Block is Finished ... Yeah!

I finished...yeah...this was a new to me block pattern.

It's not perfect and I have to admit when I picked out the pattern, Arizona #2 from Quilter's Cache, I was so excited and then it dawned on me, as I was making this block, I've never really worked with many half-square triangle blocks; thus, this block was a learning block and a challenge for me.

I think it turned out pretty good. I showed my DH who said he liked it and I did a great job on it, as I went to show him my 'mistakes' ...he backed his chair up and said .."do not show me the mistakes I think the block is very pretty, I don't see any mistakes". Now you know why I love him so!  

I Learned Something New Today

Oh yes...the smell from the kitchen is wonderful!  Three loaves of banana bread ...DONE....going to be yummy my tummy :D

While the bread was baking I was working on the Arizona 2 block for an on-line group BOM.  I realized (on the 1st block) my center point was not lining up properly.  To accommodate for that I simply pressed one seam toward the dark fabric and the other toward the light fabric, that way I was able to 'nestle' the two.  See how nice the points came out...I think they're perfect!!

I also found (for this block) if I press the seams open the strip lies flatter (bottom pic). 

I feel so good when I learn something new!!  All-in-all, it's a good day and it's not over yet...woohoo!! 

Design Wall Monday 1-18-10

My design wall still isn't up ... but here's my cutting table. 

I temporarily have shelved "Pink All Around" after several issues & problems.  I was, however, able to find some material that "is close" in value to the polka dots I was using - now to decide whether to take apart two blocks down to the polka dots or leave two with the 'original' polka dots and make two with the 'new' polka dots ... decisions, decisions!

Because of all my "issues" I decided to stick to something easy ... :D  I decided to work on a BOM.  I had cut, sewn and pieced one color then decided it wasn't really what I (thought) I was looking for...I didn't like the color combination I had chosen - so I put those 20 half-square's in the orphan box and cut new fabric.  I really like the new combination much better .  I should have the block finished up by day's end!

I also did an "Experiment" of my own - silly, but I did anyway.  I wanted to see if using 'guides' vs. marking vs. tube (using Wondercut ruler) really made any difference in the final half-square triangles...I'm not sure there's one bit of difference, except to say using the tube is definitely faster and I like faster....

Which block do you prefer blue or mustard (not sure what to call this color) ? You have until day's end to let me know. I'll check back later to see if anyone makes comments.

Here's the block I'm making Arizona 2 from Quilter's Cache