Spool Blocks, Doll Quilts and Auditions

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Boy, oh boy!! Have I been busy. It is like a fire has been lit under my bee-hind.

I have so many irons in the fire it is hard to keep track. For you too, huh!!

Well, two sets are finished. They can be used as doll quilts or holiday table toppers.

One more is about finished. Decided I wanted gold polka dot circles appliqued to the quilt back. This is how I will probably place them.

More on the Sneak Peek from yesterday…. I am using some of my scrap blocks to make a Spool Block quilt. The first one will be a mini one. Table topper or wall hanging. Here are the pieces assembled.

And here are six blocks I made using my scrap blocks as the centers. Cool, huh!! The blocks are made using the snowball block technique.

So far I am liking how to make them. Haven’t sewn the blocks together yet. Need to decide on the borders. I am thinking I should use this red dotted swiss instead of the red polka dots with larger irregular dots. Though the irregular is my favorite type polka dot fabric.

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Two fabric auditions…

Got this green print yesterday at JoAnn’s. Wasn’t 100% what I was looking for but the color seemed about right. At least it looks better than the solid green.

And I think these fabrics will go well together to make up table mats.

Most of this stuff I am making is for my craft show. The only one I have for this winter. It is the second weekend of December. So I have been putting finishing touches on some stuff made but not finished. And making “this” to go with “that”. I still have to get price tags on everything. And I want to do a dry run and set up my display table. Two years ago my display table made the local newspaper. Maybe the same will happen this year.

More photos coming up…

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Tutorial on how to make the spool blocks can be found here.

http://fredashive.blogspot.com/2010/01/string-spool-tutorial.html

A Perfect 11″ Gift Box Block

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Third time is a charm. Keep trying. Never give up.

All of the above. I knew I could do it. These are all a perfect 11″.

I only made four since that was all the fabric I had. It was about 16″ by 44″. In the eBay scraps. I didn’t realize how many pieces were Christmas until I sorted them out. Quite a few to keep me Christmas sewing for about a week.

Anyhoo….. I sent these “perfect” ones off as my entry to the Block Lotto in my Quilt Group. My four will get me four chances to win the block pot. That would be cool to win them all. And then I can make a little Gift Box Quilt.

I finished up the red and green one I showed you two days ago. Made four.

Again, that’s all the fabric I had. Too bad. I like them. Maybe I will make Santa Mug Rugs. Or a long table runner.

The first two gift box blocks I made but weren’t quite up to snuff, I turned into these. I am thinking doll quilts. Or table toppers.

They are quilted and ready for binding. I am leaning toward rounded corners. But that means a bias binding. We shall see.

Here’s a Sneak Peek at something I am working on in between all my other projects. I am trying something new with more of my scrap blocks. A block I haven’t tried before.

And I haven’t shown you any Idea Sandwiches in a good while. Here’s one.

I like this arrangement but think the green fabric could be more interesting. I have to go to JoAnn’s today for thread so I’ll check to see what they have that will make the other fabrics “pop”.

Stay tuned. Keep that dial here. More to follow…

Switching To Christmas

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But first….

I finished binding these two little doll quilts yesterday.

And since I had LOTS of black and white scraps left, I started on a few more.

Did I tell you how much I enjoy making doll quilts!!

Just about out of the pink so used mustard gold polka dots on this one.

I REALLY love how this is turning out. This will be the back.

I would like to make a second one but am out of the white with black stars fabric.

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OK… Now on to Christmas.

My first Christmas blocks. I made this for a Block Lottery I signed up for in the Quilt Group I belong to. We are all making the same block using this Moda Bake Shop tutorial.

http://www.modabakeshop.com/2010/05/christmas-packages.html

It is supposed to true up to an 11″ square but mine turned out a bit short. About 1/4″. So I am going to use them myself for something. Not sure what.

Those were the first ones I made.

These next ones, the second batch, were still a bit shy of 11″ square but I am finishing them (made 4) and sending them off anyway.

For the next ones I make, I will remember to add a teensy extra when cutting and then trim down to size when finished.

What sewing are you doing for the holidays? Sprucing up the homestead or making gifts.

Having My Own Black Friday

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Black… and white and pink.

Used eight more of my scrap blocks to make this little doll quilt.

Remember these? They were the “test” scrap blocks I made in all black and also black and white. Perfect to make into something small. The back will be zebra fabric. And I think I will bind it with the black polka dots.

Next I made this one. Also in black, white and pink.

I sewed the strips first and then cut it in half to add in the black dotted swiss fabric. Back (for now, unless I change my mind) will be black polka dots. And the binding will be hot pink.

This little pillow can go with either.

So… that is how I am spending my Black Friday. Hubby and I stayed home. We vowed not to join the masses out there fighting for day after Thanksgiving specials. He is watching TV. I am sewing.

Where are you? Are you out there shopping till you drop?

Jeweltone Quilt Top: New Layout and DONE!!

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All done and ready to make the back and then quilt.

This is the new layout. Single rows of 12 scrap blocks each.

I tried all the colors before deciding on the avocado borders. Liked it best.

And then decided to make a color strip border just for the left and right sides using all polka dots and dotted swiss fabrics.

The five inch strips looked far and wide between colors so I cut them in half and went with 2 1/2″ instead. Separated by 1 1/2″ black polka dots.

The smaller ones look so much better.

Here’s the completed quilt top. 15 rows. Green, gold, turquoise, red, blue, burgundy and purple. Colors repeat once and ends with a 3rd green row.

I have been working on this quilt on and off for a month. 180 blocks @ 15 minutes (average) per scrap block = 45 hours. And that was just for the scrap blocks!!

For the back, I will use some leftover blocks and large pieces of the dotted fabrics. And with the quilt top being so full of color, I will use black for the binding. Right now it measures 64″ by 80″. It was made from about 98% scraps since I did cut some strips from my stash and used about a dozen 6″ charm squares to chop up.

So glad it is finally finished. That was a LOT of work. But I did enjoy working on it.

Now I can start on something new. Still with scraps though. I made a dent in my scraps but still need to reduce them more. And mainly, I like how I have no fear whatsoever in combining all different types of prints. I would never have created this look working with just my stash. With scraps, you don’t mind experimenting. It is already a scrap. No harm if you don’t like it. Take it apart and return it to the scrap bin.

So… what are you working on?

Do you have a lot of scraps? Are you working to reduce them or just letting them pile up?

Aqua/Turquoise: Saving The Best For Last

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Isn’t it always the case? You put off doing something for fear of failure. That is what was going on with me and my Aqua/Turquoise scrap blocks. I only had a few scraps and I knew it would be tough going trying to stretch them and make 24 blocks.

And then I got this in the mail. From my friend, Debra.

Some really cool scrap pieces in there. Including turquoise. I used her scraps and some other pieces I found in my stash. Even found some charms I bought last year just sitting. I cut them into strips. They worked great.

So… this is the last color. And I am REALLY loving them. In fact, there isn’t an ugly one in the bunch. I had a tough time picking a favorite. I like all 24 of them.

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I took apart my “table cloth” quilt. Hubby said it looked like five table cloths. And now I have the strips separate, not doubled up. Still with black polka dot sashing between the colors.

I am just about finished sewing the strips together. Then I have to decide on a border. Or no border. Probably yes, a border. And a pieced back.

Thanks much, Debra. I used all of the aqua and turquoise. Love the skulls with red roses fabric.

My Bead Challenge Entry

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Yay!! I am so excited.

I have wanted to show you the bracelet I made for Crystal’s First Bead Challenge. But wanted to wait until she revealed them all on her blog. Go here to see the amazing work of the participants. Stringing, wirework, bead embroidery and bead weaving.

http://beadhappilyeverafter.com/blog/?p=18048

All different takes from three sets of beads. (I borrowed this photo from Crystal’s blog.)

I had the idea for my bracelet immediately after seeing the choices. I knew I would peyote something.

 

I used all ten of the silver saucer beads to connect the peyote tubes. And then created a clasp using round Swarovski crystals in siam, smoke and black.

I will be putting this bracelet in my Etsy Shop soon.

Thank you, Crystal, for sponsoring your bead challenge. I really enjoyed it.

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Crystal has an amazing selection of beads. Something for everyone. Even handcrafted jewelry is available. Great prices, super fast shipping. Check out her shop here.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/beadhappilyeverafter?ref=em

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AND for those of you following my blog for the beadwork and have waited patiently… good news!! I am going to make another bracelet in bronze. Crystal also had gold beads like the silver ones I used. Can’t wait to get started. Who knows!! Maybe 2012 will get me back to fondling little seed beads!!

Jeweltone Scrap Quilt: Ready To Assemble

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Reveal time….

Layout 1. Sashing between color strips.

Layout 2. Different color arrangement. No sashing between color strips.

I can’t decide which way is better. I like the clean look of Layout 2 (no sashing between colors) but it is certainly going to be time consuming to perfectly line up the horizontal black polka dot borders.

Which way do you like? What color would be your center?

TV Shows: My Out’s and In’s

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Every year I fall out of love with several of my favorite TV shows. It happens without fail.

I get disinterested, the plots and story lines start to stink up the place. Characters come and go. Even the show’s stars decide to move on!! I mean, what’s up with that? I sometimes wonder why a person making millions would give up their J O B. And got to thinking. Could be for the same reasons the average person quits a job. They hate it. Don’t like their co-workers, health or family issues, not up to the task, or just because. Time to move on.

I stopped watching CSI:Miami. Again. I gave it a 2nd chance even. I loved that Adam (Delko) was back. But the chemistry between the characters is just not there, for me, at least.

And I stopped watching CSI. The original one in Las Vegas. Again, more revolving doors for the stars. They leave. They come back. One star’s face no longer moves. That is a total distraction. When she is on the screen I have no idea what is being spoken. I am only watching to see if her face is moving.

Criminal Minds used to be high up on my Must Watch List. Though I LOVE Morgan. Such a fine hunk of eyecandy. The PTB wrote out the two female stars. Then wrote them back in. Sorry. I moved on.

I moved on to….

Unforgettable with Poppy Montgomery.

I didn’t particular like her on Without A Trace. But I am loving her in this new CBS show. I hope the story lines don’t suffer once she figures out who killed Rachel, her little sister.

And Person of Interest, another new show on CBS, blows me away!!

The episode with the mobster boss masquerading as a teacher was a nail biter. That ending blew me away. So unexpected. And what’s his name (Lionel from LOST) with his limp. He is a good actor. I hated him on LOST. But he is great in this role. And what did you think of the product placement ploy. Showing the book, The Count of Monte Cristo, as the kid’s homework. So clever. Genius actually. I caught the connection immediately. Did you see the look on Jim Caviezel’s face. Just a hint of recognition. He starred in that movie!! Am loving this show. Rewatched all the episodes on my computer.

OH, I forgot to mention one show I would love to watch but can’t. We do not have Showtime. Just basic cable. Homeland with Claire Danes. I watched the free premiere on-line. So good!! Can’t wait until the first season comes out on DVD.

Well, that does it. Two new shows. Unforgettable and Person of Interest. Added to the handful I enjoy.

How about you? Any new TV favorites?

Scrappy Week 2: Ends With Blue

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Week 2 was busy but short. Had to take a few days off crafting for personal traveling. And the whole time I was away I was thinking about my scrap block project. Those finished. Those still to make. And what all I plan to create from them.

Before I left, I had a handful of blue scrap blocks completed. And I have to admit… I didn’t think all those blues would make a pleasing block. Surprise. Surprise!! So far, I like them. I made more yesterday. For a total of 50.

My favorites…

Blue is about half finished. Definitely will take more time. I am thinking another day. And even then, I will still have quite a bit left. (I am itching to begin on my favorite color. BROWN. )

The layout for Scrap Quilt #1 will be two rows of 12 scrap blocks per color. Sewn together with sashing. These are finished. Purple, green and red.

I wasn’t happy with the lack of dots on the avocado center sashing. So I recut it on the bias. Much better, don’t you think?

New, cut on the bias.

Old, cut straight.

These (wine/burgundy) need the middle sashing. I didn’t have wine polka dots so had to search the net. Found a color I am hoping will work. Just waiting for it to arrive. I will use this fabric as a second option if the new one doesn’t work out.

The golds and yellows?? Not sure what I will use for the middle sashing. I have bright yellow polka dots but no gold and haven’t been able to find an exact gold polka dot fabric. I have seen metallic but not what I want. I need a dark mustard color. If anyone knows where I can find it in 100% cotton, let me know.

Once I get all color sets sewn together, I will start arranging the strips on my design wall. I am leaning toward one quilt with bright colors and one with earthtone colors.

What projects have you made from all scraps? Do tell…..