Shamrocks and Rags

Although I am smitten with rag quilts right now, I do play with other patterns.  I see something I like in the World of Quilts and want to copy it.  Sometimes it's easy peasy, sometimes not quite.  I found a Shamrock block some time ago ~ before my old computer went to cyber heaven.  Upon its demise it took with it all my photos, all my favorite blog spots and documents (translate: patterns)!  I can't find recipes I had tagged in blogs nor can I remember all the  DIY blogs I was following!  So, I'm back at square 2.  ('cause I did remember one or two blogs ~ yay, me)

Anyway, back to the Shamrock block:

It instantly became a favorite!  I love the simplicity of it and it was rather easy to piece together!  Mostly squares and squares with the corners lopped off.  The stem is just two triangles sewn on either side of a one and half inch strip and cut to size.   The unfinished size of this block is 12.5 inches.  The fabric is OLD 80's fabric I had in my stash.  Most of the "sample" blocks I've been playing with come from that stash.  I think once I've made enough I shall turn them into a large sample quilt.   But I think I will make a lap quilt using the Shamrock block pattern.  It will be perfect for St. Patty's Day.

I did find the original site:   http://generationqmagazine.com/2012/03/playdate-shamrock-block/.  Glad it was a free tutorial!  Last thing I want to do is steal someone's work.  But even without the directions the block is pretty easy to figure out :). 

Rag #3 is coming along.  I have began the tedious job of cutting, cutting and more cutting.  I have a couple more fabrics to sign on to complete the top.  But the fabrics on hand can start getting into character until then.  It is so exciting!  I can't wait for curtain call!

 I am going to do Rag #4 in unison with Rag #3 since they are both in the Pink family.  The challenge will be to keep the cast in their designated spots and not mingle with each other!

So, as it all unfolds I will be the ever diligent director.  I will post "trailers" as I go so as not to spoil the whole show!

Until then,
Lovely Daydreams from the Land of Cotton!

A Glaring Mistake and Rag #3

In my last post I shared a completed block from my little Americana quilt I was starting.  Well, now, let me just say, even after proofing my work, I did not catch a glaring mistake until just a few days ago!  Dolly, how could you not have pointed that out to me?!!   See this. . . . .

The bottom row is UPSIDE DOWN!   Good.  Night.  Nurse.  Good thing I know how to use a seam ripper!    This is how it's suppose to look . . . . .

 

 

Much better.  Much, much better.  And . . . . I've gotten a few done and sewn together.  Initially I was going to make it 3 blocks by 4 blocks, but it was too short.  So, I added a row.  Now it's too narrow. 

See my dilemma?

I'm mulling over adding a row down the side and making it 4 X 5.  But since July 4th is only two days away and I won't be finished by then, I'll just tuck this in a UFO pile and finish it after I've done Rag #3.  And speaking of Rag #3  . . . .

Ms. Pinkerton finally joined the set for Rag #3.  A couple of her co-stars were already here.  Now we just have to audition and sign on the remaining cast so we can get this show on the road!

Until then,
Sweet Dreams from the Land of Cotton