Well, That Didn't Last Long.

February 17, 2012

Well, That Didn't Last Long.

My little funk was certainly short lived. Good thing too.

Yesterday while the baby was sleeping and Grandpa was enjoying his newspaper, I brought my portable sewing machine into the kitchen. Sometimes, you just have to make sewing happen. I did have to make a trip down to the studio for some fabric I purchased recently. You see, I had seen something while blog hopping, and just had to give it a go.

Jolene's quilt

Rachel at Stitched in Color is hosting Scrap Attack and encouraging everyone to use up those scraps we all have in abundance. She asked Jolene at Blue Elephant Stitches to show how she makes her terrific Granny Squares blocks, as they are a wonderful way to use up little scraps of fabric. Check out Jolene's fun tutorial on how to make the blocks on her blog.

Rachel's blog is one of the most inspirational I have looked at in some time. If your inspiration is lagging, as was mine, please make a point to visit her site Stitched in Color. She is completely awesome. Her most recent post is actually on the subject of inspiration-- how TOO MUCH of it can be overwhelming!

Since my scraps are packed up at the moment, I was forced to use new fabric (aw, poor me, I know). This is what I chose to work with. Since when have you seen such yummyness and didn't eat it?

This is PamkittyMorning's collection from Lakehouse. I got mine online at Shabby Fabrics, but it is available in some shops in my state, such as Prairie Queens in San Jose. I met the Shabby Fabrics girls at Road to California, and thought they were just outstanding in terms of customer service, friendliness and expertise. And talk about knowing their niche. Wow.

So, I got cracking and made four blocks, which I am completely in love with. Believe me, as soon as I can get at my scraps, I will be making a scrappy version of this quilt as well.

If you haven't made this block before, the construction is really simple. Basically, you just sew rows of 2 1/2" squares together and then trim the block down to a 9 inch square.

Thank you Pam, Rachel and Jolene for blasting me out of my funk.

Posted at 04:00 AM in Quilts in Progress | Permalink

Comments

Love those blocks!!! They look so yummy and fresh! Way to go Nicole.
Marsha

Posted by: Marsha | February 17, 2012 at 05:33 AM

That is going to be SO cute! Love all of the pink and red.

Posted by: Dianne | February 17, 2012 at 05:51 AM

What happy colors in Jolene's quilt and your four new blocks! Love the construction method, too.

Cheers that you're back in your creative high speed gear and happier! Did I ever show you the quilt I made when I'd found only my scraps after we moved here? I know the desperation to SEW!

Thanks for the link to such a great blog, too.

Happy sewing to you!

Hugs!

Posted by: Barbara Anne | February 17, 2012 at 05:59 AM

That is so darn cute! Love the combinations you used!

Posted by: Carol | February 17, 2012 at 06:04 AM

Oh friend, this is fantastic! Right on. I do love this block but I always thought you needed triangles in there - never thought of trimming squares. Sheesh.

Posted by: *karendianne. | February 17, 2012 at 06:05 AM

Sweet blocks! Inspiring blogs!! Way to go!!

Posted by: LoriD | February 17, 2012 at 06:18 AM

Perfect!

Posted by: lee | February 17, 2012 at 06:20 AM

The Old Red Barn QA group on flickr is starting this in March...I'm doing charm size squares so I have a hope of actually finishing a bed size quilt. Cant wait so see all the different ones everyone makes!

Posted by: badlands quilts | February 17, 2012 at 06:37 AM

Love it love it love it!!! ALL of it! Shabby Fabrics here I come!

Posted by: Shelley dionne | February 17, 2012 at 07:07 AM

Thanks for sharing this site Nicole. I love your blocks. I am on inspiration overload at the moment and it IS a bit overwhelming! So glad your mojo is back.

Posted by: Nancy Watkins | February 17, 2012 at 07:13 AM

Thanks for the reference Nicole. I too thought this was a cute quilt and instructions. It looks great in your pink-reds. Your review was short and focused. Think I will find some baggie of squares already cut and put them to use. Inspiration is sure where you find it!!

Posted by: Stephani in TX | February 17, 2012 at 07:13 AM

Well, what a beautiful collection of fabrics for Valentines Week : )

I love how you fussy cut the flowers for the center of the upper left block.

Posted by: Karen | February 17, 2012 at 07:23 AM

I love the fabrics you chose. I am so happy you have your mojo back. You are so inspiring to me.

Posted by: Dresden Quilter | February 17, 2012 at 07:27 AM

Love it! Color therapy!

Posted by: Linda | February 17, 2012 at 07:34 AM

Very, very nice! That will be an excellent way to use up any number of your favorite scraps! The possibilities are endless. THanks for the links so we can all check it out, too.

Posted by: sillysally | February 17, 2012 at 08:01 AM

That is pretty yummy! I love Granny Squares and even crocheted some years ago, but sewing is way more my thing. I've seen these floating around blogland and they are pretty darn irresistable!

Posted by: AnnieO | February 17, 2012 at 08:01 AM

Your blocks are really pretty. I'm itching go make some myself but I'm forcing myself to finish the quilting on my birdie stitches quilt before I start something new.

Posted by: Anita | February 17, 2012 at 08:04 AM

Wow! You are fast! Those blocks are so cute.

Posted by: Amy | February 17, 2012 at 08:27 AM

Glad your funk did not last long! The granny square block is a mahvelous idea - I'm going to add it to my list of scrappy blocks to try soon. Thanks for the inspiration!

Posted by: Angie | February 17, 2012 at 08:30 AM

Whoo-hoooooo!!! You've got it back! Your fussy cut Granny Squares in reds are gorgeous! I hopped over to read the inspiration blogs and I think I have plenty of scraps from jelly rolls to join the fun! How could anyone resist??

Posted by: Jan | February 17, 2012 at 08:38 AM

Wow LOVE your combos! I'm always inspired by other people's blocks! Nice work!

Posted by: pam | February 17, 2012 at 08:40 AM

You go girl! I love your blocks, they look like they were fun to make!

Posted by: Sinta | February 17, 2012 at 09:57 AM