Erica's Block

 I am realizing I never posted pictures of Erica's block from last month.  This block was so much fun to put together.  I loved the new technique (yet again, one I've wanted to try for ages and finally a good excuse to do so) AND I loved working with Erica's vintage fabrics.  I even added a little piece of a vintage fabric of my own (Erica - you were the first person for whom I ever cut into this fabric!) It's the ABC print fabric.

My only regret is that I wasn't very good at judging the seam allowance and so I cut off parts that I didn't want to cut off. grr. I think I would do a better job next time. Thanks for letting me be your guinea pig, Erica!

...and mine, too.

(please iron into submission upon receipt)

natalie.

Rainbow Connection

Here is my September block for Vicki. As with some of the others I used 3 squares of my own fabric and also made 4 rows of sashing. I had to hide these squares from my daughter because she wanted all of them. I did cut  some squares for her and she told me that it was not enough. Guess I will be cutting more! I will send this along in a couple of days with my October fabric.

1963

Here is my block for Erica. I really enjoyed working with all of the different types of fabrics. I had done one small quilt along block before and this one was great to do. I am getting my packages ready for October, so I will them along together.

Precision Counts

 I just couldn't help but start with this pic.

Because it reminded me of the "bright, cheery, colorful" that is in this month's block!

Will you just look at all those great fabrics, those great colors!

Yowza.

 Finally, this late in the month, I opened my package to find quite a lot of

VERY TINY

blocks.

I worked on layout, and then it was time to sew.

How do you approach your precision piecing?

That's my question to all of you.

 With pieces this small, I chain pieced rows, keeping threads intact.

What about the rest of you?

Of course, now, comes the real test...

Thanks for another fun month of sewing!

natalie.

I also made the four strips of 8 blocks each, and a siggy block.

I added the additional blocks from my own stash at the end of the rows

in case they are not to your liking and you want to remove them...

A block for Vicki

I decided to follow Angela's tip and use three of my own scraps, which left me with enough squares to sew my siggy block and make 4 strips of 8.

I love all this bright happy color. So cheery :)

Vicki's Rainbow

I finished up Vicki's block quickly - or I would have been too tempted to keep all those lovely 2" squares myself!

I added three squares from my stash and was excited that it seemed to be the perfect number. I had just the right amount to make your block, the signature block, and sew up four complete strips of eight for sashing.

Already in the mail back to you.

Late Start September

Hi friends! I finally got everyone's packages in the mail today! Sorry I am so late with this--I wasn't feeling well and then also had out of town company, but now things are heading back towards normal. Please don’t feel like you have to rush to get the block back to me by the end of the month!

I have sent each of you a bunch of 2” squares. The block is simple: sew the squares into a block that is 6 squares across and 6 squares down. I will trim them (if needed) and add the white strips later.
*Please no interfacing; I don't want the extra weight from interfacing in some but not all blocks.
*Press your seams to one side rather than open--if some blocks have seams pressed open and some are pressed to the side, there could be small variations in the size of the finished blocks. (you could ask how I know this...)
*I would love it if each of you would include one or a few 2” squares of your own fabric choice in your block. Please avoid very pale pastels or prints with a large amount of white; also no browns or brownish colors please and thank you! (My sample block, pictured here, has more white and pale pastels than I’ve decided I want in the finished quilt, just FYI.)
*Use whatever thread you have on hand that you feel is appropriate.
*For your signature block, please sew together 3 squares, press the seams, and then sew the strip of squares to the white 2”x5” rectangle I’ve included. Sign your name on the white. :)

*You will have some left over squares. You can either send them back to me or sew them into strips of 8 squares (I’d love it if you do this.) The sashing in between the blocks will be made of strips of 2” squares.
*I only need one block from each of you--thanks so much!

I'm done, too!

Perfect timing with the new quilt along starting up next week over at Heather's!

I'm so glad we got to try this out. I'm not sure I like the huge dust bunnies that form, so I'll probably back them with muslin when I make my own.

Your fabrics are just fabulous, Erica!

Erica's blocks

Working with these vintage feedsacks and prints was such a treat, Erica! Every new piece I added to the quilt was like unearthing a new flea market find.



I definitely had to incorporate this little strip that says "Patchwork Love."



I'm adding one of these style quilts to my ever-growing to do list now! Thanks for letting me play with your amazing fabric, Erica!