Sunday, September 30, 2012

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. 

14 comments:

Larri said...

I love your Grandmother's Choice blocks. So pretty. Your handstitching is admirable and inspiring. :) Great start to all your new projects! How did the election process go? Did she win with her campaign? Happy Sunday!

Kate said...

I'm with you on block 4. In fact, I just picked a new block. I'm all for learning new skills, but I don't want to waste quilting time doing things I don't enjoy, so... How did the election go?

Quilter Kathy said...

Everything you said resonates with me. So fun that you are starting three new projects! Well two of them don't really "count" because you already had the fabric so you're really finishing those! *wink* That's how I justify new starts! Thanks for linking up to Slow Sunday Stitching and I hope you have lots of lovely stitching moments ahead this week!

Barbara said...

You were energetic this month! I couldn't get the templates to print at the correct size for the 2nd Grandmother's Choice block, which discouraged me from the whole project. Bummer. And I don't want to buy the software. Oh well. Plenty of other projects to start. I think I would have been mad about the class being canceled. Is this the same project? Or did you use the fabrics for something else?

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Yes, the Grandmother's Choice will be a challenge - I have re-drawn most of them to make them an easier pattern. Great NewFOs.

scraphappy said...

I am in total agreement on Grandmother's choice. I have the same three done as you and am not feeling excited about the other two quite yet. Enjoy your new projects. Without them you would never be able to use all the great fabric you have been acquiring lately. Enjoy!

Lyndsey said...

You've got great new projects. I am also joining in with the Grandmother's choice. As you say the first three blocks were OK but I think I want to stop now as number 4 is not making me feel inspired.

sew.darn.quilt said...

WOW! those first blocks are gorgeous.

Dar said...

Like your BB BOM blocks. And your PIGS blue fabrics. It feels so nice to use up your stash, so I'm happy to see you are getting to some of your old UFO's. Now I need to get going on MY UFOs. This may be the push I needed. Nice job.

Nancy said...

I really like the fabrics you have chosen for your Grandmother’s Choice. Lovely florals.

Debbie said...

Lots of great eye candy to see today!

gpc said...

I love the name 'grandmother's choice' -- what grandma could resist that! And the 'evening star' is going to be really beautiful!

Debbie said...

Great blocks you are doing. love your fabric choices.

Lynne said...

Three quilts in progress is a good number -- it gives you choice but is not overwhelming!