2012 NewFO Challenge - Numbers 5, 6 and 7

The 2012 NewFO Challenge sponsored by Cat Patches is all about new beginnings.  Which I took to heart this month as three new projects are now taking up space on the design wall.  Not sure what came over me this month.  There haven't been three new project starts in one month since we left Texas and I was removed from the influence of the class schedule at the local quilt shop.  So what's new? 




Grandmother's Choice
Barbara Brackman BOW

I couldn't resist Barbara Brackman's newest block of the week program, Grandmother's Choice.  It's been fun to learn about the women's suffrage movement.  Making the blocks has been a challenge.  I'm not a big on using templates, which is why block 4 is still under construction.  Block 2 and 4 have really been a test of my piecing skills.  But that's a good thing, I really should push myself to learn more advanced piecing skills.  However constructing block 4 is beginning to feel like an end of term exam for a class I didn't take. 

Project 6 had a very serendipitous start.  Drama Teen ran for president of her school's student council, which meant a trip to Hobby Lobby for campaign poster supplies.  Of course I can't leave Hobby Lobby without checking out the quilting gadgets.  On my way to that wall, I passed by the embroidery section and spied a printed panel that just absolutely had to come home with me.   The intent is to use it as the center of a medallion quilt.

NewFO number 7 has been a PIGS since 2004 or 2005.  I had signed up for a class at the local quilt shop, purchased the pattern and the fabrics, then the class was canceled.  It has sat untouched since then.  For some reason, this particular project started begging for attention.  After playing around in EQ for about a week and tweaking the fabric selection, I cut the fabrics on Friday and started piecing yesterday.  You can see one of the early EQ layouts for this project here. 

Pattern is "Evening Star" from Calico Carriage
Designed by Debbie Maddy

 
That's my three new project  for September.  They more than make up for not starting anything new in July or August.  What's even better about these new projects is that Grandmother's Choice and Evening Star are being made from stash fabrics, no new fabrics had to be purchased.  Which is a very good thing as my stash inflow has been pretty healthy without needing to buy for new projects.  Maybe these will help balance out my seemingly ever present fabric flow imbalance.    

Check out all the other NewFOs over at Cat Patches.  I'm also linking up with Kathy's Quilts Slow Stitching Sunday.  Stop by and check out all the cool handwork going on.