This little biddy went together a lot more smoothly than her predecessor. Hardly any swearing at all, and that's counting the fact that the background is all stripy and not completely whacked.
I think I'm making progress!
I really didn't get a lot of blue done this week for the RSC, but since this Burgoyne block has some blue in it, I guess I can claim it for this last Saturday in July.
This is now Burgoyne #13, which means I'm apparently not stopping at twelve. I thought I was stopping at twelve. The plan was to stop at twelve. But for some reason, I'm still choosing colors and cutting bits for more Burgoynes. I think Cathy's gorgeous finished Burgoyne flimsy might have a certain amount of
Speaking of not quitting, the Mad Monday Minis were quite a trial this week. Seriously? Itty bitty 36-patches? Itty bitty 36-patches composed of 1.25" squares? Itty bitty 36-patches composed of 1.25" squares that measure 4"? FIVE of them?!?
(Edit: Diann's comment reminded me that the squares were actually 1 1/8" rather than 1 1/4", which made it even more ridiculous. So, the following paragraphs should refer to 1.25" strips cut into 3.5" sections to make the strip sets, and 1 1/8" slices for the actual assembly. (Note to self - don't just rely on memory for blog posts, especially when hungry...))
I immediately tossed out that 1.25" squares idea. Nope. Not going there.
I cut 3.75" lengths off a double fistful of 1.5" strips and sewed together a bunch of pairs, then trimmed them to 1.25" wide before pressing the pairs open. Then I sewed on another 1.5" strip, pressed, and sliced them into 1.25" units of three squares.
I sewed these units together in sets of six, trimmed them to size, then sewed pairs of the 3x6 units together to make the 36-patches.
The directions said that if they didn't come out to exactly 4" square to adjust the seams.
Nope. Not going there, either.
Most of my blocks were a bit too big, but no way was I going to mess with seams. I centered my ruler on the center seams and slivered off a smidgen from each edge. At this size, there's no way that such a tiny discrepancy is going to show. (If anybody comes at this quilt with a magnifying glass and a ruler, I'll just gently show them the door.) (Well, pretty gently...)
Amidst all that work, I did manage to get a few more blocks built for Long Time Gone. (Maybe I'll call it "Are We There Yet?")
I'm going to have to make that sashing decision soon. In the meantime, I'm still liking the golden yellow.
Though that stack of oranges over there on the shelf are starting to make hooting and whistling noises...
Linking with SoScrappy for ScrapHappy Saturday and with Quilting is more fun than Housework for Oh Scrap! Come see all the scrappy fun!
24 comments:
I'd have done the same thing with those 36-patches -- just sayin'. Your LTG blocks are looking great. I'm skipping some of the blocks I don't like and repeating some of those I especially like.
Reading your blog is like reading five mysteries at the same time.
Love the Yankee clucker. Wow, great job figuring out an easier way to make those tiny 36 patch blocks.
Whether that clucker has stars in her eyes or her butt, she's still a darn pretty little gal! I am so happy you didn't stop at 12 with the Burgoyne Surrounded block because no 13 is my favorite! It's Blue AND Orange! Whoohoo!! Love it to pieces.
It's true that's Cathy's quilt is gorgeous but do you know how big it is? Ninety-three square. That's 90 + 3, like in 93 and those are inches and it's square! Yikes! Are you really going there? Well ... all I can say is : Good luck my friend and yes it will be a gorgeous one. Enjoy! ;^)
I had that same response to the 36 patch blocks - no way am I working with 180 1 - 1/8 inch squares! So I made strips and put the block together like a Scrappy Trip Around the World block. It worked great, but I only got through 2 before I pooped out, lol! My blocks are always bigger than 4" so I just trim them down!
Love the biddy block and the Burgoyne block too. I'm in awe of anyone who is willing to work with pieces smaller than 1.5"!
What beautiful blocks...all of them! Anytime swearing is cut to a minimum, thats a good thing and says you are doing better!
Great blocks - especially that patriotic biddy! I'm glad you didn't stop at 12 BS blocks - 45" x 60" just doesn't do the blocks justice!
We have so many of the same projects going on! My Long Time Gone is put aside for the time being. I haven't made my 36-patches yet, but am thankful for your post explaining how you did them....that's exactly what I had in mind. With our similar tastes....I think it's just a matter of time til you start your own Midnight at the Oasis, as you have admired mine in the past!!!
GREAT name for that LTG project!!! I look at those patterns and think about possible color combinations. Then I sternly shake myself and walk away.
I think your star spangled clicker is my favorite so far. Luckily I was able to resist those mini blocks - but it was close! Thanks for sharing with Oh Scrap!
What an adventure you have going on in your sewing space!!LOVE the working title of your LTG quilt... Are We There Yet? PERFECT for a road trip or especially long quilting trip. There's even a bit of BLUE at every stop along the way!!
Biddy is a real star, glad you are carrying on with the BS and I can't believe the size of some of the blocks you make. I like small but those are seriously crazy (and cute).
That chickie is a SUPER star!
Love your "Chicken Little--(uuuh "Hen Little" doesn't scan too well lol) so cute and your BS is gorgeous--I agree, Cathy has a lot to answer for...every time she pulls out another of her WIPS I drool and run to start one...
Those little teeny squares--well, no way pour moi--yours turned out really lovely...I tell you, I am NOT going to try them, no, I'm not...not...;000 hugs, Julierose (No way, not!!)
I love the chickens (and the Burgoynes and the little tiny's). You been busy!
Lol! I'm glad that this bird at least went together more easily than her predecessor. You do realize, don't you, that if you keep making those Burgoyne blocks you're going to end up with a big quilt? Working both ends of the spectrum eh? Big blocks for a big quilt and itty bitty insane blocks for...! Each to her own madness I suppose. ;-) Hope you have a cooler week this week.
Great chook! OMG M Mini Monday just got insane! I admire your approach. I made the silly decision to not duplicate fabric, which is nuts and driving me insane, think I will follow your lead!
Such a cute little chickee. Love all those scraps.
So much happening here, where do I start? Love your lastest chicken! So glad you are making more BS blocks, I think the impact with this pattern is A.mazing with a bigger quilt! And I'm loving following your progress with your LTG quilt too!
I love the clucker!
Busy as ever I see! Super chicken and Burgoyne block and your Long Time Gone is coming along quickly - I like the yellow sashing Gayle, it doesn't take away from your lovely blocks.
So many fun blocks--especially the starry chicken! I haven't had time to tackle the Temecula blocks the last few weeks--maybe I'm avoiding those little squares!
Your chicken is so cute! Loved reading through your busy quilting. Those little 4" 36-patches would have me pulling out my hair! Glad to read that you shaved off the edges rather than adjusted seams. That sounds like the normal reaction! lol
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