350 Blocks Project 2015- July's Report

I am starting to sound like a broken record. An impossible slow start to the month. Why can't I find any sewing time.
This month's total is 30 blocks.
So what did I get done.
I did some work on my Bitty Blocks May's Bear Paw blocks and making these blocks reminds me that one day I would like to make a Bear Paw quilt. May be I need to add this one to next year. All 18 Bear Paw blocks done. Now I better cut June's blocks.

I have done some work on my black and white hexagon quilt with the 3 large blocks now joined in a row.

My August block for our Batik Rainbow Fabric Club. No picture are the members haven't received their packs.

I started the Little Joys Quilt Along and I have completed 3 Christmas tree blocks and 3 wreath blocks.

Plus I started a new hand piecing project as my hexagon quilt is growing. This one is another Inklingo project but I am working with triangles, diamonds and octagons. A little different. 1 only so far.
We started the new Quiltville Leader and Ender Challenge to make a tumbler quilt. So far 2 rows completed.
I was making some Idaho Square dance blocks to fill in time before the new Leader and Ender Challenge started and there is  4 more completed I have been wondering what to do with these blocks and I think I have a place for them. It shouldn't take me long to put them together I just need another 9 blocks. Let's hope that will be enough. They are going to be one block wide runners to hide my plastic tubs when I do craft events.

July's Vacation Time The Hot Dog Stand is completed.

I had some playing with some fabric and created a table runner which has 5 blocks and 2 borders for a total of 7.

So the Grand Total for July is 40.
 You know what this means I need to do some serious sewing soon or I am going to be in big trouble with a couple of deadlines.

Until Next Time

Keep Stitching

Cynthia

A Quilters Odyssey Retreat

The Sunset on Sunday night at Nunyara Belair, you wouldn't think turning 90 degrees to the right and you would see the City of Adelaide below you. I should of taken that my picture.

A Quilters Odyssey annual retreat was on over this last weekend. Beautiful clear weather, no rain in the forecast. All 23 of us packed our bags and head for Nunyara Conference Centre at Belair for a weekend of sewing, chatting, games, shopping and good food. Kate and Sue are behind this gathering and they have done a great job once again.

I always take too many project to work on. I didn't want to run out of sewing now, do I? This year's goal was to finish my Double Wedding Ring bed runner as it came with me on retreat last year and wasn't touch. So that was Saturday project, the top was completed and it is ready for quilting.

Also I tackled the remaining 8 large Ohio Star blocks that have been cut for months. Done now just have to sew the small ones which I cut just in case I got to them but that didn't happen.

Another lingering project was my Batik Half Square Triangle quilt, it just needed the 3 borders added to them.

This was Sunday job after we had the wonderful Michele Hill visit us and speak to us about her quilting journey. Very inspiring she was and her work is stunning to see close up. I may even have a go at one of her patterns in the future. It may be time to try machine applique for real. I brought her new book on the day so I will share which project I pick and how I go when it happens.

Sunday night gave me a chance to sew a Melly & Me project for the next fair. I need a few more samples and I do like to try the patterns I sell because it helps me advise my customers. So I made Dee Dee the dolphin and she was a breeze to make and you can get the pattern at www.cynthiasark.com.au with lots of other Melly & Me patterns including some I have made kits up for.

On Monday I had Piper & Pete the penguins to make up as I cut them out before the retreat, but I got about 3/4 quarters through making them and I needed to stuff them before I could finish them off and I didn't have enough stuffing with me. 

Lastly I finally finished April's Bitty Blocks. The lag of sewing over May and June is noticeable to me with me falling behind in some projects. I have May's blocks cut ready to go so we will see if we can catch up a little bit before the end of July or not.

No matter what, lots was achieved over the weekend by everyone with lots of fun thrown in. A great weekend was had and it was sad when we had to return home and most of us back to work. If only we had another day together but there is always next year.

Until Next Time

Keep Stitching

Cynthia

January's Bitty Blocks- Bow ties

This year Quiltmaker's  blog Quilty Pleasures has been one of my favourite places to visit.I have been participating in their New Year Mystery Quilt and now I have started the Bitty Blocks challenge as well. Both have small blocks in them and I think it was time I tackled smaller block in my quilting life. I seem to work  with larger pieces I must of been thinking smaller block will take to long to make a quilt. Why I am in such a hurry? I think it is because I am time poor. Now this is an issue that I am working on this year. Time issues. So it is TIME to make time and enjoy the process of making something without rushing. So Bitty Blocks is it, small blocks to challenge me and scrap busting at the same time. I probably won't keep up as it is already February and I haven't finished all my Bow tie blocks from January but that is OK I will get there when I get there, especially if I continue making more blocks than required for the final project. I got carried away when I was cutting the blocks and I couldn't just throw them in the bin. I am sure I can do something with them later.

Here is the link to the Quilty Pleasures blog if you want to join in.

Until Next Time

Keep Stitching

Cynthia