Dancing Currants

This red and green appliqued block named "Dancing Currants" was made for a block swap and is on its way to Israel! There are six of us participating in the international swap and next month is my turn to receive appliqued blocks. Can't wait to see the beautiful blocks that fly my way!

Lancaster Blocks and the Castle

Have been working on cake stand blocks for a block exchange using poison green, chrome yellow and turkey red (Lancaster colors). The first block was a total wreck as my seam allowances were off so I had to set the project aside a while due to excessive frustration. This morning I tackled the block again and paid closer attention to the sizes of each component. Success = paying attention to the perpetual 1/4 inch seam allowance!

Last week we visited Hearst Castle in San Simeon. The whole experience is quite surreal in that you get to experience a bit of the 1930s movie star era up close and personal. The state of California conducts the tours and our docent, Wayne, was great in that he knew so much history about the castle and Hearst himself and encouraged questions. We also visited the picturesque town of Cambria and found the antique looking lock (next to the basket block) which actually works.

Fair Daffodil

The next batch of stars are finished using Jo Morton's method and Jo fabric. They are four inches finished which is a nice size, I think. This method of making stars is very accurate and there is no extra triangle to cut off, but I'm not sure I could cope with the math challenge of making a different size. Will have to experiment and see what happens.





Ah daffodils, the first sign of spring. The first beauty opened on February 4 this year which is a little earlier than usual due to unusually warm weather in January. Blue forget me nots are planted around the daffodils and some years when the timing is just right, they are blooming at the same time. Its really a lovely combination. Then there is also the ever present mint that creeps in amongst all the plantings, but its saving grace is the wonderful smell when walking across it.

A Little Something Useful

With all the rainy weather outside, it sure was a perfect day for some tea and knitting. The tea cup and saucer are part of our wedding dishes received in 1980. I still love them after all these years and they bring back such sweet memories. Free time is short lately so I have been indulging in some small instant gratification projects like these knitted washcloths made from cotton yarn. They can be finished in a few evenings and make a perfect gift along with a bar of nicely scented soap. This one is headed to my daughter.

Stars in the House

The 20th star is finished and all were sent off to the swap hostess. Pretty pleased with how they turned out and looking forward to the stars in my future. These are large 8 1/2 inch blocks, and I just signed up for the Jo Morton mini sawtooth swap with 4 1/2 inch blocks. The blocks for the Jo Morton swap are made an entirely different way, so it will be interesting to see which method works best.

Seeing Stars

I am taking a break from the month of snowmen to work on sawtooth star blocks for a swap I am in. The others in the swap are accomplished quilting piecers, so my personal challenge is to try to perfect my piecing skills. The blocks have to be 8 1/2 finished in size, and much to my surprise and relief, they are measuring 8 1/2 inches. The blocks have to be made using reproduction fabrics and it is great fun to see where one block winds its way to the next when coming up with the next block idea. The blocks are due to be mailed by February 1 and I have 17 more to go. Wish me luck!

A Month of Snowmen

Was going to start a new project on January 1, but after looking outside at the cold, foggy weather, I decided to focus on existing snowman projects instead during January. I started the Winter Quilt out of Red Wagon's Snowbound book a few years ago and finished one lone snowman. The background fabric is a really old Marcus Brothers print from the 1990s that I just love. Tried the back basting applique technique on the snowman, but I really prefer needleturn so will try that on the next block. Also cross stitching some little snowman ornaments from a Prairie Schooler book for an exchange due by February 1. A pot of chicken noodle soup is bubbling away on the stove for dinner tonight, so we are looking forward to it to warm up in this cold weather.

Happy New Year's Day to all!