Wednesday, November 12, 2008

New Books & More Linus

Yay! The two books I ordered from Gwen Marston finally arrived! It took a very long time, probably because I asked for signed copies. They are wonderful to look through, and I really appreciate the construction tips in the books.

I'm working on a couple things that I can't show photos of yet (gifts), so instead I'll share pics of last Thursday's Project Linus worknight. We made another Heartstrings quilt. (We use the pattern on the Heartstrings Project site, but instead of sending in blocks, we finish the quilts and donate them to our local Project Linus chapter.)
These are fast and fun to make, especially when you have a room full of people whisking those blocks through their machines. Our huge bin of fabric strips is in happy chaos. I had tried to keep the strips organized by color or approximate width, but after every worknight I'd spend hours getting things in order again -- it was so not worth it!

I like to keep our worknight activities varied so we don't get bored. Helen in the UK made a very cute Happy Blocks quilt, which I thought would be another great worknight project. It's a good way to use scraps of novelty fabrics, and it's a simple I Spy for young children.
Our blocks are smaller and we make our quilts a little larger than Helen does, so this is only about half done (and the two blues together will not be together when the blocks are joined!). The blue and yellow border fabrics were donated by the Calico Cat, who very generously sent us a bunch of solids for use in our Project Linus quilts.

18 comments:

Exuberantcolor/Wanda S Hanson said...

I'm sure the kids love looking at all of the fabrics in the stripes of the Heartstrings quilts too.

I made an I Spy like that too only with multicolor sashing. You can do it with almost any size square too.

Tonya Ricucci said...

woohoo, glad your books finally got there. the linus quilts look great and very fun. either you guys don't get a lot of donations of ugly fabric or ya'all have done a great job of mixing it in with the fun happy stuff!

Twisted Quilts said...

Two of my favorite books! My aunt uses the same idea for her "I Spy" quilts and it goes so quick and easy. I love both of your quilts. The Heartstrings quilts looks right out of Gwen's String book.

Quiltdivajulie said...

I have that Liberated book on my wish list... maybe this year.

jacquie said...

those are both on my santa list. i'm hoping santa is listening.

Joyce said...

Glad you finally got your books. What did you think of the newest one?
I have gotten ideas but don't have many solids so...

Libby said...

Those books look exciting. And the Linus projects are lovely - you guys are amazing!

Mary Johnson said...

Both quilts are really cute. We'll probably do a Happy Block project at HeartStrings sometime next year - they turn out so cute.

Rosalyn Manesse said...

I've got that new Gwen Marston book on my shopping list. I love the idea for the crib quilt. I think I'll get some of that solid too.

meggie said...

Really great work there! I love all those bright colours in the strings. What 'child' could not love them!

Toni said...

ooo new books- how fun!!

I love the idea of using scraps for the i spy quilt! I might have to follow suit and do one as well!

Clare said...

I love Liberated Strings. In fact, strictly betweeen you and me I prefer it to LQ (ssshhh - don't tell Tonya!).

Ohh I want the new one, but the latest exchange rates have put paid to that!

As soon as I've finished stars I'm starting on an I Spy quilt for niece. Any tips greatly appreciated.

sewkalico said...

Wonderful blocks and books!!

Helen in the UK said...

The happy blocks and the strings look great!! Looks like your Linus worknights are VERY productive - congrats :)

Feeling Simply Quilty said...

String quilts are fun...like a kalidescope.

em's scrapbag said...

Great books. Have fun with them. I really want to try a string quilt. It is next on my list. The happy blocks are way fun.

laura west kong said...

I want to try a string quilt too! I'm working on I Spy quilts for Christmas as well.

Unknown said...

Hope you like the books as much as I do. Love the string quilt--happy, happy!