Archive for the ‘sew it’ Category

Since I’m just getting around to posting my Bees Knees Bee Block from July, you might say that summer is getting the better of me.

July’s block was for Nedra of Cactus Needle Quilting.  My mom knows Nedra and has spoken so highly, not only of what a super talented quilter she is, but also what really nice person she is, that I couldn’t wait to make Nedra’s block.

I was even more excited when the fabric came in the mail.  Nedra had chosen the Spin Cycle pattern from Allison of Cluck, Cluck, Sew.

What a fun block this is to make!   I loved it enough, that I just had to buy the pattern.

Now I just need to sign my name to the block and get it sent hopefully today.

In the meantime, I officially have Olympic fever.  I’m glued to the TV every chance I can get.  It’s a great excuse to get a lot of sewing done at the very least.  I’ve been working on the blocks for my new quilt, which is rolling right along.  I’ve also been stitching hexagons and working on a little embroidery.

I think I may have a serious let down when the Olympics are over.  I don’t remember a games with more amazing and dramatic moments.  Watching Oscar Pistorius run gave me a goosebumps – a testament, not only of the power of the human body, but also of heart and soul, to overcome whatever challenges are placed before us.  He was amazing.

So for the next week, I’ll happily sew in front of the television, my jaw dropped by breath-holding synchronized swimmers and high flying trampoline jumpers, and happily forget all the other things I should be doing.

A month or so ago, my mom and I talked about a block for a quilt she was interested in making and possibly teaching at a retreat.

We looked around for a pattern, but couldn’t find one.  We drafted out the block and over the phone and talked about all the many possibilities for the sashing and such.

I loved the look of the block so much, I decided to make the quilt along with my mom and to create a pattern if the quilt turned out.

At Sunday dinner, I got to see the progress of her quilt and take a block home so I could copy her pressing directions.  My mom hand quilts almost all her quilts, so she always pays special attention to pressing.

On Sunday night, we watched the Olympics and I made three blocks.  Monday I turned on the Olympics and made some more.

Yesterday my mom and I got together to quilt.  She brought her quilt in progress.

She is making her quilt in beautiful brown and black crosses.  The rest is mostly in Civil War scraps.  I just love texture and rich colors of her version.

I decided to go mostly 1930’s for my quilt.  I picked up a green Moda solid for my “snowballs” that may or may not be 30’s, but I still like it.  My crosses are all scraps of yellow and the connecting “x” are all shades of blues to blue green from scraps.

Side by side, it’s hard to believe the quilts are the same pattern. I love them both and can’t wait to see the finished quilts.

****Update:  The Canning Day pattern is now available.  Click here to purchase or to find out more.