Falling Behind

I'm behind on both posts and progress...  I spent a little time at the machine last weekend and finished two of the five new Just Takes 2 blocks.  I planned to finish the other three before the next set comes out on Wednesday, but I have very little time to spend in the sewing room this weekend so I probably won't make it. Hopefully the next set will be simple and I will have a chance to catch up!

I also started a new project last weekend - the Insanity Quilt.  It is definitely named appropriately - it is made up of over 10,000 half-inch hexagons.  The pattern comes from an issue of Australian Patchwork and Quilting from a few years ago.  A wonderful Yahoo group friend from Australia sent me the magazine in exchange for a fat quarter (I sent several - one definitely didn't seem like enough!).  I've tried a couple of different methods for working with the hexagons - more on that in another post - and think that the English paper piecing method is my favorite so far.  I made quite a few flowers on my flights this week.

The toughest part of getting started with the hexies was choosing fabric.  I originally planned to do the quilt in thirties fabrics, but after making the first flower I was unimpressed.  I decided to switch to bright and jewel tone batiks. So far I am quite happy with my color choices!

Wonder how long it will take to assemble over 10,000 hexagons?  I'm not sure I will live long enough to find out!

Back to Work

I had such big plans for my holiday break!  I had visions of making lots of progress on projects and posting something new here every day.  And although I thoroughly enjoyed the time off, I can't say that I spent much time at all in the sewing room.  I didn't really manage to get up there until the last three days.  I wish I could say I spent that time wisely working on projects already underway, but instead I was inspired to begin several new projects. I need to have my head examined!

The first thing I couldn't resist was the Just Takes 2 project.  I will have to add the button to my blog.  I prepped three of the first six blocks.

I also prepped another Stars & Sprigs block and an Applique Affair block (a blast from the past!).  While I was working on prepping applique, I listened to the current episode of The Quilt Show featuring Eleanor Burns.  One of the quilts featured in the episode was one that has been on my "want to do" list for a very long time.  It's the Nancy Page basket quilt. I dragged out my pattern and the next thing I know I was at Jackman's buying all the fabric to make it!  I didn't get very far - I hope to get back up to the sewing room after work to finish piecing and prepping the applique on the first block.

I did actually manage to finish up another block of my Flower Penny Garden BOW last week.  This makes number three.

I wish I could say that was it...but I am expecting to receive my "Sarah's Revival" pattern today.  I haven't settled on a background yet, but hope to find something before the end of the week so I can start that one, too. I really should resolve to just stick with one project until it is finished, but where's the fun in that?!?  I'm sure glad I don't make resolutions!