Can anyone explain to me where February has gone? I’m totally dismayed at how quickly this month has flown by. Although February is usually the most miserable month weatherwise, for me it is chock-a-block full of celebrations. Groundhog Day, my birthday, my Dad’s birthday, Valentine’s Day, and our wedding anniversary, and even one of our pups has a February birthday!
Chocolate is for lovers!
I baked a classic double layer chocolate cake, from scratch no less, with ameretto cherry filling between the layers and chocolate butter cream frosting decorated with white chocolate Lindt truffles and a single Callebeaut Valentine’s heart on top for my sweetheart this Valentine’s Day and it was scrumptious, if I do say so myself 😮
Blindman's Fancy Block #20
Can I get a drumroll please? This feels like a momentous occasion! After much cutting, sewing, trimming, and pressing I’m so very happy to say that the final block for my Blindman’s Fancy quilt is definitely done!! and I’ve been adding to the quite large pile of flying geese too! My only problem is that there is still a quilt lingering on my large design wall at the studio and this one will definitely have to go up on view to make all the right decisions on proper placements for blocks and sashings. Good news is, the weather is beginning to break and although not above zero yet, things are feeling almost bearable to work in the upstairs studio this week. My plan for the month of March includes much tying off of loose ends that are beginning to haunt me. I’d like to get some pieces onto the longarm machine and have some bindings to take with me at the end of the month, but that’s a tale for another day.
I know what you’re thinking… what has all this to do with the title of this post? Well, nothing actually. I’ve just gone off on a ramble to clear things out of my head – so sorry. Do you feel victimized? I’m quite shocked and amazed that you’re still hanging in there waiting for news of my Foothills quilt-along. So here it is: ta da!
Foothills Quilt second attempt
Foothills Quilt second attempt
I’ve officially called a ‘mulligan‘, a ‘do-over‘, an ‘ignore the crazy quilter behind the curtain‘, and I chucked set aside my initial set of blocks which weren’t sewn together properly anyhow, and started an entirely new set that replicate the original quilt more closely. I’ve gathered an entirely new palette of fabric that is closer to the original quilt and this has been such a wonderful learning experience for me. I’ve had to truly push and stretch myself to study each block closely in order to see the value of individual fabrics, and then compare those values within the entire quilt to create harmony throughout. I’m not using fabrics or prints that are identical to the original quilt but instead I’m attempting to select those that evoke a similar overall mood. This is more difficult than it sounds. As I analyze each block I’m auditioning dozens of fabrics from my selected palette and I’m not hesitating to use very unusual choices, if they really work. Things are progressing quickly and I’m almost halfway through the required twenty-five blocks to complete this quilt. Keep checking back for reports on this one as I’m determined to see it on the longarm soon.
until next time, carol
Hey! No chucking of blocks in the sewing room…you’re apt to hurt someone! Your Foothills QAL blocks are looking great! I even had to go look at the original quilt to see if your wonky block was a copy and there it was.
I absolutely am in love with all your Blindman’s Fancy blocks. The last batch have been some of my favourites! I think you really got in the groove near the end, so it is good that you made even more than originally planned. Looking good as usual (and I’m not just talking about the delectable cake!!). xoxo
Thanks Tammy! I’m really excited to get those Blindman blocks up on the wall just to see them all together. I’m hoping to have them all sewn up in time for a show and tell. You know what I’m talking about! – the countdown has already begun 😮
And as for those chucked ‘foothills’ blocks, just wait til you see what I’ve done now! xox
That blindman’s fancy block is gorgeous. Thinking it would look fabulous as the center block on my bed
Aren’t you the cheeky thing! Are you hinting that you need a new quilt? Thanks for commenting on my block though, it’s great to know that you’re reading my blog :o)