First Friday Finish

of 2016!

This is the "No Measure Bargello" pattern from Cozy Quilts. It was the January Jelly Roll Party at Ruth's Stitchery. We're beginning our fourth year of Jelly Roll Parties!

I used the "Lakeside Gatherings" jelly roll and yardage. The pattern calls for two identical strips of each fabric, but my jelly roll didn't have duplicate strips. So I used strips that were similar in color and pattern.

Also, the pattern calls for copying the dimensions for the cross-cuts to butcher paper, then pressing it onto the background before cutting. Since my printer wouldn't print on the butcher paper, I just measured the width of each cross-cut and used my 24" ruler to make the cuts.

I think it turned out just fine -- and so did My Little Sailor, who is waiting for this quilt to be shipped to him in Japan!

Big weekend UFO-busting plans here, how about you?




From the desk of your

WIP Wednesday: The Plan Unfolds

Hmm, my last post outlined my "plan" for 2016. So far, I'm keeping up with the Blocks of the Month -- but then, it's only January!

I swore to myself I would only join one "block party" at Ruth's Stitchery this year.

The one I chose is "Park Bench." Pattern from Jaybird Quilts, and the fabric I'm using is "Botanics" by Carolyn Friedlander for Robert Kaufman. I bought the kit last winter in Laramie at Quilt Essentials when I was in Wyoming for the Downton Abbey Retreat with Around the Block Quilts. Julie Herman's directions are so clear, the blocks go together in a snap!

Today is the 30th day of winter -- how are your 9-patch "A Quilt Block a Day" blocks coming along? You should have 30 made today! I have them on the design wall to inspire me to stitch a 9-patch every day.

They won't be sewn together in this arrangement (I have a secret plan for them!) but it's fun to see the rows grow day-by-day.

The best-laid resolutions -- when I read that Ebony of LoveBug Studios was hosting a "Dear Laura" QAL, I caved. The mystery quilt features the "Little House on the Prairie" fabrics from Andover (I bought mine at Ruth's Stitchery, of course -- they have the complete collection). Since it's a mystery, I'm only showing you the corners of the blocks!

It's not too late to join the mystery, go here for details.

Today is a "stay in the house and sew" kind of day, so I'm working on my January UFO. It's "Vintage Memories," a BoM from several years (!) ago.

How is your Jaunary UFO progressing? Remember to email me a photo of your finish for the February 1 UFO Parade!



From the desk of your