Old-Fashioned Fruit Basket and 9-Patch Link Up

Today was filled with doctors appointments and our son's birthday which included an impromptu grandparent's get together along with the Olympics, dinner out, and then finished off with four basket handles to applique.  It was an extremely busy day, but a fun day.

Today's block was easy to piece and easy to applique, essentially a great block to make.  It is a 12-inch block and is number 215 of 366.

I did something different with my 9-patches this week.  I used all the left over strips I had to make a few odd 9-patches.  I don't know if I will use these in my quit or not, but I can't stand to let these go to waste.  Even if they don't end up in my "final quilt," they will end up in something, they won't be forgotten.  Link up if you have some 9-patches to show...and check out the Meadowbrook Facebook page, there has been a lot of progress there too!  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Corn and Beans

I think when I was little there was a rhyme or a saying about corn and beans, but for some reason I can't remember it.  I suppose it will come to me at about 3 a.m.

There is no white in this block which was a bit odd for me, but I think I like it.  It is block number 214 of 366 and it is a 12-inch block.  I'm off to watch more of the Olympics.  I'm just amazed at water polo and how rough the games are.  It is definitely not a sport for the weak.  Remember, I hate being in the water so it is not a sport I would ever want to play, but I sure enjoy watching it.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

A Dog Who Loves Quilts

Well, now that I figured out how to get the link on here I think I'm doing well.  I have a dog that LOVES to be on quilts, and since that is a category for this linky party, I just knew I had the perfect friend to enter.

This is Benny.  He is an 8 pound Yorkie Poo and he is going to be 6 years old next Tuesday.

Benny is a sweet dog who loves to cuddle up with anyone who has a blankie, be it an afghan or a quilt, he is right there to snuggle.

Every night when I try to photograph my block for the day he is ready to have his picture taken on the block no matter what size it is.  He can make a 6-inch block look tiny...

and an 18-inch block look huge.  I don't take his picture every night, but sometimes I just cannot resist.

Benny also likes to help sort thread, course laying on the thread doesn't really help, but I know he thinks he is really making the job easier.

Benny has his own quilt and afghan in his napping spot (which is even a nice place to be in his Halloween costume).

But there is just nothing like a nap on a doll-sized quilt.  Life and quilts sure would be boring without Benny.  Make sure you click on the link above to check out the other pets on quilts.  You will be able to vote for the cutest pet/quilt ever...or you can enter your furry friend.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

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

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

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

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