Catching up! Progress! & Squishies!

YIPEE!!!!!!!  I have FINALLY caught up on my blog post reading.  I've been behind (sometimes as much as 3+ weeks) since before Thanksgiving. I missed the December blog hops, and lots and lots of giveaways.  I also missed my One Year Blogiversary earlier this month.  My goal was to get caught up before my Birthday early next month, and I did. 

My tiny guild is having a Valentine's party next month.  Everyone is encouraged to make a 12.5" block using Valentine colors and hearts.  I used scraps and fat quarters that had been given to me long ago (thanks Ann) and came up with five of these blocks.  I still need to applique the hearts on two blocks.  I have another block planned, too.  I plan on using the extra blocks to make mini quilts, like the Christmas Santa quilts and give them as presents next year.  I'll have to find a cute backing fabric for them.  I don't have hearts  or many pinks in my stash.  I still have to trim these down to 12.5", but, I didn't want to do that until the last minute. 

string pieced hearts

I used this cute mouse to help remove the paper foundation from the strings.  I found this little guy at a garage sale last summer.  His 'tail' worked great for sliding between the paper and helping to loosen it up.

Mouse 'tool'

I received two squishies in the mail this week.  I love these vintage bow tie blocks.  I wish I had some vintage fabric that I could use for sashing and cornerstones.  Maybe something cheddar colored, or yellow or even pink (not my usual color).  Any ideas?

vintage bow tie blocks

I checked these blocks out on the back.  There is a combination of machine and hand sewing on each of these blocks.  I haven't seen that before.

vintage bow tie block

I was in a Disappearing 4 Patch (D4P) block exchange late last summer with my Treadle On group.  The blocks have to be made on a 'people powered' sewing machine (treadle or hand crank).  I received the other blocks last fall, but, this lady didn't get to participate with the group.  She and some others (me included) swapped a few more blocks so that she could get some of the blocks, too.  I just received these from her, along with some lovely Civil War reproduction fat quarters and a cute charm.

Disappearing 4 Patch (D4P) blocks & FQ's

I just realized that I haven't shown the other blocks that I received.  I'll have to post them soon.  I even received some from Belgium.

Have a Great Weekend!