Paper Piecing for BOW

Paper piecing... ugh.  I know there are people out there who want to tell you its not that hard... blah, blah, blah.  It was hard!  I just had a really hard time figuring it out, wrapping my brain around working backwards was a big ordeal.  But once I figured it out I have to admit it wasn't hard.  However, I had cut out my pieces wrong, so my block is backward from what its supposed to be. 

After looking at lots of tutorials and videos, I found this tutorial on you tube that helped me more than anything.

3D Block for BOW

This is the 3rd week block for the Sewing Loft's sew along.  It is called a 3D block because the small triangles on the outside are actually little pockets. I really love it.  It might be my favorite in the quilt they've shared!

Flying Geese for BOW

I'm really loving the pinwheels in the center!I am sewing along with The Sewing Loft.  The second week's block is Flying Geese.

  I love how it turned out!  Although it is smaller than it should be so I'm going to have to add some extra sashing around it.  Not too big a deal.

Log Cabin Block for BOW

 I am doing a Block of the Month (which is actually a Block of the Week) sew along with The Sewing Loft.  There are a few blocks included that I don't like, so I've chosen some other patterns to replace them.  I'm also doing a bigger quilt top, so I will be doing 16 blocks in all.

The first block we did was a simple Log Cabin block.  The links provided are (1)to the main page for the sew along and (2)the instructions provided for the week's block.

This is my log cabin block.  I like the colors a lot.  However, when I put this block with the other blocks in the sew along, it seems darker and unbalanced with them.  I will be adding my own blocks to the quilt top to fix this problem.

I have some experience doing log cabin blocks already, but I tried to follow her instructions.  I kind of wish I hadn't.  It bothers me that the small yellow square isn't right in the center.  That said, I really am excited to be learning so many new techniques with this sew along!

Scraps... and an attempt at free motion quilting

When I made quilt #2 for QFK I had some pieces left over from my strips.  I decided to sew them up with some heat resistant batting to make some artistic hot pads.  I have to admit, every time I see them out on my counter top I love it!

Now, don't get me wrong, I know they are FAR from perfect... but the colors and the movement fit me so well I don't mind the imperfections.

I thought that the project would be a good way to try out free motion quilting... it didn't go so well. :(  But I will try again at some point. I'm sure there is a way of doing it successfully on my machine, this just wasn't it.

So for hot pad numero dos I just stuck with a simple X. Easy peasy.  I think I'm getting better at doing binding too so hooray for that!  Its amazing what a little practice can do!

Quilts for Kids #2

When I heard about the charity Quilts for Kids I knew it was something I should participate in.  They sent me a kit for my first quilt and then I used my own stash for this baby.

My inspiration can be found here.  But rather than using squares, I used jelly roll strips.  It is a very simple pattern, but it has such a big impact!  I love the way it turned out.  In order to get it to the size necessary to donate, I added borders and I think they tie it together really well.

Unfortunately I didn't get a picture of the quilt bound and quilted... but this shot of the top from my phone is enough to bring a smile to my face.

This is a super easy way to introduce someone (or yourself) to quilting!  There is something so great about creating a little thing of beauty that you know someone is going to love and cherish.  And the fact that it might help some little person through a difficult time is more than enough payment for me!

Quilts for Kids #1

Have you heard about this great charity, Quilts for Kids?  It is such a neat program.  I heard about it and went to find out more! I was lucky enough to find a local chapter and they sent me a kit to make my first quilt.

It is a simple four patch pattern, with borders and quilted on the diagonal.  After I quilted it and bound it I wasn't so sure I loved it, but after washing and drying I was in love!  Such a simple pattern and such a beautiful piece of work.

I recently went to my first meeting with my local chapter and it was so neat.  It feels so good to be part of something that is doing such a great work.  I do a lot with my church, but I don't branch out nearly enough. I felt so inspired by these women who are so eager to share their talents, time, and fabric with those in need!  

When they send you a quilt kit, they request that you make another quilt from your own stash... I'll share what I came up with tomorrow so be sure to check back!