Monday, April 30, 2012

Arizona and Design Wall Monday

Since today's block is called Arizona, I knew I just had to have some yellow in it.  Arizona is one state I have been to (I really do not travel far from home much) and something I remember about it...the absolutely beautiful blue sky and the warm sun.


Although there are a lot of pieces in this block, they are relatively easy to put together, lots of half-square triangles and a few flying geese.  This is block number 121 of 366 and this is a 12-inch block.  It is hard to believe that tomorrow is May 1 already!


Speaking of flying geese and my design wall...I made a few flying geese units last night...49 to be exact.  Now to get them all put together.  I was in the mood for a pink quilt...hopefully I can get it finished this week.  I'm linking with Judy for Design Wall Monday.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Wyoming Valley Star

This is a case where using different fabric values than what is called for in the pattern makes the block look completely different than the pattern.


The pattern had used navy blues and pinks and it definitely looks different, although I do like mine.  Guess it is just one of those things.  It is a 15-inch block and is number 120 of 366!!!! :)

Stash Report....

Used this week:  0 yards
Used year to date:  2.5 yards
Added to this week:  2 yards
Added to year to date: 96.25 yards
Net used for 2012:  -93.75 


Yep, I added 2 yards of a white background, and I've already cut it all up.  I'm using it along with some very old stash, I just can't mark it as "used" yet.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Cobblestone Lane BOM and Northumberland Star

I spent the whole day in my sewing room today.  I organized fabrics and tried to figure out what to work on first.  I ended up spending a lot of time cutting out all the little pieces for these two blocks that were from the Cobblestone Lane BOM.


Tomorrow I'm hoping to blanket stitch around each and every piece. :)  I'm hoping it won't take that long, but I know better than to plan more than working on them...and I also realized why I never finished this quilt.


I love star blocks, and any variation of a star block.  I have ever since I started quilting, and I have no idea why that is.  This is different than anything I've ever seen before and it was enjoyable to piece.  It is block number 119 of 366 and it is a 12-inch block.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Friday, April 27, 2012

Arkansas Crossroads

I need to get to work and finish some of my projects.  It is supposed to be rainy and cold tomorrow which means it is going to be the perfect day to stay home and sew.  The chores are finished tonight (YEAH!) so there should be some sewing time tomorrow, and hopefully I can get some of these half finished projects out of my sewing room.


I think it is a really good thing I am making myself work through these blocks one a day.  I could easily get side tracked and start making some quilts with these blocks.  This one was so fun to make and would easily sew up as a baby blanket in a short period of time.  I cut and pieced this block in less than a half hour which makes me think a baby quilt would be done in no time.  Now to make note of that on my calendar so the next time I need a baby quilt in a hurry, I remember which block would work well.  This is an 8-inch block and number 118 of 366.  I am linking with Can I Get a Whoop Whoop?  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Swamp Angel

The name of today's block made me giggle a bit.  Two words that do not seem to go together are swamp and angel.  As I was working on it I remembered how my grandmother had bought me a needlepoint kit and taught me to needlepoint when I was 10 years old.  We were spending long days at the hospital as my great grandfather had surgery and recovered.  We would sit and stitch and talk and laugh about silly things, and I just know she would have thought it was ridiculous that this block was named swamp angel.  I think I need to do some research on the name.


This is a 12-inch block and the pieces seemed huge.  Maybe it is due to all the 10-inch blocks from recent days or usually there are four pieces across, not three.  Definitely an easy stitch.  I think I've said this now a couple days this week which tells me a really tough one must be right around the corner.  :)  This is block number 117 of 366.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Southern Belle

The name of today's block would have brought a different picture to mind (at least mine) if I just heard the name before I saw the pattern.  I would have thought complicated, sophisticated, and impossible.  It was none of that, it was just plain simple.  My thought process might be a bit askew though because I've watched Gone With The Wind a few too many times. :)


For some reason I have a feeling if you took a lot of these blocks and made a quilt with them you could probably make a spectacular quilt just by changing the colors of the fabrics.  I really should figure out how to use that Electric Quilt program I have and try to see what I could come up with.  This is block 116 of 366 and it is a 10-inch block.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Delectable Mountains

I realized today that there is about a month left of this school year and then it will be summer break.  I do not know where the first part of this year has gone, but it doesn't seem to be slowing down any time soon.  I am so looking forward to warmer weather and evenings spent on the patio.  I might have to consider taking my sewing machine out there once in a while for some great outdoor piecing.


Tonight's block is a 10-inch block and is number 115 of 366.  As I was sewing, it seemed like it was missing something...or like there was only half of it.  I have a great idea for this block and if it works, I will share it with you.  If it doesn't, I will just put it in my mistake pile...I'm kidding, I will share either way.   :)  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Monday, April 23, 2012

Corner Star

Today was one of those days where I just cried pretty much the whole day.  We've had a rough couple of weeks and I do so well for so long and then the flood gates open and I just need a day to get rid of all the yuck and move on.  In between the tears and prayers I would look at this block and think that this was not going to be enjoyable.


I have no idea why I thought it would be difficult, it wasn't and it didn't take that long to piece together.  I'm actually finding that this is my most relaxing part of the day.  I'm doing something I love, it is quiet, and I'm able to use my brain to do something that may be challenging but rewarding.  After this year is over I have to wonder if I won't continue to go down to my sewing room each evening and sew one block together, or quilt something, or maybe even finish a binding.  I think a habit is forming here and I hope it isn't one that is lost with time.  This is a 12-3/4 inch block and is number 114 of 366.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Prairie Queen

Today I spent the whole day doing laundry and cleaning followed up with a couple of hours cooking.  I enjoyed everything except for sorting and folding those socks...and why there are always missing socks I do not understand, but there always are a few.


There is a lot going on here with this block with the half square triangles and four patches, but it was a fairly simple block to stitch.  This is number 113 of 366, and it is a 9-inch block.

Today while I was cleaning I went through my pile of blocks.  I'm starting to get really excited about the possibilities.  It is fun to sort them by size, but so that I do not get ahead of myself I kept them all in order. There will be plenty of time to sort and organize, but it is so exciting to see where this is all going.  May is going to be an extremely busy month, so I'm hoping in June when I am at the half way mark to start putting some of them together.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Cross Within a Cross, FNSI Finishes, and a Barn Quilt

Today's block threw me for a loop.  I have taken it apart three times, and I think I am finally at a place where I like it.  The second cross was what was bothering me.  The first two times I did not have the right fabric combinations and it wasn't easy to see the second cross.  This time I can see it clearly.


I think I had just too many fabrics with patterns the first two times.  I don't know that I'm crazy about this one yet, but I definitely like it better than the first two.  It is block number 112 of 366 and it is a 12-inch block.


Last night we traveled by car for five hours to the other side of Wisconsin so my son could participate in a Pine Wood Derby International Race.  We had such a fun time, and five hours in the car on a Friday night with my husband and son made for some great hand stitching time and conversation.  I had some extra hexagons basted so I thought I'd make them into flowers and have them ready to go.  We have had a rough couple of weeks with some medical scares, and it was fun to see a new part of the country while enjoying quality conversation and laughs.  We also discovered that sometimes we need to get away, even if it is only for a few hours.


This morning when we were heading to the race we found a barn quilt...I was so excited and so happy I had my camera in my hand.  We came on it so quickly and we were in such a hurry I had to quick snap a picture.  It was a beautiful morning and the scenery was a amazing.  You'll have to excuse the head rest in the picture, if I try to crop the picture too much it becomes blurry.  I hope your Sunday is relaxing and wonderful and that you can experience some of that special time we did with people you care about!  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Friday, April 20, 2012

Devil's Claws

Hey, I finished early today! :)  I got up early to finish it and I'm so glad I did...this one was the devil to do.  It probably wouldn't have been had I thought about it a little bit before I started, but I didn't, and I ended up having to take some of it apart.


Had I paid attention I would have noticed that I couldn't just make the four stars and put them together.  Guess I'll blame that on getting up too early! :)  This block is 12 inches and is number 111 of 366.  Tonight is the FNSI, and I still have to make my pillowcase (I seem to always leave these things to the last minute), but I do have the fabric chosen and ready to go.  I am linking with Can I Get a Whoop Whoop!  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Alpine Cross

Tonight's block was fun.  When I first glanced at it this morning I was just sure I was going to have to use one of the templates, but I didn't, it is all half-square triangles.  It was a quick stitch and the hardest part was actually choosing fabrics and finding enough of the ones I wanted to use.


I think this is how that flowery print was meant to be used...I really like it in this block, and I've tried using it before a couple of times and I wasn't very happy with it.  Now I am thinking I had better start looking for some more of it.  This is another 10-inch block and is number 110 of 366.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Crossroads to Jericho

I was so happy to see today's block this morning.  I love nine patches and I've had them on my mind a lot the last few weeks.  I love to see how changing the fabrics changes the nine patch and they are fast and fun to make.  Kind of like a hexagon quilt, but by machine and less tedious.  The squares can be fussy cut and  fun quilts can be made, or 42-inch strips can be sewn together and quickly pieced.  What I also love is how the finished blocks are set can sometimes make you not even realize that you are looking at a nine patch.


This is block number 109 of 366.  It is an 8-inch block and it really has me thinking about a nine patch quilt that my husband's great grandmother made.  It has bright colors in it too, the main one yellow.  For some reason I have a feeling I'm going to dream about nine patches tonight.  Happy Stitching!!
--Kristen

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Crown of Thorns

Making this block tonight brought me back almost 20 years.  I was waiting for my husband to get finished with college so we could get married, and I wanted to make a special quilt for our "someday" home. I had decided to make the Crown of Thorns block, 20 of them in fact, with a purple and cream color scheme.  I cut each block out by pinning the pattern to the fabric and cutting around it with a scissors.  Sad, but true.


Tonight's block (number 108 of 366) went together easily, I had it cut out and pieced in about a half an hour.  I remember how it took me so long to piece those blocks way back when I was new to quilting and really struggling with them.  I wanted so badly to have a beautifully pieced and finished quilt done and saved away.  Well, I saved the blocks away and I dug them out tonight...all nine of them.  The pieces for the other eleven blocks are in my sewing basket just ready and waiting to be sewn together.  After digging out the blocks tonight I realized why I never finished them, and just looking at them tells a story of a very young new quilter who was working way above her skill level and struggling.  I obviously didn't have a very good sewing machine, and I needed to figure out how to use a rotary cutter.


This is one of the better 20-year-old blocks.  The "old" one is a 12-inch block and the "new" block is 10 inches.  Something I guess I realized tonight is just how far I've come, that after 20+ years of doing all of this there is still so much to learn, and to never give up.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Monday, April 16, 2012

Cross and Crown

While I was working on this I kept thinking I was making the Bear's Claw block, but no, it is the Cross and Crown block.  The Bear's Claw isn't until November 14 (I had to look it up as I was just shocked this wasn't it) and I realized I was wrong (was there ever any question)?



This block was fun and easy and I thought I'd do something a little different with the fabrics again...try something unexpected.  Normally I would have used white instead of the green, but this was fun and springy.  By doing this block this way I also realized the options it brings up when putting all the blocks together into a quilt top...something to discuss at a later date.  This is a 10-inch block and number 107 of 366.  I'm linking today with Judy for Design Wall Monday.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Joseph's Coat, Some Machine Quilting, and The Stash Report

I had such great plans for today...and instead I cleaned.  It feels great to have all the cleaning done, but I did not finish anything near what I had planned.


Today's block is a 10-inch block and is number 106 of 366.  This is another one of those blocks I've never seen before, but really like.


I also tried to expand my horizons this weekend and do some machine quilting beyond my usual "in the ditch and stippling."  I'm pretty sure I tore out more than is staying in and I have a lot more to take out.  The only way a person improves I think is to just practice.  I am motivated to keep working on it, it is just a bit disappointing to spend so much time taking out stitches instead of putting them in, and I'm also not the most patient person in the world.

Stash Report....

Used this week:  0 yards
Used year to date:  2.5 yards
Added to this week:  22.25 yards
Added to year to date: 94.25 yards
Net used for 2012:  -91.75 


For the Stash Report...I just cut up the last of my background fabric for my daily squares and it is just killing me not to add it to the stash report because it is 8 yards...but I will wait until I have finished quilts to report.  I'm so hoping that I can finish quilting these quilts too so I can add them to my used to date fabric.  :)  I always have more goals then I seem to accomplish, but that is what makes this all so much fun.  I am linking with Judy for the Stash Report.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Saturday, April 14, 2012

King's Crown

After some of the blocks I've done lately this one was almost simple.  Everything was cut pretty much the same size and the piecing was basic.


I have to wonder if somewhere down the line there won't be a similar block that has the four orange squares matching on the right bottom corner...and what would I name that block?  King's Court maybe?  :) I really have no idea if there is a block like that, but I would not be surprised.  This is a 10-inch block and is number 105 of 366.  Happy Stitching!! --Kristen

Friday, April 13, 2012

Garden of Eden

Wow, the day seemed to get away from me again.  Today's block is full of half-square triangles.


I have a feeling the name has to do with the garden paths maybe?  It is block number 104 of 366 and it is a 10-inch block.  It was Friday the 13th today.  Since it is almost over I can say nothing odd or strange happened (I'm not superstitious, but some people seem to have a lot of fun on Friday the 13th).  It also was not the Friday for FNSI...so I have another week to plan for that.  I must have been a bit overtired last night or just excited for FNSI.  I am linking with Can I get a Whoop Whoop?  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Coronation

What a regal name for a block.  This block has 62 pieces in it, and it was also one of my favorite blocks to make.  I love the challenge of a block with a lot of pieces in it.  I also think it would be fun to make about 42 of these blocks, put them in a quilt, and each block would be a different color.


This is a 12-inch block and is number 103 of 366.  I'm so serious about making this into a quilt that I have actually pulled some fabrics to do it...course I'm not quite sure how many blocks my fabrics will make so I might just end up with a wall hanging.  Tomorrow night is the April FNSI so maybe I can actually get it cut out!?!  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Milky Way

Doesn't this block's title sound all dreaming and far away?  It has stars in it (which I love) and it has little four patches (which I love)...which I guess means I really enjoyed this block.


It is block number 102 of 366 and is a 12-1/2 inch block.  I went with my brother and sister-in-law to look at a new house for them tonight.  It was so fun to think back on our first house hunting trip, how exciting it was, and trying to know if it was just the right place for us.  The house had all these big empty walls just waiting for quilts...they told me I could make some for them...or even just loan them some for a while! :)  It almost sounds like I'm getting the best part of the deal.  I'm linking today with WIP Wednesday.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Missouri Puzzle

Today's block is number 101 of 366.  It is a 13-1/2 inch block which is the first I've done of this size.


It is another bright one with a fun name.  I also think I burned my iron up on it which is rather upsetting. Hopefully it will just decide to work again tomorrow and I will not have to replace it.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Monday, April 9, 2012

Vermont And A Few Odds and Ends

I made it!!! This is block number 100 of 366 and it is called Vermont.  It is a 12-inch block and by no means took 25 minutes to make.


I'm still working on figuring out how to make a mosaic, so I guess it will be a surprise when I show that.  I honestly don't think you want to see a picture of just a pile of blocks.  :)


Yesterday I took a few left over Dilly Dally charm squares and turned this embroidery by Homeberries into a pillow.  You can find the pattern here.  I used 2-1/2 inch squares and it went together easily.  Now I'm thinking I should do the embroidery again only smaller .


I finished this embroidery while waiting the other day.  It was a fun stitch and perfect for this time of year.  It was included in the last issue of Jenny from Elefantz's magazine.  You can find the information for Jenny's magazine here on her sidebar.

Well, I didn't do much to celebrate 100 blocks, but the half way mark is not far away, and then I should really celebrate.  I've had a few people asking where they can find the patterns I am using...they are in the 365 Quilt Blocks a Year calendar.  It was published by Martingale and it looks like this...


I hope you are enjoying my journey through the 366 (it's leap year) quilt blocks.  Thank you so much for stopping by!!  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Twister

Today's block is number 99 of 366.  All I can think of to say is "YEAH!"  I'm so happy I've made it this far, and I probably should not be celebrating number 99, but I am.  I've had a very short, quick course in celebrate everyday this week, and I'm going to do it!


This block is a 10-inch block, it is an easy stitch, and I thought I'd try some more orange.  I'm hoping tomorrow I can figure out this whole picture mosaic thing so you can have a glimpse at the first 100.  I'm pretty excited as my stack is HUGE, and I'm not even a third of the way through yet.

Now for the Stash Report....

Used this week:  0 yards
Used year to date:  2.5 yards
Added to this week:  22.25 yards
Added to year to date: 94.25 yards
Net used for 2012:  -91.75 


Yep I added again...and you would too if you had found another 70% off sale like I did.  It was actually Toy Box II fabrics this time, which means soon I can start putting some of these 100 blocks together...I'm SO excited. I also finished quite a few things today, but I'm going to add them next week to the stash report  (after I show them).  I'm linking with Judy.  Happy Stitching!! 
 --Kristen

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Salt Lake City

Today's block is a 12-inch block and was a fun puzzle to work out.  I'm not so frustrated anymore with the way some of the pieces are cut, and I actually look forward to figuring out how each block goes together.


You can see the seam I did not press the best shows how bigger triangles are cut instead of doing half-square triangles.  Maybe I'm the only one who looks at blocks like this and automatically starts thinking half-square triangles, but this way worked out great.  I think it took about 25 minutes from start to finish and what took the most time was choosing the fabrics to use.  It is block number 98 of 366.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Friday, April 6, 2012

Baton Rouge Square

I decided to try another different color combination today...blue, orange, and the usual background white.


Something this block of the day is forcing me to do...get out of my comfort zone and try some new things.  By not having a specific "plan" I'm free to experiment and try new color combinations that I can honestly say I would probably never try.  I just know that when I start putting these all together they are going to work.  I also know that I am really changing as a quilter, things that I used to avoid at all costs, I can't and won't avoid any longer.  One thing I really need to work on though is my machine quilting, and that is definitely in my "plan."  This is a 10-inch block and is number 97 of 366.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Around the Corner

Today's block is fun and colorful.  The blue fabric has ducks on it and the yellow has rabbits, I thought perfect for spring.



This is a 12 inch block and is number 96 of 366.  I spent a long day at the hospital with my husband and tomorrow will be another, but I promised him I would not miss a day, and I am not going to (if I can help it).  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Hill and Crag

So I'm just going to put this out there and be done with it.  This block was a PAIN to make, and then I figured it out and it was okay.  It is another one that I love, but honestly, I do not see another one being made in this house any time soon.  :)  I did also look up the meaning of "Crag" and what I found was a steep or rugged cliff or rock face.  I guess it does look like one.


It was also another one of those blocks that I had to recut some of the pieces.  I'd think I would eventually measure twice and cut once.  I am glad I figured it out eventually.  It is block number 95 of 366 and is a 10-inch block.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Sunshine

I love the name of this block...Sunshine.  I used to sing "You Are My Sunshine" to my son all the time when he was a baby.  


It is another big one at 16 inches and is block number 94 of 366...that number 100 is getting closer and closer, sure hope I make it! :)  Blogger is making me a bit nervous tonight as it isn't wanting to load, so I am going to make it short and sweet.  I am linking with Fabric Tuesday.  Happy Stitching!!  

--Kristen

Monday, April 2, 2012

April Tulips and Amish With a Twist BOM

I love today's block.  I really did not think I would like it as much as I do when I first started it.  



It is big (another 16-inch block) and it has a lot of squares, but I honestly do not know what makes me like it so much.  I do look forward to using this one in a quilt.  It is number 93 of 366.


This Rail Fence block is block number 1 for the Amish With a Twist BOM from Keepsake Quilting.


I also made some of the connecting blocks to use later.  I'm linking tonight with Judy, Sinta, and Manic Monday.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Fool's Puzzle

Today's block reminds me of a spider.  I don't know why, but for some reason all I see are spider legs.


It is block number 92 of 366 and is a 9-inch block.  When I first looked at it I thought it was made with all half square triangles...nope.  If you look at it just right you can see why I thought that.

I did get my "Ys" all made into "Ts" today, but they aren't all one piece yet.  Hopefully tomorrow as they are on the floor at the bottom of the steps and I don't want them to get stepped on...they should be safe for a few hours.

And now for the Stash Report...

Used this week:  0 yards
Used year to date:  2.5 yards
Added to this week:  25 yards
Added to year to date: 72 yards
Net used for 2012:  -69.5 


I've neglected to add my stash report for a couple of weeks because I've had a few too many people harassing me because they think I've added too much.  :)  There was a sale this week and at a quilt store with 70% off..you bet I bought it!!  I'm going to have some great backings, and I now have some fabrics that will make great pillowcases.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen