Now I know why they invented frozen pizza . . .

. . . so there would be more time to quilt of course.

I love the way the 2" border squares add so much punch to the project.

If you decide to use animal prints, stripes, or one way prints, be sure to turn them in different directions to add interest.

Until then, keep stitchin . . .

It's together . . .

. . . except for the borders.

American Patchwork and Quilting Magazine, August 2003 publication. Page 30. Original pattern by Darlene Zimmerman.

My version is a bit smaller than the original, making it the perfect size for covering a lil' darlin' in a car seat or stroller on a chilly day.

Begin with 64 large 4" squares, 49 small 2" squares, and 11 strips cut 2" wide x width of fabric of a solid color.

Be certain to starch the large squares well before trimming down to 3-1/2". Heavily starch and press about 3/4 yard of solid fabric prior to trimming in to strips. Believe me, it makes a big difference in the long run.

If you have any grandchildren coming to visit for the holidays, you may want to prepare 2 sets of pieces. This is a good project for kids as everything lines up so easily. Starching also helps small fingers get a good grip.

Border ideas are in progress so stay tuned and until then, keep stitchin' . . .

A better photo

I hope this helps in understanding the pattern better. Remember you can use either 4" blocks or 3-1/2" blocks. Either will work well. The brighter the better.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Simple fun

My good buddy L.B. sent me a coordinating squares fabric pack awhile back.

You may remember this pattern from American Patchwork and Quilting by Darlene Zimmerman. I've been meaning to try it for some time now and these colors seemed destined for the idea. I've added a few fun kids prints and hope to have it together tonight . . . maybe.

The large squares are supposed to be 4" cut, but mine are 3-1/2". The small squares are 2". The solid lavender rectangles are 2" x 3-1/2".

I'm not sure how big it's going to be yet. That's what makes quilting such an adventure, you just never know. . . what colors, what size, or even when it might actually be finished.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Weekend adventures

We have had the most beautiful fall weekend. High 60's with lots of sunshine. Just look at the view from my back porch. Fall colors are really hitting their peak and dropping fast.

If you are a woodsman or know a woodsman, you probably recognize this tool as a froe. It's designed to peel the bark off of logs if you just happen to be building a log cabin.

My dad gave me this one. No telling how old it is. But when the baby copperhead snake decided to show up in my basement this evening, the 4" blade came in very handy. Not that I enjoy killing any creature, far from it; however, the princess puppy was lying not 6 feet away. And you probably don't know this, but baby copperheads carry the full amount of venom that adult ones do. They won't kill you, but it's not a pleasant experience being bit by one, or so I've read.

Since Friday night I've been attempting to come up with an alternate block in coordinating colors for the "basket case." I've played with green ideas . . . .

and red ideas. . . . and even blue. But nothing is working out. So the blocks will go in a baggie for a bit, simmering at the back of my mind. However, if you have any pictures you'd like to send my way of baskets with other blocks, feel free. I can always use a good idea.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . . .