Where did the week go??? I woke up this morning thinking this thought. As I reviewed all that took place... Hot tub delivery, Bible Study, 3rd Quarter Review and time in my studio... I realized that even in a relaxed state/pace of life, time marches on. It feels good that there have not been any emergencies or crisis that has popped up in life! (I hope I didn't just jinx that... ;) ) Maybe it is the fact that we have enjoyed the hydrotherapy sessions multiple times a day and we are simply calmer and sleeping better! It has been heavenly!
I'll start off with this week's feature from the party...
As I said, this is a great choice for scraps. You could adjust the size of the units based on what size pieces you have available.
Nice job Deb!
If you visited my quarterly review, you know that I completed all of the hexies needed for the Color Wash Hexagon piece. It is now time to join everything together. I have three rows/columns joined together... 5 more and a few stragglers left to go.
I was growing really antsy to get back in the studio...
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| A Walk on the prairie by RBD |
I pulled out the Walk on the Prairie FQ bundle that has been hanging out in the closet since June. When I made the video of the studio tour, I mentioned that my cutting table doubles as a workstation or desk. If you looked closely, you would have seen that I had my most favorite set of childhood books on the table... I'm not ready to reveal the series yet, but I will show you a few of the blocks I have made.
I am still in the designing and pattern writing stage, but eventually, it will be a sew along that will not only represent one of my favorite childhood book series but will focus on quilt math lessons.
Any guesses about which book series I chose?
I know that not everyone will be interested in the math lessons, but I have recently heard some negative things about "gatekeeping." Gatekeepers tend to be a little stingy with information, not wanting to give away "secrets" or the "magic".
I have always been willing to share my knowledge and experience with others... and I want a portion of the next sew along to be able to help others learn about enlarging or reducing patterns for different sized blocks and calculating the unit sizes within a block. Quilt math does not need to be intimidating or scary. However, it is not as simple as just divide the cutting sizes by two to reduce the size of the block.
The blocks are 6-inch blocks surrounded by a log cabin and the finished size will be 16-inches square. There will be nine blocks in total. Most of the blocks have been used in a previous sew along but resized... for example the Maple Leaf block from Pieces From the Past was a 9-inch block. The Shoo-Fly block was a 12-inch block from Pieces of the Santa Fe Trail. You get the idea ;)
I've had fun selecting blocks to reflect the title or a particular scene from the stories. I'm stumped on one in particular and waiting for a creative twist or inspiration to hit me... I've even started reading the book again.
When will this sew along start? I am so glad you asked! Not until 2026. Since I am still in the "design" phase and a busy holiday season around the corner, I think it is best to wait so that I can get all of my ducks in a row.
I am curious about how frequently you would like the blocks released. Weekly? Twice a month? Once a month? Do you lose steam if they are spread out too far? Do you feel overwhelmed if they are too frequent? Leave a comment... I'd love your feedback.
I have plans for a few things this week... I'll be working with a jellyroll for a quick quilt. I'm trying to decide between Paper Lanterns or Sticks & Stones. I also have a box of clothing for a custom Memory Quilt... TWO actually... so I'll be selecting a block/design for those quilts.
I'm a little giddy at the fact that I have several projects going now! It's been a while!
Keep Piecing,
Melva
Linking with:
m
Some weeks do seem to be like that - they fill up with a little of "this" and a little of "that" and before you know it, it's Sunday again! Your bundle of fabric and the blocks you're making are so pretty - and make me think Little House on the Prairie. ???! I don't know if I will be able to join in yet or not, but I sure love the blocks you're making!
ReplyDeleteMelva, looks like a fun QAL you have planned. Blocks within blocks are a favorite of mine.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how quickly a week can fill up with this and that leaving you wondering where the week went. Your hexie project is looking good. Sounds like fun and instructional quilt along. For just one block per clue, every two weeks is about the right pace for me. Mainly because I have other sewing commitments many weeks. I don't know that I'll be able to participate, but I do look forward to your lessons on quilt math.
ReplyDeleteYOu had me at Hot tub... haha!! sounds like a very fun week at least. Your new sew along looks great.
ReplyDeleteLove Deb's quilt - I hurried over to her blog to see her process. In your studio tour I did see books on your cutting table but could not tell what they were. I'm fine with your "gatekeeping" - lol I have never heard that term! I love the blocks you've made so far, and I'm so happy they are a size I can handle. ;)
ReplyDeleteThe QAL sounds like fun! I'd be able to keep up with two blocks a month for six months.
ReplyDelete"sticks and stones", that's where the gatekeeping comment should be filed!! as for the quilt along, yeah!! very exciting. my request?.. a preview. im not a surprise type of gal and tend to wait off on making until all pieces are revealed. (it helps for fabric planning and placement too.)
ReplyDeleteElaine
ReplyDeleteI recognize the book cover. It is indeed a Little House on the Prairie book. Hmmm….. wonder what happened to my set?
After watching I'd have to guess the Little House series though I can't see it too well. But hey, it's a good guess. Didn't we all love them as children?! Love the blocks!
ReplyDeletebeautiful prairie blocks!
ReplyDeleteHmmm maybe Little House on the Prairie. . .it was a favorite series from my childhood. I can remember my grandmother reading it to me! I hope you are inspired soon with the one block! As for your question, I like weekly clues. I don't know if I'll fully participate in your Sew Along; but, I will be cheering you on from the sidelines for sure!--TerryK@OnGoingProjects
ReplyDeleteMelva your hexies wash is beautiful and I love the blocks for the next QAL. For me every two weeks would be good timing for your QAL. With the way these years bring on real life situations I couldn’t commit to much more than that. Thank you for sharing on To Do Tuesday and hosting us all on Sew and Tell. Hope your week is going well and you got inspired for that block. 😁
ReplyDeleteOoh loving these log cabin combination blocks! They will make a fun sampler!
ReplyDeleteHi Melva. I just saw these blocks on Instagram and I really love them. I am very interested in doing these as a quilt-a-long so I will be looking forward to seeing these. As for me, I don't mind every two weeks or once a month. With caring for a disabled husband, every week would be hard. Thank you for taking the time to do this.
ReplyDeleteIt should be a fun sew-along and I look forward to whatever you have planned. Probably very smart to wait until after the holidays so you are not totally overwhelmed and stressed.
ReplyDeleteOooh, I love those blocks, Melva. Quilty math is a necessary evil, though it really makes my head hurt sometimes! LOL Have fun with the development of your sew along. I look forward to seeing what it is when the time comes. Thanks for sharing with us at Monday Musings.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun SAL for one of my favorite book series as well. Lovely blocks so far! Thanks for sharing on my weekly show and tell, Wednesday Wait Loss. https://www.inquiringquilter.com/questions/2025/10/08/wednesday-wait-loss-453
ReplyDeleteHi Melva, a QAL based on a childhood book sounds intriguing! Thanks for linking up to Free Motion Mavericks!
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