Ocean Bubbles & little thoughts
On my table today is August's quilt #4. What? It's September you say? Yes, I am well aware, say I. There were so many things I had to get done by yesterday.... Even I couldn't keep track. And I do love lists. Next time I plan an event, I'll make a more detailed list. I promise. But remind me that I have to include things besides the event planning on my clever little list. It was the other things that got away from me. And, now here goes this post too. Oops!
So, on my table is the stubbornly named quilt #4, which occasionally goes by the title "Love in Bubbles". The faithful little stitcher that I am, I finished quilt #3 last Saturday with plenty of time to spare before the Big Day. But, alas the fabric! One does need the fabric. Lookie what arrived yesterday...
from left, that's Kona Cyan, Turquoise and Aqua. All likely candidates for this quilt's sashing. But, what quilt you say? Ok, ok, it's the one I planned here for the Love circle of do. Good Stitches, from "Block Party: The Modern Quilting Bee" by Alissa Haight Carlton and Kristen Lejnieks. They're big, bubbly blocks made in ocean-inspired shades to be sashed with 2" wide strips in a 4 x 3 setting.
Clear as mud?
Pictures then.
Our circle has 10 members, so we'll need 2 more blocks for this setting. To get a feel for things, I chose two Kona's from my stash as placeholders and set the blocks out over Kona aqua. Which I loved! Poor cyan and turquoise never had a chance.
I'm particularly intrigued with how this aqua block will blend into the sashing.
So today I'm working on the extra blocks, one in Kona avocado and one in Kona marine. I used my go Baby! again to cut the circles and I've backed them with Steam a Seam Lite II. Next I'll press them to fuse the circles to the background and then zigzag stitch around the edges for a nice finish.
Seriously, these blocks are so easy, it's ridiculous. This is definitely one of those times when having the "fancy" tools really makes a difference.
little thoughts
* The winner of our in the Cloth giveaway for Heirloom from Fabric Shoppe is JenB, who said, "Love, love, love this new line!! I would love to use these fat quarters to make a whole suite of pillows for my den...perfect pillows for reading and relaxing." Jen, I can NOT contact you because you are a no-reply commenter. To claim your prize contact me through that big green "Contact" button in my sidebar towards the bottom. Or, comment on this post with your address.
*On the subject of giveaways, how do you all feel about the increased frequency with which free fabric has been flying around this blog. As my readership grows, I've been acquiring new sponsors who would love to catch your eye and earn a visit to their shops by hosting a giveaway. I enjoyed reading this post and all the comments to get a feel for how the online sewing community is feeling about promotions. I do realize that content is king and giveaways should be like icing on the cake. That said, how much icing do you like? Tell me, is a 3 times a month a few times too many?
*Oh, and what about giveaways vs. contests, like we're doing with Celebrate Color? I guess I like a mix of both.
*And while we're thinking deep, deep thoughts completely estranged from bubbly blocks... Do you love to make handmade gifts for the season that is sneaking up on us? Have you ever been disappointed by a less than thrilled response to your heartfelt creation? I appreciated thinking over the discussion on this issue at Patchwork Notes. At this time of year, as I make my "to make" lists it's nice to be reminded that I'd like to make for those who appreciate handmade. And for those that don't, here's to hoping that I can find another gesture that fits.
That's all for now! See you soon with September prize announcements!
So, on my table is the stubbornly named quilt #4, which occasionally goes by the title "Love in Bubbles". The faithful little stitcher that I am, I finished quilt #3 last Saturday with plenty of time to spare before the Big Day. But, alas the fabric! One does need the fabric. Lookie what arrived yesterday...
from left, that's Kona Cyan, Turquoise and Aqua. All likely candidates for this quilt's sashing. But, what quilt you say? Ok, ok, it's the one I planned here for the Love circle of do. Good Stitches, from "Block Party: The Modern Quilting Bee" by Alissa Haight Carlton and Kristen Lejnieks. They're big, bubbly blocks made in ocean-inspired shades to be sashed with 2" wide strips in a 4 x 3 setting.
Clear as mud?
Pictures then.
Our circle has 10 members, so we'll need 2 more blocks for this setting. To get a feel for things, I chose two Kona's from my stash as placeholders and set the blocks out over Kona aqua. Which I loved! Poor cyan and turquoise never had a chance.
I'm particularly intrigued with how this aqua block will blend into the sashing.
So today I'm working on the extra blocks, one in Kona avocado and one in Kona marine. I used my go Baby! again to cut the circles and I've backed them with Steam a Seam Lite II. Next I'll press them to fuse the circles to the background and then zigzag stitch around the edges for a nice finish.
Seriously, these blocks are so easy, it's ridiculous. This is definitely one of those times when having the "fancy" tools really makes a difference.
little thoughts
* The winner of our in the Cloth giveaway for Heirloom from Fabric Shoppe is JenB, who said, "Love, love, love this new line!! I would love to use these fat quarters to make a whole suite of pillows for my den...perfect pillows for reading and relaxing." Jen, I can NOT contact you because you are a no-reply commenter. To claim your prize contact me through that big green "Contact" button in my sidebar towards the bottom. Or, comment on this post with your address.
*On the subject of giveaways, how do you all feel about the increased frequency with which free fabric has been flying around this blog. As my readership grows, I've been acquiring new sponsors who would love to catch your eye and earn a visit to their shops by hosting a giveaway. I enjoyed reading this post and all the comments to get a feel for how the online sewing community is feeling about promotions. I do realize that content is king and giveaways should be like icing on the cake. That said, how much icing do you like? Tell me, is a 3 times a month a few times too many?
*Oh, and what about giveaways vs. contests, like we're doing with Celebrate Color? I guess I like a mix of both.
*And while we're thinking deep, deep thoughts completely estranged from bubbly blocks... Do you love to make handmade gifts for the season that is sneaking up on us? Have you ever been disappointed by a less than thrilled response to your heartfelt creation? I appreciated thinking over the discussion on this issue at Patchwork Notes. At this time of year, as I make my "to make" lists it's nice to be reminded that I'd like to make for those who appreciate handmade. And for those that don't, here's to hoping that I can find another gesture that fits.
That's all for now! See you soon with September prize announcements!