Granny Square Update

Last fall, I taught myself to crochet - thanks youtube! - and I started making little granny squares using the beautiful 32 color pack of Cotton Chirps from Purl Soho (pictured below). My goal is a blanket - for me! - and I am making great progress on my granny squares. 

Each 25 gram ball makes 5- 6 small granny squares. There were 31 usable colors (the 32nd color is what I am using to outline each square.

Although my original plan was to join them together without the white, I decided it really balances everything out.

I've got squares in 3 different stages. 52 of them are all ready to be joined, all yarn tails buried except for the final one. 58 are awaiting the (tedious) yarn tail burying process. 44 are waiting for their white border.

Then, there are a bunch still to be made from these skeins.

Each square is 4" x 4". Depending how many I add of the gray/black ones, I could end up with a 13 x 13 layout or a 52" square blanket. Giving this was a learning project, some of the my squares are not quite the same size so I may need to block before assembly.

Making these little squares bring me such joy. I am already planning what I will work on next once I get this blanket assembled.

Have a wonderful day! Patty

My Bee Block - Illusions

I've recently joined my very first bee - the unscripted quilts bee @unscriptedquiltsbee. There are a total of 11 members and what a thrill it was to receive an invite to join.

March was the first month I participated and the prompt was to make an optical illusions block - any size, any fabric colors.

I drafted the FPP pattern with a combination of EQ8 and drawing lines by hand. The pattern was the hard part - once completed, this was a fun and easy sew. 

The block is on its way to E.A. @eacox24.

Have a wonderful day! Patty

The Trail Tote - My Latest Bag!

I really enjoy making bags using patterns from Noodle-head and jumped on making a Trail Tote as soon as the bag was available. The bag was made with faux-leather purchased at QuiltCon from Sallie Tomato (similar to this.)

I made the small size which is just perfect for holding my wallet, sunglass case and my phone. For the lining, I used some pretty fabric my son picked up for me in Japan. I also added a zipped pocket on the inside using netting. 

The idea was to have a pocket to corral small items that might otherwise fall out since the bag has only a magnetic closure. For the pocket on the outside, I carefully cut a rectangle in the outer fabric and lined up the zipper pocket. Since pins would leave marks, I used some painters tape to hold things in place.

I've used it many times so far and it is just perfect!

This is actually the third bag I've made this year - I used the Explorer Tote at QuiltCon and it was perfect for carrying snacks and purchases. I also made the Compass Bag.

Have a wonderful day! Patty