Playground Days - Done!

So once I got the center blocks pieced and connected I was ready to add the border.  The pattern has some sunburst blocks made from Marti Michelle templates in each outer corner.  I decided to skip the optional sunshine corner blocks and just go with the border pattern all the way around.

But once I got the border most of the way around, I decided the top looked better with the sunshine blocks as opposed to without them, and really, doesn't every Playground Day need some sunshine.

I didn't have the Marti Michell template set called for in the pattern so I just selected a sunshine block from my EQ7 software.

I figured it would take me a couple of hours to paper piece the 4 corner blocks, it took two days!

But I love how they turned out.

And now Playground Days is done.  I started this project at this time for a couple of reasons, first, I'm wanting to make a few more modern quilts and I thought this was a good start, not over the top modern but definitely a change of pace for me. Also, I'm wanting to piece a modern Gypsy Kisses top and I think getting used to working with more modern fabric before I start would be good for me,  so I went with some Denyse Schmidt fabric from several different lines.  At first I was out of my comfort zone, but by the time I was piecing those sunshine corner blocks, I loved all the fabric and how it went together.

This is Lifetime Quilt Number 127

The pattern is Playground Days from the Material Obsession 2 book by Kathy Doughty and Sarah Fielke.

My quilt finished at 78" x 78".

The fabric is by Denyse Schmidt, several different lines.

It has approximately 1,208 pieces.

I've really warmed up to this quilt now that it's finished, and feel good about broadening my horizons.  Next up, Spiced Chai from the Vintage Quilt Revival book, another modern project.

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Playground and More . . .

I've pieced all my Playground blocks.

I like all the Denyse Schmidt fabric that I'm using and I like this block so I should like this quilt, but right now it's still a little on the wild side for me.  The next step, adding the border, should change the look a lot I think.  Still, working with this fabric continues to be a very good exercise for me .

* * * * *

I bought a new quilt book, something I rarely do. This book was released the end of last year, so not only is it unusual for me to purchase a book, it's rarer still that I purchase a book that's a new release.

It's billed as a modern quilt book, and I think it has a great fresh feel, but I wouldn't consider it overly modern, I think any style of quilter would enjoy the projects in this book.

There are several patterns in this book that I like, but what I like most is the "Designer Note" section included with each pattern, with helpful information about something specific for the project or how to make the project a little different.    A review left on Amazon for this book mentioned some of the block sizes being incorrect, so far I have not found any errors, if I do I'll pass them along.

This pattern is my favorite, it's called Spiced Chai Quilt.  It finishes at 60" x 60".    It's a simple pattern but the positioning of the blocks along with their color placement really appeals to me.  I think this quilt tells a story, it reminds me of winter, with all those dark blocks, and the reminder that spring always comes, that would be the bright blocks.  Or maybe how a down gray day always has a few bright spots too.

This block is the same block I just pieced for Jersey Girl!  How different these two projects look, but I love them both.

* * * * *

Several quilters have asked me where I buy the Moda Weave fabric that I use, particularly the Black Moda Weave that I used for Morning Joe and is a perfect match for American Jane fabric.  I buy my weave fabric from a shop called Janie Lou.  I've visited the shop in person and have placed orders online, the service has always been wonderful, I highly recommend the shop.  The shop is located fairly close to the St. Louis, Missouri  airport, if you happen to be in the area stop by.  That's become my ritual, to allow extra time before a flight to pop in.  The shop is run by two sisters and carries fabric you don't see everywhere.  Here's a link if you want to do al title shopping yourself.  (click here)

I think that's all I have to report for today, but that's probably plenty!

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Happy Valentine's Day!

I've got Tickled Red out at my house to help me celebrate Valentine's Day.  

I'm so glad I started making these smaller quilts for my tables and couches, and it makes me wonder what took me so long.    Last year I made this one for Valentine's Day, Hat Trick for Easter, and the year before I created a design for the 4th of July.  Maybe I can make something for Fall and Thanksgiving this year.  There are so many patterns available now for this size of quilt and they are perfect for holiday themed fabric or playing around with some fabric that's outside your comfort zone.  Tickled Red was made from a Little Bites pattern by Miss Rosie's Quilt Company, there are 6 other Little Bites patterns currently available that call for small amounts of fabric and finish at around 24 inches .  (click here)

Tickled Red is Lifetime Quilt Number 101, click here if you need more details.

And speaking of working with fabric outside your comfort zone, I've started on Playground from the Material Obsession 2 book by Kathy Doughty and Sarah Fielke.

This was one of my To Do's for 2014.  I picked this pattern because I think it will be a good quilt to help me work with and get used to more modern fabric.  I want to make sure I have a good feel for working with the larger prints and bright colors before I start my modern Gypsy Kisses project.

For Playground I'm going with an assortment of lines by Denyse Schmidt.

And here are half the pieced center blocks.  I'm supposed to be alternating the lights and darks.  I have to admit to not being overly wild about this project, because it is just that, wild.  But a friend reminded me that I picked this pattern because I liked it, and that I would probably like my project once it was finished.  It's definitely a change of pace!

These blocks finish at 14 inches.  The pattern has 5 rows of 4 blocks.  I like my quilts to finish a little smaller than this one, which is 78" x 91",  so I'm going with 4 rows of 4 blocks.  I'm using the Easy Angle to make my half square triangle units.

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What's up at my house . . .

Dresden Doilies 

I'm still working on hand appliquéing my dresden blocks to my red background.  I've added the top and bottom outer border since you've seen it last, two side borders left to add.

One of my 2014 goals is to finish my pineapple quilt, this red and white pineapple quilt.  I've decided to  make 10 blocks once a month, in-between projects. That's what I'm working on now.  My goal is 100 blocks, I'm not even halfway there, but 10 blocks a month gets me a finished quilt this year, hopefully before fall!

This is an easy project to start and stop on, all my strips are cut and in project boxes, and I'm paper piecing the blocks, so it's easy to pick up where I left off.

I have made a sample border block.

Instead of having the blocks go out into infinity and beyond, I thought I might like a border, a pieced border, a pieced pineapple border.

So I can go with the block on the left, which is the same block for all of the quilt, or the block on the right, which keeps the pineapple look but gives the quilt a stopping point.  I'm leaning towards the block on the right for my outer border.  I would also need to make 4 special blocks for each corner.

When I blogged about making a year round Toulouse I got several comments about obtaining the pattern.  The pattern is available in the Miss Rosie Online Store.  You can order a paper pattern or an instant download PDF pattern.  I see me making this quilt sooner as opposed to later, like maybe March.  Keep it in mind as you work on your current projects and upcoming project list, maybe we can sew along together!

Click here for pdf pattern link.

Thanks also for your emails and concerns  regarding the goings on at my house.  Yes, I'm blogging less but am fine, we're all fine.  Several of  my blogging buddies have quit blogging altogether, right now I intend to continue to blog, but probably not every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday as in the past.  But all is good here!

Happy Sewing!

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