Block Seven - Virginia Star

I think this is my new all time favorite quilt block. I just love how it looks! This block is easy to cut and sew and can be completed in a very short amount of time. This block uses "flying geese" which are cut from a square (cut the square into quarters). I cut all the pieces for this block over a week ago, but couldn't actually sew it together until today.I can't wait to use this one again!

On a side note, I picked up a nice new iron today at Home Depot (who'd a thunk?!). It was only $6.98 and I couldn't pass up such a bargain! It has a nice weight to it so I don't have to "press" as hard when I'm "pressing" and the plate is self cleaning stainless steel.

Pictures: Virginia star block and my new iron.

Block Six - Bow Ties

Block six was easy and went together very fast. I can picture a full size quilt of this block looking quite nice. This blocks offers a lot of variety because you can arrange each "patch" several different ways. I'll definitely use this block in the future.

Picture: bow ties block.

Block Five - Arizona

Whew! What a busy last few weeks! Sorry I haven't posted anything, but we've been traveling quite a bit. Luckily though, I've had time to finish a few more blocks!

Ooh block five, how I don't love you. I'm so glad to say that we're done with half square triangles. This block had so many pieces to see together, and I sewed at least three the wrong way! The plus side is that this block does look very nice, but it's quite time consuming.

Picture: Arizona block.

Block Four - Pinwheels

Oh half square triangles, we really want to get along but it's just not working out between us! This block was rough...time consuming more than anything. I started it Friday morning and didn't finish it until early Friday afternoon. I used chain piecing (feeding piece after piece through the sewing machine without cutting the thread each time) which helped, especially considering there are 40 HST's in this one 12 inch block. I really like how this one looks. Even though it took a long time, I think I'll use this again. I had a tricky time getting each pinwheel pattern laid out correctly, but they sewed together quickly once I was set up properly. I need a board that I can lay out my pieces on that's kind of sticky and will hold them in place. A must have for my sewing/craft room...one day!

Picture: pinwheels block.

Block Three - Churn Dash

I finished the third block Thursday, the 20th. This one was more challenging. We were learning half square triangles (HST's). The blog tutorial I am following turned this week's lesson over to a guest blogger and her instructions weren't nearly as easy to understand. I had to go to my fabric stash for this block because it used some bigger pieces, but I still like the way it turned out. I've seen some great heirloom style quilts that use the churn dash block to make some beautiful patterns. I think I need to practice this one another time or two.

I convinced my hunny to take me to the Folk Art Center on Sunday. They are exhibiting some amazing quilts from the Asheville Quilt Guild. It was certainly inspiring! I met a guild member and talked with her about possibly joining the guild next year. They also have a great resource to guild members: a selection of over 700 instructional books and dvd's housed at the Folk Art Center.

Pictures: churn dash block and growing quilter's tool stash.

Block Two - Nine Patch

Sorry it's been a few days since I last posted. We've had a busy weekend and start of the week. I completed the second and third blocks on Thursday (the 20th). The nine patch block was fun! It really taught me the the importance of pressing. If I pressed (ironed) my fabric precisely to the directions, everything fit together perfectly and was not bulky at all. This block went together really quickly! I like it, but I don't see it being one of my most used patterns...it just doesn't have as much character as some of the other blocks.

As a side note, I got some AMAZING fabric Thursday! I was given four huge boxes of mixed fabric by a really nice lady in Weaverville. It was mostly sample pieces from a fabric store...but they're great because there's so much variety! I want to make her something as a "thank you", but I'm not sure what yet. I also got three yards of beautiful Amy Butler (my favorite designer) fabric from Asheville Cotton Company. I stumbled across it on the clearance table. It was usually $12.99 a yard, but was 70% off! Now I just have to wait for the perfect pattern to use with it.

Pictures: completed nine patch block and Amy Butler fabric.

Block One - Log Cabin

After gathering all the supplies I'll need for my quilting quest, I decided to start on the first block. I took a little shortcut on this block and bought a jelly roll. A jelly roll is comprised of strips of fabric, usually 2.5" wide and approximately 44" long all rolled together. I like using jelly rolls because it saves me from having to cut all those strips and I get a great selectin of fabric, that all coordinates with each other, for a great price. I actually found my jelly roll at AC Moore. It was $12.99 but I used a 50% off coupon, so it was only $6.50! Talk about quilting on a budget! I followed the fantastic instructions in the blog, cut the strips to the proper lengths and started sewing. Halfway through the block, I realized I missed cutting one strip and the whole block was botched! I had to start over. I am learning quickly to read every detail thoroughly. Once I had all the strips cut, I then followed the sewing an pressing pattern until the block was complete. I really LOVE the patterns and colors in the jelly roll. I can't wait to start on the second block!

Below: completed first block and pretty fabrics from the jelly roll.