Almanizer and A Mental Health Day

For about the last week I have been crabby, and I mean ugly crabby.  I am usually a very happy person and it takes a lot for me to become crabby, but I have been.  Yesterday when I was told I could take a vacation day today I jumped at it.  A long time ago an older woman (she was probably the age I am now at the time, and at 16 I thought she was nearly geriatric) told me that every once in a while she would take a mental health day, and she would do something that really made her happy.  We all laughed about it, but you know she was right.  Sometimes a person just needs a day to something that is not stressful to forget all the junk that goes on.

The first thing I did was to finish my Halloween quilt so it is ready for next year.  This pattern by The Wooden Bear is so easy it is just fun to do.  Since I am not fond of spiders I only put one on there...and I pretend he is cute. :)

Next I decided I should work on another Christmas ornament for my all handmade ornament tree this year.  I was a little worried at first about using black thread for a Christmas ornament, but after it was finished I really did like it.  I only have 34 more to make (there are three patterns by Blackbird Designs for each month), and I think it is safe to say they all are not going to be finished this year, but maybe next.

Since it was still early in the day I decided I should try to figure out how big I am going to make my 9-patch quilt.  I had thought I had all of the blocks done at 168 (I had made a few extra), but now I'm thinking I want it queen sized...so I made a few more from the strips I already had cut.

With another 19 finished I'm at 187 with a goal of 210.  I also need to get the sashing cut and the 2-inch squares for the border.  I think tomorrow I may try to lay out all the blocks and see what colors I need to add yet.  I still have quite a bit of fabric left so I do have some choices.

Last, but certainly not least, I made the block for today.  It is number 314 of 366 and it is a 12-inch block. All in all I think my mental health day was a success, and I may even finish this posting before 11 p.m.  Tomorrow will be another busy day, but I can smile thinking about all the fun I had today.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

"A" and 9-Patch Link Up

All I can think of as I see the "A" is the Fonz from Happy Days saying "AAAAA" with his thumbs up.  Okay, so I'm so dating myself here, but you know how it goes some days.

This block is fun, and I have so many ideas of ways to use it.  I guess I will just have to see how well I like the other letters before I decide which way to go with this..and no, there aren't 26 of them, so the next 26 days won't be a letter a day, there are only five.  They are all the same size at 7-1/2 inches which makes me wonder which ones are hard to make at 7-1/2 inches.  I suppose I could get some graph paper out and try and figure them out. :)  This is block number 250 of 366 and I just realized I've made 250 blocks...wow.  To be honest there have been a few days when I wondered if I would make it this far...only 116 to go.

Here are my 9 patches and I now have 129 finished.  Guess I need to make one more to have an even number and then I will start trying to get this quilt top finished.  Link up if you have some 9-patches to share with all of us and/or go to the Meadowbrook facebook page to share there! Happy Stitching!! --Kristen

Hopscotch and 9-Patch Link Up

I played hopscotch all the time when I was little.  I would wait for the snow to melt and then would be out there with my rock and chalk ready to play.  I would get fancy with the top where I had to turn around and would make it domed.  Sometimes I would make the squares really big or really small. Of course I didn't have all the pretty colors there are of sidewalk chalk now, but I honestly believe the people who came up with those colors were outside drawing their hopscotch areas just like I was and they wanted to add a little color to it.

I love how the positives and negatives make this block shine.  It took me all of 22 minutes to finish this block tonight (I had to see for once how long it actually took me).  I so love half-square triangles, and this would be so fun to use for a quilt.  I could do each block with different colors, or do the whole quilt (gasp) in only two.  But one thing is for sure, there has to be some major contrast in the fabrics to get the full effect.  This is block number 243 of 366 and it is an 8-inch block.

Now for the 9-patches.  I had a pile of them the other night that I was pinning.  I kept working on them and I was really excited about how they were turning out.

And if there are 20 finished why not keep sewing right?  Imagine some fast paced music going here and it is really exciting as I'm sewing.  All kinds of finished blocks just ready for making into that huge quilt.

Did you hear the needle scratch across the album?  All sewing came to a screeching halt.  Well, it was fun while it lasted this week.  Link up your 9-patches if you have some to show, or if you have a special 9-patch quilt you've made that is already finished, feel free to show that too.  If sharing on Facebook is more your speed, share them there, we all love to see what you are working on!  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Seesaw and Piles of 9-Patches

Today's block is similar to yesterday's.  I guess it is a good thing to do them close together as it makes for easier piecing.

One difference is this is an 8-inch block and it doesn't make an X.  This is block number 236 of 366.

I finished my block of the day early today so I started sewing some strips together for my 9-patches.  Once I finished 10 I figured I should sew just a few more because what is another 10?

After 10 more were finished I was so excited to see my stack I figured I'd try for another 10...

But then I had to take my son to school for the open house and to fill his desk and locker with school supplies.  Once we finished that there was dinner to make and all at once it was late, so only five more were finished.  I think it was a pretty good day.  :)  If you have some 9-patches to link up, feel free to do so.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Shoo Fly and 9-Patch Link Up

Making today's block reminds me that I have a lot of shoo fly blocks to finish putting together for the Vignette Mystery Quilt...

Pretty bright aren't they?  I've been thinking a lot about that quilt lately.  I have so much embroidery to do on it, and soon soccer will be starting again.  I will not be coaching this season which means I am going to have a lot of waiting time, and that is the perfect time to work on embroidery or some other form of handwork (knitting). 

Here is today's Shoo Fly.  It is a 9-inch block and is number 229 of 366.

Now that I am at 106 blocks I guess I should be deciding how big I am making this quilt and just how many more 9-patch blocks I need to make.  Tonight has been one of those nights where it just doesn't stop.  I tried to take photos, the memory card was full.  I deleted photos, took one more, and the battery was low.  While I waited for the battery to recharge Blogger decided to not want to upload, download, or load anything for that matter.  You know when you just being to wonder what you were thinking...I'm there.  Link up your 9-patches if you have some to show.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Paths and Stiles

I bet you are all wondering what in the world is going on...it isn't almost midnight and I'm posting?  I have a machine quilting class tonight and school registration so I figured I should get this done earlier than later.  I hope I learn a lot tonight as I'm hoping to use my newly learned skills this weekend.

I like this block.  It was in green on the calendar, but I thought red was more appropriate for today (I have no idea why, I was just in a red mood).  This is block number 222 of 366 and it is a 9-inch block.

Here are my 9-patches for this week.  I'm getting quite the stack.  I'm at 96 of them so far...amazing how they add up if you have a goal each week to do just a few.  I posted them on the Meadowbrook Facebook page early this morning so you may have already seen them.

 Last, but not least, if you feel like voting for Benny in the Pets on Quilts Contest leave a comment here...Benny is number 43 (leave that in your comment, i.e., Dog #43).  The best part is, you can win prizes just for voting, so VOTE!  I have the linky here too if you finished some 9-patches, and as always, there are some beautiful blocks on the FB page.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

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

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

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

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

Strength In Union and 9-Patch Link Up

Today's block uses all half-square triangles and squares.  Easy, which is what I needed today.  The heat has not let up yet, and I'm beginning to get a little stir crazy from being in the house for so long.  I love fresh air and open windows and I'm hoping this heat wave gives up soon.

I think I'm getting punch drunk on 9-patches, when I downloaded this picture all I could see were the squares looking like 9-patches.  The heat must be getting to me. :) This is block number 187 of 366 and it is a 10-inch block.

Well, it seems I've exceeded my "free" storage space for my photos on blogger...and they now want me to start paying for this...I need to do some checking before I do this, so I will not be showing you my 9-patches today.  If anyone knows how to get around this other than switching to type pad please let me know.  Check out the Meadowbrook Facebook page for my 9-patches, I will be posting photos here again this evening. :)

Link up if you have some 9-patches to show (I hope this works).  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Philadelphia Pavement and Some 9-Patch Prep

Happy Fourth of July!  We had extreme heat today (115 heat indices), so I thought my time would be best spent in the sewing room.  I did leave the sewing machine to spend time with my family too, but I seem to be an extreme wimp in extreme heat.

Today's block has a shoo fly block in the middle.  It was a quick and easy block so I had time to work on my 9-patches.  This is a 10-inch block and is number 186 of 366.

I decided that my time would be better spent if I had all my strips cut.  That way when I have short periods of time I can grab strips and sew some 9-patches rather than cutting and then trying to piece them all at once.

After my strips were cut I started sewing sets together.  I'm excited to cut tomorrow and have some more finished blocks.  I'm linking with WIP Wednesday.  Happy Stitching!!
 --Kristen

White House and 9-Patch Link Up

I had to do another red, white, and blue block because it is, after all, the white house, and it just seems to be that time of year.

As I am not real crazy about the plain white blocks, I think they would be the perfect space for a little embroidery or some applique.  But, there are 9-patches in here so it is perfect for today's link up.  This is block 180 of 366 and it is a 12-inch block.

I had to make some more 9-patch blocks today too.  This time I had the extra 2-1/4 inches left on the one strip set so I just reversed the color order and got an extra block.  I've got 31 finished so far.  I'm going to leave the link open until Sunday, so even if you just have your fabric or pattern, link up.  We would all love to see what you are working on.  Remember also, there is always the Facebook page too.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Bridle Path

I just noticed this is bridle path, not bridal path.  Interesting.  I also find it interesting what a person can do with eight 9-patches and eight half-square triangles.  I find it so intriguing how a person can change the look so much with fabric choices and placement.

I look at this one way and I see all the 9-patches, I look at it another way and I see the big star, and yet a different way and I see a big X.  Definitely a striking block that could make an amazing quilt.  This is block number 178 of 366 and it is a 12-inch block.

I have some more 9-patch combinations.  I've made five of each combination and so far I've done five different fabric choices so I'm at 25 finished 9-patches so far.  I definitely think this is going to be a bright and happy quilt.  I'm linking with Fabric Tuesday and Quilting By The River.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

One Union Square and More 9-Patches

I really enjoyed this block tonight.  I hope that I have some scraps left of these fabrics or I'm able to find more at the end of the year so I can make whole quilts with some of these blocks.

If nothing else this will make a nice pillow.  This is block number 174 of 366 and it is a 12-inch block.

I made another five 9-patch blocks tonight.  I wonder if it is a bad thing if you wake up thinking about possible color combinations for 9-patches, or if getting up an hour early to cut strips for 9-patches is a bad thing?  :)  Have you checked out the Meadowbrook Facebook page?  Merrilee added some pictures of the fabrics she will be using.  They are so pretty it got me thinking about another possible quilt.  I'm linking with Can I Get A Whoop Whoop?  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Bow Tie and 9-Patch Quilt Along

First things first.  Today's block wasn't supposed to look like it has a pinwheel in the middle, but by placing the fabric as I did, I have one, which was a pleasant surprise.

This is a 6-inch block and is number 173 of 366.  I can see that the half way point is getting closer and closer.  Although I'm happy about that, that means that we are getting further into the summer, and I'm enjoying the weather, albeit hot, I'm still enjoying the sunshine.

Now for some 9-patches.  I did mine this morning so I could time how long it took me to make these.  I did take some time to put fabrics together for about 6 different combinations so that took me a bit longer, but I did finish these five in 40 minutes.  Now, I have extra strips cut so I won't have to do that the next time I use these fabrics, and I did use the strip method that I demonstrated on the 9-patch tab above.  I'm excited to see what you have accomplished so far.  If you haven't started, what's holding you up?  Link up and show us what you've done.  Please also link back here so others can get some ideas to start their own.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Mr. Roosevelt's Necktie And A Button

All day I kept looking at this block and thought it looked more like a dog bone than a bow tie, but you know, when you use the right fabrics, it does look like a bow tie.

Kind of.  This is block number 172 of 366 and it is an 8-inch block.  

It only took me an hour and half to figure out how to make a blog button, but I finally did..and as I don't know yet how to get the link part to show here correctly, go to the side bar and grab one and put it on your blog.  :)  Remember, tomorrow is the day to show your progress, even if it is just picking out fabrics, or saying that you are planning on joining, so link up.  There are people who are on the fence about starting, but just need a little inspiration.  That is where you come in, by showing what you are working on you may inspire someone else to start a quilt.  If you don't have a blog, follow the Meadowbrook Facebook page and post your pictures there.  And for those of you not participating, you can always follow the Meadowbrook FB page to get even more inspiration.  I'm linking with WIP Wednesday.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Barrister's Block and 9-Patch Quilt Along

Happy Monday!  I've had a great day and it is still early.  Usually it is almost midnight by the time I get around to posting.  

Today's block is all half-square triangles so it really didn't take long to piece at all.  It reminds me of crowns for some reason.  It is a 12-inch block and is number 170 of 366.

Last night while reading blogs I found this site...Crazy Mom Quilts.  I love this quilt and the best part, she did it as a quilt along doing a 9-patch a day, and along her side bar she has the fabric requirements and instructions to finish it.  So this is the one I am going to do first.  Of course I have four I think I want to do now, but I am going to start with one, and I'm going to double the size of it.

The fabrics I will be using for my 9-patches are from the Amelia line by Me and My Sister Designs.  Do you have your fabrics chosen?  Are you ready to start cutting and sewing your 9-patch a day or two a day or seven one day a week?  I will post the linky here on Thursdays so you can show us what you have accomplished for the week.  Please don't be shy about showing your work, we all love to be inspired by what you are working on.  If you don't have a blog, "like" my Facebook page on the side bar and post them there.  I am going to start to be more active on there, and I can't wait to see what you come up with.  This isn't a race, it is just something fun to work towards.  I know so many of you would love to finish a bed-sized quilt and this is honestly attainable.  I am linking today with Manic Monday and Design Wall Monday.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen