Aspens and Pines

 The first two rows together. They took a bit more time than I wanted because the grey strip I cut for the cornerstones was a bit narrow, about an eighth of an inch too narrow so I had to fiddle with the first row of blocks and for the second row, I had to unstitch the grey and sew a right size block. Probably not crucial, but it makes sewing in the long run easier.

I also couldn't resist some clearance fabric. The colors just make me happy. I bought it at Connecting Threads. It was $2.28 per yard because the leaves do not go in a straight line across the fabric. I decided I am going to use it for charity quilts so I could justify buying 2 1/2 more yards of each. I'll have 3 1/2 yards of 10 different fabrics so that should be enough...it feels wonderful and looks beautiful!

Travel Blocks

I've got all but one of the "travel" blocks made. I think they work pretty well in the quilt. The fabric only had a few different motifs and I don't want to repeat any of them. I'm going to put the dark fabric that is framing the travel pictures between the blocks and a lighter gray-blue as cornerstones. I think I can have the top together by the end of the weekend, then I have to figure how to quilt it. I'm going to use the dark blue for the backing as well.

I don't know if I am going to add a border or not, the pattern doesn't call for one, but I may add one anyway, just to give it a little more width. It's only 49" x 56" right now.

New Quilt of Valor and Design Wall

While I'm waiting for the batting to arrive so I can finish my #6 UFO, I started the Quilt of Valor for our friend's son who was injured in Afghanistan. He lost both legs above the knee and fingers from his left hand. He is only 19 years old, and there is not much I can do, but I can make a quilt. I asked his father to check to see what colors he might like, or what theme. He told me he really liked earth tones and loves to travel, to see the 7 wonders of the world, like the pyramids.

I found this fabric and I didn't know how I was going to use it, but I think I've figured it out. The squares of the quilt are 6" finished, the motifs in the travel fabric will fit into that size block, so I'm going to make some of the blocks with the travel pictures with some of the leftover strips around them and put them in place of the striped blocks.

The colors I chose of the quilt remind me of aspens turning gold in the fall, and the color of pines and the sky...Daniel came from Colorado. I hope he likes the quilt. It's moving to the top of the list till it's done.

This is also my design wall post...to see more design walls, check out Judy's blog. 

Backing Fabric

 So I had this fabric in my stash, I think it will work well for the backing. I decided not to use fleece but actual batting this time. Connecting Threads has it on sale for 30% off, so I think I'll be buying it there. 

I still have 17 days to finish, so I think I'll be able to get the first UFO done. That's a good start.

Design Wall-UFO Challenge

It was a perfect weekend to sew, and I did get some done, but not as much as I could have. The borders are sewn together, but not to the quilt. I might yet get that done this morning, we have a 2-hour late start this morning, cold and snowy. (I did get the checkerboard border on. Now I have to decide about one more black border.)


I think I am going to add one more black border around the whole thing. Black squares in the corners.

Then the top is done and I have to quilt it. Maybe I'll get one done for January. That would be cool.

See what other people have on their design walls on Judy's blog.

Some Progress

I've made a couple of sets of the checkerboard. I'm liking it. Just 5 or so more sets and this border should be done. I'm thinking I may add a narrow black border around this one. We'll see.

I may have the top done by the end of the weekend, then I have nearly 3 weeks to quilt to finish it in January, not bad. 

UFO Challenge-Month One-and Design Wall

Here is number 6, I'm going to be working on this one for January. Looks like I've got to dig it up and out and see what I can do with it. WOnder how much I'll actually get done!

Wish me luck.

I'm already stuck. I have no idea what I did with the fabric I was going to use for the border. I'll keep looking for a while, then I'll have to come up with something new...darn.

Here is what I am going to do. Obviously I found the fabric. I don't know if I'll add something outside the checkerboard border or not. I'll see when I get there.

I got two sides of the first border on. I haven't sewn any of the checkerboards yet. I keep finding more UFOs that need to be finished. I need to stop looking around.

To see what others have on their design wall, check out Judy's blog.