Just Takes 2 Feb. 15

I've completed the Feb. 15 blocks for the Just Takes 2 mystery quilt. These are all 9" finished size blocks. This month there was traditional piecing, applique and paper piecing with a couple blocks that used a combination of techniques. The paper piecing I'm fairly comfortable with as I've done it in several projects. I've done a little applique but I still feel that it's a new technique for me. As I worked on this block, I kept reminding myself that real leaves aren't all the same even when they come from the same plant and that unless it's in a competition, no one will be looking closely at the applique. I suspect that as this project continues, there will be more applique. I'll get better and more comfortable with it as I do it.

Looking forward to March 1 when the next set of block directions come out.

Feb 1 blocks

There were 2 blocks in the Feb. 1 posting - a 12 inch block and a 3 x 12" block. We were told we could go ahead and stitch these two blocks together. My blocks are pictured at the left.

Feb. 15 was the next installment of clues/patterns for this Just Takes 2 quilt. There were 5 blocks. I have one completed and will post a photo when they're all done.

This isn't the first time I've used red and white but it is the first time I've used only those 2 colors. I like the blocks I've made so far. Most of them are blocks I've never made before so that's new and different as well. This is a fun, yet challenging mystery.

Just Takes 2

I am participating in and making the Just Takes 2 mystery quilt this year. Just Takes 2 is being hosted by Sentimental Stitches and Dear Jane. Block patterns come out on the 1st and 15th of each month. I've never made a 2 color quilt before and I rarely work with red so this quilt project is taking me out of my normal range of colors and also techniques because lots of different techniques will be used throughout this year as we continue getting patterns to make.

It was suggested that some redwork could be embroidered on some of the blocks. I chose instead to use some tatted motifs. Those in the photo are not yet sewn on and I left some of the thread attached so I could use it for stitching the motifs down. I have made a tatted edge for the fan block but it wasn't done when the photo was taken. The photo shows all of the January blocks. So far the blocks are 6", 9" and 12" finished sizes. I don't know what the actual quilt setting will be - but it's interesting to think about.

1 tiny house

Can you tell that I'm catching you up on what I've been doing lately?

With all of the talk of 3" finished house blocks, I couldn't help but try one. It is cute! Unfortunately, I already have way too many UFO's that need finishing and now that I've made one block, I've decided to leave it up on the wall where I can see it and enjoy it. With the other projects I'm working on, I have no time right now to start a wee little house quilt.

I do and will continue to enjoy seeing what others are doing with all of their little houses. I may someday make a miniature quilt using this pattern. It would be a nice addition to my collection of miniature quilts.

NYE 2011 Mystery

I participated in the 2011 NYE Mystery this year. I've done these before and enjoy the challenge , procedure of following the hour by hour directions and seeing the final setting of all the parts. I chose to make the baby/crib size. That's an easy size to complete and also I hoped to be able to use it for a baby gift. I needed one for my friend Sam.

I used a small fleece blanket for the back, no batting as it's not needed with the fleece and machine quilted, ending by turning the fleece to the top, using a decorative stitch all around the quilt's edge and then trimming off the extra fleece. This is an easy way to finish a baby quilt and the fleece makes a very soft, cuddly quilt.

After the quilt was all done, I found out that Sam was doing the baby's room in red and white. With the red in this quilt, it would go nicely and so she has received it and has it waiting for baby's arrival.

BEB blocks

Here are a few of my BEB (buckeye beauty) swap blocks on my design wall. These were collected this last year in swaps with other quilter's in block_swappers, a yahoo group and a sister group to stashbusters.

It was fun making the blocks, sending them in and then getting back lots of lovely blocks from the other swappers. After much consideration of what my layout would be, I think this is my choice for putting the blocks together.

"Ancient" UFO finished

Years ago, I began using some scraps from my own sewing (mostly scraps from garments and curtains made) and also scraps I inherited from my grandmother, including scraps from dresses she made for me) and set out to make a cathedral window quilt. This quilt represents my early efforts at quilting and though my grandmother's many quilts may have inspired my venture into quilting, it was my granddaughter who gave me the encouragement and idea for completion. That makes this a very special quilt to me, even though it's workmanship is quite crude.

I had dreams of making a full size quilt but family, work, school and life caused this to be put on hold. And so it was that I one day decided that that long, narrow partially completed strip would never be added onto and I took it apart, separating it into 2 halves. Putting the 2 halves back together, side by side, this time gave me a small quilt approx the 36" x 45" that I normally use for baby quilts. That gave me a size I was happy with but I was very unhappy with the way the points and corners of the windows came together. It yelled at me "Sloppy".

One day I had it out while my granddaughter was here and I expressed my disappointment with it. Little Lauren, who happened to be playing with contents of my button box, put a few on the quilt and said, "You could use these." And so it happened that I came to put a button at each intersection. That was fun to do and I'm pleased to have this little quilt finished. Definitely this quilt is for display only as it is quite heavy. Cathedral window quilts tend to be heavy due to the many folded layers of fabric in them and on top of that are all of those buttons - plastic, to metal, tiny to large. in a host of colors.

And so the long awaited finishing of this quilt is here and done. This little quilt will have a home in my sewing room, bringing a smile to my face and joy in my heart that it is finished at last".