Fun and Fast Quilt......Bento Box.....

This has sure been a different week as far as weather here.  Monday we had temperatures in the low 70's, which is very unusual for January, then Wednesday we had freezing temperatures, wind and snow.  Blowing snow in spots where you just couldn't see.  This only brought a trace of snow but with the wind, blizzard conditions.  Our winters have really changed because now we

hardly ever see snow, a few days of really cold weather.  Our temperature's are usually in the 40 - 60's.  Which would be nice if we weren't so dry.  We need the precipitation but would rather see it in the form of rain. 

The quilt I want to talk to you about today is "Bento Box" pattern by Tracey Brookshier (Updated and Expanded).  This pattern has twelve new quilt designs that will work with 2 1/2" strips and additional block sizes that you can use.  It all depends how you assemble the blocks to what your quilt will look like.

The pattern suggests that you limit your color palette using 2 - 4 main colors.  Choose fabrics in pairs, such as one dark and one light, with a strong contrast between each pair.  Try to avoid using directional prints because if it bothers you that the strips is going the wrong direction this will drive you crazy.  This pattern suggests using fat quarters or fat 1/8's but you can also cut your own 2 1/2" strips if you'd like.

This is a fun and fast pattern and I like all the different ways you can use the strips.  Try this technique in your next quilt, colors you like, maybe a scrappy look?  I'm excited are you?

Till next time, stitch away,
Connie

Swingin Monkey Strip Tubing Quilt...............

One of my favorite things to watch on TV is sports. I didn’t play sports when I was in school because in those days it wasn’t offered except for boys. Have things changed for the better I’d say. Anyway, I did play softball in the summer and also love to watch college girls’ softball and that’s come a long ways from when I played ball. Anyway now football is in the air, which team will go to Super Bowl! Another reason I have sports because I do have a TV in my sewing room and usually some kind of sports is playing. I can sew and listen, when yelling goes on I can check it out. So when there’s a game on, regardless what sport it is, I’ve got my TV on in the sewing room.

OK, I’ve talked about “strip tubing” in several of my blogs. I’ve got another quilt using the same technique but different material. This particular material has a theme of monkeys with coordinating material. Blocks that were left over were made into pillows with decorative fringe on each pillow. Wouldn't this look good in any child's room, boy or girls?

Have you tried making any quilts with this pattern? Check out this link, the first book "Strip Tubing" is the one I use. There are alot of different ways you can make these quilts, different sizes and explains how to use the  "Strip Tube Ruler" by Cozy Quilt Designs which also is shown on the same page (scroll down). This is also a great tool to have cause once you use this book you'll try several different quilts. Try it, increase your quilting knowledge by reading up on a new technique and let me know what you think

So here’s to more sewing and watching TV, football and/or football. What’s your pick?

Still stitichin,
Connie

Sunflower quilt blocks or postcards.........

Well the holidays are over so now maybe things will slow down a little that I can get back to blogging.  I’ve missed everyone so let’s get back to keeping in touch. 

I’ve talked about what you can do with panels but I found another product that is similar.  These are called “Quilt Blocks.”  These blocks measure 4” x  6” and a quantity of 4 in each package. These seed packets are one example of collectible prints.  Check out their website www.oldeamericaantiques.com for more images.   These quilt blocks are printed on 100% cotton sateen.  These are ready to sew and easy to quilt.

The prints I used in this wall hanging derived from vintage seed packets dating from 1880s through 1930s.  The pattern I used for these quilt blocks was a nine-patch which is included in the package.  This wall hanging measures 17” x 21” vertical but if you choose to make it horizontal it measures 21” x 17.” 

I live in the country, what use to be a big dairy farm.  My dad and his brother farmed and milked cows for many years.  They were considered one of the biggest dairy farms in the county.  So I grew up with Holstein cows, bottle fed calves, geese (which I didn’t like cause they chased us kids).  Really good memories.  Sorry, got side tracked there.  Anyway, we grew up with crops like wheat, corn, soybeans and milo.  These crops have many different colors to watch as they matured.  Sunflowers were everywhere but were considered wildflowers.  Now there are some farmers around here, not many, that will plant sunflowers for a cash crop.  The fields are beautiful when in bloom.  So these sunflower postcards, quilt blocks mean something to me. One of the reasons I love living in the country.

Check out these postcards and if you make a quilt or wall hanging please send me a picture.

Hope everyone had a great Holiday and everyone have a great 2013.

More stitchin a comin.........
Connie