Work in Progress with do. Good Stitches {a charity bee}

Where did the weekend go?

Somewhere between raking SIX trailers full of leaves (and, sadly, that was just our backyard) and placing about 700 pictures in photo albums I think this weekend got away from me.  I did finish our Christmas shopping - so yay!  But, I have a few more tiny gifts to make...

Sunrise Baby Quilt Top

This is all I have to show for the weekend so far as crafty goodness is concerned.  As if by magic, after mentioning it here, I received the very last bee block for my latest do. Good Stitches project on Saturday. 

Pinks & Red

This is a baby quilt I'm making with the help of my friends in the Faith circle.  I sent out embroidered farm animals on natural Essex cotton/linen early in November and received back these pretties!

Baby Quilt with do. Good Stitches

The colors of each block were assigned.  I was going for a sunrise effect, but I think this misses the mark.  My fault.  I tend to try to over-control the concept on these virtual quilting bee projects.  Next time I'll go simpler {but you'll have to hold me to it, K?}.  Still, I think the colors look lovely and each block is really, very special.  So, I'm definitely pleased!  I'm sure the needy mama-to-be who receives this quilt will be totally blessed.

New Fabric!

I sashed the nine blocks in 2.5" Essex cotton/linen.  The finished quilt top is 41" square, and just small enough to be backed with a large cut of Pink Birds/Nest by Valori Wells (shown left).  I'm excited by how nicely this fabric compliments the quilt top!

So, tonight I hope to baste and begin quilting.  And, I'm going to.... drum roll please.... freemotion quilt!  Yep, last night I practiced and everything.  I used some batting that I know beards in an old stained pillowcase to scribble on with my sewing machine.  The results were downright laughable in parts, but I think after a bit more practice tonight I'll be ready to give it a go.  You've got to start somewhere, right?  The freemotion style I'll be using is a large, loopy design inspired by this quilt from Handmade by Alissa.  I'll be sure to use thread that blends in real well!