progress

These two quilts have been a year in the making.

Last summer I was inspired by this post from Twin Fibers.  So I started making bowtie blocks.  I learned a little about chain piecing and a lot about pressing, mostly by trial and error.  When I had two blocks of each print I decided that was enough and last fall put one of each into each quilt top.

The backs are (imitation) Minky.  (Note:  The orange from Hobby Lobby is much softer than the pink from Joann's.)

I quilted them last winter.  One with an all-over loop, the other with meandering.

This spring I finally got the bindings on.  I used this multi-color, odd-shaped stripe for both.  And just this week I finished sewing down the binding (with my new Aurifil thread...no twisting...yay!) 

Lots of trial and error went on in making these.  Originally I had intended to give them away.  But they are not worthy so I'm going to keep them as a reminder of how far I've come.

With still so far to go... 

Linking up with Crazy Mom Quilts Finish it up Friday.

yay!

I learned to never say never many years ago.  Here's an example of why... 

I won the Aurifil Designer Block of the Month giveaway hosted by Pat Sloan!!!  I know, I can't believe it either!  Aren't they beautiful?  Seriously, this is the best thread and the greatest giveaway ever.  It took a few weeks for the thread to get here because it came from Italy.  I mean really...does it get any better than that?

I'm actually using the thread, not hoarding it, and just made this block to donate to Anna from Life Sew Crafty.  She's collecting pink blocks For Pinks Sakes.  (This block looks purple on my screen but it's pink.  I promise!)  You can read all about it here.  If you'd like to help her you have until August 2nd to donate a block.

I've been busy cutting this week as well.  I finally have a plan for this Tula Pink fabric. 

 Stay tuned!

mending fences

I've been participating in the Scrap Basket Quilt Along hosted by Crazy Mom Quilts.  When I read about the need for quilts for Margaret's Hope Chest I signed up immediately.  Here's my finished quilt.

Amanda posted an excellent tutorial for a simple rail-fence block.  (Although you could make any pattern quilt you'd like for the donations.)  My scrap basket is not as full as some and I had mostly oranges and grays.  Since they are especially in need of quilts for boys I decided to add some blue.  (We were watching a Detroit Tiger game!)  

I didn't have enough navy so had to add some additional blue.  Out went the Tiger theme but I think they all go together here.  Besides, whoever gets this quilt may not be as big a Tiger fan as those in my house!

I put all the solid blues on the ends so I needed to make a pattern. I started with this:

It wasn't working for me so I  rearranged (only once!) then stuck with it.

I quilted it with my go-to...meandering.

I pieced the back with a few leftovers and a big piece of Kona gray.

 All washed and ready to be mailed.

Feeling blessed to be a blessing. 

Linking up today (for the first time) with Crazy Mom Quilts Finish it up Friday!