Category: Quilting

RBD Block Challenge: Block 2

~ Life of Momma B ~ Leave a comment

Block 2 is completed, This block, Sparkle and Shine, was designed by Beverly McCollough of Flamingo Toes.  

I love the block pattern.  Like the previous block it uses half square triangles and stitch and flip corners.  It’s all about the right combination of pieces to create a stunning block.  Not to brag but I feel I did a decent job of matching all the points.  

However, the one thing I dislike is the colors in the center of the block.  I am considering re-doing this block with a different color combination. But, I think I will wait to the end and make sure there is enough fabric.  One thing about this quilt along is even though they tell you how much fabric you need, they do not give cutting instructions.  This means I am not able to cut the fabric efficiently, I would hate to run short.  

The pattern for block 3 was released this week.  I am already running behind on the quilt-along, but since there will not be a block the last week of the month, I will be able to catch up. 

Until next time, I’ll be taking it one stitch at a time.

Momma B

Texas Christmas Quilt – Stocking Block

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In addition to completing the first block of the RBD Block Challenge last week, I was also able to finish another block from the Texas Christmas Quilt.  The pattern for this Stocking Block was provided by Downtown Dry Goods in McKinney, Texas.  

If you are not familiar with this shop,  it is worth the trip.   Located in historic downtown, it features a wide selection of reproduction prints.  Additionally,  they share a space with the McKinney Knittery. This means there are lots of pretty things in the shop to admire.  

This is the first of several blocks in this quilt that use applique to achieve the desired look.  But, what makes this block so cool is the fact that you can actually stuff items into the stocking.  I used a piece of TenSisters EasyPiecing Grid. OMG, the Easy Piecing Grid is a game changer for quilters. This fusible foundation allows for effortless joining of squares.  And since the foundation is left in place, the stocking is lined and the fabric squares will not fray.  

Gee whiz, this quilt is taking forever,  but quilting is not a speed sport, it is for marathon crafters. But, I am determined to complete this UFO so I can clear some space for my next project.  You can find the first post in this series here. 

Thank you for joining me on my quilting adventure.  I hope to see you when the next block is complete.  

Momma B

RBD Block Challenge: Block 1

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Block 1 of the RBD Block Challenge has been released and it is by no other than Lori Holt. This block, Vintage Delight, features multiple stich-and-flip units that are joined together to form one cohesive block.  

If you are not familiar with Lori Holt, she is an amazing designer that has a flair for taking vintage patterns and making them new again. Check out her newest pattern, Mercantile Sampler, where she places traditional blocks inside circles giving them a new look.  She is the designer behind many of the quilt alongs hosted by the Fat Quarter Shop. In addition to being a fabric and pattern designer she also creates cross stitch patterns that coordinate with her quilts and is an avid crocheter. I am especially looking forward to her upcoming Christmas pattern that will be released this summer featuring Christmas baubles. While she does have a blog, I follow her on YouTube.  

Back to the block at hand and stitch-and-flip blocks. These are not very hard to create and are often used when you want to cover only a corner of a larger block, like when creating snowballs. They can also be used to create flying geese. After the pieces are sewn together, usually on a diagonal, the excess is cut off, and the seam is flipped open to cover the part that was removed. 

Like the old adage of do as I say not as I do. You can save yourself a lot of time and heartache by marking the part you will cut and discard. In addition to marking the diagonal sew line on the back of the fabric, placing a small X on the waste side makes it easier. This is something I usually do, but in a moment of over confidence, I opted not to and cut on the wrong side of the sewing line. As you can see below there is no way to fix this mistake and I had to redo one corner of the block.  You can bet I marked it the second time through. So, do as I say not as I do. and mark the waste before you cut. 

If you missed the beginning of this series, click here to go to the introduction and a link to get all of the patterns in this series. While I wait for next weeks block to be released, maybe I can tackle some of my overdue projects from my UFO list. Here’s to taking life one stitch at a time.

Momma B

RBD Block Challenge 2024 – getting ready

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The 2024 RBD Block Challenge releases the first block tomorrow. Are you ready? I am!

I have downloaded the fabric requirements and pulled fabric from my stash that matched the recommended colors. All the fabric has been washed, starched, ironed and is ready to go.  

I did make one slight adjustment. They recommend using a multi color dot. I didn’t have anything in my stash that worked well with this color palette. I did, however, have a yard of silver dots but not the 1 5/8 yards they recommend. I also viewed the sneak peak of the finished quilt and I think I will be able to make it work with a few minor changes. 

I am most excited about the black and white striped binding.  I have seen several quilts that used striped binding. What an impact it makes! I purchased this striped fabric a few months back for the purpose of binding with no project in mind. I guess we will have to wait until summer to see how it turns out.

If you want a sneak peak of the final quilt or would like to join me on this quilt along head to Riley Blake Designs blog to find all the information you need. 

I will post my completed first block in a few days. Until then, take life one stitch at a time. 

Momma B

Happy New Year

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Happy New Year! Are you as excited as I am to put 2023 behind us and start afresh? This past year has been a tough year for my family, with many challenges. This is not to say that there have not been moments of joy and celebration scattered throughout. We have mourned loved ones, and job changes and felt heart ache. But we have endured. We have grown and changed. My hope is that 2024 will be less chaotic. The new year brings hope.

Isn’t it crazy how simply turning the page on the calendar brings hope and excitement. It is as if when the ball drops and the clock strikes 12, we magically have the will-power and self discipline to go to the gym, eat healthier and spend more time with the people we love, doing what we love. 

As crafters we set goals of finishing all those unfinished projects, learning new skills and organizing our craft space. With the challenges of the past year, I lost my sew-jo (you know that all elusive sewing mo-jo).  Thankfully I found it in time to finish a few quilts before Christmas, and will be sharing those soon. I am excited about finishing a few more and starting a couple of new projects.  Here is a sneak peek at what is sitting on my sewing table.

You have already seen the Christmas in Texas Quilt and the New Year’s Mystery Quilt, and little progress has been made since I last posted.  As you can see, I started a few other quilts. There are so many great quilt patterns out there and there is an adrenaline rush that comes from starting a new project. But quilting is a marathon.  I’m still working on building endurance to finish the projects that I start and not getting distracted. There are a few projects that I am looking forward to, and I have all the fabric ready to go. The one I’m looking forward to most is the RBD Block Challenge.  It is a quilt-a-long hosted by Riley Blake Designs.  It begins January 9th, so there is still time to join me.  You can learn more here.  

Here’s hoping that 2024 is a great year.

Momma B