I don't always follow directions

My mother always said I was a little bit of a trouble maker. Apparently, I would always just go do things, not asking permission if I could in advance. Then my explanation was “You never said I couldn't do it”.


After doing several string quilts at different Project Linus workshops I was ready to stuff the foundation squares in a box and throw it in the back of the closet. So it was a surprise when after Make a Blanket Day, February 16^th, I came home with dark blue foundation squares to make HST string blocks. This really was not appealing, so I sewed 1-2 strings on each side of the block, covering less then half the block and counted it as done. This was so fast, iron and turn the last edge, sew and NO squaring up. Just trim the sides. So fast, and happy with the results. Think I will put a red back on it and it can go to TAPS. The local Project Linus supports TAPS and tries to send 50+ quilts each year. TAPS - Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, an organization that provides support to the Families of fallen service members RWB quilts or crocheted blankets are always needed for the “Good Grief Camp”. For more info: http://www.taps.org/

This past week, I went to the the monthly Project Linus meeting and came home with a layer cake kit using the Double Slice Layer Cake pattern from Missouri Star Quilt Co. http://quiltingtutorials.com/all/double-slice-layer-cake-quilt-tutorial/
Yes, again, I thought I would do my own thing, and proceeded with a stack and slash quilt. I also cut up the fabric for the border and added a few more squares from my stash.

Well, I guess things haven't changed. They never said I had to follow their directions.

Linking up to Confessions of a Fabric Addict and Crazy Mom Quilts.

Today's Favorite Tool

Do you have this problem?

I always head out to my DH tool bench for one of my favorite tools. It's an extendable magnet pen. It extends 24”.

Easy work to pick up spilled pins. Wish it could pick up all the bits of thread and fabric. Must get the vacuum out. 

 

Finish it Friday, March 15

After another winter cold I've been working on finishing a few Project Linus projects that needed a few seams sewn and very little thinking. I also dug into the bag of orphan blocks and pulled out a project.

Made this top with 8 orphan rail fence blocks:

This checker board just needed borders:

This quilt came back to me after Linda quilted it, I added a binding. So cute with the pale pink corduroy back.

Linking up to CrazyMom Quilts and Confessions of a Fabric Addict.

Hitting the Jackpot with Thin Mints

I ordered some Girl Scout cookies from my friend's daughter and lucky me, they brought over the cookies and a box of fabric scraps last night! Some scraps, orphan blocks and pieces more then a yard. My stash was running low! (ha ha)Guess my DH would disagree with that statement.

Fun colors!

It is interesting to see the variety since the Girl Scouts (12-17 years old) were working on pajama pants and many of these were scraps from their project. Many flannels.

She often brings me a box or bag of scraps. I really appreciate having a thoughtful friend like her.

More Orphan Blocks

I attended 2 work days for Project Linus in January and came home with 

several quilts that needed binding and a large bag of orphan blocks. 

Fun! Here a sample of what's in the bag.

Black and whites:   

Scrappy: 

Colorful: 

I could see why these got put aside, most are 8”-8½” or 12”-12¾”. 

Some slightly less and points not always meeting. Most of the HST 

were made with 2 squares, no trimming of the corners and then sewn 

with other units. This created 9 layers is some corners. I picked out, 

trimmed and resewed.

I selected the colorful blocks, I needed sunshine after the cold weather 

and a head cold. Resewed a few seams and squared them up to 12”. 

I also added 4 wonky blocks. This zebra fabric and the red cornerstones 

were added and ended with this: 

Linking up to Crazy MomQuilts.

Easy Street - On the last steps

Happy New Year! Mystery Monday Link up is here for Easy Street and there are some great quilts and wonderful color combinations. So check them out at Quiltville, Bonnie Hunter's blog.

With Bonnie's quick finish, and my low energy from a winter cold, I skipped most of step 7 and and jumped into step 8. I love how these blocks come together.

Out came the seam ripper, more then once.

I have 9 completed blocks, strips sewn for 6 more, minus the flying geese. That's right I'm back to making flying geese. I have enough fat turkeys; but when Bonnie said “we don't have any more geese to do”, that didn't apply to me.



Thinking about using this for the border:

I'm very please with my color choices. I usually work with scrappy, so the solids were unusual for me but were in my stash. A sign of a great pattern - any color choice makes a great finish. I haven't seen any Easy Street that doesn't look great.

Thanks Bonnie for a great pattern and a fun Mystery. Remember to check out the other quilts at Bonnie Hunter's site.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

Wishing you  good health and happiness in 2013.

I had a great day sewing away on Easy Street while the DH watched football. I don't remember this being part of the instructions. I had sewed many strips together, this was my first block. Decided it was time to quit.