Churn Dash

You know how it goes when you go back to work after vacation...239 emails that need to be answered and a lot of catching up to do.  With two extra hours of work time today I was very happy to have a simple but happy little block to make.

This block is 7-1/2 inches and is number 219 of 366.  It was a good thing this was the block for today as it seems it might take me a while to get back into our routine.  I completely missed an appointment I had by phone tonight, and I'm thinking I'm not going to see all of the Olympic coverage.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Waterwheel

The weather forecast for today was right on and was it ever beautiful.  There was not a cloud in the sky, it was warm, but not hot, no humidity, and there was a gentle breeze.  A person could not ask for a more beautiful day.

Today's block was easy peasy.  I think it took me a total of 20 minutes to cut and piece it which means a small quilt could easily be made in a just a few hours.  I almost made two of them just to see what they would look like when you put them together, but then I decided not to overdo it.  The Minnesota State Shop Hop started this weekend and we took a drive to a shop that I love that is a little farther away.  I usually try to make it to the ones in my section, but I don't always get to all of them.  I decided this year I might just try to make it to the ones I rarely get to or the ones that are my favorites.  I'll let you know how far I actually get in the next three weeks.


Stash Report....

Used this week:  0
Used year to date:  10 yards
Added to this week:  2.5 yards
Added to year to date: 107.50 yards
Net used for 2012:  -97.00  


On the stash report, I purchased 2-1/2 yards today of a fabric I have been looking for for a very long time.  It is an orange Robert Kaufman Mixmasters Fizz.  If you know of a shop anywhere that carries that line of fabric, I would love to know.  I have quite a few of them to find and it has been near to impossible.  I'm back to work tomorrow after a lengthy vacation.  I'm rested, I didn't finish anything I had planned to, and I was just pretty lazy.  I did realize that sometimes rest is a good thing.  Our bodies will always let us know when it has been too much, and mine finally did.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen  

Prickly Pear

This is an interesting block.  I have a problem with blocks that don't quite look right and this is one of them.  I think it might have to do with a prickly pear being a cactus?

This is a 10-1/2 block and is number 217 of 366.  All of a sudden the days seem to be flying by faster than they usually do.  I'm probably trying to complete more things during the day as that first day of school looms overhead.  We had a bad storm last night too during which I actually watched a large tree fall on our neighbor's car.  That then meant I had to watch the tree be cleaned up entirely and the storm end before I could fall asleep.  You know it is late when the Olympic programming on television starts to repeat itself. :)  We are to wake up to 50 degrees tomorrow morning which will be a wonderful break from the horrible heat and humidity.  I think tomorrow will be a day spent completely outside (actually it is so late now tomorrow is today).  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Grape Basket

This evening the heat finally let up a little so I could spend a little time on the swing outside reading a few of my magazines.  I hope the weather gives us a few cooler days and we can spend some more time outside before the cold begins.  I'm excited to finish some projects, start a few new projects, and have a lot of projects on the "to do" list which is quite lengthy.

This block was an easier one.  It is 10 inches and is number 216 of 366.  Someday I hope to make a basket quilt.  There are so many basket squares and most of them aren't that difficult to piece (and this one had no applique like yesterday).  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

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