New Patchwork of the Crosses Block

Posted on November 20, 2009 by Quiltobsession

When looking at the blocks still requiring the surrounding cream hexagons, there was one that really stood out and I knew it wasn’t going to fit in with the others in the quilt. So I picked out some fabrics for another block and have now finished this one:

The back:

For the next 16 days I’m taking care of Winnie, an adorable looking little cat, for friends who have gone away to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. She is, however, one cranky cat!! She hisses when you put her food down for her, hisses if you try to pat her, just hisses a lot! I’ve known Winnie ever since our friends got her, about 14 years ago, and she has always been like this. She was a barn cat so I guess she’s basically feral. They live three floors above us, which makes it easy to run up and take care of her but I feel rather badly that she doesn’t want any attention at all. She just wants her food and water and that’s about it. Maybe I can get her used to a little attention during this time. That’s what I’m hoping.

One thing’s for sure, she makes me very grateful for the lovely dispositions our two boys have!

Lester, gazing out the window:

And Smudge in a variation of the “where’s his head” pose:

Another Snow Crystal

Posted on November 18, 2009 by Quiltobsession

I reached into the box of envelopes containing the pieces for three quilts and pulled out the envelope with the patches for this snow crystal block.

The back:

We have been having the most glorious weather for November. Very few rainy days, relatively high temperatures for this time of year and lots of lovely blue skies. If only it would stay like this until March!

A Lester photo. If you look closely you can see the lynx tips on his ears.

And Smudge resting up while he waits for his nightly yogourt treat.

Another POTC Block Framed

Posted on November 17, 2009 by Quiltobsession

As usual, I finish framing one of these blocks and it’s my current favourite. I’m amazed at how well the purple works with every one of these blocks so far.

The back:

Ever so slowly I’m responding to comments left over the last couple of weeks and trying to catch up reading and commenting on blogs. I can’t wait to have totally recovered from this wretched flu and have more energy.

Smudge curled up on one of the desk chairs:

And Lester sound asleep on the couch.

A Small Star

Posted on November 13, 2009 by Quiltobsession

There’s something about making stars that I love. There was a swap of the diamonds, triangles and squares to make 4.5″ LeMoyne Star blocks on the Inklingo list a few months back and I’ve been playing with ideas. Thursday night I decided to start making stars like this. I have enough to make 25 blocks, which should be an interesting little teddy bear quilt or I may print a few more fabrics to make a small lap quilt for us.

The back:

Lester curled up in the kitty bed again. Now that it’s fall and all the leaves are gone, I think the windowsill is offering less entertainment viewing for him.

Smudge relaxing in true Smudge style!

A Very Pink Patchwork of the Crosses Block

Posted on November 12, 2009 by Quiltobsession

A mostly pink block is now done. I wondered about the purple surrounding this one, but it works. I think purple is definitely my neutral for these blocks.

The back:

Mr. Q.O. saw his doctor Wednesday afternoon who, after listening to the symptoms, said we have classic H1N1 symptoms. After thinking that we were over the worst of it, Wednesday was a bit of a setback. The flu headache came back and the fatigue and weakness are definitely still evident. But, compared to many, we have had a very mild dose of it.

One thing’s for sure, I am very glad I had printed so many pieces for the various tops I’m working on. There is no way I could even think about precision cutting right now. But I can grab a spool of thread, a couple of needles and one of those little envelopes with the pieces for a block, and curl up on the couch and piece.

Smudge:

Lester curled up in one of the kitty beds.

Harpsichord Quilt, Row 1

Posted on November 10, 2009 by Quiltobsession

So that I’m not just working on putting rows together of the Harpsichord Quilt when all the blocks are done, I decided to join the blocks into rows as I go. This is the first 7 blocks of row 1. Four more blocks and that row will be complete.

No border will be added to the China Plates quilt. I’d like to get it quilted fairly quickly, so am hoping to baste it tomorrow. I keep thinking of quilting a spoon, knife and fork on each plate but will probably end up quilting a circle around the centre of each plate.

Simon, a friend who is an amazing photographer, went to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and got some fantastic photos. He was kind enough to allow me to grab this one of an owl to post.

Our home wildlife having a nap:

While our house lion was giving us quite the look!

China Plates Almost Finish

Posted on November 8, 2009 by Quiltobsession

The plates are all joined, the setting triangles added and, as it stands now, it’s about 26″ square. I’m not altogether sure whether to add a border or not and, if I do, what colour.

The back of the top:

We are, I hope, over the worst of the flu. The headache is finally gone. I don’t think I’ll ever complain about a migraine again. The relief being rid of the flu headache is enormous.

Smudge having a snooze Sunday night.

And Lester on the windowsill, although there’s not much left to see. Most of the leaves are gone, although the odd squirrel makes an appearance to keep him entertained.

China Plate Blocks Done

Posted on November 6, 2009 by Quiltobsession

All the plates are done. Now it’s just a matter of joining them and adding the black connector squares. With any luck, I’ll have the top finished by the time the weekend is over.

The worst part of this flu has been, for me, the never-ending headache. I fall asleep with it, wake up with it and it’s with me all the time. Compared to what some people have been through with this bug, I shouldn’t complain but I’ll be very glad when it is over.

Mr. Q.O. got this shot of Lester’s paw. Cracks me up.

Smudge showing that he definitely knows how to relax.

China Plates 5 to 22

Posted on November 5, 2009 by Quiltobsession

There are now 22 of the 25 plates done. They go together in a blink — with continuous stitching around the centres they’re super quick blocks to put together. Stitching these together is about all I’m capable of doing right now. Three left to do and then I’ll press them all and start putting the rows together.

Lester resting on the windowsill after another busy afternoon of leaf watching.

And Smudge absolutely crashed.

China Plates

Posted on November 4, 2009 by Quiltobsession

When I saw the larger hexagon and square shapes in the new Inklingo collection, I knew I had to make something using the Asian prints I so love. So out came a selection of fabrics.

Which rather quickly got reduced to a pile of patches for 25 blocks:

The first block was made.

And then another three. Black triangles for the outer edges have been printed as have the black connecting squares. For some reason I’m thinking I’ll call this mini quilt China Plates. I’m already playing with ideas for how I’ll quilt it. The top will be done relatively fast, perhaps even by the end of next week. Each block goes together in next to no time.

The backs:

This bug, whatever it is, really packs a punch. Even using the keyboard feels like a workout. Hopefully I’ll be back to reading and commenting on blogs within another day or two.