Isn't that pretty? Having got it to this stage though, I'm pretty sure I need to add one or two more rows. From this angle it looks plenty long, but that's my camera skills for you. When I hold it up, I can see it needs to be a little longer. It's destined to be a lap quilt that a guy could use -- so while it is plenty long enough for little ol' height-challenged me, it's not long enough for the male contingent. Perhaps by next weekend it will be ready for borders.
I sewed up the latest Westering Women block from Barbara Brackman. Was I the only quilter to find this block an absolute pain in the neck to sew? My inset seam skills abandoned me. I am afraid I periodically used language unbecoming a gentlewoman and scholar. Still, the block did come out to size in the end. (That had quite a bit to do with a hot iron, steam, elbow grease and determination.)
And there's some more GO! work ahead. For one, it's never too early to start holiday sewing, is it? This year I'm making up some little baskets using Pink Penguin's basket tutorial. It's a good use of leftover charms, for one.
The basket pattern calls for 2" squares and I have a 2" GO! die, so that's perfect.
A few years ago, I gave myself a GO! Challenge to use the 2" inch die and cut up charms into entirely useable pieces. You can see the results of that here. This time I wasn't aiming to be that frugal. I was entirely fine with just getting four 2" squares per charm.
A few passes through the GO! and I've got a happy little assortment to play with.
When I make up the basket pattern, I like to use Pellon's Fusible 1" grid. It speeds up the sewing process and gives the basket a little extra body as well. Here it is with the first set of seams sewn. (I created a couple tutorials on using the Pellon grid that you can find here and here.)
And in no time I've got the two patched sets I need for a basket. So cute!
And there's lots more to keep me busy this coming week. GO! Sew indeed.
Your tumblers are so nice--perfect for a guy quilt i think. and thanks for the little basket tute--how adorable...hugs, Julierose
ReplyDeleteI love that little basket from Pink Penguin -- such a cute little basket and so easy to make!
DeleteI'm glad to hear you think those tumblers will work for a guy quilt!
Love your tumblers! Aren't they fun? I agree about the Sweet Gum Leaf block--a little challenging to say the least :)
ReplyDeleteI just love seeing all those reproductions in one quilt. I've been intending to give mine as a gift but it's going to hurt a bit, I'm sure. And, yes, that Sweet Gum Leaf block -- yikes!
DeleteLove your tumblers! Someday ... Your Sweet Gum Leaf block looks perfect to me, super choice of fabrics! I think everyone whose blook I've seen so far has mentioned their difficulties with this block. Hopefully they won't get any more difficult as the year progresses!
ReplyDeleteThe tumbler die is one of my most used dies -- it's been used amongst my quilting buddies to make comfort quilts for friends. It's just so easy to use and it end up looking so great!
DeleteI'm glad I wasn't the only one having trouble with that Sweet Gum Leaf block!
Yes, your tumbler quilt is pretty! Wonderful to see all those different fabrics, can't wait to see it finished. So- is a thimble block just a small tumbler?
ReplyDelete