Blah Blah blocks

These blocks are so bright and perky - better than the photo. I need 96 and as of a few minutes ago, I had 36. This is another example of a simple block that makes a dynamite pattern. Again, I'm using what I have with a few new FQs of red, and then my friend Jody (Goddess) donated some also. I stuck with really LIGHTs and really DARK. I have many in-between that are kinda 'spotty', and were not included.

Below is a possible border (BLAH BLAH), although it is REALLY graphic, isn't it? Many of the reds have bits of black in them.
I'll have a LOT of fabric left over.

Most of the pieces are already cut out into 2 and 1/2 inch squares, and I'm using up a Triangles on a Role for the HSTs. Each block only take less then 5 minutes to actually sew and press. The hardest part when making these blocks was deciding the pressing directions. It's difficult to decide when you don't yet know the setting, isn't it?

On a different subject -- Below is what my office desk looks like under the work area. I'm getting my new computer hooked up soon and hope this jumble of cables "goes away." This mess has become too much for me and I had to call for help. Something happens to my eyes when I see this collection - they just glaze over! Another photo of my finished Double Delight -- now named, "Twenty One O Two", (the # of pieces) just because I like to throw it on the rail and look at it from inside the house.

Double Dutch, Dutch Delight, Double Delight - what the heck???

Virtually DONE!!! -- "virtually" means "almost entirely", "for the most part" -- I just have the binding to do, which will hopefully, be completed today -- uhh after groceries, laundry, etc. This is the largest quilt I've done - about 86" x 104"!

The name has changed over the 21 months because I couldn't remember the RIGHT name -- many of you recognize it from Quiltville.com, a mystery started January 2009, and made mostly of stash. I machine quilt on a DSM, a Janome MC 6500. The center is quilted in one pattern, my loosey-goosey plumey thing learned from a DVD from PatsyThompsonDesigns.com.

Each of the side setting triangles is quilted in a different motif or pattern, as is each of the individual SIDES of each border - I wanted to practice and I DID PRACTICE!!! I also used different brands of thread which was interesting.

Photos on these dark fabrics so not show well.
A number of the border quilting in the style of Sally Terry, (above, that middle border) "Hooked on Feathers." If you've not tried her "hooked" feathers, you are in for a pleasant surprise. Not difficult -- so effective!

Hint for today - I marked "implied" spines with a chalk wheel. I press hard and sometimes it doesn't go away. My friend Vonda crocheted me several kitchen scrubbies, one for my cutting mat. One side of the scrubbie is crocheted with regular yarn -- that softer side works perfectly to brush the chalk off.

Quilt Content

Baptist Fans quilting designs seem to have eluded me -- perhaps I was trying too hard, and perhaps "free form" is more my style. I was just fooling around, aiming in that direction and look what happened! Something clicked and I finally had the lines and directions. I LIKE it! My version needs to stay small to fit in my working space (9 inches)on my machine. I still need more practice but it's possible now. (Funny about that "practice" thing!) This will make a great textured background.
I basted this big Double Delight outside, in the garage. Frankly, it's kinda nice out there. This quilt is 86" x 104" - definitely a chore. It took me about 1 hr. 45 minutes. I've posted my set-up before, but there are always new people dropping by this blog. No more on-the-floor-knee issues, or cramped space issues. I WILL have snow and cold issues in a few weeks but for now, it works wonderfully. The PVC pipes were a simple solution to raise the table. It takes 5 minutes to set them up, or take them down. Tables were $114.00 for two and great for other projects or picnics as well. Each measures 30" x 72". I've used them for quilt basting at least 10 times. Radio is on, lawn chairs are available, birds singing, etc.

Books, DVD, Double Dutch, Quilt Show

I'm including a photo of 2 books by Pat Speth, using Charm Packs (5 inch squares) but the patterns can also be made traditionally with yardage. The books caught my eye, when I was feeling particularly weak, but I DO enjoy fondling my quilt books. But, what really caught my eye on the cover was "260 border blocks" and WOW (below) does she go all out with simple yet do-able units!!!
Next, I investigated a site called www.ninepatchmedia.com, to check out a quilting DVD. There are several new DVDs from well-known quilters and some included a 6 minute YouTube that might entice you. Even if you only look, it's entertaining.

I pushed my mouse button for Jackie Robinson's Slash and Stash -- I also looked at another DVD, but it was coupled with a lot of EQ, which I seldom use.

This Quiltville Mystery quilt top (Double Dutch) was made over a year ago,and I decided it's TIME to get finished! I have the backing, cotton batting and tomorrow is the sandwiching day! While scribbling today, I accidentally learned how to fake a Baptist Fan kind of quilting design. For the longest time, the pattern eluded my brain.

I made a hurried trip to my LQS waaaay out in the country, taking my camera in case I saw wildlife and this is what I saw at her shop! They were having their own Quilt Show to Celebrate 35 years of business.

Joined in on a Mystery Quilt

Regarding my efforts at Stashbusting, I weakened the last day of 2008, decided to join in on the Quiltville Mystery Quilt called Double Delight. This is the first Mystery Quilt I've ever joined in on. And to be sure I did it correctly, I was 'forced' to buy some fabric! (Do ya believe 'forced'?)

Going through my neutrals, I found this bit of vintage yardage I've been saving for just the right project. There is only a small chunk, but isn't it cute? It's going in this quilt. (Fuzzy picture).
Here are a stack of more units - hey, there are a LOT of pieces here, and I've only completed Step 2, and started on Step 3 (3 inch 9-patches). She has Step 6 posted - and what a gorgeous quilt it is going to be! This danged 'job/working' thing is getting in the way of playing all the time! Whew - lots of handling, but look at this handsome block! Those points on the Square in a Square take careful pinning and firm pressing.

I've seen the end result and IT IS STUNNING!!! Once again, thanks Bonnie - this is another winner!