Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Sew and Such

Although the temperatures are not reflecting the event, spring has arrived.  Both the male and female orioles have returned - the earliest we have ever recorded them doing so.  We had a winter storm blow through over the weekend and I am certain that they must be reconsidering their decision.  We are, however, thrilled to see the bright yellow flashes at the feeders.  I've also noticed a great increase in the number of hummingbirds.  Summer must follow soon.

After the challenges that I encountered with my Feathered Star block last week, I decided to tackle the Mariner's Compass a little differently.  I sewed this one by hand.  I have also hated the hand applique since I never felt that I was any good at it.  I am learning new skills and it is definitely improving the applique look on my blocks. 

I've been a slacker in starting my NY Beauty blocks so I decided to dive into them.  I have chosen batiks for this project since I have quite a few of them.    I still have four more blocks to do before the next set comes out, but I think I can make it. 




We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of our next grandbaby who is due in about a week and a half.  She has gone early with the other two, but this one seems to want to stay put for awhile.  Meanwhile we enjoy  our littlest guy.  He is growing so quickly and is the BEST baby. 


Since it sounds like most places are enjoying unseasonably warm temperatures, I hope you can all get out and enjoy them this week. 
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31 comments:

  1. Talin's CornerMarch 21, 2012 at 3:35 PM

    Your star blocks are just gorgeous. I have always wanted to make a Mariner's Compass quilt, but am a bit wary (so many points). Congrats on the new cutie in your family.

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  2. Sandie @ crazy'boutquiltsMarch 21, 2012 at 3:54 PM

    Your JT2 blocks look great! I haven't attempted that one yet... considering switching to something else. ;-)
    Love the NYB's too~ I didn't know there was a QAL. ;-)

    Little 'mite' is just adorable. :-)

    Our weather is still chilly~ I believe we got what you had.
    Have a happy rest of the week!

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  3. MichelleMarch 21, 2012 at 3:55 PM

    Your star blocks are AMAZING!

    What a sweet baby!!!

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  4. Kathy ... aka NanaMarch 21, 2012 at 3:59 PM

    Hummingbirds already?? Wow!

    I love both sets of blocks ... the blue and brown of the Mariner's Compass is especially stunning.

    Just love on your littlest one until the new little one arrives ... it's always a HAPPY day when grandbabies are born!

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  5. heartsease54March 21, 2012 at 4:34 PM

    Your NY Beauty blocks are amazing. I got my Feathered Star done last week too-not happy with the way it is laying & starched it to death. Better instructions would have been a great help, but I did figure it out on my own. The Y seams were easy peasy. However, this is not the first time I have found the instructions to be less than they should be, so packed all the red & white away for awhile. I may or may not come back to it. I hate to stop since I have so much time invested in it, but I was so disgusted with the way the instructions have been presented that I think it is best that I take a break & get something done that I can be proud of. I'll continue to download every 2 weeks, because I really think I want to finish this eventually, but need a break. Your blocks look amazing & I may follow your lead & handpiece the Mariner's Compass when I decide to take this up again.

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  6. Marjorie's Busy CornerMarch 21, 2012 at 4:47 PM

    Wow!!! I love your NYB blocks...such great color...and mariners compass is fantastic too...now the baby....well!!!!!! very sweet.

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  7. AnonymousMarch 21, 2012 at 4:56 PM

    Beautiful blocks! Ive never attempted to piece those. We are having summer weather for days! Yellow pollen is on everything and hummers arrived in our area! This is crazy!! But you know, I love not being cold. Hugs!! OH....another grand??? SO BLESSED!

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  8. Exuberantcolor/Wanda S HansonMarch 21, 2012 at 5:22 PM

    Your NYBeauty blocks are terrific. I wish I had the time to participate in this right now but it will have to wait.

    I'm still waiting for some migratory birds to come through. I hope they didn't just go straight past us with this heat.

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  9. karen @ badlandsquiltsMarch 21, 2012 at 5:55 PM

    Such a cute baby boy! And I love your NY beauty blocks, they look great in the batiks!

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  10. SusanMarch 21, 2012 at 6:18 PM

    Wow...everything (and everyone) seems to be coming along nicely!

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  11. Jenny RodriguezMarch 21, 2012 at 6:51 PM

    I SO adore your NY beauty in batiks! I don't think I've seen it done like that before and it is breathtaking.. can't wait to see it completed.. And love the baby pic =)

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  12. Connie Kresin CampbellMarch 21, 2012 at 7:32 PM

    Your NY Beauty blocks are beautiful! I really want to try making these, your little grandson is a cutie, won't be long before the next one is here!

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  13. boysmum2March 21, 2012 at 7:48 PM

    The blocks are looking good. Nice when the weather changes and the wild life returns, always fun to see how they have grown.

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  14. Wacky WomanMarch 21, 2012 at 9:05 PM

    Wow! These are gorgeous. Excellent!

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  15. MariaMarch 22, 2012 at 4:30 AM

    Your blocks look fabulous.
    Great colours you have chosen for the NYB..
    Ohhhhh!!!! he's such a sweetie.

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  16. StitchinByTheLakeMarch 22, 2012 at 4:46 AM

    You've got some beautiful blocks done - I've never tackled that intricate a block but I know it's lots of work. But the most beautiful work is that baby! My youngest grandbaby is now three and doesn't like being rocked too much any more - I miss that. blessings, marlene

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  17. Abby and StephanieMarch 22, 2012 at 5:14 AM

    Adorable little one.

    Having made one feathered star and one mariner's compass I understand the challenges and I had a terrific teacher. I haven't completely given up on the feathered star but I'm hopeless with Mariner's compass. Your blocks a beautiful.

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  18. Abby and StephanieMarch 22, 2012 at 5:14 AM

    Oh...and gorgeous NYB.

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  19. nancygrayceMarch 22, 2012 at 5:57 AM

    When I am old and senile, I'm sure you will be sharp as a tack from all the creative things you do!

    I thing the New York may be my very favorite yet!

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  20. em's scrapbagMarch 22, 2012 at 7:10 AM

    Congrats on your sweet little guy and the one soon to arrive. Babies are such a blessing.

    Your blocks look perfect. Love the geese.

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  21. hueiseiMarch 22, 2012 at 8:19 AM

    Pretty blocks! Loved the color of batik on your NYB block.
    Congrats on new grand baby! :)

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  22. SheilaMarch 22, 2012 at 8:58 AM

    All of your blocks are beautiful and your grandbaby is just adorable.

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  23. VickiMarch 23, 2012 at 7:05 AM

    Your NYB blocks are gorgeous, the batiks really work. You did a great job on the Mariner's Compass and I hear you on the hand applique, that is an art unto itself.

    I struggled with that technique and then on my last trip to Hawaii I took a needle turn applique course with Nancy Lee Chong. She has been making Hawaiian quilts for a very long time and teaching for over 20 years. She has a couple of videos out which I got so I could have a refresher when ever I needed on and they are good. You can check them out at:
    http://www.prqc.com/videos.htm

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  24. KarenMarch 23, 2012 at 1:45 PM

    Mary, I LOVE your NYB blocks! Maybe some day I'll try my hand at them.

    What an adorable baby boy! You do realize how lucky you are?!!! And a baby girl soon? I envy you so! Enjoy these precious gifts!

    Hugs, Karen

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  25. CaroleMarch 26, 2012 at 8:14 PM

    Wow! Your blocks are gorgeous! You certainly do not pick easy patterns! ;o) So, has the grand baby made it's appearance yet? You have such a wonderful family! Thanks for sharing!

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  26. Stray Stitches (Linda G)March 27, 2012 at 1:31 PM

    Your blocks are absolutely gorgeous!! What pattern/instruction material are you using?
    We have seen a few gold finches around but not many so far. I look forward to the arrival of the orioles when they venture just this little bit more north.
    We are due for another storm tomorrow with lower temps for a day or so.

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  27. palmtreefanaticMarch 28, 2012 at 5:05 AM

    your blocks are amazing....Baby is so adorable! I wanna scoop him up:)

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  28. Kathryn D. DukeMarch 29, 2012 at 12:20 PM

    Oh my, your hand work is impressive and lovely!! Your new little sleepy one is so precious...enjoy.
    Blessings,
    Kathy

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  29. Live a Colorful LifeMarch 30, 2012 at 12:16 PM

    Oh your NYB blocks are so beautiful! And that little baby is just adorable.

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  30. BarbaraApril 7, 2012 at 10:40 AM

    The unseasonal temperatures have abated here and Easter is cold, wet and windy.

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  31. Swedish ScrapperSeptember 27, 2012 at 12:22 AM

    Gotcha! Aren't those nyb blocks just lovely! Fabulous the way you made highlights and shadows with the plum and lavender. nice batiks too :D

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