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.

TGIFF - First Quilt for 2013

It seems that 2013 is going to be the Year of the Baby - with two arrivals already gracing our world this week.  Of course, new bubs mean new quilts so be prepared for lots of action from me this year.  Bring it on, I say.

For Baby #1 (who is actually Baby #2, as one came a little earlier than expected... and thus hasn't yet got her WIP quilt) I decided on something a little more "grown-up" than usual.  I ummed and ahhed about this decision but in the end went with it as (a) his Mum is very stylish and sophisticated and all those things I'm not so I figured something baby-ish wouldn't suit... and... (b) I wanted to make something that could be used for a looooong time, and not just get shoved to the back of the cupboard after the first few months.

So, for you, darling boy, I present the Building Blocks quilt.

This was my first foray into the world of pure solids, with a mixture of Kona Coal, Ash, Black and various other greys from their new colour range, as well as the odd splash of orange for oomph.  I love, love, love the crispness of the solids.

For the actual quilting I originally planned on just vertical lines but, after having to piece the Ash, I went with some horizontal lines too, to cover that join.   I'm quite happy with the uneven grid look but, I have to admit, some of the lines went a little wonkier than I would like.  That's the problem with solids - nothing to hide those little oopsies.

The variegated grey cotton looks fab though!

The back is a simple wonky cross, in spots.  Mr C actually told me he prefers the back.  Hmm.  I do so love wonky cross quilts so am definitely seeing more of these in my future.

The binding is Kona Black.  Yay for more solid love.  :)

In the end this "baby" quilt measures 42" x 61".  I am fully aware that it is a slightly unusual choice for a bub but I am picturing many, many years of snuggling ahead for the little man.  I hope he likes it.

E.

Linking up to TGIFF, hosted this week by Diane over at from blank pages...

2012 - What a Year!

After more than a week of 2013, it's time to look back at what was.  From a personal point-of-view (rather than a crafty one), 2012 was a HUGE year for me.  Mr C and I faced it all - from the amazing to the downright ordinary.  Here's a sneak peak of just some of what happened in our world...

I turned 30!  Thanks to all my beautiful friends and family who helped me celebrate - with an awesome afternoon at the local croquet club.  Fun!

Typical goofy photo of me.  Cake anyone?

We went to Bali, with Mr C's brother and his wife, and had some awesome adventures.

All set to try some white-water rafting.

We got engaged!

We got a dog, our beloved (yet slightly naughty) Kira.

I know nothing...

We moved house (and painted and re-did the kitchen and... and... and...)

We had two pregnancies; two miscarriages; two heartbreaks.

I organised our second brewery and winery tour in the lovely Swan Valley.  Another fabulous day with friends.

We had Christmas with the "in-laws" and suffered through the unbelievable heat-wave.

AND...  I had a wonderful 12 months crafting away, trying new things, meeting new people and generally loving Blogland.  So thank you to everyone (!!!) for helping to make 2012 a year to remember.

E.

Linking up to Thursday Think Tank over at Becca's place.