This Year's First Christmas Gift

My wonderful husband has been accompanying me to The Village Quilter lately to pick up my Buck-A-Block so we can spend some extra time together.  He's been great at finding projects he'd like me to make and this month's find was a Biscuit Basket by Aunties Two.

Perfect size for mega biscuits!

Bird's eye view

Using a Moda jelly roll  and a roll of 1 3/4 inch stiffy stuff, the basket came together in a day. (If you recognize the fabric, could you please post the name in the comment section?  I always try to give credit where credit is due and I can't remember the name--a suspected episode of "Sometimers.")  The directions are clear and technique is easy to follow.  Was a little nervous about the binding since the basket barely fit into my sewing machine, but it was just as easy to do as a quilt binding.

Have an idea of who in my family would appreciate this cute little basket, but since they are regular readers of my blog, I don't want to spoil the surprise.  Excited to finish a project in a day, especially with the multitude of interruptions in my day--doctors' appointments, dishes, laundry, meals, etc.

Anatomy of a Swap

Some might wonder why I don't post more finished projects, so thought I might take you on a journey through the process of hosting a swap.  The swaps you'll see here are from the BlockBuddy Yahoo group.

First step is to select a swap. We have several running at the same time.  The most popular right now are the Chicklets, an invention of my imagination.   Chicklets are 4 1/2 inch four patches using white on white and a flavored gum color.  The flavor of the month was grape.

Lots and lots of grape chicklets!!

Just love all the colors!

Another favorite are the Country Nine-Patches.  Found this charming block here: Quilting.About.com .  Not only are they addictive to make, but thinking they are going to make a fabulous quilt.

Classic blue and white--can't wait to start assembling the top!

A quick and easy block is the Double Four Patch.  If you'd like to try this versatile block, directions are located here:  http://quilting.about.com/od/quiltblocklotto/ss/january07_lotto.htm .  Saw one in a recent quilt show--just love the classic blue and white set in a visually pleasing way.

 This cute little four patch is called a Stripey Four-Patch.  These darling blocks are done in white-on-white and 1930 reproduction fabrics.  If you only have fifteen minutes to sew, these blocks should be your first choice.  Am partial to them being set on-point, which creates a tessellating design.  My black and batik top is done, just waiting for the quilting.

 Sometimes we just swap components of blocks.  Been swapping half-square triangles for months and am growing a delightful collection for a future scrap quilt.

Dozens and dozens of half-square triangles!  Oh, the possibilities!

And, we swap 2 1/2 inch strips called "Zippy Strips."

Galaxy Star

Last, but not least, we have a block of the month.  The pattern for this month's star is located at www.EwesQuilting.com under the BOM section.

Once all the swaps are sent to me, I distribute them to their new homes where they live happily every after!

Waiting for the mail carrier to whisk away the squishies to their new home!

If one or more of these swaps appeal to you, please come and join us at BlockBuddies!  Go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BlockBuddySwaps/ and sign-up.  You'll find lovely, talented ladies, fun activities and boatloads of swaps!!

October's Star

If you're ever in the mood for a Block of the Month, would like to invite you to my website, www.EwesQuilting.com !  This BOM is the third I've run for BlockBuddies, but the first I've offered on my website.  The blocks from January to October are up now and November is ready and waiting for next month.

Appreciate your feedback!

It's Your Turn Round Robin!

Block Buddies is doing a special project--an "It's Your Turn Round Robin" in the style of Pat Sloan's quilter's activity by the same name!  Due to time restraints, we're going to just have four members in each group and everyone's going to make one block that fits the theme.

As you can see, my theme is Christmas.  Used a Nancy Halversen design for the Nativity and the Karen Kay Buckley method of machine applique.  The background fabric at the top has Psalms scrolling across, filling the sky like I imagine the angels did when proclaiming His birth all those years ago.  (Luke 2:13-14)

Am hoping for lots of angels, sheep (am very fond of the black ones) and a star.  Am fortunate the group I'm in is filled with incredibly talented ladies who will do an exceptional job.  Will be sure to post when it's finished!

If this kind of activity appeals to you, please feel free to check out Block Buddies for yourself!  Here's a link  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BlockBuddySwaps/ .We have loads of activities and one is sure to appeal to you!