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!

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.

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!

Blocks for Erica

Thanks Erica for making me try these blocks, not sure if I would have otherwise. I really do like the idea of quilting as you go, although I would've had more fun making these blocks if my sewing machine would've been behaving. I hope you like them! I really loved looking at all your neat fabric, very cool stuff.

Especially this one. What is it? Is it from some sort of feedbag or something? Those cherries are just too cool!

Quilt it!

Another month.

Another technique.

Before you know it, your month has come and gone, 

and it's time to work with Erica's fabric, Erica's project - - what fun!

I am nothing if not resilient.

No matter how many needles I break.

(I'm up to three snapped needles, and I've only finished two blocks)

And of course the fabric - - most of it vintage

is nothing to experiment with.

I have stacks of feed sacks I have never been able to cut up...

But that's the great thing about being in an online bee.

Stretching your limits.

Learning new techniques.

And finding those quilting muscles you never knew you had.

Thanks, Erica.

natalie.

(it's off to put in another needle and finish the last block)

pieced & quilted with 

Weeks Dye Works hand over dyed Quilting Collection

size 40 - 100% cotton thread 

August block directions.

To say that the last few weeks were hectic would be an understatement. I just moved to a new house about a mile up the road from where I was, which makes for many trips back and forth. I am not quite settled yet and most of my studio is still in boxes. Anyone wanna come help me unpack? It could be fun...

So if you haven't already received your supplies for this block, you should expect it today or Monday. Each of you were sent a 15" square of warm and white batting, I have marked a 6.5" chalk square in the "middle" of each of the blocks. Because I love lists so well, I will list the directions...

1. Begin with the little baggie of scraps, this determines if your block has a light center or a dark center. The block shown here has a dark center :)

2. Choose one for the center and work your way out, trimming your center fabrics to just within the chalked square.

3. Please use an off white thread. (If you only have white that's fine too!)

4. Feel free to use your own fabrics too, I would love some more text fabrics :)

5.Don't bother trimming the threads on the back of the block, I can do that later (if I do it at all)


6. Don't think too much, it's supposed to be scrappy and haphazard!

7. Penny has an awesome tutorial that I suggest you refer to before making this block. make sure you get to part II of the tutorial that explains sewing the block.

8. Just trim the fabric around the edges of the finished block, I am not yet sure if I'll be trimming them further at a later time.

9. Use only RED, YELLOW, GREEN, BLUE, BROWN, WHITE, BLACK, GREY fabrics if you wish to use your own. (please no candy colors like pink, purple, lime)

10. SIGNATURE: You've all gotten a piece or two of the "lined paper" fabric, I'd love it if you sign or stamp or embroider that fabric and work it into your block. You can see mine above, I've given you extra "lined paper" fabric, so you have a little wiggle room for mess-ups.

11. Have fun and take your sweet time getting them back to me.


12.Do what you want with leftover fabric...keep it or send it back


I can't wait to see your blocks!

Thanks again,
erica

Will you do my dirty work?

After a ton of consideration (nearly 7 months), I've decided that I'd like to have a little help with my quilt as you go (QAYG) blocks. I guess I'm just checking with all of you first to see if that's OK. The end of July and early august will be very busy for me, so I'd like to get the fabric packaged up soon.

Penny, can you stand to do another one? ha. If you haven't checked out Penny's quilt or her tutorial and quilt-along....check it out! You can find it here. If you go to Penny's home page and follow the tutorial and patterns button, you'll find instructions for the Quilt As You Go Quilt Along. Please keep in mind that most of the dirty work will be done for you... I will send the batting and fabric and the center square will be marked for you. You can just sew with reckless abandon.
So what do you think? Is this OK with all of you? It will cost a few more pennies to ship because it will include the batting but I don't think it will be outrageous.

I plan to make a queen sized quilt out of this so I will need about 50 some blocks. I know that I will love and cherish this quilt forever so I'd like a little bit of you all in it.
Please let me know two things: 1. Is sewing this block together cool with you?

2. would you like supplies for 1 or 2 (or more) blocks? :)

Thanks Ladies! After I hear from a majority of you I will let you know more details....

thanks again!