To Err is Human, AKA June Quilting Bee Blocks (Part Two)

Sorry for the lack of posting. With moving, settling, etc, I've been preoccupied. Things are starting to establish themselves into a routine though, so posting and crafting should be more regular (in shah allah). But first, a bit of catch up...

Rachael had the month of June for Another Quilting Bee Two and she sent out some great fabrics. I have been dying to get my hands on Paula Prass' Flights of Fancy for some time now...ever since I discovered that it is full of medieval and Gothic elements. If I ever design a fabric line, I want it to be like that; a seamless blend of old influences and contemporary flair.

But I digress...suffice it to say that I couldn't wait to get started. For the first one, I made a modified log cabin block. Rachael had also requested that we incorporate a piece of ricrac, and I thought that this block would lend itself well to it. I also had a lot of coordinating fabrics in my scrap bin that I could add in to make a really scrappy looking block. The block turned out really well in the end, I love the result.


The second block posed much more of a problem. Rachael had mentioned that the butterfly fabric was her favorite, so I wanted to do something special with it. She had also mentioned that she loved the pink woodgrain I sent out with for Live Piecefully, so I wanted to work that in somehow. The block in my head excited me a bit more than its actualization does, but I've been assured that its not that bad, so I'm not going to wine about it anymore. I do like the placement of the ricrac, and I thik the little butterfly in the center is pretty cute.


I'll be back moderately soon with my final June Blocks post!

Ode to Virtual Quilting Bees, AKA June Quilting Bee Blocks (Part One)

June was my first month participating in three virtual quilting bees, and I found it so inspiring. Each block that I made presented a really interesting creative challenge. I had to present my creative vision through the filter of someone else's fabric choice and design limitations. Sometimes these limitations really push me out of my comfort zone and make me think a little differently. Some of my most creative work comes under limitations!

It was Mary's month at Live Piecefully Two and her fabrics really challenged me. I usually don't have too much trouble coming up with a design, but I mulled for a long time this month. Scraps of paper with half finished designs or scribbled out ideas were all over my room!


Finally though, I saw a picture of this quilt and knew that I had a winner. I decided to take advantage of the fact that many of the fabrics blended quite a bit, and use that quilt design to inspire my block.


This is what I came up with. Triangles aren't my forte, but I LOVE this block. It came out exactly as I envisioned it.


I used my leftover scraps to make this one. While the triangle block was meticulously planned, this one just grew organically. I wouldn't say its improv, but its improvizationally-inclined. I love it too. Eventually, this is going to grow into a quilt design.

I'll be back with "June Quilting Bee Blocks (Part 2)" early next week!

Presies!

The craft fairy has been blessing me lately...


This adorable little creature's name is Mr. Man. My dear friend Sammy made him for me as a thank you gift. He's a rice bag; you stick him in the microwave for about 20 seconds, and voila! Instant heat pack, and it smells jasminish and amazing too. Only one thing about Mr. Man disturbs me: I have a pair of underwear that are made from EXACTLY the same fabric. I'm not sure what's wrong with that, but something is...

THEN, this little beauty came from my Spring Swap partner. Cat over at Made by Maisie really outdid herself. I love these little dolls. The workmanship is amazing, I am just in awe! Plus, she sent me an Australian quilting magazine all wrapped up with a little note. Could she get any sweeter? I'm afraid my swap item was quite inferior...hopefully Cat won't mind :(


You should all be very, very jealous. I am one lucky ducky.

"Here Comes Peter Cottontail"

Yes, I know that Easter is long over, but Heather Bailey's Freshcut fabric won't quite let me move on. Have you ever seen anything that SCREAMS (in a good way) Spring more than these?


I decided that they would be perfect fabrics to use in Oh Fransson's Simple Modern Baby Quilt pattern. I started cutting and sewing and realized that I was humming "Here Comes Peter Cottontail" over and over to myself. I gave in to the inevitable and instead of using the included (and adorable) applique designs, I went off in search of a bunny that I could use. Lolly Chops had an cute one that I was able to modify and use.


The really unique aspect of the pattern is the instructions it includes for attaching a chenille or Minky backing. I was tempted to try the Minky (its so soft) but its stretchiness turned me off. I chose a really cute pink cotton chenille instead and I couldn't be happier. It is so fuzzy and has a great weight to it.

I'm planing to give it to my niece for her 1st birthday. She doesn't really need another quilt, but I'm rather lacking in babies at the moment. She is just going to have to deal with it :)