My First Attempt At Quilting - 9 Patch Quilt

I decided that I would share my progress as I work my way through my very first quilting project. It's a bit scary, but I think I've chosen a simple enough pattern that I should be able to do this fairly successfully. :)

Here is an idea of what my quilt will look like when it's done. This is a photo I found on the web, so of course, my colours and design will be different, but it gives you a general idea if you're not familiar with a 9 patch quilt.

The instructions I'm following said to cut 1 1/5 inch strips of fabric, 42 inches long. Then sew the strips together to form 3 strips, one design has two patterned strips and one plain, the other has two plain and one patterned. There is a total of 20 strips, which I was able to finish yesterday. Big feeling of accomplishment here! :)

Today I will be cutting each strip into smaller 1 1/2 inch strips. There will be a total of 486 smaller strips that are then sewn together to create 3 inch blocks.

I have my work cut out for me today! My goal for today is to make myself a 1 1/2 inch guide to use for cutting the strips, rather than measuring out each individual spot. I want to get all the strips cut and at least 5 blocks sewn today.

I'll pop by later to show you what the pile of strips looks like. I have a feeling it's going to be large! LOL!

Today's Update

Summer is really starting to wind down, and I don't like that feeling. I really miss my kids when they're not here with us all the time. Today I want to/plan to spend some time with them, playing games, watching movies and just having some great family time.

I'm still working on the crocheted patchwork quilt for my daughter's Christmas present. It's coming along nicely, but slowly. I need to complete at least 10 squares a day to ensure I'll have it done in time.

Today is my day to clean out the van and my purse. Neither one should be an overly large job, since I'm making a habit of doing it every week. I've managed to really downsize my purse, which not only makes it easier to find things, but it's a lot easier on my shoulder too! :)

Tonight's supper will be Scalloped Potatoes and Cheesy Garlic Biscuits. I don't have an actual recipe for the scalloped potatoes, since it's such a general thing that most people already know how to make. One thing I do differently than anyone I know other than my mom, is add cut up hotdogs to it. I know, I know, it sounds digusting, but it's really not. It's a great way to get the kids to eat them, and it actually tastes really good too. :)

As Promised....

Well, as promised yesterday, here are the photo's of the quilted hearts I've made so far. Keep in mind that I'm still learning, ok? :P

Here is the one I did in class

Obviously, it's a little lopsided. I didn't get the ribbon on quite right. :)

And here is the one I made up yesterday

I much prefer the colour combination in this one and I'm really happy with the contrast of the stitching over the first one. I did mess up the hand sewing along the side a bit, but other than that, I'm very pleased with the results of this one. I just need a bit of ribbon and it will be all done.

I'm planning on making up a bunch of these for throw in Christmas gifts. I'm going to fill them with potpourri, I think. I like the idea of having little things like that that I can add to gifts, or have on hand for a last minute Oh my goodness I forgot someone! gifts. :)

Right now, I have a new banana muffin recipe in the oven. I'm not sure how it will turn out, it was very thick. If nothing else, it should have a fantastic banana flavouring. If it works, I'll share the recipe tomorrow. If not, I'll try a different one and let you know how it turns out.