FILLING IN THE CORNERS...

I spent yesterday, adding the corners to every other block in the center.

  What do you think?

I also, moved the monogram square to it's rightful place...

I am good with it,  I think they will stay.  Besides, they have to because I cut them...

and now have a pile of little half squares.  I don't think I can through these away, they are just too cute!

FRIDAY NIGHT SEW -IN, RESULTS...

Last night while it snowed and the winds whirled outside, I was warm and cozy in sewing room.  I am happy with the progress I made

I finished up the sq. blocks and filled the design wall, to get a feel for the layout.  That large blank block in the lower middle is for a monogram.  The pattern also, calls for 1/2 sq triangles(background fabric) on every other corner of the inside blocks.  Which would give it two different block types(regular sq & snowball)  I like it this way, but will try the 1/2 sq triangle on a few to see what I think.

Most of the night was spent roofing my houses.

It seems, like there are house blocks all over the place these days and while I like them I wasn't convinced I needed to make any.

Until, I saw these made up into a little quilt at my LQS.  It is a simple quilt but I fell in love with it and kept going back for second look.  

 Obviously, I couldn't resist and the kit came home with me.  I am modifying the original just a bit, to make it bigger.   More to come, stay tuned!

BRRR....

It's a cold & blustery night here in Eastern, Iowa.  It looks like it will be just the dog & I for most of the evening.  So... no I mean, Sew?  Why yes, I think I will.  It's the FNSI, Friday Night Sew In!

This bundle of Reindeer Games, by Sandy Gervais has been slashed, and is a work in progress. 

SO's nephew is getting married in April.  I decided to create a Christmas theme quilt for the couple. 

I only have 5 blocks to finish up, before I start the next step.

Then, I will work on roofing these little houses.

 

I am loving this little project!

NOW, HOW DID THAT HAPPEN???

Once again, I have been MIA.  It was not planned and I won't give you any excuses.  Life is a bit crazy these days and about to get crazier.  I will share more about that later in the week.   I am afraid if I go into details now, I will jinx the whole thing.  You know bad juju...

I have some BIG plans for 2012 and can't wait to get started,  actually I have started and will have lots to share. 

I realized I never showed the "other side" of the Christmas Swap bag I had made for my partner.
So, here it is...

I was happy with the end results of the bag and thought it made up a fun holiday bag.   It's from basicgrey's holiday line, Jovial.  Would love to have a bed quilt made from this line.

INS AND OUTS OF THE SWAP...

I was recently a participant in the DS (Denyse Schmidt) fabric, doll quilt swap on flicker.  The participants were international with most coming from Australia/NZ and North America.  We were a small but, very fun and polite group.  We are all fans of the Denyse Schmidt fabric lines.  The focus was on the Picnic and Fairgrounds lines that were released through JoAnn Fabrics.

Here are a few of the pieces from Picnic and Fairgrounds. Some of the line was exclusive to the US and some to Australia but, all  fabric played very nicely together.  Between the two lines their were 31 pieces. 

 I ordered a FQ bundle from a gal in Australia, so I did have the complete line to play with.  The only limitations were to stay within the Picnic and Fairgrounds fabric lines (solids ok) and keep the quilt size under 18"x18". 

I will say this "this swap DID NOT disappoint." 

Lorraine, from Australia sent me all this... (post cards showing the town my quilt came from, very clever!)

This was her first swap and claims, she has only made two quilts in her life!  But, on the other hand has sewin for many years.  Well, I was amazed at the small quilt.  Her work is exceptional and she used, so many techniques in this little quilt.  It's hard to see but, the leaves and tree 3-D.

This lovely little quilt is my treasure to keep!

I am truly smitten!

After the excitement of receiving her quilt,  the one I sent to my partner seemed so...so, boring. 

I was recently inspired by the fall sky's and the geese that are migrating.

I knew my partner like the blues and greens in the line and especially the dots.

Well, this is what I came up with...

Not so exciting, compared to the one I received.  I did,  however accomplish my goal and used all 31 pieces from the two fabric lines.  All in all, I really enjoyed this swap and the participants could not have been nicer and a VERY talented group of ladies.

Inspiration...

I am drawing my inspiration from the fall sky...

                                                                      flying geese!

My Friday Night Plans...

deep sigh... It's been a long week and yes,  I will have to work a half day tomorrow.  But, I am REALLY glad that it's FRIDAY night and I can't think of anywhere else, that I would rather be than in my sewing room playing with these...

I am in a swap group, we are exchanging doll quilts, using the Denyse Schmidt,
 collections Picnic & Fairgrounds.  Playtime, here I come!!!

Ohhh, I should mention I am going the gang for the October Friday Night Sew In. 
Come join in, it's not too late!