Frodo’s Quilt – blocks

I’ve managed to get a bit done to Frodo’s quilt, but I haven’t got very far as I’ve been so busy in the garden.

First I made six nine-patch blocks

I tried to place the squares randomly but I just couldn’t do it. I did manage to stop myself from putting them all the same way up, so there is some randomness there. Also one block has two of the squares in the wrong place, but I don’t think it’ll show once it’s finished.

Once I’d finished the blocks, I then cut them all apart again. (as you do) When I did a disappearing nine patch before, I cut the block into quarters and rotated them. I’ve done this one differently. I found a few examples of this online and thought it looked good.

You cut two blocks and swap their centres. It’s going to look very busy and colourful as I’m not using any solids but I think Frodo will like it.

I’ve got the blocks sewn back together now, and I just need to sew them together and finish it off.

I’m hoping to get a cushion made for the cat carrier before we go to collect Frodo so I’m going to try to do that next and finish the quilt later. Not too much later though. I’d like Frodo to have his quilt while he’s still a kitten 😉

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Disappearing nine-patch #2

And it’s finished! I’m not completely happy with it as my sewing skills definitely need some work, but it was good practise and I feel a lot more confident about using the new machine now.

I did random wavy lines to quilt it, which I’m thinking are ok. It’s the binding that I need to work on. It’s definitely a bit wonky on this, and the stitching is all over the place.

Overall though, it’s not too bad and I’ve learned a few things along the way.

I’ve had to abandon the C25K for a while. My knees ached quite a lot after the 20 minute run last Wednesday and were still achy on Saturday so I didn’t do my scheduled run then. They’re quite a bit better today but I’m wary of damaging them with our holiday coming up soon so I’m going to leave it for now and maybe try again after our hols. Also, the treadmill is currently buried under suitcases, clothes and other items for packing so running on it would be a bit tricky. I switched to using the treadmill after the second week as if my knees played up while running, I could stop immediately and not have to walk home. I found it easier too as it keeps you at a steady pace. I really hope I can get back to it later. I was enjoying it a lot.

I’ve been a bit freaked out lately. I have a serious spider phobia and there has been at least one monster, mutant spider stomping across the living room floor each night recently. Not what you want when you’re sitting quietly, doing some stitching and out of the corner of your eye you see ‘it’ heading your way. I know that they can’t hurt me, and they’re more frightened of me etc. etc, but when the phobia kicks in, logic flies out of the window. Once I can prise myself off the sofa, I’ve been throwing the magazine holder at it, as it’s got a flat bottom and is heavy. In an attempt to be more spider-friendly however, as it’s not their fault that they wig me out, I’ve bought a Bug Katcha on the recommendation of a friend. I just had to break off my typing to scoop up tonight’s invader and he’s been lobbed out the front door. I’m feeling rather pleased with myself as I only whimpered a bit while doing it 😉

Disappearing nine patch

Before I try to finish my Star quilt with my new sewing machine, I thought I’d make a small lap quilt to practise on. I had a selection of brown fabrics and thought they might look quite nice as a disappearing nine patch. I rather like the design, having seen it on several blogs and on Pinterest.

It was easy to do, and didn’t take long. My new machine is a joy to use and I’m getting quite confident with it now. I’ve tried using it with and without the foot pedal and both ways are great. There is so much control with the foot pedal. I love it.

This is the quilt top. I’ve yet to quilt it as I need to get some more batting. It’s laid out in a regular pattern but I was trying for random as far as the colours go. I’m quite pleased with it.

I think I’ll quilt it with straight lines, just to get some practise in with the walking foot.

I managed to photograph this one without any help as it’s small enough to hang on my airer. I did get a bit distracted while I was outside though. This chap landed on my coriander plants, right next to me, and as the camera was in my hand…

 

Isn’t he lovely? He’s been flitting around the garden for a few days now. I love butterflies.