Spinning up some fun...and an EQ glitch

I spent some time the other day finishing my Magic Stack n Whack block models that I cut for my class. I plan to make a quilt using both patterns in the quilt together, so I thought it might be good to make a few more blocks in different sizes.

I found the block in EQ and printed out the dimensions for both a 10" and a 14" block (the original blocks are 16" and 12"). I made the rectangular pieces larger than they were on EQ as I had some problems making this block from the EQ pattern when I made the Turning Cartwheels quilt but I eventually got it figured out. The teal block is 10" and worked out ok after several tries. The 14" blocks were trickier and I ended up cutting out the pieces several times before I finally got it right.  ***Note to self: cut a test block, don't just cut out all the pieces for several blocks.

Eventually I realized that more was wrong than just the rectangular pieces, because these blocks were turning out about the same size as the original 16" ones. Hmmmmm.....

But they are really pretty so I guess it doesn't matter!

I would like to note here that I use EQ all the time to see my designs as I work on them and use the graphics I can make there, but I very rarely use the cutting dimensions that you can print out as I can figure that out myself. So I do print out templates for paper piecing and templates for odd shapes and they mostly work out. With this block, it's more difficult to figure out dimensions, so I relied on theirs. I just need to do a test block next time before I cut it all out!

Quilting finished, anyone want to bind?

I quilted the kaleidoscope quilt yesterday. 

I used the oriental illusion panto and tie-dye variegated thread.

I like to use the variegated threads as they stay hidden a little better.

Now it's off to work I go!

Getting there....

Here is the body of the kaleidoscope quilt finished. I sewed the borders on last night, but haven't taken pictures yet. It is hard to get a good pic at night. I like how you can still see the circular patterns somewhat with this style....I made one last year that was 2 different colorways, and that is the part that intriques me...the circles that appear when you place your colors correctly. I want to load this one on the frame today and start quilting it. Guess I should get off the computer and make that happen!

Repeating blocks are addicting....

I have started to sew together the rows on the Kaleidoscope quilt, so hope to finish it today. I also need to do some cleaning. I have so many dishes in the sink, it is unbelievable. I really let it go this week as I was either working at night or feeling yucky...that is first on the list today.

We went out to eat at Old Chicago last night for my daughter's birthday. It was fun to see the girls and Dan and we had a great time.

Sewing and sinus junk

My sis in law came over Sunday and we sewed all afternoon together. It was nice. I worked on the kaleidoscope blocks and got several rows sewn together.

I hung the Eric Carle canvases yesterday at work, but forgot to take a pic, so will try to remember tomorrow to do that.

I either have a cold or my allergies are going crazy, as I feel sort of yucky the last few days.

A tiny beauty & more blocks finished

I went to see my new great-niece tonight after work, she is adorable! I got to hold her while visiting with her mom and dad. She is perfect in every way..even has a tiny dimple. She loves being held too.

I also worked on blocks...I have 32 finished now. Now I need to cut some corners to make them square and sew them on.

It's not every Wednesday I have a new great-niece....and the fabric...

First off the exciting news...I have a new great-niece, Ellexis Nyckol, born this afternoon. I hope to go visit her tomorrow. I guess I was so excited that I didn't get any sewing done tonight...or maybe I was too lazy...anyway, someone asked about the fabric I am using for the kaleidoscope blocks.

This is it before cutting. It is best to have a very busy fabric for these types of quilts, but I was afraid the flowers were too similiar to make many different patterns. They seem to be turning out ok, though. I love hawaiian prints for stack & whack type quilts.

Guess who..I didn't  have that fabric on the floor for more than a minute and she was on it.

She is really becoming a fabric connoisseur!

Here are the link blocks, I cut the fabric repeating for these too, though it probably won't be noticeable.

They will bring a point out from the kaleidoscope blocks.

You have to love a gal who enjoys her fabric so much!

odds & ends & pix

I remembered to take a picture of the kaleidoscope quilt the other night while at the store for class. It's funny, because when I look at it the light circles pop out, I have to refocus my eyes to see the dark ones. Which did you see first?
I haven't gotten any more done on the Lone Star...hopefully this weekend.
Pat brought in a show and tell...her Sampler #2 top all put together. Very soft and pretty. Her group has started a new Sampler, the Garden Window.