Monday Meanderings
It is a snowy day here in Ohio. The girls are home from school with another snow day–we had ice this morning followed by snow. I need to pop some things in the mailbox. I headed out the front door and then turned around and came back in–I’m pretty sure I would fall on my behind out there if I went much further. And truth be told, I did wipe out a couple weeks ago on my way to the mailbox. I’m not taking any chances today! =)
I thought I would come back inside and share what I’ve been working on lately in hopes that by the time I am finished it will have warmed up a bit( it is supposed to) and my driveway has mellowed out a bit.
This past year, I have participated in a quilting bee, The Bee’s Knees, hosted by Shari of Doohikey Designs. If you have read my blog for any length of time, you might remember that one year that I was in 7 quilting bees?!? Well, since that year, I haven’t been in any–until this last year. January is the last month of the bee, and it’s my month. I decided to have my bee members make me lone star quilt blocks using a scrappy mix of my fabric lines.
If you want to make a Lone Star block of your own but have been intimidated by them, I really recommend this tutorial. This makes a large, 20″ block and the tutorial is so well done with many pictures and hints to help you along the way. Plus, with blocks this large, with only 12 blocks, you’ll have a quilt that finishes at 60″ x 80″ & that’s without any sashing or borders.
Another thing that I have really been enjoying working on, are these Moda Blockheads blocks.
These are 6″ blocks–you’ll find all of the free patterns listed here with a new block added every Wednesday. There are so many cute blocks–some of them are fussier than others–but for all of those little triangles, I can’t recommend Triangle Paper enough! I picked up this variety pack of triangle paper and it is perfect for these blocks.
Last week, I pulled together this rainbow stack of fabrics to use in an upcoming project. I have always loved a scrappy project and when I design my collections I keep mind that I know I will want to mix and match as I go along. This stack features fabrics from all five of my fabric lines and I love this happy mix.
The project I am working on uses a jelly roll so I cut 2 1/2″ strips from each of these fabrics. Aren’t all of these fabrics so pretty all mixed together?!?
I also finished up this sampler quilt last week. Over the last year, I have been teaching a monthly class at my local quilt shop. As part of the class, my students received a block of the month pattern I designed at each class. This week, we are putting together all of the blocks we made over the last year. It has been a lot of fun seeing all of the different versions of this quilt. I have had a lot of interest in offering this sampler as a pattern. I’ll be sure to let you know if I decide to do that!
I hope that you have been enjoying 2018. I am excited to see what all is in store for this year. So many fun things in the works and new things coming up to share more about.
I would really be interested to know what you would like to hear about during the year. I know that I’ve been asked for more information about hand quilting, & giveaways and tutorials are always mentioned as favorites. Any other specific things you would like to hear about?
Thanks so much for stopping by to read about my daily doings!–I’m gonna attempt to visit my mailbox–wish me luck. =)
Good morning Corey, I love mixing all your collections together and love how they work. Can’t wait to see what new project is. Getting alot of sewing done, we’ve been cold and rainy. I know not like Ohio but cold for us.
We’ve missed you in class Doris! It warmed up a little bit this afternoon–I think I saw 33?–I’m sure you have it much better down there in Florida. =) Glad to hear you are getting a lot done–take care!
I like the lone star block and the fact that a scrappy mix of your fabrics was used, is perfect. That’s one of the things I like most about your lines – they all play well together! 🙂
I too am in Ohio (Milan, up near the lake) and we are getting the same weather. Most of the schools are closed today and since I was scheduled to sub teach today, I’ve got a free day to sew. Yay! Over the past six months, I’ve been teaching a variety of classes in your area, and I’m very happy that I had not scheduled any for the past couple of weeks. The drive there would have been interesting, to say the least.
Enjoy your sew day and stay safe and warm! 🙂
You know I love mixing fabric lines!–one of my favorite things to do. You would not want to have been driving through our area today for sure–it was pretty messy this morning. Things are looking great now though–and finally warm enough to send the girls out to play–last week was frigid! I have been enjoying my snow (sew) day–I feel like I have gotten a lot accomplished on an upcoming deadline.
We’ve were snowbound for 3 days last week here in eastern NC with temps below 10 degrees at night, but today it’s getting up in the 50s and it’s finally melting, thank goodness. I’ve never heard of these virtual quilting bees. I guess it’s probably too late to get involved in one for 2018, but can you give me an idea of how to find a bee and get involved later?
I saw you guys got some wintery weather last week!–I’m sure it feels great now that it is clearing out.
When I first got involved with quilting bees, it was over on Flickr and it was a wonderful way to find bees. Now that not so many quilters use Flicker, you might try Instagram. Use #quiltingbee to see what comes up. I can’t guarantee that you’ll find anything but it’s a great place to start. They start up all through the year so just because it’s January doesn’t mean you’ve missed your chance for this year. Another option is if you have a local quilt guild you attend–some of them have ongoing quilting bees—not sure if that’s an option for you or not, but worth checking out if it is!
I love the lone star block! thanks for the link! Love your fabrics! The jelly rolls are yummy!
Gosh Corey! that is one beautiful stack of fabrics! I really do love your designs and colors! Thanks for the inspiration and links!
I hope you made it back in from the snow!! I LOVE star quilts, all shapes of stars, but I know the Lonestar is my favorite! I can’t wait to see what you will create with that beautiful stack of fabrics that you cut into strips. I really love all your fabric collections, and the colors!! Gray is my alltime favorite for backgrounds, wall paint etc…….and those corals!! I really like all your fabrics! Did I already say that??
I would love to hear about your choices..threads you prefer, favorite rulers, what inspires your designs, tips for sewing blocks, favorite scissors…and maybe share photos of your sewing room. Thanks for sharing the photos of your quilt ladders on Instagram, I showed them to my husabnd, and he made me a quilt ladder for my sewing room.
Hi Corey! Love the line star block. I’m working on one and have reached the point of sewing the parts together. My fingers are crossed that it goes well.
I have a quilt that I want to big stitch quilt. Any recommendations on a book or video for guidance? Thanks.
I am in love with your fabric…be careful out there
Hi, Corey! I just discovered that I’m not getting email feeds from your blog, but I signed up again and hope that’s taken care of. I would have loved to do the BOM class with you this past year. Would you consider doing that as a quilt along on your blog for us? If so, please consider me your first sign up! I’m sure Julie would be in too. She is becoming quite the quilter and has finished two quilt tops already this year.