Sometimes things just get away from us. . .

If it wasn't for the email I got today, I would have forgotten that the EQ Photo Fun Blog Hop started today! 
I prepared my blog a few weeks ago and have it scheduled to automatically post after midnight tonight (EST).  But gosh, I sure didn't want to miss the blogs for today. It was the email that reminded me and I am glad. The three ladies did such a great job. Each of them has something different and I learned some new things to add to my EQ repertoire.

If you haven't visited them, do it now so you can get started on some new projects very soon. There is a giveaway from EQ. Comment on each of the sites and you have more chances to win.  Hope to have you all come back tomorrow to my blog. 

April 14th

FunThreads

Beaquilter

Seams to be Sew

April 15th

SewCalGal

Patchwork Breeze

April 16th

Sew Incredibly Crazy

FunThreads

and EQ

Fabric Strip Exchange Project

A few weeks ago I posted a photo of the fabric strips (below) I had sewn together for the Edyta Sitar type exchange.

I received 5 strip sets in return. I wondered what I could do with them. I thought a pillow would not be too difficult. I am pleased with the results.

The strip set measured 18-1/2" x WOF. I cut it in half and squared up the two pieces to 18-1/2" x 18-1/2". (Well, yes that is what squared up means.) I then cut the pieces diagonally from both sets of opposite corners. I sewed 4 of the pieces together to get this configuration. 

I added a back which was two pieces cut 13" x 18-1/2". I hemmed one 18-1/2" edge on both pieces and these became the overlapping center opening. The other sides were pinned to fit the square front, right sides together. I sewed all the edge seams, curving around the corners so they would not be like pointed horns when turned right sides out. 

And now there is a new pillow for the chair! 

Here is the layout for the other set of triangles that came from cutting this strip set. 

I think I will use the other strip sets to make a Chinese Coin Quilt. 

FABRIC LANDSCAPE PANELS COMPLETED

Miriam and I finished stapling the fabric panels to the wooden frames. Here is what the finished piece looks like. 

I kept a bit of the floor lamp and rug in the photo to give you an idea of the size. Each panel is 51" high and the center one is 40" wide. The other two are 35" wide. We will have 2" between each panel when it is hung. 

EQ Photo Fun Blog Hop

Mark April 14-16 to check out the exciting projects and tutorials for using photos in EQ. 

Sewing for a Baby Gift -- Bowl Cozies

I have been busy sewing late into the evenings for the past two days. Tomorrow I am attending a baby shower for our cousin's daughter. I had to make a few items. Of course, I wrapped the present without taking a photo of what I put in it. But it did include these microwave bowl cozies. 

I also made some burp cloths from this free burpies pattern. I did not make mine elaborate with bias binding and since it is a boy, I did not use lace. I used flannel on both sides and stitched around the edge after turning them right side out. I could make one in about 10 minutes, so I was stitching away and had 6 done in no time. 

Pincushion Prototype

I am drafting a pattern for a monthly pincushion class I am going to start at The New Ewe. 

This one uses 2 charm squares and half of one strip from a jelly roll--and a good amount of stuffing. I am going to use a HST technique I read about on She Can Quilt's blog. It is #4 Make 8 HSTs from 2 Squares. I like teaching quilters new ways of doing things. I have tried many of the HST techniques on this blog post, but this one was new to me, so I figured it would be new to others as well. 

EQ Photo Fun Blog Hop Coming

I am participating in the EQ Photo Fun Blog Hop hosted by Carol FUN THREADS. It begins April 14 and ends April 16. There will be 8 of us posting various techniques to use photos in EQ. So, do check out the fun that starts soon. 

Nancy Zieman's Autobiography

I am reading Seams Unlikely by Nancy Zieman, thanks to a friend who loaned me her book. Nancy's story really is amazing. I am halfway through the book and have enjoyed each chapter (which none are very long). It is amazing to think about how and what she has accomplished in her lifetime-a true pioneer in the sewing world. With blogging, there is a new frontier to explore and I am having a great time exploring its surface! Can't wait to finish the book.

What is your next project? Mine is cleaning my studio so I can start a new project.