Thursday, February 15, 2018

And the QAL-ing Keeps Sewing Along

I'm still catching up with my QALs and have a finally finish: Micah's Come Calling Quilt/Playmat which I had planned to make in January for my January Scrap Attack and or Scrumptious Scraps QAL project which Sarah of Confessions of a Fabric Addict is hosting for 2018.  I thought I should start and finish this quilt considering that it's February now and I will be seeing Micah this weekend for some grandmother babysitting duties while her parents get some serious download time.
At the beginning of the year, I was going to participate in the Scrap Attack which is more for organizing and precutting your scraps.  Last week, Sarah posted about the Scrumptious Scraps QAL (you can read about it here) and decided that this one was more to my liking since my project list for Scrap Attack involved using up certain scraps each month. I rather let sleeping scraps lie until I need them for a scrap project. The scraps I chose to work with in January were from several Basic Grey's collections which included leftovers from the signature wedding quilt I made for Micah's parents over four years ago.  Doesn't every baby need a calling quilt when they go visiting?  At least that's what I thought when I came up with another reason for making Micah another quilt. I think this is #9.
Here's a photo of the wedding quilt with the  gorgeous Basic Grey floral print from the PBJ collection.  I used whatever remnant I had along with the leftover strips used in the sashing.  I thought I share my signature block in this post since it still makes me laugh and it's the one I always use for other signature blocks.
The green and white gingham used for the sashing and the backing fabric which is from the last century were the only fabrics not part of the Basic Grey scraps.  I also wanted to use a plain fabric for the backing since Micah's mom tends to display the backs and not the front of the quilts and maybe because the backs are just that pretty.  This quilt measures 42" x 60" and hopefully this time I can snuggle with Micah and the quilt this time.
But then again, we may need to spend some time re-reading this book which I received from friends when Micah was born. I can't believe she's going to be one-year old next month and this time she might be reading the book to me.
Also finished this week, last Tuesday night to be more exact, were Blocks #3 (Nested Churn Dash) and #4 (Greek Cross) from the Classic Meet Modern QAL hosted by Kelly of My Quilt Infatuation.
This QAL started in January and each month, two blocks (maybe more if they're small) are made, which is a nice pace I can keep up with.  You can read more about the Classic Meet Modern QAL (here).  So far, two of the blocks are 24", one is 12" and two are 6".  I am finding out, no size is an easy size, my focus is just the same, and am finding that my seam ripper works well on all sizes. By the way, in case you're wondering, doesn't the blocks look wonderful against the white brick?  I just discovered photo backdrops and finally purchased one.  When I first received it, it looks like a velour blanket and the printing was pretty faint so I had my doubts but I'm very happy with the way the photos turned out. Now, I just have to make sure I put this away since I have a certain son who might think this is a blanket; it really does feel nice.
My top for the Squiggle QAL (you can read about it here) is finished and this week is the start of basting and quilting which is not going to happen until next week.  I'm really looking forward to doing some quilting with nice wavy lines to hide some of the over and under hangs of the triangle points.  This is what happens when you do not realize that the charm packs of Blueberry Park were not exactly 5" and were mixed in with the 5" squares I cut myself. Such a rookie mistake, I keep telling myself.
Today is the start of the Postcards from Sweden which Sandra from mmm!Quilts is hosting.  (You can read about the Postcards from Sweden QAL here).  For some reason, which doesn't happen very often, I am ahead of this QAL; I've already chosen my fabrics and cut all of my HSTs.  With some QALS, I find myself either ahead, on schedule or behind but in the end, but what really matters to me is that I finish.  Timelines are only a suggestion and sometimes I have a need to either start or finish another project off the grid which is what I'm feeling I want to do next week.  But then again I may just need some rest recovering from my very first babysitting gig in so many years.
I hope everyone is having a happy week and feeling some warmth, especially from the weather.  It's been way too cold in my neck of the woods.

15 comments :

  1. I've not seen a wedding signature quilt done this way before. It's a great style for that. Love that the baby is babysitting you!

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  2. Well, Rose, you know I love all the quilts, but that picture of you and Micah is just precious! My Postcards is on deck, but I still need to get backing for the Squiggles. It'll get done, I just don't know when. Why haven't I thought of a photo backdrop? What a great idea!

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  3. Your blocks look great on your photo backdrop. I've never heard of one but it certainly helps to brighten things up in the winter. Love the play mat with that basic grey. I hope you have a great time babysitting. I know you will!

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  4. What great projects! I love those Basic Grey fabrics.

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  5. "Let sleeping scraps lie" made me laugh, Rose! Micah's playmat looks really great, and your other QALs are CAL (coming along) nicely :) I also have my Postcards FAL (further along) than I anticipated.

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    1. I had to giggle at that same comment about the scraps! And you two are motivating me to unearth my Postcards fabrics and join in the fun. Such a fabulous quilt! ~smile~ Roseanne

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  6. Hi Rose,
    Oh, that book is priceless!! How to babysit a grandma - I have to look for that one!! Oh my goodness, how can Micah be almost one year old already?!! Okay, now that the important stuff is out of the way . . . you have been so busy! I love those quilts and especially your #1 marriage rule. I can't wait to see how you finish quilting Squiggles. I love your blocks on the white bricks - I have to explore back drops for photos much further myself. Such a nice newsy post! ~smile~ Roseanne

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  7. Have a wonderful weekend with your Micah! I love that picture of you holding her and the book "How to Babysit a Grandma". It's hilarious. If she already has 9 quilts, I wonder how many she'll have when she's a teenager! Your QAL's are so fun to read-along, but of course my favorite is the Classic Meets Modern, love your fabric selections and your blocks look great against that white brick. How'd you get it up on the bricks?

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  8. Can a girl have too many quilts? In Micah’s case....no! Love that yellow floral and how we
    lol it plays with the other fabrics you chose! That white brick background interests me too? Tell us more!

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  9. Sandra just released the first bit of the QAL. I can't believe you've already got your fabrics prepared and your HSTs cut!! I know that I'll be using fabric from stash. Beyond that... your guess is as good as mine!

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  10. I love the photo backdrop idea, looks great with your blocks! And your 'squiggle' quilt caught my eye too, love a scrappy quilt!

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  11. You have so many great projects going! I am sure right now you are enjoying your lovely Micah. It will be no time at all before she is babysitting you! I love your Squiggles and can't wait to see Postcards...that is one luscious quilt. I also love the colors in your swoon block...and I think that photo backing is perfect!

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  12. LOVE your CMM blocks, and you have so many other wonderful projects as well. That photo of you and your grandbaby is so sweet.

    :) Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation

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  13. You are always so busy, and still find time for babysitting! I will have to check out that book, my grandbabies are all a lot older but I have hopes with my son getting married this year. I can't believe you have cut all your triangles, I got my fabric this week but haven't started yet, today, promise. Have a wonderful time babysitting, I am so jealous!

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  14. Love the baby photo!!! Is that really a backdrop? It sooo looks like bricks! Cute squiggles quilt. Well, all the quilt photos deserve a heart from me!!!

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