Monday, March 22, 2010

Still Climbing . . . . .

Over the weekend I finished the last of my 400 black and tan four patches. I'll spare you one more picture of my project box full of patches, it looks pretty similar to the last picture.

I celebrated by making my inspiration block. This block is 6 inches finished, smallish, but I like the size.


Now I'm on to the 320 navy and cream half square triangles.

For some reason this quilt seems to be going sloooooooooooow. I feel like I'm spending the same amount of time in my sewing room as I usually do, but I don't feel like I'm making progress. I guess it's because each step has several pieces to make before I can move on to the next step. But there are only 4 steps; 400 four patches, 320 HSTs, piece 80 blocks, sew together. I'm a mark things off my list and be happy girl, there's not much marking off the list going on with this project. So it should pick up once I start assembling the blocks, don't you think?

Recently I mentioned that I had to replace my Rowenta iron. A couple of folks mentioned they used and liked the Rowenta travel iron...WHAT!!! That was news to me!! So I ordered one....


and here it is!


I really like it. In the past I've had trouble with my bigger iron pressing seams closed as I pressed other seams open. This new little Rowenta is great on small blocks with many seams, like the one I'm working on now.


It comes with this great travel bag, I think I'll be tempted to take it to my next class. For some reason I seem to sign up for classes that have the poorest excuse for irons. So now I'm good at home and on the road!

NOTE: I ordered my iron from Bed, Bath and Beyond.

25 comments:

  1. Your block looks great. Bless your patience.
    I picked up the Rowenta travel iron for Xmas and love it! I have a small station next to the sewing machine and just have to turn around to press my seams. I hope you enjoy it just as much as I do!

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  2. I love your inspiration block! Well worth the time investment.

    I have the travel iron too. It does take a long time to cool down, which is the only thing I don't like about taking it to classes. I love it otherwise!

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  3. I just love that block. The color combination is fantastic. And bless your for persevering through it all. It's going to be a fabulous quilt.

    I'm going to have to look into that iron. I have the same problem - pressing one seam down while pressing others back up - it's a real pain. I love my Rowenta, so I'm going to definitely have to look for the smaller one.

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  4. Love the block!! I also have that travel iron. Love it and I also take it to classes and retreats! It really seems to steam well too.

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  5. Thelma, I love your block! I admire the patience it must take to make this pattern in 6" size but it's going to be spectacular! Love your color choices!

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  6. Wow - your first block is stunning! This is going to be an amazing quilt. That travel iron looks amazing - you'll have to let me know how you like it. Sounds like the perfect iron to take to classes!

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  7. It's funny how chain piecing helps things along, yet it feels like you've done NOTHING! I felt the same with Roundabout.
    The block looks wonderful though, place it enar the machine and things will seem better I bet.

    Irons are funny things. And we all have our preferences. Mine's about to give up the ghost and I can't decide whether to get another cheapy or spend the money on a nice one.

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  8. Your first block is great~ your quilt is going to be gorgeous! I love using the Triangulations CD when I have loads of HST's to make. ;-) Happy stitching!

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  9. I love the block . . . and the colors are terrific . . . it's going to be a beautiful quilt . . .

    can you tell us where you ordered the iron . . . I really like it . . .

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  10. I ordered my iron from Bed, Bath and Beyond. I should have included that in my original post! Thanks Cheryl!!

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  11. I've had that same problem with seam allowances! Never thought of a travel iron. I'm ordering one from Amazon today. I'll consider it $35 VERY well spent!

    Your new quilt is going to be just lovely! Your blog is quite inspiring!

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  12. Love your block - looks wonderful. Love the colors, Thelma.

    I really enjoy using my Rowenta travel iron, too.

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  13. I love your block... it's very sophisticated, especially the color scheme!

    I have had a Rowenta travel iron for years, but thought I could only use it when traveling... for classes, etc... I never thought about using it at home... duh! I need to get out of my box more often!

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  14. Thelma, your inspiration block is really striking. I love the color combinations. I also really glad you like the travel iron. I use mine on all my smaller projects and most of my block seam pressing for the very reason you mentioned. I usually don't break out the big iron until I'm ready to press bigger sections. As for classes, I have my ironing mat a travel iron ready if I take another class. I'm just waiting till after our vacation in April then I am going to start looking for a class I like in ernest. I've been doing okay on my own but I'm really hungry to learn applique and paper piecing so that's what I'll be watching for. My iron will go with me (in her travel bag) because like you, they always have pretty bad irons at the classes I have attended. Enjoy!

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  15. I love your inspiration block! All the little pieces in it! I have made a Jacob's Ladder but it was much bigger.
    Thank you for reminding me that I have a Rowenta travel iron that I forgot I purchased!! I bought it last fall and completely have forgotten about it! I found it stashed in my sewing room still in the bag! Should I admit that? Shame on me :)
    I can't wait to see your quilt finished.
    Blessings,
    Donna

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  16. Your block is awesome! Lots of pieces and parts, but once you get those done, you'll fly through the blocks. I've used the travel iron on retreats but never thought to use it on small blocks...thanks for the wonderful tip. Are you still liking your new big iron?

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  17. Did you say 6"??? Wow! They are awesome!
    I am having my own iron issues, but it seems to be a never ending quest for me :)

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  18. I love your block and absolutely love the fabrics. I have started collecting for a black and tan/beige quilt.

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  19. I felt the same way when I was making the 250 drunkard's path blocks for my Eleanor Burns sampler quilt (current project). The BOM was done in January and I am still working on getting it together. But, I am now starting to see progress: you will too, soon.

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  20. That block is really pretty. Excellent color combination.

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  21. That quilt is making me want to get back to my Mocha Trails project. Those subtle neutral fabrics are so wonderful. I can't remember, is your entire quilt in those colors, or is the block you are showing just an alternate block that will form a design amongst more colorful blocks?
    I just got a new iron myself, and am planning to post on it sometime this week if I can get my act together.

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  22. Thelma: This quilt will be another beauty!!

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  23. Thelma, I am sure your progress seems slow to you, but you are definitely moving this project along! I'm with you on being able to mark things off my list. I admire your patience in making inspiration blocks. Love the navy and cream in there.

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  25. I can sympathize with what seems like s-l-o-w progress. (My current project seems to take alot of time for a bit of sewing.) It WILL be worth the effort, though, look how great your one square is!

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