weight lifting which completely amazed me.  Today it has been water polo, rowing, beach volleyball, and I suddenly hear that table tennis is on.  I love how people stop and watch those who have worked so hard to get to the Olympics...It is fun to celebrate the wins, and I feel so bad for those who lose by just so little yet try so hard.

Stash Report....

Used this week:  2.5
Used year to date:  10 yards
Added to this week:  0 yards
Added to year to date: 105.00 yards
Net used for 2012:  -94.50  


Well, there are 2.5 yards taken off my stash count...I think I had better start finishing some larger projects so there is more to show for my used stash, and maybe watching the Olympics can help with that.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Sun and Shade

Today I had to walk away for a bit.  Thank goodness I started early because it took a lot longer to finish this one than I expected.  And as always, by the time I was to the fourth quarter of the block I was thinking it wasn't that bad...although all those bias seams...


This is another one of those great big blocks at 15 inches.  When I finished my son asked where I was going to hang this quilt.  We are all thinking about what we are going to do with all these blocks and the larger blocks seem to be a bit more exciting.  This is block number 210 of 366.  I'm off to watch the Olympics which seem to be taking up a lot of time today.  I've already watched the cycle race, women's basketball, and swimming.  :)  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Friday, July 27, 2012

Hill and Valley

Today was a beautiful day.  The heat has finally let up again and it was only 79 degrees...wonderfully cool.  It has been so hot lately it has just been miserable.  We celebrated the cooler temps by opening the windows and shutting off the air conditioning.  The cool breeze reminds me that autumn is right around the corner.



Today's pattern called for using five different colors of green, and I was surprised I had that many in my collection for this project.  Basically it is a very interesting and bigger version of a flying geese block.  I think it should have a trunk on it because it looks like a tree to me.  This is a 9-inch block and is number 209 of 366.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Century of Progress

When I flipped my calendar this morning I was not excited.  


I was so not excited that I decided I was only going to use scraps because I was just sure I would never like this block and would certainly never use it in a quilt.  Then this happened...


You know what, I like it, and I'm going to use it in a quilt.  As a matter of fact, I was thinking that it would be fun to use all the scraps I have at the end of the year to make a quilt and this block would be perfect for that.  I will just have to see how many scraps I have left.  This is an 8-inch block and is number 208 of 366.  



Here are my 9-patches for this week.  I can't believe I've finished 70 blocks so far.  They sure are quicker to make than the block of the day.  If I continue at 10 a week I should be at 120 blocks by Labor Day.  Link up if you have some 9-patches to show, and don't forget to check out the Meadowbrook facebook page.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen


Chuck-A-Luck

The day got away from me again and as I sat down to start working on this block I started to laugh.  Six months ago I would have freaked out over a cutting instruction with an 11/16" and a 1/16" to cut, but tonight it was no problem.


About half way through I started to get a bit nervous about lining up all the triangles, and just when I was about to give up, it went together.  I'm not saying it is perfect, but I had one of those moments where I realized without a doubt that patience and perseverance will get a person a lot further than hopelessness and despair.  I've had a bit of a rough week this week and it is interesting that while working on a quilt block it became so clear to me what I need to do with many things.  This is a 10-inch block and is number 207 of 366.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Storm Signal

I was so excited when I started working on this block as it was such a wonderful twist to a 9-patch, that is until I did my final measurement and noticed I was off by a couple of inches...I then realized I needed to put the triangles on the outside of the block.


Of course the middle would make a great 9-patch, but it looks more like a storm signal this way.  Wouldn't this block add so much to a quilt if you used it as a border with the anchor from yesterday's block in the corners?  I may just have to do that.  This is block number 206 of 366 and it is an 8-1/2 inch block.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Monday, July 23, 2012

Anchors Aweigh

Well, I always thought it was achors away...I'm learning something new everyday.  This block is cute...and I can just see this in a quilt, but with a little change in the design department.  My wheels are definitely turning on this one.


This is block number 205 of 366 and it is an 8-inch block.  I've enjoyed the nautical theme of the blocks for the last week, but it looks like we will be moving on in a day to something different (I took a little sneak peek).  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Dream Ship

My husband and I went on a cruise a long time ago with my brother-in-law and his wife.  It was like a dream.  I had never flown before, and I certainly had never seen the ocean.  It was a wonderful warm trip the end of January, and I will remember it my entire life.


This Dream Ship is a 10-inch block and is number 204 of 366.  I am almost through all the ship blocks, and then I need to start thinking about making a nautical quilt.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Thread

When I saw the linky party at Sew Many Ways for thread organization I knew I had to join in.  I have to say thread is as much fun for me as fabric is.  I've tried many brands for different projects and there is one thing I have realized over the years, if it is organized, your project will be much more enjoyable.


Last year I purchased a lot of the Connecting Threads Essential Thread Packs and then soon realized I needed a way to be able to quickly find what I was looking for as far as colors go.  I found these clear boxes that stack on each other which worked wonderfully, however, the new spools were bigger and I couldn't get three rows of these spools in the boxes.


I can fit my smaller spools of similar colors down the middle.  I like these boxes because I can see from all sides and the top which colors are in which boxes.  That alone makes finding a certain color a lot easier.


The day after Thanksgiving last year my husband and son went to JoAnn's to get this for me as a surprise.  I guess they were sick of me trying to find a certain color of thread for a project late at night and my being frustrated that no shop or store was open until the next day or two (I'm pretty sure if I remember correctly I had quite the dilemma with that over the Thanksgiving holiday last year).  The cutest part of the story was that there was a huge line they had to wait in, and there were a lot of women so interested in the fact that a husband and son would go shopping for this item.  Of course they were the stars of the day and finally some nice women let them budge in line since they only had one item.  My son called me on the way home to tell me about all the Pilgrims that were at JoAnn's that day.  I still giggle thinking about it as they were Amish, not Pilgrims, but with Thanksgiving he got them mixed up.


I do a lot of cross stitch and embroidery so of course I have a lot of DMC thread.  Last year I finally completed my DMC collection, wound them all on cardboard bobbins and boxed them by number.


Of course I have to have extras of those colors also because you just never know when you might run out of a color at 2 a.m. with only three X's or a little line of embroidery left to go.  I keep the extras in a photo storage box (well, actually two of them) with the higher numbers in one box and the lower numbers in another.  I keep a running list of ones that are used up and then purchase them again when they are on sale.



I use a basket for the perle cotton on spools...


and a Martha Stewart tin box for the perle cotton skeins.


Silk threads are kept in these storage bags on rings so they are easy to find.


And then I have a project bag full of Sampler Threads, Weeks Dye Works, and Crescent Colors threads.  These are mainly for cross stitch, but I have been known to change the threads on embroidery patterns too.  I should probably find a different way to store these, but this way I can grab the bag and go, and they all stay dust free.  I guess you can tell I've been working on my thread "collection" for a lot of years.  I know these storage ideas won't work for everyone, but they have worked well for me.  I will be back later with my block of the day.  Happy Stitching!! --Kristen

Saturday, July 21, 2012

The Ship

Sure seems to be a lot of ship blocks aren't there?  Actually I had never thought there were many, but to my surprise there are quite a few.


Compared to yesterday's block, this one was simple.  This is block number 203 of 366.  I spent most of today outside enjoying the weather, and I have to say, I really enjoyed it.


I've had a couple of questions regarding my Tiny Tumblers quilt I made.  I bought the pattern a couple of weeks ago from Primitive Gatherings at the Minnesota Quilt Show and it had the tiny template in it.



I thought the pattern was very reasonable at $12 for the pattern and template, although I kind of did my own thing with the pattern.  I also cut my strips 1-3/4 inches to use with the template and it made the cutting very easy.  You can contact Primitive Gatherings at www.primitivegatherings.us (website) or info@primitivegatherings.us by email.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Friday, July 20, 2012

Dutch Sailboat, Friday Finishes, and a Winner

I've been a little worried about this sailboat block today.  There are a lot of pieces for an 8-inch block, and I had to cut one differently than listed on the measurements.


It is a cute block when finished, but I wouldn't make a whole quilt with nothing but this block.  This is block number 202 of 366.


The first finish today is the five year scarf.  Blocking it was worth it.  The edges are straight and even, the stitches look better, and it is ready to wear when those soccer games start in a few weeks and run into the cool evenings/Saturdays of October.


The You Are My Sunshine stitching is now a pillow.  I used the flange technique I learned in Darlene Zimmerman's class a couple of weeks ago.  I'm really happy with how it turned out, and I realized that I do not have to be afraid of some of these techniques.  Course it always helps to take a class or see a video to know exactly how to do them.


Last but not least is the miniature tumbler quilt.  I worked on quilting this until 2:30 this morning and then got up bright and early to finish it.  I figured out that if I counted the stitches from the top of the tumbler and then across it worked better than trying to eyeball it.  I used my walking foot and outlined each piece in the ditch.  It got the sign of approval from my son who informed me that he would like a bed sized quilt made of these blocks.  As this quilt is 15-1/2 by 15-3/4 inches, I think I had better get to work on his sooner than later. :)  

And now for the winner of the McCall's Quilting Magazine subscription.  I wish this was available to everyone, but not to worry, there will be more giveaways and soon.  The winner was Carly.  Congratulations Carly, I've sent you an email.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Ocean Waves and Summer 9-Patch Quilt Along

Boy the day got away from me.  It was a beautiful evening which meant I spent time on the swing stitching and dinner was late.  But that is okay, we have to enjoy these types of evenings because they are few and far between in Minnesota.  Seriously, soon we will be looking for the winter coats and longing for days like this.


This block is a five minute block.  It is eight inches and is number 201 of 366.  


I was thinking tonight, if I continue to make 10 blocks a week and work for six more weeks, I will have another 60 nine patch blocks.  There is still plenty of time to start, and of course we can always work past Labor Day. :)  Link up if you have some 9-patch blocks to show.  There has been a lot of progress on the Meadowbrook facebook page also.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Waves Of The Sea--Number 200!!!

I seem to remember a few days ago making a block like today's, although bigger, and then saying that I had found a miniature quilt made from this block and that I wanted to start it.  Thank goodness I didn't because I made it through today's and I've had enough.  I'm wondering if the miniature tumbler blocks did me in yesterday or if it was the 1-7/8" half-square triangles today.  I've put that magazine away and I'm moving on to tomorrow.


This is block number 200 of 366 and it is an 8-inch block.  There are more blocks finished then there are to do, and 200 was a major goal for me.


This is another bit of fun I had today.  I've never blocked anything this long before AND I realized I had some trouble while casting off, as in it was a bit tight.  I am thinking that blocking it will help with that tight edge, but it took a long time to get it straight, like I'm talking hours.  It isn't quite dry yet, and then as I was watching yet another video on blocking I realized I'm going to have to do this again the next time I wash it.  It may be a long time before the next washing.  I'm just sure it will all be worth it.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Sailboats And A Mini Tumbler Start

Today was one of those days that I love.  You know, you wake up really early because you have this great idea, you work on it for a while, go back to bed and then get up for the day and work on it until it is completely pieced.  It was too hot to be outside if you weren't in the pool anyway, so why not spend the day doing something really fun (obviously I had the day off of work today).


I finally got my design wall cleaned off enough to use.  I will admit that I was working with pieces that are about 1 inch which means that I didn't have to clean it all off, I just needed a spot to work.  It did, however, really help to use my design wall to get the pieces in the correct order while doing the rows.  This isn't all of it, I cut a total of 208 tumbler pieces, and I used my left over scraps from my 9-patches.  I knew I had saved those for a good reason.  I'm hoping to get this quilted tomorrow and be able to show it with my 9-patches on Thursday.


Today's block was easy and used little pieces also.  I love that the name of the block is sailboats (this doesn't look much like the other sailboat blocks I've made so far, but I'll go with it).  This is a 6-inch block and is number 199 of 366.  I'm linking with Fabric Tuesday and Quilting By the River.  Don't forget to enter the McCall's Quilting Magazine subscription giveaway.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Monday, July 16, 2012

Port and Starboard

First off, I apologize for all the "updates" today.  I was trying to figure out the collage at the top and it took me a bit.  I think I should be good for a while now. :)  Today's block is all half-square triangles which made the end of a really bad day good.  I have a feeling I will be dreaming about a quilt made of nothing but half-square triangles that are about an inch finished.


I was going to do this in red, white, and blue, but I'm so happy I changed my mind.  I love pink and green together...see why I think I will be dreaming about these?  This is an 8-inch block and is number 198 of 366.  That 200th block is so close...I'm linking with Design Wall Monday and Manic Monday.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Lost Ship

Today after finishing this block I was looking in the Quiltmaker's Small Quilts magazine from two years ago (so it takes me a while to get to them sometimes), and I found a small quilt made with this same block only they are 4 inches finished instead of 12.  I'm thinking I'm just going to have to try it.


I really like this one on point, and it is all half-square triangles which means it sews up quickly.  I really think tomorrow may have to be the day for that small quilt.  This is block number 197 of 366.

Stash Report....

Used this week:  0
Used year to date:  7.5 yards
Added to this week:  5 yards
Added to year to date: 105.00 yards
Net used for 2012:  -98.25 


Yes I added to my stash this week.  I finished the world's longest scarf today because I couldn't sleep last night and just kept knitting until I couldn't see the stitches any longer...maybe I should add my yarn to my stash report...then I'd have something to show for all my hard work this week.  :)  Course that would open up a whole other can of worms.  I'm sticking to just the fabric.  I will show my scarf after I have it blocked.


Don't forget to enter the giveaway for the year's subscription for McCall's magazine here.  If you are reading this far I will give you another chance to win, just let me know you are a follower on that same posting.  There are more 9-patches on the Meadowbrook facebook page too!!   I'm linking with Judy for my stash report.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Sailboat, FNSI Finish, and a Giveaway

Today's block is simple, but sweet.  I actually like this one and it would make a really cute, but small pillow.


This is an 8-inch block and number 196/366.  It just makes me wish we were at the lake, not in it, but at it. :)



Here is my FNSI finish.  I started this a week ago and it was nice to get the stitching completed, now to finish it (maybe tomorrow?).  The pattern is "You Are My Sunshine" by Country Cottage Needleworks.  I'm going to have to redo the mouth on the sun.  I changed it from the pattern and I need to rework it.  I used to sing this song endlessly to my son when he was little.



Now for the giveaway.  I received my new McCall's Quilting magazine today, and if I renew my subscription, I can give another one-year subscription to a friend.  So, I figured I would give it to one of you.  Leave me a comment about what is your favorite summer vacation, if you don't have one, give me your dream vacation.  I will draw for the subscription on Friday, July 20, and unfortunately this is only available to readers in the United States.  Make sure you check out the Meadowbrook facebook page as more 9-patch blocks are showing up!! :)  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Friday, July 13, 2012

Tall Ships

Sailing, sailing, sailing the ocean blue.  Yep, I have that song running through my head tonight.  Seems we are starting a nautical theme this week and my son is just sure he will be getting a quilt with these blocks.


I can see myself having a sail boat with a flowery bottom.  Course my husband would laugh at that because I hate the water.  It is very beautiful to look at, I just don't like to be in it. :)  This is block number 195 of 366 and it is a 12-inch block.  Have you checked out the other 9-patches on yesterday's post or on the Meadowbrook facebook page?  I hear there will be more to see soon.  It isn't too late to join us!  I'm linking with Can I Get A Whoop Whoop?  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Starry Lane and 9-Patch Link Up

It is becoming harder and harder to make me really love a block anymore, but this one is a block I do love.  I am fond of both star and pinwheel blocks, so when you put those two elements together, how could a person go wrong?



This is block number 194 of 366 and it is a 12-inch block . You would think with the yellow strips it would have taken a lot longer to piece than it did, which is probably another reason I really like it.


Here are my 9-patch blocks for the week.  I really enjoy seeing how the paired fabrics look together, and I always have to do a test one first just so I can get a sneak peek.  If you have some to show, link up or post photos on the Meadowbrook facebook page.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Grand Right and Left

I know I've made this block before, and I know that it was much bigger and I struggled with it.  I also remember not being fond of it.  I like this one, not enough to use it for a whole quilt, but I think four in the corners would be nice.



The pinwheel in the middle is fun.  This is block number 193 of 366 and it is a 12-inch block.  We have had two beautiful days with no humidity and cool breezes which we have been so thankful for.  I am linking with WIP Wednesday.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Union Square

Another 9-patch block.  Seems I'm starting to see 9-patches in a lot of places I had never noticed them before.  :)  The best part, I didn't have the troubles I had last night.


The fun thing about this block is imagining 12 of them put together.  The four outer squares would make even bigger squares, the outer red crosses would connect to make rows, and then there would be floating 9-patches.  Wow, another fun quilt to make...someday.  I'm linking with Fabric Tuesday and Quilting By The River.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Monday, July 9, 2012

Paper Pinwheels And An Old 9-Patch Quilt

So today I thought I would have an easy time of it and I would have this block done in no time.  There are few pieces and most of them are just squares.  I ended up tearing it all apart and redoing it.  I don't know why because there have been plenty of blocks that were much more difficult than this one and I haven't had anywhere near the trouble I had today.


This is an 8-inch block and is number 191 of 366.  See what I mean about how it should have been easy?    Odd how that works sometimes.


Here is the 9-patch that was the inspiration for me to make a new one. This quilt was made by either my husband's grandmother or great-grandmother, we aren't quite sure.  And not knowing for sure who made it makes it all the more important to put a label on your quilts.  I have been very guilty of not doing that lately and I really need to get back to it.



Some of the fabrics used are feed sacks which I am really excited about.  I also find it interesting that the blocks go over the edge on the left side and are actually part of the binding (you can see a larger picture by clicking on the photo).  :)  Every quilt has a story, even if the quilt is the only one speaking to us.  I'm linking with Manic Monday and Design Wall Monday.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Rolling Pinwheel

When I started thinking about all the different pieces in this block I had to kind of laugh.  I fretted over this block all day, and in the end although there was a bit of a trick to getting this together, it really wasn't that bad.  It includes some half-square triangles, flying geese, a half a flying geese (I think the proper English would be goose, but I've never heard of a flying goose...maybe it is something new, or a piece that no one ever thought to name), a few squares and you have a rolling pinwheel.  Oh yeah, I can't forget the big triangles too, thus the flying goose.


This is a 12-inch block and is number 190 of 366.  I can see number 200 inching towards me.  The year is definitely flying by.  I don't think I will ever look at the days of the year in the same way.


Stash Report....

Used this week:  Nothing to count yet
Used year to date:  7.5 yards
Added to this week:  3 yards
Added to year to date: 100.00 yards
Net used for 2012:  -93.25 


My stash report has been the same for the last three weeks...nothing in, nothing out...but I'm almost finished with a few things so there will be some used to count soon.  I think I'm doing pretty well with nothing coming in lately.  :)  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Yankee Puzzle

The heat has finally let up, and that alone made for a great day.  We can finally spend time outside again and open the windows.  I even went down to the sewing room early so I could spend the evening on the patio.



Today's block is made of half-square triangles and flying geese.  I like this block so much it is going on the "have to make a big quilt" list.  It is block number 189 of 366 and it is a 12-inch block.


I probably shouldn't complain too much about the heat because the green beans are growing like crazy.  This bowl is huge and it didn't take long to fill it.  Enjoy your Saturday evening...I will be back tomorrow.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen