Rainbow Scrap (Stash) Challenge 2014 - Finale!

I know this is a little early in the week for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge postings, but I was afraid with Christmas on Thursday, the week would get away from me and I would not be able to post my Rainbow Scrap Challenge finale!  This Saturday will be the last Saturday in December and the last chance to share our final quilts from this year-long challenge. Yay!! ... and of course since I rarely get anything done ahead of time (with the exception of this post) I will be right on schedule (I hope) with my link up to Angela's So Scrappy linky party on Saturday.  So without further ado........ (drumroll).

You have no idea how impressed I am with myself that I got these blocks sewn together ... and ahead of the final deadline for posting.  I am feeling very rightous about now. :-)  This is were the wheels usually fall off for me and projects end up in piles of finished, but unassembled blocks. 

I actually started the layout and planning on this weeks ago.  Of course no design work can be done without my assistant... whether I want her help or not.

She's very good at block rearranging.

This went on for quite awhile......

Until finally she was exhausted... In the process she was able to spread a nice coating of cat fur on each block. I am sure I need to clean my bobbin case from all the cat hair on the blocks. :-)

The fun continued after the photos of the completed top. <sigh>

Thank you to Angela at So Scrappy for organizing and hosting this wonderful challenge.  Please stop by her blog to see all the other beautiful rainbow quilts made this year.  And if you are interested, a new Rainbow Scrap Challenge will start next month!

Living room tree with a collection of antique ornaments

In the mean time... enjoy your Christmas with family and friends.  Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas and Happy Stitching!

Deb

RSC Offset Log Cabin Blocks Tutorial

I've had a few people ask me about these blocks over the past several months that I have been posting them for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge, so I decided to include a brief tutorial.

The name of the block is Offset Log Cabin and it is constructed somewhat the same way a log cabin block would go together, except is it made from 4 units.
 What makes it look different from a traditional log cabin block is the varying widths of the 'logs'.  The finished block is 12".  So here we go.....
(Sorry the photos look so "pink"... I thought I had fixed this.)

First, of course, you need to cut your log pieces. You will make 4 of these units to make one block.  But for this tutorial we will work on just one unit.

Here is the layout of how the pieces will go together.

We start with sewing a 1 1/2" piece to the 2 1/2" center square.  1/4" seam allowance, of course.  Press seam allowance toward the white fabric.

Add the next piece (1 1/2" x 3 1/2") along the top.

Then along the side (2 1/2" x 3 1/2").  Just like building a log cabin block.

Then along the bottom (2 1/2" x 5 1/2").

And next on the right side (1 1/2" x 5 1/2").

Finally add the strip ( 1 1/2"x  6 1/2") along the top.

Your unit is now complete.  It should measure 6 1/2" square. Repeat to make three more!

Once you have your 4 units done, sew them together into your finished block.

 These blocks are quick, easy and fun to make.

Happy Stitching!

Deb

Rainbow Scrap Challenge - I'm actually early this time!

The color for November over at the Rainbow Scrap Challenge (RSC) hosted by Angela of So Scrappy is light blue.  Surprisingly, I have my blocks done for the first link-up of the month.  Yay!

It was a challenge to find true light blue fabrics in my stash that were not aqua.  But I think I was fairly successful!

So here are this month's blocks.  My wrinkled blue blocks.  Why are they wrinkled?  Surely I own an iron.....

Well, my assistant decided to show up......

And do this.

Luckily I took a few photos before she showed up.  

These blocks are very soothing.

Lucy never misses a photo shoot! What can I do?

Be sure to go over to So Scrappy to see more light blue blocks being made this month by some wonderfully creative and talented quilters for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge.

Happy Stitching!

Deb

RSC2014 Half Way Mark - It's a Party!

Angela at So Scrappy is hosting a linky party to celebrate the mid-point of the Rainbow Scrap Challenge.  Yippee!  I love parties! 

 So this morning I threw the blocks on deck for some quick photos.

Here is a closer look.  This is the first time I have set them out together.  They look good so far!!

 

Thanks Angela for the "come as you are party"!!!!

 

Happy Stitching

 

Deb

Rainbow Scrap Challenge - May is Green!!

I have not had a lot of time to sew lately, but I did sneak downstairs early this morning to get reacquainted with my sewing machine. :-)  It took awhile (earlier this month) to find medium/dark greens in my stash for the RSC2014.  You wouldn't think that was a problem with the amount of fabric my DH says I have and that I really like green!  But they needed to be fresh and contemporary and I think I was pretty successful.

Bunny really likes these blocks because they go with her green sweater and the antique wicker rocker that she sits in.

Here is a better look at the individual blocks.

This pattern is quick and easy to stitch up!  Especially when you chain piece them.

I am really pleased with outcome!  Stop by So Scrappy and see the other green projects currently in progress.  They're really GREEN!

Have a good weekend and I hope you get some stitching time!

Deb

I'm Late... I'm Late...

I'm Late.. I'm Late...   But unlike White Rabbit from Alice In Wonderland, I don't think I am too late!

Sometimes it takes me awhile to catch on.. LOL.  (no comments please!)  But this week I decided to join the Rainbow Scrap Challenge 2014 at Angela's So Scrappy blog.  I like the idea of working on a project for an entire year.  Like the Sweet Hearts I did in 2013.  This challenge is a bit different in that you make a block, or whatever you choose, in the color of that month.  Colors are chosen by Angela at the beginning of each month!  Now the only problem with this challenge... is that I don't have a lot of scraps.  Shhhh... I know that is against the Quilters Code of Conduct! LOL.  So I have decided to change it a bit and make mine the Rainbow Stash Challenge 2014.  All the fabrics for this quilt will come only from my stash.. no purchasing fabric (at least for this project!).

So I started earlier this week.  I chose an offset Log Cabin block and will make the same block in different colors through the year.  January's color was dark blue.  

February's color was pink.  I am trying to use my more modern/contemporary fabrics for these blocks.  I think they lend themselves very well to update this pattern.

Finally, I finished these blocks yesterday with March's color: Teal.  I love the fresh look of these blocks!

April's color is Purple.  Which happens to be one of my favorite colors!  Oh this is going to be fun!! 

Each week we can link up at the RSC2014 linky party to show our blocks.  I look forward to joining the party!

Happy Stitching!

Deb