WIP - Blocks, Blocks and More Blocks

I don't know what it is about the new year but at the moment I seem to be in a serious clean-out mode when it comes to all my unfinished projects or bee commitments.  So... this week, in particular, I have been concentrating on various bee blocks.

First up is some AMH feather blocks for Lara in the Quilt Club Australia bee.  Admittedly these were due last month but I got a little behind as these drove me completely bonkers and ended up sitting on my table half-done for weeks.  I am definitely not feeling the love.

Lara asked for feathers in pink, orange and yellow, with a black centre and a grey background.  These blocks are large (18" x 9") but, for some strange reason, my first attempt came up a little short.  ARGH!

So I tried again and managed to come away with two half-decent blocks.  I've made two as I stupidly offered to make Laura's for her... and I'll send off the original smaller one as well with the hope that it can be used on the back or some such.  Even though they are pretty, I can't say I'll be sorry to see the back of these.

With the end of 2012 I've now retired from the QCA Bee and have instead turned my attention to the do.good.stitches Care circle.  I am stupidly excited to be a part of this fantastic cause.

For January the new hostess with the mostess, Kristy, requested Charm Stars (using this tutorial) in blues and aquas.  I was happily surprised to discover that I do have a few blues in my stash, so was able to create two blocks with completely different fabrics.

These stars came together quickly and easily and, after seeing all the pictures popping up in the flickr group, I can not wait to see the assembled quilt.  Great block choice, Kristy!

Surprisingly, February's block has already been announced so I jumped right in and got them done, while I was in the mood.  Eva-Marie asked for improvisational aeroplane blocks (using this tutorial) in blues and greens, with touches of red, orange and/or yellow to spice things up.

These were fun to put together and allowed a little creativity as far as shapes, sizes, placements etc.  Each block is the same at 11.5" x 11.5" - but I like how different they look.  The small, stripey version is definitely my favourite.  I think this quilt will be very interesting and I am intrigued at how Eva-Marie is going to pull it all together.  Will definitely keep an eye on this project.

Lastly, I recently re-discovered these orphan Birds in the Air blocks from when I was a part of the Quilt Block Swap Australia group and thought they'd be perfect sewn together and made into a little charity quilt.  Timing for this couldn't have been more apt as Jess has recently put a call-out for donations to those affected by the terrible bushfires in Tasmania, Australia so I plan to get this quilted asap and sent across country.

For more information on how you can help this cause, then please, please, please read this post.

I'm off now to start quilting.  No idea what I'm going to do but something should come to mind.  Ahh!  ;)

E.

 

 
Linking up to WIP Wednesday over at Freshly Pieced.

TTT - The Returning Edition

Hellooooooooooo Blogland.  My name is Erin and I have been a bad, bad, bad blogger.  I'm so very sorry!  Please accept my sincerest apologies and kindly hold my hand as I take these first tentative steps back into this crazy world.

Truth be told, I have been meaning to get back to my little blog for some time now but... you know how these things go.  I'm just utterly shocked that 3 months have gone by.  3 MONTHS!  Oh my, that is just embarassing.


So, I figure, what better kick start is there than Becca's always fabulous and inspiring Thursday Think Tank.  Because, honestly, all I can think lately is - I need to get my blog on.

Firstly, let's clear up the distasteful stuff.  I have been hearing nasty rumours (no doubt being spread by the disgustingly evil Laura) that I have been renamed Missy Slack Creations.  Sure, it has a certain ring to it - a lovely charm, if you will - but it isn't entirely true.  Though I have not been posting I have, in fact, spent at least some time crafting.  Not much has actually been finished but I stand by my claim that THAT IS NOT THE POINT!  ;)

Ok, now that the unpleasantness is out of the way, it's time for me to shut up and move onto the picture portion of this post.  Because, well, you're no doubt sick of reading my ramblings but also... I'm spent.  This blogging stuff is hard work.

CLASSY CURVY TOTES

My favourite creation of late is this Curvy Classy Tote made just for moi.  I love it and use it nearly every day (yep, even if it slightly clashes with my outfit).  The fabric is from Jenean Morrison's Silent Cinema collection which I absolutely adore.  I also have another 10 prints stashed away as I await inspiration for the perfect quilt.

I have to admit, I love this bag pattern by Sweet Pea Totes and have (so far) made three - the one for me (above), another for my Mum  in a more neutral palette and, more recently, the one pictured below to sell (hopefully) in a friend's shop.  It is a quick, easy and very user-friendly project and is a fantastic way to showcase your favourite fabrics.

I only made one slight alteration to my first effort - and that was to include a second, smaller pocket for a mobile phone.  This has come in very handy and is now something I include every time.

QUILT TOPS

Embarassingly, I have a few quilt tops that are yet to be finished, including this string quilt made with blocks from the members of group 1 of the Quilt Club Australia Bee.  My month was January and, as per this post,  I requested an 8" block in brights, using this great tutorial.

 

The ladies did a fantastic job and, after I announced that the finished quilt was destined for charity, were extremely generous - with some members sending 4 blocks each!  Thank you ladies.  I promise to get this done and dusted very soon and then write a complete post mentioning you all individually.  Uh oh, did I just say "I promise..." ???

Unfinished quilts 2 & 3 are two versions of Cluck Cluck Sew's Road Trip Quilt.  The first, in girly pinks, blues, aquas and white was made with no intended purpose - other than to keep me busy and, therefore, sane.  Now that's done, though, I have still have no idea who to give it to... so the chances of it getting quilted and bound anytime soon are less than slim.

The second Road Trip-style quilt is this little boy version - made for Mr C's cousin's brand spanking new bub.  Ok, he's not quite brand spanking new anymore so I really need to get a move on and get this one completed and sent.  Only problem is, I'm being extremely picky with the quilting and have actually started twice already... and unpicked it all.  Anyone want to finish it for me?  Anyone?

UFO #4 is this adorable donkey.  Yep, I still love 'em.

This baby was originally started for Ruby who I made for a Christmas present last year.  The recipient's brother, Mr L, told me in no uncertain terms that the donkey would need a blanket for winter so I googled away and found this hilarious lovely design from way back when.  BUT... now that the top it finished I can't give it up.  I just can't.  Sorry Miss A but I'm picturing this one up on the wall in my new craft room.  Ahh.

So... onto Plan B for poor little Ruby (and her mum, Miss A).  This time I thought I'd use up all those tiny little pink scraps I have and try a ticker tape quilt.  Benefits are not only that it uses odd pieces but that it is also made using the QAYG method so, I figured, it might help me actually get something finished.  Or so I thought...

Hmm... it has, probably not surprisingly, reached a standstill.  Once I realised that things had gone a little wonky I got extremely disheartened and gave up.  What the hell is wrong with me?!?!?!?!?!  Does anyone else have this problem of being ridiculously judgemental?  Yes, yes, I know I just need to keep on keeping on.  Watch this space.
 
TAGGIE BLANKETS

More recently, okay yesterday, I started experimenting with taggie blankets for bubs.  I decided to use up scraps to begin with and thus, this little piece of loveliness, was born.

It measures 10" square and is the perfect size for little ones to handle.  I'm sure they'll also love the crinkliness with the extra layer added into the middle (any guesses?) and the soft flannelette back.  Aren't the owls just darling?!

Well, there you have it - some of the projects that I've been working on over the last 3 months.  Missy Slack Creations?  I think not!  There were also, of course, bee blocks and the like but I seem to always forget to take photos of those.  Doh. 

Now, I'm off to sew some more.  Seems I've inspired myself!  Fingers crossed it won't be so long until I'm back in Blogland again.  ;)

E.

I'm really hoping that Becca is hosting Thursday Think Tank this week.  Why don't you pop over to see...

My Block for the QCA Bee

It's January (just incase you've been in a bubble or something) and, for me, that means it's time to reveal my block for the Quilt Club Australia 2012 Bee. Whoop!

Members will know that originally I was going to go with a simple stacked coins block but after seeing these floating around Blogland, and then again in Laura's copy of Block Party, I couldn't resist.  I love the diagonal lines, varying widths and the bright, fun colours.  AND... the white stripe across the middle to bring uniformity to all the blocks is an awesome idea.

For this block I used this great tutorial by Film in the Fridge.  It is already perfect so I figured there was no need to reinvent the wheel and write my own.  Saying that, though, I do have some stipulations that I would like the bee participants to adhere to.  These are -

a)  The block should measure 8" square so please use this as your template.  This size will fit on A4 so you shouldn't need to get your hands on anything bigger than that.

b)  As per the tutorial, please include the strip of white across the centre.  This should be cut 1" wide, resulting in a 1/2" stripe once sewn in.  I used Prima Homespun White from Spotlight.

c)  You will need to start with a variety of strips, varying in width from 1" up to 2.5".  As you can see from my example I like bright, modern and fun prints.  Feel free to raid your scraps bin and use what you have on hand.

d)  Please ensure that all fabric is 100% cotton that has been pre-washed.

e)  I'll send you my postal address separately but please try to have them sent by 31st January. 

Think that's pretty much all I need to say.  If you do have any questions though please do not hesitate to contact me. 

Now... all you have to do is click the link to the tutorial (above) and get sewing.

Have fun!

E.

TGIFF - Mug Rug Love

I have just, emphasis on just, finished this project in time to link to this week's Thank Goodness It's Finished Friday post hosted by Jess of Life Under Quilts.  As my post last week was such a disaster... I am beyond pleased that I now have something to share with you all.  So, without further ado...

I made this mug rug for my partner in the Quilt Club Australia swap.  I have honestly been fretting and procrastinating and designing, unpicking, then re-designing all in the hope I end up with something she likes.  Ahh... the pressure!  So I am now keeping my fingers crossed and just hoping, hoping, hoping that this is accepted with a smile.

I broke the rules slightly and made a square mug rug, measuring approximately 9.5" by 9.5".  It didn't start off square... but when it ended up that way I was pleased with the look so stuck with it.  The fabric is Delighted by the Quilted Fish for Riley Blake, with Kona White.  I chose simple straight line quilting as my newbie status suggests I shouldn't try anything too tricky unless I'm keeping it for myself.  My poor partner doesn't need (nor want) any disasters from me!

This will be posted off on Monday so thankfully Brutus let me meet that deadline.  Thanks also to TGIFF for encouraging me to get this finished now, instead of late on Sunday night.  ;)


If you have a finish to show-off, be sure to jump over to Jess' blog and link up (when she posts... being in Western Australia I'm a little ahead on time).  Don't forget to stop by and have a gander at everyone else's projects too.

UPDATE: Due to logistical issues the linky party can now be found on the TGIFF blog.  Sorry about the confusion.

E.