The Rainbow Neighbourhood QAL hosted by Sandra of mmm quilts was kicked off last week and just like my usual and previous mode of participating as someone who does not QAL well, I am ahead of schedule by having all nine blocks finished but for good reasons. The thought of not having a finished quilt by the June 30th Parade was not acceptable for me since this would be the first time since participating in the past six QALs that I would only have a flimsy finish. Plus, after making the First Block and like Sandra said, these houses are addicting to sew, especially with my Alison Glass stash and the guidelines/suggestions she made by as how you can make the houses your own, it was hard for me to make only one house a week, especially with the two vacation planned during the QAL. You can read Sandra’s Rainbow Neighbourhood post Here.
I had already made the first block before reading Sandra’s Rainbow Neighbourhood QAL Kick-Off post and was really excited/inspired with the many good suggestions she made with how the houses could be made. I swear she read my mind or now can forecast Rebel QAL behavior because I already planned on doing some of them by:
- Choosing to make only Type 1 and Type 2 houses since they were the simpler of the designs since I didn’t want to cut up too much of the wonderful Alison Glass fabrics. It was fun putting the fabrics together from the yardage, charm squares and scraps from my Ernie Express Quilt #2. My Accuquilt Die-Cutter (no affiliation) was used to cut the squares, rectangles and HST which was made possible with normal measurements meaning there was not eighths or sixteenths. When working with the large scale prints, I did spend some time fussy cutting which is usually not my favorite thing but I do like the results. I have to admit I sure did use my seam ripper a lot, my error or lack of skills and not the pattern.
- I changed four of the quilt blocks to more simpler blocks. (I really wanted a Heart block for the House in the center.) My earlier problem with the first quilt block not being an accurate 8-1/2” was remedied when I switched from using Jinny Janome to my Juki HZL F600 which has a scant 1/4” foot.
- I cut and sewed one block at a time just to stay organized but as you can see below, I work in mmmayhem mode. Another good reason for doing these blocks all at once is that this mess can be cleaned up by putting away the fabrics, die, equipment, etc. I do have some bits and chunks which will make lovely crumb blocks one day.
I can’t decide if I have a favorite Glass House because I love them all. There’s not one that I’m unhappy with and am glad they all play well with each other as a Rainbow Neighbourhood should. It feels so good to have these blocks finished before leaving on vacation later this week. I have another project that I’ve already started which needs to be finished by June so I’ll be busy upon my return from vacation.
I can’t say enough how fun these house blocks were to make. I’m thinking of making some more to hang on the door in holiday or seasonal fabrics. If you haven’t already join the Rainbow Neighbourhood QAL, it’s not too late and it will be easy to get caught up. The pattern (not an affiliate link) can be purchased Here.
Piece/Peace!
