Antique Quilt Block Challenge

 

Hi everyone! Another Friday? Yes I think it is Friday. Again.

Trader Joe's - - too crowded today

The too-early frigid temps and storms and wind are receding [though Mel from out west in Kansas reports cold is back and on its way!] and tomorrow Mo and I hope to un-bungee the deck table and chairs one more time before winter. Mo just loves his deck time with Mom [me]; even in the winter I try to sit out with him, if briefly. I have lots of nice handwork prepped, best to sew in bright natural sun. Right now I'm sewing the central snowman on Silent Night. Oh he is a big guy, maybe 10, 12" tall.

And I have my Antique Block Challenge Little Quilt all set for some hand quilting too.

You may recall this year I am avoiding, if not entirely, but mostly, all sew alongs and challenge projects. I find I am happier and calmer doing my own things in my own time. I'm not a competitive person and the sewalong groupies, the overachievers who relentlessly produce and post the day's clues, upset me a lot. Yes I know they're having fun and I applaud that, but there is, to me, a hint of nyah nyah, I am first and you are not mean girl taunting, happening in a subtle way. I feel unsettled, like a slacker, which isn't fun at all.

The Antique Block Challenge [ABC] seemed more casual, and really spoke to my love of humble leftover yet saved for even hundreds of years old quilt blocks. You can read Lori/ Humble Quilts post HERE. I think originally it was just for her and some quilt convention friends, but since all quilt shows have been cancelled this year, Lori threw open the idea to all her readers and followers. Pretty simple: Make a small quilt using an antique block.

My first love, when getting back to sewing when I became single again, was and is making quilts using those vintage and antique tops or blocks, unused but very interesting, even beautiful. I love looking at the bright, never washed fabric, or noting the fragile remnants, some sewed together with tiny bits of fabric. I love the often amazing hand piecing, the tiny seam allowances, the perfectly even stitches. The old blocks tell us so much and deserve a second or even a third chance to be used and cherished.

I have a big stash of antique blocks, so if you're reading this and need a block let me know and I'll list them on my etsy page. The challenge finishes Thanksgiving Day but one can make a little quilt any time, right? Be aware that many if not all have imperfections! below is not for sale

The challenge got me thinking about my Baskets project, as mentioned last week. I am still collecting Basket blocks for the planned quilt. It's been at least ten years of looking. I don't consider this an unfinished project, heaven forbid! no UFOs allowed at the Beach!, but a WIP, work in progress. Anyway that project was too big, too much, and though still on my worktable, it is not going to be my ABC.

This block was a gift and a favorite of mine. I had it pinned up on my little display quilt for quite a few years.

It was hard to use it--what if my plan goes wrong???

But then I found the new but similar little blocks in my tiny HOPE box of extras and the idea just came together. I reluctantly used another fave for the background, this wonderful Judie Rothermel print. Why do I only have a half yard of this? Too bad!

I used the setting from the Blue Plaid Strippy quilt, a central section plus open borders [hahaha]. Lori showed another couple of small quilts using this odd but effective layout too, not sure where the idea originated or how, so no attribution.

These quilts are called The Lucky series because they use this special signature red horseshoe print that I love.

The Sawtooth Medallion will be Lucky Number Three.

The Challenge is due finished by the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Actually before that, so Lori can show them on her blog post. I was planning to leave this for hand-quilting next summer but for now my ideas are flexible. I have it layered up with its batting and backing. We'll see how deck time sewing goes.

Have a good weekend!

love

lizzy

gone to the beach...

The weather was so cold and I was recuperating from my clinic day [almost better! Thanks to you all whose sent good wishes and checked up on how I was feeling! I was relieved that the IV center had only me and a technician in the room this time. No crowd like last time. Though it's sad we have to worry--about EVERYTHING. Still.] So not many beach pictures but a sunset or two, and a little visit from fashion icon Baby Mo.

Mo's new jacket is very light and fluffy yet waterproof. Insulated. Good value at I think, $16.99, by Frisco, from Chewy.com

Backing:

PS I will post a link to Lori's blog next week when she shows her ABC and others submitted, so you can enjoy them all.