For the Love of Solids - Given

When the For the Love of Solids swap was announced two months ago, I was immediately intrigued. I had only ever done one solid project before, and the stakes in this swap seemed pretty high. I was doubtful whether I would even be accepted - it all seemed quite daunting, yet challenging. So when I got the notice that I was 'in', I thought to myself, "Oh dear. What have I done?"

I kept close tabs on the flickr group to try and discern my partner's likes and dislikes. And after looking at the amazing stuff on her website, I knew I needed to step it up a notch. Yikes. The hardest part, of course, was coming up with a plan. After seeing her comment that she liked circles, I decided that would be a good thing to incorporate, and not the norm. I finally settled on these two blocks as inspiration:

1. [3x6] Sampler Quilt Mini Bee - 2nd Quarter 2. Taffy Go Round Pillow

Could I find a pattern for my idea? Of course not. So I set to drafting one. Other than taking one pattern design class in college, this was so not my strong area. But I tweaked and struggled until I had this:

What a mess! But I finally had a tentative plan, with 2 1/2 weeks to go to deadline! I did tweak one more time to increase the size of the arc, but then it all started coming together. Until finally, I came up with this:

For my small project, I decided to do a zip pouch, mostly because I'd been wanting to learn how, and that way, I could accomplish two goals at once. Multi-tasking is my forte! I must say, I looove how it turned out, though not without my trusty seam-ripper close at hand.

So! There you go - my first For the Love of Solids swap projects! Unbelievably, they got from Seattle to Rhode Island in two days! If you'd like to see what my partner, Tina, thought about the swap, check out her blog, Seaside Stitches.

Linking up with Celebrate Color . . .

. . . {Sew} Modern Monday, mini Quilt mondays, and Quilt Story. Enjoy!

 

Monday

Honestly, since last Monday's post, I have worked on little else than my For the Love of Solids projects. Whew! Cutting it a little close to the deadline there, am I? But, they are now shipped. I need to wait just a little longer to show pictures of the complete projects, but here's another peek.

After making the zip pouch {first ever}, I wanted to try another one right away. I cut my own dimensions for this second one and barely had to look at my notes. I think I've got it!

Linking up with {Sew} Modern Monday and mini Quilt mondays - check them out!

Monday

I've heard that one of the great reasons to join swaps and bees is because you'll learn so much. Well, if I've learned anything participating in the For the Love of Solids swap, it's this: Don't spend too much time pondering and leave yourself little time to sew! I know I'm not the only one, but still. Thankfully, my blocks are now done for my main project, but there's still much to do. Back to it!

Just another sneaky-peek for now . . .

Linking up with {Sew} Modern Monday and mini Quilt mondays - check them out!