Weekend Wrapup - Triangles Triangles

I'm gearing up for Zig Zag Quilts - THREE of them.  That means there will be a whole lot of half triangles.  Here are the cut fabrics ready to go:

Notice the chalk marking pen and scissor ready to go. I prefer using scissors instead of a circular blade to make small cuts like this.

There's something quite relaxing about half triangles. Here's one in process:



Hopefully I get a chance to work on these quilts sooner than later. This half triangle thing is quite addictive :).  Have a productive and fun week!

-Q

Fabric Love #12: Love Them Solids

I think all the quilts I have made have used at least ONE solid fabric.  They are just so versatile - sashing, coordinating with prints, quilt backing and binding.  Whatever your sewing outlet, solid cottons have a place :).  Sometimes I just like lining them up for inspiration or to see how different shades come together. 

My personal stash of fabrics have about 40 solids ... is that bad??? :P  I like to have different shades readily available :).  Recently I have brought a few bolts of solids to add to the JAQS Fabric shop:

 

Kona Solids @ JAQS Fabrics

I've seen quilts made from all solids.  I would like to try that one day :).  In the meanwhile, I have a dozen uses for these basic - but very useful - fabrics in my stash.

Hope you enjoy solids as much as I do :).

-Q

Weekend Wrapup

This weekend was like winter revisited - cold, winter, rainy and we're stuck indoors most of the weekend.  I didn't get as much done as I would like - not unusual :P - but I did get a chance to baste the next 2 quilts:

Framed Blooms:

I love how the applique blooms just pop against the off-white fabric.  I'm still unsure how the quilting will be...hopefully something will just come to me when I'm done basting this :).

Pretty Bricks:

All these delicate designs reminds of a pretty and elegant little girls room.

-Q

And Then There's 5

This post has nothing to do with quilting or sewing of any sorts - but this is just as exciting.  The birds - sparrows? - has returned to our hanging planter basket.  Last year they laid 4 eggs, so this year we waited anxiously to see another round of eggs -

First came the nest:


Before you knew it there were 3 beautiful little eggs:


Then FOUR :) - just like last year:


And then - to our surprise - there were 5!:


It's truly a magically and beautiful thing to witness. Each day we watch the mommy bird sit on the eggs (the basket is almost at eye level). I think she's starting to trust us a bit more as each day goes on. First she'll fly away the second she hear us coming, now she sits and observes and usually do not fly away right away.

There is one downside though. The nesting process and lack of frequent watering - I keep the watering of that planter box to a minimal to avoid disturbance to the nest but enough to keep the flowers alive - the flowers in the planter basket is starting to struggle. I want to keep the plants alive because I think the birds like the foliage for privacy and food.  Hopefully the flowers will not all die out :(.  Last year I was able to keep the last of the plants alive until the first of the birds hatched.

-Q