Well, my hubby went back to work last Wednesday, hard to believe that they only get 2 days off when they get home from Afghanistan, but there are so many reasons for this, before anyone asks, I will tell you that we do get a month of leave but not until the middle of March. In the meantime it is back to work and our regular daily routine. For Anne and I, that means kindergym, library, chores and nap times. Nap times for mommy basically translates to sewing time. My sewing time is definitely cut in half since having my hubby home because I won’t be sewing at night anymore, but you know what…I’m OK with that!!!
Here are some pictures of what I have been working on. I am really excited about how this stripper row is turning out.
Don’t you just love my awesome design wall! I really do need to hang some flannel or batting or something so I can ditch the tape and hangers!
The first 2 blocks I were made with the Quick Curve Ruler by Sew Kind of Wonderful. She is doing a QAL right now with her sister and they did a curved flying geese tutorial. I followed the directions but didn’t want geese, so I took the individual 4.5″ squares and changed the lay out.
I’m calling this block “Wedges” because that is what it looks like to me.
I’m calling this block “Circles and Diamonds”. I love how this turned out.
My favorite block so far though is the one I made last night:
This is the Swirly Twirly Dresden and was designed by Vicki from Quilting Lodge. It is a paper pieced pattern and is machine appliqued to a 12.5″ black background.
I have to say, I was super intimidated when I first saw the blocks that Vicki made, but once I conquered my fear of curvy paper piecing I was pleasantly surprised. It took me longer to pick fabrics and decide on their order than it did to piece this together! The hardest part was deciding how to applique it on to my background fabric. I ended up sewing it to a black square that was barely larger than the circle, trimming the excess, then turning it through the open hole. Then I fused the black center circle on to it and zig zag stitched it in place. I pinned the entire piece to the 12.5″ square and stitched around the outside with a 1/8″ seam.
I am tickled with the results and only have 2 blocks left to make!
Don’t forget today is the last day to enter the giveaway from Contemporary Cloth welcoming home my hubby! Good luck to everyone who entered and I will announce the winner tomorrow for Valentine’s Day!
What are you all working on?
I love the bright colors on the black backing. Do you get to keep this one or does it have to be sent off somewhere?
Your blocks look gorgeous. Love the colours.
what great colors on your design wall.
I love the swirly block, too. Is the wonky squares strip going to be in the middle with the other blocks on each side? I’m trying to visualize the completed project. Guess I’ll have to wait for a photo! Two days? He can’t even catch up on sleep in two days! I hope you are spending some quality time together in March, not traveling or doing anything, just being together. Is he taking it all at once?
Your design wall looks great.Your quilt will be fabulous!!
I just can’t tell you enough how much I love your version of my Swirly Twirly Dresden block! The fabrics are gorgeous!
Geez, you’re sewing in your sleep now? Or did you mean Anne’s nap time? 😉 Cool blocks though 🙂
stunning, love the colors. great design. xxxxxxx
I love your block of dresden pattern!! I get both of your blogs in my email box, and I remember saying she wasn’t sure if she liked it! I wrote on her blog, that I thought it was super cool and I can’t wait to make it, when she wrote the tutorial. I love yours as well! I like the Amish/stained glass look of it! Hope you have a great Vday with your hubby tomorrow!
Karrie
I love the twisty dresden! The curved wedges are pretty too. What is the fabric line (s) you’ve used with those blocks? I’ve been looking for something similar. Well done!
Your “Stripper” blocks are just stunning,Melissa! Well done,pat yourself on the back! Since you have figured out how to sew in your sleep,how about passing along the secret ;)))
Love it… I added another day to the Blogaversary, mailed your prize too.. Happy Valentines Day
Beautiful blocks Melissa and your twirly block looks perfect! Vicki really made a neat pattern!
Love your Swirly Twirly using several different colors. It is really striking!