Wednesday 13 November 2013

WIP Wednesday

A quick WIP Wednesday today, because although I have lots of WIPs on the go, they mostly aren't at interesting stages.  First up is this block I made a couple of weeks ago for Tracey in the Simply Solids bee.  It's made using the Star pattern from Faith at Fresh Lemon Quilts' Summer Sampler Series.

Star Block for Simply Solids bee 

I'm particularly pleased with the hot colours in this block - they really make it for me.

The next block is part of my newest WIP, one that I am very excited about.  My local guild, Capital Quilters, is holding an exhibition of members' quilts next year.  Each time there is an exhibition, a raffle is held, with a quilt as the main prize.  I am on the exhibition committee and am making the raffle quilt (although it will get sent out for long arm quilting - phew!).

Acacia Stars - block 1

This is block number one of thirty for the raffle quilt.  I am using a bundle of Tula Pink's Acacia collection with co-ordinating solids from Westwood Acres (you can also find Acacia at Stitchbird and Fat Quarter Shop).

The pattern is super simple and based on a Kaffe Fasset design - just eight pointed stars like this with a border.  I won't be fussy cutting for every block, but I just could not resist featuring the raccoon in this way - isn't he soooo cute?!  I am rather concerned that I won't be able to let this quilt go when it's done...  Also, between this quilt and a couple of others, I have a lot of HSTs to trim, so I bought a couple of Bloc Loc rulers to help.  I haven't done much trimming with them yet, and will do more of a review when I have, but so far I like.

Have you found any new gadgets lately?  I'm not hugely into gadgets, but I'm definitely willing to invest in things that will make the quilting experience better.  A good example is the little wee rotary cutter with a 28mm blade that I bought recently.  I never thought I would need more than one size of rotary cutter, but it is great for all that HST trimming - I feel like the smaller blade gives me much more control.  I'd love to know what makes your quilting experience better.

Linking up with Lee at Freshly Pieced:

WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced

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15 comments:

Leanne said...

Lovely blocks and I think you will enjoy the bloc loc a lot.

Helen M said...

Your blocks look awesome. My favourite gadget is my 8" square up ruler. It is so useful for...well squaring up things but also for cutting small squares and rectangles without having an annoying long ruler. I use my square up ruler a lot.

Amy said...

Oh I love the star block! and the raccoon fussy cut is a nice touch.

Renee said...

What fun blocks! I love the way you fussy cut for the raccoon :-)

Jill said...

Love the colors in the top block.

Cille said...

Oh.. That raccoon is too sweet for words! I'm not really a gadget girl too but the clover clips are my least and greatest investment. Except for a bunch of rulers ( but then they don't relly count as gadgets)

Leonie said...

Gosh they are so striking! awesome blocks :)

audrey said...

Both of your blocks are absolutely stunning! Love!

Mrs Flying Blind... said...

Beautiful blocks!
I love my Sizzix for HSTs - no trimming ;)

Caroline said...

I've read about the bloc lock rulers, and all positive. I'll look forward to your review.

Hilary said...

That hot pink star is awesome!

Kirsten said...

Your solids star is stunning - love the raccoon too! I really like using a hera marker to mark out lines for quilting.

Rachel said...

Love the bold colors! I've been thinking about getting a tiny rotary cutter lately. Good to know you like yours.

Erica said...

I agree about that raccoon, it was crying out to be fussy cut :) I typically haven't loved Tula Pink's fabrics (I mean they are really pretty, I just didn't feel like I had to have them), but I do love Acacia so I'm looking forward to seeing your quilt since I'm too broke right now to buy some!

dutchcomfort said...

Love your solids star block!

I love my rulers and rotary cutters. I really can’t miss my add a 1/4" ruler. Use it all the time when paperpiecing.
Good brand needles (for hand and machine stitching) as well as good quality threads also make the difference!