Tell me a story block swap

I impulsively joined the Tell me a story block swap.

I made 'cat' blocks using Amy Friend's book Intentional Piecing.

Since I am new to paper piecing, I started working on the blocks as soon as the book came.

The instructions are to make two blocks for each person in the team.

The colorful cats were so cute I couldn't choose which two to use.

I made four different blocks and sent two different ones to each team member.

I made several extra for myself.

When the email came with the list of my team I was surprised to find out I signed up to be on TWO teams.

The second team is a general group. 

I looked through my scraps and found four fabrics to use for the centers.

After counting up the blocks I was swapping I realized that I could make a good size quilt.

I tried out different ways to space the story blocks.

One option was a plain block.

Below are my general story blocks.

Children playing surrounded by books.

Frogs splashing in water on a hot summer day.

Bunny and birdy ready for fun on a pink spring day.

Girls playing on a green grass playground.

Another idea for spacing blocks.

I drew this out in my quilt journal.

I like the lattice look of the X blocks.

Another view.

More test layouts.

I received my first swap blocks - the cowgirl is one.

My finished general swap blocks.

The other swap block is the paper boat below.

Ready to mail.

One last look at the layout.

I will have 54 Tell me a story blocks and 49 X blocks.

Look for more photos when the swap blocks arrive.

A little side trip.

Mr. M and I visited the Dixon Gallery and Gardens recently.

Doris Lee was the featured artist.

She designed the fabric below. I wish it was still in print.

One of her designs was printed on silk scarves.

Little miss Ava is coming over tomorrow afternoon. Can't wait to see what crafty things we make.

Have a good week.

 

January Detour

Last week end I made a list of possible projects for 2023.

This week I made something not even close to being on the list.

Uncommon Threads Quilt Guild has a monthly block zoom tutorial where we

practice a new technique. The practice blocks are made into a charity quilt.

This month we cut out pink or red hearts to applique to the background fabric.

After I cut out these four pink blocks I saw the hearts did not have much contrast with the background. 

I decided to make a sample block with the pink hearts and used my own background fabric.

I needed the hand stitching practice for some of my upcoming projects.

Above are two of the pink blocks in progress.

First, a running stitch, then those stitches are threaded with a different color thread.

The finished appliqué with a double threaded running stitch.

I echo quilted around the hearts with pearl cotton #8 using a chenille 24 needle.

In the corners I chalked and quilted some hearts.

The center has lazy daisies and French knots.

Today we zoomed and made our blocks for the charity quilt.

Two hearts have sewn interfacing using the turned interfacing method.

Two hearts have ironed interfacing with the edges turned with glue.

I like the sewn interfacing method best.

My finished block with red hearts is below.

Tell me a story swap list was emailed today.

Surprise! I signed up for two groups. Whoopsie.

I finished the blocks for the cat group but have 20 to make for the other group.

So I know what I will be working on this coming week.

Have a great week.

 

Possible 2023 Quilt Finishes

Here are some projects I am working on or have plans to start or resume working on this year.

Tell me a story block swap - Cats.

I have finished my swap blocks and six extra to keep.

I have over half a yard of the cat fabric so I may make even more cat blocks with different borders.

Can't wait to see the blocks from my swap group.

I have started hand quilting My Small World and hope to finish in the next few weeks.

I am waiting to get my DMC order of more pearl cotton in new colors.

The biggest unfinished project is my Tinsel wool appliqué block of the month from Sue Spargo.

The photos are in reverse order. 

Documenting how much I have done and how much is left to do.

Some blocks are ready to cut out and stitch.

I have all the fabric and directions in a binder with clear sleeves for each month.

Some blocks are ready to be embellished.

Some blocks need to have the base pieces sewn in place.

An almost overwhelming amount needs to be done.

I know the only way to get this done is to start, 

spend time every day working on a little bit, one step at a time.

There are also 4 Santas to stitch for the grandkids.

Maybe Christmas 2023?

I haven't worked on the Calendar Girls since cataract surgery and our move.

Another cross stitch kit.

I have 3 more kits that aren't shown.

A really old cross stitch butterfly kit.

This is fairly easy to work on.

Just having it near when watching TV might work.

Actual Calendar Girl.

So close to finishing this girl

The tea cup and tea pot paper pieced quilt needs a plan for which blocks to do.

This block may be done again to correct the spout.

I want to enter this mini quilt challenge.

I have an idea.

It should be fun to see if I can design and complete an art mini quilt.

So - there are my possible sewing projects for 2023.

Blank calendar with many choices of how to fill the days.

 

Last week of 2022

Ava came over Monday to work on projects.

First was an angel decoration.

She chose a tightly woven fabric and used the sewing machine to sew the design.

She added narrow silver ribbon to outline the piece.

Below is her first draft on linen with a loose weave.

I took the first draft angel on linen fabric and outlined with a backstitch in black pearl cotton.

Ava's original drawing on the right.

(Washable Crayola thin marker was used to trace the design and washed out well.)

The second project was an outfit for her lovee penguin.

I made a pattern several months ago so we pulled it out of her project box and got to work.

She chose material out of my scrap boxes. It needed a zipper and button.

I suggested a short invisible zipper. As I cut out the pattern Ava said it needed a zigzag hem because penguin likes zigzags. It also needed a pocket for things penguin collects at the beach. Ava said she had to remind penguin to empty her pockets because some items picked up on the beach smell bad if they stay in a pocket too long. I think Ava needs to write a book about penguin's adventures.

Above - zipper application.

Below - pocket with caution-danger trim so penguin can be safe.

The zigzag hem has stay stitching 1/4 inch from the edge.

There is an optional 3 color belt.

It was fun to get some projects made with Ava.

We have another session scheduled for next week.

I signed up for a block swap that starts in January.

I have to make 20 blocks to swap with 9 other sewists.

Tell me a story cat blocks - paper pieced.

I found a cat fabric I love at the local fabric shop.

 We are using the book on the right to make our blocks.

Last night I finished eleven blocks.

I'm doing 4 different blocks. I will send two different blocks to each person in my group.

Can't wait to swap.

Today I had some productive sewing time so....

Final construction for 12-31-2022 below.

I have 17 blocks finished.

Ready to bring in 2023.

The seven blocks left will start off 2023 in the morning.

I have finally started hand quilting My Small World.

I am using #8 pearl cotton. My stash didn't have all the colors I want to use.

I'm waiting to get more thread colors from DMC.

Next time I will post my proposed list of sewing projects for 2023.

What is on your list for next year?

 

Once again posted on the wrong blog

2022 Quilt Review

To see my 2022 review of finished quilts, click the link above.

Later I will post what I have worked on this last week of 2022.

Sewing and other activities

 This little guy who loves to try on big shoes was too sick to go to preschool. I went over Monday and Tuesday to help out. Wednesday I had a bone density test and mammogram - all the fun I could stand.

I worked on the dress up super hero capes.

I'm pleased with my version without batting.

The shields have a stiff iron-on interfacing.

They were tricky to turn right side out and finish on the curve.

There are arm bands and a belt but I don't have photos.

Super hero presents are ready for Christmas.

I bought the panel to make this busy book a couple of years ago. When I looked at the directions I was surprised by the number of steps needed to complete the book. So.... it stayed in the 'to-do' pile thru the move and for months in the sewing room. 

Little boy is getting older and the optimum time to play with a busy book was getting shorter.

With a positive Covid test and mandatory stay inside protocols, I started sewing.

Every double page has a flap to lift.

This book went together in a totally different order from other cloth books I have made.

Multiple flaps and two finger puppets.

The flaps would not stay up, puppets to the rescue.

The puppets have iron on interfacing and lining zigzagged on before sewing fronts to backs.

The flaps have interfacing ironed on one side.

The pages have batting - actually frankenbatting.

I used lots of old scraps of interfacing on this project.

Final page

Hope this is a hit with little boy and his sister.

Next, I have joined an online paper piecing group and will be swapping blocks using the book on the left.

My tea themed paper piecing will continue as well using the book on the right.

I have hung my Christmas quilts on the upstairs railing.

In the past I have hung one of these quilts on a wall.

I wanted to try something different in the new house.

I bought some 2 inch C-clamps at a home fix-it big box store.

They worked great. One clamp on each corner.

I can change the quilts easily.

Look for more quilt displays in the future.

Merry Christmas!