Simple Blocks...

This weeks Finish it up Friday project is simple...and took me all week! Glad to have something to link up at Amanda Jean's Crazy Mom Quilts Finish it up Friday party!

These two matching blocks were purchased as a kit on clearance...with pre-cut pieces, which made it a quick project ...when I was able to get to sew :)

I love the block and how it blends into my office/sewing room color scheme...the binding is even material from my quilt for my desk chair.

The burnt red in the middle is a little out of place...but the blocks are actually part of a bigger quilt kit that are bought in sets at JoAnn's, so they go with rest of that quilt...
I just got them because they were a great looking block, cheap, and I now have the directions for making more :)

This pair is going to be separated, however, one for a friend and one for me. They are a nice mug rug/potholder size.

Adding this post to the great weekend linky parties listed on the right side bar...check them out for great crafting inspiration!

How excellent is thy loving-kindness, O God!

therefore the children of men put their trust 

under the shadow of thy wings.

Psalm 36:7

Amanda

Last Night's Accomplishments...

The productive evening I had envisioned was a dream...but my Friday Night Sew-In was still successful!

I did get the backing done for Liz's Sashed Postage Stamp Quilt yesterday, late afternoon. From there I took a break...for dinner and stuff...then worked on a mug rug. I was actually hoping to get all three that I need made, but only one was accomplished!

It's a really cute one...but I had a few issues that slowed me down.

The idea for this came from a google search for mug rugs. There was no directions...so I just did my own thing (which is nothing new) from looking at the picture here. This one is 8" x 8" on the straight sides.

My issue came when I wanted to add the solid aqua to the fanned printed material section. After finagling and cutting two different aqua pieces,  I finally improvised...and it turned out rather well.

I wanted to try some curved pieces to find out if I wanted/needed to take Rachel H.'s (Stitched in Color) Curves class come the new year. I think that I might be taking the class :)  Chad even asked if there was a ruler I needed to do this and if that's what I want for Christmas...so I think I'm getting a Retro Flowers/Drunkards Path Template!  He really is great about my sewing...

I also have another ruler on my list to my in-laws that can be used to make circles...I think the new year will be full of curves!
After the mug rug, I moved on to basting Liz's Sashed Postage Stamp Quilt.

I also decided on how to quilt it...I'm going to make a template from this flower, and put them on each square.

Today, I think I may work on the other mug rugs and start tracing flowers onto the quilt.

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you;

that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things,

may abound to every good work:

2 Corinthians 9:8

God will make sure we have what we need...especially to do that things He wants us to do.

Amanda

The Results...

Last nights Friday Night Sew-in didn't feel very productive at first, but once the baby went to bed more was accomplished. First I wanted to finish piecing the pillow tops, because this is how they've looked for almost a week...

First mission accomplished!

Next I decided to work on my oversize mug rug. I had the pattern picked out and some of the material I wanted to use. However, once I laid out the material to get started, I added some from my scrap basket... so my choices were from these...

Earlier I was going to go with blue, green, and yellow...However, the yellow & red material won out...so I went with yellow, red, and green...

So I cut the pieces...

And sewed the squares together and then cut where needed...

Now, I just have to press the triangles open to squares and then piece them all together and quilt.

I made a mistake - I didn't add an extra 1/2 inch to my small squares...I should have done this because the pattern was to cut triangles, and I thought it easier to make squares and then sew 1/4 inch both ways from the center diagonal line, then cut then apart there, but I forgot to do that the material should have been a little bigger because of the way the pattern was first laid out. (I should probably try this way on something small to make sure I thinking about this accurately!)

Oh well - so they are smaller than I first expected...but I had enough material for the size I did make :) All it means is that the finished block will be a little small...which for a mug rug exact measurements aren't as necessary as if I was making something more important. It's great practice...a trial and error kind of thing!

It's windy, rainy, and cool here - so I've changed my plans for the day...I'm going to stay home and sew. I think I'll work on the mug rug and Easter pillows for the girls.

This morning I read Psalm 48 and liked the confidence that God will always guide...

For this God is our God for ever and ever:

he will be our guide even into death.

Psalm 48:14

Have a great day...hope to 'see' you in church tomorrow!

Amanda