Beanie's Blocks

I couldn't do it. I wasn't quite done the beast of a quilt and I had to start something new. Not just play with fabric, not just sketch, but actually start a new quilt. And oh, it felt good. It had been MONTHS. So far I've only got a handful of blocks done for a baby quilt that needs 20, but it's a start. And the beast of a quilt is done now too! So as soon as I finish some deadline work these blocks will get some more time on the design wall.

These are made from the same pattern I used on the New Leaf blog hop with Daisy Janie. What a totally different look with this low-volume fabric selection. (I also made them 10'', not 12'' finished.)For the centers I used a fun map fabric that's been hanging out in my stash forever. These blocks are intended for a baby quilt for dear friends of ours and they are mega world travellers. 

I'm not going to lie, it felt so good to play with these blocks. Quilting and binding the beast took over my summer almost more than the girls being home did. It felt great to work on something new, with a vastly different range of colours, and on an entirely different scale. I also can't lie about this, I played on another new quilt too. That's for another day.

Friday Favourites: The Social Tote by Carolyn Friedlander

The Social Tote from Carolyn Friedlander is an awesome project. End of story.

You know me and small projects. We get along as well as clothing and zippers and the neighbour that thankfully moved out this summer. But Carolyn gave me this pattern after seeing them in person at Market. They really are pretty cool. And handy. And not difficult to make at all.

What I really love about this pattern is the inspiration behind it and the rest of Carolyn's Slow Sewing Studio line. In her words:

The projects in this group give us an opportunity to slow down and to enjoy the process as much as the result. Not only a back-to-basics program, this is also a program to strengthen our skills and our relationships with each other.

These projects are things we can take with us and enjoy with others. We'll bring them to our guild meetings, on trips, or wherever our busy lives take us. They require no chargers, adapters, or electricity and will allow us to press pause on the realities of everyday life and enjoy what we are making.

It was that inspiration that pushed me to make this little tote. The pattern is a collaboration with Anna at Noodlehead. It is detailed and well written. As I'm not much of a pattern follower, when I do follow one it must make sense and move methodically through the steps. This one does. And if we ignore that I completely missed the fact I was supposed to interface all the fabric for the inside of the tote and the handles I followed the pattern exactly. There is a pin cushion in the pattern too, but I'm waiting for the pet store near me to have crushed walnut shells in stock again.

Already the tote has found a purpose in sorting and holding bits for my latest project, a baby quilt. I'm pretty sure another tote is on the agenda precisely for my ongoing hand sewing project. This is just what I need. And you too, I bet.

(In coincidental news, Carolyn reviewed my book this week. Totally unsolicited by me. And I think she captured it beautifully.)

Second Round of Just One Slab Quilts

Wow!

So many volunteers helping get this round of quilts together. You have no idea how much their help is appreciated. Thank you so much Linda, Carla, Kathy, Jen, and Becca. Not to mention all the volunteers picking up sets of slabs to sew together from Traditional Pastimes and Addie's.

Right now there is a backlog of 100 quilt tops, or so, making its way to quilters. I've got a stack returned and awaiting binding. More are out with long armers and more will be going. Oh, and did I mention that slabs are STILL arriving?

Wow.

On the Radio with Pat Sloan

This afternoon I am quite excited to join Pat Sloan on her American Patchwork and Quilting radio show! Pat is a force in the industry and such a joy to talk to. I only wish we would have our chat over an afternoon walk. Join us.

Tune in online live or download the podcast later. The show starts at 4 pm Eastern.

We'll be talking A Month of Sundays, low volume fabrics, and a lot more.