Just when I think I can’t make myself seem any older, I go and take up another old lady hobby.
Kim over at NewlyWoodwards recently posted about a quilt block a month series over at In Color Order. The series looks fun. Each month in 2012, a quick tutorial for a traditional quilt block using half-square triangles will be presented!
Once a month. That’s pretty low pressure. Finish a quilt top in a year. That’s about right on schedule for my normal projects. Let’s do this!
Look at me getting all confident in my barely existent sewing skills!
Ladies (and maybe gentlemen? Dad? Nate?)….here is January’s half-square triangle block of the month…
Overall, I’m pretty proud of myself. It resembles a quilt block. It’s not perfect but I’m going to call it perfect enough for my first attempt. Most of my corners match up-ish.
The finished block should be 12.5” square. Mine is a hair over 12.25” What’s a quarter of an inch? Right? Right. I might be able to press out a little more. And kick myself later for not following directions.
It was recommended to use your fabric stash. I don’t really have a stash yet so I purchased 2 charm packs of Moda's Flora.
I wanted something shabby chic to go with my shabby chic way of quilting. Shabby chic is a good term to cover up laziness/lack of patience.
Was this attempt hard? Yes and no. The instructions are fairly easy to follow. The cutting and aligning were very testing for my overall lack of patience in life. I think this block took me about 3 hours. (I did it in bits and pieces. Ripped out some seams.) I think/hope the next one will go faster. This project will be good for me though. I’m pretty excited about it. Bring it February square.
Would you like to join along? There is still time to complete the January block…or you can catch up at anytime! You can also check out the flickr group.
Any other quilters out there? Is there hope for me? What’s your favorite old lady hobby? What’s your favorite fabric collection?
Wow, Michelle. I'm impressed! You've got some mad old lady skilz.
ReplyDeleteI should do this. My best friend just found out she's having twins. She calls me Martha Steweart on crack ( yet somehow I think she means it in a nice way :P ). A couple of these suckers as shower gifts & I'll be their favorite non-related auntie!!
ReplyDeleteOh, maybe I'll do this, too! Good job with it being your first one. Are you must of a sewer in general? Wait, that's spelled like sewer. Hmm, what do you call someone who sews?
ReplyDeleteI'm adding that blog to my reader now. I've done quilting before, but nothing fancy and it's been a while. Maybe I'll make one for Ellie's room.
Your block looks great! I've been quilting since high school and I definately think this is the best old lady hobby ever! And it gets easier the more you do it. I'm currently making quilts for all of the babies in my life (other peoples, my babies are the furry kind)
ReplyDeleteLookin' good, old lady!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear there are other old ladies out there!
ReplyDeleteI am too intimidated to make a quilt, although I am sure that I will eventually try. My old lady habit is crocheting.
That looks great! Good job! I don't think I have the patience for quilting right now but I'm excited to follow yours!
ReplyDelete-Diana
I definitely don't have the patience for that. :p but awesome job!
ReplyDeleteAhh old people hobbies! I wonder what constitutes an old man hobby. Perhaps I'll start collecting rare coins or buttons... maybe complain about the internet and robots.
ReplyDeleteI would so join you in this quilt block a month effort, but I already have 2 quilts that I need (need) to finish before I start any new projects. Alignment will get easier the more you do it, so no worries. ).25" off isn't bad for a first try :)
ReplyDeleteI think this is great! Old lady stigma be darned.
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome. Love the colors!
ReplyDeleteI love all old lady hobbies...knitting, crocheting, sewing and I am thinking about learning to tat.
ReplyDeleteQuilting may have once been considered an old lady hobby, but the truth is, as eyesight etc. deteriorates this is definitely a hobby better suited for younger eyes and non arthritic hands. I have been quilting since I was in my twenties and loving it. A great hobby that I share with friends of ALL ages! Old lady hobby, I don't think so! I enjoy your blog!
ReplyDeleteDang. I'm impressed! I don't think my patience level allows for quilting. I did a couple quilt squares in high school and that might be the end of my adventures in quilting. BUT...my sister's having a baby and I was thinking how fun it would be to make a quilt for the baby.
ReplyDelete(haha....fun...)
I LOVE old lady crafts!
ReplyDeleteI made my 1st quilt about a year ago and I haven't even thought about doing another one yet. I hate cutting the fabric and pressing.
I'd just keep going with the blocks and worry about cutting them down to size once you have all of them.
I'm not one to DO the quilting but I do love a good quilt to snuggle up under. I'm super impressed. Way to go granny!
ReplyDeleteI love doing old lady stuff. The square looks great!
ReplyDeleteI love the quilt square. You did a seriously awesome job.
ReplyDeleteI love quilting! And who cares how big the block is. Make a bunch more exactly the same way (they will all be the same size) and you will have a quilt! It's easy and fun!!!
ReplyDeleteIf that makes me an old lady, then I guess I am one too. I love quilts so much more than fuzzy blankets. They are warm and don't get fuzz on everything. A baby quilt is my favorite baby gift. I've been making them for a while and several moms have called me to say their teenagers took their baby quilt with them to college. They are addictive.
ReplyDeleteVery nice! You're not old lady! I'd love to learn to quilt!
ReplyDeleteVery nice...I have no sewing skills so I am impressed. Quilts are so nice and cozy too!
ReplyDelete-Shelley
Pretty fabric! Not old lady at all. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is so impressive! I think I would've pulled my hair out trying to get the corners all lined up like that. When do you start going to bridge club?
ReplyDeleteI can't quilt, I can't cut straight, so that's not going to work.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite old lady hobby is knitting, and I started doing it before it was cool!
Love quilting -- I try to get rid of my stash doing it, but I always have to buy one or two new lengths...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful choice on the fabs -- your block turned out lovely!