Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Busy, Busy, Busy

Awhile ago I found a stack of blue triangles and a stack of ivory triangles buried on my cutting table. I took some time to stitch them up into scrappy HSTs. Then I stitched them into hourglass blocks. I started playing around with them and this is one of the quilt tops I made by adding some cheddar to the mix. 7.5" blocks.

Right now this arrangement is on my design wall - nothing has been sewn together yet, but I think I'll add a blue border to the edge when I get to that point. BTW - I know a lot of quilters spent a lot of effort & money making fancy design walls, but I use an inexpensive flannel-backed vinyl tablecloth that I thumb tacked to the wall - works GREAT and probably cost $3-$4 - so you can't beat the price!

I still have quite a few of the blocks left and have been trying to decide what to do with them - maybe I'll put these with some red and do something with an Americana flavor. If anyone has a great idea for a little quilt setting that I can use these in, please leave me a comment with your suggestion, okay? Thanks! These are 3" and will finish at 2.5" square.

Last summer when I took the Ali Strebel workshop that our Guild arranged, I purchased an Oxford punch needle from her and I've decided it was time to give this tool a try. I borrowed a frame from my friend Sharon and drew out a little floral design to make. Here's the progress I made today - from the back side - which is face up as I'm punching.

 I seem to be having trouble keeping the loops straight and of an even length - you can see that from this view of the front side of my work.  Don't know if I'll get better as I go, or if this is a problem inherent to the tool? If any of you have used this and have advice for me I'd appreciate some input on how I can improve. It does seem to go faster than using a hook, but I'm not thrilled with the quality of my work. 

Last week I got to meet a blogging friend in person and enjoyed eating lunch with Janet of the Rogue Quilter. We talked about husbands, kids and especially quilting.  We each brought little gifts for the other and I received three of her special handmade soaps - they smell so good! And she also gave me a bundle of wonderful Civil War scrap fabrics to add to my stash. Today in the mail I received another gift from her - these two adorable little paper pieced pineapple quilt block ornaments. She has shared pictures of these on her blog before, but I wasn't prepared for how SMALL they are in person - only 2" square! They are so much fun - I just love them! Thanks so much Janet - and I look forward to visiting with you again some time!

After a couple weeks of spring-like weather, we're back to winter in Utah today with a dusting of snow and temps in the 30's. Sigh - - -




17 comments:

Karen said...

I have several piles stuck here and there of things that need putting together or some blocks made to go along with applique blocks. I very seriously need to sort, make notes, and create a plan.

audrey said...

I really like what you're working on with that cheddar, ivory and blue! Great colors.:)

Janet O. said...

I love the blue and cheddar! Wonderful, Gayle.
From the perspective of a photo I can't tell that the quality of the hooking isn't good on your project. I hope you can still enjoy it when it is finished. It looks fine from here.
One of these days I may even make a full sized pineapple quilt--with larger pineapples, of course! : )

Cheryl said...

Busy is good, especially when you are working on such beautiful projects. The blue and cheddar is to die for.

Me and My Stitches said...

Your blue and cheddar quilt looks great and I really love the idea of adding some red to your blue and whites! So glad that you and Janet finally got together - hope you had a great time!

Lori said...

I love blue and cheddar!! Fantastic Gayle!!

Rugs and Pugs said...

Gayle ~
Just LOVE those blue and white quilt squares.
I bought an Oxford 5-6 years ago and have never taken it out of the box...lol!
Great goodies from your friend. Those little quilt squares are amazing.
Pug hugs :)
Lauren

MARCIE said...

Your stars with the cheddar just jumped out and hugged me! I love it! So fun to find a nice home for those extra triangles that are just laying there doing nothing. Nice job!

Cathy said...

I love what you have done with the blocks. The blue and the cheddar is beautiful. Hugs

Shuttle, Hook and Needle said...

Love the blue and white! I've got a few piles of UFO's that I really need to finish so busy is good.
I have never tried the Oxford. Will be interested to see how the finish looks.

merumo said...

Love your blue hourglass + cheddar's quilt top! And those minature ornaments are incredible. Still keeping busy with more fun?

woolwoman said...

the row rug is beautiful Gayle - very creative - love the little pieced pin pillows and the blue blocks are so pretty - I've been doing a little hand piecing lately but trying not to catch the quilting bug (wink) - love your new-ish blog header with the little sewing machine. hope you have a great week - melody

Dogwood Farm said...

Gayle,
Wow, your quilts are beautiful!
xo Louise

Yvonne said...

Love the striped rug you have made and the cute quilt for your grandson. You are one busy lady! Hope spring will come to stay one of these days.

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

Love your design wall idea of using flannel backed vinyl tablecloth--am going to try.

Those pineapples are amazing

Teresa Kline said...

wow, these are gorgeous!

enjoy *~*

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Well girl, you're one up on me. I don't even have a design board. I lay them out on the floor. I always fill my walls up with decor. lol! Love the first quilt and I actually really like the blue and white as is. I've always wanted to try the punch needle. Looks great to me.
hugs,
Jann