Our final Barbara Brackman CW BOW has been put together.
# 53 Union Shield.
The block Barbara gave us had the shield take up all of the 8"x 8" block, and like the Spool block some time ago it had rather large dimensions compared to all the other blocks, so I played around with it on EQ and reduced the size. The shield part is 4 1/2"x 4 1/2", with a 1/2" blue border and 1 1/4" in the shirting fabric.
I am a lot happier with this arrangement, it should fit in nicely with all the other blocks.
As I am probably going to do a straight set, 8 rows of 7 blocks (56 blocks in all) I still have a few more to make, plus there were a few rather ugly ones in there too (from the beginning) LOL, they'll need replacing, so I'm guessing I'm in for at least another 6 blocks before I start arranging them and cutting out sashing and cornerstones.
The border will have to be a well considered choice and that'll probably mean a trip to the quilt shop and a few hours there too !!!! Not that I mind of course, any excuse to while away several hours surrounded by gorgeous fabrics!
You've probably noticed I have changed by header photo! Time for a change and to include a few of my favourite things. Firstly is a photo of one of my matenal great grandmothers, love her corsetted dress!
I also included some crochet my maternal grandmother did, hanging over the photo frame. The tapestry is a project my mother started well over 50 or closer to 60 years ago, there are some unfinished patches of the background yet to do, I guess I have that job now huh!!!
The other little crochet doiley is something I made in my 20's, probably while I was on night duty as a young nurse tryng to stay awake, still have quite a few pieces like that, and yes I do use them!!!
The other little treasure in there is my little toy Singer sewing machine, I bought it on ebay a few years ago, but it doesn't have a manual or a clamp - still looking!!! I've included some little needle keeps and sewing cases, pincushion, favourite scissors and my unusual sewing/darning eggs.
As I said earlier I have caved in and have bought fabric for at least two new smallish projects. The first one was way too cute to ignore! It is called the '12 Days of Christmas' by the Temecula Quit Company.
See here if you are interested: http://temeculaquiltco.blogspot.com/
I couldn't decide on fabrics so I opted for a no brainer and bought a little sixteenth pack of blues.
Each piece is around 10"x 10" and more than adequate for 12 little 3"x 3" blocks. This project started over 10 days ago, so today I washed and ironed my fabric and completed 11 blocks. The 12th one hasn't yet been posted.
It's supposed to be a mystery with a block per day, so we'll see what tomorrow brings with the final block and the layout! It's been fun putting these tiny blocks together and satisfied the 'new project urge' I had!!!!
The next little project has been put together by Lori over at Humble Quilts, check it out here:
http://humblequilts.blogspot.com/2012/01/quilt-longs-part-1.html
I have always wanted to make a quilt with cheddar and pink and this little doll quilt really caught my attention, just perfect! It also contains some plaids, and I have not one plaid in my collection of fabrics, so I fixed that up right away by starting with four plaids. The rest of the quilts' requirements will come out of my stash!
Lori hasn't given the instructions yet, but they are on their way! I'm quite looking forward to putting this one together!
What a whirlwind for the beginning of the year, I hope it doesn't keep this pace, but I have a feeling............
Until next time,
Take it easy,
Merilyn
15 comments:
Your new header is a very personal statement. It is apparent that these items mean a lot to you. Nice way to start the year. Mine needs a bit of a facelift too, I'll put it on my to do list. I like your treatment of the CW block and as always your colours look perfect together. I am so tempted to do the Temecula little quilt but we will have to see what happens there. Have fun with Lori's quilt. I'm trying to pick for Kathy Tracy's January quilt.
What a wonderful header! For some reason, my eye went straight to the toy sewing machine, the lamp and your grandmother's photo. I love how personal it is to you!
I'm looking forward to seeing the BOM quilt put together and your new projects too.
Your new header is lovely - a very personal touch!
Looking forward to seeing these CW blocks made into a top and eventually a quilt. Do you have any ideas on how you will quilt it?
I was tempted by the Temecula mystery. I'm a bit puzzled by the first 2 days blocks. I'm wondering if in the end they get sliced in half diagonally and pieced together like day 3. They seem so plain compared to the others. I love the fabrics you've chosen for yours.
I'm almost ready to start Lori's mystery, too. I'm just not happy with one of my browns. Glad you have added some plaids to your stash. I think you'll like them!
Your new header is marvelous, full of your personality.
I keep seeing the Temecula mystery quilt all over blogland. I like the blues you chose for yours. Really want to see what it turns out to be.
Have fun with pink lemonade!
I love the fabric you are going to use on the QAL!!
Your new header is gorgeous!!
Love your new header. My eye went right to that toy machine and the personal items made by you and your grandmother are lovely. Great photo and layout!
I agree with the new block for the CW BOW. Just like spools, it is a bit out of proportion. I like how you redesigned the Shield block. Adding the 2 borders is a nice touch.
My head is spinning with ideas for new projects for 2012 as well. You are doing a good job making a doable list. Will love to see the outcome of the little mystery quilt...
I love your new header photo! Your blocks for the little mystery quilt look great! :0)
I love everything in your new header photo - even more so because each thing has a special meaning for you. The fabrics you chose for Lori's quilt-along look really good together. I haven't started the 12 Days quilt. I'm going to save the directions so I have something small to work on when the weather is too warm to put a larger quilt on my lap for finishing.
Happy New Year! Love the personal touches in your header. I can't wait to see your BBCW quilt completed, I'm getting back to mine with the last month to do.
Absolutely LOVE your new blog header ::))
Yes I am focusing on my unfinished projects - I have one more to put together and then I'm UP TO DATE ::))
Merilyn,
I really LOVE your new blog header! What a special and wonderful collection of nostalgia!
Your blocks all look fantastic and your new projects - just lovely!
Happy New Year!
You new header really adds a personal touch. Looks very nice. Like what you did with the shield block. Not as clunky as the others are, including mine. My sashing fabric arrived today and it's in the dryer as we speak.
Keep up the good work.
I love your block Merilyn. Would you mind if I do the same. I agree it looks nicer than filling up the whole 8x8.
Your new header is really lovely - well done it looks so good!
I'm tempted to do Lori's QAL. Shouldn't though 'till I've finished one or two other things. LOL!
That's a nice photo composition of some very dear vintage items! I think your mom is smart woman to leave the background of her tapestry unstitched. It's boring and very time consuming! :)
Congratulations on completing ALL the CW blocks! It's going to be a great quilt!
And the fabrics you've chosen for 12 days is fabulous! You've got so fast ahead with the blocks! Gosh ... your sewing machine needle must have been smoking! :)
I'll be doing Lori's QAL too and Kathy's Crosses Mourning quilt. I think it's a good way to get 12 quilt tops done from her books.
It's going to be a busy weekend ... the kind that I like :)
Welcome to the new year folks and i look forward to stopping here more often for 2012. Richard
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