Monday, January 26, 2015

Who's on First?

Here's the plan ...

1.  Check stash for border options for Quick Cozy Couch Quilt.  (Sorry, I'm missing the attribution for this pattern, but it's really just a classic setting.)  I'm really liking the "manliness" of this one.

Quick Cozy Couch Quilt
The required number of blocks are made.  It would be easy to get it together this week, but here's my dilemma:  because I used existing 9-patches, my blocks finish 6" rather than 9" like the pattern.  In a 7x9 setting, that makes a 42x54 quilt.  Is that big enough for a lap quilt, or should I make it bigger?

Technically I should add two blocks to each row (and possibly two more rows) to keep it balanced.  A 9x9 setting would be 54x54; a 9x11 setting would be 54x66,  I have enough strips to make more 9Ps.   I have plenty of the gray dot and the gold leaf (they're very subtle but there are huge leaves in there).  Use them for border or make more HSTs?

 2.  Review status of Notable 9-patch.  This is another one from my TODO -- maybe I should rename it my SOMEDAY -- stack.  This is a design by Sandy Bonsib for American Patchwork & Quilting as an online pattern from allpeoplequilt.com.

Notable 9-Patch

Like Athena's Puzzle, fabrics had been pulled several years ago so I didn't really analyze the appropriateness.  The red/gold hourglass blocks are rather bold!  It appears I have enough strips in the box to make all the 9-patches different.  Perhaps the other colors will tone down the red and gold.  Maybe deeper neutral tones in the 9Ps ....

Trying to avoid an on-point setting, I saw the red/gold as hourglasses rather than as square-in-square borders for the 6" blocks that the pattern calls for.  Now that I've cut the fabric I realize that I have created a conundrum at the edges.  I'll need to spend some time at the drawing board figuring this one out, but while I'm cogitating I can be making the 9-patch blocks.  Maybe inspiration will strike -- probably in the dark of night, but I've heard some quilters say they do their best designing in the shower ....

3.  Finish Athena blocks and pack away.

Athena's Puzzle
I need to cut some more 2" strips to mellow out some of the contrast.  Once I get the blocks made it will go back into the box awaiting the next retreat where I'll have room to lay out the blocks and finish.

4.  Happy Talk green star points as leaders-enders.  Pattern by Debbie Caffrey in Another Can of Worms.  Once the units are finished, it will go back in the box for the next retreat.

Happy Talk Stars


Well, that's my plan -- we'll see how well I do.  Nothing on the social calendar this week and cold wet weather is predicted, so it shouldn't be difficult to find the time.  Keeping my focus on the plan is another matter altogether.

While I got a lot accomplished last week, nothing could be counted.

Weekly Stash Report - Jan 26, 2015
     In last week:                    0.0 yards
     Out last week:                  0.0 yards
     In year to Date:                .75 yards
     Out Year-to-Date:           4.75 yards
     Net Used 2014                4.00 yards

Linking up with Judy at Patchwork Times for Design Wall Monday.


4 comments:

  1. You have a lot going on your design wall. I've never seen the Athena block before but I really like it. In our quilt group, we make lap quilts for people in nursing homes and 42x54 is a good size. Big enough to cover the lap but not so big that it could get hung on wheelchair parts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad to hear 42x54 will work. Really just want to get it finished and on to other things. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment.

      Delete
  2. That's a good size for lap quilts as Marti says just for placing over the knees when sitting, as well as a child quilt. However, for a cozying up on the couch quilt (ala the name), I usually make mine larger - closer to 50x60 or longer so one can lay down and cuddle up from toes to neck on the sofa. Love the fabrics and it will make a super sofa quilt because it is not too feminine :) Looks like you are going to be really ready for your next retreat - woohoo!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm with you on the couch quilt -- I want to be able to tuck under my feet and pull under my chin. Stay tuned!

      Delete

Comments make me smile; I would love to hear from you! I respond almost exclusively by email, so be sure you are not a "no-reply" blogger. Or include your email address if you need an answer to a question.