? KICKOFF of Critter Quilt #3!!

? KICKOFF of Critter Quilt #3!!

Introduction

Hi, my friend! It's Pat Sloan here, and today marks an exciting occasion. With the blank wall behind me, it's mid-July, and I don't have to show my block-of-the-month projects for the next two weeks! I am about to kick off the Critter Quilt, and with its completion, I'll be mentally and physically free to tackle the state quilt project. The design wall is now empty and ready to accommodate the Critter blocks.

Topics

Scavenger Hunt Day: Needles

Today is also scavenger hunt day for July. Once a month, I give a sewing-related topic, and this time, it's all about needles. How do you store your sewing machine needles and hand sewing needles? Let me share my needle storage method with you.

I use a Baby Lock Koala unit with drawers that contain my needles, hand sewing needles, and machine needles. I store machine needles in their original packets placed in small Sterlite containers. For hand sewing needles, I have another container. These setups help me stay organized and keep every needle type in its place.

Mail from Gina: Mushroom Fabric

Moving on, I've received a beautiful card and some mushroom fabric from Gina in Wisconsin. The fabric is from Spoonflower, a print-to-order facility. Thank you, Gina!

Kitty Quilt Project with 'Froot Loop' Fabric

Another highlight is my Kitty Quilt project. I've paired the Kitty blocks with 'Froot Loop' fabric, which is delightful and charming. The fabric includes various prints: gingham, text, and fun elements like watermelon. It's all in a bag now, but I think I'll switch it from the plastic bag to a mesh or clear-front bag for better visibility.

Dinosaur Quilt Blocks

Lastly, I updated my Dinosaur Quilt blocks. Featuring Dino fabric from Tula Pink, the first block is done, and I've added extra fabric for the blocks and borders. The goal is to use varied shades of burgundy, ditching the peach fabric initially planned. This updated set aligns better with my vision for the quilt.

Critter Quilt #3

The Blocks

Let's dive into Critter Quilt #3. With all the blocks in my picnic basket, I'll journey through each to determine the layout. Here are the steps:

1. Large Blocks: I start by arranging the larger blocks, and some can be trimmed slightly to fit.
2. Medium Blocks: Next, I place the medium blocks, shuffling for balance among colors and sizes.
3. Small Blocks: Finally, I integrate the smaller blocks, ensuring tasteful positioning throughout.

With the blocks on the wall, totaling 42, the next steps involve adding spacers to balance the quilt. Some small fusible critter shapes may make occasional appearances.

Conclusion

My first draft is nearly set. I'll draft a detailed layout on my computer, measure each block, and create a loose pattern for assembling everything. Progress photos will be on the Critter Quilt page. It's a joy to share this journey, and I thank everyone who contributed Critter blocks. Stay tuned for more updates!

Keywords

• Pat Sloan
• Critter Quilt
• Block of the Month
• Needle Storage
• Kitty Quilt
• Froot Loop Fabric
• Dinosaur Quilt
• Quilt Design

FAQ

1. How do you store your needles?

• I store my sewing machine needles in small Sterlite containers within a Baby Lock Koala unit, keeping them in their original packets. Hand sewing needles are in a separate container.

2. What fabrics are you using for the Kitty Quilt?

• I’m using ‘Froot Loop’ fabric, which consists of gingham, text prints, and fun elements like watermelon.

3. How many blocks will Critter Quilt #3 have?

• The quilt will feature a total of 42 blocks, with a mix of large, medium, and small blocks.

4. What is the theme of the Dinosaur Quilt?

• The Dinosaur Quilt uses Tula Pink’s Dino fabric, incorporating various shades of burgundy to complement the Dino eggs in the blocks.

5. Where can I see the progress of Critter Quilt #3?

• Progress photos and updates will be posted on the Critter Quilt page on my website, "I Love to Make Quilts."

6. Who receives the Critter Quilts?

• Completed Critter Quilts are donated to specific organizations like schools, churches, and child protection agencies for display.