Sunday, June 5, 2011

Quilt alongs - a little help from my friends.

Mystery QAL - 3 blocks done

So I wanted to tell you all about my other quilt alongs, you can read the Ta Da! post about my Party Rings quilt from the Lily's Quilts QAL in yesterday's post for the conclusion of that QAL.

These blocks are the first three from the Mystery QAL. I highly recommend this QAL, the patterns are wonderful, Sheila from the Bluepatch Quilter is hugely knowledgeable and supportive, detentions are rare, and the group of quilters is a lot of fun.

Mystery QAL - Block 3

I did this one today. I have done a lot of HSTs and I love them, so many different patterns can emerge, depending on the colours. Sheila had us make the HST blocks slightly larger than we needed (about 1/8 of an inch) and instructed us to trim them. Well, see the nice joins, that is what trimming will do. Totally worth it!

A quilt for my bed

This quilt top is done. It is my entry into the Naked Bed challenge that Sarah Fielke at The Last Piece initiated. It measures 100" wide by 98" long and fits with some extra on my king size bed. You might want to check out the other quilts in the flickr group, there are some very talented people there.

When I first started quilting, I saw these Laura Gunn fabrics. The lines are called Poppy and Lantern Bloom and I started buying them. I quickly learned that I needed a special pattern that would show off the large scale prints well and when I saw the Wedding Quilt pattern at The Purl Bee, my plan was made. Then I made a bunch of other quilts instead and the fabrics sat in my cupboard. I am so glad that this challenge pushed me to get this made for my bed. The white is Essex linen/cotton which is a dream to work with.

My current question is should I back this with a large king size sheet, add batting and get it quilted so it can be on the bed. Or should I make the pieced back that the left over pieces has inspired? I could make that pieced back into a second quilt instead and have this one to use far sooner - this is how I am leaning.

Ogee QAL - no turning back now

These cut fabrics represent my late start on the Ogee QAL, which Lesly at Pickle Dish is hosting.


This beautiful Curlicue Crush pattern is by Rebecca from Chasing Cottons. It took me a long time to pick the fabrics to use, and now I have a lot of curves to cut, but I am in the game. Here are the fabris I picked, all spread out:

Fabrics for the Ogee QAL

And I am so excited to be starting the Kaleidoscope QAL that Elizabeth from Don't call me Betsy is running! This is a quilt pattern I have wanted to do for some time. Here are my fabrics:

Fabrics for Kaleidoscope QAL

This one is just starting, I hope you will join in too, follow this button to get there:


I am also going to take part in the Skill Builder Sampler that Leila at Sewn is going to provide, it starts real soon too. I mean, really, with a button like that, one must participate!

BWS tips button

It seems that I like quilt alongs - I learn things, I try different ideas and I meet fun and interesting people!

Enjoy your Sunday!

Best,

Leanne

10 comments:

Fiona @ Poppy Makes said...

Oh no!!!! I love quilt alongs too and You've just tempted me with the skill builder! I'm pretty sure I don't have time for another QAL but I'm going to have to do it anyway - it looks great!
Have you seen the farmers wife quilt along that's just starting on flickr. It looks great too!

MariQuilts said...

I'm loving the naked bed quilt.....just the thought of that many QAL's is making me tired though. Where are you getting the energy???

Manda said...

How do you keep up with so many?!!
I am very tempted with the mystery QAL after seeing your pretty blocks and I've already been umming and ahhing about the skill builder. But I always end up miles behind lol! Love your naked bed quilt... I'd go with whichever backing makes you happiest!

www.randomthoughtsdoordi.com said...

Holy Hannah...you are a quilting machine. You are very busy and I am jealous. I seem to only be able to work on one or two or maybe three projects at a time.. I'll be following your progress.

Judith, Belfast said...

Heaven's Leanne, do you ever sleep? Your bed quilt is stunning - I would put a sheet on the back and keep that gorgeous fabric to show off for another quilt top! You are really tempting me into those other QALs. I've seen them & keep telling myself 'I've enough on the go' but my resolve is weakening! Jxo

Sheila said...

This is my 3rd attempt at leaving a comment - PC & laptop probs!
I had to keep trying tho as I love your Naked Bed top - I also would go for the sheet on the back and use your "good" fabric elsewhere. I love the B & W with red combo, one of my favourites.........and the fabric for the Kaleidoscope QAL is yummy, very like my own recent haul. Your energy and output is amazing!

Marci Girl said...

I love the Amy Butler fabrics you are using for the Mystery QAL so pretty and mellow! Those hst are PERFECT! Can't wait to see how all your other projects turn out. Love the fabrics you have chosen for the Kaleidoscope QAL!

Catherine said...

oh my goodness - where do you find the time!! The quilt on your bed is amazing, a stunning pattern.

Judith said...

Gosh your are busy, aren't you ? I love the wedding quilt pattern and it is on my very very long list of patterns to do.

StuffandThings said...

I don't know how you keep all these projects going! I love the red/white/black fabrics you're using for the Ogee QAL.