Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Alphabet and more...

 There are so many fun things going on at my house ... some exciting sewing projects, new chicks, and two new ducks and of course a lot of yard work.  If it weren't for the gnats (no-see-ums), the yard work would be much more enjoyable :-), but the weather is so fabulous!   I've had a small finish, "Sail Away", which is being given to my doctor, friend and neighbor.  That's my nephews dog, Izzy, who was visiting.  :-)  I used the serpentine stitch to quilt it and love the look of fish netting for my sailing friend! 


Today, I've been working on Moda's Spell it With Fabric ... Super simple alphabet pattern (and numbers) ... Moda Designer Blog Hop. Four assorted blocks are needed to finish the quilt and I stitched up the last two today. 

It just so happened that Cheri Leffler, friend and former owner of the LQS years ago, asked me to review her book, "Animal Parade" ... soon to be released by Martingale.  I was totally delighted and flattered.  Two days ago, I received the book and today have four of her animal blocks done!  They are going to fit into my Moda Alphabet quilt beautifully!!  


The animals are so darn cute!  The cover says, "Adorable Applique Quilt Patterns for Babies", but I think any young child would adore a "Who Dat" owl quilt and more!!  Wait until you see the penguins!!


I love machine applique and was unable to develop that love for needle turn.  This book is suitable for both styles of applique, needle turn and fusible-web. Anyhow, more on the book and the alphabet later!

As soon as I get my alphabet sewn together, I'm anxious to get my triangle top sandwiched and quilted.  This is a QAL by Paula at The Sassy Quilter.  I have a rough idea of the straight line stitching that I'll do on my machine.  


  

When the edges were trimmed, I had all of these (12) pieced half-triangle scraps and I saw what another quilter had done playing with her scraps.  So, I started playing and realized I had a great looking kite when two triangle halves were pieced together.  So, in no time, I had made two future pillows (or pillow shams), to go with the triangle quilt.  



Not sure when these will be finished, as I'm so deep, in unfinished tops at the moment!  I dove into Material Girl Quilts Layer Cake Sampler QAL ... and what was I thinking!  I did six blocks, after waiting for another layer cake of April Showers (which I adore), ran out of my background fabric, and waited some more.  So, do I pick it up again (is it worth finishing?!!) and work on umpteen more blocks?  I do love half square triangles and using the Bloc Loc ruler.  


The good thing about so many WIP's is the fact that I always have something to work on that fits my mood :-)  And I love joining Flickr groups ... so much fun to share progress with fellow quilters.
I wish I had taken a "before" picture of my scrap basket!  Oh my gosh, it was piled high and I just didn't want to spend the time organizing and sorting.  But the time finally came when I had to do something, so last night, with the nothing good on TV blaring, I organized.


Sure did become a much more manageable assortment!  

It's been a full fabulous day and I'm now so happy to post!!  

Deb
...and my first attempt to link up with Lee at Freshly Pieced!



2 comments:

  1. I love the colors/fabrics in your triangle quilt and kites. I keep seeing all these lovely triangle quilts... I might be convinced to actually try one myself. :-)

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  2. Oh I love the idea of animal blocks in the alphabet quilt. I have the pattern for this quilt and I found the perfect background fabirc but I haven't had time to start it yet. Love the triangle quilt too -- we have very similar taste and may I say it is good taste! LOL Happy stitching!

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