Quilting my way through life!

A Quilt Along

Moda Signature Quilt Along- Day 5

February 22, 2013 suznquilts

Another day, three more blocks…

I’m really enjoying the three blocks a day.

It doesn’t hurt that they are cute little blocks, that are mostly blocks that I’ve not made before.

In particular, I’ve never appliqued a block before that was raw edge appliqued with no fusible web.

So far I’ve made two different blocks that way.

This is block #18 by French General.

The other block was block #20 by Zen Chic.

That’s one of the reasons I decided to do this Quilt Along.

I’m sewing blocks I never would have made otherwise.

This is block #5 by Kansas Troubles Quilters.

Cute little bowties.

Lastly,

Block #10 by Kate Spain.

I really like the fabrics that I chose for this one.

They make the block very eye appealing.

Well, that’s week #1 under our belts.

We’re half done.

We can take a break now.

No new blocks until Monday.

Or if you’ve not started yet, you have the whole weekend to get caught up with the fourteen blocks that I’ve already made!

Until next time,

Susan

A Quilt Along, My Life

Moda Signature Quilt Along-Day 4

February 22, 2013 suznquilts

Moving right along here…

Day 4 only resulted in two patterns.

Block 15 by Fig Tree Quilts.

Block 24 by Jan Patek.

Jan is a master at applique and so she stitched a cute little house in the middle of her block.

Maybe when I get the pdf I’ll add it to my block too.

These blocks are quick when you already have the fabric choices narrowed down to just a handful.

I can spend a lot of time belaboring that issue!

I also read the first three patterns and cut background strips of each size that I would be needing before I started sewing.

The other nice thing that Moda did was use pieces of the same few sizes.

I keep going back to the 3-1/2″ strip and cutting off a few squares or rectangles.

Then I cut a few more 2″ squares, etc.

This really simplifies the cutting.

Are you really not going to join in the fun?

If you are sewing the blocks, send me your photos and I’ll post them along with mine.

Until next time,

Susan

A Quilt Along, My Life

Moda Signature Quilt Along-Day 3

February 21, 2013February 23, 2013 suznquilts

What fun!

Day 3’s blocks were easy, and would have been quick, if only I had paid more attention..

Block 25 by Thimble Blossoms.

If you can tell, the brown fabric is directional and I wanted all of the squares going the same direction in my block.

If I’d paid closer attention to the placement of the brown squares in relation to the pink/cream half square triangles, I would have saved myself time AND frustration…

The rest of the exercise was great!

Block 14 by Julie Comstock.

I had fun reading Julie & Eric’s post yesterday.

Julie thought her day to post was tomorrow (today), but realized all too quickly in the getting-ready-for-school with their four children that her day was actually N-O-W.

Apparently her block wasn’t even sewn.

Too funny!

I can see that happening to me…

Her block was made lickety-split and by the second time I went to their blog it ready.

Block 11 by Deb Strain.

I’m having some fun!

Have I enticed you to join me yet???

It’s snowing fiercely here.

This is a view out of my sewing room.

The flakes are huge!

In about 20 minutes we already have an inch.

We’re supposed to get 3-5 then top it off with some ice, yeah…

A good day to sew don’t you think?

Until next time,

Susan

A Quilt Along

Moda Signature Quilt Along Day 2

February 20, 2013February 23, 2013 suznquilts

Day 2 blocks are complete.

Block 16 by Cotton Way.

Block 20 by Zen Chic.

Block 28 by Bunny Hill.

The instructions for Anne’s baskets tell you to make the handles with your favorite bias method.

I used these,

These bias bars are worth their weight in gold!

I cut and made two short handles of each color instead of cutting one long bias piece.

I didn’t have to cut a long bias chunk out of my 1/2 yard of fabric that way,

and it’s easier to work with two short pieces instead of one long one.

Are you sewing yet???

Until next time,

Susan

A Quilt Along

Moda Signature Quilt Along

February 19, 2013February 23, 2013 suznquilts

Have your heard about Moda’s Signature Quilt along?

I hadn’t until I decided to bop on over to Moda Lissa’s blog yesterday for no apparent reason.

I decided it must be Kismet…

and so I printed out the 3 block instructions for the day…

decided on a fat 1/4 bundle that I’d bought at Paducah ??? years ago…

that actually was a 1/2 yard bundle, but it was so long ago I had forgotten…

Today I started sewing…

Blackbird Designs block #6.

Barbara Brackman Block #7.

Basic Grey Block #22.

There are 3, 9″ blocks each day for 10 days; this week and next, no weekends.

So, 30 blocks in all. That’s a 5 x 6 setting. 45″ x 54″ without sashing or borders.

Not sure how long I’ll last, but I couldn’t resist!

How about you???

Until next time,

Susan

My Life, Suzn Quilts Patterns

Wow, time flies!

February 19, 2013 suznquilts

I didn’t realize just how long it had been since I’d posted!

What have I been doing you ask???

Well, for starters I turned a year older. Need I say more, lol…

OK,

I was working on my Christmas sampler, then

I went on our annual retreat with friends to Rosemary’s.

Then went to Mexico for a week with my husband.

Did a little radio interview about quilting on the Cityscapes program on St. Louis Public Radio, 90.7 KWMU.

You can listen to the interview with Steve Potter here.

I told you 2013 had some new & interesting things for Suzn Quilts.

Helped my oldest, Chloe, celebrate her 21st birthday!

It’s no wonder I’m tired…

Now that these things are over I need to get back to my Christmas designs for Portland’s Spring Market in May.

What have you been up to?

I hope it involves quilting!

Until next time,

Susan

new fabric collection, New ideas

New Moda Christmas Fabrics, 2013 that is…

January 9, 2013January 17, 2013 suznquilts

You might be thinking Christmas is o-v-e-r,

but for Suzn Quilts, Christmas it’s just starting!

Take a look at my new Christmas fabrics, thanks to the generous folks at Moda.

It’s the new “Christmas Countdown” by Deb Strain.

Looks pretty cute with my vintage-looking Christmas tin from my SIL Janet don’t you think?

The first project that I’m going to use these fabrics for is a sampler.

There is fusible applique & some pieced blocks as well.

My question to you is what do you think about samplers and block-of-the-month projects???

My new sample is easily broken down into 12 steps…

Since I have a lot of time to think while I’m cutting & sewing, I’m still contemplating the format of this pattern.

The body of the quilt is about 45″ x 50″, then I will probably add a border or two.

Any thoughts?

Don’t worry, you don’t have to think about your Christmas sewing projects yet.

This collection won’t even be available in shops until June!

Until next time,

Susan

My Life

Happy New Year 2013!!!

January 1, 2013January 1, 2013 suznquilts

I’m excited about this new year.

For one thing, my favorite number is 13.

I don’t know why, it just is.

For another thing, Suzn Quilts is 10 years old this year!

I have met so many incredible people, traveled to places I’ve never been, and my patterns & designs are being sold around the world!

Suzn Quilts is always evolving and 2013 has some exciting things in store for you…

For now, I want to wish you a Happy New Year!

May your 2013 be filled with peace, joy & good health.

Until next time,

Susan

My Life

Merry Christmas 2012!

December 25, 2012December 25, 2012 suznquilts

May your Christmas be blessed with family & friends!

Until next time,

Susan

Quick Little Projects, quilt as you go lap quilt, Suzn Quilts, Suzn Quilts Patterns

More on my Quilt-as-you-go patterns

December 18, 2012 suznquilts

I’ve had questions, and after thinking about it, I decided I should have included a link

from my last post about the new U of I quilt I was making

to this post about my quilt-as-you-go lap quilt tutorial.

So much to think about, and I was already stretching my brain to sew and document at the same time so I could blog about it for you…

Whether you’re thinking about my best-selling pattern

A Pretty Package

or one of my earlier quilt as you go patterns:

check out the tutorial to get a better understanding of how quick & easy these really are.

You truly can make one of these in a day!

Until next time,

Susan