Sew Sweet Simplicity Free BOM Block 1

I told myself I wouldn't start a new project the rest of the year....oops....I just couldn't help it. :)

This Block Of The Month only lasts 5 months and you have a choice of making a 4 block or 6 block total quilt. There are many other options involving this free BOM but you will need to check it out yourself for all the details.  LINK

Originally I planned to use my stash of 30's Repros and even make the option that includes some simple applique but then I remembered that I still didn't have my computer fixed which meant I couldn't print the applique patterns.  Time to rethink and shop my stash again.

New train of thought....sorry for the poor lighting....picture doesn't show true colors.

One option suggested by the designer was to use a large print in the center of each block rather than doing applique.  I've had the large red, black, white and grey floral piece in my stash for a little while and thought it would be perfect.

Although the designer shared excellent, detailed instructions for cutting and piecing the block, I decided I wanted to do ALL the cutting using my Accuquilt Go.  This meant I had to spend a few minutes figuring out the sizes needed and what dies to use.  If anyone wants to know the dies needed just leave a message in the comments section and I will ask permission from the designer to share that information.

Let the cutting begin..

Well, THAT'S not going to work.....the corners of the snowball blend in too much with the large floral I wanted to use....

I could rearrange the fabrics I planned to use and cut everything out again (all the small pieces) OR I could use everything that was already cut and just switch out the one large floral piece (much less time and work involved).....

Yes....I must admit that the solid black center looks much better than the large floral.  Of course I can always use the large floral fabric as a border....time will tell.

I can call it complete as it is now OR I could add a simple flower design applique in the center using a flower die and my Accuquilt cutter. I think I'm going to wait on making that decision.  It will be simple to add later if I choose to do so.  For now I consider myself finished until the next block pattern is released next month.  This Block only took one morning to start and finish so I don't really feel guilty in deciding to add this NEW project to my goal of finishing UFO's for the remainder of the year. :)

It's not too late to sign up for this free BOM if you would like to participate.  Let me know if you decide to do it along with me.

A Few Finishes

I'm still without a computer and having to use my Kindle to write this post...please forgive the short, blunt writing style.

Much of my time lately has been spent finishing projects.  I'm not sure if these items will end up being gifts or not. I often fear that my family and friends get tired of receiving my handmade gifts. :)

Not sure who (if anyone) would use this runner. I think it's perfect for spring or summer and the fabrics make me smile.

A set of placemats....

Some of the fabrics in this set above remind me of the 1970's.  To be exact, one particular fabric makes my thoughts go to the television show The Partridge Family. Can you guess which one?

This next set of placemats are more subdued but still make me smile....

I was also able to finish hand sewing the binding on the quilt my Dad made and just this afternoon I machine sewed the binding on the top of the Mesmerize quilt and have it ready to take with me to my daughter's basketball practice tomorrow and hand sew the binding to the back.

In the middle of all this hand sewing, I was able to load my mom's Lazy Sunday quilt top on the longarm frame and start quilting it. I'm supposed to hurry and finish this so my youngest daughter can use it now. :)

Are you finishing projects or starting new ones this week?

Until next time!

Mesmerize is now Quilted

Still having to use my Kindle since we still haven't decided the best course of action to take concerning our home computer's hard drive crashing. All solutions cost lots of money....ugh!

Finally was able to load the Mesmerize lap quilt on the frame and start quilting.

Once again I stitched up a set of placemats to take advantage of the unused fabric and batting on the frame (at the bottom of Mesmerize).

The finished quilt draped over my living room banister.  All it needs is binding to call it DONE!

Close up of quilting. I used the design called Continuous Baptist Fans from Urbanelementz.com

Here's the back. I used a beautiful 108" wide Stonehenge fabric.

A picture of the quilted placemats ready to be cut apart and binding attached

It's that time of year again when I find myself with more opportunities to hand sew....waiting on my daughter during hours of basketball practice, etc., plus the cool evenings as I relax while watching tv.  This means I need to keep plenty of projects ready to grab when needed.  So rather than take a break from quilting, I decided to load another project on the longarm frame.

Ironing another 108" backing fabric (this same fabric was used to back my granddaughter's birthday quilt...it was so pretty and I bought more!).

It will be used to back this beautiful quilt top my mother made for my youngest daughter. The pattern is Bonnie Hunter's Lazy Sunday which was a mystery quilt with clues released in the Quiltmaker magazine last year.

Now you know what's keeping me busy.

Thankfully it looks like I can write new blog posts using my Kindle but my, OH my, it is very tedious and an extremely slow process. :)  Patience reaps many benefits!

Until next time....keep smiling, sewing and quilting!

Computer Woes Again

As luck would have it, the hard drive crashed in my one and only computer. I'm typing this post using my Kindle reader (not the easiest thing to do by the way).  :(

Don't give up on me. I'm really hoping we can find a solution quickly. I have a bunch of stuff to share with you and NEED MY COMPUTER!

Until I get this computer problem solved, keep sewing and quilting!

Until next time.........