Tuesday, February 9, 2010

A new quilt along is in the works....

over at Konda's blog, Moose on the Porch Quilts. Konda has written several patterns and books using charm packs and other pre-cut fabric packs, including the two I own, Simply Charming Seasons and Simply Charming Two. Now she's sponsoring a Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt Along! From her blog:
From March 1 to August 2, every other Monday, instructions for a new 12" block will be posted. All of the blocks will be made from jelly roll strips and yardage.
Each block will be designed by a different person. Every two weeks there will be a guest blogger on my blog introducing herself and her block. At the end, you will have made a fun quilt 58" x 72."

All the info is on her blog, so go on over and check it out; you might even be able to win some nice prizes. Sounds like a lot of fun and a way to use up those jelly rolls I've been collecting.

I've been busy getting some swaps done. Mailed and already received back the pink and green kits from Kathleen's No Sew Block Swap. Now to get those blocks sewn!

I finished and mailed out the 24 blocks for Aunt Pitty Pat's Holly Jolly Christmas Block Swap. I did mittens for my 12 specialty blocks and we all did 12 9-patch blocks. Here are mine:
I forgot to take a picture before I mailed them, but luckily Aunt PP took one for me.

I finished my Christmas Star blocks for the Quilting Sister's block swap, but then we decided to keep our own because they were so hard and none of us were happy with the way they turned out. I was really disappointed with some of my points and seams, but glad I did the block. Now I know for sure that I don't want to make a whole quilt of these blocks, lol! I think I'll make a table topper for next Christmas with my four blocks.

Finished and mailed out my blocks to the winners for Block Central's February My Favorite Block Swap. I tried the Sawtooth Star pattern from Quilter's Cache. We had to use green and white, but I like this one-and think I'll make more using lots of scraps. And don't forget to stop in and get February's block for the Sentimental Journey BOM. It's going to be a gorgeous quilt!

I was invited to join a new quilt group, the QB2Family, and go to their annual retreat this summer. The gals each donate a block for a quilt top, representing their home state. Since there are a number of New Yorkers in the group, I decided to make my block from fabrics representing the area I live in--the Finger Lakes Wine Country. We all made the Buckeye Beauty block and one lucky lady at the retreat will win the pieced top. I chose grapes and added dark green and purple fabrics for my block. This was a fun block to piece and so many ways to set it--plus it's a great block for scraps.

Well, back to the sewing machine--I have a Valentines Day project I'm trying to get done and Katie's cracking the whip over my head again, lol.

Until next time,
Happy Quilting from Sharon and Katie