I’ve been bouncing from project to project this week like the proverbial rubber ball and boy, has it been fun! First I made this little fabric box, using directions from my friend Viv:
I think Viv’s directions were adapted from a tutorial she found on the Internet. She made a box for me last year that I use all the time. In my sewing room it catches threads. When I go to a quilt class, it holds notions. So versatile and cute! I tweaked her directions to make my fabric box 4″ square.
Then I made a pair of king-size pillowcases for my twin sister, Diane:
My husband and I are spending two whole weeks with Diane and her husband around Thanksgiving; these cases will be a hostess gift. She fell in love with the fabrics when she saw them made into this sewing machine dust cover so I’m pretty confident the cases will be a hit.
Next I sewed those three kaleidoscope blocks from a couple of weeks ago into a table runner/wall hanging:
Isn’t it amazing that all three blocks were made from the same focus fabric? I’m going to put a solid piece of that fabric on the back.
Last but not least, I pulled some black and white fabrics from my stash to make this test block using the pattern Metro Rings by Jenny Pedigo of Sew Kind of Wonderful and her Quick Curve Ruler©:
This is Jenny’s modern take on the traditional wedding ring block. Those curved rings are made from strip sets! It’s the fourth design of hers I’ve made using her Quick Curve Ruler, and I continue to be amazed and delighted at how versatile the ruler is. I’m especially excited about this quilt-to-come because I’ll be teaching a class on it at the Pine Needle in January 2014.
Could I have the pattern for the box? I love all your projects.
Hi Judy. Give me a week or two, and I’ll send you directions.
Busy, busy, busy! I love the FMF in the pillow cases!
I wasn’t into quilting when Denyse Schmidt’s Flea Market Fancy (FMF) first hit the market, AnnMarie. I’m so glad it was reissued a couple of years ago. I only wish I had found it in the green color way as well!
I love how that table runner turned out! And it appears so seasonal too! Also, I am loving that Urban Rings block (very effective in the black and white). Looks like you’ve been keeping busy indeed!
Wasn’t it Sing Along With Mitch that had a bouncing ball to follow along? Love all the projects! Your fabric box is great! If you ever want an even simpler and quicker similar project, may I suggest Susan Beal’s nesting canisters? Your sister is going to love her hostess gift. Stunning fabrics. You are definitely the queen of the kaleidoscope blocks. And the new ruler and your attention to detail made up very nicely. Hats off to you!
V
Dawn–
Did you once post directions–or tell about a pattern–for cutting fabric and making kaleidoscope blocks? I decided I was waaaay too much of a beginner to give that a try. I am probably still too much of a beginner, but I found some fabric I think would be great so am willing to take a chance. If you have a copy of how-to make the blocks, would you bring it to quilt camp? I will happily pay for the pattern.
Thank you.
Leslie Goldsmith
Leslie, bring your fabric to Quilt Camp! I have a couple of good books on kaleidoscope blocks and would love to show you how to make them. I’ve made quite a few quilts featuring what I call 4-Patch Wonder blocks, using four repeats instead of eight. That might be a good place for you to start. Either way, we will have fun!