SIS BOOM POW!

Quilts need homes, just like families

2010-05-05T10:49:00.003-04:00

The beauty of your help from my past projects,
has grown into this beauty.

Quilts given to homeless families that are being put back into housing, and life.

http://bumblebeansbasics.com/

Please hop over to the site,
Send off a quilt.

You can empower a family with just a quilt.

Take the button, post, tell, share.

Spread the love around.

Thank you!

All 8!

2010-01-07T15:38:00.004-05:00

Tops are all finished... I had to scrap as much as possible to make the fabric stretch! JP sent another box today so I was able to border the quilts, and now I will piece the back as well out of everything I have left. I tried to at least have 2 quilts for boys that weren't all flowery. The plaid and green one. They were so fun to work on! Thanks Jennifer again!

ALSO! Project Linus will get these quilts. Thanks for Voting!

Pleased as punch!

2010-01-06T13:45:00.001-05:00

Click image to see them larger!

So far, I have these put together... I have two more sets to complete, and then I will use all fabrics I have left from Jennifer to scrap borders together...

Don't they look awesome!!

So when are you all coming over to help me bind them when they are done being quilted???

;-) I wish.

Please also,

HOP over to my pal, Linda's page(click here), and thank her profusely, for accepting to quilt ALL of them for us...

You guys R O C K!!!!

Pink and blue

2010-01-04T22:14:00.007-05:00

PLEASE VOTE >>>>>>

Baby Blankets it is! I am planing to start them tomorrow(tuesday)...
Luckily I have lots of Jennifer's fabrics in pink and blue, so I' will do 4 of each...
Shall we vote on the donation receiver?
let me see if I can figure out a vote thingy on this blog....
;-)
And if I am missing any that were mentioned please let me know again and I will add it to the vote list at right...
This was a group project, so i want you all to pick... thanks guys!

Baby blankets....???

2009-12-30T16:26:00.004-05:00

Hello Fabulous ladies.
Happy New Year!

I squared up the sis boom blocks today, and as I was doing so was thinking about
how they will go together... I divided them up into piles of 6
and am thinking about making 8 baby quilts instead of 2 big quilts..

I have yardage of a pink fabric and of a blue fabric from Jennifer,
and think that would be a nice way to finish them off.

Then we can donate them to Project Linus or which ever charity that will accept them,
that we would like....

How does that sound?

Let me know your favorite charity groups for kids quilts, then we can vote on it...

Happy New Year!

JP makes for cute quilts

2009-12-22T17:49:00.004-05:00

The first I had heard of Jennifer Paganelli was in September. I went to visit Victoria in New York (to sew together) and she had this box of fabrics that this designer had sent her. She asked me if I would like to make a couple of blocks for these two quilts she was putting together. Of course I said yes. (I was staying at her house, was I going to say no?) I zipped two blocks together and fell in love with these fabrics.

A month later, I had to make two baby quilts (for girls) before the first of the year. Well, what else was I going make them with? And of course, they turned out darlin.

And then guess what I did with the left over scraps.

all of them!

2009-12-03T21:37:00.001-05:00

Hi all! So i do have all the blocks now! if only I had a design wall to stick them up on!

After Christmas I will sort them and get working on putting them all together.

I thank all of you for your lovely work!

Now do you all wanna come to NY and help me put them together?

ha! wishful thinking... *smiles!*

Being new to applique myself, I have to say, I learned a lot from each of the blocks in came in.

So. Stay tuned. There will be a bit of a break before I can get to to putting these together.

So for now, I want to wish everyone , Happy Holidays!

And THANK YOU ALL for your lovely generosity and creativity!

And helping me with this most recent Donation Quilt.

I know how busy we all get this month, and my wish for you all, is that you get to savor each precious moment... Because it all goes so fast...

ENJOY!

********

A Day Late and a Dollar Short

2009-12-03T12:49:00.000-05:00

I did my blocks for Sis Boom Pow Block Gather - but I just haven't posted them yet. I thought I would finally get them posted - if anyone is still interested!

I really enjoyed making these! The fabric is so fun.

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to do this, V! I can hardly wait to see this quilt finished.

Almost done!

2009-11-20T13:09:00.002-05:00

I've recvd almost all the blocks.
A few are not signed and I did not remember at the time to look at the envelope
so i don't know who to remind. I think they might be in the mail..
or if you don't see your blocks in the photos, let me know that they were sent.

Great job Everyone!!!!

A Finished Little Bee

2009-11-18T14:23:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to share the finished little bee on my second block for V!

Three Billy Goats Gruff

2009-11-14T18:04:00.002-05:00

Inspiration shouldn't come from the bathroom when it comes to quilting, but it did. We've been having some bathroom battles with our three year old and we've taken to reading to her while we all wait for her to go. Her favourite book for this is an edition of Three Billy Goats Gruff that was my Hubby's when he was a kid.

As soon as I got my package from Victoria I thought of the book. The colours of the fabric were bright and rich, just like those in the illustrations. So I took the flowers that are on nearly every page of the book and recreated them with the fabric. It's all fusible applique with a contrasting outline stitch to echo the notion of illustration.

Now, aren't you glad I didn't say I was inspired by poop?

Fiesta Flowers!

2009-11-12T13:52:00.005-05:00

So I'm finally getting these done! Aaagh!

Here is the ironed together first block :) It will be raw edge appliqued.

The theme was Fiesta and my favorite thing about a fiesta would have to be the colorful skirts and flowers that are worn, so, I took that idea and ran!

I layered my flower with color in the center but then I decided to mix 'em up a bit just for fun!

My second block will be a bit different but still fun! I'll post as they come along!

I also had some issues with shrinking of the backing but went ahead and just tried to give enough edge space to trim and sew :)

I'm loving all the blocks and can't wait to see them all together, but I guess that means I better stop talking and start sewing!

Almost... finished...

2009-11-12T00:45:00.002-05:00

One block down... Inspired by this Flickr photo...

One to go! Just a few more stitches to add tonight... it just needed a little something more buzzing around...

I ended up caving under pressure (deadlines, eeeek!) and falling back on raw edge, fused and machine stitch applique, which isn't new to me although I haven't done a lot of it either. However, this experiment did inspire me to broaden my applique skills in the needleturn department. I'm looking for a local class or considering the Piece O Cake book for that... so thank you V! I will be mailing these to you by the end of the week!

Finally!

2009-11-06T13:48:00.002-05:00

I finally managed to get my blocks done. I was beginning to wonder if I'd make the deadline! I didn't even choose anything that hard . . .

I made both of mine alike . . . I guess my imagination is a bit stalled (too much head congestion). It's a Robyn Pandolph design from a long time ago, greatly simplified. I liked the birds everyone else was doing, so I thought these two would fit right in with them.

So they'll be in the mail soon, and I'm so glad I made it in time. Thanks, V, for including me! It's been fun!

another week...

2009-11-04T09:50:00.002-05:00

Hey there Mr. Postman!~

We have a little more than a week before Nov 14th.

Please try to have your blocks mailed by NOV14th.

Right now only half of you have sent in your blocks. I would like to try to wrap up this project before the holidays, So please make the effort.
Thanks!
They all look great, and know that many are in the mail as I write this.

Also, Check in with Jennifer Paganelli this week, see what cute things she's been up too.

Finally plucked up the courage!

2009-11-03T21:05:00.003-05:00

Well I finally plucked up the courage to have a go with the real fabrics. I settled on a raw edge technique.

I started off with a Dia de los Muertos theme, but it just looked wierd and a bit spooky rather than funky and cool which was the look I was going for! So that got turned into this.

And then I was inspired by Upsy Daisy from In the Night Garden, and did this flower.

I thought it would balance nicely with V's dresden plate.

Hope you like them V, they'll be in the post this afternoon.

2009-11-03T12:21:00.003-05:00

Hi Ladies,

got my blocks done for the quilts. It was fun to learn something new. I originally wanted to try different types of applique, but in the end...I ran out of time...I found the tutorial for this block at Cluck Cluck Sew. It was a lot of fun. Thanks for the opportunity V. ~Jenny

From Italy

2009-11-01T02:23:00.006-05:00

This are the blocks made by my friends.... both are great appliquè quilters!

The Claudia's ones...

...and the Luciana's ones...

All the blocks are flying to N.Y.city!

Wow!

2009-10-31T15:35:00.003-04:00

Looking good Everyone! The Blocks are really looking great together!
I'm loving seeing how all your creative minds work! It's truly a great experience seeing these blocks come in and watch the quilts grow! So many processes, techniques and designs, so very Inspiring! Thanks for taking the challenge!
Remember to please have you blocks shipped ASAP,
I'd liked to have received the rest by Mid November.
Thanks!

Keep those creative juices flowing!

2009-10-31T12:03:00.003-04:00

I finished my second block this am!
I will be mailing them to Victoria on Monday!
Happy Halloween
Kathie
http://inspiredbyantiquequilts.blogspot.com/

finito!

2009-10-31T09:21:00.012-04:00

Alrighty then! I finished up my second block last night. This one was completely my design. I had a little help with the scooter block design though :).

For the "tulip twist" block, I wanted to try my hand at the applique where you turn the raw edges under, so there is no fusible web on the fabric. As far as I can tell, it's like needle turn, but with an iron, and sewn with a machine. I actually got all my tips for doing this from Pat Sloan's book, Pat Sloans Favorite Techniques. I cannot recommend this book enough. She not only goes over the how-to's of applique, she tells you what her favorite products are and why.

I'll let my block speak for itself, this is my first hand at doing applique like this, and I'm very pleased.

Basically, to make this block I cut out the shapes and used my clover craft iron with the mini head on it to press all the little pieces with some light starch. I then used some "glue-baste-it" to tack all the pieces down where I wanted. (this product is ESSENTIAL! There is no way I would have been able to get perfect placement by pinning all those little bits down with straight pins. And since I didn't want to have the extra stiffness of the webbing, this product really impressed me!!) Using a straight stitch, I stitched very close to the edges (I don't typically do hand sewing unless it would save my life or the life someone that I love! :))

I also wanted to give just a few tips on my scooter block.

I did this with raw edge applique, so there has to be a fusible webbing on the back (I guess so the fabric won't fray too much?) Anyway, the product I used that made the biggest difference for placing all the pieces for the scooter, was "The applique pressing sheet". I have had mine for years, and don't know when, why, or where I picked it up, but this was the first time I used it, since this is the first time I've done applique. It's so awesome because you fuse your pieces together on the pressing sheet instead of your background fabric. As you're fusing the pieces together, if you don't get perfect placement, you can peel the piece off the mat and move them!!!! I had to do that a couple times so I was very grateful I didn't just start out by fusing the pieces to the background fabric where I couldn't have moved them.

So thank-you so much V for putting this all together! It pushed me to finally try applique and stretched my thought processes for sure! I'm very excited that through a little research and with a little skill, I CAN do applique, it's not that hard. Just a little tedious and time consuming!

~Penny

first block

2009-10-30T11:48:00.006-04:00

I'm so excited!
It's actually turning out the way I envisioned.

Now I just need help!

All you applique experts out there, do I just do a straight stitch around the edges?

EDITED TO ADD:

ok, so here it is all sewn down with a straight stitch. I'm really happy with how it turned out!

baby steps

2009-10-29T20:47:00.007-04:00

I've been dipping my toes in the world of applique with a little research, and now it's time to take the plunge. This is the current state of my applique blocks:

But tomorrow, that's all gonna change. I've got grand ideas. Hopefully the ideas will look as grand with fabric as they do in my head, lol!

We'll talk tomorrow, either way!

Quick Post

2009-10-29T12:29:00.002-04:00

Just wanted to show my finished block...I had planned to run to the post office, but I am home with a sick kiddo today...maybe later tonight after hubby gets home..or first thing tomorrow! This block makes me happy..the raw edges seem appropriate for bird feathers and a nest! I'm feeling a bit more confident with a new technique (thanks for the motivation V!) And thanks to everyone for the kind comments.

Finished

2009-10-27T19:24:00.001-04:00

Just a quick post to let you know I am finished with my second block (no pics taken yet...maybe tomorrow) but I wanted you to know that it is finished! I can't find my micron pen, so will run out to get one tomorrow, then to the post office!

Finite

2009-10-26T12:05:00.000-04:00

Finally completed...and I had so much fun with these, I want more fabric to create more loveliness! For more shots of these, I blogged them here:Happy sewing,
Doris

2009-10-26T12:03:00.003-04:00

for me this was a real challenge!
It was fun using little bits of fabric and making do with what I had
notice the bird, I wanted him to be blue,
blue bird of happiness thoughts here :) but the piece was not big enough I sewed pieces together to get the size I needed!
finally after cutting and playing this is what I came up with...now the appliquéing will begin.
Hope you like them
Kathie

Nearing completion.

2009-10-25T17:30:00.001-04:00

I guess I will have to watch alot of TV this week to get these done.
M.C.

Get 'er done!

2009-10-25T17:23:00.001-04:00

Hi,
Needs work....this has been really fun. I love what everyone has done. Such variety....Such talent!!
Mary C.

One block

2009-10-25T14:24:00.002-04:00

...almost done! I need to stitch it down and add some details. I feel like it's okay, but I'm looking forward to improving on my second one! It was really tricky figuring out how to cut and place the pieces, and everything ended up bigger and reversed from the original plan.

Cats blocks

2009-10-25T11:09:00.002-04:00

This are my blocks done. I'm waiting for the ones from my friends and so I will send them to N.Y.city.

nichi

Mailed?

2009-10-23T14:30:00.000-04:00

My very wonderful husband is on the way to the post office with the blocks in hand. V - please forgive me for including nothing for you in the package but I hurt my back and my husband is doing most of the running. I just couldn't figure out how to send him to get a trinket or a cut of fabric. He would gladly do it if I could be specific, but I couldn't. Thanks so much for allowing me to participate. I am on pins and needles waiting to see the finished quilts.

DONE and DONE!

2009-10-23T09:17:00.003-04:00

I really struggled with what to do for my applique. I had thought I would do reverse applique (something I've never tried) but once I saw the fabric I realized I probably wouldn't have enough for two blocks and get lots of contrast....

So I put the fabric aside for awhile until I was printing a leaf template from Martha Stewart's web site and there happened to be a butterfly on the same page. "Voila!" I thought! If a butterfly doesn't say colorful I don't know what does!

I wish I would have arranged them both like the one on the left, I think the possibilities for quilting are really cool. C'est la vie!

Lots of Changes

2009-10-22T16:53:00.001-04:00

I finished my blocks today and after all my planning they are nothing like I thought they would be. I am at least not horrified with either of them. I thought and planned and then the fabric didn't talk to me when I tried to force it into the patterns I had in mind.

I did manage to get the bird I love in one of the blocks and I think it turned out sort of cute - take a look.

The other block was supposed to be a flower, but there wasn't enough fabric in colors close enough to pull it off, so I regrouped. I went online and searched and found the machine applique paisley by Jennifer Paganelli. Being blissfully ignorant I thought I was up to the challenge of placing 3 of the paisleys equally in the square, I wasn't and it is a little off, but I still like it. Hope you do too.

Now I hope they are usable in the quilts. I had fun making them and actually learned a little.

Penny G.

two new

2009-10-22T15:56:00.003-04:00

Two new blocks! I am posting these blocks for my mother! Yes, I wrangled her in to help
on this quilt too. Trying to encourage her to start doing more sewing again...
She liked to point out to me, that, the last time SHE appliqued, was also the last time I APPLIQUED.
I had a home Economics class in 8th grade, where I had to applique a scene, and of course I picked something rather difficult because I had already been sewing for quite a while...
it was three little chicks under a BIG umbrella... I had a broken leg, and sat around, and thought it was the perfect thing to work on... But it was so putzy, that I couldn't stand it and I begged my mother to help me finish it!
My first time and my last time for a good 25 years!
So, Way to go MOM! Thanks for giving it a whirl! And you surprised me by trying some different things! A few yoyo's in there, a ruffle, some cording...
Thanks mother dear!

...at last!

2009-10-21T08:14:00.002-04:00

The package arrived at last!

nichi

The Sun and The Moon

2009-10-21T00:52:00.000-04:00

Here they are my

Moon and Sun.

My inspiration came from a Mexican serving dish I have as decoration.

There were other designs worked up but thought this would be THE ONE.

It's raw edge applique with some hand embroidery in royal blue.

I really enjoyed myself with this project.

(You'll have to excuse the picture quality. I wanted to post this tonight so there was only artificial light available. Bummer!)

Thanks V for letting me come along for the ride!

It's in the mail tomorrow :o)

Till Next Time!

Carla

rolling along

2009-10-19T20:54:00.002-04:00

Hi all! Boy! Coming home last night was fun!
Lot's of little packages!

Thanks, Tara, Mary, Janet, Sarah P, and Trudi! Don't they look great!!!

;-)

Grey...

2009-10-18T04:13:00.006-04:00

Hello everyone,
this post is grey as my mood. I didn't receive my package with scraps! How far is Italy? Where is it lost? I'm really really sorry. My patterns are ready...I'm ready...but... Hope I will be on time to add also the mine to your wonderful blocks. I haven't any of this fabrics in my stash otherwise I have used the mine. Sigh! I can only wait!

nichi

Sneak Peak

2009-10-17T21:29:00.001-04:00

Everyone has such amazing stuff going on with their blocks! It's a bit intimidating I'll have to admit. I have finished one block and still working on the second one. It's not flowers but something I created with some help from my kitchen.

It's all raw edge applique with some embroidery.

Any guesses as to what it might be? I'll give you a hint: It's not any type of food.

I'm hoping by tomorrow evening to post the finished products.

Till Next Time!

Carla

2009-10-17T17:18:00.000-04:00

What I have done so far.
This hexagon is really labor intensive. I am not sure if I will do one on the other block.. ...They're cut out already. I have to think about it.. Have a great weekend, everyone. I have never posted on a blog so I hope it works.
Mary C.

ready for the mail!!

2009-10-17T10:25:00.006-04:00

my blocks are ready!! I must confess that after seeing the work of other girls, I feel that my blocks are a little "naked", but hey, I'm not a frilly person, so these blocks may talk a little about myself ... also I'm a bit nervous for the work i did because i'm not an apliqque expert!! so with all those things i hope you like them...

the white fabric shrink a little ... I ironed several times to no longer shrinks again ... I hope not shrink back ... I thing everything goes well with those amazing quilts!

and monday they will be in the mail!!

have a great weekend everyone!!

Peek-a-Boo

2009-10-16T10:29:00.001-04:00

Just a little sneak peek since they are still works in progress....

More soon....

Doris
www.threadsofconversation.blogspot.com

I finished my blocks!

2009-10-16T10:19:00.002-04:00

Haven't done much applique since I finished the center of the medallion of Comsati (my header quilt) so it was good to get back to it. I am just a beginner at applique.

Well Victoria ask for applique for the Sis Boom Pow blocks, so I got out my Easy Applique Blocks book by Kay Mackenzie and chose the vase. This cool book has a CD so I went to the index and chose my design and the size I wanted (so easy) and printed it out. I used the starch method for these.

Hope they work for the quilts Victoria is making. I sure had fun putting them together. They're going in the mail today.

pat on the back

2009-10-15T20:22:00.003-04:00

Hi from Houston! Need some applique inspiration? leave it to me, all these gorgeous quilts, and I'm obsessed with the few they have hanging from the 1800's... I only had my phone with me today, as I cruised through for an hour, exhausted from the flight... This quilt top was for the 1800's, and the entire thing is appliqued... andmany hand dyed fabrics... It has such warm tones... i love it.

here's a little close up...

There seems to be many people in blog land doing feathery flowers like this lately,
well this was from 1850. gorgeous.
It's all a bit overwhelming. It's so huge, and people, and booths etc etc...
(ME, from NYC, complaining about people and crowds??!!)
Anyway, makes me feel I have a lot to learn!
And what fun I'll have learning!

Speaking of learning...
I am so impressed with all of you and your blocks.
No matter what level you are at, the one thing I am always telling people,
is just give it a try, try new things, techniques, styles, colors etc...
These donation quilts are all about a bunch of people coming together
to make someones life, maybe a bit easier, or happier...

You all are doing a great job... No intimidation here...

Everyone just do your thing and go for it.

Thanks ladies for taking a chance and trying new things.
Now I am off to bed, i have some ladies to meet up with tomorrow.
(Shelly of shelly quilts and Shelly of prairie moon quilts.) what fun!
Besides, In the a.m. I need to sneak off and see the art Houston has to offer too....

Like the Rothko Chapel...
And maybe find me some BBQ~

there's some good stuff down here, y'all!~

g'nite.

My First Applique

2009-10-15T13:17:00.003-04:00

I'm feeling a little hesitation....I finished my first block and was so pleased with myself since it was the first time I have ever appliqued. It's a simple pattern. It took no time at all. I was so pleased....until I looked at all the other blocks that have been sent back to V. Oh, they're amazing! Now my block looks rather juvenile...and simple and like it took no time at all to make. I will be spending a bit more time on my second block. Sure hope this one is ok.

Practice makes perfect

2009-10-14T21:42:00.005-04:00

Since I'd never ever tried applique before, I thought it would be prudent to have a litttle practice before butchering the beautiful fabrics! And here is what I produced.

This is machine applique using a zig zag stitch as I think the applique stitch on my machine is rubbish, does anyone have any advice on stitch length etc for this? And the base fabric puckered a bit, is this because I didn't necessarily lift the foot every time I pivoted or should I use a stabiliser at the back? Oooh, this is so new to me!!!!

I might tried some hand applique and see which one I like best.

Any constructive criticism is more than welcome!

Brain Food

2009-10-14T16:13:00.003-04:00

It's raining (a lot, even for Seattle.) So, I am eating lunch, surfing the internet, looking for inspiration for my blocks. All of yours look so great, I am still looking for the POW I need to start sewing.

Thanks to a power lunch and a visit to Glorious Color (Lollypop Trees= WOW! POW!), it looks like a perfect afternoon for sewing!

rolling in

2009-10-14T12:45:00.003-04:00

Well, some of the blocks are starting to roll in. Have you gotten your ideas together yet?
They are looking so good!!! it's so inspiring to click on the blog each day and see what everyone is doing! And it's like Christmas when I get a squishy envelope in the mail!

I hope you all are finding inspiration in the fabrics...

I believe the only person who has not recvd theirs is Nichi, anyone else?
Have they reached you Alexis in Singapore?

Have no fear, if you need more time, that's fine, I just don't want to leave it go to long, then folks start to forget about them. I also figure most will want them done and outta there by thanksgiving... once we start the Xmas rush...

So play, have fun, keep posting your progress!
You encourage everyone else...
I'm off to Houston, and will check back in Monday.

toodles.

V

fin

2009-10-13T09:53:00.003-04:00

they'll be on their way tomorrow

finished blocks

2009-10-13T01:28:00.003-04:00

I got both blocks done for the quilts this evening. I ended up machine appliqueing them--had planned on needle turning them, but ended up way to overwhelmed to give it a try! Both white squares shrunk on me when I ironed them, not sure if it was the spray starch or what. Hopefully V can sash them or work with them.

I had a lot of fun with this and the fabrics were just beautiful! They'll go in the mail tomorrow!

sneak peek

2009-10-12T15:16:00.001-04:00

I can definitely see how this could become addictive V!!

White Fabric

2009-10-11T11:17:00.002-04:00

Ok,
everyone seems to think it will be fine, so we are just going with it.

Some blocks have shrunk a bit, and I am hoping I will be able to trim them down
to all be the same.

I don't mind sashing,
my concern was what happens to the applique if
the block shrinks more than the applique...

So. Let's just go with it. and I will work it out.
Thanks for many of your quick responses!

Fingers crossed...

V

packets recvd?

2009-10-11T00:25:00.004-04:00

Something is up!
Kathie said when she ironed the white fabric that it SHRUNK!
Has anyone noticed this on their blocks?
I'm not sure what to do about this...

Those of you have finished your blocks, did you notice if the blocks shrank considerably?

we're not talking about the applique shrinking the block.
She said the white fabric in pressing it shrank a good half inch
and that makes me worried about when it's washed....

I've never seen this happen.

Any advice??
Use different white?

sigh.

Also I need to know besides Nichi, who has not recvd their fabric...
thanks.

my fabrics are here!!!

2009-10-10T11:34:00.002-04:00

finally my package arrived yesterday from NY ... and i hope play with those little fabrics the next days!

have a great weekend!!!!!

Blocks Done!

2009-10-08T12:13:00.006-04:00

Yesterday I spent the day working on my blocks. I had great fun, I really enjoyed the challenge of using fabrics that had been chosen for me. You must admit, they are great fabrics!

I'm really pleased with how these turned out, applique isn't really my thing, so this was an interesting exercise for me.

So I chose to fuse my pieces and do a little raw edge applique instead of traditional hand piecing. I can hear all the purist screaming at their computers. (please don't shout at me ... bottom lip quivers ... lol)

Although the design is drawn directly from the traditional, the utterly modern fabrics just called for a modern take on the technique. Well, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

V, I'm hoping to get my little helper to get these in the post to you tomorrow or Saturday :-) Thanks for such a great opportunity!

Fabrics arrived

2009-10-08T01:49:00.005-04:00

Well my fabrics have arrived - and they're gorgeous! Think I might have to get me some!

I've had one idea for a while now, but I'm stuck for a second idea, even googling "pow" "wow" and "zing" brought little inspration..... so maybe I'll just do two blocks with the same idea.

Visitors her until Monday so I'll start then.
x

Fly Away Home!

2009-10-07T14:50:00.004-04:00

I have decided that I thoroughly enjoy hand stitched applique. It's fairly quick too. There is nothing like curling up on the couch with some fabric, a needle and thread. I really must do more of that instead of using the machine for everything.

Well my little bird and flower are done, freshly in fact! Just stitched the bird this morning whilst the dawn chorus were singing outside. And now they are ready to fly the nest. I am really enjoying seeing everyone's designs coming to life.

Victoria I will be sending the blocks back to you either today or tomorrow. Thanks for all the work you've done with this quilt! It's going to look awesome!!!

Size Matters!

2009-10-07T11:24:00.005-04:00

Eager to get on with my blocks and conscious they need to fly back across the pond, I loaded up the Steam a Seam, cut the fabrics, yep.... I cut the fabric! and laid out my pieces onto the first square that V sent. Now there is room around the pattern, but what struck me was, although these blocks have been cut to 10 1/2" was there any room for maneuver in the size... is it definitely going to be a 10" finished block or is there the slightest possibility that some of the pattern could be lost if they were to be a smaller size. Clearly size matters!

You can see I have a good 3/4" to 1" clearance around the outer extremities of my block design, so for me this was an important question. With a good 1/4" seam allowance, the design will still stand in its own space.

Phew! After a quick e-mail to V (isn't technology great!) all the blocks will be 10" finished. So I've gone ahead and pressed down my pieces and am ready to sew them down.

Now I'm no expert in applique, but I have fallen foul of this in the past, I'm sure the experts amongst you will point us in right direction.

To Sum it up: Make sure your design fits into a 10" frame so it

doesn't get lost in the seams!

Thanks Trudi for the post and info! -- V

A Plan is in Place...

2009-10-07T10:57:00.003-04:00

I've received my fabrics, fondled them (what? you don't fondle your fabric?!?), and drawn up a plan for two WOW applique blocks, both with floral motifs. My inspirations came from my Jim Shore Dracula and a Crate & Barrel catalog I received this week...

What I haven't done? Taken a photo of the fabrics I got, or the sketches I drew, to upload and share with you...

I promise I'll get it together soon...

Happy creating~

Doris

My fabric arrived!

2009-10-06T17:47:00.003-04:00

It actually came last week, but I am just getting a chance to post now. It's a fun collection! It's calling me to make some kind of flower and, because of the time of year, something inspired by Dia de los Muertos....

We Have Fabric!

2009-10-06T14:20:00.004-04:00

It's arrived! Not bad for such a big distance - New York to New Zealand. And I received a couple of my favourite fabrics as well. So anyway I got to work last night and drew out a couple of designs. Fiesta to me is flowers...

and birds...

When I saw Victoria's Dresden plate I immediately thought peacocks. Here is my little guy ready to take off back to NY. Hang on a minute, you need colour first!

I have my patterns all pinned onto the fabrics ready to cut. I'm so looking forward to some hand stitching later today. I think applique is very me at the moment.

Thanks Victoria for this opportunity and also Jennifer for the wonderful fabrics.

The extra fabric....

2009-10-06T11:36:00.003-04:00

Hello Ladies!
First, Can I say, I see so much creativity being whirled around it's fantastic & dizzying!

Also, I don't care what level of an applique person you are,
As I said, I had never done it, and hey! I did two cute blocks!

So don't be intimidated!

Just go and have fun with it!

It's always a challenge to use pre-selected fabrics,
But so far, I don't see anyone having a problem with it!

This is a photo of the "EXTRA" fabric JP sent along for me. it will make up the backing, as they are some big pieces... I love that toile print... I'm hoping I have enough of that for the whole back...

I love hearing how you all are coming up with your plan for these blocks!
I've even begged my mother into helping me.
She has some ideas already of her own to update a sun bonnet sue...
(I set up a blog for her, go send her some blog love.)
She doesn't get to a computer very often,
But I hope she finds it a fun tool to motivate her to start sewing again...

So keep the creativity swirling! I feel the Fiesta!

(one little note: I need these blocks to be the size I sent you, so if your cutting the white blocks, they will not fit well into the quilt. I'm trying to keep this easy, so if you can make sure, if your cutting it, make sure it comes back to me as the 10.5" block i sent you.
and when i say 10.5" I mean, that is the exact measurement I cut them at.
Not a sewn down size etc. as people were confused about that last time...
a trimmed block, size 10.5" is what i need back. exact. thanks!)

Fabrics arrived and dithering over designs

2009-10-06T11:27:00.004-04:00

Thanks V! They are here! They arrived this morning whilst I was out, how did that happen! And I love them!

I have been drooling over many books for inspiration, drawn up loads in my pad, and rummaged through piles of magazines. I found a lovely pattern of baskets with cone flowers, but I think I'm settling on a version of this below. Can you believe the magazine goes back to 2002!
Hand applique isn't my thing so I think this will be fused with steam a seam ( I find its lighter than bondaweb) then raw edge appliqued.

I'm ready to start!!

2009-10-05T19:26:00.002-04:00

My fabric arrived and I'm ready to choose between a few ideas and start some applique on my blocks!! The fabric is so pretty! Thanks V!

Package for SIS BOOM POW

2009-10-05T15:49:00.001-04:00

My package has arrived.

Ready for the mail

2009-10-05T15:00:00.001-04:00

I finished my blocks for the SIS, BOOM, POW gather. Once I decide on a design and fabrics, I find it easy to plow through to the finish. I will be traveling soon and I wanted to send this project off before we leave. This was fun. Thank you for the opportunity V.

Waiting...

2009-10-05T13:04:00.005-04:00

Hello everyone!
I'm Nichi from Italy...I'm looking forward to have this beautiful fabrics on my work table but in the meantime I have chosen the subject to make in my blocks. This cat appear on my banner and I think it could be cute even if made in not conventional colors. Vic have sent fabrics to me also for two my friends...I will introduce them to you when I will receive the fabrics.

I got mine!

2009-10-05T08:36:00.002-04:00

My package arrived, too . . . sooner than I thought it would. I, too, have been mulling over ideas, but haven't come up with anything solid, but I will . . . these fabrics are too fun to let lay for long! Can't wait to get started.

2009-10-03T16:26:00.001-04:00

I just received my package from Victoria and I'm already playing with ideas. My inspiration will come from the fabric designs themselves, my current project Mary Mannakee, and from Janet at Quiltsalott.

Thank you Victoria for your vote of confidence.

Package Arrived

2009-10-03T16:12:00.003-04:00

My package of fabric arrived. Oh, how I just want to sit and play...but I have too much work to do. I am leaving tomorrow morning for Minneapolis, so these beauties will just have to sit and wait for me to return on Wednesday. Thanks V!

Eenie Meenie BumbleBeenie

2009-10-02T14:28:00.004-04:00

Oh man, oh man, lookie what the mailman put in the mailbox for me yesterday!

Lovely Sis Boom scraps for the block gather.

Now, what to do.....what to do.....

Stay tuned!

(Thanks V for the extra lovely.)

Fiesta!~

2009-10-02T11:08:00.003-04:00

I did it!
My first dresden plate!
And can I say, I am totally hooked on this little applique project!
I had to cut out another just to try it again...

Many of you will get your fabrics this weekend.
I hope inspiration flows wildly!

Have a great weekend!

It Has Arrived!

2009-10-01T20:33:00.004-04:00

My package from Miss V.

Don't you just simply love these!?!?!?

I had this idea of what I wanted to do for these blocks, but once I saw these fabrics, my brain went blank! Can you believe it? Don't worry, THAT is a good thing. :o)

I'm planning on living with these for a week then start working on a new idea.

I'm very excited!

Till Next Time!

Sign the back of the block

2009-09-30T23:59:00.003-04:00

I'll try to remind you later, before you mail the blocks back to me.

I was putting together the Pixie Dust quilt today, and I realized, Doris,
always very nicely, signs her name on a seam on the back of her block.

This would help me tremendously in keeping track of who sent what block...

Could you all do this to your blocks before you send them back to me?

Great pens...
Micron size 01 or o2 are very good.
I have blue and black, they are archival, acid free, waterproof and fade proof.
any stationery store or art supply or quilt shop usually have them...

where in the world....

2009-09-29T13:42:00.007-04:00

How awesome is this?

Mexico
Singapore
Italy
United Kingdom
New Zealand
Canada

Indiana
Florida
Texas
Iowa
South Dakota
California
Washington
New York
Arkansas
Missouri
North Carolina
Ohio
Minnesota
Colorado
New Jersey
Arizona

I wonder whats up with quilters in say, Finland, Sweden or Greenland for that matter,
they have to be making quilts up there!
Interesting to see where we've all come from and that this has brought us all together.

I am very intimidated at trying to hand applique this Dresden down. getting all those round-y parts the same.... the block is so darn cute in these fabrics, I'm encouraged, but still today, I sit and stare at it and wonder, how the heck am I going to do that...

I got these Jennifer fabrics in the mail yesterday. This color was not in the scrap packets, I ordered these myself. Gosh darn scrumptious. That's all I got to say.

So what things are you all thinking about for this project? Challenges? Simplicity?
Playing with new fabrics?

Packets mailed today

2009-09-29T11:08:00.003-04:00

Your goodies are on their way to you!
Fabric is cut, packaged, and I am about to run to the post office.
Please note, that your TWO blocks can be the same. As only one will go into each of the quilts.
but If you choose to do two different ones like I did, that's fine too.
Please let me know when you all start receiving them, so i can keep track.

I am adding your blog links to the right.
Feel free if you have images or inspirations you'd like to share, while you wait for your fabrics to arrive to post them.

I can't wait to see what you all come up with.

OH! Almost forgot.
You need to respond the email I sent out inviting you to join this blog.
Then you can post.

Welcome Quilters!

2009-09-28T15:58:00.000-04:00

You guys are amazing.

You offer up your time and skill in and effort to give back to others. Kudos!
And Thank you for helping me in the little project once again!

I decided to make a blog so everyone can post, ask questions and we can watch as this quilt (these quilts) become real.

I have this time asked for TWO blocks to be made. This being my third donation quilt, I decided this time, that I'd like to keep one for myself. Not in being selfish, but as a remembrance of all the goodness we are doing. And also, after three quilts, it's getting hard to let the beauties go! So this time, one is for me.

I thank you for wanting to contribute two blocks.

I've posted that applique is not required, but I'd really like to see this quilt with as much applique as possible. I've barely done any applique myself, and I've almost completed my two blocks.

I tried two different blocks in a style I have never attempted. So I encourage you to try something out of your comfort zone, to learn and grow as quilters as well.

I am packaging up the fabrics right now,
you will each be receiving:

2 white 10.5" square pieces of background fabric.
please use this fabric, for uniformity.

and a stack of various Jennifer Paganelli fabrics

Please bop over and thank you for her generous donation.
They are very beautiful fabrics and I can't wait to see what becomes of them all.

(Shelly's Blocks)

You can use any kind of applique technique.
raw edge, needle turn, machine... whatever you'd like.

We want POW! or WOW! factor blocks so think FIESTA!
colors and swirling, and lots of ZING!

Envelopes maybe sent tomorrow, I have all the scraps cut.
I tried to include as much variety as I could and everyone should have
more than enough for two blocks.

You do NOT need to send the scraps back to me... (my scraps runneth over)

try to use only the fabrics included.

thanks everyone!
Please post as you start top create.
and feel free to grab the button for the blog and add it to your blog.

I will try to add every ones name on the right. gotta get to that. Maybe we can each do that?
still need to figure this out.

;-)
happy sewing friends! and thanks for your help!