The idea came from the Farmer's Wife QAL craze of a few years ago. I decided to simplify and primarily used this book - 501 Rotary Cut Quilt Blocks by Judy Hopkins. The blocks will alternate set straight and on-point, so I kept a list, recording each pattern as I made it, hoping to avoid any duplicates.
The goal is to complete the quilt by my birthday in December. You see, I have a big one coming up - it ends in a "0".
2014 also marks 30 years of serious quilting for me - feels like a milestone. I took my first quilt class in 1981. I had a baby and a job which didn't leave much time for quilting. The baby became babies and the job continued, so sewing time was pretty nonexistent. In 1984, I kept the babies, but quit the job and nap time became quilting time. And the story began - fabric collecting, quilt guilds, sewing and working in a quilt shop - all became a big part of me.
As I've worked on these blocks, it's been fun to think about how things have changed and how they haven't. I still have favorite blocks - stars and pinwheels - and I still have favorite colors - blues and greens. But I have evolved as a quilter.
As I made each block, I carefully chose my some of my all-time favorite colors and fabrics, both old and new...
I tried to add some whimsy and a surprisingly new favorite color for me - purple...
I added at least one fabric from all of my favorite designers...
And as organized as I felt, ended up with 2 blocks of the same pattern...
Ten of the blocks were made by five very special friends. I think I need to have them sign at least one of their blocks.
Some of my collected lines - Flea Market Fancy and Bonnie and Camille.
I'm excited to sew the blocks together, and I'm hoping it doesn't look like a hot mess. If it does, I guess it will be my hot mess and I know I'll love it!!
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What a lovely bunch of blocks....I love the colors you chose!
ReplyDeleteI wish I'd thought about doing something like that for myself....I'll be 60 on 12/22 and should have thought to make myself something special :) Maybe I will take your lead and make myself something for my "60th Year!"
I loved browsing your blog......
Peggy in NJ (a follower on IG)
Oh my gosh what a great idea.
ReplyDeleteThey look lovely so far, an dI am sure it will look amazing when all together!
ReplyDeleteI love what you have made so far.
ReplyDeleteYou've totally inspired me! Lovely.
ReplyDeleteLove the inspiration and the deliberate thoughtfulness of this project. It is one you will no doubt treasure for many years to come. I am looking forward to seeing it all come together!
ReplyDeleteThis is going to be a wonderful quilt! Looking forward to seeing it in all its glory!
ReplyDeleteLovely blocks and great fabrics.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful! A good plan and a fun purpose! This will be a stunner, to the "hyacinth" degree :)
ReplyDeleteI love the idea that your friend made some of the blocks, that is such a great memento!
ReplyDeleteReally lovely. I love how organized you are.
ReplyDeleteThis is going to be very special and lovely.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful blocks, really!
ReplyDeleteSuch a great idea! I love that your sampler will be special just for you :) Can't wait to see it come together.
ReplyDeleteAmanda
I love your blocks!! I too have the Judy Hopkins blocks book, and it is my absolute favourite. I've just made a quilt with the Chinese block, there is so much inspiration! Looking forward to seeing your blocks assembled!
ReplyDeleteHi Cindy. This quilt is going to be amazing. I love that you've taken a concept and modified it to suit yourself. I'm interested to see how it will turn out, so I've signed up to follow you now on bloglovin.
ReplyDeleteI have that "same" birthday coming up next year. Could you make me a quilt like your's? You're an inspiration and this will be beautiful.
ReplyDeletewhat a nice post! your quilt will be stunning!
ReplyDeleteI love this.
ReplyDeleteThey are all beautiful. I hit the big age that ends in 0 in July; wish I'd thought to do the same thing. Can't wait to see the completed quilt.
ReplyDeleteYour blocks are beautiful ! Is going to be an amazing quilt. Love the colors!
ReplyDeleteAside from how beautiful this quilt will look when it all comes together, I love how you spent mental time while you were piecing these blocks to reflect on your journey as a quilter! We do evolve in our affair with quilting!
ReplyDeleteI love your blocks!...and your choice of colors. I have a sampler book at home and have always wanted to make a sampler quilt? You have given me the much needed inspiration to do this! I can't wait to see the completed quilt...please post it!
ReplyDeleteIt looks beautiful so far Cindy! And I highly doubt anything you make can look like a hot mess. And I agree with you completely about working with kids. I have no time to sew. Maybe, maybe I can squeeze in a few minutes over naptime this long weekend.
ReplyDeleteL*O*V*E*! It's going to hot, alright, but no mess!! I love how you have put so many of your "favorite things" into the blocks...what an "accomplishment" quilt. I think that I can guess which "0" birthday you're having....I had that one a couple of years ago! BTW, did you know that the Farmer's Wife quilt has two of the same blocks in it?!...churn dashes!
ReplyDeleteOh I had the same idea for a farmers wife style quilt, even using the same book! I have all the pages marked but haven't begun.
ReplyDeleteThat is just really cool. I love it.
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