Sunday, April 18, 2010

Missing in action

I stepped away from the computer, I sewed and it was great!
I finally got this quilt top sewn up, it's been in sections on the wall and off the wall. Thank goodness I'd taken a photo so I could put the jigsaw back together. I can tell you, this one is a load off my mind, It had been the cause of stalling on other projects I'd rather play with.
I've resisted starting any new projects all year but when the need strikes, I give in to temptation. I've been in the doldrums, nothing major but a new project cures that so I've found out.

I wanted something quick and fresh looking and I knew I wanted to use white. After a false start on something else, I started on nine patches and snowball blocks and then I just kept making them. I love the black and white prints scattered in these. You know I love red and white!
Here's the inspiration. The blocks in the book are only 9cm, about 3 1/2" but I made mine 6" finished. It'll end up as a small quilt, maybe lap size.
The book is one I've shown before by Suzuko Koseki
So now I have the two projects on my design wall that I really want to keep working on and it's a happy sight walking into the sewing room now.
I'm sorry to report that the klosje blocks took a back seat this week and the total number of blocks is... zero, that's right, nothing, none, nada, zip, zilch. I have some catching up to do.

P.S. I nearly forgot to tell you that Pam from Piecefully has set up a Flickr group for anyone who has made or is making a Kim McLean pattern as well as those who are just interested in them.  It's called Kim McLean quilt love and you can go visit or join here where you can even see my unfinished works in progress.

55 comments:

Lurline said...

Love your 'just-finished' project ant he other 2 are sensational! Guess what - I've been preparing some applique!
Hugs- Lurline♥

SandyN said...

Just beautiful.... it is a good feeling - hey.

Sandy N

szkornelia said...

I love these tops. Especially the red one. This pattern is very pretty, and looks good in red.

Mona said...

It`s beatiful. The red one too.....Hugs from Norway.

Frauke said...

wonderfull your colours und blogs , I like this simple Quilts
Frauke from north germany

Nat Palaskas said...

Love them all Janet. The red and white is my favorite apart from Stars and Sprigs of course. Oh what Am I talking about. They are all beautiful and I wish I have that book. Will be looking for it - Hugs Nat

Sue-Anne said...

I love all the projects shown but especially the red and white. I love the simplicity of the two blocks and two colours.

Marieke said...

Beautiful top! And the klosjes can wait: they are not going anywhere! Enjoy your weekend!

Sheri Howard said...

So funny that we have to step away from the computer to sew! So many wonderful things on blogs that you want to make everything you see! Love your quilts! Glad you could sew!

Terry said...

Your design wall looks beautiful! Love the nine patches and snowballs especially! That's on my someday list. :0)

Cathy @ CabbageQuilts said...

Wow Janet, look at all you are doing. I love that checkered look, that would take me ages to do. I hope your red and white gorgeous snowballs will help you feel a little better (hopefully a little package in the mail this week will help too!). I adore your Kim Mc quilt you are doing and can't wait for her to get the pattern out for this one, its a must do for me! xo

antique quilter said...

a new project is what we all need sometimes...
ah yes red and white, nothing better in mho1!!!
ok add a bit of green and cheddar and all is good in my world!
although lately I am loving 2 color quilts good for you giving in looks like a wonderful quilt in the making to me.
always love seeing your projects in progress
Kathie

ranette said...

Yummy....I really love both of your projects and of course you know how I feel about the red and white one...might copy you and make it!

How big are the squares in your color wash quilt?

I'm almost done with my Pie's and Tart's...woohoo and then I'm going to treat myself to starting something new...lol

Joan said...

The projects on your design wall are lovely...I specially like the red and white one....but then again - the other one is fantastic...looks like heaps of work...and that makes you happy - so all is good!♥

Joanne said...

Both quilts on your design wall are fabulous! Red and white quilts are a favorite of mine too.♥

luv2quilt2 said...

Your applique is always gorgeous, and I love the 9 patch-snowball.

Terrie Sandelin said...

I love those squares! Beautiful color. And the red and white is gorgeous, of course -- coming nine patch blocks and snow balls is another one of my favorite combinations. So classic.

Betsy said...

they are all fabulous!!! I love seeing your work. It is always so motivating.

PatchworkRose said...

Both Of those quilts are looking so good. I would not like to have to choose. Have a great week
Cheers
Lynne

Lori said...

Wow! Your machine has really been humming!!!
I'm partial to the stars and applique blocks.
The border on the snowball really sets it off nicely. I think you made a good choice going with the 6inch blocks.

Crispy said...

Ohhh I remember the quilt on top, isn't it wonderful to finally get 'er worked on? The Stars & Sprigs is one of my favorites of your many projects :0)

Crispy

Victoria Findlay Wolfe said...

LOVE the squares!!! the colors are fantastic!!! Everything is looking good!~

beth said...

I love the red and white. Simple and stunning!!!

Karen said...

That was about a million squares in your quilt with all the squares! I know you are happy to have it sewn together and it looks very good.

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

Wow I love your top! I can see why you'd have to step away to work on it, but it turned out gorgeous! Love your starts too~ I love red & white and a little black too! ;-)

Marion said...

Both tops are wonderful! Red and white is always a good combination. Your older project looks like a lot of fun... I love those colors!

Dixie Howard said...

Your finished project is so happy looking! Red and white is one of my favorites too - the quilt you are making is wonderful. Hurray to you for starting a new project -that always brightens my day too. Your design wall is really cheeful and fun!

Darlene said...

I love your finished project, Janet. Delightful.

OK, I'm crazy about your red and white nine patch/snowball project. There's something about working with white - I completely get your need to do that. :-) BTW, I want your scraps from that quilt - I'm very smitten with it.

Anonymous said...

Oh Janet...wonderful just finished!

Cathi said...

Gorgeous finish! It is SO pretty!!
I love your snowball project. I keep thinking I want to make a red and white quilt. Perhaps this is what it should be. Hmm ...

Shirley said...

Janet,
I have very few red and white fabrics but after seeing your little delight I may need to go shopping again. Can you come with me? Might be a bit tricky as there are no flights to be seen anywhere in the vicinity of the uk.
Shirley.

Anonymous said...

I am humbled...and a bit embarrassed. Thank you, Janet. This was quite an unexpected ShOuT OuT!!!

Your projects are lovely and inspiring! ALL of them : )

Anyone is welcome to join the flickr group - we are SEW happy to have you! And, please feel free to drop by my blog anytime - you're ALWAYS welcome! ; )

Barb said...

Love your projects, that first quilt is so fun and fresh...love them all!!

Unknown said...

Love what you've been doing..know what you mean about a new project to get you going..I think we are all a bit like that..Thanks for the link to Kim McLean..I Do Love her work..it's on my To Do List. lol..
cheers

alobsiger said...

Echoing previous sentiments on everything! You've been busy. I ADORE all of those squares. The subtle shifts in color are wonderful. I admire your stick-to-it-ive-ness with that one. Still swooning over your Kim McLean project -- waiting, waiting, waiting for it to come out. Wonderful! I hope you're feeling better! I may have fantasized a few more projects this weekend myself. I would need to step away from life to get them all done! Take care!

Karen said...

Love that design wall. What pattern/ book is the star and appliqued blocks from? They are adorable!! I didn't get any Klosjes made this week either. My husband in stuck in Scotland and can't get home. It's been very stressful. But love the works in progress.

Anonymous said...

I really like all your projects, you have been busy! I especially like the top one on the design wall.

Julia said...

Love them all Janet.
Starting a new project is always fun!
Hugs Julia ♥

Sherri said...

I absolutely love both projects on your design wall!

julieQ said...

Doesn't it just feel good to accomplish something at the sewing machine? Love your snowballs!

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh what fun sewing you've done lately! I love the top one! I"ve often thought about making one like that - "someday"!

Anonymous said...

Hi Janet, I saw your comment on Thimbleanna about being tempted to tear recipes from magazines when you are in a waiting room ..... I always have my camera with me, so I take a photo of the recipe and print it out later. Regards, Anne
ps - love your quilts!!

Kim D. said...

Beautiful Janet!! I love bright colors and I especially love red and white together.

A Time for Stitching said...

I love your red and white quilt. I like to focus in and out to highlight the different aspects of it. A simple design but effective from a distance.
Teresa x

Barb said...

the red snow ball and nine-patches look great. So crisp and fresh.

I love the checkerboard quilt - good for you!

Janet said...

It does feel good to finish something and start something new. Your checkerboard looks great! I just love your new 9 patch snowball quilt - simply pretty! Your design wall looks like a happy sight to me too :0)

Thimbleanna said...

As always, you are absolutely FULL of inspiration. LOVE your design wall -- what a happy place to be!

MamaT said...

I love the red and white. I think I'll do one like it. You've inspired me.

Carrie P. said...

Oh your first top looks great and reminds me of a sunset.
Lovin' that red and white quilt too. Lots going on in your sewing room.

Jan said...

LOVE the red and white snowball quilt!!!!

Robin said...

Quick and fresh are always good! :) My very first quilt was a snowball/9-patch... there is just something so lovely about that design. And the red and whites are perfect for it!

What a gorgeous top you've created with those 16-patches... I love the touch of aqua in the center.

Valentina said...

:)
sigh...
what KLosjes?!
:)
my heart is full, lovely lovely projects!
Valentina

QuiltedSimple said...

what great projects you ahve going on! i would have such a hard time picking what to work on....lol
kris

Rose Marie said...

Lovely projects and each one would be fun to work on.

Nanette Merrill said...

Well of course I have that book and love love that pattern. You've been doing great to resist new projects. That was my new years resolution. Well, it didn't last. I'm loving seeing what you are up to. I've neglected my friends blogs and I am surely loving seeing all your great stuff.