DRESDEN BLOCKS CONTINUED

I am still working on these Dresden blocks.  I now have three done, well the third one just needs the blanket stitch around the center.  I have several more cut and ready to go.  

This one for some reason seems to be a favorite from an early post. I must admit I like it a lot as well.

I really like this one.  It still needs the blanket stitch around the center.  I have consulted my color expert (husband) and he thinks the matching blue thread is the way to go over my choice of a deep red.  He is usually right when it comes to color so blue it will be.  I have been using 12wt threads for the center blanket stitch.  I like the way it stands out and the extra texture.    

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BOUTIQUE RUNNERS

I have been madly sewing placemats and runners for my guild's January Quilt Show Boutique.  I started with placemats, but also am doing runners.  I pretty much have gone through all my left over fabrics and cut 2 1/2 inch strips.  If I can get four strips at least 18 inches long I make sets of four placemats, if I can only get two strips I make a runner.  I have at least a dozen sets of each cut now. They will need many more for sure, but I'll have help from other guild members.
This past week I was able to finish off three runners.  Sewing these guys in-between my Dresden blocks.  A nice transition from mindless sewing to the slow sew precision of Dresden construction.

I love this one, it is hard to not keep it.  The quilt as you go process is so simple, but I think the results is very pretty.  

This one also has a set of four placemats made from the same fabric line.  Left overs of my Dahlia quilt.

My left over Curved Spiral runner fabrics that I made last year with again another set of placemats that I managed to squeeze out to match this runner too.  
My work shop has been busy this week and I have many more to go along with what I have for myself going.  

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ROMANCE DRESDEN QUILT

While working on my Southern Charm quilt the pattern called for several Dresden blocks.  I had not been successful in the past with this block, but decided to buckle down and learn to do them.  It turned out I rather liked the results, although I must admit they are a slow sew project.  
Earlier this past week in cruising through some blogs I found a quilt made almost exclusively of Dresden blocks.  That post just grabbed me up and I almost immediately had my idea of a Romance Dresden Quilt.

I pulled out all my neutral low volume fabrics and then proceeded to dig through my stash for some deep, rich colored florals.  My first block of around 20 or so needed came to life.  I am so happy with it.

So, last night I cut out my next block.  Plus I've pulled several additional fabric selections for several more.  

I think this flower will be the center for this next block too.  And I can't wait to cut and work on some additional color combinations.  

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TO DO TUESDAY   

SOUTHERN CHARM QUILT FINISH UP

This past weekend and the beginnings of this week were so nice to get back to life as usual.  Our New Zealand holiday was wonderful, but it is nice to be home.  Then back to work last week, but instead of my usual one or two days I ended up working the entire week leaving no sewing time.  
I have at last finished off all the blocks I missed and my next task will be to just put the quilt top together.  I hope this week to accomplish that.  I am so pleased with this quilt.  Different than what I usually do.

This was the last Block Set #11.  One single block and two sets of three to make.  I purchased a Quilt in a Day Fussy Cut Rulers set to make these.  I have made this type of block many times, but I must say the new rulers are wonderful.  These blocks came out absolutely perfect.  

The first set of three.

And at last the very last set.  The opportunity to use scraps has been such fun.  

And I'm off with putting this quilt top together.  I can't wait to see the completed top.  

TO DO TUESDAY

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A FINISH UP COMING ON ANTHOLOGIE BLOCK 10

My plan this week was to try to finish up my block unit #10 of my Southern Charm quilt.  Well I usually only work one or two days a week.  But, since I was gone for three weeks all those day's work sat there for me needing done.  No sewing time for me.  I did accomplish last weekend on Sunday a couple more rows of the pieces in unit #10.

Well I now have four of the geese done with three more to go on this unit that has seven geese in it.
The plan today and until I return to work on Wednesday is to get unit #11 done too.  

And here they are.  I will need two of the three block rows and one single block as well.
Now the suggestion was a special ruler to help in their construction.  I love tools, I have dozens of rulers and other quilty tools.  So yes, off to Amazon.com to pick up this new tool.

Quilt in a Day Fussy Cut Rulers.  I see lots of uses for these guys.  

Plus they came in three sizes at a very reasonable price.  So I am off to get some groceries and sew the afternoon away.  

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SOUTHERN CHARM QUILT ADDITIONS

I finally had time after after returning from our holiday in New Zealand to sew a bit.  
My Southern Charm Quilt has been sadly behind with a finish of my Dresden plate blocks.  

The last Dresden done.  I made it 4.5 inches on its blades.  I am glad I increased it from the 3.5.  Instead of a circle in the center I tried a sort of flower shape.  Plus placed three small little dollies on it.  

So this finished off the large Dresden block.  Now on to the next block set.

A start of Block #10.  I had to really wrap my head around these little guys.  But, I think I have a good start of the seven I'll need for this block. 

And at last my last New Zealand purchased of fun fabric.  I just could not leave without buying some fabric that was truly New Zealand.  It was just too much fun.

To Do Tuesday

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FABRIC BUYS AND BACK HOME

We have been in New Zealand for almost three weeks.  Time does fly when you are having a good time, but it is time to get home.  I did finish some yummy fabric here.  

These are quarter meters.  A little larger than a quarter yard.  We should not complain about the cost of fabric.  Two meters of fabric cost just a little over $40.00 of American money.  It is lovely fabric with a feel like Art Gallery fabrics.

And here the second fat quarter meter I purchased.  Now to fly home tomorrow and get busy making something fun.  

And a last photo of a really interesting wall piece we spied in a quaint shop on the way back to Christchurch.  I really love the colors on this piece.  

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YES NEW ZEALAND HAS QUILT STORES

We have been traveling since Feb. 18th here in New Zealand and finally came across a quilt store in Arrowtown on the South Island.

Yes I bought fabric, and took lots of photos too.

 I like the fabrics in this one they had on display.

This piece was so pretty an the flowers were dimensional, which made them really stand out. 

This is just a part of this quilt, but I have some fabric at home which is must the same color range with leaves on it.  I think this clue gives me ideas.

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SHEEP, WOOL, AND WALL ART

We have taken in a lot more sites in the last couple of days.  We went to a sheep farm and watched them shear sheep.  They lay quite calmly when being sheared.  It was quite hot so I guess they are glad to have all that wool off. 

Plenty of wool off just one of these guys to make some of that nice wool batting some of us really like.

In Christchurch they had many wall arts done on the sides of their buildings and walls.  So many interesting quilt/wall hanging ideas.

I particularly like the bird in this piece and the ferns.  All sorts of possibilities. 

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