January 2013 Craftsy Block of the Month

Whipped up the January 2013 block of the month.  The pattern calls for 4 of the Offset Log Cabin blocks.  My color choices for this quilt project are black & white with beige as the background fabric.  There will be gold and other tan fabrics & maybe a pop of color every once in awhile.  It will be interesting to see what the final quilt top looks like.  I am so glad that I bought an assortment of black & white print fat quarters over the past 2 years.

Now that the January block is out of the way I can start on the next quilt project.  Hmmmmmm, what to do, what to do.

Big Block Stars Revisited

Had an order for another big block star quilt.  I was able to find some batik 10" squares on sale and just love the colors.  Used cream as the background fabric and brown for the highlight fabric & backing.  I quilted a meandering stitch with leaves tossed in here and there.  The top and bottom both begin with a row of leaves with ribbon curls.  Now that this quilt is finished I can start on the new block of the month project from Craftsy.com.  Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Big Block Star blocks

"Starlight"

Newest Bargain

I dropped by Deseret Industries (local thrift store) on my lunch hour and found this sweet little bargain.  Brought it home, cleaned it up, serviced it, gave it a couple of adjustments and there you have it.  The original instruction manual was inside and included the original sales receipt from Sears.  The tool box is missing the buttonhole attachment, but I just happen to have a Kenmore buttonholer in my parts drawer.  Guess it's OK to save things once in a while.  This is what would be termed a "utility stitch" machine.  Has all the basic stitches & stretch stitches.  Oh what fun I am going to have.

The machine was purchased new in 1971 for $139 back in Ohio.  Now can you guess what I paid for it?

Yep, this little lady was only $8.00!

Happy sewing everyone.

It's in the bag!

I watched a couple of tutorials on my favorite Missouri Star Quilt Company site.  Jenny Doan showed how to make a bag from charm squares.  The tutorial is entitled "3 bags 1 charm".  There was also a tutorial on making preemie blankets using charm squares.  Well, I had some orphan blocks (you know, those unused quilt blocks that hide in your boxes).  Any way, I thought, hmmmmmmm, what if I used some orphan blocks instead of charm squares to make the bag.  What do you know.  I have a bag.  I used an orphan block as the inside pocket, 2 orphan blocks for the front and the back, added a flap closure with velcro closing, and a button tied on with ribbon for an embellishment.  Still have a couple of orphan blocks left to make a preemie blanket or two.  I hope you all check out the Missouri Star Quilt Company online.  I just received two orders in the mail from them.  The one invoice included a hand written note from Julie wishing me a good day.  Well, with wonderful folks like the ones at the MSQC I will have a wonderful day.

I hope you all have a wonderful day too.