Point the Way - New Version

I taught my wall hanging pattern, Point the Way - A Paper Piecing Primer at the NE Ohio Quilt Show last year. Because it sold out quickly and had a waiting list, I was asked to offer it again this year. Of course I said, "Yes!" 

This is a very basic introduction to paper piecing, which is exactly what my students wanted. 

I was given a charm pack of the fun collection called Creativity Roars by Creativity Shell for Moda. I loved the fabric and was thrilled to receive the pack. Of course there was a stipulation. I had to create something NEW with it. I was permitted to add fabric to the charm pack, but because it was a "Moda Guy" who gave it to me, preferably I would only add Moda fabrics. (I added a Thatched fabric by Robin Pickens that I think worked great!) 

I laid out the squares and looked at them for a while, trying to get some ideas. After a couple of days, inspiration struck and I started sketching. After some basic sketches, I sat down at the computer and started plying in EQ 8.  Here are some early sketches, all of which were discarded after a while. 

I quickly decided that I didn't care for the extra wide light pink sashing that was created when I put blocks together, so I tried it with just a few of them. 

I still wasn't thrilled and finally decided to ditch all the pink sashing, including the diagonal pink that was added to each of the blocks. (Can you see my seam ripping? LOL)

I liked this much better so I sewed all the block units together. Once that was done, I randomly sewed them into nine blocks. 

Much better!

Even better when I added the outside borders!

So...why am I showing you this now? Well, I decided that I wanted to make a new version. Here's what I have so far.

Sorry for the really bad picture!

Here's the fabric I'm using. The background is a Primitive Muslin by Primitive Gatherings and it is beautiful! I have more of each of these fabrics and am playing with the idea of expanding the pattern to add least one more size. I'll do the math first and then decide. Stayed tuned...

Of course I have thoughts on making another version of this too, but we'll see if that gets done any time soon. Don't hold your breath. Hahaha

Catching Up...

I am so darn bad at blogging on a regular basis! I am not even going to try to apologize or make excuses. It is just a fact that blogging has not been high on my priorities list. But...I'm here today to share some things that have been happening and I hope to be back sooner, rather than later.  :-)

There will be no rhyme or reason to the order of pictures I share today. I am simply going through some photos and sharing what I think are fun or special pictures. 

This was NOT fun! Fortunately I had a second pair on hand, so I didn't have to tape these. 

Honestly though, I kind of wanted to tape them and see Jack's reaction, as well as the grandkids. I'm sure they would have simply rolled their eyes.  

Since I'm feeling a little silly right now, I'll share one of my favorite pictures of my BFF Kare. She just might have a sweet tooth and when she goes/sews away from home, she is always prepared. :-) 

I don't know if you noticed in the picture above, but Kare is also health conscious, so she added a banana to the basket of Peeps and Milk Duds. 😂

My absence here on the blog doesn't mean that I haven't been busy. I love that Avery and Peyton spent some time sewing while they were here recently. They had projects in mind and I just let them "have at it." They are happy with their results and I feel certain that they are both becoming much more comfortable sewing on their own. 

They always clean up after themselves and I like that. Perhaps they can teach me. LOL

I've been busy with programs, classes and events over the past few months, and that will continue. This is what the back of my car looks like quite often these days. 

I'll eventually share pictures of some of the classes and events, but know that will not get done right away. I want to spend time at my sewing machine and will download pictures when I need a break from that. 

The image below made me laugh out loud. It was sent to me by a friend who heard me lamenting that I've been feeling like all I've done recently is attend meetings, prepare for events, etc.  If I was a drinker, I might consider doing this.  LOL

I'm going to go spent time with my trusty sewing machine. 💖 

See you soon!