This n' that

With the exception of one, I've got all the blocks back from the "Around the World Quilting Bee". I'm immensely pleased with them, as they are exactly what I wanted.

I have been making a few more blocks, trying out some  new techniques I've learned on an online class on Craftsy called "Big Techniques from small Scraps" with Sarah Fielke. For this block I used my Dresden ruler. I really like the look of it and I'm tempted to make a quilt this way using my scraps. 

The next thing I tried was curved piecing without pinning. I've always been very scared of curves but it was actually quite easy. 

Then I tried out some deconstructed piecing, which is another name for free hand cutting and piecing. 

The next two blocks were inspired by Syko. She calls this "close your eyes quilting", meaning she doesn't plan the layout of the blocks, but just dives into her scrap bin, takes some out and sews them together any which way. A perfect way to use up all the scraps I got back from the bee members together with the blocks. 

I couldn't help myself and joined another Quilt Along, called The Hasenbach Challenge. It's being organized by Katrin in Germany. I fell in love with the winter scene and as we only need to make one block each month, even I should be able to keep up. 

My first paper pieced block.

Then I made another friendship block as we had to say good bye to another member of our Tuesday crafts group. 

  

I realised that I never showed you the quilt or cushion I received as part of the swap I've taken part recently. This little owl is now sitting in my sewing room and it came from Cathy all the way from the USA. Thank you Cathy!

And out of the blue, my friend Rose-Anne sent me this lovely embellished heart. Isn't it gorgeous?

Enjoy the weekend and happy Australia Day to all my friends Down Under.

Vreni x

Another Little Quilt Swap 7 and another UFO finished!

This is was I made for this round of ALQS7. It's machine pieced and hand quilted with Pearl cotton 8. It's quite small, only 12 inches square, which was the rule this time.

Since I thought it would make a nice cushion  I've made a pocket at the back to insert a cushion form. This way it can be used either way.

As I didn't have a cushion form with the exact measurements at hand, I made one myself. I just cut two pieces of batting, sewed around it, leaving a opening for turning. After turning it, I stuffed it and hand stitched the opening closed. Voilà!

And another UFO is finished. Although I nearly gave up the will to live as my machine just wouldn't cooperate. I lost count how many time the thread broke or how many stitches were missed. But it's finished now and if you don't look too closely, it not too bad. 

Have a great week.

Vreni x

Now this top is definitely finished!

I think it was well worth the effort of putting borders around it, don't you agree?

I usually make the binding right after finishing the top and put it aside. As you can see, there are  quite a few of them waiting to be put on quilts.

 I'm determined that this summer is going to be the summer of finished quilts! Wish me luck!

But wait, I have a few more things to share today:

My June block for Blogger's BOM, designed by Pam of PamKittyMorning

And just for the thrill to see all the blocks together:

Here's also my Bee block for June. It was already in an envelope, ready to be posted, when I remembered that I didn't take a photo. That explains the wrinkles! 

There are a couple of new "Swaps" and "Quilt-Alongs" going. This first one my blogging friend Jess is organizing together with another blogger. It looks like a lot of fun as well as "educational" by way of learning a few "new tricks" while playing along. What I particular like is that one can choose from three different block sizes. And what I like even more are the terrific prizes which are on offer once the quilts are finished. Click on the logo below to see all the details.

I have also decided to take part in this swap again. This time we're making mini quilts (12 inches square). Interested? Click on this logo to get all the info needed.

As this is my 99th post, next time I will have a little surprise in store for you . Make sure to come back to check it out.

Try to stay cool or warm, depending on where you are in the world.

Cheers

Vreni x