QAL- New and Old

Hello, hope you are doing well, maybe a bit cooler than a few days ago? We were. Only 91 today, only? Saturday was 105 - oh my! Strange weather these days. So with such sun and heat - you can only be outside so much right? Well, guess what I did with the rest of my time? Well beside catch up on my blog reading... SEW! yeah! And see what I finished.....drum roll please.....

Yes, all of my Retro Flowers blocks are completed!! Now after a few minutes hours of arranging and rearranging the layout, I think I am happy with it and ready to sew the top together :) Happy, very Happy!

(well, not happy with that second block from left at top--reading VERY gold when in reality it is the same limey green that is in the second row from top, last block on right....ok its a small thing).

On to sewing them all together and adding the borders. Progress...it's a good feeling ;)

Oh and in my blogland reading I ran across this QAL--anyone interested?  I couldn't help it, I have been wanting to try the "Granny Block" out after seeing such great blocks of color and scrappiness on many blogs so I signed up! (hmmm.....this wasn't on my (formal) list of projects). This is called the "Great Granny" as there is a 4th round of squares -  in the center is baby, next round mama, next granny and finally Great Granny--cute! So if you are interested stop by Jodi at Pleasant Home for some block inspiration and  then over to Lori Holt at A Bee In My Bonnet for a look at her finished 9 block quilt. The block tutorial is on Lori's blog and will have new posts weekly. PLUS GIVEAWAYS! Jodi has a bunch of great links to a flickr group for everyone to join and post pics.

Have a great week!!

Linking up to Freshly Pieced WIP Wednesday

Watch out--Curves ahead!

It is Wednesday already!  This week has had some curves and minimal sewing time! I am sure you can relate! Flexibility is key :)

On to the sewing curves:

I continue to work on my Retro Flower Quilt. Here is a pic of the latest block on the design board.
Each petal is composed of 3 quarter circles and one square.

I am using the CurveMaster foot to piece the petals vs the pinning method. It makes piecing much easier and gives you a scant 1/4 in seam without having to work the fabric in around the pins and curve and many times ending up with little tucks. It is a great accessory for a pattern such as this because the fabric stretches very easily and this foot helps it feed smoothly and easily. It does take a bit of practice on holding the fabric - especially the top piece - so that it feeds easily into the seam. There are video's on YouTube that I found helpful, but mostly it just took practice!

The box that comes with the foot contains many different adaptors if your machine does not accept it as a snap on foot.

And here is a shot of the seam it produces:

It makes a huge difference in the piecing time!

On another note I have yet to hear back from my giveaway winner If Toys Could Talk, please contact me for that lovely Vintage Modern charm pack! If I do not hear back by Friday (5 days) I will draw again for another winner.

Thank you to everyone for entering,  for your kind comments and linking up to my blog! I tried to answer many of your comments and if I didn't get to yours, I apologize. I am continuing to respond to all the posts and I will be stopping by to say Hi!  to you and see what you are working on !!

Linking up to  W.I.P over at Freshly Pieced! Happy piecing and hoping you navigate the curves safely!!

A whole 'lot of cutting

It is Wednesday already and it seems there has been a whole 'lot of cutting going on.
I am working on my Retro Flowers QAL

and then there is the Craftsy BOM which is 2 English paper piecing with hexagons:

I am always happy to learn a new technique, although I must admit the thought of using fusible web on these for time's sake has crossed my mind.

and

I am in two swap groups: the Red and Aqua swap -- I love these colors but do not have alot of variety so I joined a swap. This swap is hosted by Kelseysews. Here are my two contributions:

Sophie by Moda

Giddy by Sandy Gervais

and the second swap is the Solid and Neutral swap hosted by Annaliese at the Pewter Acorn. Again I thought this would add a little variety to my stash. Do you find you are drawn to the same colors and many times would like just a little piece of a certain color? I find I have alot of texture and prints, and the basics in solids (white, grey, blue, green) but lack in the other colors and neutrals. The group is doing a great job --- many different choices! Can't wait to see all the 5 in blocks!  I know I am supposed to be working from stash, but these are just 5 in blocks and it is a swap not new!!! LOL!  Here are my contributions:

Parson Gray Starcomb in silver

Bella solid in Amelia Blue

finally the only sewing I did get done! I found these blocks which were started 4-5 yrs ago before some really big changes in my life. It is a doggie quilt! So I had a few blocks left to piece and for the fun of it went for it! Now there are still a couple of blocks to finish with a bone, paw print and fire hydrant but it just felt good to sit down and sew and have completed blocks after all the cutting this week!

Sew......how is your week going? Leave me a comment, love to hear from everyone!

Linking up to Lee over at Freshly Pieced for WIP Wednesday

Retro Flower Stack and WIP Wed

Here is the stack!
Part came yesterday and the rest today along with the templates.  It is for the most part Pat Bravo's Modern-ology line. The large grey piece on the end will be backing.
I really love the colors!

I am linking up to W.I.P. Wednesday at Freshly Pieced and the Flickr group for the Retro Flower QAL! 





Progress this week:
Jacks Jungle Quilt animals are being appliqued -- yes I finally took the plunge, the blanket stitching is not perfect but it sure looks cute! And as with anything -- practice makes perfect. Here is the giraffe and zebra--so fun!  Sorry for the poor pics- I really need to get a better camera -- or maybe lighting!

Civil War BOM- March Block and a few setting triangle blocks completed.

.

Craftsy BOM- New block just came out-- Hexy's and English Paper Piecing
Central Park Jelly roll quilt -- no progress, waiting for border fabric to arrive.

Magical Mystery Tour quilt - at long arm quilter's

Took pic's of any older projects I still have around so I can start a Flickr photostream. Sadly many projects were completed and given away without pics.


Older WIP's
Raw edge applique Batik Flower quilt --- needs binding sewn to back
Stack and Whack -- needs binding  sewn on
Sanibel lap quilt--needs batting, quilting, binding
Hmmm...see a pattern here? Binding! Not my favorite thing to do.


New Projects

Retro Flower Quilt Along
Juicy Blossoms Juicy Squares

What have you been working on this week? 

PS Any suggestions for better pics or a good camera would be appreciated ;)

Retro Flowers QAL

                        This pic and pattern is from Christina The Sometimes Crafter



Ok I am in! I love this pattern and this sounds like a whole lot of fun!
And a pattern with Curves! Yikes, ok be gentle.....


I have not participated in a QAL yet, so this will be a first. As will working with Flickr! (I love to cruise all the photos -- so inspiring!) 

City Stitches and Sweet Diesel Design are hosting and you can link up to see what it's all about!

I just ordered some Pat Bravo Modernology to use -- I know, I know I am supposed to be busting my stash but I love this fabric and got it on sale from Jackie at Canton Village Quiltworks along with a fat quarter bundle from a great shop called SisterandQuilters on Etsy.

Yummy!

Ok, pattern - Ck

templates - Ck

fabulous fabric - Ck

butterflies in my stomach - Ck!

Now all I have to do is wait for the mailman to come!  I love getting packages! ;)