Top 7 Articles of 2016

#7 – The Gift to Give

....Instead of asking her [my sister] last Christmas, I simply prepared and gave her “Blessing Bags” for her to pass along to those in need. I don’t think I’ve ever given her anything she liked and appreciated better – ever!

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#6 - Introducing the Wings Quilt Block!

...Have you ever created a quilt block and didn’t like the way it looked? Maybe the color scheme used or the size of individual pieces within the block just didn’t look like the way you envisioned?

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#5 – Just Shy of a full blown addiction

…finding free “Block of the Month” (or bi-weekly) (BOM) websites and the Facebook support groups that go along with them! I’m a happy camper that they are out there by the droves!

Read the complete article.

#4 – Crumb Quilts

...Those itty bitty tiny scraps are not just for stuffing pillows or pet beds any longer!

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#3 – When Sisters Work Together

…a story I want to share…

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#2 – Whispers in the Wind

 …each time I feel the wind on my face, I will be absorbing the prayer from a Prayer Flag someone, somewhere in this world, has made. Because, now I know about the whispers in the wind!

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And, the Number One article for 2016:

#1 - Labor Day - Labor of Love

 …There are a multitude of those giving from the heart ~ a labor of love ~ their creativeness, expertise, and devotion through making quilts, dresses, shorts, pillowcases, bags, and on and on for whatever the need may be! 

Read the complete article.

Which is your favorite?

It’s Official – I AM addicted to BOM's

Last February I wrote about finding a couple of FREE “Block of the Month” (BOM) challenges that were available online. In March, I shared a bit of my progress. Yesterday, I made/shared a to-do list.

Because I am using basically the same fabrics/color themes throughout the BOM's – of course Red White and Blue, they will be for our local Veterans once done.

1.     One BOM is still going. I think she’s on Block #90 (out of 100). Last year I shared a bit of my progress here. I'm not doing all 100... many are not appropriate for Veterans.

2.     One has all 12 blocks available for download, I’ve made 4. Photos of the first 3 are here.

3.     The third one I signed up for, I think I have 2 blocks made. I got frustrated with the website because it would take ages for the .pdf printable instructions to become available. I now have all the block patterns downloaded and am ready to finish it up.

I know. I know. I am addicted because just this week I discovered two more recently released Block of the Month challenges! Both are by the talented designer and quilter and writer Pat Sloan! I love her 2017 themes:

“Children’s Library” (this is monthly)

and

“182 Day Solstice Challenge”

Yes! I’ve downloaded the few block patterns she’s already shared for both BOM’s.

TIP:  I’m getting organized by downloading all the patterns for the different BOM’s on my laptop. I created separate file folders for each BOM challenge. I also created basically a blank Word document and saved it with only the link to the specific website.

I’ve promised myself, however, not to start on these two until the other three are FINISHED!

Have you ever done a Block of the Month challenge?

Just Shy of a Full Blow Addiction

Or maybe it already is…

I’m talking about finding free “Block of the Month” (or bi-weekly) (BOM) websites and the Facebook support groups that go along with them! I’m a happy camper that they are out there by the droves! I wrote about a couple I found (and joined/doing!) in February. Since then, I’ve stumbled across even more!

I love the process of creating blocks without a clue to its ending.

Block # 1 - "Secret Garden"

Block #2 - "Secret Garden"

Block #3  - "Secret Garden"

These are from Pat Sloan's "Secret Garden"

Its support group on Facebook is "Quilt With Pat Sloan" 

I’m cutting fabric.

I’m sewing pieces together.

I’m learning new techniques.

I don’t have to think about the end result.

I’m just doing it.

Right now, that’s exactly what I need.

It’s my therapy.

Not to know.

Not to plan.

I’m just doing it.

Block of the Month (BOM)

A while back, I had a wild notion to create a Block of the Month Mystery series for the closed Facebook Group, Lone Star of Texas Quilts for Others. That notion passed. I realized it’s like reinventing the wheel with so many fabulous already established BOMs available! Some charge a fee to have access to the block patterns. Really?

Just this morning, I haven’t a clue how I stumbled across, but I discovered two free BOMs! Because they basically just started, I’m not that late to the party! I’m excited about them and wanted to share with you! Once I post this, I’m gathering my fabric together and will catch up!

Note: I’m not using their recommended fabrics, but what I already have on hand. Don’t get me wrong, I love working with Moda fabrics! Fabulous quality! But, I have so much fabric already I need to use before buying more!
 I did download the supply list so I can know the color values (lights mediums darks) and how much of what in yardage I will need.

My Secret Garden by Pat Sloan – finished size 68” x 86”

This is our go-to page on Free Quilt Patterns

The Splendid Sampler by Jane Davidson & Pat Sloan

This one just started 2/14 and currently shows 2 blocks available, out of 100!

I’m not sure what the overall finished size will be on this one.

Our go-to page is here.

Needless to say ~ 100 blocks ~ The Splendid Sampler will not be the usual “Block of the Month” experience!!! But, what a wonderful way to cover all the possibilities found in creating a quilt top!

Will you join me?

Do you have the time?

I need your help! It's difficult making the selection because I love them all!

I’d like to make something like this quilt I found at Block Central (but not as big so minus the outside border), 

Sentimental Journey
Block of the Month Quilt

using Downton Abbey fabrics!

I found this "team" chart on a Mystery Quilt that Love Bug Studios will hold in January 2015, but I'm not participating because I want to see what I'm working toward!

You can find more, and bigger swatches at Hawthorne Threads! 

So I need six (6) different pieces of fabric! I need:

2 darks (one will be used for the dark border & binding)

2 lights

2 mediums

What are your picks? Which six do you think will go nicely together? Because I love them all, I'm not mindset on sticking with one specific person/character.