Thursday, January 31, 2013

"Build Your Best Log Cabin" E-Book Review

UPDATE- There were some revisions to the Log Cabin book. There's a new link for e-book below.


When I was asked to review this e-book it got me thinking about this log cabin(it was actually my Dad & his brother's play house) & my Grandmas. One was a secret quilter. Meaning we didn't know that she made quilts. The antique quilts in this book take you back to a different time. When there wasn't a quilt shop down the road.

The new quilts will inspire you to dig into your stash or head to your local quilt shop. Pick the colors you love & you'll love the quilt, right?

The handy charts give you the width & number of strips you will need for several sizes of log cabin blocks. I'm leaning to the right side of the charts on this one, bigger blocks. There are several different layout options too. Follow the step by step instructions & you'll be on your way. 

My favorite is the off set block that makes the Linked Chevrons. Patriotic colors & I'll have a 
Hero Quilt.

I looked at the antique blocks for a long time. I always wonder about the person who made them. What was their life like? The book even has a history of Log Cabin Quilts.

So what's it going to be for you? Traditional?

Patriotic?


Or a nod to modern?




Let me know which one you make. I'll post a picture of mine when it's done.


The folks at Fons & Porter are sharing a link with you. 
Don't hold your breath for the pictures. I'm in a mega, custom , king size quilting mode right now.
Thanks for stopping by & I'll be back soon.
Sharon

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Saturday Sewing

Here's my latest block from Jenny's QAL. You can find the pattern here. This is block 7.

I got this special thank you from Betz yesterday for the last quilt I did for her. She used a picture of part of the quilt. What a thoughtful,clever idea. Quilters are the best.


Working on a project for Joanna & family that I found on Pinterest.  I'll post  a picture when I'm done.
How's your Sunday looking?

Back soon!
Sharon

Monday, January 21, 2013

Smokey River & The Hero Quilters

Here is the latest quilt by Betz. It's called Smokey River & you can get it here




I like the way the lines make the center of the block stand out.


I tried a new border. Kathy from Tamarack Shack gives excellent directions here. Thank you Kathy!
 I used Deloa Jones 10" Boomerang Ruler.



Here's part of the Stanwood-Camano Hero Quilt gang. We met on Saturday. 8 finished quilts were dropped off & everyone was working on piecing a quilt or putting binding on. Holding the quilt are Betz, Linda, Sally, Karen, Me, Linda W, Wilma , Dorothy, Pat, & Linda Wright. Standing over by the window are Joyce & her friend.


That's all for right now. Quilts are calling & I am going to GNO tonight with Roxanne tonight at 
Aunt Mary's. Woohoo! 

Be back soon.
Sharon


Sunday, January 13, 2013

Sweet Baskets

Here's the latest. Julia made this darling 30's basket quilt. I did viney/leafy quilting in all the setting triangles & some echoing around the flower baskets.




The leafy border was a bit of a challenge. Hard to see the off white thread on the lite green.


I have a batik beauty on now & will have pictures later this week.
Took a class from Reynola Pakusich on Saturday through CIQ. Cut up a panel in sections to look like a paned glass window. I'll show you when I get more of it done. I will conquer mitered corners by the time I'm done. There was a great turnout & it's always fun to sew with a crowd.

Chilly weather around here. Better than "s". It's been very cold in CA lately too. 27F this morning in Fremont at Joanna's. That's really cold for them. 

Be back soon.
Sharon


Thursday, January 3, 2013

Patriotic Scotties, Sherbet Parfait & Happy New Year

I took advantage of the sunny weather to get some pictures. Sunny & cold. It's been in the 20's here in the morning. These are a gift for a friend. She loves scotty dogs & we always find something patriotic for each other. If you know who "she" is shhh, it's a secret. I found the pattern here .

Here's all of the blocks so far for the Quick Curve Ruler "Curve it Up" quilt along. I think I'm calling mine Sherbet Parfait. Head over to Jenny's blog, it's not too late to join. There's even a Flickr group with all  kinds of great pictures.


On New Year's Day I got very lucky & watched a pod of Orcas about 100 yards off the shore at Camano Island State Park. Saw a breach & a spy hop & lots of just swimming along. If you are on Facebook & "friend" Orca Network they post sightings almost every day. It was a great way to start the new year.


Back to more quilting. Be back soon.
Sharon