Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Wednesday WIP update



Another week gone, where does the time go? August is always a busy month, this year more than ever. Can't believe that my little boy is off to school next week. He is all kitted out with his uniform, his books, and his schoolbag. He looks so grown up with the uniform on! I am torn between excitement for him moving on to this new stage in his childhood and wanting to cry that he is growing up so quickly when I see him!

So here's the progress this week:

Completed this week:

I finished my mug rug for the Haiku themed scrappy mug rug swap and posted it off last Friday. I don't think my partner will receive for another few days, and I don't want to spoil the surprise, so here's a little sneak peak of the front:



And the back:


I must admit to shamelessly stealing the idea for this card from Susan who sent me a similar one with our little fabric swap a few weeks ago. I loved it so much, I've made a few versions for friends, and as I did a rainbow theme for this mug rug, I thought it fit in quite nicely. Inside the card was my (pretty amateurish) Haiku -
"Rainbow of colours
Like a smile after the rain
To brighten your day."

Which pretty much sums up my sentiments about this mug rug. I will reveal all later in the week.

I also finally sat down and pieced my Bee blocks for August - they're here. I really liked this double pinwheel block, once I got over the fear of messing up, and I even had enough leftovers to do 2 nice 6" blocks for the back for Jenna.

In Progress:

Besides the mug rug and the Bee blocks, this week was about two things for me - our Across the Sea QAL, and my solids swap item.

Across the Sea Quilt-Along

We are cutting the fabric for the quilt front this week for the QAL and next week, the fun really starts with the piecing. I really love the simplicity of the block and the way it lets the fabric shine through. Here's my trial block - I just love this print from Just Wing It!



I also made good progress on my For the Love of Solids swap.


My partner has liked some improv blocks showing up in the group pool so I have tried to piece some for her.


In addition to this first one which got a lot of comments at the weekend, I have pieced 2 more. This is going to be a mini quilt, with a Kona coal background. The 4th block element I can't show as I think my partner would realise immediately it was for her.






This is my first venture into improv piecing - I don't really know what I'm doing but I think it looks ok. Would love your feedback :-) I'm sorry about the pics which were taken indoors and the lighting isn't great. There are nine different shades of Kona blues in these blocks, and they do create contrast all by themselves, but I really like the pop of cerise/hot pink.

Last but not least, I'm guest blogging today over at Sara's fab blog Sew Sweetness about essential sewing supplies.


So if you are new to sewing and you want to know what you need in your sewing basket to get you started, head over right now and find out more!

I'm linking up to WIP Wednesday over at Freshly Pieced where I know I will be in some super talented company, so head on over there and have a look!

WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced

23 comments:

Kelli Fannin Quilts said...

Hi, I'm a new follower. Love your blog! :)

Lynne said...

Congratulations on being a guest blogger.

The mug rug (what I can see of it, of course) and card are cute.

I really like that "Just Wing It" fabric - and the block is lovely.

Canadian Abroad said...

I love those improv blocks. You know just what to do if you get me in the mug rug swap. ;-)

quilterbell said...

Well done Sarah!, I love everything you have done this week!. I wish you and your little boy a great start in school next week.
PD. I think I will also have to copy those fantastic cards!.

Nicky said...

Great makes all - card is cute too! Good luck with the start of school - 2 of mine are moving on to new more senior schools! Each step is good but you don't really want it!

Sarah said...

really loving what you're up to with the solids :-) and cant wait to see the finished mugrug mark II!

Laura said...

Wow, your improv blocks look amazing. The cerise and blue are a fantastic combination, and I'm sure your partner is going to love it!

Elizabeth Dackson said...

I really love those solid improv blocks! And your card with the mug rug is adorable :)

Anonymous said...

Great progress this week!
And haha do you know what drew me in - I saw the pic and though "that card looks just like the one Susan made me - I wonder if she got that from Susan too..." So I guess I was half right LOL...

I especially love the look of that mug rug!!

Jennifer Mathis of Ellison Lane said...

Love the card- must make some of those too. And you know I love that improve block- you are right, the pink just makes it pop!
:)
Love your cross block- can't wait to see your quilt all finished. I am zooming along on mine. :)

Toni said...

Totally love the mug rug peek and the card! You've got a lucky partner! My kids aren't old enough for school yet, but I kind of wish they had uniforms. Mostly because they look so cute!

CityHouseStudio said...

Wonderful projects, Sarah! The improv blocks are really cool!
Can't wait to get started on your quilt along, too!

Becky (My Fabric Obsession) said...

aww. my little one starts preschool next week too. I'm torn too!
Love your QAL block and the rug peek!

suemac said...

I enjoyed your guest post. Your Haiku block looks really nice.

Jessica Kelly said...

Love that little card!! I will most definitely be stealing that idea too! I think your improv piecing looks great, but I know what you mean about not feeling "in control" when doing it. Great projects!!

Live a Colorful Life said...

Wow, Sarah, you always amaze me. That card is adorable. I couldn't bear to throw away my Flea Market Fancy scraps so I did some similar cards. Very fun idea. Your improv blocks look great, and so does your QAL block.

Mrs Flying Blind... said...

All cute and great list over at Sara's.
The improv is working so well - have you seen Kati's 'A Day At The Aquarium'?

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

Everything looks so great, look the fabrics in you new QAL block.

Inspiredbyfelix said...

Yep yep yep, I'm still in love with the solids, can't wait to see those blocks all together :)

Leanne said...

I love your improv blocks!! I also love that card, I am totally going to make some too!

M-R Charbonneau said...

Love the improv blocks! Such bright, fun colours.

Lee said...

Nice improv blocks! My week has been all about that too, as you may have noticed! I LOVE yours in the solid blues with the pop of red. Thanks for linking up to WIP Wednesday. : )

Heidi Grohs said...

Just found your blog through Lee. Love it. And have to remember the card idea!