Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Veteran Churn Dash Block Drive

 It is hard to believe that March is almost here.  That means it is time to get started on the next Compassion Quilt block drive!

We are going to repeat some blocks we did last year.  I had a lot of fun making the quilts and I think many of you enjoyed making the blocks.  For the next three months, we will be making these blocks for our Veterans - so the color scheme will be red, white and blue.

Rather than write a whole new post, I am just going to cut and paste the instructions from last year.


There will be a choice of THREE blocks.  (So you can make the blocks that gives you the best usage of your scraps.  You can make any number of the size(s) block you want.)


The first block is a 12.5" unfinished churn dash.


Here are the cut sizes for Block #1:

    2.5 x 4.5" dark fabric - Qty = 4
    2.5 x 4.5" light fabric - Qty = 4
    (If you want to strip piece, cut both strips 2.5" x 18", sew and then sub-cut into 4.5" square)

For the center square

    4.5" square - Qty = 1

For the HSTs:

    5" square dark fabric - Qty = 2
    5" square light fabric - Qty = 2
    (To make the HSTs, draw a diagonal line, sew twice 1/4" along the side of the line and then trim to 4.5" square.)




For color placement, I am just going to ask that you use a white for the background fabric.  It is okay if there is a small red and/or blue print on that fabric. You can make the center block the same as the background or feel free to use another fabric.  I don't care if you use all the same fabric for the dark fabric or break up the components and use different colors.  I will find a way to use them all!


  

The second block is the same block just in miniature - a 6.5" unfinished Churn Dash.

Same assembly just smaller cut sizes.


Here are the cut sizes for Block #2:

    1.5 x 2.5" dark fabric - Qty = 4
    1.5 x 2.5" light fabric - Qty = 4
    (If you want to strip piece, cut both strips 1.5" x 10", sew and then sub-cut into 2.5" square)

For the center square

    2.5" square - Qty = 1

For the HSTs:

    3" square dark fabric - Qty = 2
    3" square light fabric - Qty = 2
    (To make the HSTs, draw a diagonal line, sew twice 1/4"along the side of the line and then trim to 2.5" square.)


The color placement for these blocks is the same as the larger blocks.  These blocks are great if you have smaller scraps.



The third block is really straight forward - just a 4-patch from 3.5" squares.  These will create a 6.5" unfinished block.

For Block #3:

For color placement, you can go with the traditional two light/two dark squares.  Or feel free to cut all four squares from different fabrics.  My vision is to use these as "chain" blocks, horizontal sashing, or just simple patchwork.  It will be fun to see what I receive and how I will use them.


(Note: for those of you with Americana prints - these usually have a background of cream or even a light tan.  You can use these fabrics and deviate from the white background.  I will just put all of these darker blocks together in a quilt (but my preference is to stick with white). I will make work whatever you send me!

Last year there were just over 1500 blocks sent and I put them together to make 26 quilts.  Can we beat those totals this year?

If you have any questions or need my address to send out your blocks, feel free to email me at cynthiabdesigns at gmail dot com.  Try not to put questions/requests in the comments unless you know for sure I can reply to them.

If you want to read more about these compassion quilts, you can do so here.

Thanks so much!


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Sunday, February 25, 2024

Oh Scrap! : Turquoise

The weather has been amazing the last few days, so Arthur and I have been spending lots of time outdoors - working and playing.

There are so many signs of spring.  It is time to get the garden prepped!



 I did find time to make these nine scrappy strips in turquoise.  As I was digging through some fabric today, I discovered a yard of fabric that I think will finish some of these strips off nicely.  I pulled some pink, purple, green and turquoise strips so we shall see how it looks.  
Maybe I will have a quilt top to share next week!

I hope you are seeing signs of spring in your area too!



*********************************************

It is now your turn to share what you are making with scraps.  Here are the details for linking up: 

  • This linky party is for any scrappy project - It can be in-process or a finished piece.
  • You can link up your blog post (not your homepage please) or Instagram photo from the past week that features your use of scraps.
  • If you are linking to a blog post, I ask that you link back to my blog somewhere in your post. So if you are writing about scraps, just get into the habit of including a link as there will be a linky party available every week!
  • If you are using Instagram, please use the hashtag #ohscrap.
  • This is a party so remember to socialize and comment on the posts of others.
  • Following my blog is not necessary but it sure would be great if you do! 

Quilting is more fun than Housework





You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Friday, February 23, 2024

Log Cabin Finish #9 and More

The donation quilt pipeline is full of a big variety of quilts.  
I just post them as I finish them!



I do try to put the quilts made from our current block drive to the top of the pile.  This pretty purple one is quilt #9.  I didn't have a lot of purple blocks with all white, so I used what I had and added a wide purple border.  I have had this purple fabric in my stash for a long time.



On the back is this amazing purple speckled white print that Cindy sent in.  I wish it was in my stash!  (Actually, I wish it came in flooring for my bathroom.)

I think this might be the last of the big purple backing pieces I have stashed.  I received a LOT of purple blocks. I still have quite few more purple blocks with scrappier backgrounds so I might have to get creative for the backs. Or make some multicolored quilts - that is another option.

This quilt measures about 56" square.




Check out Happy Quilt #61.  This quilt is a birdwatcher's delight!  
There were some really pretty bird blocks that were sent in.



And how about this backing!  I think this one came from Dorothy and I fell in love with it as soon as I took it out of the box.

This quilt measures 56" x 64".



This pretty pink quilt is another top that was rescued from an estate sale.  I didn't have to rework this one at all - just give it a good pressing.



This burgundy flannel back came from the same sale and I like to believe they were always meant to be together.  Thanks so much Deana for finding these!

This quilt measures 60 x 72".

The current log cabin block drive is winding down so if you have blocks to send in, please get them in the mail soon.  I would love to get these blocks all made into quilts before the next blocks start arriving. 

The next block drive will be announced next week.

As always, a huge thanks to all who donate their time, blocks, fabrics, thread, quilts and financial support.  I also appreciate all of you who cheer from the sidelines!

 So many hands and hearts go into making these quilts happen!


Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Wednesday Finishes

I have been bouncing around finishing the bindings on a huge array of quilts. Some of them have been quilted for a while but I sew the bindings on as I need them.



I am still trying to work my way through all the happy blocks I received in the last block drive. This is happy quilt # 60.  All of the blocks in this top have kind of a rainbow theme. 
There is a whole lot of color in this one!

I decided to use a "Boston commons” type layout for this one. Nann had sent me a bunch of the balloon fabric and I decided to use it in the inside border and for the binding.



I also used the balloon fabric on the back. Isn’t this fabric amazing and colorful!




This cowboy quilt top was sent in by Karen. This is one of the quilts I sent off locally to get quilted by one of my elves. Terry did a fantastic job quilting in loops and stars.




Karen also sent in this backing. The quilting really shows up! 
This quilt measures about 48" x 62".



If you don’t follow Diann’s blog Little Penguin Quilts, you should. Diann made this lovely scrappy quilt. I have always wanted to make this block but haven’t yet.  I think this quilt looks amazing!



The colorful backing really finishes this sweet quilt off perfectly.

That is all I have to share today but there will be a few more in a couple of days.  




Sunday, February 18, 2024

Oh Scrap! : Orphan Blocks

In a previous post, you may remember I shared a quilt top that was rescued from an estate sale.  Not only did a number of quilt tops make their way to me but a TON of orphan blocks also were rescued.



This week I spent some time pressing them and sorting them by size.  (A few other orphan blocks made their way into the stack too).  I wanted to be sure I knew what exactly were in the bag that was donated.  I think many of these were actually UFOs but their fabrics and other blocks are long gone.

There are probably about fifty 12.5" blocks that I will eventually make into some sampler quilts.  The rest of the blocks will require a lot more thought because their sizes are all over the place.  I also still have a bunch of my own orphan blocks that need attention.

One of the most amazing finds in the bag were the 9 appliqued Hawaiian blocks that were salvaged.  One or two blocks need a bit more applique, but I can easily do that.  Then I just need to find some nice sashing and sew it up.

As I went through all these blocks, I was inspired by a few.  I have plans for future block drives that some of these may go with and I have a number of donated panels that some of these blocks may complement.  Now that I have the blocks organized, I can lay my hands on them quickly when I am ready for them.

So many quilts....so little time!


*********************************************

It is now your turn to share what you are making with scraps.  Here are the details for linking up: 

  • This linky party is for any scrappy project - It can be in-process or a finished piece.
  • You can link up your blog post (not your homepage please) or Instagram photo from the past week that features your use of scraps.
  • If you are linking to a blog post, I ask that you link back to my blog somewhere in your post. So if you are writing about scraps, just get into the habit of including a link as there will be a linky party available every week!
  • If you are using Instagram, please use the hashtag #ohscrap.
  • This is a party so remember to socialize and comment on the posts of others.
  • Following my blog is not necessary but it sure would be great if you do! 

Quilting is more fun than Housework




You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

 

Friday, February 16, 2024

Log Cabin Finish #8

The rain didn't let up today and I didn't have the help of a quilt holder so I will only be sharing one finish today.



I decided to play around with big circles for today's quilt.  I was able to group alike colors in each circle of blocks.  I think this quilt is a lot of fun.



On the back is a lovely paisley wide back fabric that was actually sent in by a bunch of different quilters.  This particular piece came from Cindy.

This quilt measures 55 x 66".

I had to lay this one out in the wet grass to get it photographed so I decided to wait and share the rest of the finishes next week.

 Happy Friday!


Wednesday, February 14, 2024

A Couple More Finishes

I was busy again working on client quilts this week but thanks to little elves, I still have two quilts to share today.



Pretty quilts do not need to be difficult.  Sometimes simple patterns make some really nice quilts.  This quilt top sent in by Karen is just made from 5" squares.

I sent this one off for Terry to quilt.  She has a new longarm and these compassion quilts are perfect for her to practice on as she gets used to her machine.




Karen also sent in this lovely backing.  It is a lovely floral that I have not seen before or I would have definitely added it to my stash.

This quilt is approximately 55 x 72".




This hand appliqued quilt top was saved from an estate sale from my neighbor Deana.  The quilt was actually about a king size, and I had to take it apart to make two quilt tops.  This is the smallest of the two.  It is made with all batik fabrics.

I think I received a total of 8 finished quilt tops from this estate sale.  Quite a few of them are way too big so they will need some work before they can be quilted.  I feel like I am honoring this quilter by finishing them up and giving them to such a wonderful cause.



For the back, I used this fun leaf fabric that Beth sent me.  Keep an eye out for more of this fabric.  I used the scraps as inspiration for a quilt top that is out being quilted.

I have been finally quilting a few more compassion quilt tops so I will have more finishes to share Friday.  Plus I have some news to share with you soon - I just have a few more steps I need to complete before I can share the details!

Hope you had a lovely Valentine's Day!



 

Sunday, February 11, 2024

Oh Scrap! : String Blocks

I am out of Veteran Quilt inventory so until we do a Veteran Block Drive again, I need to make about 3 RWB quilts every six weeks to meet the current demand.



 I decided to use some of the RWB scraps and make some string blocks.  I still have about 10 string blocks left over from last year so I will only need to make about 20 blocks.  I quickly whipped out the six blocks above.

I also dug through some leftover churn dash blocks from last year and made another top which I will get quilted up soon and share.  One of my friends stepped up to make the third quilt I need.  It will feel good to have these completed so I can go back and focus on other adult quilts.

I had forgotten how much I love to make string blocks. Hopefully I will have the rest of the blocks completed by next Sunday!


*********************************************

It is now your turn to share what you are making with scraps.  Here are the details for linking up: 

  • This linky party is for any scrappy project - It can be in-process or a finished piece.
  • You can link up your blog post (not your homepage please) or Instagram photo from the past week that features your use of scraps.
  • If you are linking to a blog post, I ask that you link back to my blog somewhere in your post. So if you are writing about scraps, just get into the habit of including a link as there will be a linky party available every week!
  • If you are using Instagram, please use the hashtag #ohscrap.
  • This is a party so remember to socialize and comment on the posts of others.
  • Following my blog is not necessary but it sure would be great if you do! 

Quilting is more fun than Housework


You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Friday, February 9, 2024

Log Cabin Finishes # 6 & 7

Time to share a few more Log Cabin quilts made from the current block drive.



Holly not only made these blocks but she sewed them all together to make this lovely quilt top.  I really love this circle design.



Holly also sent in the top blue portion of the backing.  All I had to do with add the bottom piece which has been languishing in the stash.  I am very happy it found a good home.

This lovely quilt measures 66" square and is quilt #6.



The top for quilt #7 was sewn together by Liz.  It is purple so you know I love it!



I had a lovely blue and purple geometric piece for the back.  It wasn't quite big enough I added on some purple.  I used the same purple for the binding.

Quilt #7 measures 55 x 66".

There is still a bit more time to make some blocks if you want to.  You can find all the information about making the blocks in this post.  

The next block drive will be announced the last few days of February.  We will be using red, white and blue fabric!


Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Happy Scrappy

We have some Happy and some Scrappy finishes today.



First, there is Happy Quilt #59. This little quilt is all about zoo animals. I also used only yellow, orange, blue and green blocks for this one.



I picked these colors to match the adorable jungle fabric sent in by Helen.  There wasn't a lot of it but I had a light brown solid that matched beautifully.

This little quilt measure 40 x 48".



This next quilt is my scrappy Two Bits quilt.  I started with some 9-patches that were in my spare parts box.  Then I made the blocks in a rainbow of colors.  Making all these donation quilts, I end up with a lot of scraps from trimmed backings so you will find a number of them in these blocks. It is nice to find a home for them.



The front of the quilt is super bright so I thought I would put a muted fabric on the back.  This backing piece was given to me by my neighbor - she is now out tracking down fabric for these quilts.  She says loves the hunt!

It takes a lot of fabric to back all these quilts so I appreciate all the help I can get!

This week I am focused on quilting Compassion Quilts - so I am hoping to work through a bunch of the stack waiting to be quilted.  I just delivered 25 quilts to the hospital so my inventory of finished quilts is pretty depleted.  I will be working on quilts for adults and a few quilts for veterans.

 Friday I hope to have two Log Cabin quilts ready to share.  I just have the binding to sew!


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