Tag Archives: quilting

Sitting Pretty

These days sewing is a rare treat for me. So I pulled out a pattern from my long list of ‘somedays’, and I’ve been sneaking in some enjoyable hand work.

Sitting Pretty

I bought the pattern, Sitting Pretty by Cynthia Thomaszewski, many moons ago.

This sweet little number can be done entirely by machine of course, but I’ve chosen to embroider the raw edges of the applique pieces by hand.

Sitting Pretty

It is a serene event for me. It wouldn’t take very long, except I don’t have a lot of time.  No matter.

Sitting Pretty

It is the process that brings me pleasure.

How about you?  Is it the process, or the finished product that you enjoy the most?

It is okay to have unfinished projects.  I give you permission.

Arkansas Crossroads Quilt Block Part 2

Last week, I played with the Arkansas Crossroads quilt block in straight set designs.

Arkansas Crossroads Quilt Block

Let’s see how it looks on point.

Arkansas Crossroads On Point Set

The next four on point designs are the same layout (Some of the blocks from the above design were rotated to get this new layout.)  They look different simply because the color was moved around (the actual colors used remain the same).

Arkansas Crossroads On Point Set

Arkansas Crossroads On Point Set

Arkansas Crossroads On Point Set

Arkansas Crossroads On Point Set

The following on point design still features the Arkansas Crossroads quilt block, but also has a block called the Frayed Four Patch.   This block can be made by deleting lines from the Arkansas Crossroads quilt block.  However, I found it in  Electric Quilt’s library.

Arkansas Crossroads On Point Set

Both blocks are used in the next design too.  I like it better.

Arkansas Crossroads On Point Set

Arkansas Crossroads Quilt Block

I chose to play with the Arkansas Crossroads quilt block from Nancy Martin’s Perpetual Calendar 365 Quilt Blocks A Year.

You may know the block as Road to Oklahoma.

Arkansas Crossroads Quilt Block

It is drawn with a 4 x 4 grid.

Here is how the Arkansas Crossroads block looks when set side-by-side in a straight set:

Arkansas Crossroads Straight Set

When the alternate blocks are rotated, one sees how this block got its name:

Arkansas Crossroads Straight Set

Let’s move the color around.  As in the first design, the Arkansas Crossroads block is in a straight set (I see blue and yellow bow ties!):

Arkansas Crossroads Straight Set

Surprise!  Stars show up when rotating the alternate blocks:

Arkansas Crossroads Straight Set

Another design using just the Arkansas Crossroads quilt block without altering the block and using variations of the block, or adding other blocks, or sashing:

Arkansas Crossroads Straight Set

Only the corner block has been altered.  I simply deleted a few lines of the Arkansas Crossroads block to create space.

Arkansas Crossroads Straight Set

On another day, perhaps I’ll play with adding other elements.  However, it is nice to know that all we need is one block, some color and rotation to create several unique designs.