A Fresh Look for My Blog
Mar 29, 2009 Techy Stuff
OK, I finally updated my blog. So take the extra step and click past Bloglines/Google Reader to take a look at my hard work. It’s about 90% finished. I want to work on a few behind the scenes features over the next week. When I’m all done, I’ll write about my redesign process. It’s been quite the adventure.
Oh, I Love the Spider Web Block
Mar 25, 2009 Quilting
Sadly it doesn’t take much to distract me from my current project at hand to a new more interesting project. The spiderweb quilt block was no exception. When I was suppose to be working on my Coraline Box, I made four spiderweb blocks.
I roughly followed the directions from Quiltville. Since foundation piecing really isn’t my preferred piecing method, I made templates for the blocks. I cut the triangle pieces from a 5.5″ strip of fabric, which was pieced together with (5) 1.5″ strips.
I placed the triangle on top of the kite. Point A and B are where the pieces line with a .25″ seam allowance.
After sewing both triangles and pressing towards the green fabric, I add a quarter of one block. Point A and B line up just the way they should. However Point C doesn’t look like it will produce a .25″ seam allowance. I need to watch this.
After sewing the four quarter pieces together, I can see my problem with Point C. For some reason this point dips in. I made four block before I could come up with a probable list of reasons: triangle isn’t wide enough, triangle needs to be longer at the base, or cutting is off. I’m going to draw another template that produces an 8″ block to see if I can fix the dip at Point C.
I’m not sure what, if anything, I’m going to do with the blocks. I’m not dying to have a quilt made out of these blocks. Perhaps, I’ll donate them to an orphan block exchange. I like to make a quilt with this block. I think I’m leaning more towards a scappy look than the neat finished look I’ve got going. Here are two possible settings:
Box #27
Mar 23, 2009 Life
This week I received Box #27 in the Coraline Mystery Box Swap. The box was topped off with delicious taffy.
Very cool box with a very cool number
Inside I found a several items: a round ball, an old skeleton key (once again very cool), a little cross-stitch sample, and the remains of the ring. Unfortunately the ring broke in transit. I’m gong to try to glue it back together.
I can’t fail to mention the sweet note from Tiffany.
Tiffany didn’t include her email address. So I couldn’t email her a thank you. Tiffany, thank you!
Box #14
Mar 15, 2009 Paper Crafts, Sewing
A couple of weeks ago, I signed up for a Coraline Box swap hosted by My Little Mochi. Despite the popularity of swaps in blogland, I’ve never participated in one prior to this swap. It’s been a good learning experience. Over the past two weeks, I’ve been working away at creating little Coraline like objects.
Tomorrow is the shipping deadline, which means I finished my project today. Tomorrow Box #14 will be on its way to Texas.
After the recipient has had the opportunity to see the box for herself, I’ll reveal the contents on my blog.
Table Runner in Action
Mar 11, 2009 A House is a Home, Quilting
After posting several work-in-progress pictures of my Spring table runner, I’m happy to report that it’s done. In fact it’s been on my table for about a week. I like it.
Now that the Spring table runner is complete, I need to finish the Summer table runner. As you can see, I didn’t use much imagination here. Aside from fabric choices, it’s identical to the Spring table runner. However I will change things up a bit with the actual quilting. With a bit of luck, I’ll wrap up this project this weekend.
Spring Weather
Mar 8, 2009 Life, Outdoor Adventure
Spring weather always catches me by surprise. One day I ride my bike to work and capture pictures like the one below that give me hope for beautiful weather.
Then I wake up the next morning to a bit of snow fall. I captured this picture while waiting for the bus, no bike on that day.
