Happy Quilting Quilt-A-Long 16 Patch Block Instructions

So are you ready to start sewing??  I am so excited!!!  To start we are going to be making 16 patch blocks.  I know, not what you expected, but trust me, this is a fun and fast way to whip this quilt together.  So to start, check out the chart below and find the size you are making.  It will let you know how many 16 patch blocks you need to make.  So for example, I am making a 3 x 4 size or 51 x 68 so I will need to make 6 16 patch blocks :)

So if you know how to make a 16 patch block go to it.  If you are a beginner, no worries, I will walk you through step by step on how to make your block.  First, you need to decide if you are going to make all of your blocks together in assembly line format or if you want to make one at a time.  I will be showing how to make one at a time but if you want to do assembly line just repeat the instructions for how many blocks you are making :)

Onto the sewing!!!!  We'll start by matching 2 patch pieces.  Grab 2 of your 5" squares.  Try not to worry to much about what you are putting together, you want to keep it random.  I just make sure that I am not aligning 2 of the exact same prints next to each other :)

Lay your first 5 " Square onto your second 5" square with right sides together.  Pin along the edge.  Now go ahead and repeat this step 7 times so that you have 8 pinned together sets.  That is for one block :)  If you are doing assembly line pin together the number of blocks you need times 8 :)  Make sense??  And just in case you are wondering, Yes, you should have extra charms.  We will get to those in a week or so :)

And you are ready to sew.  Grab your first set of 2 and sew a 1/4" along the pin side.  Make sure to remove pins as you go.  I know it is tempting to run over them but it is a really bad habit (one I am still working on breaking :)  Once  you have finished your first set don't cut your threads.  This is where you chain stitch.  Chain stitching is sewing all of your pieces one after another.  It saves a lot of time.  So keep feeding your sets through until you have sewn a 1/4" seam along all the edges.

When you have sewn the last set go ahead and remove them from your machine.  Clip the small set of threads between each of your 2 patch sets.  (I know, I need a new ironing board, this poor guy has been with me since college and has been used and abused :)

Now go ahead and open your 2 patch pieces.  You are going to press the seams open.  The reason for this is to reduce the bulk that is created.  Go ahead and press all of your 2 patch pieces.

So now you have a stack of 2 patch pieces that look like this :)  Aren't they just cute :)

Now we are going to turn those 2 patch pieces into 4 patch rows.  Once again, try not to stress to much about the way things are lining up, just try to avoid repeat patterns next to each other :)

Lay your first 2 piece patches onto your second 2 piece patches with right sides together.  Pin along the edge.  Now go ahead and repeat this step for all of the 2 piece patches are pinned :)

Once you are all pinned you are ready to sew again.  Once again, chain stitch your 1/4" seam running all of your pieces through one after another.  

And once again, go ahead and clip the threads between your now sewn together 4 patch rows and press your center seam open :)  Repeat for all of your 4 patch rows.

So now is where you really see it start to come together.  Go ahead and lay out 4 rows.  This is the time where you can play with the layout a bit to get a look you like.  Once again though, don't stress about it to much, it will get mixed up again :)

Once you get a layout you like you are ready to pin.  Lay your first 4 patch row onto your second 4 patch row and then lay your third 4 patch row onto your fourth 4 patch row, making sure to have right sides together.  You want to start with pinning your 3 center seams first.   (Where the arrows point).  Make sure to align your seams as perfect as you an.  This will give you nice crisp corners.

If you find that aligning your seams perfect results in a bubble no worries.  Just smooth the bubble down and put a pin in horizontal.  This will help to keep the bubble down and out of your way when stitching.   Also, after stitching I realized I would have preferred a few more pins, so feel free to put a pin in the center of each 5" squares as well.

Once you are all pinned up go ahead and stitch your 1/4" seam along the pinned line.  Before reaching seams, I like to just run my finger under to smooth out my underneath seams.  This just keeps them from "flipping over" and creating bulk.  Once you are done stitching go ahead and clip your threads and press your long center seam open :)  (You are a pro at this now, I figured you didn't need a picture).

So now you are here, and you only have one more seam to do.  That's right, you know what to do!!

Lay your top now sewn together row 1 and 2 onto your bottom now sewn together row 3 and 4 with right sides together.  Once again, make sure to align your seams first.  I added the extra pins this time and found the sewing easier :)  Now that you are a pro you can do it all without pictures, right :)  Just sew your 1/4" seam, clip your threads, press your center seam open and presto!!!

You have a beautiful 16 patch block!!!  So fun!!!  I am just so excited to see all of your fun blocks.  Once you are done, feel free to post pictures on our little quilt-a-long flickr page so we can all see your progress :)

Happy Quilting Quilt-A-Long Cutting Instructions

Good Morning All and  Happy Valentines Day!!!  We'll I know many of you have been waiting for this so let's get right to it.  Here are the cutting instructions to get going on our Happy Quilting Quilt-A-Long :)

Today we will be cutting the 5" squares of your super fun prints.  I am so excited for the great prints that are being used!!  Your pictures on Flickr are awesome!!  I know you might be itching to cut everything but we will save the sashing until we get closer to that part.  (mainly because I want to double check the exact measurement on my sewn pieces, I want to make sure my calculations aren't off a 1/4").  Now, I know some of you already know everything that follows but we are trying to keep this beginner friendly.  Just use what you need for your skill level :)

So, for your 5" squares, you need to first know how many to cut.  So find the size you are making, and see how many 5" squares you will be cutting.

Square Quilts

Rectangle Quilts

Okay, Now on to the cutting.  I will show you the method for cutting your pre-cuts and your yardage.  If you are going Scrappy I figure you already have enough experience cutting to cut your desired 5" squares :)  (and I just couldn't figure out how would be a good way to show cutting up scraps :)

So Pre-Cuts :)  If you have charm squares just set them aside :)  You are already done :)  On, to the Layer Cakes.  Now, you will be getting four 5" squares out of each layer cake piece.  So, you can figure out how many "pieces of cake" you need to cut up by dividing 4 by the number of squares needed.  For Example, if you are doing a 3 x 4 quilt take 144 / 4 and you get 36 slices of cake needed.  Which means, you can pull out 6 slices of cake and save them for a future project :)  Or, if you are like me and you like 5" squares you can just skip this step and cut up your whole layer cake and then have some extra "charms" when you are done :)

Okay, So how do you cut up your Layer Cake.  Grab 3 - 5 (Depending on how sharp your cutter is) 10" squares and line them up on top of each other and along your grid lines of your mat.  I like to do this as a double check.  See how the square fits perfectly in my mat grid :)

Now align your ruler up so that the 5" mark aligns with the side edge of your slices of cake. (sorry, the reflection of my light kind of made it hard to see where the corner lines up.)  The other side of your ruler should be right along the grid line of your mat.  That is your double check.  Once you are all lined up, go ahead and slice along your ruler edge.

Now, don't move your pieces!!  Without moving, flip your ruler in the opposite direction so it is now across your slices of cake.  You are going to measure the exact same way.  Line the 5" mark of your ruler along the bottom of your layer cake pieces.  Double check that the other side of your ruler is lined up along the horizontal line on your mat.  Go ahead and slice along your rulers edge.

Now your have 4 adorable little "charms" out of each print.  Repeat this process for as many Layer Cake pieces that you need.  I am doing my whole layer cake and having some leftovers :)

Onto Yardage!!!  Okay, so once again, we start with a little math.  First you want to figure out how many charms you want out of each print you have.   You will be getting eight 5" squares out of 5" strip of yardage.  So, you can figure out how many 5" strips you need to cut up by dividing 8 by the number of squares needed.  For Example, if you are doing a 3 x 4 quilt take 144 / 8 and you get 18 5" strips.  Let's say you have 9 prints you are using.  So divide 18 / 9 and you get 2 strips of each print.  The math won't always work out this perfect but you get the idea.  If you have questions, please feel free to email me or leave a message on flickr.  I love to figure fabric yardage :)  

Now, onto cutting.  I will be showing how to cut 2 strips.  (If you have a 24" ruler you can cut up to 4 strips at a time and still be fine, anymore than that and your ruler won't be long enough :)  So start by ironing your fabric piece.  I don't starch but you are welcome to if that is what you prefer.  Now, disclaimer, I am using a piece a fabric that I got at Wal-Mart for 25 cents a yard.  It is horrible, it actually started melting when I ironed it (hence the wrinkles) , but since I didn't need any 5" squares of a print right now, I don't mind wasting this stuff :)  Align your folded edged along the bottom line of your cutting mat.

Once your fabric is nice and aligned go ahead and cut a straight edge using your mat grid.  I had to measure in quite a bit as my edges didn't line up at all.

Once you have a nice straight edge you are ready to cut your strips.  From your straight edge, count 5" over.  Align your ruler along the mat grid lines on the top and bottom of your fabric piece.  Go ahead and cut along the edge of your ruler.  (hint . . .When I am cutting long strips like this I like to place my hand along the bottom of the ruler, I cut about 1/2 way up, pause, slide my hand up the ruler, and then finish the cut.  It just seems to help with slipping :)

Now, Don't move your cut strip.  Measure over another 5" , align your ruler along your mat lines, and cut again.   Repeat this process until you have your desired number of strips.  (Once again, don't do more than 4 at a time ;)

So now you are ready to cut on the Horizontal.  Start at the top of your strip.  Go ahead and line your ruler up along the horizontal line of your mat that is just below the selvage line.  Go ahead and cut off the selvage edge.

Now, from your nice new cutting edge, measure down 5".  Align your ruler along the horizontal grid lines.  Once you are nice and aligned go ahead and slice across all your rows at once.

Continue measuring down 5" and slicing until your get to the bottom of your pieces of fabric.  You should end up with about an inch to an inch and a half left along the bottom.  Go ahead and make your final cut.

You now have 8 squares per 5" strip.  Remember there are 2 in each set as your fabric was folded.  And you will have a little bit of scrap at the bottom of each strip.  Yippee Skippee for Scraps :)  Continue this process until you have all of your "charms" cut.

Alright, That's it for today!!!!  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me at happyquiltingmelissa at gmail dot com.  Or you can always leave a note over at the flickr group :)  If you like, you can post pictures of your charms as soon as you get them cut.  They are going to be so cute!!!

The plan is to start the Sewing on Wednesday.  So try to have your squares cut by then :)  I am so super excited to get going on this project!!!  Happy Quilting!!!!

A Few Things and a Giveaway :)

Good Morning All!!  I have a few things to announce and then it is on to the giveaway :)

First, If you are quilting-a-long with us keep getting that fabric together.  Last I heard everyone needs a few more days to gather fabric.  I think I will start the cutting instructions on Monday.  If that won't work for you just send me an email :)

Second, Voting for the Love Nest Contest begins at Gen X Quilters today.  If you get a chance, head on over and cast your vote for your favorite.  :)  This was my entry.  Anne Marie has done a great job lining this all up and I am sure she would appreciate everyones support by voting for your favorite :)

 

Third, I know I haven't posted any Block-A-Palooza blocks recently and that's because I haven't made any.  I am a little behind, but never fear, I will get caught up and post them soon :)

Okay, On to the giveaway.  I have to say, I am major blown away!!!!  I just closed the 300 follower giveaway 2 1/2 weeks ago and yesterday (or the day before possibly) Happy Quilting made it to 400 followers!!!  Yippee Skippee!!!  I just can't begin to explain how excited and happy I am that there are so many people out there interested in my little quilting corner of the web :)

So, to say Thank you, we are going to have another giveaway!!!  I thought I would do something a little different since we just had a fabric giveaway.  Remember my amazing friend that designed my blog??  We'll she also makes cards!!! Amazing, creative, adorable, original cards!!!!  She recently moved (Le sigh for me) and was cleaning out some of her card stash and was kind enough to give them to me.

So I thought I would share :)  Up for grabs is a set of amazing handmade, adorable cards :)  And since we are celebrating 400 followers we will have 4 winners!!!  So, on to the nitty gritty.

Since this is a follower giveaway celebration you have to be a follower to win.  So if you are a follower just leave me a comment.  Anything will do :)

If you are not a follower, simply click on the Follow button either on the left hand column of the blog or on the navigation bar on the top of the blog.  After doing that just leave a comment.  Anything will do :)

I will end the giveaway on the evening of the 17th and announce the 4 winners on Friday morning, the 18th :) (oh, and just FYI, I will be checking to make sure you are following, it's only fair :)   Good Luck and Happy Quilting!!!  

Mail Day :)

Look what came in the mail Yesterday!!!  My Quilt-A-Long fabric, Yippee Skippee!!!  I am so excited!!  I just can't wait to cut into that wonderful layer cake!  I will give everyone a few more days to get their fabric together and then we will get cutting.  If you have your fabric, feel free to put a picture of it on our Flickr Group so I know you are ready to go :)

If you haven't gotten your fabric, here is another option.  Leah just got in the beautiful Oasis line.   She even did a mock up of it so you could see the beautiful prints in the pattern.  Isn't it just beautiful!!  Don't forget you can get it 10% off with your Coupon Code HQQAL for 2 more days over at Burgundy Buttons

It's a Block Party!!

So have you heard about the Block Party over at Quilt Story??  Super fun!!!  They have categories for Creative, Modern, and Traditional.   I figured, I always have blocks that I am working on so why not give it a go??

My Creative Block has now been turned into a mug rug that I love having on my wall by my machine.  It's my new sewing mantra and it fits so well :)  I chuckle a bit each time I see it.

My Modern Block is one that I made for my Bee recently.  Personally, I think HST's are about as modern as it gets.  Who ever came up with this idea props to you!!!  So much better than sewing triangles together!!  I really had a ton of fun designing the layout for this one.  It just blows me away how you can take one layout and make it look like 20 different blocks just depending on how you insert colors and neutrals.

My Traditional Block is a new project I am working on.  Gotta love Log Cabin Blocks!!!  I am hoping to get to B - Z in the next month or so.  Each letter will be done in different color-ways.  What a fun way to use up scraps :)  Oh, and I think I am going to add and eye to the alligator, he just seems like he is missing something

Now I know you have some blocks lying around.  Go ahead and join the party.  The more the merrier!!

Featured Friday

First off, if  you missed yesterday, the Happy Quilting Quilt-A-Long fabric requirements were posted.  If you are just finding us, and want to quilt-a-long with our group, please feel free to jump in.  We have just started.  The intro post is here and the fabric requirement post is here :)  You have a chance to win this :)

Now, on the the Featured Friday Excitement!!!  I am being featured at Gen X Quilters today!!!  So exciting!!!  Thank you Anne Marie for having me over at your blog.  If you have never been to Gen X Quilters take a second and pop on over there.  Anne Marie has some fabulous stuff going on!!!  And while you are there, leave a comment about my witty and upbeat feature.  (tee hee hee).

Have a Happy Quilting Weekend!!!  And if you get a chance, pick up your fabric for the Happy Quilting Quilt-A-Long.  Mine will be arriving in the mail soon and I can't wait to see it :)

Happy Quilting Quilt-A-Long Fabric Requirements

Hello All you Happy Quilters!!!  Are you ready to get going????  Cause we are off!!!  I am excited to announce, that at the conclusion of the Quilt-A-Long, all those that have finished their quilt-top will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $25.00 gift Certificate to Burgundy Buttons!!  Yippee Skippee!!

 It was unanimous to do the Variation design!! I will show some more of these layouts in different sizes and different colors at the end to give you some more ideas and help you decide what size you want to do :)

This is the 4 x 4 block layout so it would measure 68 x 68

So I sat down and worked out some fabric requirements.  Now, the fun of this quilt-a-long is that you can make the size quilt you want with the fabric you want.  So don't get overwhelmed when you see these fabric requirements, I am just trying to give all the options for everyone!!

I know this is a little small.  You can click on it to see a larger version :)

Okay, so here is the key to reading this little chart :)

  SIZE is the appx size of the quilt when put together.  This does not include borders!  If you want to change the size around a bit to make a desired size larger you can always add some borders to make it the exact size you want.

BLOCKS are the row x column layout of the quilt in blocks.

The next 3 columns are the different ways to pick your colored fabrics - Only use 1 Column!!


#5" Squares - This is if you want to do a scrappy version of the quilt.  The number of squares listed in the size you want are the number of 5" squares you will need to put your top together.

Pre-Cut Needs - If you plan on using pre-cuts (which this is designed around for convenience and will be what I use) this is the list of what pre-cuts you will be needing.

Yardage in Inches - So this one is a little trickier but not bad.  Each number is the total number of inches you will need.  However, you will want to get these in several different prints, right.  And you also need to remember that you will be cutting 5" squares so you want to keep your purchases in 5" increments.  So I figure an example is the best way to show how to use this.

If I were making a 4 x 4 layout I need a total of 120 inches.  Now I want to decide on how many different prints I want.  Lets say 8.  So I divide 120/8 and get that I need 15 inches of each print.  That is equal to 5" increments so boom!  I would get 15 " or 1/2 yard of 8 different prints.  For the sake of things not coming out perfect, lets say I wanted 7 prints instead of 8.  I would divide 120/7 and get 17 1/2" inches of each print.  Obviously, the 2 1/2 inches extra will do me no good.  So I can either get 20 inches of all the prints and have some extra or I can get 15 inches of 3 prints and 20 inches of 4 prints and just have some prints slightly more used than the others.

I hope this makes sense.  If not, please do not hesitate to email me and I can help you figure out exactly what you need :)  I like doing that kind of math :)

Sashing Needs - Regardless of what kind of way you want to get your colored fabrics you will need to also purchase the sashing requirements for your desired needs.  I will probably go with a solid but you are welcome to pick any sashing you like.  Just make sure it will contrast :)


So . . . .  Did that all make sense???  If not, don't hesitate to email me.  Now, as I mentioned before, Burgundy Buttons is hosting our little Quilt-A-Long!!!  Yippee Skippee for Burgundy Buttons!!!  Leah has agreed to give 10% off your total purchase for your Quilt-A-Long supplies.  Simply add the following code to your order before checkout.

HQQAL  

Not valid on previous purchases, special orders, exclusive offers, Bella solids or other items as listed in their item or special promotion detail.  Cannot be used in combination with another promotion code.  Promotion code valid until 2/10/11 midnight, CST.

So here we go!!!  Go ahead and decide on your size and then get your fabric rounded up.  I will give you a bit of time to do this.  I will be ordering mine today or tomorrow, I am so excited!!  I will be using Giddy by Sandy Grieves.  I love the adorable pinks, browns, and aqua!!  What a great combo!!!

So as promised earlier, here are some of the layouts :)  Leah, over at Burgundy Buttons is also working up some designs featuring collections she has in stock and I will be adding them as soon as she has them finished.  Just to give you some ideas of what you can put together :)

This is the 2 x 2 block layout so it would measure 34 x 34 

This is the 3 x 3 block layout so it would measure 51 x 51

This is the 3 x 4 block layout so it would measure 51 x 68

This is the 4 x 5 block layout so it would measure 68 x 85

Wednesday's Working On

Okay, so obviously, my  new WIP is starting The Happy Quilting Quilt-A-Long.  I am so super excited!!!  It seems that everyone is totally in love with the Variation Design (I was secretly hoping to do that one, Yippee!) so I will be working up the fabric requirements and posting them soon.  I will also be giving you more info on Burgundy Buttons Sponsorship :)  You still have time to jump on in !!!  Oh, and don't forget to join the flickr group HERE if you are sewing along :)

Ya, I am totally loving having EQ 7!!!

I am also still going strong on Block-A-Palooza :)  Here is my third block, can't wait for the next one to come out tomorrow :)

I also just finished up my Bee block for February.  I am loving being part of this bee.  How fun is it to be part of others WIP??  I get so excited at the beginning of the month to see what patterns will be requested and what fabrics sent.  This month was all about the HST.  This is what I came up with :)

And then, as always, I have several quilts on the "drawing board".  I find I really don't work on several quilts at once.  Good thing I am joining all of these groups that force me to do a little at a time.  I think it is helping me to break out of my comfort zone and shake things up :)

Linking up to  

The Happy Quilting Quilt-A-Long!!

Can you say that three times fast :)  I thought and thought about what to call this quilt-a-long.  The basis of this is the quilt I designed and called Nature's Pathways, but this name came mostly from the fabric chosen.  Since I don't plan on using the same fabric the name didn't fit.  So after stressing about it for a while I decided to just keep it simple and call it The Happy Quilting Quilt-A-Long.  Now you can each name your quilt when you are finished :)  Yippee Skippee!!!

So are you ready???  I am so excited!!!  So let's get started.  First off, I made a button for this little venture.  Ya, do you see the theme of my blog coming through here :)  So if you are planning to join feel free to copy and paste the html code below to add the Quilt-A-Long button on your blog :)  (Sorry, I figured out how to make the little box on my sidebar but couldn't figure out how to add it in the post - If anyone knows how, I would appreciate the help :)

<a border="0" href="http://happyquiltingmelissa.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9hzghShqAA0/TUgeXfsQBYI/AAAAAAAAAxI/S7ElYYg97io/s1600/happy-quilting-along-button.png"/></a>

Second, I have created a flickr group here for everyone to share their progress, ask questions, and all that jazz.  So hop on over and join the group.  It will be so fun to see how everyone is doing each week!!

Third, I have created a tab on my blog where you can always check for updated posts.  I don't have a set schedule laid out.  I will try to post as I see the general mass of the group is ready for the next step.  But if you miss a post or fall behind no worries.  There will be links to each step under the tab for easy access to where you are.

Fourth, I am super excited to announce that Burgundy Buttons will be sponsoring the Happy Quilting Quilt-A-Long.  What does that mean for you??  Discounts on your quilt-a-long fabric supplies purchase and a chance at a prize for those that complete the Quilt-A-Long :)  How is that for excitement and motivation!!!

So now that we have covered all the essentials - Let's get to the Quilt-A-Long!!!  I have been playing with my EQ 7 and have drafted up my Original Design and then a Variation of the Original Design.  If you plan on participating can you please leave a comment of which version you would like to do in the Quilt-A-Long.  I have listed a little bit about each to help you make your decision.  I will give everyone a few days to vote and then once we decide which design to do I will get together a fabric list for several different sizes and post it :)

The Original Design -  This pattern starts out the same as the variation but the sashing is different.  The sashing requires you to cut at angels and is a little fickle when piecing.  It is also a little harder to adjust sizes because there aren't "blocks" so if you want to make a smaller version you will most likely end up cutting out some rows or columns losing a bit of the pattern or shrinking the size of your blocks.  Like the other pattern, this can be done with pre-cuts or yardage.  I will be giving fabric requirements for both :)  (I did it in 2 different fabric variations just to give some ideas :)

  

The Variation Design - Once again, this pattern starts out the same but the sashing is different.  This sashing is pieced using some more standard methods and will go together a little easier.  The sizes are easier to adjust as this is more of a standard block.  Just like before, this can be done with pre-cuts or yardage.  I will be giving fabric requirement for both :)

So that's that.  Did you make it all the way here?  Way to go!!!!  Go ahead and leave a comment of which version you would prefer and we will get going :)  I am so excited!!!!!!

EDIT -   Here is a quick link list of all of the posts in this Quilt-A-Long series :)

Introduction :)

Fabric Requirements :)

Cutting 5" Squares Instructions :)

Sewing 16 Patch Block Instructions :)

Sewing the Disappearing 16 Patch Block Instructions :)

Cutting and Sewing the Corner Instructions :)

Attaching the Corners to Finish the Blocks Instructions :)

Finishing your Quilt Top Instructions :)

Love Nest Quilt Contest

So have you heard of Gen X Quilters?  It is a super fun little blog ran by AnneMarie.  She happens to be hosting a Love Nest Quilt Contest  right now.  The request is for quilts that are finished bed sized quilt and Modern.  I figured my Braided Irish Chain is a perfect fit.  So here is a blast from October past :)

 I love Irish Chain quilts.  My mother made me a double Irish Chain queen size quilt for my wedding that resided on my bed for years.  After the children "loved" it a little to much I decided it was time to make a new one.  I wanted to make an Irish Chain Quilt but add some Modern twist to it.   So I began designing.   My design started with a simple Single Irish Chain, a very large Single Irish Chain.  Then I started adding "braids" for that modern flair.  And wha-la, The Braided Irish Chain pattern was created!   I had some much fun designing this quilt and was so surprised and pleased with the secondary patterns that came from it.

This quilt became my second Moda Bake Shop tutorial.  That's right, you can click right here for step by step directions on how to make it.  This was the largest quilt I have made as well as quilted.  Yes, I quilted it on my little Bernina, and yes, my shoulder was sore the next morning :)    I put this quilt together in a two weeks, however, those were some sewing intense 2 weeks :)  This quilt was a blast to put together and I am so super pleased with the final result!!  (Oh, but if I were to make it again some day, I would add a border along the 2 sides so that it hangs a little lower on the bed :)

Oh, and tomorrow is February 1st, and you know what that means, the start of my Quilt-A-Long :)  See you tomorrow!!!!

Block-A-Palooza #2

Okay, so this post is going up about hour after it was planned, but unfortunately, I didn't have my full attention on my blocks and sewed 4 of the little 9 patch sets completely backwards.  Enter Mr. Seam Ripper.  Ah well, that is what happens when you are doing a few to many things at once.  So, here it is.  Block #2 designed by Elizabeth Fransson.  (I varied slightly from the design to keep all of my blocks the same size, but that is something probably only I will notice :)

I also put this little block together and will soon be turning it into an adorable mug rug.  There is a challenge to make a mug rug that represents you.  I thought what better than my new quilting mantra :)