Second verse, same as the first!

I love that line from an old Herman's Hermits song, but I might be dating myself with that admission.

My second whirlygig baby quilt is finished. I enjoyed working on this second quilt just as much as the first, but completing it was a bit of a challenge. My mind has started to wander.
                             
I love autumn, with richly coloured leaves, spice scented candles and pumpkins. (Christine has posted wonderful recipes for 'Pumpkin Orange Spice Bread' and 'Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies'.)  Canadian Thanksgiving is right around the corner -- Monday, October 11. We will feast a day earlier as the 10th is also our daughter's birthday. We have so much to be thankful for.

I have made a few trips to my local fabric and craft stores. A 'Stack and Whack' quilt has been on my wish list since "Love" first posted photos of her Stack and Whack blocks last year. The paisley fabric was purchased with that quilt in mind. No plans yet for the 1930's reproduction prints. The counted cross-stitch kit would make a lovely gift once it is stitched and framed, and the book seemed to be calling my name.

More reproduction prints were delivered yesterday. The 'Hello Betty' layer cake would make a super throw, and I can see an apron or two in the yard goods (inspiration from Kathleen).


Back to the whirlygig quilt. It was made for a baby whose parents wanted a birth day surprise. I was convinced that this baby would be a boy, so I decided to play it safe and swapped the three pink fabrics in the first quilt for three less girly prints. I need not have bothered. Baby number two is a beautiful little girl. I'll have a chance to meet her soon.

Once more, with the addition of a book and this time a bib (pattern from Quilts and more, and inspiration from Kathleen), my gift is ready.


Now I can really enjoy autumn.


Sandy

Summer Fun With Some Whirlygigs

When I saw a whirlygig block for the first time earlier this year (thank you, Katie) I knew it would make a fun baby quilt. I followed the tutorial from Cathy of 'Quilting on Turtle Hill', substituting lots of colourful half-metre pieces of fabric for the charm packs in her materials list.

This quilt was made for a baby girl due in mid-August. The fabric for a second whirlygig quilt, for a 'surprise' baby due in September, is cut and waiting to be sewn.

I had originally planned on adding borders, but the quilt is 48 inches square, certainly big enough as is.

I like to tell new moms that this is the blanket they put down when baby is ready for some tummy time or play time.

With the addition of a couple of books, my gift is ready.

Sandy

My dilemma -- or, too much of a good thing

The Start -

    This quilt top was started in late January. It was made from a kit purchased from Fons & Porter. The pattern appeared in the May/June 2009 issue of 'Love of Quilting'. I was attracted to the pattern because the Log Cabin blocks (all 100 of them in the original quilt) are paper foundation pieced -- a technique I really enjoy, and I like the variety of fabrics that are included in a kit.

The Preparation -
    The pattern called for the centre squares for each block to be cut to the exact size needed, and all the 'log' strips to the exact width needed. Mine were cut slightly oversized to allow for the shifting that inevitably occurs when I sew fabric to paper (a decision I might later regret). Now, 100 Log Cabin blocks seemed like a lot of blocks, but I was cautiously optimistic that I could make 4 or 5 in a day (hah!). I was sure that all 100 blocks could be completed within a month. Did I mention that I really enjoy paper piecing?

The Block Assembly -
    I tried putting all the fabric strips in a large bag and then randomly selecting strips for each block, and I tried (and settled on) grouping small piles of each fabric around my sewing machine and selecting strips in a more controlled way. Regardless of which method I chose, I was taking an hour or more to complete each block, and I found that after two blocks I was exhausted. The blocks all looked great, but I was taking much longer than I had anticipated, and by now it was mid February and watching the Winter Olympics was seriously eating into my sewing time. Still, the blocks were adding up.
    Finally, I had 40 blocks stacked on my ironing board -- almost halfway there! My exhilaration at achieving this 'milestone' was cut short when I realized that although I had sufficient centre squares for the remaining 60 blocks, I certainly did not have enough fabric strips, and even worse, some of my favourites were in very short supply. (What can I say, I was drawn to some fabrics more than others.)

The Dilemma
    I had a big decision to make. I could maybe buy more fabric, but it wouldn't be the same and I would always be aware of that, or I could make a smaller version of the original square quilt. So, 10 rows with 10 blocks per row became 8 rows with 8 blocks per row -- only 64 blocks. I was 2/3 of the way there, only 24 blocks to go. I am still amazed at how quickly I was able to complete those remaining 24 blocks.


The Finish -

    The 64 Log Cabin blocks were sewn into rows with sashing strips and cornerstones, and eventually wide borders were added. My top is 57 inches square (the original was 74 inches square) and was finished in early March.
    I know it is too early to celebrate -- I still have my 'quilting the quilt' struggle to contend with, but the finish line is almost in sight. I really do enjoy paper piecing, just not 100 blocks worth.

Sandy

Make Mine a Mini

-My Problem-

I have always enjoyed most aspects of quiltmaking, from selecting a pattern and fabric to the cutting and piecing and eventual assembling of the quilt top. I don't even mind layering and basting as that puts me one step closer to a finished quilt. What I struggle with is the actual quilting of the quilt. I am not a hand quilter -- that leaves the rolling up and scrunching, the pushing and pulling and fighting that seem to go hand-in-hand with my machine quilting efforts.

-My Solution-

I love making mini quilts. For me, they provide all of the enjoyable aspects of quiltmaking without the struggle. Minis require very little fabric. They are relatively quick to complete, and they make lovely little gifts. Although most of the quilts I make are given to friends and family, I have managed to keep a few minis.

1. 'Hole in the Barn Door' was made five years ago. Each block is one and 7/8 inch square. It hangs in my sewing room and reminds me that: 

                             a. Bigger is not always better

                             b. Less is more  
  

                                            

2. 'Tulip Mini' (foundation paper pieced) is from the March/April 2006 issue of 'Love of Quilting'.  

3. 'Colorwheel' is an Ann Hermes design from the Spring 2010 issue of 'Easy Quilts'. This wall hanging has a companion table runner.

4. Last but not least is another Ann Hermes design. This little sawtooth star quilt will also hang in my sewing room.

I know that minis will never replace a full sized quilt or throw. For me they are simply a reminder that good things do come in small packages.


Sandy

'Katie's Challenge' brought me back

Some of you may have seen my blog when it first debuted in mid January. It was to have been the story of my creative journey -- my life in fabric. Sadly, I felt that it was not at all creative. I had nothing new or unique to add to the blogging community. End of blog.

That was then, this is now. I still have nothing unique to offer, but I do love sewing and quilting. I draw inspiration from all of your wonderful stories, and one blog in particular has really inspired me. Katie's scrap quilt challenge seemed to be something I could do.

My scrappy string quilt was started on March 18. The top was finished in early April, and in late May I decided to quilt it. The quilting was finished late Monday evening (June 14) and the binding was finished the following day. So, thank you, Katie, for the inspiration.

Sandy