Sunday, August 21, 2011

Blocks, blocks, blocks!

Sunday is a dream day for sewing in this house. After a day off on Saturday and (ususally) a good nights sleep, the extra energy coupled with daylight always give me a boost. So this morning I tackled my Sew Bee Blissful blocks which I have been avoiding for the last couple of weeks for fear of ruining them.

Jenna wanted a double pinwheel block, and, to be honest, it was very straightforward once I figured out what fabrics I was going to use where. She sent me these bright and colourful fabrics and I added a little white as well.

This is the first time I've used starch, strangely enough and I think I overstarched the fabrics for the first block. It very possibly could stand up all by itself (sorry Jenna!). But I think it turned out ok, here it is:

The second one is my favourite:


Jenna asked us to make 6" blocks for a strip on the back of the quilt with any leftovers. I had quite a few scraps left as I used some white, so I made up 2 blocks for her. One a simple pinwheel to echo the front, the other a crazy pieced block. I hope she likes them, I really love how they turned out.


I also got started on my solids project for the swap. My partner has really responded to some improv blocks in the photo pool so I thought I'd try this for her. I've never done it before, but I quite enjoyed it. The unstructured nature of it appeals to me! (Surprise, surprise!) So I did this block plus some other bits - but I can't show them because they would totally give the game away as to who my partner is! I'm using Kona Coal as the background fabric on this mini quilt. Can't wait to get to the next blocks now. What do you think of this? Does it work, or not... bearing in mind that its supposed to be random and improvised? Let me know. (yes, I know its not a regular shape.....that's part of its, eh, charm!)


On another note, are you exited about the Across the Sea QAL?? I know I am. The Flickr group has jumped into activity with over 60 members so if you're still on the fence, come join us! Fabric cutting instructions will be posted tomorrow so check back then :-)

Across the Sea Quilt-Along

I'm linking up to:

{Sew} Modern Monday at Canoe Ridge Creations

20 comments:

Annabella said...

I love the improv. block with the pop of red - just what I love. Really looking forward to the QAL with you and Jennifer!

Mrs Flying Blind... said...

Love all those blocks, especially your improv - it's beautiful.

Looking forward to tomorrow x

Cindy said...

Your bee blocks are lovely! I really like those you made for the back. I can't wait to see what Jenna's full back looks like as many of us are making wonky log cabin-ish blocks. It will be great I am sure :)

Canadian Abroad said...

Love that blue block. If I had a load of solids in my stash I would be changing my mind about what I wanted for my Sept Brit Bee blocks!! (But I don't have the solids available and I need everything in the appropriate envelopes by Thursday morning so too late now. Next bee maybe!

Jennifer Mathis of Ellison Lane said...

Ohhh I love the blue wonky block. Looks fab!

Inspiredbyfelix said...

Oh Sarah, that improv block is fab-u-lous! It totally works, and the little dash of pink is just right :)

Leanne said...

Those are lovely blocks! I totally love the improv block, I hope I am your partner!

Melissa said...

Your blocks turned out lovely! I ended up some of the same fabrics and our blocks all look so different :)

Susan said...

I especially love the crazy block- it looks like a flower head in bloom! Pretty!

Katy Cameron said...

Love the improv blocks

K @ Aurora Blythe said...

Coming together nicely! Looking forward to seeing it all finished =)

Jessica Kelly said...

Wow! Love them all! I know exactly what you mean about not wanting to "mess up" others fabrics...you certainly did not mess them up, the pinwheels look fabulous. Also, I am totally digging your improv block, so fun!

Miranda said...

All the blocks look fantastic!! I like the crazy block and the improv block, very cool!

SewHappyGeek said...

I LOVE them! And my blocks stand up by themselves too, so don't feel bad! I figure if a little makes them better, a lot will make them perfect! Lol

Sara @ Sew Sweetness said...

Wonderful blocks...I LOVE THAT BLUE ONE!! Swoon!

Toni said...

All the blocks look fabulous! I think your partner will be pleased with the blue block. It is very fun and modern!

Lynne said...

Wow! Those double pinwheel blocks are very smart! And I love your crazy patchwork block.

A Time for Stitching said...

I love the double pinwheel blocks. The way you've used the fabrics really shows it up well. I've been trying to decide what design to use for the third cushion in my porch - I think this is it!
Teresa x

Lyanna L. said...

Your blocks are fantastic! I really like your improv block and wish it was for me but alas I know it's not because I didn't make the deadline for the solids swap (blast!) Keep up the great work!

Megan said...

Love your blocks-especially that FTLOS improve one! :) Thanks for linking up to {Sew} Modern Monday and and have a great weekend!