STRING THING SWAP

Well, I have made another example of the String Thing project. I decided to try a block that is actually made with "strings". No certain width or not even straight. The ones I used are not very wide and I think I like this block better than the one that is made of 2 inch strips. I took pics as I was making it as I had one lady comment that she wanted to try it and needed more info. First I drew a line 1 " to the right of the diagonal center of a 13 1/2 inch square. I used the line to place my 2" center strip and pinned it with flat had pins. I sewed light strips on one side and dark strips on the other pressing after sewing each strip. If I did not like the angle of the strip I was sewing on, then I adjusted it as in picture #3.

Do you like the block on the left with uneven, random width strips or the right one with even 2" strips? I believe that I like the left one. I not only like the uneveness of the strip set, but the narrowness of the strips. A benefit of this choice is that I will not have to match any seams but the center ones.

I cut strips to include in the packets to participants. These strips will provide some continuity to my blocks. They can be added to the strips chosen by each member of the group.

Watch for Wacky Pac blog-- http://www.wackypac.blogspot.com/ for the results of this project, but you will probably have to wait awhile. Rhonda's choice of block can be found at http://www.ravelly1-quiltzblog.blogspot.com/

Header Collage

I have tried to accomplish a photo header featuring some of my quilts with no avail. I knew the size, but did not seem to have a program to achieve it. I have finally gotten there although I think a person who is more computer savvy could have done it "many moons ago". I realized today that I could do it through "Paint". I imported the photos one at a time placing in a collage manner then saved and imported it to Picasa where I cropped and saved again. I then just saved it to my blog header. Man--sure took so much less time to explain how I did it than it did to do it. I think I could do a better job now, but I am too tired. I guess you could say I spent my Thanksgiving Day in a worthy manner? I did learn something and my blog looks better than it did.

New Year Brings New Group Project--It's a String Thing!

My Stripy Thing Test Block

I think that the boot and cowboy (faces) fabrics should be on the light side.

(Those fabrics that are light AND dark confuse me.)

I also think that care should be taken to alternate the size of the prints.

Although the "Ole Bag Swap" quilt is not finished, the new years group project is soon to be started.

Our packets will be given out to members at our Christmas party on December 10.

The packets will consist of 3 13 1/2 inch squares of a base fabric for each of 8 members. A center 2 inch strip. The center strips should all be the same. This strip will provide a sashing look to the quilts when assembled.

Participants will add strips of choice to each side of the center strip for the members. Each participant will request a certain color/fabric choice for her blocks. Color combinations are unlimited. Pink/Green, Red/Blue, Black/White, --or---just say Batiks! Oh I am going with Western fabrics--light strips on one side and dark on the other. I am chosing a dark brown Krystal fabric for my center strip. I think the addition of botanical fabrics will be good. Trees, grass, rocks, dirt, or fabrics that give the idea of anything on the ranch. Maybe even some sky or rain--.

There is also a question of whether or not to require the strips used in your blocks to be the same width or varied widths. If they are the same, then the questions arises---Will there be a problem with all strips in all blocks being consistant so that there will be no problem matching seams when blocks are put together? One would hope that we can accomplish a consistant 1/4 inch seam or "just close enough". After all, we have been practising, right? I guess this is as good a time as any to take a leap of faith. So girls----I believe in us. I want all strips to be cut 2 inches. After the strips are sewn onto the base they should measure 1 1/2 inches. Let's do it!

I am thinking that I will provide some strips from my stash for each packet to insure some continuity. The girls should like this as it will be less cutting them and also less fabric to buy. This will help me "BUST SOME STASH".

Thanks for stopping by!!

Five Thousandth Visitor

IF IT IS NOT TOO LATE-LOOK AT THE COUNTER--IF YOU ARE THE 5000TH VISITOR, LET ME KNOW AND I WILL SEND YOU A FAT QUARTER. THANKS FO ALL FOR VISITING MY BLOG. I LOVE QUILTERS!

I THINK IT IS TOO LATE SO LET'S MAKE IT 6000TH!

Free Embroidery Designs

I haven't embroidered in a while, but I bought all the thread I need to embroidery for years, I think. I love Heather's Home designs. She has a yahoo site where all her free designs are available. You must join, but it is free. She puts up new designs fairly often and I have not found one that didn't stitch out beautifully. This bear is one that is perfect for the upcoming holiday. There are many more "bears" from ballerina to rainy day bears. Sometimes designs will be free for a time and then for sell. Visit http://www.heathershome.net/ -from her site you will link to Oregan patch Works where you can look and buy any of her designs. Then you can link to her yahoo site www.groups.yahoo.com/group/heathershome2/ where you can join then pick up all the free designs under "files".

WOULDN'T THIS LOOK GREAT ON A SHIRT?

It could say: "I think I will bearly cook on Thanksgiving!"

LET'S TRY IT OUT! I'LL POST IT WHEN I GET IT DONE--now what did I do with that hoop?

The Great Hunt!

Not a quilty post, but a documentation of a family experience. My DH shot his first Elk in Colorado this year. He has been invited to hunt with friends two other years, but has never shot anything. This elk, a 6x6 with a fairly high score, has a black rack. He is having it mounted and plans to hang it in our "den". Oh well, all I know to do is to pray that it won't fit.--

Antique Drunkards Path

Another antique quilt from the Fryer Family. The feedsack backing was dyed a dark brown. I have no apraisal as of yet, so I have no approximate date. I have always placed this quilt about the same time as the previous one, circa 1900. What do you think?