I have the book, my fabric is all starched and pressed, and I want to work on a new project. The Celebrate America 250 Years sew-along is supposed to start “sometime in February”. But I don’t know when, and I am itching to get going. I’ve seen the schedule and can see that we are making all the 3″ blocks first, then moving on to the 6″ blocks, and finishing up with four 12″ blocks. So what did I do over the weekend? I made all the 3″ blocks! I can see I am not going to spread this project out over the whole year.
For those of you interested in the sew-along, it is called Celebrate America 250 Years and is based on the Peppermint Twist pattern in the Celebrate With Quilts book by Lissa Alexander and Susan Ache. The book is chock full of quilt block patterns in three or four different sizes, and is a great reference, even if you don’t make any of the specific projects in the book. The project is introduced and explained on the Jolly Jabber blog page.
Granted, these blocks were small, at 3 1/2″ unfinished. With the help of my Creative Grids Cat’s Cradle ruler and 1 1/2″ half-square-triangle papers, I made short work of eight of the nine block assignments. The two blocks on the lower right, which kind of look like spools, took almost as long as all the others combined! Those little bitty pieces took some time. These smaller blocks will surround the four larger quilt blocks in the center of the top.
The fabric I am using is Rosie, the most recent Fig Tree & Co collection. That is the fabric featured in the sew-along sample. I did my best to use the fabrics in the sample, but a couple of times I switched things up. The specific colors we are using are dark blue, lighter blue, red, pink, and a touch of light tan. The bundle has a ton of low volumes and also a pretty green that we will not use in this project. The overall look of the quilt is patriotic, but with a softened palette rather than the red/navy/white commonly seen in quilts of that theme.
As I said, I don’t think I really want to spread this quilt out over the whole year. It isn’t a mystery, so why not just get it done, quilted, and maybe even have it by the 4th of July!
19 Responses
When you are on a roll – it’s a bit like going down a steep hill – you can’t stop! LOL! Nice blocks indeed.
LOL, I am out of control, for sure.
So pretty! They look just like fireworks!!
I’m glad to have these 3″ blocks out of the way!
Well done – your blocks look great!
Thanks Rebecca.
Cute little blocks you’ve made! The fabric is perfect for this project, I would want to get this quilt finished too!
Yes, I don’t feel like waiting around to get this one done.
I think that’s a great idea. Get it done and use it to celrbrate this special year. Looks fun. A new project always motivates me to get sewing. We moved and I’m finally got my sewing room up and running. Having some time too.
Oh Taria, good for you! I remember our last house, and we had just finished the sewing studio. I had so much fun organizing all the storage space. It was just the perfect sewing space. Too bad the rest of the house wasn’t so great!
Talk about a good use of time! ⏰ You really accomplished a lot this weekend & the results look great!
I have so many projects I want to start. It felt great to get this one launched.
Nicole,
I am always impressed with what you accomplish! Your little blocks look fantastic!
So glad I got those pesky little ones done. Now I can relax and have fun with the larger ones.
SO IMPRESSIVE !!
Thanks Kathleen!
Those turned out beautifully! I wonder why they are starting with the smallest blocks? Small is harder. I agree about not wanting to wait. Enjoy the sunshine today. Sit on my porch….I mean YOUR porch and read for awhile.
It will be lovely and sunny today. Good starching weather! It may get into the 70s this week!
And onward you go!!!! How much fun as you adding to this project by going at your own speed? You can substitute blocks, change fabric placement around, or make whatever changes (or none) to keep this quilt uniquely yours! We all know you’re blocks will also be perfectly perfect because that’s how you sew. Enjoy!
It’s supposed to be 40*F today so let the melting begin!!!!! We’ve been iced in the house for a week and two days. Am so thankful the power has stayed on.
I can hear the crashing and dripping of stuff sliding off the roof!
Hugs!