Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Halloween!

Crazy Quilting Cat Lady, I Guess

Isn't this a hoot?

Traveler (TSS 061)

It was a nice surprise this morning seeing a pieced block released.  wasn't sure I'd have time for it, but I've been itching to get back to the machine. Kinda Christmassy, eh? Not sure if I'd like a full quilt of this block.

As per my norm, I peaked at the pattern and scratched my head. Some of the patterns use the newest and most time-saving techniques and some don't. This one wanted us to cut two fabrics into 4-2" pieces and then piece into pairs. What? 

So I went my own route. I cut 2 - 2"x8" strips and cut first. Then I cut them down into 2" sets. Pretty standard, don't you think? 

The other thing I changed were the corner gold pieces. This was the same flaw as in block #3. Why would you flip-and-sew a triangle onto a long piece only to catch it into a thicker, bulkier seam? 

I sewed pieces C & D to piece B. THEN I added the flip-and-sew corners. No extra bulk in the connecting seams. Then, after sewing, trim and flip.

Look how beautifully it all went together? And without the extra bulkiness it lays flat as a pancake.

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That's a lot of pieces!

I've decided to keep a counter at the bottom of these posts to track them. 

The totals are based on the original patterns and not on deviations.

Traveler = 16

Total to Date: 583 pieces*

*The count only includes the blocks I've completed to date

Starting Point (TSS 057)

August was a bust with work and family, but I did get one block done (and not posted - drat!). Here was a simple one. Not sure how I feel about the dark blue on the outside, but it might give the final top a kick!

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That's a lot of pieces!

I've decided to keep a counter at the bottom of these posts to track them. 

The totals are based on the original patterns and not on deviations.

Starting Point = 20

Total to Date: 567 pieces*

*The count only includes the blocks I've completed to date

Friends Around the Square (TSS 008)

Taking inventory I realized I still had this one to do. I had tried it when it first came out, but the fabric folding I attempted didn't work. Only plus side is that it interested a new friend. So, I made this simpler version today.

I'm loving the outside fabric (Meadowbloom's Meadow Rain fabric). I bought a piece of it on a whim, thinking I'll never find a use for it. But since I started cutting it up, I'm finding great places to use it everywhere! Almost impossible to find online, I hope my local quilt shop connection will help.

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That's a lot of pieces!

I've decided to keep a counter at the bottom of these posts to track them. 

The totals are based on the original patterns and not on deviations.

Friends Around the Square = 12

Total to Date: 547 pieces*

*The count only includes the blocks I've completed to date

Pencils (TSS 042)

No, Laurie. Still no hexies. Each one of those flowers takes me an hour to piece. Slow going...

So I took a little break today and worked on my pencils. There are others that pooh-pooh'd it, but, as I'm a geocacher as well as a quilter, they do place an important role in my life. This was fun. I was a little concerned about the pink, but, once sashing is added, I don't think it will be as overwhelming. The brown "wood" fabric reminds me of pencil shavings.

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That's a lot of pieces!

I've decided to keep a counter at the bottom of these posts to track them. 

The totals are based on the original patterns and not on deviations.

Pencils = 27

Total to Date: 535 pieces*

*The count only includes the blocks I've completed to date