hello twenty-15

Happy New Year to everyone! I have taken some time off to think about a few things and get my sewing gusto back on track. The holidays were wonderful, and I really enjoyed the down-time. I hope you enjoyed them as well?

With every new year, there are changes in store...at least for me that is. I need change!! My husband didn't know what he signed up for when he married me. At least he is one of the constants in my life! =)

I started thinking about what type of change I need as far as my blog and communication with others. Why do I blog? Why do you blog? Why do we read each others sites? What would we do without the social networks of today? I have decided that I am going to spend less time blogging and more time sewing. My commitment to myself is to blog three or four times a month usually showing a finish off or what I have learned. A big step for me is joining INSTAGRAM as well. I still want to share with you what I am working on. Maybe you like it and comment on it. Maybe it becomes an inspiration piece. Maybe you skip on over it. But I want to keep going...keep creating...keep sharing....but giving myself more time to do just that - what I love to do.

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Our Pillow Swap Four Seasons is in full swing! I am really enjoying checking in every day and seeing what the spectacular ladies are creating for each other. In the beginning, I admit, I was really nervous and intimidated, because these women are so FABULOUS! I was confused with the swap too...should I make directly from an inspiration photo or make something of my own? I have since found my own method of creating for others in the group...at least a starting point. :) If you are curious to see what I am working on, please check it out here. These are the fabrics I am going with. Since I have already started, there is no turning back now. =)

What have I been working on? I decided to get back to my old advanced sampler I started SEVERAL years ago. I totally love the fabric from Kate Spain called Fandago. All I have to do is finish a few 12" blocks, because the sashing and binding are already finished!

I worked on this wedding ring block which went together much easier than I thought it would. I printed the templates from EQ7 which were a little tight on the outer sides. I cut bigger pieces for fabrics for the fourth block and got myself into a pickle (or trouble). That's why there is a slight fold in the center. ;-) I thought it was more important for my seams to match up rather than a little fold....it won't be noticeable after it is quilted anyway? Right?

Then I worked on a Burnham block. Does anyone know this block? I found it a long time ago and bookmarked it to make the Y-Seam in the middle. I started by sewing strips together instead of making templates for each section. I wanted to save some time and be accurate. The fun thing about it - you get two blocks for one. Do you see the scraps to the right that make an additional block? I might put it on the back for a signature block.

I debated back and forth whether I wanted to sew this with a Y-Seam or skip it. Since this is a sampler for me - of my own skills - I have to challenge myself. I thought about it - how to get this little square into the center of the block. I knew where it connected on a straight line, but thought there could be an even simpler way of getting it in there without a Y-seam. I could applique it in the center. I even did it, but wasn't happy with the result.

Then I after a morning of struggling and be unhappy, I ripped it apart between the yellow and orange strips - where it is really supposed to be connected. I marked my 1/4 dots and it went together perfectly.

The center looks a little funky with the seam pressed forward, but I think I will work that out later.

This was really a fun block to make and could see making it more often. Next up on my sampler list is a folkart applique to test out my hand button-hole sewing. Please join me on Instagram - easypatchwork.

Thank you for stopping by!
Karen