Friday, January 31, 2014

Aiming for Accuracy Requires Patience and Pins--lots of them!

I'm so happy that I signed up for the Aiming for Accuracy star quilt this year.  I began a quilt for my daughter a couple--well maybe a few--years ago, but it has so many points and tiny pieces that I put it aside for awhile.  I'm sure this class is going to give me the confidence I need to finish it.  Here are the first 2 blocks, blocks, blocks 18 and 24 of the quilt:


I really like the yellow background.  I don't usually do "bright" so this is an adventure for me!  Come back in the weeks to follow, and I will post more blocks as I go! Happy quilting!

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Let the Quilting Fun Begin and a Little Christmas!

It is January, and I am very excited about the Quilting Gallery's Quilt-Along.  We will be making quilts using star blocks.  I started a very difficult star quilt for my daughter, Anna, a few years ago.  I really want to finish it.  I think it will be much easier after Michele Foster shares her expertise with me on this quilt-along.  Anna, it will get finished--I promise.   I have my fabrics washed and line-dried.

                         Today, I found time to press all of my fabric so that it is ready to go!


This is the first time I have used Magic Sizing.  I ordered Best Press along with my background fabric from JoAnn's, but I wanted to get my fabric pressed.  I really like the Magic Sizing.  It was very easy to use, left my fabrics nice and crisp, and it is much cheaper than the Best Press.


I laid out all of my fabrics.  I am so fortunate to have great friends.  Over half of these fat quarters were gifted to me by my great friend, Jani.  I had some others in my stash, and I traded fabrics with my friend, Carol Kussart, (who is also in this quilt-along) so that we would have even more choices.  Now the big decision will be which fabrics to use!


I have decided to go out of my comfort zone and use a yellow background.  I want this quilt to be nice and bright when it is finished, and I think the yellow is just what it needs.  I had to order it, since I need 6.5 yards. I went to JoAnn's and looked at their Kona Swatch Chart to decide which yellow to order.  I can't wait until it arrives!

I was very pleased to receive 2 great quilt patterns for Christmas--2 of my favorite wild flowers.


I'm looking forward to making these this year.  Also, I can now share with you more of the Christmas I made because it has all been gifted.  I made no-sew hats and scarves for my 2 granddaughters.


                         Then, I made 5 aprons.  I hope to get 2 more made soon for my granddaughters.


(My daughter, Anna, on the right, and her friend, Aparna, on the left putting their Christmas aprons to good use!

Now, on to read Michele's post for the quilt-along.  Come back in a few weeks, and I will share the first of my blocks with you for this Delightful Stars quilt!