A2Z Challenge: Block E

Electric Fan

 

There's not a whole lot I can say about this block.  This was a new one to cover "E" in my alphabet, and I really just wanted to do a block where I didn't have to think too much.  This block was super easy and I it looks really good with all the other blocks!  Surprise!

One more day and the first week is complete!  If you are completing the A to Z Challenge or just ready my posts, I hope you are enjoying the journey so far.

Thanks for stopping by!  See you tomorrow!  Happy sewing!

Cat

Note:  If you are new to "Blogging from A to Z", check out their website here.  This is my second year participating, but my first on this blog.  For an introduction to my A to Z project, read my preview blog post for this year posted here.

A2Z Challenge: Block D

Double X, Dutchman's Puzzle, and Darting Birds

Just like the "C" blocks posted yesterday, these 3 blocks were created early on in my homespun project.

The Double X block pattern from "501 Rotary Cut Quilt Blocks" does not have the bordered square in the center.  I have no memory of why I did this ... I can't think of a reason why I would have changed the block.  But I do like the effect!

Dutchman's Puzzle is another one of my favorite blocks.  I'm not a fan of Flying Geese, so I would not do a whole quilt of Dutchman's Puzzle blocks, but I like the way it looks.  It's another one of those classics (like the Churn Dash) that I just feel needs to be in any sampler.

Darting Birds is another one of the 9-patch type blocks made with half-square triangles and solid squares.  I like to make these types of blocks because of the simplicity of them, and they give a good mix with the more complicated looking blocks.

Well, my quilt will be 7 rows with 6 blocks in each row, for 42 blocks total.  Row 1 is done ... sashed and sewed together!!  I will post that picture on Saturday with F.

Thanks for stopping by!  See you tomorrow!  Happy sewing!

Cat

Note:  If you are new to "Blogging from A to Z", check out their website here.  This is my second year participating, but my first on this blog.  For an introduction to my A to Z project, read my preview blog post for this year posted here.

A2Z Challenge: Block C

Clay's Choice, Chisholm Trail, and Churn Dash

When I decided to complete my homespun project for the A to Z Challenge, the first thing I did was pull out the blocks I already had made and found names for each one.  Then I decided what other blocks I wanted to make to complete my alphabet and the rest of the quilt top.

These three blocks were of the group already created.  I made the choice long ago to have some blocks with more dark material around the outside and a small amount of neutral in the middle.  Clay's Choice (in blue) was the perfect block for this.  I love the cream pinwheel in the center!


Chisholm Trail (in burgundy) is still one of my favorite blocks.  It always amazes me how many different combinations half-square triangles and solid squares can make.  I can imagine an entire "scrappy" quilt made with this block!  Oh-no ... I cannot take on another project ... yet!  :)

Lastly ... the very Christmas-y, total classic Churn Dash, in my opinion needed to be in my quilt for it to be a true sampler.  I started this project when I was first learning to make quilts.  The Churn Dash is so simple that I think it was probably block number 1.  This version is a remake ... when I put the border on my first try, I lost a bunch of triangle points.  I think I probably trimmed the block, not knowing any better at the time.  But this was an easy one to fix, and I really do love the red and green together.

Wow!  This was a wordy one.  I hope you are enjoying my journey.

Thanks for stopping by!  See you tomorrow!  Happy sewing!

Cat

Note:  If you are new to "Blogging from A to Z", check out their website here.  This is my second year participating, but my first on this blog.  For an introduction to my A to Z project, read my preview blog post for this year posted here.

A2Z Challenge: Block B

Big T

My "B" block is also a new block.  I choose this block for the ease of putting it together ... I enjoy 9-patch style blocks and you will see a bunch in this quilt.  I assumed it's named because there is some sort of resemblance to a letter "T" but honestly, I really don't see it.  I do think it is really pretty though. :-)

Thanks for stopping by!  See you tomorrow!  Happy sewing!

Cat

Note:  If you are new to "Blogging from A to Z", check out their website here.  This is my second year participating, but my first on this blog.  For an introduction to my A to Z project, read my preview blog post for this year posted here.

A2Z Challenge: Block A

Alabama

This project has been a work-in-progress for quite a few years, so to bring it out again has been quite nostalgic.  I had about 20 blocks already created, and am creating the rest new to make a 6 by 7 (or 42) block quilt.  Alabama was the first block that I decided to add to my group.  I love the turquoise solid homespun ... the block really "pops" next to some of the others!

Thanks for stopping by!  See you tomorrow!  Happy sewing!

Cat

Note:  If you are new to "Blogging from A to Z", check out their website here.  This is my second year participating, but my first on this blog.  For an introduction to my A to Z project, read my preview blog post for this year posted here.

Blogging A to Z Teaser

Hey all!!
It has been 7 years since I completed the Blogging A to Z Challenge.  I always had plans to do it again, but all my good intentions of blogging at all seemed to fail.  But this year I am signed up ... and I will triumph!

Many years ago, when I started quilting, I fell in love with sampler quilts.  I started working on random blocks with homespun material thinking that someday I would have a wonderful sampler.  Throughout the years I added blocks, re-worked blocks, decided on a layout, changed my mind, and then put everything away again.  Well I decided to bring this quilt back out, hopefully for the last time, and complete it during the A to Z Challenge.

I am adding blocks for each letter of the alphabet.  I will have a total of 42 blocks when I'm done, some letters with be represented by more than one block.  Each block measures 9 inches, but I am bordering each block to get them to be 11 inches (finished).  I am pulling most of the block patterns from two different books; 501 Rotary-Cut Quilt Blocks and Marsha McCloskey's Block Party.

I have also decided on a sashing that I will be adding as I go.  By the end of April, I should have a completed quilt top!

I hope you all enjoy the posts!  I can't wait to get started!!

Until next time ... Happy Sewing!!

Cat

On Ringo Lake - Week 1

Hey all ... so obviously Mom and I took a long hiatus from Farm Girl in order to work on other projects.  We have been talking about getting it back out to work on but lately there has just been other things ... like the Bonnie Hunter Mystery 2017!!  (For those of you who don't know about Bonnie Hunter, her website and blog are here.)

I love Bonnie's quilts but had never heard of her mystery quilt that she puts out each year, until last year.  In 2016 I followed along with her clues each week but did not start the quilt top until I had a few clues and felt a bit more comfortable (I was really nervous!)  Then I was hooked, and completed my top sometime in the spring.  I haven't found the perfect backing yet, so it remains unquilted.

This year, Mom decided to do the mystery quilt also.  Mom switched up her colors a bit from what Bonnie suggests, using black, yellow, and a greenish teal.  I am keeping mine brown, melon, and a blueish teal.  Since Mom and I live in the same house and use the same stash, we figured we better use different colors.

A couple of our friends are doing the quilt also, and came over to our "Happy Place" for a mystery kick-off sewing party.  Everyone is doing different colors so I can't wait to see how they all turn out.  I forgot to get a picture of everyone, but below are mine and Mom's finished Clue 1 pieces.  It's difficult to tell in the picture, but mine are on the left.  Thanks Bonnie for only having us do 50 of these ... I'm a bit scared for the next clue!!

Until next time ... Happy Sewing!

Cat and Sue