Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Dotting "T" 's and Crossing "I" 's

Oh it feels so good to finish up things that have been left hanging - some for a long time. I'm sure you never have this happen, but I'm afraid that from time to time, I intend to do something but somehow don't get there. So it is with great satisfaction that I can show you my scraps:


This is before and after.






I have sorted those pieces less than a quarter of a yard (or fat quarters or thereabouts) into plastic bags, by color, and by type of fabric, i.e. flannel versus cotton versus crazy quilt-type fabrics. There is also a bag for white fabrics and one for muslin. Does this seem a bit obsessive? It helps me to be able to find pieces when I'm looking for them. If I will take the time to put the scraps in the right bag - after cutting - then voila, they are easy to find another time. I know, I know, I've told myself this before, but what is life but a series of re-starts and that's good.

I have also been working on the border for the crazy mom quilt-a-long, started several months ago. I did have to move two blocks once it was assembled - having two of the same (or very close to the same) next to each other, which sort of missed the point of the scrappy-ness. So with the sashing and scrappy cornerstones, I was quite happy with this. So now what border? A friend suggested that it really called for a "piano keys" scrappy border.


I tried that and it was waaaaayyyy too busy. It just totally took away from the blocks. So next plan was to try the seminole piecing, with scrappy centers.









I'm quite satisfied with this look and will just keep stitching and cutting. I'm throwing them into a paper bag and pulling them out. Unless it is the same center, they get sewn onto the chain. Very random. I think that one of the things that makes a quilt so special, is the psychic energy (or whatever you want to call it) that goes into each one, as you work away on it and think about the intended recipient. There is much love and good wishes around and between each piece. This will be a wedding gift, made and given with loads of love. L and J - this is for you.

Finally, for today, I finished these two little blocks. I know they don't read my blog, so I can show you. Our quilt guild co-presidents are completing a two year term and so everyone is being asked to make these two blocks, one for each of them. I don't know for sure, but I think there are about 200 members of this guild, so if even a small portion make blocks, each president will have lots of blocks to make a quilt from. One set will be in blues and one is black and brights. Fun, huh?

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

You conquered your scraps-Yeah. The border is very cute and goes well with the blocks.

Margeeth said...

Your scraps look very organized. That way there is a bigger chance of using them.
Your crazy mom quilt looks beautifull. Funny that no matter how carefull you are, there are always two similar blocks ending up next to each other. Must be some quilting bug.

Janaina said...

Hey! I also keep my fabrics in ziplocks, just like you! =D