Tuesday, September 27, 2011

May I have the envelope, please.

The lucky winner of Lynn Roddy Brown's third book, "Patchwork-Play Quilts," is grendelskin! Actually, her name is Sally, but grendelskin is her blog name. Thanks to all who left comments and posted links for this giveaway. I'm glad so many of you were introduced to Lynn's books. They are a great resource for scrap quilters!

Recently several bloggers have been putting the word out about John'aLee's request for star blocks in muted reds, whites, and blues. She is making five quilts for the loved ones of her almost SIL, who was shot in Afghanistan shortly before he was to be married to her daughter. Instead of a wedding they had a funeral. So sad! Make sure the people you love know you love them. Life is tenuous.

I was motivated by Freda's post (The Adventures of the Empress of the Universe) sharing her initial efforts and decided to jump on board. I got fabric pulled Saturday evening and started cutting. I hoped to spend yesterday afternoon and evening sewing them all up, but alas, life interfered.  I did get the cutting finished and thought I would just share the blocks in the "design board" stage. I will get a little done on them tonight, but the finish may have to wait now until my monthly "quilt with Mom" event this Thursday.

This is the Missouri Star block, though I did throw in a
9-patch in place of the plain center square. Every fabric
in this block is printed with some type of star.
This is Ohio Star. I used Barbara Brackman's
directions, but there are easier ways to make this block.
I think the red fabric looks like fireworks.
I punched up this Sawtooth Star pattern by adding
the 16-patch to the center of the block. There are tiny
flags in the tan fabric in the 16-patch.
This is called Barbara Frietchie in Barabara Brackman's
CW post. By different color placement you could make
this into an "easy Lemoyne Star", right Freda? 
Finally we have a block named Richmond, after the
Confederacy's capital city. I may play with the
color placement on this one a little more.
These blocks were all made from my "Patriotic Scraps" drawer. I am pleased with how they are coming together. If you'd like to help make star blocks click the link here for the details.

Now I have the urge to make a patriotic quilt. I made one years ago and donated it somewhere. It would be nice to have one in the house when Independence Day rolls around. I guess that urge will just have to wait in line behind all of the other quilting urges.

Until next time, from the little mountain valley where the sagebrush grows,
Janet O.

15 comments:

  1. Congratulations to Sally!

    Beautiful stars, Janet... glad you're joining in the star block making... I know John'aLee will be thrilled!

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  2. Nice Star Blocks. Sorry for the reason you are making them. I'm resisting adding another project to my list. Are you doing the Civil War Blocks with Barbara Brackman too? Sad I didn't win again...congrats to Sally!

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  3. This story breaks my heart! Count me in as a helping "Follower". By contributing to John'aLee's efforts her family will know how much we love and support our military and her family's sacrifice.
    Janet, I love the blocks you are working on - thanks for sharing your ideas.
    Sally, congrats on the giveaway win! Have fun with your new book.

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  4. I love your blocks. I am also going through my red, white, and blue fabric to make a couple of blocks for the Scrappy Appleyard's project. I read her story last week. :(

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  5. Your blocks are looking great. I love the way they will come together. I think you have inspired me for a new project...oh dear.

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  6. Oh I love your stars! Especially the Missouri and Richmond ones!

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  7. The little flag fabric you used is just perfect!

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  8. What great blocks!! I love patriotic quilts and think you need one for yourself.

    Congrats to Lynn.

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  9. You reminded me I needed to get those stars done! Thank you..and yours are beautiful. I'm ordering that book!!

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  10. Janet, those blocks are wonderful! I'm sure they will be very much appreciated. What a sad story.
    I understand your quilt urges having to wait for other quilt urges. I have so many quilts almost done and others that I finally know what I'm going to do with. They are all competing for my attention!

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  11. very nice janet, looks like it will be a beautiful quilt! love those little 9 patch centers too

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  12. Congrats to the lucky winner. Your blocks will be appreciated. My thoughts and prayers go out to that family.

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  13. Congratulaltions to Sally,enjoy that wonderful book. Lovely blocks for a great cause.
    happy days.
    Bev.xoxo

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  14. Janet I am humbled by your sweet post. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

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