tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62175782341339537492012-02-16T07:04:03.245-05:00Leslynoreply@blogger.comBlogger911100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-43067953372874847132011-01-26T22:14:00.010-05:002011-01-27T20:11:47.574-05:00

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!I am thrilled with how this quilt turned out, and you all had a hand in it (with Marianne in lieu of Allison). I'm calling it Dancing Shoo Flies I, in the expectation that someday there may be II, III and more.This weekend I finished sewing the binding and today I bought the prepared printer fabric for the label. To my surprise, there are two blocks I cannot

Suzannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07213327662380082748noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-60870154646277009682011-01-23T23:11:00.000-05:002011-01-23T23:11:59.611-05:00

Our final block---this one is Solidia's.  She chose some really cute fabrics, don't you think?  The block was easy and fun to make.  I'll put it in the mail tomorrow.  ~ Madeline

ParisMaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15672703830699570811noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-20429614037019838432011-01-14T07:18:00.000-05:002011-01-14T07:18:48.397-05:00

Debuting here!The last little star is on the table waiting to be tucked in! Princess Wee-kips taking a stroll and trying to decide which star she likes best! Thank you all so much for helping me make this quilt top.It will be a family treasure and personal favorite forever!

Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11367663127351652530noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-37318204398919878932011-01-08T10:53:00.000-05:002011-01-08T10:53:31.570-05:00

  Here's a peek at the five blocks that I've received from (in order) Dee, Solidia, Jennifer, Lesly, and Lydia.  If I didn't thank you before I'm doing it now.  They look amazing and will play nicely together, don't you think so, too? I started this quilt then ran out of fabric.  I can't seem to find the fabric anywhere or anything that blends/matches tonally with what I have already.  Any

ParisMaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15672703830699570811noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-70576473326152068732011-01-04T17:51:00.002-05:002011-01-04T22:41:52.516-05:00

Happy 2011, everyone!!!  Lady in the Lake quilt block Sorry guys, I just had a "brain fart" and posted here instead on my own blog page.  I've moved the post there ... you can read here:  http://couchpotatoquilts.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-year-new-project.html.

Claudiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11444958007628185473noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-19738276327887832502011-01-04T13:05:00.000-05:002011-01-04T13:05:40.067-05:00

was the theme running in my head with Solidia's block.What fun fabric to play with.  I love the fish!Thank you Solidia for letting me play with all the fun, quiltey goodness! In fact, I loved piecing this so much, and the way it looked, I'm using it as my block for the Indianapolis Modern Quilt Guild bee I'm in. I've been collecting oranges for a long time and just knew they had to be what this

Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11367663127351652530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-5253317228882256212010-12-31T20:30:00.000-05:002010-12-31T20:30:25.421-05:00

I had two blocks to finish up the Bee and was able to put both together yesterday afternoon. Here's Madeline's: I had a hard time initially cutting into her fabrics because I was afraid I'd mess up but I think it came out okay.  The center pieces are small and a bit wonky but the block turned out a scant "9, which is what she wanted, so I'm pleased. Solidias: I love scrappy quilting, and this

Claudiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11444958007628185473noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-434446788982763312010-12-20T18:02:00.000-05:002010-12-20T18:02:03.417-05:00

Lydia's block arrived.  Isn't it so pretty?Thanks. Merry Christmas and       (¯`O´¯)        *./ | \ .*    * .* *.     * . • '* * ' • ,     * . '*• •*'  * *. ' *, • ' ' • ,* ' * .' * • * * • * '  *  * , • JOYEUX• , * ' *   * ' • * * • ' * ' ' * ' • ***  NOEL*** • ' * ' ' ' ' * • * * • * ' '   ( )  ( ) ~Madeline

ParisMaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15672703830699570811noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-25201526877060444482010-12-16T20:36:00.000-05:002010-12-16T20:36:31.813-05:00

Happy Holiday Happiness to you!  We have ice, beautiful to look at, treacherous to drive in.  Hope you are all ready for Christmas and keeping warm.  It's this season of yummy baking. I've only received a block from Dee for the November block exchange.  I did hear from Alison that she's unable to make my block so I thought I'd better check with everyone else if there is a concern or problem. 

ParisMaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15672703830699570811noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-49707494725900637172010-12-06T07:03:00.000-05:002010-12-06T07:03:08.934-05:00

I have been dilatory!  Please forgive!  But I have caught up, at last - here are the blocks for Madeline and Claudia!

Leslynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-9150970403774076952010-12-05T15:29:00.003-05:002010-12-05T15:38:50.893-05:00

Here's my block, at last. It uses the white muslin and 2 patterned fabrics sent by Madeline. That paper piecing eats up fabric. I'm afraid I only have a teeny bit of the gold left. Like Dee, I had trouble with the points, but only the 2 that were separate little squares; not those that were part of the long piece. Dee, was that where you ran into trouble? I wonder if it's the pattern. Anyway, I

Suzannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07213327662380082748noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-25850962924950469872010-11-24T15:54:00.000-05:002010-11-24T15:54:23.374-05:00

Well, it came out on my first try.  LOLI've been dreading this one because I hadn't had time to sit down and properly read the instructions and all that kept floating in my head was the combination of paper piecing and "hand" piecing. I spent last weekend at my mom's helping her through her sleepy weekend after chemo.  I had packed up all my sewing stuff since I had two days where she would be

Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11367663127351652530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-62647978497812641112010-11-19T14:29:00.000-05:002010-11-19T14:29:23.281-05:00

I thought I'd share with you my practice block for "Dove in the Window" After reading that there were problems with the paper piecing templates on quilterscache, I decided to print them out and take a look.  Math isn't my strong point, but I realized straight away that the templates were too small.  If you think of this block as a basic 9-patch to finish to 9", each "patch" should be 3" without

Claudiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11444958007628185473noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-45444204470630120382010-11-18T11:49:00.006-05:002010-11-18T12:24:17.809-05:00

Madeline would like an 8.5" unfinished block, and the pattern hasn't been cooperating all that well.If you measure the length of one of the strips in Template A, you will find the block width, both finished and unfinished.http://www.quilterscache.com/images64/doveatthewindowtempA.gifIf your template is not measuring 8.5" unfinished, you might want to try what I did. I eventually found that if I

Suzannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07213327662380082748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-20875688464969091832010-11-17T22:56:00.000-05:002010-11-17T22:56:30.052-05:00

Hello ladies. Suzanna sent me an e-mail that the template that I printed from Quilter's Cache site and sent to you is off. She said they are a bit smaller than expected.  I asked for a 9" block, and Suzanna says the individual squares should measure 3.5" but they are not quite 3.25".  If you use the templates the block will be  about 8" finished and 8.5" unfinished instead of the 9" I'd

ParisMaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15672703830699570811noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-31147379416093891022010-10-31T21:48:00.000-04:002010-10-31T21:48:29.244-04:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN. Colorful Fall Greetings to you.  I can't believe an entire year is almost over and it's my turn.  Thank you so much for making the November block for me.  We will be using April Cornell’s Prayer Flag material to construct the Dove at the Window 9” block found at Quilter’s Cache website.  It shows it as partly paper pieced.  I’ve printed off the templates (if you need them) and

ParisMaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15672703830699570811noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-86746879348893946262010-10-13T17:30:00.001-04:002010-10-13T17:31:11.223-04:00

Such a fun little block to make and such sweet fabric.  The sun came out in all its bright glory while I was making thisblock so I'm calling it "Le Soleil."  It squared up nicely, too.  I'll put it in the mail tomorrow, Lesly. I didn't have a very good time with Claudia's Ohio Star.  (shameful since I've made a ton of them in the past AND I'm originally from Ohio).  Where was the sun?  I swear

ParisMaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15672703830699570811noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-4707964810273602452010-10-11T12:15:00.000-04:002010-10-11T12:15:40.078-04:00

I finished your very fun to make block Saturday and will sending it off in the mail this week.Thank you for the pattern and the chance to work with such beautiful fabrics.  I was very good and put all the scraps over 2" in the envelope for you.  I will admit to some small, stray pieces, strings really, making their way into my scrap boxes.  But mind you, I was obeying the letter of the law! No

Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11367663127351652530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-16687754195277904912010-10-09T00:41:00.000-04:002010-10-09T00:41:28.251-04:00

Claudia and Lesly: Your fabrics both arrived today.  Claudia, if you sent a second package I'll return it to you with the finished block. P.S. Love your fabric choices. ~M.

ParisMaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15672703830699570811noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-2245848198518843342010-10-01T12:44:00.000-04:002010-10-01T12:44:00.560-04:00

After agonizing over all kinds of potential block patterns for my month, I've settled on a classic; the Ohio Star.  Ohio Star A couple of days ago, I sent out the fabric - a mix of 30's repros and contemporary prints in yellows, oranges, greens and reds - you will receive 2 prints and solid white for the background.  Instructions are included but can also be found here:  http://

Claudiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11444958007628185473noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-37806625584145593762010-09-24T18:07:00.000-04:002010-09-24T18:07:35.091-04:00

Lydia's block was returned to me by the Post Office stamped "Unclaimed" on the envelope.  Lydia, dear Lydia, I can't find your e-mail and your Blog is gone when I click on the link.  Would you please e-mail me so I can re-send your block to you? DEE:  Did you get your block yet?  You should have it by now. LESLY:  Your fabric hasn't arrived yet.  Did you send it to my new address?

ParisMaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15672703830699570811noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-17153191544194798862010-09-13T23:39:00.000-04:002010-09-13T23:39:57.798-04:00

Dee's block is in the mail.  yeah!  yippee!  I'm all caught up now.  I love her fabric. Now, just where is Miss September's fabric???

ParisMaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15672703830699570811noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-14629334983584717082010-08-24T22:38:00.002-04:002010-08-24T22:42:40.941-04:00

I mailed this yesterday, which probably means Dee won't get it until after Labour Day :-( Thankfully it was quick and easy so I could finish on time. This will be such a pretty, fresh quilt when it's done. Thanks, Dee. Now Lesly, bring it on!

Suzannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07213327662380082748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-73200848058794912372010-08-12T22:03:00.000-04:002010-08-12T22:03:07.762-04:00

Hi Ladies.  I am BEHIND! in making and sending blocks for 2 people.  Forgive me.  I just moved and haven't uncovered my sewing machine or set up my studio yet.  I promise you WILL get your blocks so please be patient and forgive my tardiness.  Love ya! P.S. You will need my new address before anyone else sends their fabric. Madeline

ParisMaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15672703830699570811noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-63924144112111246922010-07-27T15:33:00.000-04:002010-07-27T15:33:24.973-04:00

Hello one and all!Hope your summer is keeping you happy, busy and sewing! This month's block started a long time ago when I began collecting scraps in limes, blues and brown whenever I would visit a quilt store.  Stuffing as much as possible in a baggie for a couple of bucks.  I've managed to gather what I think will be happy, fun fabrics to sew and have together in a quilt. The tutorial I'm

Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11367663127351652530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-57701208263127413982010-07-27T12:01:00.000-04:002010-07-27T12:01:24.211-04:00

As I'm sitting down with my envelopes to mail out August's blocks, I realize my list of addresses got dumped!  I have no clue where they went or why! Could I please have a new list?Thank you and I'll get my envelopes in the mail johnny of the spot!

Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11367663127351652530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-80370836965452625022010-07-22T19:36:00.003-04:002010-07-22T20:53:22.406-04:00

Here's the picture of my block for Lydia. Not a recognisable pattern, straight seams only, and only added solid fabrics. For me, the other limitation was the relatively small pieces of fabric in our packages. 12.5" blocks are larger than I usually work with and I'd have felt more at ease if I'd have had more of any one of the fabrics in the kit. What do I think of it? I think it looks better on

Suzannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07213327662380082748noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-2264646563641866752010-07-19T09:06:00.000-04:002010-07-19T09:06:01.121-04:00

LOL Joan dear, when I sat down this last week to make your other block, I realized I didn't have enough of the Kona for the four smaller sides.  I got as far as I could and had to stop.  Do you want to send me more (since we don't have any stores close that sell it) or do you just want me to send what I have (partially constructed second block and scraps to make the strips and finished block) to

Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11367663127351652530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-13033745339147480152010-07-13T12:36:00.000-04:002010-07-13T12:36:41.737-04:00

Is finished and ready to come home.  This one, though easy peasy in practice, was a stumper is theory!I had no inspiration for this.  Maybe because I was tired and not feeling well?I looked through flickr for help.Nope.Walking through my house, I looked at my calendar and a block was born!Instead of making the little, daily squares though, I wanted the fabric to be showcased and left them in

Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11367663127351652530noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-74108244895417694672010-07-13T09:11:00.003-04:002010-07-13T10:28:36.800-04:00

So, I totally forgot to post our July blocks instructions, here!All of the fabric went out at the end of June (the 24th, to be exact).I had a hard time making a decision on what I want so, I actually didn't make a decision! Here's what we'll be doing. I know how creative you all are, so I'm going to let you do your thing with the blocks with just a few guidelines:12" finished block (so 12 1/2"

Lydia @ The Loopnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-36277195747895199552010-07-12T09:30:00.000-04:002010-07-12T09:30:05.078-04:00

Hee hee! Block one for Joan.  This was fun because I got to put a lot of my yummy scraps into it.  And as you know, some vintage made it in there too.  Plus, you get a real slice of Indiana quilt stores because these scraps are from all over the state! My one difficulty was the seam allowance "seemed" off and I had to finagle to get the corner seams of the Kona and the scrap strips to match. 

Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11367663127351652530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-49960662271933527382010-07-06T23:07:00.003-04:002010-07-06T23:20:13.437-04:00

Although our blocks for Joan will probably all look alike, I thought I'd post mine anyway. This one was a real challenge for a few reasons. 1. I don't collect scraps. 2. when I moved last year I threw away (yes, threw away!) bins of fabric strips that I was sick of after many, many years. Which left me with the task of cutting into good fat quarters or lengths of fabric.The final problem was that

Suzannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07213327662380082748noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-23029985175494261132010-07-03T16:52:00.000-04:002010-07-03T16:52:21.527-04:00

Such a simple and pretty block, Joan.   It will go in the mail early in the week.   Happy Summer! ~ Madeline

ParisMaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15672703830699570811noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-30160477907625047442010-06-05T15:26:00.000-04:002010-06-05T15:26:05.780-04:00

Hello, everyone!  Is anyone in more than one bee?  Does anyone else have trouble keeping them straight?  I'm only in two, and I'm constantly getting them mixed up!  But -- hopefully -- I just mailed my fabrics to each of you for June's block.  [And don't worry, my May blocks will be mailed this week.]  In August, I will be mailing the same packets to the members of my other bee (Nittany Block

wishes, true and kindnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-34254514161375617772010-06-02T07:39:00.000-04:002010-06-02T07:39:14.454-04:00

These were fun to make!  And restful!  I sewed these up while watching an old BBC production of Martin Chuzzlewit on the computer.  The hardest part was pressing all these seams open!  And kudos to Alison for some of the straightest cutting - these went together like a dream as a result.  Hooray for ticking another box and now bring on May!

Leslynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-84010330956311020282010-05-28T10:12:00.000-04:002010-05-28T10:12:33.105-04:00

Just loved the colors and patterns of this line!  Thanks for the chance to work with some beautiful fabric!Here are the two random blocks for Alison: I will mail them out when I get a free minute this week.  "Hope" you like them Alison!

Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11367663127351652530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-60986546537245334622010-05-27T09:30:00.000-04:002010-05-27T09:30:09.152-04:00

Here are my blocks for Allison.  Since she asked for totally random placement of her Hope Valley fabric squares,  I placed all of my squares in a paper bag, reached in, one-by-one, and these are the results.  It was definitely hard to sew them as they came out of the bag and not rearrange.  They are in the mail.  Hope you like them, Allison. P.S. I popped over to Allison's blog and her baby

ParisMaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15672703830699570811noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-63835262110380461022010-05-18T07:26:00.000-04:002010-05-18T07:26:04.042-04:00

Is in the mail!  I apologize for the delay.  We moved my sewing stuff into the sunroom, I knew I hadn't mailed it yet, and it got a little misplaced in the move. I lost a lot of stuff due to my laptop quasi-crashing last week.  I've had to create a new flickr account and am trying to recover pictures off of my old one.  I love computers! Hope you're all having a great start to the week!

Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11367663127351652530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-67728303408517357662010-05-11T14:28:00.000-04:002010-05-11T14:28:49.523-04:00

Here's my Gnome Home, at last!  Sharon, i'll put it in the mail later this week.  I hope you like it. Definitely a challenge with all the little pieces, but I'm happy with it. 

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14124055364435672026noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-76779334343919139042010-05-04T17:39:00.003-04:002010-05-04T17:40:28.357-04:00

I am staying ahead of the game, this month (although a trip to the post office is needed!). I finished both blocks for Alison over the weekend.

Lydia @ The Loopnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-48707444800740527052010-05-03T20:38:00.000-04:002010-05-03T20:39:23.486-04:00

I learned a lot from this block. I learned that I am NOT good at wonky. I learned that I am REALLY NOT good at just winging a block. I need a lot of work on both of those things! I, originally, wanted the little gnome man to look like he’s standing on the front stoop of his crazy cottage. He looks like he’s just floating in mid-air. I meant for that second, polka dot, story of the house to

Lydia @ The Loopnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-57520218453577021482010-04-30T18:24:00.000-04:002010-04-30T18:24:31.780-04:00

Sharon's blocks are finished and ready to travel to their new home.  I need to buy a new camera so the best I could do for Show N' Tell was to put the three blocks I made for her on my scanner.  Unfortunately, the third one, the condo, is hidden. Hope you can see them and they are okay for you, Sharon! Happy Spring. ~ Madeline

ParisMaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15672703830699570811noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-84169057277936077802010-04-25T22:13:00.004-04:002010-04-25T22:27:03.112-04:00

Here's my "renovated" gnome home. A huge thank you to Dee, whose range of suggestions made me think outside the box. (The walkway is supposed to broaden at the end to give perspective, but it's not showing as much as I thought.)

Suzannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07213327662380082748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-22264906850739978342010-04-21T20:56:00.007-04:002010-04-21T21:40:06.032-04:00

Because I can't draw what I see in my mind's eye, I am rarely successful in freeform design. So I went with something very angular. Sadly, my gnome apartment looks boring and sterile. I even tried melting silvery Angelina fibre to simulate reflective windows... 2 thumbs down! Now I'm reluctant to embellish it for fear of tarting it up. Please feel free to suggest improvements. The block wasn't

Suzannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07213327662380082748noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-47809806451947326962010-04-21T17:06:00.000-04:002010-04-21T17:06:42.467-04:00

Meet Glimwyn.  He's the lighthouse keeper up on North Shore.  He lives a quiet life.  Doesn't ask for much.  Tends his mushroom garden and prunes his trees.  He loves his life and can't wait for the day he will meet his new friend Sharon.

Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11367663127351652530noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-9723450489671807072010-04-21T11:24:00.000-04:002010-04-21T11:24:50.144-04:00

Here he is.  Faithfully manning his post.  Making sure that all is well and sailors and ships make it home safely.

Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11367663127351652530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-9067357569141377612010-04-11T17:59:00.001-04:002010-04-11T18:00:07.641-04:00

I'm late, I know.  However, I finally had a chance to do sewing today so I decided to tackle Suzanna's block for March.  I had been avoiding it because anything "wonky" seems impossible to me.  Not sure why I thought this was so difficult, because Suzanna's instructions were simple, and creating this block was extremely easy. I already knew how to make a Shoo-Fly block because of the tutorial

Jennifernoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-25991744426949336492010-04-08T18:59:00.000-04:002010-04-08T18:59:52.957-04:00

Do you think they like to garden?

Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11367663127351652530noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-85245981669509053912010-03-29T12:10:00.004-04:002010-03-29T12:17:17.677-04:00

Here's my block for Suzanna:Even though I'd made a practice block, I didn't realize that the order in which one sews the sashing strips makes a difference in how they appear; my block has two adjoining short sides in blue and two long sides in black. Suzanna, if you want me to redo the block, please let me know.I also have lots of fabric left and I'm tempted to make another one.Practice block in

Claudiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11444958007628185473noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-66697545992695016282010-03-22T09:05:00.000-04:002010-03-22T09:05:48.986-04:00

Here's my block for Suzanna - I love all the jewel tones she sent and I had a hard time settling down on selecting my final choices for this block.  Inspired by Madeline, I think I'll make a second block with the fabric that didn't make it into this one.  It's a addictive block!  You can make it look so different through fabric choices! Yesterday, my family and I went up to Ottawa to take my

Leslynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-69344339346880894772010-03-20T20:10:00.000-04:002010-03-20T20:10:04.971-04:00

Don't ask questions, let's just call it temporary amnesia.  Call it middle age hormonal loss.  Call it the first day of Spring joy.  I made another block for our March lady, Suzanna.

ParisMaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15672703830699570811noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-724670796830494712010-03-20T17:50:00.000-04:002010-03-20T17:50:48.399-04:00

Hooray!  What a great day!  And to celebrate, here's a picture of the Block You Thought You'd Never See:  Jennifer's New York Beauty.  Yes, folks, that's right - we are finished at last!  What's that, you say?  This is March and that block was due in *cough, cough* February?  Yes, well, let's just draw a veil over that small detail.  Here's the block.  Jennifer, please say you subscribe to the "

Leslynoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-71430936939304028322010-03-18T22:30:00.000-04:002010-03-18T22:30:31.432-04:00

Suzanna's Shoo-Fly block was so fun to make and her instructions were very clear and easy to follow.I'll post it to you this week.  I hope you like it.  Your fabrics were really pretty together. Happy Spring!

ParisMaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15672703830699570811noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-26135047791971132372010-03-18T09:34:00.000-04:002010-03-18T09:34:54.370-04:00

You've chosen such perky little blocks for us to make!Thanks for the comment about the dancing block.That made my morning!Hereis your block, my dear.  With some complimentary sunshine from corn country!Hope you like it!I will be making more of these and your plastic sheet is going to get used a lot!Sending this out today with another package.I've found the Vintage Marketplace and am participating

Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11367663127351652530noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-21155681698123133792010-03-17T09:00:00.000-04:002010-03-17T09:00:05.406-04:00

One for the Gipper!Suzanna's block in test form.And a new favorite for me.I just love the simplicity of the block and off set sashing is just way past cool.These are my three test blocks from our bee.I'm so glad I joined in and getting to try new things and sew for all of you has been so much fun!Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11367663127351652530noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-12043024869866216982010-03-16T10:05:00.000-04:002010-03-16T10:05:01.482-04:00

What I'm going to be working on today! The dvd is from mother-in-love to borrow and browse on my computer.She's such a sweetie. Onto great things today in making my test block for Suzanna!

Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11367663127351652530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-57794170832076411402010-03-08T15:11:00.003-05:002010-03-08T15:15:56.180-05:00

I just stumbled across this quilt on Flickr and had to share it with you all. It really struck me as so beautiful. by flickr user Emma_Louise.The New York Beauty blocks used, here, seem a bit easier than the ones many of us did for February. The smallest pieced curve looks to be bigger (at least bigger than what I pieced). That's where I had most of my troubles and it sounds like, from the

Lydia @ The Loopnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-81283094677154401112010-03-07T16:19:00.009-05:002010-03-30T13:08:39.082-04:00

On Friday, March 5, I mailed the March fabric and instructions. Given how long it's taken family greeting cards to get to and from Florida, I imagine it'll be at least a week before anyone in the US receives their fabric.This month we're going to make shoo fly blocks, then set them off kilter. The photo from Gwen Marston's book Liberated Quiltmaking was taken down due to concerns about copyright.

Suzannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07213327662380082748noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-41564458089452832032010-02-28T15:08:00.003-05:002010-02-28T15:12:00.075-05:00

I may have waited until the last day of the month to successfully complete our New York Beauty block, but I am sure Jennifer will be glad that I did. After the first epic FAIL of a block, I decided I needed to make another test block. I did that, yesterday. It was much more successful. So, I cut into Jen's excellent fabric and came up with this:

Lydia @ The Loopnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-63168088164854632832010-02-25T18:22:00.001-05:002010-02-25T18:58:26.196-05:00

I started and finished my block last night. I was putting it off, for some reason I was nervous. I didn't do a test block as several years ago I completed piecing a queen sized quilt top with a simple New York Beauty block so I figured I would just wing it! Since I only had to make 1 block I thought I would try to chose a fairly detailed design. I love how it turned out, Hope you like it too!

Marianne Pennernoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-30058132009545631352010-02-24T22:27:00.000-05:002010-02-24T22:27:32.046-05:00

Hi.  Sorry for being completely absent from the blog in my month of block swapping.  We're hunting for a new apartment-- a fruitless labor-- and so that's sucking up all my internet time. There have been lots of questions about block sizing, etc.  I was shooting for 8.5" unfinished, but if you're in the ballpark, I'll be fine. All the blocks I've seen so far have been amazing.  I've even

Jennifernoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-49920280051663423832010-02-24T09:12:00.000-05:002010-02-24T09:12:45.266-05:00

For February!Ze block:Which actually, oddly, stunningly and incredibly enough-measures 8.5" x 8.5".I think I entered a worm hole when I put this together!LOL Jennifer, I love pulling colors together in a cohesive way, and I think the floral fabric pulls it off nicely.  Plus, I'm hoping the lighter blue matches the blue Suzanna chose for hers. As soon as this blankity, blank, blank cold is under

Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11367663127351652530noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-52164934948674948012010-02-22T12:53:00.000-05:002010-02-22T12:53:33.398-05:00

So, i'll admit feeling a little pressure to do well with this block.  I mean, not only did all of you make awesome blocks for me, but this is a New York beauty, and I'm the bee member living in NY... Jen, I'll be honest, this was quite a challenge.  But at the same time, i really liked flexing my quilting muscles and seeing if I could figure it out.  I ended up really liking both the block and

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14124055364435672026noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-66213072475311667642010-02-19T15:55:00.000-05:002010-02-19T15:55:21.147-05:00

Jennifer, my dear, here is the test block.  It came out 8 1/4 x 8 1/4 no matter how hard I tried to finagle it larger.  Do you want me to shoot for the 8 1/2 x 8 1/2, or keep the original size? I can try again.Just let me know.Thanks!

Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11367663127351652530noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-33564069507701061752010-02-18T16:02:00.000-05:002010-02-18T16:02:18.860-05:00

Little help here:unfinished, what are the measurements for the NYB?finished, what are they? Redundant, I know, but if you only knew my poor lil' pea brain. Thank you ma cherie.

Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11367663127351652530noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-85899002695948336932010-02-17T20:00:00.006-05:002010-02-17T20:22:10.246-05:00

My test block went together 1-2-3 and I thought to myself, this is so much fun. Alas, the real thing proved much more difficult. Effective cropping of the photo makes the block for Jen look more accurate than it really is. The block doesn't lay perfectly flat, and there's an edge or two that almost makes it to 8.5 inches. You'll notice my test block uses regular quilting fabric whereas

Suzannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07213327662380082748noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-45267824834591921402010-02-17T14:56:00.000-05:002010-02-17T14:56:10.365-05:00

Here's Mz. Jennifer's NY Beauty block right before going into the envelope as I send it off to her.  I'm not even showing you the practice blocks I made for this one.  Suffice it to say I am learning new words and new things about myself... I actually can't wait to see this quilt all done as I like the overall idea of these spiky blocks and I really like Jennifer's color palette.  It's just

ParisMaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15672703830699570811noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-4540052443721439982010-02-04T08:01:00.000-05:002010-02-04T08:01:57.559-05:00

which could cover both quilting and our hopefully shrinking waistlines! Remembering the trouble some of us had in getting our center intersections to lie flat with so many seams coming together, found this today and remembered I forgot to post a "how to" to help.  From Connecting Threads: Pressing tip: You’ll end up with a lot of bulk at the center intersection, so before you press, carefully

Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11367663127351652530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-49090765220223920812010-02-01T21:58:00.004-05:002010-02-01T22:04:09.700-05:00

It came out too small! I was too lazy to measure my template to make sure it was to scale. Anyway, here it is:And the back in all it's glory:I really struggled with the rays. I either cut my wedges too big or too small and found that they need to be fairly accurate in size or else it's hard to know where to place them. I didn't have any trouble with my curved seams though. I pinned like crazy

Claudiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11444958007628185473noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-13468755680716936062010-02-01T18:39:00.000-05:002010-02-01T18:39:04.469-05:00

Here's my first attempt at New York Beauty. Piecing the arc was very easy and it turned out almost perfect. The curve was a completely different story. I followed the common process of clipping and pinning, etc, but it got all bunched up. Help me out-- what's the smoothest way to piece a curve?

Jennifernoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-55219692569914216802010-02-01T14:38:00.003-05:002010-02-01T14:38:59.749-05:00

  broken dishes quilt block Originally uploaded by sonnetofthemoon  Modify Tradition Round 2 has started. We're still focusing on teaching you how to make traditional blocks, but instead of a sampler quilt, each block will feature a special project tutorial and a giveaway. Head over to see how to make Broken Dishes now!

Jennifernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-47875619557204924202010-01-26T14:34:00.000-05:002010-01-26T14:34:26.555-05:00

Alright, this is what I have so far, doesn't it look awesome?!? As of yesterday (today's mail isn't here yet), I have blocks from Suzanna, Madeline, Marianne, Claudia & Lesly.  I'm sorry I didn't post when I received each package-- as Lesly mentioned over on flickr (and I posted here on my blog), January has not been a very smooth month for me so far.  Both of my parents are in poor health and

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14124055364435672026noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-3208372411779892252010-01-25T17:14:00.002-05:002010-01-25T17:15:57.038-05:00

Alright, ladies.  Fabric goes in the mail tomorrow.   We're making New York Beauty blocks.  Here's some inspiration: 1. IMG_0490v2, 2. IMG_0492v2, 3. New York Beauty quilt, detail, 4. New York Beauty, 5. New York Beauty, 6. new york beauty blocks Gorgeous, right?! Pattern You may choose any 8" New York Beauty that your little heart desires. If you don't know where to start, there

Jennifernoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-72799273982652197372010-01-24T18:11:00.001-05:002010-01-24T18:11:47.789-05:00

Okay, here it is!  I finally finished Jessica's block after several unsuccessful attempts at paper piecing.  I could never get the patterns from Quilter's Cache to print correctly.  So, I went with good old normal piecing. This block is called Louisiana. I can't believe my flying geese came out so nicely! I did them using triangles, not rectangles and squares as many people do. I think

Jennifernoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-41289967334590185102010-01-19T20:28:00.000-05:002010-01-19T20:28:24.085-05:00

I'm shrinking! As discussed in the flickr group, I have been doing cardio and core workouts at the gym each morning before work since mid-November.  At the end of December I weighed in and measured.  My waist measured at 33.5" (three inches less than in November!).  My gut-- you know, the spare tire area?-- came in at 41.5" Yesterday, we measured again. Waist -33.5" Gut - 37.5" Four inches!

Jennifernoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-58588682555375651352010-01-09T16:50:00.000-05:002010-01-09T16:50:05.296-05:00

Here's mine for Jessica - done at last, the right size and everything! Huzzah! It's going in the mail on Monday! Now, bring on February - what have you got for us, Jennifer?

Leslynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-66588470306021095392010-01-08T08:52:00.000-05:002010-01-08T08:52:07.871-05:00

Well, here is my practice block for Jessica. Thing is, when she says 9" block over at Quilters Cache, she means it.  It's 9" unfinished, and not, as I supposed, 9 1/2".  Choices time.  Do I sash it?  Or go back to the drawing board, looking for another block choice?  Jessica?  What would you prefer?

Leslynoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-2987670133263528552010-01-04T09:13:00.000-05:002010-01-04T09:13:44.191-05:00

Well, with all the quilting challenges, quiltalongs and bees that have captured my fancy lately, it's probably no surprise that I've joined the 100 Mile Fitness Challenge. It's pretty simple: log 100 miles between January 1 and March 31.  One mile on the treadmill, sidewalk or elliptical = 1 mile, but 15 minutes of practically any other planned fitness activity (yoga, aerobics, strength

Leslynoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-39564381970914399092010-01-04T07:54:00.000-05:002010-01-04T07:54:29.189-05:00

Good article here on the benefits of 150 minutes of walking each week...which doesn't have to equal long periods of time on a treadmill or hours of walking (which is hard for moms with kids who still need supervision at hom). The 150 minutes can be broken up into 3-10 minute walks a day. And, you can boost your metabolism using short bursts of instense exercise too! Happier, Healthier New Year

Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11367663127351652530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-91323210054458321472010-01-04T01:32:00.007-05:002010-01-04T03:56:00.296-05:00

Hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year's! This block has been a real journey and learning experience for me. I have done a little bit of paper piecing in the past so I thought, I'm fine I don't need to do up a test block. Boy was I wrong; I won't be making that mistake again! Had I done a test block I would have abandoned this block half way but as I had already used up some of the

Marianne Pennernoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-45984899359538745512010-01-02T19:47:00.006-05:002010-01-02T20:18:43.478-05:00

The latest issue of HEALTH magazine mentions this bakery that donates 15% of every purchase you make on their site to the cause of your choice. I couldn't decide if it was a good thing or not:)http://bakingforgood.com/bakery 30 minutes of walking every day is supposed to help prevent heart attacks and other ailments. Do you all exercise every day? I try, I really do. This site is supposed to

ParisMaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15672703830699570811noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-50771201318728838582009-12-31T17:04:00.000-05:002009-12-31T17:04:32.545-05:00

Jessica, here is the Cactus Flower block.  It measures 9 1/4" before the sashing.  You can trim off however much you need to to make it work for you.  I added the floral fabric from my own stash to match the lighter blue in the "diamond" fabric. On point.   Square. If it's too blue for you, let me know and I can finagle it a bit. Here's the test block Pinks, purples, white, yellows and

Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11367663127351652530noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-14548018475151304542009-12-29T11:07:00.004-05:002009-12-29T11:33:45.852-05:00

I can't believe I forgot to photograph it "on point"(!), but it works equally well in the correct orientation. It's kind of on point in this photo:The block pattern is from "5,500 Quilt Block Designs" by Maggie Malone. Measurements are not given, so I worked out the math and tested it on my own fabric. The challenge for me, was finding a design that didn't use too much negative space since I had

Claudiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11444958007628185473noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-41424054298849152412009-12-28T14:54:00.000-05:002009-12-28T14:54:04.064-05:00

I think it's an evil plot to thwart my stupid honest intentions to trim down this year. Some well meaning, loving relative got all three boys lovely, large boxes of these deliciously wrapped, yummy galore candies. Only...the boys don't like mint all that much. Now, I applaud their kind and caring concern that the boyos have something treaty and chocolatey...but, um. I've been eyeballing them

Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11367663127351652530noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-33036615756648851982009-12-23T22:05:00.011-05:002009-12-23T22:29:56.609-05:00

This afternoon I mailed my block to Jessica. Like Madeline, I got my pattern (Heavens A'Blaze) from quilterscache.com., and I think the two of ours are rather complimentary. The only tricks to the pattern were to cut and place the fabric on the paper foundation such that the outer edges of the final block wouldn't be bias, and to tear away some of the paper before assembling the 9 squares into

Suzannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07213327662380082748noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-41359929197096685092009-12-23T08:54:00.004-05:002009-12-23T09:04:11.498-05:00

I thought I would share with you guys a few minor victories along the Road to Reducing.  Two things that always trip me up:  habit and opportunity.  So I'm trying to take steps to fortify myself against both of these, and here are some of my early victories. You see in the photo above my habit: a cranberry tea biscuit.  Normally, I have one of these everyday around 10.30, just from habit.  I

Leslynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-67879498033667120172009-12-22T21:19:00.006-05:002009-12-22T21:32:36.878-05:00

Here's my finished block for Jessica. I hope you like it. (Looks like preparing the photo for the web clipped off the points on a few of the star arms but they are fine in real life.) It's called Teresa's Guamin Star and I chose it from the quilter's cache link that Jessica sent us. I picked this one since Jessica asked for a pattern that could be used on point. I have a little bit of fabric

ParisMaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15672703830699570811noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-17786081154804942009-12-20T20:22:00.001-05:002009-12-20T20:22:24.751-05:00

Here is my block for Jessica!I've posted more details and a tutorial, here.-- Lydia

Lydia @ The Loopnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-42531703175187068222009-12-07T09:22:00.000-05:002009-12-07T09:22:10.775-05:00

Does anyone else get the Weight Watchers emails? this recipe was in this morning's email so I thought I'd share: Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies POINTS® Value: 2 Servings: 12 Preparation Time: 8 min Cooking Time: 120 min Level of Difficulty: Easy These cookies are the perfect combination of vanilla and chocolate. If you prefer chewy meringues, make them the day before you plan to eat them.

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14124055364435672026noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-44524065883868512672009-12-04T17:55:00.000-05:002009-12-04T17:55:24.701-05:00

Hello Shrinking Quilters! I put my fabric in the mail today so go get yourself a big glass of water and get ready to start a new quilt with me~ Here's the situation... I have an addiction to coffee.  Since the pregnancy (and now I'm still nursing) it's been 2-3 cups a day of decaf.  before that it was 4 cups to the whole pot of regular.  But it's not just the coffee.  For me, coffee is a vehicle

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14124055364435672026noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217578234133953749.post-57358697377833768132009-11-26T08:18:00.002-05:002009-11-26T08:18:50.602-05:00

Hey everybody!  Our blog is up and running!  Jessica is going to be posting the instructions for her January blocks shortly. Lesly

Leslynoreply@blogger.com0