March NewFO's and Progress

Much of March was a 'no sewing' time for me.  I had my booth of vintage machines at the quilt show to get ready for (and put back up).  I did get to sew while at the booth (when not chatting about machines).  That really helped with what I have to show for the month.

I'll start with something I actually started in February to demo at my little quilt guild at the March meeting. 

Disappearing Pinwheel blocks

I made 18 Disappearing Pinwheel blocks, using the method from the Missouri Star Quilt Store's YouTube video.  I saw this block over at Linda's blog and decided that I needed to try it out.  I still have quite a few of these blocks started, but, not finished.  I love the look of this block, but, trying to measure it properly for cutting is a real pain.  I also didn't like working with all the bias edges. 

My Aunt asked me to make a baby quilt for her first great grandchild.  She asked for a white with little pink flowers and a pink as colors.  I loved the look of the block above, so, I decided to draft it out as a 12" block and use it for the baby quilt.  I love Triangluations, so, I figured out what sizes I'd need, and proceeded to make all my half square triangles while I was showing off my machines at the quilt show.  I stitched all the triangulations blocks on 'Betty' my 1941 Singer 66 hand crank I got in January. 

'Betty' my 1941 Singer 66 hand crank

baby quilt top, ready to be basted

up close of 2 of the blocks

The colors don't show up very well with my camera.  This quilt top has been spray basted, and is waiting to be quilted.  This one was fun and quick to make.  I liked twisting the blocks back and forth for different looks.  These blocks were MUCH easier to make than the blocks from MSQS's video.  I LOVE Triangluations!!!!  No bias to mess around with, and perfect sized HST's every time!

I prepared lots of things to work on while at the quilt show.  I knew I wouldn't get to all of them, but, I did get to work a bit on each project while there. 

I'm in another block exchange with my Treadle On group, using people powered machines.  This exchange is using a simple 4 patch block.  I wanted something simple, and, I made 3 different sets, on 3 different machines.  These aren't due until early May, so, I just may make more, if I get the time to cut more squares.

3 sets of blocks for the exchange

There really are three different sets in the picture.  I just put them side by side for the picture.  I used 2 different hand cranks, and a treadle for these blocks. 

I also took another Missouri Star Quilt Store pattern to work on at the quilt show.  I'd seen the Sashing for the Flower Garden Quilt YouTube, and liked it.  The original pattern is called the Garden Flower Charm Pack Quilt.  I had several charm packs I'd gotten last year, and, I thought they would be great for this quilt.  I cut out 504 little squares for the corners, and 4 charm packs. 

charm packs and corner squares

I only got the corner squares stitched onto 2 charm packs.  I finally got the charms sewn into 4 patches this weekend.  Only 21 blocks so far, so, I'll have to make more blocks for a larger quilt.  I have plans for this quilt, too.  It will be a wedding quilt.

21 finished 4 patch blocks

A friend from church will be graduating this May.  She saw a quilt I made for another graduate, and decided that she needed one with her name on it.  She chose pinks and oranges for the colors.  I finally got started stitching the letters for the center of her quilt.  This is the center of her quilt.  I still need to add borders.  It will just be a wall quilt. 

center of Erika's quilt

She squealed when she saw this picture, so, I'm guessing she likes it so far. 

Another thing I worked on this month, while getting ready for the quilt show was blocks for Kevin's Quilts of Valor block drive.  If you haven't heard about Kevin's block drive, please visit this post and check it out. 

10 blocks for Kevin's Quilts of Valor block drive

Kevin is still collecting blocks.  I have 2 other ladies from my little guild (so far) that have also made blocks for Kevin.  These are super simple and quick. 

The last thing from March is the Box Bag I made at the Sewing and Quilting Expo this past weekend.  The pattern can be found here.

my box bag

 I think I made some progress this month, and had fun starting some new projects.  Hopefully I'll have lots more to show next month. 

I'm linking up with Barbara, over at Cat Patches for the NewFO's.