Monday 22nd June, 2009
DJ
I thought I had written more entries in the last month - but maybe too busy!
I posted off all the blocks today. Lots of hard work to finish.
I have copied a post to DJ list:
Well, I have posted off my Spring Fling Blocks.
What a way to begin my quilt!
I decided that being part of the challenge would be a good way for me to get into making the quilt - make a block for my quilt at the same time as making the blocks for the challenge.
Steep learning curve!!
I thought I had chosen blocks I would be able to complete in the time required - & I have - but the task was much more challenging than I thought it would be.
I have learnt a lot about foundation piecing. Not all foundation piecing is created equal, some are harder than others. The one I started on for instance - B6 Wild Goose Chase - should have left this 'til last, after I'd learnt a few tough lessons that involved more "unsewing" than sewing...
Anyway, I've begun. And it is challenging.
I am doing my quilt in brights and black.
I have completed 9 blocks of "Jane is a Bright Girl"
I will figure out how to do the whole name & number thing soon.
Friday 10th July, 2009
DJ
My blocks have arrived & the swaps should be sent back soon. It took exactly 1 week for them to arrive. Posted Monday, arrived Monday.
Oriental Sampler
I have not done another block since - have cut out the papers but have been busy catching up on free block quilt.
It is coming along nicely. I should add some photos.
We are up to the 5th Row now & I have seen the completed quilt, which I like a lot. I think Daniel will like it too.
1st week - Churn Dash block with appliquéd circles
2nd Week - Chinese Lanterns
3rd & 4th Week - 1/2 Dresden Plate blocks made into Oriental Fans & Dragons (look great)
5th Week - appliquéd Chinese symbols
I have completed all except doing the final appliqué of the Chinese symbols. I want to do a couple of extras too.
Other
I have been reading through the Michelle Hill William Morris book today - lovely work. Also like the look of an appliqué pattern April Quilters Companion - looks like it would be quite simple to complete quickly.
Saturday 22nd August, 2009
Haven't been writing in here enough. Will try & update more regularly because I forget what I have been doing with so long between.
Oriental Sampler
Ended up doing a double happiness in the centre of the Chinese symbols row & have joined them together.
Have just started the practice block for the next row "Moon Gates" - it is a fast Cathedral Window style block. Quite nice.
DJ
Have decided to make a applique wreath from the Piece O Cake Aunt Millie's Garden patterns for the centre of a quilt, with my swap blocks around the outside.
I think it will work quite well. I have begun the centre, but don't like the colour choices so will use that a s a cushion cover & start again. I made the stems too dark for the pastel flowers & berries.
I have also completed a few more blocks in the last couple of days: A11 Pebble's Protest, A12 Framed Fancy, M12 Hopscotch & M2 Duff's Bluff
SBS
Have begun the Sylvia's Bridal Sampler class every third Sunday with Veronica. It will be a challenge for her, but may take her mind off work problems. It is 130? 6" blocks made from the novel "The Master Quilter" - one of the Elm Creek series.
Veronica didn't make it to the first class, but I spent the rest of the day with her & got her machine going & cut up some fabric for her to begin. She is doing it with a yellow background.
I am using a sort of yellow background - Robyn Pandolph "Sentimental Journey". It will be a challenge for me because I don't usually use these type of fabrics.
I completed 3 blocks in the first class: A3 Bright Hopes, A9 Chinese Coin & E1 Nine Patch.
Other
Have also cut out & fuse the appliqué pattern from the April Quilters Companion - still have to sew.
Monday 24th August, 2009
Finished another DJ block, Dogwood Days M1. A bit tougher than I thought, had to handsew a part of it. I suspect it could have been redrafted to make it easier.
Started my next row for the Oriental Sampler quilt.
Spent 4 hours with Veronica yesterday arvo starting her off with her first blocks for SBS. She completed 2 blocks & mostly completed another 2. Very tiring, I probably spent too much time there.
Very hot this week & is forecast to be 33C to day, whew!
