Orphan Block progress

I thought you might like to see the orphan block quilts which I've been working on since January. I received a lot of orphan blocks from guild members after my year as guild president was over.

I've challenged myself to put them together in different layouts and, as much as possible, use only fabric from my stash. I know several members of my local quilt guild, Prairie Quilt Guild, occasionally read my blog so maybe they'll recognize their orphan block!

 This is Orphan Block quilt #1 which I still need to finish. My plans are to big stitch quilt Baptist Fans on the top. Considering that this top was put together back in January, I need to make time to finish it. All of the vintage blocks were given to me by guild member, Jackie Clark. If this looks familiar to you, I wrote a blog post about it in January.

 Heart Orphan Block Quilt #2 - approximately 84x92"

Since the photo was taken, it was machine quilted by Dynamic Duo Machine Quilting in Wichita, KS. Just needs binding and some embellishment. I saw this layout or something similar on Pinterest and can't find it now to give the original maker credit. If you recognize it, please let me know. This layout used up a lot of orphan blocks but I had issues trying to keep it square. Probably a once in a lifetime project!

 Orphan Block Medallion Quilt #3 - 73x73"

There are 16 orphan blocks in this quilt, three of which were cut in quarters to make them small enough to fit. I used some of my Kaffe Fassett stash which I think really perked up and tied together the blocks. It was quilted by Bluebird Machine Quilting in Wichita. I still need to make and stitch on the binding.

Orphan Block Wall Hanging #4 - approximately 56x78"

I received quite a few red, white and blue blocks so I decided to put them together in a flag layout. It looks wonky in the photo but it isn't. I spent a lot of time measuring, picking out and restitching after I discovered it was over an inch larger on the top than on the bottom. Its going to the machine quilter today.

I have enough orphan blocks to make more projects but I need to concentrate on binding so that these projects plus my other quilts will be ready to show at guild meeting. I'm our guild speaker on September 13 and if you're in the area, I hope you're able to attend. Not a member? You may visit twice for free. Here's a link to the Prairie Quilt Guild website with more information. 

Until next time, Mayleen

My July projects

The Prairie Quilt Guild's July speaker was Lea McComas. I took her two day workshop on Portrait Quilts and hey, this is me! It was a challenge, especially the glasses, but I'm actually thinking of trying to make a portrait of the grandkids or a landscape art quilt or a tractor or ???  

I finally finished the heart orphan block quilt top and its being machine quilted this week. I can't take credit for this idea, saw it somewhere on the internet but can't find it again to give credit to the original maker. Does anyone recognize this idea? I did a little fine tuning after this photo was taken and also plan to add some embellishment later. It was supposed to be a wall hanging size but measures a whopping 84 x 92". 

Here are the orphan blocks I'm using for project #3. Any guesses what I'm going to do with them? Its already challenging my limited math skills. After making several mistakes and deciding to embrace them as design choices, I sure hope this project looks good when its finished because right now I'm unsure where its going.

Here's the color scheme. I love color!

Since I don't do well in the heat and humidity outside, I'm finding more time to stitch this week. My question - why do the weeds flourish in my flower beds while the flowers wilt? The other day I found a weed which had escaped my attention by growing near an invasive vine in our yard. It was taller than me! Since it's kind is usually pulled before they're even a foot high, I had no idea it could grow so tall. Weeds on steroids? So, so looking forward to the cooler temperatures of fall!

Until next time, Mayleen