Stack & Whack #1

Well, here it is, my finished block. I was almost going to ditch these pieces and consider it a lesson learned, but then I figured I've worked with small pieces before, let's see what happens. Once I squared up the small blocks and stitched them together I was really pleased with the results. This is 9 squares and after squaring up measures 13 1/2 x 13 1/2". This will now be made into a pillow.

Lesson learned: Be careful how many times you "Whack" your Stack! LOL

Okay Marge, I think I get it now. Am I only suppose to cut squares into 9 pcs? How large a square do you start with?

As you can see, I cut them into too many pcs. See the finished size compared to the cut block? I had to square it up - LOL. At least these were all scraps that I had accumulated. One of the fabrics I wanted to use would only give me a 7" square so I had to go with that size. Came out to be 5" by the time I finished. I don't think I'll finish sewing these - too much work! (Maybe I will.) I really need to get her book or find a class.

Pink Floral Pillow Cases - finished.

Here is the finished pink floral pillow case. I did a pair for my co-worker. She picked the floral and I chose the trim. Again, this is a case of where I would not have chosen this fabric for pillow cases, but ended up really liking it.

Now that I've finished this project I am contemplating the stack-n-whack quilt. Off to look thru my stash of materials to see what I can come up with. (I know, I still have bags to do, but want to try something different.)

The guys at work have set up birdfeeders outside our office windows. The top one is a cardinal attempting to get some seeds. At times we have bluejays there and since they are bigger than the cardinals, they hang upside down with their wings flapping, trying to reach inside for a treat. It is fun (and funny) to watch them.

The second shot is a squirrel trying to get to the thistle seed we put out for the goldfinches. It has been out there for a couple of years now and this is the first time the squirrels have been at it.

My camera doesn't zoom but if you click on the picture you may get a better view.

Plants

The first picture shows the rhododendrens by my front entrance. This was before I filled in the window boxes. They come out pretty early in the spring and we always seem to get heavy rain that wipes them out. They put on a nice show while they are in bloom. Really getting big now, I want to trim them back this year.

The second picture is a quince bush. Those babies grow like crazy. I cut them back every year. This is a case of where they were planted too close to the house so they hit the windows. I cut them back every year but you wouldn't know it. I plan on getting ruthless with them this year. There are shoots everywhere. I've dug some up and gave them away. I'd love to pull it out but I think it would be a losing battle with all the shoots that come up.

Toddler Pillow Cases

These are some of the toddler-sized pillow cases. I bought a toddler pillow and a travel pillow (both just about the same size) and have a standard size pillow to use for pictures and trying them on to make sure they are okay.

They have such cute fabrics for kids. I've done them in flannel and cotton.

Quilted Bag - #1

This is actually the first quilted bag I ever made. Couldn't find a pre-quilted material that I liked so I quilted my own combo. I love the way it came out and got a lot of compliments on it. It has a zipper closure - what a PITB to do! (Pain-in-the-) LOL

DD keeps telling me to make more of these but the others are easier.

My Rose of Sharon Bush is in full bloom and is beautiful. I will get out there and take a picture so I can post it. This bush is huge. My living room is on the 2nd floor and I can open my door and reach it from there.

I will be back a little later to post some of the toddler pillow cases I've done.

Jo

Pink Floral Pillow Cases

This is the pink floral fabric with a beige/tan background. I found this dotted fabric that matches the color of the darker leaves and the dots are shade of green, beige, white and black. I wasn't real sure about this combo but since taking the picture and seeing it this way I do like it. I will use it as a border rather than a stip like in the brown floral one.

What do you think of this combo? I haven't stitched it yet, just folded it to get the effect.

Brown Floral Pillow Case

This is the pillow case I made for my co-worker - she gave me the floral fabric and I found a brown with a dark brown dot on it that matched the color of the darker flowers so I added a stip of it for an accent.

Here is the Hydrangea bush by the gate to my backyard. When the sun hits it - WOW - it is gorgous. My daughter has a couple of these in her yard too and they are beautiful this year. I think all the rain we had this spring suited them.

Just wanted to jump on and let you know I'm still around and I am working on a couple of projects that I should be able to blog about soon. Have a safe and happy 7th of July everyone.

Jo