Snapshots

July 6, 2012. I remember clearly the day this quilt began. I had seen Karen/CapitolaQuilter's post on Polaroid blocks a few days before and was quite smitten with them. But realizing my stash didn't really have the fabric needed for a good variety of Polaroids, I did what any of you might have done, I'm sure. I started the *Picture-Perfect* Polaroid Block Swap! Just two months later, the swap came to a close after 114 swappers from all over the world swapped 3293(!) blocks, and in the end, I had 205 precious ones in my possession.

And they sat. You know how it goes. Sad but true. Finally, in May of this year, I hatched a plan. I asked the members of my Always Bee Learning bee to help me out. I sent them each 9 Polaroid blocks + 2 1/2" strips of at least three black or black & white fabrics. I asked that they 'frame' each Polaroid block and then create one large block with them all. 

My sample measured 18 1/2" square, but I gave them free reign to do whatever they wanted with what I sent.

In July of this year, a year after I started the block swap, I put my Polaroid quilt on my Q3 Finish-A-Long list. Obviously I didn't make it that round, so I'm more than pleased that I managed it in Q4. Backed with the bright and bold Mod Century by Jenn Ski, I quilted a square meander around the Polaroids that unfortunately/fortunately you can barely see. Let's just say I'm still perfecting that technique. For binding I found the perfect tomato red that coordinates with the backing yet contrasts nicely with the blocks.

Hubby was kind enough to photograph "Snapshots" while I was at work today, and in his mind, this is a "postcards" quilt, thus all the travel books in this carefully composed shot. smile 
And considering these blocks came from all over, that really isn't far from the truth.

You can see my bee-mates were also creative in their block designs, and I was pleased how I managed to have a 'unique' block in each row. If you're a counter like me, you'll have figured out already that I haven't used all my Polaroids yet. But for my final finish of a terrific year, this one's picture-perfect!

This quilt was on my Q4 Finish-A-Long List! Also linking up with Finish it Up Friday.

2013 Finish-A-Long: Q4 List

Please don't laugh. But yesterday when I was mulling over this list, there was only one thing that could truthfully go on it, and that would be the Polaroid Blocks that the Always Bee Learning Bee had put together for me.


The Star Bright quilt, the other project that I had in mind to complete in Q4, got finished before I got around to writing my list!

This isn't to say I didn't have oodles of projects in my head for this next quarter; in fact a few even have deadlines! BUT they weren't started yet.

SO, in an effort to have a respectable list, I quickly started a few of those projects . . .

• At this point, this project shall remain nameless, but I have a tutorial in the works, as well as a mini quilt, and it all starts with this little block.

• Another project I've been wanting to tackle is the "For Pleat's Sake!" Tote Bag by U-handbag. So I've cut my fabrics (more on them later), and the leather handles are headed my way.

• And finally, I'm been wanting to do some scrappy piecing as well as make some Churn Dash blocks. AND I've entered the Mini Quilt Swap. So I'm going to combine these three. Here's my start:

So there, I feel better now. There's plenty more on my mind, and I expect the unplanned as always, but for now, it's a good start.

Linking up with the 2013 FAL Q4.

W.i.P. Wednesday

Honestly, the last week in the sewing room has been all about getting the two projects below ready to take to our guild meeting Monday night. Mission accomplished. Now time to move ahead on that wip list!

Completed projects

Lucky Stars/SMQG star challenge quilt - I shared all about this finish from my FAL Q2 list here.

To Boston With Love flag - This joined others from the SMQG and will be traveling to Boston to be included in an exhibit in the Museum of Fine Arts May 23-June 16. The heart pattern is by house of krom.

Ongoing projects
Polaroid quilt with the help of the Always Bee Learning Bee - I have four blocks total so far! In person, this is looking really promising!

x and + blocks {#xplusalong} - Just 20 more blocks to go! Still.

City Sampler Quilt Along - I've prepped a couple of blocks in anticipation for the start of the quilt along that begins May 20. It may not be feasible to really follow along, considering all I've got going on, but I'm going to dabble with it, following the book's color scheme for the Gridlock quilt. I have very little of Tula Pink's fabric in my stash, so picked up a charm pack of "Prince Charming" to incorporate as I can.

May bee blocks - In progress!

Upcoming projects
* pillows for Mom/pillow for grandgirl
* mail bag
* scrappy triangle quilt
* mouse mat tutorial

Linking up with W.i.P. Wednesday.

W.i.P. Wednesday

It's been a few weeks since I've reported in on W.i.P. Wednesday, so I'll list the projects I've completed with links to their posts, and then share what's currently in the works.

Completed projects

"Common Affection", a completed Mid-Century Modern bee quilt.

Patchwork Pencil Pouch - I tried a darling pouch pattern by lbg studio and it was gifted here.

April bee blocks

Paper Boat Mini - This was a fun little project designed by teaginny designs.

Ongoing projects
Polaroid quilt with the help of the Always Bee Learning Bee 

x and + blocks {#xplusalong} - I'm now up to 60 blocks! Just 20 more to go!

Lucky Stars/SMQG star challenge quilt - I can't tell yet if this is all going to work or not. I'm using my first 5 Lucky Star blocks in a {creative} layout. I love the background fabrics I'm using, but it's been quite the frustration overall, so we'll see.

Woodland cross-stitch sampler - Slow but sure, I've making progress.

Upcoming projects
* To Boston With Love flag
* prepping blocks for City Sampler Quilt Along
* May bee blocks
* pillows for Mom/pillow for grandgirl
* mail bag
* scrappy triangle quilt

Linking up with W.i.P. Wednesday.

W.i.P. Wednesday

Time in the sewing room have been pretty slim this last week, but that doesn't mean W.i.P. Wednesday doesn't show up right on schedule!

Completed projects
September bee blocks are back in the mail, along with some Snowball blocks for a special charity project.

Polaroid block project - This little bag got its own post, and still makes me smile when I see it on my sewing table. I'm anxious to play with more Polaroid blocks, but it may be a while.

Ongoing projects
Caught by a nasty virus this last week, I honestly didn't have much energy to sew, so what little I did do was flit between projects.

Modern Crosses quilt - Blocks are all cut out now and three more stitched together.

Mod Pop Quiltalong - All my cutting is done(!) and I had great success using my templates and smallest rotary cutter. I couldn't help but piece just enough curves to test a block up on the design wall. Promising!

Christmas quilt - This probably doesn't look like much just yet, but I do have a plan, and these are the 9 center blocks of it, and yes, it's what I had in my mind's eye. More to tell as I get more blocks done.

Dresden project - no progress.

Upcoming projects
* nametag for Sewing Summit
* scrappy Metrolink - who knows when, but I still really want to!
* another frame purse
* use Polaroid blocks
* placemats
* Binary quilt using blocks from Modern Blocks Bee
* Sew Lux Challenge project NEW
* UR Priceless Blog Hop project NEW

Linking up with W.i.P. Wednesday.