Sunday, July 18, 2010

Waste Not...Want Not


I just couldn't bear to throw away these little half square triangles leftover from making the basket blocks. I think there is a miniature Ann Hermes quilt in there somewhere....


Here is a basket block with its borders. I'm finding it difficult to be random with the fabric selection. I have an overwhelming desire to be too fussy. Must resist temptation...must be strong...

Last, but by no means least, here is my last set of swap blocks. Beth, I have posted yours. Theri and Kathleen - I shall be posting yours this week.



I have joined the Slow Poke Quilters and not just because some folks say I'm slow. They are a group of delightful girls who hand piece all their quilts and I feel the need to start a hand piecing project. Stay tuned for details.

On a technical note: ever since the new PC came into our lives we have been struggling to figure out how it all works. For some reason, it doesn't always like talking to blogs. If I take a few days to comment on your post please be patient. I get there eventually.

I hope you found some time to sew this weekend

Ann



25 comments:

  1. I have the same problem with random placing of fabric, I tried a scrappy quilt once and failed miserably!! No sewing this weekend, have been baking for school fete and off to Hampton Court Palace today :) Karen xx

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  2. Love the little basket block! I see nothing wrong with a little planning. For myself, I can't do random at all! Keep up the good work!

    Liri

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  3. Ann, I love the block!!! I too was very fussy and had a very hard time being random when I first started crazy quilting. I am a very symmetrical person. I learned to balance the color. Think of a triangle. Example: If you have a blue piece in the upper section, balance it in the bottom right and left with a blue piece. The color will balance the piece out and be more pleasing to you. I still can not do random, but I do much better. Hope it helps ease it for you. I love you piece!!!
    Great job.
    Debra

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  4. Keeping all the scraps is how we end up with boxes and boxes of fabric! That said i can't throw them out either, sigh. I like the block-maybe you should put all the pieces in a brown bag and just pull them out? That would give you random! As for the computer...well it's that love/hate thing again.

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  5. I have lots of HSTs from former quilts and some day I will do something with them! It's a good idea to have a hand piecing project handy to work on. I really enjoyed hand piecing my tumbler quilt and I think I need to get another hand piecing project ready to go, but what would it be? I love your basket block. Theri & Kathleen will be very happy to receive the swap blocks. I dreamt about what I'm going to do with mine last night.

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  6. I like the scrappy border on the basket block. And I know what you mean about the temptation to be fussy! How big are those leftover half square triangles?

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  7. Hi Ann...I like the idea of these Slow Poke Quilters...look forward to hearing more about them!!! Have a great week, Dzintra♥x

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  8. Hi, Ann! Your blocks look great. Hope you figure out the new PC soon.

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  9. The blocks look beautiful!! Love your basket block. I'm sure you will master that PC in no time.

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  10. Ann I love all the different color combinations.
    Enjoy your hand piecing.

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  11. I know exactly what you mean about those little triangle cut-offs - I just can't bear to toss them either. Ocassionally they will appear in another project, but most times they just collect! Would love to see your Ann Hermes version for them! The swap blocks are looking good. Have fun with your hand piecing, too.

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  12. I was wondering if anyone would have a left-over swap... some times it is easier to use other people's left overs than your own, since you have stared at them so, long. heehee I'm sure you will find something. I do love the basket block above. I have recently given some of my left over cuts and sewn half square triangles to some women starting out and with little to no fabric. Sew Fun!
    *hugs*
    Jackie

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  13. It's hard to part with even the smallest pieces, isn't it?;) Looking forward to the swap blocks;) Be patient with the new PC. We got a new one a few months back....love it now;)
    Happy Quilting!!

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  14. Your basket block is amazing, such beautiful fabrics! I know what you mean about being fussy. I start out trying to do a random placing of fabrics and pretty soon I'm fussing with getting the right color or pattern next to something or not placing the same fabric too close together. It all works out, I guess.

    The swap blocks are so pretty, can't wait for our turn! Mine are all mailed out for this month. Only one month to go, this has been so much fun! Hope someone comes up with another idea for a swap.

    Hand piecing can be so relaxing and lots of fun, enjoy the process.

    The container of little HST's looks like a project in the works. Enjoy!

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  15. More pretty swap blocks; what fun! Can't wait to see the first finish! Are you gals racing for that? (Just a thought! *grin*)
    You know what --- I save those little corners I cut off too most of the time. I stitch them before I cut them off. Bet you do too. Only difference --- you will do something with them someday; I probably won't. I'm looking forward to what you come up with from them. ---"Love"

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  16. Your basket block is lovely, and an Ann Hermes miniature quilt would be the perfect choice for those scraps!

    I think some new computers have too many firewalls set up, and can only see blogs as spam. Good luck!

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  17. You baskets are very sweet. I know what you mean about difficulties letting fabric selection be random. I plan much too much. Remember to show us what you end up doing with those tiny HSTs!

    I look forward to hearing about your hand piecing project. I've been thinking about trying that, but am not quite sure how to go about it. Time to hit the library!

    God luck figuring out the quirks of your new PC.
    -Joanne

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  18. I love your basket block. I can't wait to see the quilt when done. I really like what you've done. I haven't been making any quilts lately, but I have been sewing for the craft show. I too have problems throwing away scraps. I find myself looking at a piece and it never makes the garbage. Have a great day. Connie204

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  19. Can't wait to see what the half square triangles become :) The basket is lovely and I look forward to seeing what you choose for a hand project - I find that to be so relaxing. Your pictures are always so nice and clear - thanks for sharing!

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  20. darn those computers! stay strong ann! don't let that machine get you down!

    love the basket block by the way! it looks amazing!

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  21. What beautiful blocks! I also like the idea of the Slow Poke Quilters Club...right up my alley!
    Micki

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  22. Love your beautiful blocks. The basket block is great, thanks for sharing, Carolyn from Des Moines, Iowa USA

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  23. Love the blocks you posted and especially the basket block. Thanks for sharing, Carolyn from Des Moines, Iowa USA

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  24. Love love love!! So beautiful! It is going to be a stunning quilt. I think I need to join the Slow Poke Quilters Club too! :)

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