Sunday, April 11, 2010

I'm learning bits here and there about color and fabric choices. Here is the progress my newest project. I really like this block and I love the fabric. As you can tell in the top block, the one fabric does not contrast enough with the background to really stand out like it should. Live and learn. The border has a lot of flying geese of which I've made 4 I think. The next thing I'd like to do in my sewing room is to add a design wall. It will have to be small but it will be better than the nail I have in the wall with a hanger on it!
I used this nifty notion. It's called a Quilters Magic Wand. You lay it from corner to corner and draw sewing lines.  You then sew along the lines and cut in between. Easy half square triangles. Easy.
It was just $3 at my quilt shop!

I still need to finalize 2 sets of taxes. It will be easy but I've been avoiding doing it. Greg has been working in the yard. It seemed like a really short quick weekend. I think I could use a couple more days!

32 comments:

Margaret said...

You definitely should get a design wall. I like your patchwork, but I do see what you mean about the first block.

I am soooo thrilled that you showed that nifty gadget! I was just wishing for something like that! I'm off to find it and order one for myself!

Pat said...

I will vote along with you to lengthen the weekends!!! LOL I like your blocks...and I've heard of that wand...quite helpful.

Nancy said...

Pretty quilt blocks as always Jackie!

Beth said...

I know what you mean -- I mentioned I need to do something Monday and hubby said "you mean tomorrow?" *sigh* Where did the weekend go??

Theresa said...

Oh~~~~ Very cool tool~~ I'll have to see if I can find one~

I like your patch work~~ I can see what you mean on the first block, though...

Tammy said...

I love your blocks - they are beautiful. I have one of those ruler things - not the same company, mine is green, but it sure is nifty and useful. Hope you get your design wall, they are very handy - i have a small one and I love it.

Zlaty said...

I like your newest project! I made a small design wall around 36 " square with my husband help, it was pretty easy to do. I want to make a biger one hopefuly soon.
Have to look for for your new gadget. I have bough a similar one but haven't use it yet.

Happy sewing!

Robin (RsIslandCrafts) said...

Your blocks look great! I love to make half square triangles. I don't have one of those fancy tools though. I do the draw a line down the center and sew 1/4" from the line on both sides kind of thing. I don't have an "official" design wall. I have an empty wall space that is a bit over 3 feet wide that I thumb tacked up a big piece of cotton batting. It has helped alot when I'm deciding block layouts.

Barb said...

I like your tool....wonderful, I will have to look for one....I just mark a line from corner to corner and use my one fourth inch foot and just put it next to the line and sew.

Marjo said...

I am off to the quilt store tomorrow with a friend, that little tool will be on my list as my first quilt try is going to be one made of that type of triangle kind of thing. Love it. You are lightyears ahead of me with the design wall idea. Have a great week.

Mylene said...

The blocks looks great and what a very handy tool.

Vicki H. said...

Lots of yard work here too. I like your quilt blocks, sometimes you get a completely different "look" with using fabrics that aren't high in contrasts. I must find this quilters majic wand, I hope it is three dollars here!

Annie said...

Weekends are never long enough!

The quilting looks great. You know, I kind of like the subtle contrast on the that top block. Like a great white on white shirt I once owned.

Have fun with the new tool.

woolwoman said...

I think a design board would be great for a quilter - love the idea and I think you "need" one - right kiddo! Monday already - urggghhh - but oh well - at least we have a job right - have a good one! mel

Simone de Klerk said...

Now that, Jackie, is a great tool!!! I hope I will be able to find it somewhere when I am in the States (O:

Your blocks look great! Love the colors you used.

Mary said...

I'm retired and I find that weekends aren't long enough. LOL!

Deb said...

I think that you should get a design wall too. I've been wanting one for a long time - it's a lot better than laying things out on the floor like I do now.

I think that your blocks came out great and to me getting the right mix of fabrics is the hardest job about quilting. Love the new gadget too - I think that I'm going to have to pick up one of those!

Candace said...

You're so wonderfully creative, Jackie! Are you sure your weekends aren't longer than two days - lol! Color and fabric choices are still a bugger for me, but I get better as the years roll on! You will love a design wall...I have my first one in this house and don't know how I ever quilted without one!
Cheers!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the notion tip. I will look for one of those. Thanks for sharing your blocks and your discoveries on putting fabrics together. I learn so much from you!

Berit said...

I see your point RE the top block, yet I still like it; seems like a "round star"; reminds me of a chocolate truffle! :)

Julia said...

Again, I can't get over the beautiful work you do!!! check out my cousin's newest quilt on my blog. It's a tiny picture.

Irene said...

I love Deb Tucker's rulers - they make life so much easier and if you go to her website, she has great tutorials on how to use the various rulers.

Jeannine said...

Ooh! Gadgets! Nifty! Remind me to see if I can find the catalog or website. Someone sells a collapsible design wall - that way it's only out when you actually need it.

Thelma said...

That Magic Wand is new to me. Thanks for the tip.

I wrapped our taxes today, off to the post office tomorrow!

I like the mini quilt....great colors!

Lois said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Siobhán said...

Love the patchwork, Jackie! Thanks for showing that magic wand gizmo. I have only ever done 1/2 sq triangles using a ruler and strips... that makes things easier if I want to do stuff out of charms, etc. Well, eventually. ;)

Good luck with the taxes. Blergh.

Daisymum said...

I love to see what you are doing next. You are always making something awesome with interesting details. You are inspiring.

Lois said...

Let me try again!! Love your quilt blocks Jackie! The colours are great.

Unknown said...

What a great gadget! Thanks for sharing! And I'm loving your recent quilting projects...

Congrats to all the giveaway winners too!

HAPPY STITCHIN'
Terri

Vals Quilting said...

Hi Jackie, nice job on your wall hanging, I LOVE the colours!
Valerie

Lori said...

What a fun little gadget! I'm going to have to find one of those.

Tami @ Lemon Tree Tales said...

Ohhh, that magic wand is fantastic! I have to get one of those. I was just wondering how long it would take to mark off the little squares to do the quick flying geese method.