While it takes a long time to build the blocks for a quilt made out of 1-1/2″ squares, it also takes a long time to assemble those blocks.
There are 360 blocks. The final layout will finish at 80″ x 72″ and contain 5760 pieces. One. Block. At. A. Time.
With school starting and all the craziness that means this year in particular, my sewing time is…much less. But, I have made a little progress on the blue quilt.
And this is how I keep my blocks, especially large ones, flat while I keep piecing. I guess it is a good thing my sewing space is in the laundry room.
Cutting has turned into sewing as I get started on the blue quilt.
Considering that this blog is Wedding Dress BLUE and that cobalt blue is my favorite color, I have made very few blue quilts.
But, blue is the favorite color of both the bride and groom, Yes, this one is for yet ANOTHER 2020 wedding. Amazing! With all the hard things this year has brought, there is much joy also.
Based on THIS pattern, with a modified border. You can see another version HERE.
It was time to start a new leader-ender project. It has become such a habit to have fabric under the needle constantly that I feel a little lost without one.
I wanted to use up more of the small background scraps that were threatening to take over, so I have started to sort them and cut them small: 1-1/2″ squares.
That is a size I also precut as colored scraps after I clean up after projects, so there were enough in the bin to get started.
I am no sure where this will go in the end, but I am happy with the start. So far there are about 40 16-patch block finishing at 4-1/2″ square…
For more information on the whys and hows of leader-enders, go HERE.
A few more thoughts on scale. It is remarkable how different blocks look made in different sizes.
I have tried the Star Kissed block in four sizes now. Here they are based on 1-1/4″ squares, 1-1/2″, 2″ and 2-1/2″.
The blocks finish at 10″, 14″, 21″ and 28″. WOW! There’s something to think about!
The Star Kissed Quiltalong has not vanished. Life has been unusually busy and I haven’t had the brain space for multi-size block design. But, I could keep sewing.
The 25 blocks (based on 1-1/4″ squares) are now complete. I am still contemplating sashing and borders but hope to have answers and models (and measurements) soon.
I found this interesting object in a thrift store for 69-cents. Too darling to leave behind.
So it came home with me. To become a pincushion.
First try went…badly. What was I thinking?! Wrong shape. Wrong size.
Second try, however, turned into this!
YAY!
I am pretty sure I could make a pincushion every week for a year and not get tired of it. Which is funny, because I really don’t use pincushions much. I have a metal magnetic tray.
Years ago Sparkle Jane took a notion and decided to cut 1-1/4″ squares. 1-1/4″?!? That is REALLY small. But, they sat in this box and after a while started to hum at me. Do projects ever do that to you? Just sort of seem to hum in the back of your mind, “I could be beautiful. Give me a chance.”
So, I started to piece, a little aimlessly at first. Just as a leader-ender project. Before I knew it, I was making 25-patches. Then, there were 25 of them.
By then there was too much invested to stop.
Next step was a sort of economy block layout. But, they didn’t feel finished.
Add some star points and fancy corners and you get….
THIS!
I originally called it “Tiny,” but now I call it “Star Kissed.” I am not sure that is its real name, though.
I visualize it with white sashing and tiny colored corner stones. And probably a really cool border of some kind.
This block is 10″, but it could easily be resized to sensible proportions based on, say, 2″ or 2-1/2″ squares in the center. What do you think?
***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNER.***
People are kind to share their scraps and leftovers with me. Much of it is received with joy. However, not all of it is things that I will use in the near future. These UFO’s deserve a home where they will be loved and used. Like YOURS!
Giveaway #4 is a large pile of coordinated scraps, blocks and yardage. Also, a bundle of precut 1-1/2″ strips. There is easily enough to make a large size throw, or maybe even a twin size top.
If this is something you would love, please leave a comment below. I will draw a winner Saturday, December 6.
If you can afford to help with postage, that would be great. This should fit in a medium priority mail box, which costs $14.35. I will get it in the mail as soon as possible after the end of the giveaway.
There is sewing happening. And it is all throwback sewing…taking the time to revisit and enjoy tutorials I developed years ago.
These are the hundred patch centers of a Hundred Patch quilt. All the patches are done and the pieced sashing, too. Just need to cut the background sashing and stitch it all together. This quilt is planned as a gift for a colleague at school.
This is the beginning of a Hundred Hugs quilt just because I found cute backing fabric and babies seem to come along regularly. That is a good enough reason.
While I do have ideas for some new designs, I have enjoyed revisiting old favorites. Nice to return to my roots.
