Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Many things to show....

First I'll show how I used the red panel fabric. It's nothing too spectacular so I hope you aren't disappointed.  I started out wanting to make 16 patch blocks and made a mistake and was making 64 patch blocks.  When I realized my error I made some of the smaller blocks and then thought of that fabric to break up the checkerboard.  I have lots more blocks to make so the layout will change as I work on it.
I guess I have been living in a fog because I didn't realize this was the week the new season of TV shows start.  That means I'll get a lot more sewing done while I watch my old familiar favorites, Castle, the CSI variations, the Good Wife, etc.  I got more done on this one last night than I thought I would.  Only the top left 4 rows are sewn together as a unit.  I had sewn the individual rows on Sunday but got the edge pieces done and rows sewn together now.  I got a lot of the edge pieces bordered and I'm really glad I went with a consistent pair of prints on them.

While sifting through the 2.5" strips for the 16 patch blocks, I pulled out all of the strips that weren't full width and cut pieces for this quilt.  This is in one of Kaffe's books and it calls for all 2.5" squares.  I couldn't see any reason to cut 3 of the same to sew back together to make the cross bar so I cut 6.5" strips for them and 2 squares to finish each cross.  I have no idea how large this one will be.  It's just a fun play thing right now.

34 comments:

Sewing Junkie said...

OMGosh you have been on a roll. All of it looks good. Funny how we get inspired and get lots done. Keep up the Great Work. Chris

Maria said...

Wanda your quilts are always gorgeous.

Lynne said...

Wow! So many bright and colourful things on the go! You're doing my head in (not that it would be hard with these crazy "stuffed" sinuses!!)

Gene Black said...

I agree, Wanda. I never understood why a pattern told me to cut three squares of the SAME fabric and sew it back into a strip. I do the same on things like that, unless the construction is aided by using smaller pieces.

Elizabeth said...

I LOVE your quilts. You inspire me to do more scrap improvisational piecing.

Mary said...

You made the right choices for your border. the dark diamonds with even darker edging are really enhancing the design.

HollyM said...

I don't think I'd ever be disappointed in one of yours quilts because no matter the pattern the color is always spectacular! Besides that you need to make your self happy!
I continue to be drawn to the 4 patch and all its variations.

patty a. said...

You are keeping yourself very busy! Love the 64 patch quilt and they way you incorporated the fabric panel and all the red!

Quilt Inspiration said...

Just a quick note to say that we love Exuberant Color. Your quilts are beautiful, and it is always interesting to read about your design inspiration and decisions. Thanks for your great blog !

sosarahsew said...

Love them all!!

hetty said...

I love all of them! So inspirational. Enjoy the new shows!

Connie Pomering said...

Wanda your diamond quilt is beautiful! Great fabric choices in the setting diamonds. Always inspired by your quilts, thanks for sharing!

Stray Stitches (Linda G) said...

All of your creations are beautiful! I agree with you on the cutting - why make unnessary cuts just to sew them back together again.

Brita said...

You've done it again -- caused me to drool on my keyboard! I've been watching the progress on the diamonds quilt, just love it. When you first talked about using the same fabrics along the edges, I couldn't imagine why you'd do that. But it's a great idea, love it!! You inspire me :-)

Sheila said...

I love all your quilts. Love the first one pictured in this post, too!

Sue said...

All three projects are wonderful. The diamond quilt looks spectacular with the matching edge pieces! Wow! It is amazing! :)

Becky's Bees said...

Those three quilts are looking great...what an inspiration!! It is amazing how great ideas can come from a little "quilt play"...keep up the good work.

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

Wanda, all your projects look so great! I agree and wouldn't cut 3 squares and sew them back together either. I like your Kaffe scrappy quilt.

PolkaDotClassic said...

I Love them all!!

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

I love your design walls!! so beautiful. I'm going to miss the first 4 weeks of new shows! I hate that. I do have my recorder set up at home for 4 shows but if I loose electricity at all it won't do it because I always have to reset. If that happens I will need to set up to watch them on the computer when I get home. The connections are to slow to do that on the road.
On to Utah today = have a good week.
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/

Char said...

Wow you certainly got a lot done. I keep saying I'm going to make a quilt like the last one with my scraps. Thanks for the inspiration!

Donna~~ said...

Busy Busy--how do you keep it all straight? Can't imagine how you can get even more done with the new TV shows on--is that that much more in the day?! :) They all look great!

Pat said...

Are you running out of fabric yet? LOL I love the diamond one the most, I think. It is really hard for me to really choose a favorite as they are all great. Yes, tv with very few reruns is wonderful. I wish I had the energy at night to sew. Maybe soon after all my mess is done.

christijowinter933@yahoo.com said...

I must admit that I did not think I'd like your using the same fabric for the border of the diamond quilt because I loved the bright scrappiness of that quilt so much. But you were (as usual) right on. It makes the perfect frame for that quilt. ALL of the quilts on your design wall are so inspiring and joyful. It was a beautiful way to start my day by opening up your blog. Thank you!

Quiltdivajulie said...

LOVING how you chose to lay out the diamonds quilt ... it is wonderful!

Fabulous post for a gray, dreary day!!!

Love the colors!

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

Neat-O! I like them all. How fun to have so many different, pretty things to work on all at the same time. Keeps you from getting bored, doesn't it!

Cathi said...

Fabulous post full of gorgeous quilts in the making!
The diamond quilt is just gorgeous. Love how much it glows.

fiberchick said...

Wow you are inspiring!

Anonymous said...

Thankyouthankyouthankyou! Great use of scraps in that little tesselating cross at the bottom of your post. I am just going to watch a few of the same programs,Castle, Haven,American Pickers and am cutting up a large box of scraps given to me for guild community gifts. That is a great group project for our next workbee.
Nina in Canada

Cheryl Arkison said...

I'll admit it, I was skeptical about the consistent side diamonds. But that place of rest is making the quilt.

Vicky F said...

Hi Wanda,
I'm still loving the diamonds. The bordering half diamonds really "tone it down" and make it look like a whole.
That is funny you were going to make a 16 patch and ended up with 64! Sounds like something I would do; I always overcut, even when I'm trying not to....
Vicky F

Anonymous said...

Checker board, Diamonds, Cross's... WOW ~ a grand display, so full of energy and dazzle. What more can we ask ?

J~MT

Becky said...

I love how the diamonds are coming! A diamond is my favorite shape to work with! I'm eagerly awaiting how you are using the checkerboards. I have some 1 1/2" scraps I'm making 16 patches with, and I have no idea how to use them. The crosses are wild. A good way to use up some short strips. I love reading your blog.

Lynn Dykstra said...

This post keeps getting better and better!
I love the theme of fabrics you are using in these, and adore the tessellated crosses.