Thursday, September 1, 2016

National Sewing Month, Block Exchanges & Gene Wilder

September is National Sewing Month.  Ronald Reagan established it back in 1982.  Also, Saturday, September 10th is the 2nd National Sewing Machine day this year.  This is a month to CELEBRATE!

I've been busy sewing Treadle On Block Exchange (TOBE) blocks this past month.  The first exchange is the 2016 Fall Basic TOBE.  They chose 4 patch blocks this time.  There is always an easy block, twice a year, so that those who haven't sewn before, or don't quilt, can participate.  8 blocks is a set, and the max amount of sets is 4.  Of course, I made 4 sets of blocks, using 2 different machines.  All these blocks must be made on either a treadle or a hand crank.  I chose sewing themed fabrics for this exchange.




I'm also in the advanced block exchange.  This year it is a Batik Star TOBE.  I chose two different paper pieced blocks.  A set is 12 blocks with a max of 2 sets.  I used 2 different machines, one for each set.
Nell's Block

1914 Singer 66 hand crank (Lotus decals)

Perfect 9-Patch Wonky Stars

1927 Singer 15 hand crank (Gingerbread decals)
I finished these blocks while watching some Gene Wilder movies.  It was sad to lose Gene this week.  His movies celebrated milestones in my life.  The first movie I ever got to go to without my parents was Willie Wonka.  There was a matinee at our theater, with games and prizes and lots of fun.

My first 'date movie' was Young Frankenstein, when I was 13.
Gene Wilder in Young Frankenstein
We'll miss you, Gene!


10 comments:

  1. I like your top star block. I was sad to see that Gene Wilder passed away too.

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  2. Love Neil's Block - did you give it that name? Is there a pattern somewhere; I don't think I've ever seen it before. ~Jeanne

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  3. What a fun way to connect up machine collectors. I have a quilt of scout signatures from all over the world but I can imagine a collection of blocks made on vintage machines through the ages.

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  4. The batik stars are gorgeous, I'm not big on paper piecing but they'd be worth it especially Nell's Block.

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  5. I love your wonky star! And all those vintage machines....wonderful.

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  6. Love your blocks! I have to get my stars done ASAP I guess.

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  7. Lovely blocks... and such gorgeous machines!

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  8. Just another example of how Reagan was the greatest president of the modern age! LOL! Gene Wilder was long a favorite of mine--such a talented man. He will be much missed. Your blocks are all so beautiful! Happy September! :)

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  9. Love your blocks! I'm still working on mine.

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