Last weekend we got some nice quality time with my folks. Mom and I worked on quilt stuff while the guys tweaked home theatre cables and wires. It really was a luxury to have so much time, such a beautiful afternoon and loads of fabric to inspire us.
There are a lot of things that I am enjoying about this Bai Jia Bei project - but the best so far is choosing the colors for the blocks. It is so much fun finding just the right two fabrics to sew together.
The next part....the cutting....not as much fun. I've learned the hard way to measure twice and cut once - these 8X8 inch squares of fabric only stretch so far.
Why eleven? No reason, actually, I got a little burnt out on cutting and that is where I stopped. One thing that I've learned with this kind of sewing is that it is good to have a sizeable batch lined up. It is more efficient to sew 11 sets of triangle heart bottoms vs. doing one block at a time. The upside to the assembly line strategy is that I feel as though I've accomplished quite a bit.
So, here are the First Eleven:
This pair has some Auntie Energy - my sister's "Fairy Princesses" on top & my aunt's Coca Cola pattern on the bottom.
These two come from a couple of special "Lindas" that I work with. The cats are flannel. You may remember my blog post about the brilliant red/yellow fabric a while back.
This is the Grandparent Trio: Dad's Railroad Fabric (paired with my Uncle's blue flannel piece), Mom's Vintage Alphabet Fabric (Q is for Quilt!) & Grandma Z's Purple Jungle Fabric (I love the Hippo)!
Next two are more Mom choices. She couldn't pick just one fabric - she ended up giving me FOUR fabrics that portray some meaningful aspect of her personality/our family. So thaaats where I get it from. Here is the angel fabric that she chose - unfortunately the poor angel in the bottom right lost her head in the sewing process. I paired the cute little teapots with more fabric sent by my sister (who gave me THREE different color-coordinated fabrics). Hmmmm, there seems to be a family tendency I'm noticing here.....
Here are the last two blocks - the top, pink ribbon one is from Mom. Every year we do the Race for the Cure as a family. It is a Mother's Day tradition. Finally, the pink fabric came from my grandmother. It was leftover from a dress that she made for herself back in the 70's for a very special event. I'm pretty sure that I got the sewing gene from her!
I'm getting really excited about how this is going to all go together!
BTW, a couple people asked about where I found the pattern. My neighbor loaned me a huge stack of pattern books a while back & I found it in the very last book I looked at - on the very last page. The title of the book is Fabric Shopping with Alex Anderson! Seems like she has a show or something b/c it says HGTV on the front cover. Here is a link.
22 comments:
Those look great! You are going to have and amazing quilt and those pics were worth the wait.
Comin' in crystal clear!
Those are amazing! The quilt is going to be wonderful!!
I can't wait to see the finished product!
Looks great so far! ;)
OK, now we can see your progress. Looking good! Can't wait to see the finished quilt. I wish I would've know about the 100 wishes quilt before our daughter came home - what an wonderful sentimental blanket. When your daughter snuggles up in it, it'll be like getting hugged by so many people, who "wish" her the best in life. SWEET!
Very beautiful.
I couldn't see the pics at first either. I had it happen once and a re-load solved the problem.
Oh my dog those are beautiful. Can I start a quilt for Buttons now? I can't wait to see the finished product, but enjoy the process, 'cause it's beeeauutiful!
I'm so glad I can see the pics! They look incredible! I'm looking forward to seeing the whole thing.
Now I better get moving on mine!
They are GORGEOUS!
That's very impressive!
You are on your way! These look great!
They look amazing, I am still jealous that the most I can come up with is plain old SQUARES!
Looking good. You're so crafty! I think it's wonderful that your family is so into the fabric exchange, you're going to have a beatutiful quilt.
you are going to have one amazing quilt! I cannot wait to see the finished product.
You started! You started!
I love all the blocks, and I love all the love that went into the squares.
Can't wait to see the rest!
You are so good...and those squares are so beautiful If I don't play it cool, you may inspire me yet.
BTW - We still haven't decided on a range. Reality hit the other day - in the form of an estimate. That Coleman stove is looking pretty good to us these days.
I love these combinations! It must be so much fun to try out different pairings. I really can see how much of an eye you have for color. It's great.
I think my personal fave fabric among these is the teacups one.
Wow, your quilt looks like it will be amazing. Can't wait to see it as it develops. Neet that your mom is helping you.
i cant wait to get logged in and start all of this..looks like fun..what a great blog
Oooooh....I love, love, love them. They are gorgeous. The colors and patterns are really stunning. I can't wait to see them all together. Go girl!
Thanks for reposting the pics. I can see them now and they look great. I can't wait to see the quilt when finished.
Hugs,
Jonni
www.journeytosofia.com
They are gorgeous and I am jealous! The quilt is going to be amazing.
Ahhhh. You make me think about trying to learn quilting. But then I smile and remind myself it's just not my bag of tricks! So I'll continue to enjoy your pics and progress, which, by the way, is so freakin adorable!!
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