One Bag, Two Blocks : :

On Tuesday I finished up one of three bag plans I have for the kids, specifically to carry around their new notebook and pencil sets. I'm really happy with how it turned out, except for one little big problem -- my measurement were off, whoops! I wrote out some quick dimensions before beginning, based on the size of their books and supplies. I added to that an allowance for boxing out the bottom corners, and I completely forgot to add in the allowance I would need for sewing the front and back pieces of the bags together. It is exactly 1/2" too small in it's width. The sketchbooks still fit, but much to snug to make them the easy bags I had envisioned. Good news, it does fit the Kindles perfectly and will no doubt be useful in other ways, but still....grrr!

After that it was nice to move onto making some blocks for Quilts For Boston. I made two so far. This first one is simple and although I improvised, I think it will fit in with traditional style quilt blocks.



The second is very improv, which is my absolute favorite thing to do! It's so fun and free!



Spending yesterday stitching up these blocks was both enjoyable and comforting. I'm grateful to have had this chance to help, a huge thanks to the BMQG!

Be sure to stop back tomorrow for a new Friday Fabric Giveaway!!

♥,  Maureen

Calling All Quilters : :

Just a little more than one week ago, we all watched the terrible and shocking tragedy that took place at the 117th Boston marathon. With sadness and disbelief, all we can do is take this feeling of helplessness that comes after such incomprehensible tragedy, and do our best to do good in whatever ways we can. In response to what took place that day, the Boston Modern Quilt Guild has been working on a way to help those in their community that have been directly affected by the bombing and subsequent events.

They are asking ALL quilters around the globe to send quilt blocks using the colors of the Boston Marathon - - blue, yellow, gray and white, which will be turned into quilts. As a guild they plan to make and distribute these quilts to those who would benefit from a show of support, and they need OUR help! Their hope is that these quilts can bring that sense of comfort that we know a quilt can bring!!

Here's an example stack of fabrics Natalie put together for us to use as inspiration!



In Natalie's words, "All blocks should be 12½” tall x the width of your choice. That could mean 12½” x 7”, 12½” x 12½”, or anything wider, more narrow, or in between. Please machine piece your blocks in any style you would like. Please use only “quilt shop quality” 100% cotton or cotton/linen fabrics. Both print and solid fabrics are welcome. Our preference is white or light gray 100% cotton thread, but any coordinating thread of good quality will do."



They ask for us to consider adding photos of the blocks we create to their flickr group. This is not required, but it will be wonderful to share the blocks as we are making them and to see what people are working on!

Please mail all blocks and fabric donations to:

Quilts for Boston
P. O. Box 79225
Belmont, MA 02479

If you have any questions, please contact: bostonmqg@gmail.com



You can grab the button above for your own blog or website over on the BMQG website.

Let me know if you plan to join in!! And please help spread the word!! I'm off to post this on my Facebook page, if you want to share it over there for your sewing friends to see!  ♥,  Maureen