Sunday, April 15, 2012

Stained Block-o-rama



First up I want to say thank you to everyone who left me lovely comments on my miserable post last Monday. I felt much better after reading them all! I managed to get that WIP back on track and even though it continued to challenge me (a flawed needle almost ruined my quilting), I got it finished up on Friday and was really pleased with how it turned out. Alas, I can't share but you will see in the future :-) After all that, I was in need of some serious piecing. Don't you love piecing? It's my favourite part of the quilting process. I love the preciseness of it and I love the repetitiveness of it - it is soothing to the soul!  Plus, I love working through blocks and seeing them come together.

I spent a pleasant few hours this weekend sewing up my blocks for the Stained QAL. I am woefully behind with this, despite my best intentions but am determined to catch up this week. These blocks were deliciously complex to put together - not difficult - just requiring concentration to make sure you got all the pieces put together right. Exactly what I needed. There was  a little bit of unpicking from time to time, but nothing too traumatic!

Yesterday I did the 3 massive Block 1s - loved these!


And today I did the 9 blocks 3 and 4.


Having already done the Block 2s, I now have all my blocks pieced. I am ready to cut my sashing strips and piece the quilt top together tomorrow. Yippee! I can't wait to see how this looks. I was doubting the yellow sashing in the blocks, even after all your lovely comments the last time, but the more I worked on these the more it grew on me. I might be a little bit in love. Although, when I was browsing in the Flickr group and saw this quilt top there, I did kind of wonder if I shouldn't have used the Coal. Hmm. Too late now and I am actually very happy with how bright and cheery this quilt is going to be.

Although it is mid April, we are still lighting the fire here some evenings, but after a lovely fresh spring day I think I can finally say that winter is over. You know that means one thing - it's time to do our final Winter Stitching linky list and see what you achieved over the last 5-6 months. I will be posting the linky this weekend so get preparing your posts!!


FairyFace Designs

25 comments:

Erin @ Billy Button Design said...

Looking great Sarah. You aren't that far behind. I have only decided to do this quilt. Glad to see that you are getting back to normal and the sewing machine is getting a run.

patchworkdelights said...

Wow Sarah they look wonderful. Great to see you are back on track. x

**nicke... said...

it looks great sarah! i am so excited to see the top finished. they yellow sashing was definitely the right choice. it looks so great!

Susan said...

I love the yellow sashing! It is SO fresh and Spring like! Look forward to seeing the top finished!

Mrs Flying Blind... said...

See, the yellow sashing was always going to be a winner ;)

Glad you are feeling more chipper - not too happy about my Winter Stitching list though!

Katy Cameron said...

I love the yellow, definitely perks it all up :o) Funnily enough I was just looking at my list last night, kind of hit and miss lol

memmens said...

It's looking great - well done! Eeeek I knew you'd be saying something about that list soon! Not sure I dare look!

Fiona @ Poppy Makes said...

It's going to be fantastic! I love that cheery yellow. Can't wait to see it come together!

Sarah said...

The different sashing gives such a different look, doesnt it! I love the yellow though, it does make the Apples all the more lively, it highlights the aqua more somehow :-) Its gonna be fab!

Judith, Belfast said...

I'm pretty sure winter doesn't end until June here in NI!! Love your Stained blocks - the yellow sashing gives them a much more spring/summer look! Jxo

tusen said...

The yellow sashing works really well, I love it.

Cherie said...

I love the blocks! The yellow works amazingly with them! Can't wait to see it when you put it together! =D

Leanne said...

Your quilt is looking wonderful! Glad to hear things are looking better.

www.randomthoughtsdoordi.com said...

I am really liking the way this is coming together.

Dianne Neale said...

I like both the yellow and charcoal with your fabric - they both work well, but the quilts have a totally different feel. I'm waiting to audition some orange for mine, instead of coal!
Fires are still being lit here too!

my4lilgirls said...

Love your blocks, I like both colorways, but Given a choice I would pick the yellow, much more springtime.
Can't wait to see the finished top
Lol Karen x

Canadian Abroad said...

The yellow sashing is perfect. I just love all the different variations of the Stained quilts. I've not seen one that isn't gorgeous. Nice to here happy sewing words coming from you.

BendingPins.com said...

I love that you chose the yellow borders, those blocks look fantastic!

Marcia R said...

I still much prefer the yellow! And I agree about piecing. Last night I broke my last sewing needle :-( so I sat and collated 2 1/2" squares to make 14 more granny square blocks. They're ready to go as soon as I get home with new needles!

Annabella said...

Good to hear you are feeling better Sarah and your stained quilt is looking great!

Anonymous said...

Looking absolutely gorgeous hon, HRL

Lucy | Charm About You said...

It's funny because honestly I wasn't sure about the yellow but it's grown on me too!! I think with more blocks it's really come together. It's going to be a cheery and beautiful quilt. Perfect for the end of winter!! Can't believe that's come so soon better see what else I can strike off my list quick ;)

Anonymous said...

I love this fabric collection. I bought some and was wondering what I might do with it. This kind of quilt is perfect.

Dayna at Driving Miss Daisy said...

I like the blocks..I actually have a fat quarter bundle of these fabrics... So fun!

Archie The Wonder Dog said...

I love your blocks, the yellow is so fresh and really works well - what a great choice! Thanks for the heads up on the WSL link up, I hope I've improved on my dreadful half term report!!