What Are Quilters Blogging About Today?

As we come into fall, it seems like it will be easier to have projects finished and fabric out. Do you have more time to sew in the fall? It seems like I do, or maybe it is only because it is my favorite season and I am more inspired. With Fall Fortnight coming, I’ll have a great fabric out total next month, but this month was not so great.

For new readers, Stashbusters is easy and you can join in anytime. Just report what you have brought in and sent out over the past month, keeping a year ...

A large pile of blocks came from Susan Nixon prior to her death. Unusual colors for a log cabin quilt. And not quite enough blocks. I added 4. Now I can’t tell which ones.

I call it Fireworks. The scattered, irregular shapes almost move. And the colors are so bright.

The finished size is 84″x84″. I don’t have definite plans for it yet, but I am sure it will have a home soon.

Young Son is getting married the end of September. She is a lovely young woman, and we are very pleased for them both. And, of course, the occasion calls for a quilt!

This is based on the CLEO Pattern . I did resize the blocks smaller, and I do love the look. Sort of modern/abstract. Or maybe just busy. Either way, it is done now… It is super scrappy with around 250 different green, brown, gold and cream fabrics.

Don’t you LOVE the gold thread in the quilting. (Thank you, Jennifer!)

We wish them a lifetime wrapped in quilty ...

There was a bag with eleven Christmas themed blocks–ten that measured 12-1/2″ and one that measured 15-1/2″.

Hmmm…what do I do with that? They are beautifully constructed, just like Susan always made. Yes, this is another finish in honor of Susan Nixon.

I created some pinwheel blocks and some strips of 2-1/2″ squares. Also, added 1-1/2″ sashing around the 15″ block.

The blocks are joined with 2-1/2″ sashing. Then a triple border of 2-1/2″ background, a pieced border of 2-1/2″ squares and a final 2-1/2″ border.

It is a fun ...

I started with the RISE pattern from Woodbury Way.

It is a great starting point. The directions for the basket alone are worth the price of the pattern. But, I did branch out and design some blocks of my own, many using scraps and leftovers from previous projects. The blocks using the bear’s paw and pinwheels were that way. The black balloon in the lower left and the green/blue one on the second row up are modeled on pictures of real balloons. So many options! So much inspiration! (SIDE NOTE: I used flying geese in the border rather ...

A free pattern is worth trying, right? Especially when the fabric is free, too!

I received a bundle of cut 2-1/2″ strips of assorted blue and green fabrics. There were so many I couldn’t see them getting used any time in the near future if I added them to my general stash of strips.

So, it was a try at something new. If I did it again I would make the quilting a darker shade of brown to help tie the front, the quilting, and the backing together better. I don’t love it, but someone will. If ...

Yes, we have a name: Fringe Benefit.

A fringe benefit is a perk, extra or bonus received in addition to regular compensation. In this case, those cut off triangles can turn into a buy one-get one special.

If you are interested in making a quilt, large or small, using this block, I have a few suggestions:

1. Get a bloc lock ruler, if you don’t have one already. Mine is 6-1/2″. It makes the trimming faster and more accurate. They are available in many local shops or a variety of locations online.
2. Dig out all those bonus triangles. They ...

 I had a couple of finishes this week.

First is the latest Bonnie Hunter mystery, Old Town. I changed the colors a little, but otherwise followed her instructions.

Old Town, a Bonnie Hunter mystery 78" x 78"

Old Town (back and binding detail)

I also finished a string hourglass. No pattern on this one, I just needed to use some of my many strings!

String Hourglass 60" x 85"

String Hourglass (back and binding detail)

I'm working on a couple more. Then, I hope to get back to my Sunflower One-Block Wonder.

Happy Quilting!