BOO

This block is a stretch for me.  Every Halloween when I turn the page I usually just flip back to the Jack-O-Lantern and then flip to November 1 the next day.  This was supposed to be a 15-inch block, but I decided to make it smaller.  I also thought I'd try some wild fabric and see what happened.

Since this is pretty much a quilt itself, I put a 2-inch border around the block and I'm thinking I will make it into a pillow.  This is block number 305 of 366 and it is a 10-1/2 by 15-1/2 inch block. I hope you had a wonderful Halloween.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Jack-O-Lantern

All day as I looked at this block I figured it would take a lot longer than it did to make and I kind of put off making it...you know, I exercised, I took my son to basketball practice, we ran errands, dinner and then finally at 10 p.m. I started working on it.  I even kind of got side tracked with a movie as I was cutting it out, and when I finally sat down to sew, I realized it was not going to be that bad. :)

This is our only pumpkin this year.  We didn't make it to the pumpkin patch to pick out a pumpkin and getting one at the grocery store just isn't the same.  Although I may just stop and pick one up tomorrow so we have one.  There was no sticky mess and I can use it year after year.  Sounds like this is the perfect Jack-O-Lantern for me.  This is number 304 of 366 and it is a 10-inch block.  Happy Stitching and Halloween!!  --Kristen

Gentlemen's Fancy

The name of this block makes me giggle a bit.  It also makes me think of Scarlet O'Hara times and the Southern gentlemen.  This block in the calendar was very dark and I really wasn't very excited about making it.  When I chose these fabrics I really wasn't sure if I would like it or not.

It kind of surprises me that at number 303 I'm still excited every evening to make another block.  The other day I had a young tech here working on my computer.  I always wonder what people think when they see this huge stack of quilt blocks on my desk.  After about an hour she finally asked me if I had made them all and that she really loves quilts.  I guess she thought my pile of 300 were pretty neat too.  This is a 9-inch block.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Beacon Lights and FNSI Finishes

I feel better, but it took a little longer than I thought.  I sure hope this cold/flu season isn't a long one, but is sure seems to be starting early.  Maybe we are all going to get it now and be done with it, at least I sure hope it ends up that way.

I finished my block on Friday night and then decided I needed to clean up a few loose ends...

Art Square

I'm so glad tonight was an easy block because I am not feeling so well...that is one thing I never planned on when I started all this, time for not feeling well.  My fingers are crossed this is very short lived.

This is number 301 of 366 and it is an 8-inch block.  I will post my FNSI results in the morning as I actually did finish something this time.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Whirling Square

As I do many days I went back and forth on what fabrics to use for this block.  The calendar has it in red, white, and blue, and although that is a favorite color choice of mine, it just didn't seem to do much for this block.  So, once again, I let it go until it was so late I had to make a decision and get to work.

It went together quickly as it is all half-square triangles.  This is number 300 of 366 and it is an 8-inch block.  I cannot believe there are only 66 days left in the year.  I feel like October has just flown by and it will not be long and the snow will be flying again.  Once November is here I can probably play those Christmas tunes and people won't look at me funny.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Light and Shadows

This block is so simple it seems silly, yet I'm just sure if I made more blocks there would be a pretty cool design made with them.  So many blocks, so little time.

This is number 299 of 366 and it is an 8-inch block.  Oh wow, tomorrow is block number 300...Hmmm...I guess I need to think of a way to celebrate. 

I was able to attend a Bernina webinar last evening to see some pretty exciting new things available.  Tonight I went to a Bernina  class and you know, it is so good to take classes.  Just getting together with other people who have the same interests as you do is exciting, and then all the creative possibilities..it is almost too much to take in.  I guess that is why they divide all the information into three classes instead of just one...so I can actually make it home and remember my name. :)  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Missouri Star

Two stars in two days and I think I could make numerous blocks of both of them and be very happy.  :) I almost get giddy thinking of the fabric possibilities for this block and honestly, it took about 30 minutes from start to finish.

This is number 298 of 366 and it is an 8-inch block.  I suddenly realized that I am almost to 300 blocks...and Christmas is two months from today!  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Star and Pinwheel

I must always be very busy on October 23 because I cannot remember seeing this block before, but it has quickly become one of my favorites.

The measurements were right on, and my quarter inch seam allowance must be too because I didn't have to unsew a stitch.  It just seems like a happy block and of course, stars will always be special for me.  This is number 297 of 366 and it is a 12-inch block.  I already have plans for this one...and I can't wait to get started.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Wheel of Time

I'm so in the mood to be sewing, but my life needs to slow down a bit so I can get a little more done.  Fall does this to me every year and my list of things I'd love to make keeps getting longer and longer and longer...but this fall I'm not going to add anything to the to do list until I complete something.

This block on the calendar had a black background with very muted colors for the triangles.  I'm liking it better with the lighter/brighter colors, although I do think that this block in some brights with a black background would also be very interesting.  This is number 296 of 366 and it is a 10-inch block.  I think I hear the sewing machine calling my name and it is whispering "do some machine quilting." It is early enough I think I just might.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Hither and Yon

I am not going to lie and say I was excited about this block tonight.  As a matter of fact I could not figure out what the third color was going to be until I had the block all put together other than the two yellow triangles.  I guess it takes me a while to figure things out because I am constantly reminded not to like or dislike a block until it is finished.

Dewey Dream Quilt

This block reminds me of the Farmer's Daughter block, the difference, usually farmer's daughter blocks have the "star" part in a dark color with a lighter background.  This was a nice change from that.  I think it would really make a neat quilt because the outer portions when put together should make little octagons between the blocks.

Sometimes I wish there was more time in the day to make two or three of the blocks so I could try different designs...maybe that will be for next year...but only the blocks I really like!  This is number 294 of 366 and it is a 10-inch block. :)  Happy Stitching!! --Kristen

Mineral Wells

Ooooohhh I'm early today and its Friday.  This block was fun and there was no unsewing, taking apart, or rearranging of half-square triangles.  The best part, it is one of those blocks that looks really complicated, but it was not.

Jefferson City

This block reminds me of argyle socks.  I remember way back in 8th grade I had some pretty cool argyle socks.  As a matter of fact I think I had argyle leg warmers (anybody remember those fun things?)  I kept thinking that this block would be more difficult than it was, from start to finish it only took 25 minutes and that includes cutting it out.

Queen Victoria's Crown

It seems every time there is a block with half-square triangles going around the outside of the block I somehow seem to get one of them messed up.  Even though I get a little bothered by messing it up I always have to giggle when my husband looks at it and has a perplexed look on his face like he cannot figure out why a block would look like that.

Anvil

Today's block was a bit of a breather, although I did still have to think about it.  I hid in my sewing room while my son and husband watched the presidential debate.  I avoid arguments at all costs and I enjoyed being in my happy place the sewing room. :)

Meeting House Square

I am beginning to think that my husband is right and I am going nuts.  I started early again this evening, and I kind of knew what I was in for.  I had studied this block all day while working and kept thinking to myself, there has to be an easy way to do this, I just need to figure it out.  I decided working in quarters would make it easier because once I figured out the first quarter, everything should go smoothly.  I didn't count the pieces in the block until I was finished, but I am thinking that 97 pieces in a 9-inch block is almost as bad as the insanity 113 piece block.

Table for Four and a Disaster

I am wondering of any of you have ever experienced anything like this and could offer some advice.  After early church, breakfast, and a great long walk I decided to work on my Quaker Christmas cross stitch that I started a while back.  I've been making great progress and was really excited as I started working on page 5 of the pattern...that is until this happened...

Spider's Den

I did not figure after making the insanity block the other night that I would have another block that would be so time consuming so soon, but the Spider's Den should be called the three-hour block.  Not only did I get to use the templates again, but there were 16 template pieces.  I also had to do a lot of pinning.

At some point I remembered that I wanted a pink and white quilt and I thought that would be a nice color combination for this block.  This is number 287 of 366 and it is a 12-inch block.  After finishing this evening I did sneak a peak at the next week, and I am definitely going to have to plan more time each evening to complete the upcoming blocks.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Spider

I have no idea where today went, but it is nearly gone.  One good thing, I can finally work again as my internet and phone are finally working again...no more static in the line, no more lag, and no more disconnects.  Seems they needed to do some major maintenance in the area.  Repair man number 11 showed up today and I only had 7 calls from the internet company, but all is well again...I hope. :)

I found a huge spider today in my kitchen.  I guess they are all trying to move inside as the weather cools down.  I don't like spiders (or snakes) and they are not welcome in my home.   The one I found is now living outside, but I will keep this spider.  This is number 286 of 366 and it is a 9-inch block.  Only 80 left to go, goodness that isn't very many.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Tea Leaf And a Winner

After last night's block I figured it would be an easier one tonight and was it ever.  I almost went into shock when I saw there were 100 less pieces and they both were the same size block.  I've been thinking all day about what I'm going to do with that block of many pieces.  This is number 285 of 366 and it is a 9-inch block.

The winner of the 501 Rotary Cut Blocks book by Judy Hopkins was comment number 156 who just happens to be Jamie P.  There were 157 comments so you just never know what number will be chosen, and you can never think there are too many comments for you to win.  There will be more giveaways...I was just looking and I'm close to 400 posts and 400 followers...either one or both would be a good time for something fun.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Medieval Walls

First of all this block should be called insanity plain and simple.  There should also be a warning with it saying "Don't think you will finish this in an hour or less."  :)  I honestly have been thinking about starting that postage stamp quilt again...and this made me rethink it for a while.

There are only 113 pieces in this 9-inch block, and I say only with a smile on my face.  I really am excited to make a whole quilt with these tiny squares, however, it does take a lot of time to get all the seams opposing and to keep them that way.  This block is number 284 of 366.  I will be drawing for the Judy Hopkins book tomorrow (which is really later today).  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Mrs. Keller's Nine Patch

My son and I have been taking a walk every evening for the past couple of weeks.  It is funny because the reason we started going was to get in shape (we walk fast, we go a long ways, and we walk up some very steep hills), but I'm finding I'm enjoying these walks more and more everyday for different reasons.  Not only do I sleep well and I'm feeling more toned, but I'm really enjoying the time talking with my son.  The colors of the leaves are also amazing this year even though we are in the middle of a drought.  It has been a long time since I've noticed such brilliant colors in the leaves, and we are thoroughly enjoying them.

I thought I'd use a little orange tonight in honor of the fall colors we've seen.  Interesting how we can interpret something we've seen into our quilts just with color.  This block is also another way to use those
9-patches...which I need to finish.  This is number 283 of 366 and it is a 10-inch block.  Happy Stitching!!
--Kristen

Golden Gate

Well, we really had phone and internet issues today, but I think we may have found the problem...six blocks away from our house.  The main line had a huge crack in it, and I guess the whole area has been having problems for quite some time.  At any rate, the all clear has not been given yet, but it is already looking better.

This block was easy to make as all I needed to cut were four strips the width of the fabric, sew two of each fabric together, sub cut them into smaller pieces, and the block went together.  I did use a lot of pins for this one though.  This is an 11-inch block and number 282 of 366.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Ozark Trail

I'm seriously late tonight and it is due to another wonderful day of having tech people come to my house to try and figure out what is wrong with our internet and phone.  After two, yes two hours they assured me all was well and it was fixed.  I then told them that is what the other four people have told me and it is still not working.  So they leave and sure enough at 9 p.m. it is not working again and I once again call in to let them know.  They of course tell me to shut down my computer and then when it is turned on again to log onto their site.  They get angry when I tell them I cannot log in, they keep telling me to try...and finally I say, sure is irritating when the internet doesn't work isn't it?  :)  Then they tell me they can no longer hear me...yes I say, irritating when the phone does work either isn't it?  They got the point, I think.  Supposedly a supervisor will be here in the morning again...I have internet now, although it comes and goes so I will see if this will load or not.

Today's block is a 10-inch block, it is number 281 of 366 and I love it.  I am going to make a quilt out of this block and soon.  If you look closely you can see it is made with all four patches and half-square triangles.  It is a bit tedious at first, but once you get a rhythm it goes quickly.  I'm glad I had this block to work on as I mumbled to myself about another day of tech people coming to my house.  I sure hope this is the end of it.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Maryland Beauty

We are still having telephone and internet problems around here and today we had no phone line.  I was a bit irritated with that because my 88-year-old grandmother called to chat and we couldn't and later another friend called only to be able to hear my robot sounding garbled voice.  So we did what any normal family would do with lousy internet and phone service...we watched movies all day.  :)

On the weekend I sometimes don't get time to flip the calendar page especially when I'm really busy (watching movies).  Tonight I could hear my family in the office chatting quietly about the block for today after they had flipped the page.  They didn't like it and they thought I should change it or not do it.  It seems they didn't like the fact that one side had all this action going on and the other seemed a bit boring with nothing.  I had to giggle just a little about the conversation going on because I doubt a year ago anyone other than me would be interested in which block was on the calendar for the day.  It is nice to know they are paying a little attention and showing some interest.  This exciting/bland block is number 280 of 366 and it is a 10-inch block.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Triangle Weave

I have had internet troubles for weeks and for the last couple of days I have had to make numerous phone calls and have had numerous repair people here to try and fix the problem.  I think we finally have everything fixed, and as they were here working I realized something, a pile of 278 quilt blocks is a huge pile.

As I was waiting for yet another repair person to figure out my troubles I started going through some of the pile.  What fun it is to see each block with the fabrics chosen and different sizes.  I didn't get too far  as it seems I probably spent too much time looking at each one.  I'm excited about today's block and I think it will be a nice addition to the "pile."  It is number 279 of 366 and it is an 8-inch block.

I think I will start sorting by block size and worry about color after I get through the sizes.  When I started all this I thought about what I would do with them, but I guess I didn't realize how each one would represent a different day in my life.  It has definitely been a fun adventure so far.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Chisholm Trail

Today is one of those days I would call blustery.  There was a cold wind and in the morning it was dreary, so I put the Christmas music on in the background and thoroughly enjoyed it.  I have a girlfriend who loves Christmas music as much as I do, and we always let each other know when we start getting out those favorite CDs...today we both had the same thought!  Christmas actually isn't that far away, especially if I'm going to get some gifts made and have them finished in time.

Another variation of a star which is block number 278 of 366 and is an 8-inch block.  It is fun to see all the star variations.  By noon today it was sunny, but still cool, and I definitely lost the mood for the Christmas music.  I'm sure I will find it again soon, especially once the snow starts to fly.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Autumn Leaf

I think there have been too many late night sewing sessions lately.  I sat down to do my applique tonight and fell asleep.  I guess I find it relaxing.  I also did spend the entire day outside in beautiful weather so I could probably blame it on that too.

This is a 9-inch block and is number 277 of 366.  It is starting to hit me how many blocks I've actually made when I know I've stitched stems before but cannot remember what kind of block it was.  The stack is starting to kind of get out of control.  The weather is supposed be cold and blustery this weekend which may just be the perfect time to go through them, we'll have to wait and see.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Maple Leaf

As I was working today I could hear the leaves falling off the trees.  It was very quiet around here and it was so peaceful.  The colors are so magnificent and it was almost as if it were snowing leaves.  I hope a few stick around for a while yet as I'm not quite ready to rake them all.

This is a star, but it also is a leaf (you know I just love star blocks), and it gave me a little applique to do.  It is a 9-inch block and is number 276 of 366.  Only 90 more blocks to go...seems they are just flying by now.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Autumn Tints

October 1 is a special day at our house.  It is our wedding anniversary.  Seems like time flies so quickly when you start counting anniversaries and birthdays, but I'm always thankful to see another one roll around.  We had a beautiful fall day to enjoy, perfect temperature, sunny sky with no clouds, and lovely foliage everywhere.  Who could ask for more?

This is an interesting block.  Simple cuts, simple sewing, but there can be a trick to getting all the seams to line up.  It reminds me of leaves.  It is a 10-1/2 inch block and is number 275 of 366. With the seasons changing so do the sports...soccer season is almost over and then we will move into the gym for some basketball.  I've already got my project bag packed and ready for some hand sewing while I wait, although I am going to enjoy the last few days outside in this awesome weather.  Happy Stitching!  --Kristen