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Saturday, January 8, 2011

Queen of the blocks

This year I've decided I could be crowned Queen of the blocks as I get into tackling some of those oldie but goodie projects that I have lying around. I like that, oldies but goodies sounds so much better than UFO's.
I did think about what I wanted to work on and I'd like to keep my options open but I got to thinking about the list, my quilting bucket list actually. I'd like to finish the Nearly Insane one day so I'll try to make blocks more regularly.

I'll continue to make panels for the vine quilt. I'm half way through the latest panel. This is one of my bucket list quilts. The one at the top actually.
I'm having so much fun with the Cherry Tree blocks that I'll try to keep these going regularly. I'm really into the fabrics I'm using. This is block 3. Have you got a quilt that you absolutely have to make one day? I'd love to know what it is. Oh and I promised myself to work on the Baltimore.That's a have to finish quilt.
We've had a few trips out and about, not sure it was a good idea to go into Sydney while the sales were on but I enjoyed wandering around without a purpose. The next two photos are from The Queen Victoria building, I love watching the clock which has all these figures coming out and rotating around when it hits the hour.
I just love stained glass windows. If you ever get to the building, be sure to go to the top level to view the carved jade carriage.
I wasn't very good at supporting the retailers, I only came home with a book and this small jewellery pouch. I liked the shape and thought that one day, I may have a go at making a sewing sized one.

47 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 8, 2011 at 5:31 PM

    At the top of my quilt bucket list is to finish the Venetian Rose quilt designed by Nora McMeeking...I'm almost done hand quilting it and can hardly wait to hang it on the wall!

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  2. AnonymousJanuary 8, 2011 at 5:52 PM

    Thanks again for all the lovely eye candy and yes there is one quilt a Baltimore, I have been giving out hints to my quilting friend for years and mentioned my 50th but you know all they do is laugh, big grin I wonder why,hehehe.
    Yes I will bite the bullet and get one started this year.

    Love the little pouch.
    cheers
    Christine

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  3. BarbJanuary 8, 2011 at 6:19 PM

    I just love all of your quilt blocks....so amazing.

    Enjoyed the pictures of you shopping as well....beautiful stained glass.

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  4. AdeleJanuary 8, 2011 at 6:45 PM

    I love all your quilts. I can see my Roseville quilt finished this year I also want to start on my Dear Jane quilt all the fabrics have been bought and finish it this year also because its the 150th anniversary or the Civil War and i want to put that on the Dear Jane quilt where it says in War time i want to put the anniversary date. Then i really really want to start on my 19th century flower baskets quilt by Di Ford all the fabric has been bought and flowers cut out and glue together and the leaves cut and all i have to do is stick it down but im having too much fun working on the Roseville Album at the moment :)

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  5. JuliaJanuary 8, 2011 at 7:14 PM

    Will we ever get to do them all Janet..so much I want to do, I really don't know what to work on sometimes..
    I have Calico Garden, Aunty Greens quilt, the CW blocks, and I'd love a 1930's DWR..
    I love your blocks..
    Julia ♥

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  6. Jess @ Scrappy n HappyJanuary 8, 2011 at 7:43 PM

    I love all your blocks, but the red and white ones are really striking!
    My bucket list would be far to long to complete in one life time!

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  7. Nat PalaskasJanuary 8, 2011 at 8:22 PM

    I like your oldies but goodies projects. I at least starting one of them, the CT quilt. I also have the vine pattern tucked away somewhere in my sewing room! Thanks for sharing the pics from Queen Victoria building. I love that building and have to visit every time we are in Sydney. That is a very cute jewelery bag and I'm sure you can whip one up in now time at all - Hugs Nat

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  8. UnknownJanuary 8, 2011 at 11:08 PM

    I Love your Cherry Tree Block it's so Fresh no wonder you love working on it...I always wonder through the QVB when I get back to Sydney I Love it..I remember when it was old & ugly..lol.
    happy stitching.

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  9. ranetteJanuary 8, 2011 at 11:57 PM

    Yeah! I'm so glad that you have your NI blocks out again. It will be worth it in the end, trust me :)

    I would have to say that the Vine quilt and the Morrell Quilt are tops on my bucket list.

    We'll see if either one ever gets done....one can only hope...lol

    Thanks for the "out and about" pictures. I always enjoy them.

    I'm loving your BTCT blocks too and I really should get the patterns and start it, instead of lusting after yours....lol

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  10. FlourishingPalmsJanuary 9, 2011 at 12:04 AM

    Your applique is "to die for," Janet. The colors are so perfectly selected, and so happy! I really like your Nearly Insane pieced blocks too.

    There's only one quilt on my bucket list. That one is a quilt block called "Swallow," that I've only ever seen a picture of. It's pretty intricate, so I'd probably hand piece it. But since I have three major handwork quilts underway already, I will wait to start. This year, I'm looking at success as finishing just one of my handwork quilts. Have you ever hand-pieced and/or hand-appliqued a quilt and then FMQed it?

    Thanks for sharing pictures of Sydney's QVB. I've been there, and wish I was going again. Such a beautiful city. I know it better than my own!

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  11. BarbJanuary 9, 2011 at 12:41 AM

    OOh, loved the shot from the Victoria Building. That clock is something else!
    Are you doing an all red & White nearly insane? Love the idea.
    I'm still drooling over the vine quilt.

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  12. Mitt lille rosa syromJanuary 9, 2011 at 12:49 AM

    Beautiful blocks, and a stunning stain glass window.
    I have said that I will not make a Nearly Insane, but I am having this urge to change my mind... I also have an old pattern for a Baltomore bridal quilt, that i would love to make one day. Maybe when I retire, in twenty-some years ;-)
    Hope you will have a great week end!

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  13. Sujata ShahJanuary 9, 2011 at 12:50 AM

    Love love all that you are showing right now! I would love to start some applique soon! Your BTCT blocks are looking so full of life!
    And the vine quilt.. I just sit here ans sigh.. too good to describe in words!

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  14. UnknownJanuary 9, 2011 at 12:53 AM

    Like you, I really do want to get some of my UFO's out and complete them. Generally, when I go to a retreat they tend to come with me. I love all the things that you are working on, but then again your work is always lovely. There are definitely some "must make" quilts on my list, but more than one. I am in love with the photos of the Queen Victoria building. I have such a fascination with clocks especially cuckoo and grandfather clocks. We own both and I could watch them for hours. Love the stained glass too. We have tons in our home in the form of lamps. So if I am ever there, I will make sure to stop and check this building out.

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  15. *karendianne.January 9, 2011 at 1:01 AM

    I love the question "do you have a quilt you absolutely have to make one day" if only because it reminds me to check-in with myself. I continue to live without that feeling of something I must make. It's the skills that I absolutely must learn and or perfect. That's where I'm at in my evolution I guess.

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  16. LoriJanuary 9, 2011 at 1:07 AM

    I really do not have a one quilt that I must make. I'd like to keep moving forward and finishing up a few that I've already started.
    Your border is coming along nicely!

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  17. CrispyJanuary 9, 2011 at 1:19 AM

    I have that Nearly Insane book but it was a no starter for me....they weren't difficult enough LOL. The one project I want to make is the Mary Simon Quilt. I don't know where it will be in my to do list but it's very near the top :0)

    Crispy

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  18. CrispyJanuary 9, 2011 at 1:23 AM

    Sheesh, I forgot to say that I LOVE your vine project. Thank you for the trip into Sidney, that building is amazing!!

    Crispy

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  19. Ann ChampionJanuary 9, 2011 at 1:25 AM

    The Queen Victoria building is just beautiful! I know I'llnever get there, so thanks for sharing. I'll bet it's magical when the clock strikes?

    I don't have a "bucket list" per say, but have a list of techniques I want to do. I LOVE your vine quilt and would do that one if there was a pattern I could buy. My drafting is not my strong suit.
    Your BTCT block is so cheerful and joyous looking!

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  20. AnonymousJanuary 9, 2011 at 1:43 AM

    Apart from finishing the oldies but goodies (yes, much better than UFOs!)the one thing I really want to do is a Baltimore - I have the patterns, which I bought years ago when I was in Houston .... maybe this year I should start collecting fabrics!
    Thanks for the photos of Sydney - a nice reminder of our wonderful holiday there in September 2009!

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  21. PatJanuary 9, 2011 at 1:58 AM

    It is so fun to watch how you work with each BTCT block - your colors just sparkle. And your McCord vine quilt is going to be spectacular!
    My own bucket list is too scary to linger over but somewhere on there is a New York Beauty waiting to be born.
    Have a good weekend & happy stitching!

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  22. TerryJanuary 9, 2011 at 2:01 AM

    You've got some great quilts on your bucket list! My goal this year is to finish off things here too, rather than starting new things. I just went from 8 projects in tubs to 16 but it's all about getting organized! LOL

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  23. JoanJanuary 9, 2011 at 2:30 AM

    I am up late as usual - and loved reading your blog entry. Vines are lovely as are all your pics. Tiring day - no sewing...off to bed now to dream of all my quilt completions tfor the year ahead!! LOL

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  24. MeredithJanuary 9, 2011 at 2:37 AM

    The nearly insane is on my bucket list. I have not decided on what direction I will be headed in. Your blocks look great.

    The vine quilt I bought the fabric but when I started cutting and creating the bias vines I thought they were way too skinny? ?? I am trying to get my trick or treat (applique baskets) done because my design wall is filled with the blocks.

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  25. wishes, true and kindJanuary 9, 2011 at 2:47 AM

    Good for you for working away at those projects! I'm hoping to work away at a few abandoned projects myself this year. I adore the vines!

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  26. LynnJanuary 9, 2011 at 3:22 AM

    Love your blocks and your pictures Janet. The picture of the stained glass is very impressive!

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  27. JanetJanuary 9, 2011 at 4:54 AM

    Oldies but goodies - I like that :0) I also love your newest Cherry tree block - such happy fabrics.
    There are a few quilts I would like to make (like the McCord vine quilt) but the one I really want to make is a red and white feathered star quilt.

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  28. JanetJanuary 9, 2011 at 4:54 AM

    Oldies but goodies - I like that :0) I also love your newest Cherry tree block - such happy fabrics.
    There are a few quilts I would like to make (like the McCord vine quilt) but the one I really want to make is a red and white feathered star quilt.

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  29. JeanetteJanuary 9, 2011 at 4:55 AM

    I really really love that Beyond the Cherry Trees quilt, I wish I had known about it while the patterns were still free. $72 is just a little (or a lot) too much for me =0(

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  30. SewWhatsNewJanuary 9, 2011 at 7:54 AM

    Beautiful blocks as always. I have a few tops to finish; but I am starting a quilt with a friend from the book Sylvia's Wedding Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini. We are going to use batiks and make blocks for each other. We are not planing on making the large quilt. We will see. My Star and Sprigs is my priority. Jan. 7 2011 was one year of my return home from Australia. I lived in Coogee for 5 months(09-10). Your photos of QVB made me very happy. I will be in Australia in another month or so for 2 weeks. Can't wait. Thanks.

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  31. antique quilterJanuary 9, 2011 at 9:30 AM

    loved seeing the pictures from your day out
    OH I love , LOVE stained glass windows too!
    that pouch is beautiful I can see why you bought it!
    you will figure it out in no time!
    OH the Susan McCord Vine quilt is to die for....I need to get back into applique but lately all I want to do is machine piece
    Have a great weekend
    Kathie

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  32. AnonymousJanuary 9, 2011 at 12:12 PM

    You had stunning photos to share of your outing...just beautiful but still yet your applique even better! Love seeing your work!!

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  33. Linda January 9, 2011 at 1:19 PM

    Border is so gorgeous!! You WERE very good during shopping, it's hard when there are so many sales this time of year! Love the stained glass pics! So beautiful.

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  34. Oops-LahJanuary 9, 2011 at 2:06 PM

    Great list of projects you are tackling this year and I'd say you made a great start! I also love the QVB, don't buy much there either, usually just a bit of window shopping and at Christmas time it's even better.

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  35. Quilts And PiecesJanuary 9, 2011 at 2:28 PM

    Oh your cherry tree block is wonderful! I will have to put that building on my list of must see's in April! That stained glass is wondeful! and the clock is so fun too!

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  36. Quilts And PiecesJanuary 9, 2011 at 2:29 PM

    Forgot to say - if you figure out how to make that case you have to share with me. I LOVE it! Your right, it does have to be bigger for sewing stuff!

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  37. CJJanuary 9, 2011 at 3:14 PM

    You know you've been working on Nearly Insane too long when you instantly reconginize the blocks. I love the fabrics you've chosen.

    Your vine quilt is amazing!

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  38. Piecefully PamJanuary 9, 2011 at 3:18 PM

    What a beautiful post, Janet. I miss you. : / I will try to stop by and leave a comment more regularly. Your eye and works are inspirational. Thank you, friend.

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  39. RachaeldaisyJanuary 9, 2011 at 8:56 PM

    OBG's !! Sounds great! I declare you Queen of the Blocks every year!!! They all look wonderful!!! I've got lots of quilts I have/want to do. Roseville quilt, the Phoebe Quilt. You are brave going to the Queen Vic building during sales!! I find it full on during normal days, but it is the most beautiful building and there are lots of lovely shops. I like the Strand Arcade on the other side of the road too.

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  40. JanetteJanuary 10, 2011 at 6:46 AM

    Sounds great. You get my queen of the blocks vote. Block 7 has the HSBC logo in the middle so I might have to make some to earn some brownie points at work.

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  41. Teresa RawsonJanuary 10, 2011 at 11:15 AM

    I LOVE your Susan McCord vine quilt. I've seen the original in person at the Henry Ford museum here in Michigan, and yours is going to be fantastic!!

    Stars and Sprigs is on my bucket list...I LOVE that quilt and hope to start it and start posting very soon on Glorious Applique. I also want to design and do an original Baltimore type applique quilt.

    Thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures from your shopping trip...I love the idea of stained glass at a shopping center.

    In stitches,
    Teresa :o)

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  42. LisaJanuary 10, 2011 at 1:35 PM

    Janet, your photo's of Sydney are gorgeous! I love all your projects, as usual. Especially the vine. I used to love piecing, but find it hard to go back now from applique.

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  43. ThimbleannaJanuary 11, 2011 at 1:05 AM

    Your projects are always so beautiful Janet -- and you're always so inspiring. That shopping center looks wonderful - what a nice place to shop!

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  44. BrandieJanuary 11, 2011 at 4:53 AM

    I loved the Queen Victoria building! When we lived in Pyrmont, we would go down to the QV and shop almost every weekend. This is where I first discovered Lush. Is it still there? We used to smell it from outside. Memories...

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  45. Hi! My name is erica. Would you be my friend?January 11, 2011 at 8:22 AM

    Your blocks look fabulous! The clock (well that whole place) is beautiful.

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  46. JanetJanuary 11, 2011 at 12:20 PM

    Hi Janet
    Beautiful stained glass windows.
    Love your Cherry Tree block. Again,
    very happy block.
    Happy stitching.
    Janet

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  47. EileenJanuary 16, 2011 at 2:16 PM

    Janet,
    The one quilt that I have to make is called Shakespeare in the Park. It's by Judy Martin.

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