Friday, September 21, 2012

This week's blocks

Preparations for Operation Grandma & Grandpa Visit are ticking along here, but I am procrastinating like crazy. Today I made gluten free lemon squares, then borscht and now I'm writing a blog post. Haven't actually done anything that would qualify as visit prep. Only three more sleeps until they arrive. As long as they have a bed to sleep in, that's all that matters, right?

I'll share some of the re-organizing photos in my next post, but I thought it was high time to show you some sewing. First off, I am pleased to say I have completed my third foundation pieced star block in as many months for the Stash Trad bee. I was not anticipating all of this foundation piecing when I signed on for a traditional block bee, but it's been good to get back into practice (see next photo below). I haven't done much foundation piecing since I made all of these bee blocks about 18 months ago.

String Star block by Poppyprint

It really is a beautiful block and totally worth the effort. If you'd like to give it a try, Corey's tutorial is here. It helped that Felicity (and Berene) came over for an impromptu sewing day on Wednesday. Felicity and I support-grouped our way through it together. Yay for local sewing friends!

My mom got an iPad for her birthday in July and put in a request for an iPad sleeve. It's the least I can do in exchange for the 6 pairs of socks she knits every year as door prizes at my retreats. Her Sybil socks are definitely the coveted prize (so much so, that I have a rule you can only win one pair until every participant has their own!).

Latte to go!

We are still a bit pre-occupied with the above-mentioned Operation, so this block is as far as I've gotten with the iPad sleeve. Isn't it cute? It's Kerry and Penny's latest Sew-Ichigo foundation piecing pattern called Latte To Go. Perfect for my latte-lovin' mom.  That even more perfect text fabric on the lid? Designed by none other than Berene for Spoonflower (where, ahem, it won #8 in the Typewriter text contest a couple of weeks ago!). You should check it out. It's designed specially with a 1/4" of background above and below the lines of text so that they can be perfectly pieced into latte lids. Or anywhere else you need quirky idioms we English-speakers are famous for!

I think I'll vacuum now.

p.s. did you notice we got our house painted? That was one major element of the Operation that we (thankfully) contracted out. Our 93 year old blue cottage is looking rather refreshed!

18 comments:

Live a Colorful Life said...

Those blocks are great. I WILL get Corey's block done this week. Even though I have no support group...

And I just came back from Spoonflower. You are an enabler.

why are you reading this? You should be vacuuming.

Unknown said...

Your block is wonderful and I really like the latte' cover you have started!!! Good luck with all your preparations for your parents visit :)

felicity said...

How I know I'm procrastinating on finishing that block: last night, I hemmed a pair of pants that have been in my closet for 6 months. Not. Even. Joking.

Pat said...

Do you share your recipes? Gluten free lemon squares sound wonderful. Would love to make some. Pat

paulette said...

YOU REALLY need to pattern these up!! Gorgeous!! Seriously!! You could get rich!
P

What Comes Next? said...

yup, I'm with Pat - the lemon squares sound great. I do love that star block and know I have to give it a try, soon...
A bed is the important part, that and a warm welcome which I know they are going to get! Everything else is icing!
Hope you had fun vacuuming

Kim P. said...

Live a Colorful Life said all I would say. The block is beautiful and I too will add it to my list of fondation piecing. I just checked out Spoonflower and L.O.V.E and wordy fabric. I'll tell my husband, "Every quilter has this is their stash and it's a must have item!" I'm sure he'll understand :)

Leanne said...

I love the blocks, and you will be ready when they arrive, why be early?

verykerryberry said...

Great Star and perfect Mug Rug! Get hoovering, time's ticking away!

dutchcomfort said...

Love that star block Krista!!

carol said...

Don't fret! I'm sure your visitors just want to be with you and not see a clean house, great food, or entertainment. Usually they just want to be part of your lives for just a little bit of time and that's all. Enjoy your time together!

Elsa said...

That star is really lovely ~ I've just got to make one (or two). I know about procrastination ~ I do it all the time! Have a really great time with your parents ~ it will be nice to have them around for so long!

ayumills said...

You were being so productive even while you were procrastinating! I wish I could do that many things when I procrastinate.
Your blocks are so beautifully perfect - no surprise here of course!
Love both patterns and oh Berene's fabric is sooo good!

Kristie said...

I find procrastination is the best stimulus for creativity! Great blocks :) Can't wait to get in on the collaborative fun soon!

Tracey Jacobsen said...

collaborative fun sounds awesome!
the blocks are great... love that star block every time I see it -- but I hear you all when you say it's a total PITA! :)

Dianne said...

Great block Krista and the ipad cover will be fab!
I hear you about procrastinating, I am supposed to sorting through a mountain (literally) of fabric but here I am reading blog posts.....okay I am leaving now :0]

pinksuedeshoe said...

String star blocks are officially my new favorite thing. Love these K!

CitricSugar said...

They are absolutely beautiful, Krista. Just gorgeous. Love that stringy star!