Block-a-palooza block 3- Shoofly Geese

After having very little problem with block one, I have made 2 each of blocks 2 and 3. I don't know what the problem is, perhaps, I just need more fabric (could it really be that easy?). I'm going to the sewing expo this Friday so perhaps I will be inspired by some new fabrics and can get back to only making one block each time a new pattern is posted. (Personally, I like version 2 of this block). I guess I have to stop following the directions word for word and just figure it out before I start cutting and sewing. Both times I have liked the second block better and if it weren't for all those tiny little squares in block 2, I would try a third block (I think I finally figured out how I would like that block to look). Remember, if you want to give yourself a little piecing experience, the links to the blocks are posted on the Block-a-palooza site and you can get there clicking the button in the right column on my blog. The tutorials for each block are well done: complete with photos and ironing guidelines. If you don't want to commit to a quilt, you can use these blocks to make pillows, table runners and many other lovely quilted things. Each block uses very little fabric and unless you are coordinating a whole quilt (likely part of my problem), you can actually have fun with each block and explore some different and fun color/pattern combinations. If you come up with a block you are proud of you can post it to the Flickr site for all the other quilters to see. Directions for the next block go live Thursday, Feb 3rd, 2011.

Block 3 v 1

Block 3 v 2

Learn your alphabet..... backwards

My fabric postcard group is doing a reverse Alphabet Swap, starting with Z and moving towards A. Needless to say, I am having a blast with this particular swap. I am posting my finished cards through the letter W (so, Z, Y, X and W). I'd love to know what you think. (I had design and suggestion help from my children who were quite game to participate and had GREAT ideas).

Z is for Zebra

Y is for Yellow.... Hello

X- marks the spot!

W is for Windmill (the stitching on the paddles make the letter W)

I guess I didn't like it enough

Version two of the Word Search Block-a-Palooza. I think I like this one (although I still don't like sewing little blocks). Remember to follow the Block-a-palooza along by clicking here. There are some really talented quilters out there and some of the color/pattern combos are really wonderful. Occasional participants are grouping their 1st and 2nd blocks in photos which I like, but clicking on any photo will pull up their Flickr photostream and then you can see their other blocks. My current favorite is by a quilter/blogger Venus de Hilo. There isn't anything I don't like about her color and contrast selection. She has stated that she will use some similar fabrics in each of her blocks so I am looking forward to see what she comes up with. The 2 current blocks are really wonderful. You can link to her blog and read more about her by clicking this link. It's worth the visit.

Here comes block 2

Well, I can honestly say I am not a big fan of little squares. Looks like (from what I have been able to read on other blogs) this quilt will have lots of little squares- so perhaps I should make my peace/piece with them right now (you might have to think about that one).  We're taking 2 inch squares, once sewn, a paltry- 1.5 inches (yikes). I guess I also better get over matching (or not matching) seams, since there are lots of seams with very little room for error. That being said, here is block 2- Word Search. The quilter/blogger who created this take on a 9-patch, labeled each pile of tiny 2 inch blocks with letters to help her keep her pattern straight and them came up with clever words to help her keep track of the little blocks .... I mean who has time for that? I simplified (greatly) and just went for it. Here is the result. Hope you like it. I'm still deciding.....

The Block-a-palooza has begun

I have never done anything like this before. Given up creative control of a quilt. Quite heady if you ask me. I've decided to participate in the Block-a-palooza (see link on my blog) and create a quilt with a group of other bloggers. The hitch- I have no idea what the quilt will look like. 2 times a week, 2 different blocks are featured with detailed step-by-step instructions on how to construct the block. The bloggers are showcasing a new line of fabric, Sunkissed by Sweetwater for Moda Fabrics, but I'm going with my own colors- no surprises there. I finished my first block today.

It's called Flying over the Fields and it's a variation on a traditional flying geese pattern. Everyone participating gets the opportunity to post their blocks (as they finish them) on Flickr and it's fun to see what others are doing. If you want to participate making the quilt,  just click on the Block-a-palooza link on my blog and follow along. If you just want to see what others are doing you can just click here. There is no rush, I understand the instructions for making the blocks will be available for quite some time.

22 days and counting

Inspiration can come from just about anywhere. With Valentine's Day just a few weeks away, I'm looking for ideas everywhere. Keep your eyes open you never know what might tickle your fancy.

Jane Market Bags- Completed

They are done! (And not on the night before Valentine's Day). I hadn't made this pattern before and I really like how they turned out. I gave you a sneak peak at the fabric choices in a previous post. I had one fabric that I used in both bags. The remainder were different. 

 On another totally unrelated note, my Mini Raven Quilt ( featured in the Organizing My Blog post) is on it's way to Texas. I was sad to see it go, but I am excited to hear about where it lands. 

I am very lucky to have.....

Bag color combination #1

Bag color combination #2

..... the best school carpool. Between 3 families we have 4 children that go to the same school. We share morning and afternoon driving cutting down on the number of cars on the road and the CO2 in the environment. For Valentine's Day I have decided to make each of the drivers a 

JANE MARKET BAG (Rosy Little Things hand made by Alicia Paulson).  I've chosen the 2 color combinations above. I hope they like them because I REALLY like having my school carpool. 

Organizing my blog

nest close up

I think I might actually be getting a little bit of insight into how blogs are arranged. So, I'm doing some blog-keeping (like house keeping but WAY more fun). I'm moving some things around and I'll put the Mini Quilt I am trading with one of my talented Trading Fabric Post Cards friends to a more prominent place. Carol, I hope you don't mind. I got my inspiration for this quilt from the recipient (hint: her last name is RAVEN). I was able to do some research on raven nests; how many eggs, what color they are and took it from there. The momma raven is even sporting a turquoise necklace. I enjoyed working on each detail of this quilt. I hope you all like it as well.

May I suggest.....

I love to make things, primarily non-edible things, and share them with my friends and family. I am so fortunate to have found a group of singularly talented people who like to do the same. We trade handmade "fabric" postcards through the mail. In a time when texting and posting to Face Book  have supplanted the letter, this is a real, make you smile, community activity.  I have received cards from as far away as Australia and Italy and sent cards to The Phillipines and South Africa. These postcards are miniature works of art for a fraction of the cost! If you would like to try out your talents, join us at Trading Fabric Post Cards
(I would like to thank Malke Yablonsky (Sew Materialistic), Lucia Orlandini and Terri Swisher for their beautiful Tree Cards- 2011)

Welcome to Spontaneous Threads

This blog will feature random musings on sewing and creating. Hope you are inspired.