Puzzlemania

Wanted to pop in and show you a little quilt I'm doing for an auction held by NQA.  It measures 18" square and I just need to stitch on the binding.  The puzzle technique was taught in a class given by our charity guild -- Coastal Quilters.  We all did one and we were told to bring a coloring book drawing (I used a drawing from EQ -- I'm not sure if it came with EQ or was an add-on program--I'm thinking the latter).  Once in class, we traced the drawing onto freezer paper, then just drew random lines around the drawing, cut out all the freezer paper pieces on the drawn lines, and fused our chosen fabric, etc.  I'm sure I'm not explaining it correctly, but it was easy and fun. I did mine in a quilt-as-you-go method, using satin stitching to hide the fused section joins.
 

Everyone's is different, depending on the drawing they used and their individual fabric choices.  Didn't it turn out cute, though?

Feeling fishy,
Suzy

Finally Over The Blues

This project has been in my UFO bin pile since probably the late '90's -- not long after I first started quilting.  When I picked it back up the other day, there were four "9-patch" blocks assembled and 12 of the alternate blocks were done.  I think I was planning on doing more, as I also had a stack of various blue fat quarters also in the bin...and a large amount of yardage of the blue plaid.

Well, after I made 9 more of the "9-patch" blocks and layed them out alternating, the blue just overwhelmed me.  I like blue fine, but it just didn't talk to me.  I knew I needed another color to give it some interest...and so I started playing.  I pulled several different fabrics from my stash closet (yep, trying to use some of my stash here, as well as tackle my UFOs).  At one point I even toyed with the idea of red/white/blue, but didn't have enough of the red/white background that I thought looked nice with it.  This layout with the gold also happens to be the one that I chose first, and it works for me.  I kinda like the "country" feel the gold gives it.

It feels wonderful to have one less UFO taunting me from the closet.

Here's to more UFO progress,
Suzy

Scrappy Trippin'

My Scrappy Trips top is now done!  It's huge -- 96x96!!!  There are 1,460 squares in it.  Yes, that's crazy...but it was so fun!  :o)

On to the next project,
Suzy

Dancing Baskets

I have another UFO finished into top form.  This one will be called "Dancing Baskets," unless I can come up with something wittier between now and when it's time to put the label on it.  LOL.  I'll be sending it out to be quilted as it's queen-sized.  I really like how it came out.  Wasn't sure about the blue borders, but they have grown on me.

I'm currently working on the quilt I will be teaching at Kids Quilt Camp this June.  No pics yet.

Hope you all are having productive days as well.  :o)

Chuging along,
Suzy

Farmer's Wife Blocks 1-50

Hi all!  As promised, I'm finally getting around to posting the progress on my Farmer's Wife blocks.  I'm almost at 60 done, but since I'll be posting in groups of 10, I've got the first 50 for your viewing pleasure.  You can click on the pics to enlarge them.

Blocks 1-10



Blocks 11-20

Yes, that black, red and ecru one is supposed to be pieced like that.  :o)



Blocks 21-30



 Blocks 31-40

Two still need the paper removed.

Blocks 41-50

Three still need the paper removed.

Hope you enjoyed my little block show!  :o)

Quilty hugs,

Suzy

More Info On My Custom FQ Die

A few of you have expressed an interest in my custom FQ die and how you can get one like it.  First of all, I'm flattered.  Thanks, peeps for thinking I've "dun good".  LOL!  Second, y'all are "noreply" so I can't contact you directly, so I'm doing so here on my blog, which may also help those who are interested in the future.

Now on to the important stuff...  Yes, I did design this die myself -- it is custom and not stocked for sale by AccuQuilt.  However, it MAY be possible to obtain one for yourself by contacting AccuQuilt directly with the information I am about to share with you.  FYI -- I drew up my prototype using my EQ (Electric Quilt) program.  Made it easier for me and AccuQuilt was very impressed.  *big grin*  Once I submitted the prototype, the ball got rolling and they quoted me a price ($132.00) and after my approval of their CAD drawing, they sent it on to be manufactured and shipped to me.



My Prototype as drawn in EQ



With that all said, and considering all the "hard" stuff is done, I wouldn't be surprised if they kept my die board in their archives (I mean, what if I use this one to death and need another?  LOL!)  So I will share with you my "die number."  Ready?  It is FQS9200186.  And I called the die "FQ To Scraps."

I hope those who are interested can get one for yourselves.  I'd love to hear from you on the outcome of your inquiry.  Good luck!

Quilty hugs,

Suzy

It's Here!!!

I got my custom FQ die today from Accuquilt!  I am so pumped!

Yes, I've tested it out.  I would have taken a video, but it's just little ol' me (if you don't count my Dad visiting for the winter who is totally techno challenged) and, of course, I need my hands free to crank.  Teehee.  So pictures will just have to suffice...

Here's the die (after my marking the cutting blade lines with my black sharpie).

And here's the die with three FQs folded lengthwise on the die.

And here's the die going through in one pass.  I must admit that it was a little tough to crank when I came to the end of the pass, but I think it's because I need to break the sucker in.  I'll let you know more about that later if it doesn't improve.

And here are the results! 

3 FQ's in one pass = six 2-1/2" strips, six 2" strips, six 1-1/2" strips, six 1" strips, six 1/2" strips (for mini string blocks using scant seams), 30 2-1/2" squares, 24 2" squares, 24 1-1/2" squares.  VERY LITTLE WASTE!

If the FQ I am cutting is short on a side, I put that side on the strip end, so my strips are a bit shorter (which is fine), and I lose that last full 2-1/2" square, but can use them as scraps or recut them into 1-1/2" or 2" squares.

In a FQ frenzy,
Suzy

Do-Over

Isn't it funny how fabric choice can totally make or break a quilt...

Better?

Lesson learned,
Suzy

Design Wall Monday

I'm making progress on a few of my projects. 

Here's where I am with my Scrappy Trip quilt.  All the blocks are done and now I'll be sewing the rows together.  Not sure if I'll get to these today.  Maybe tonight when it cools down some.  It's already 86 degrees here.  Probably will reach 90.  The thought of the weight of the quilt in my lap as I sew the center together just doesn't appeal to me in this heat.  And I refuse to turn on my air conditioning.  I'm a fresh air kinda girl.  *grin*

Here's my other project.  The workshop quilt that we didn't know what we were getting as they were in paper bags.  Each of the quilts everyone worked on were all different.  I was happy I got oriential fabrics, but I'm just not liking this quilt very much.  That and the fact that there wasn't enough fabric for the bottom border and I had to make do.  The only redeeming factor is that when my daughter picked up my grandson last night, I had it laying on the great room floor wondering if I should remove the one side border and replace it to match the bottom border; and she saw it and seems to love it.  Of course, it being in the purple color family may be a big reason.  She's a purple girl.  I was going to donate it to our guild to add to the charity quilts, but now I think I will send it to be quilted and give it to her as one of her birthday gifts (March 25). 

What are you all working on today?  Share with us on Judy's blog.  :o)

To finishes,
Suzy

I Caved...

Yep, I caved.  I'm weak.  I admit it.  (*hangs head in shame*)  Here are the Scrappy Trip blocks I have done so far...

Yes, they are just like potato chips...you can't stop at one.  There are worse things to be addicted to, I think.  :o)

Addicted and proud of it,
Suzy