For the last several weeks, I've been chattering on about the 6" blocks I'm making using Liberty prints from the book Nearly Insane by Liz Lois.
This is a project I started years ago when I first saw the book. I make a couple blocks, then I put the project away. I pull out the blocks and make a couple more, then put everything away again. And I'm okay with the on-again, off-again feel to this project. Each of the blocks is its own challenge, particularly since the book provides minimal instruction and only a line drawing of each block.
Block number 18 is next in line for completion. It has a fairly straightforward Ohio star center and tons of half-square triangles encircling the star center. More than 200 pieces of fabric in this one 6" block.
The original design called for three rounds of sawtooth borders. Since I'm not a fan of sawtooth elements, and since this is going to be my quilt, eventually. I decided to maintain the insanity of all the half-square triangles, but arrange them differently.
Last week, I told the tale of my struggle with the color contrast in the center.
This week, I'm happy to report the block in all its 200+ piece glory is now finished. 6" square. 200+ pieces.
Hmm.
Can I be honest?
I don't like it.
For the second time in this block's life, I think I made the fatal error of not having enough contrast between the center and the half-square triangle 'borders.'
Then I noticed this--*circled in red*!
Ugh.
I had been sewing SO CAREFULLY. Considering the small scale of the half-square triangles (each finishes to 1/2"), most seams lined up pretty well.
But that one spot stuck out like a sore thumb. And I could NOT unsee it!
Bleh-h-h!!
That was all I needed.
I'm not crazy about the block.
Then find and fix a missing point?
I 'fixed' it alright!
Off came the triangles, and I'm back to the lonely, pathetic-looking center.
Fear not!
For I have a new plan.
If I'm going to put in the effort, I'm gonna be happy with the result.
(Dammit!)
I have an added incentive. Once I finish #18, I can lay out the blocks that are done in a 3x6 arrangement and see where this slow-but-steady project is headed. I find that motivating. . .
Stay tuned!
Shut-down Pin Cushion #13
Last week, pin cushion #12 had me re-thinking whether I was still excited to continue making these silly things. I started them ages ago from scraps, but started finishing them, once weekly, when COVID started shutting our world down.
After all, how many pin cushions does one need? Then I got a message from a friend that made me think this project needs a purpose or goal to keep me motivated and moving forward. And the stitching needs to be joyful! For me, joyful translates to fun stitches and bright fun colors. And then Puffy Fours #13 just happened. I still don't have a grand purpose for all the shut-down pin cushions, but I've got a couple of ideas brewing.
This week's pin cushion features chain stitch and fly stitch - two of my favorite surface embroidery stitches.
For the step-by-step tutorial, jump over to the blog and scroll down to the first Puffy Fours post from March 5 to begin at the beginning of the four-part how-to series.
Happy Stitching! Be well!
Joan Ford
Head Hummingbird
Yesterday I ordered two of your nests but through an online fabric shop so I could qualify for free shopping. I got the bright green and the peacock. One for my quilting project and one for my desk. I have another thing you stick items in but there’s a limit to the size of ruler you can put in it. I can use both together. Soon I’ll be getting a box with fabrics, Kai scissors and Nests in it-almost like another birthday!
How fun is that? Enjoy!