Thursday, April 26, 2012

Patchwork for L : :

Yesterday, we finally had ourselves a good stretch of sewing time. Which meant I finally got to work on that baby blanket for my new nephew and on this months Bee Blocks, which I'll be sure to share next. Pulling a pretty stack of fabrics from my shelves is how every project begins for me. This part is always so fun!

Colorful Fabric Stack

For this baby blanket I wanted to keep it simple, using patchwork squares of chartreusey-yellow-greens, aquas, black &whites, and red-orange. I cut them into 4" squares to make for quick piecing and blanket making, and to keep the patchwork to scale with the large Riley Blake Chevron print I'll be using for the back.

chartreuse-y green, aquas, black and white, red-orange

Of course I wasn't alone, two of my usual "helpers" joined me. My little Owl Artist, who is demanding I either make a pillow with an owl on it to match this blanket or that I make an owl doll, which is something I have actually been wanting to do for quite sometime! She's got good ideas, I tell you! And, her sketches are pretty good, too!

owl artist

Please ignore the mess above! You can tell I have been busy, which is when my sewing room really suffers. It's the last place that ever gets straightened up around here! Maybe my second "helper" will lend a hand? Ah nope, I think that she thinks, this little quilt should be for her! She does look pretty happy with it!

Patchwork kittie

In Lily's defense, I think the "L" may have confused her a little. I'm hoping sweet, baby Liam enjoys this quilt just as much, just as soon as it's finished, and after another good washing!

Baby Blanket wip

My husband and I are headed to Lake George in upstate NY for the weekend and when I get back I plan to completely re-do my sewing room! I received a very, VERY special delivery from Janome this week, that deserves a much more beautiful space. If you follow me on Facebook, you might remember my little plea to Janome a week or so ago?! I was, at the time, being completely silly and day dreaming of owning a new Janome, since my machine is slowly puttering out on me. Well...all I can say for now folks is that dreams really do come true! I am living it these days, FOR SURE! I'll share all the details just as soon as I can!

If you're looking for my Chevron FQ Bundle Giveaway, click here! I also have a new Fat Quarter Shop Giveaway beginning tomorrow morning, continuing throughout the weekend. This one will have THREE winners and is so generous! Here's a peek!

Maureen

30 comments:

Deborah said...

Haila's sketch is amazing! such a little artist :) Have fun at Lake George! My family camped up there a few times, we always had so much fun.

Maureen Cracknell Handmade said...

Thanks Deborah! We are always traveling South since that's where most of our family is, so we're excited! Hoping for some nice weather!! :)

Jodi said...

Woohoo! I was hoping they would send you one after seeing your Facebook plea! Good on you for asking!
Love your L quilt! I've been thinking a lot lately about quilts having a place to rest the eyes. I love the way you've put the colours together and used simple squares, but having the focal point just makes it.

shirley said...

I love it and was going to ask your advice on a quilt, now thats the answer for the baby blanket, What about a King size, I have been collecting all this fabric every since you posted Tangerine Tango , Intrepide made a Tangerine
Tango two for me I think,,,, anyway, I ordered yesterday when she posted that sale,,, Now I need a design that displays all the colors....

♥Duff said...

I love it when good things happen to good people.....:O)
And yes, you have to do something with the owl--it's too cute. An applique tutorial so that other moms can immortalize their children's drawings perhaps?

eilah said...

Beautiful colours and selection on the quilt!!

pasqueflower said...

Love the quilt -- and how exciting to get the new Janome!!!

Nik at boldgoods.com said...

I love it! How did you do the L in the middle? It's perfect. By "blanket" does that mean it won't have batting? Thanks for sharing, and congrats on your new machine!

Needled Mom said...

The sketch is really wonderful and the quilt is just darling.

I can't wait to see your new Janome. It looks fabulous. Creativity....here you come!

Maureen Cracknell Handmade said...

I used Heatbond Lite to add the "L" and I will be adding batting. I have been using the most wonderful bamboo/cotton batting, I love it! I called it a blanket because I don't think I will be adding binding? I plan to baste the patchwork top to the batting, sew the back with right sides facing, stitch around the outer edge, and then add some some quilting stitches. That's the plan!!

luvinthemommyhood said...

Ohhhhh...love that! And congrats again on the Janome news! You are amazing and one lucky lady hun!

Rachel Hauser said...

Very pretty little quilt, Maureen. Looks like a fun time! Making me want to patchwork...

Teje said...

It's so beautiful quilt, Maureen!
I send you best wishes from Finland! x Teje

**nicke... said...

i wish i had a kitty to keep me company! love this quilt maureen. he is going to love it!

Sam I Am...... said...

What an adorable baby quilt for that adorable baby...more pics please as he's probably already grown! LOL! He is a really cute baby and in all honesty...they're not all cute. I love the big "L" in the middle and your daughter is a budding artist for sure! That was a good owl picture! Now we know where you get all your great ideas. Even your cat is good looking....your whole family.....must be in the genes! I have to go see what the "bee blocks" are and I'll be back tomorrow for that drawing. Congrats on the Janomme!

Kara said...

The blanket is adorable - I love the fabric selections! I grew up right near Lake George, and worked at many boat marinas and T shirt shops there in high school. Have a wonderful time!

Karen Diebolt said...

Looks like Haila could be a sketch artist for the Angry Birds game hehe. Have fun at the lake. I love the fabrics you have pulled. The quilt is very pretty. My cat always thinks she has to help me when I sew also. Congrats on your new toy from Janome.

Katy Cameron said...

Cool, and like the offset 'L'

Annette said...

What a great blanket! I love the colors.
It's so sweet that your little helper comes up with ideas for you. And what a good mom you are to listen to her!
I hope you have a fun and relaxing weekend and I can't wait to hear about the Janome!

Kristen (by the book paper) said...

The quilt is adorable. That will likely become his favorite "blankie" as he gets older. :)

Mareenchen said...

You got the machine? That's amazing, lucky lucky you. :)

Sarah said...

You got a Janome!!!???

Cherie said...

What great helpers...well your daughter anyways! Love the quilt those fabrics all go so well together...wait did I read correctly...a new Janome? =D

marymac said...

What a fantastic week you have had a great one coming up. Beautiful blanket. I get L for Liam and L for lily. Cats can read you know. Rest up this weekend since you will be so busy next week redoing your sewing room for your great (dream) present. After your finished, anything that dosen't fit back send my way.

Poppyprint said...

A new machine!!!! Score! Have a great weekend. I love your nephew's quilt - so sweet.

Robyn in Oz said...

Very smart baby quilt - just what I need to make for number eight grandchild due in June, will only know at birth whether boy or girl, so have to keep everything neutrally themed. These fabrics are so bright and happy!

Jess said...

Oh that's great! I read your FB plea and suspected it would come true... so happy for you! Can't wait to see what amazing creations you make with it :o)

Danny Heyen said...

Bah! I am so excited for you! A new machine all to yourself?!?! Those Janome people deserve a very pretty thank you card, for sure!

Please show before and after of your room. Before: so I don't feel like a total shlub and I know other people have messy rooms, and After: so I can dream of one day having a clean room all to myself too!

Ольга Т. said...

Отлично!

Jennilicous said...

I love your fabric stack :)