Oh hey again. It’s been a little quiet around these parts. I spent some quality time with my beast (read: better than best) friend last week and have just been settling in back at home. Since I’ve been back I’ve mostly been catching up on everyone’s entries in the Blogger’s Quilt Festival. Seriously, you folks are all amazing!
I did find a little time to start on my first swoon block for my picnic quilt.
Piecing this together was not easy. I don’t know if it was the chambray or I was having an off sewing day, but I wrestled with and unpicked this thing like crazy. At some point, I decided to settle with what I had and hope quilting will distract me from the mistakes.
That being said, I am totally in love with how this looks with the chambray and I’m (tentatively) looking forward to starting the next one.
In other exciting news, I found the best inspiration on what to make my little sister for Christmas…
{Photo by Nat from Made in Home}
Nat from Made in Home just posted a tutorial on making the coolest bookclutch cover ever (part 1 | part 2). Seriously amazing, right?! My sister and I were both English majors and this just gets me excited every time I look at it… I will probably have to make 2 because I know I will want to keep it for myself.
Happy Wednesday! Linking up over at Freshly Pieced.
Your swoon looks great! The next blocks will probably go together easier now, especially if you chain piece. Have you tried oversizing/trimming?
Thanks Sarah, I hope that’s the case. Good idea on chain piecing. I should just bust out the rest together. I haven’t tried oversizing/trimming. Now I wish I hadn’t already cut out all the pieces! 🙂 I’m sure there will be a next time, so I’ll remember that for the future.
I LOVE that book clutch! I think a lot of English majors will be sewing and receiving one of these this year. I know I’m going to make one!
Your Swoon looks amazing. Chambray can be difficult, so don’t worry too much. And I like all the colors you’ve chosen. Can’t wait to see the next one. And the next. I need to get started on my Swoon. Eventually!
Thanks for the encouragement on the chambray. I do think that’s part of my issue. I’m excited to roll out the next ones. I’m excited to hear you might be making a book clutch too! Keep me posted, I’d love to see your progress 🙂
I’m making that block too.
I see you’re on your 3rd one. Looking good!!
The block turned out great. I hear you about having off sewing days. I’ve had them myself. Maybe the next one will go smoother.
Thanks Sarah. Here’s hoping!!!
Fabulous Swoon block! I love your plans for your picnic quilt. It’s going to ne awesome!
Thanks so much Joanie! I think I’m going to attempt more of the
swoon’s today. Very excited 🙂
Looking good. You’re getting there!
Looks like you’ve chosen a cool Christmas gift, too. Lucky sister, and lucky you if you end up making one for yourself.
Thanks!! I think she’s going to get an Oliver Twist version. Now to actually start it 🙂
Love the swoon block. I have had the pattern for ages … Might make it a project for the up-coming Chistmas/summer hols!
Thanks for checking out my swoon! That would be a fun project over the holidays!
It looks great Michelle! I’ve never sewn with chambray before so no tips or advice about that, but i’m with Sarah… i always up size and trim down! Can’t wait to see the rest of them come together! (it’s making me want to start the swoon for my bed, or perhaps i should finish the other two i have started!)
Thanks girl! I’m convinced the chambray is stretchier than the quilting cotton, but that could also be in my head. You already have 2 swoon quilts started?!
well, the swoon still looks pretty! my seam ripper has been permanently attached to me lately. boo!
I may need to make that book clutch for my oldest daughter! she’s reading the jane collection right now. I get the excitement – everything about it from the colors to the cute little penguin! awesome.
I’m looking forward to the time where I can sew a swoon with no seam ripping! haha. that is probably only in my dream world!
That would be a fun gift for your daughter! There’s just something about that little penguin that seals the deal. Just too cute.