Saturday, February 22, 2014

Sewing, news and a winner

Placemat

Let's start with the sewing. I started this project about a week ago. I wanted to play with the little two patch block of two rectangles that you can see in that placemat. That one above is my favourite - it is an "L" block, you know, for Leanne.

Placemat

I knew that this block was a way to get zig zags without using any triangles but had never made it. I like them running up and down instead of the usual horizontal.

These fabrics are Sphere by Zen Chic - which I bought as soon as it was out from Green Fairy Quilts - and Kona White. I love blue, yellow and white - a very Mediterranean colour scheme and since my kitchen has blue accents these will work very nicely as placemats.

Placemat

This mat is another favourite. Somehow a rectangular patchwork grid is so pleasing to me, I wonder why.

Placemat

And pinwheels, again without triangles. As you can see, I gravitate to the blocks with white and a print as the contrasts are more defined. But the pinwheels work for me too.

Different layouts for one block

Here is a mosaic of some of the patterns I found with the two patch - these are not pieced, just laid out on the design wall so you need to imagine them with the tightening up the sewing together would cause. I am certain there are many more too. This whole thing with the two patch started as part of the Decipher Your Quilt series - which you can read about here and don't forget to fill out our survey please.

I need a couple more placemats for the set so I am going to make more blocks and pick a couple more of the designs. These are a relaxing sewing project to have on hand when it is too busy to do a lot of sewing at a time. I need to decide how I will make the placemats the same size -  make some of the mats bigger or trim some down, or make the big ones into runners and make more mats. 

Our winner for the Green Fairy Quilts Bartholomeows Reef layer cake give away is Janet. Congratulations Janet, I will send you an email shortly.


DSC_0054

Today I get to play some more with the she can quilt blogger's bundle from Fluffy Sheep Quilting, which arrived last week at my house from my friend Cindy. Isn't this bundle nice? I'm making pillows, and I will have a short tutorial for you soon too. 

Triangle City 

I have to share that I am thrilled and honored that Triangle City was selected to be in the top 10 of the 390 quilts entered in the Modern Quilt Guild's Riley Blake Fabric Challenge. You can see all 10 beautiful quilts here, and some of my internet buddies are there, including Christa from Christa Quilts and Melissa from Happy Quilting.

QuiltCon 

By the way, the dates for QuiltCon have been announced. I plan to go, maybe I will meet you there?

Aside from the day job work I have to do, it is going to be a fun weekend with all this sewing. Tomorrow I am off to Sparrow Studioz to take a course about using my new Millennium long arm machine.

Best,

Leanne

22 comments:

Marci Girl said...

When I won the jelly roll (finish along 4th quarter link up,) I picked the Sphere jelly roll...I just love that line and seeing your placemats make me want to use it!!! Congrats on the top 10, so awesome! And hopefully I will be at QuiltCon and we can finally meet in person!

Marla said...

Top 10 woot woot!

Katy Cameron said...

You had loads of fun with those mats, but I think you need to work out how to do a K next, without triangles, 'cos you know, I hate doing them ;o)

Congrats on reaching the top 10, maybe it'll mean you and the quilt will get to QuiltCon

Debbie said...

What a bunch of fun stuff here! Congrats to Janet! And have fun with your class today! Oh and congrats on the top 10. That's really cool!

Unknown said...

Congrats Leanne on your Triangle City quilt being accepts in the top 10! Loving what you are doing with the 2 patch. Have a great day.......Marie x

CapitolaQuilter said...

Congrats - it's fun to see the top 10.

ChristaQuilts said...

I love that L block! Hmm, now I should figure out a C block maybe....
Congrats again on the finals - so great!!
And we are so meeting up at QuiltCon if not before. :-)

Vicki said...

I really like the "L" block! These colors are dreamy. Food will taste better eaten on these placemats.

Sarah said...

Massive congrats on being in the top 10!

Judith, Belfast said...

Congrats and well deserved L! Have fun this weekend. jxo

Anne / Springleaf Studios said...

I love the Sphere line. Was able to pick up a small bundle at Market. Your mats are enticing me to break into it. I especially like the L's and the pinwheel layouts. Also, I'm contemplating QuiltCon. Would be so nice to meet you in person if I go.

DeborahGun said...

Congrats on being in the top 10. Your work is being recognised which is wonderful :-) I love Sphere - I think the colours would make a great boys quilt.

SewPsyched! said...

Congrats!!!!

Catherine said...

Brilliant news on your top 10 placement! Your place mats are going to look fabulous

Jess @ Elven Garden Quilts said...

You have been busy with those two patches! Fabulous variety of things you came up with. Huge congrats on your top ten, and I think I might be coming to quiltcon!!!

Charlotte said...

I saw that you were in the top ten and literally squealed for you! Well done :-D

Gertie Pye said...

Wow well done for your Top 10 place! Well deserved - beautiful quilt x

Mrs Flying Blind... said...

Congratulations on the RB challenge - how could you not be up there in the top 10!
Agree about the first L arrangement, nice x

Spontaneous Threads said...

Hip Hip Hooray! Congrats on your quilt (most deserving) and the fun designs you are creating with layouts. I did a dozen different (say that 3 times fast) placemats for our dining room table with one of your other favorites, half-sqare triangles. I can't wit to see all the fun and interesting things you create.

Lorna McMahon said...

I share your facsination with those "L" blocks, Leanne! Hee, hee! Congrats on the challenge! I just joined the MQG this weekend. Now I have to figure out a way to see you at QuiltCon.... Got room in your suitcase?

Cindy said...

Who knew you could have such variety playing with a two patch? That was really cool to see, L.
I love the bundle you created. You're making such wonderful things with it!
Will look into Quilt Con. Could be great fun!

Archie The Wonder Dog said...

Top 10?! Yippee!! Love the rectangular grid place mat - it looks like you're having fun!