Prairie Sticks Quilt Kit

My picture today is the latest quilt top.

I used the Prairie Sticks Quilt Kit Featuring Prairie by Corey Yoder and I purchased it at Fat Quarter Shop.

I like to keep Quilt Kits at the lake house so that I don’t  have to pack the whole house to do some quilting  ….. although I will admit I pack a fabric suitcase every time.

This quilt was going to be so beautiful and on the small side.  And it should have been a piece of cake to make …. but …. I was supposed to be packing to leave the lake house and I kept sneaking in my room to finish the quilt … and in doing so … I attached two rows … in the wrong direction.  I toyed with leaving it for at least 30 minutes and I just can’t do it.

So, I need to get out my seam ripper and go to town.  But you can click here to see what it will look like over on Fat Quarter Shop.

I did make one small change from the pattern … I decided to make my quilt square  … it measures more like 50 x 50 (instead of 43 x 60). I’ll explain why when I get it right (there is a method to this madness … I think!).

New Years Resolutions

This morning Dave and I were watching the Today Show while drinking our coffee and they were discussing goals for 2016.  I laughed out loud because every thing they said is on MY LIST.   And if I accomplish one of them done ….  I will be happy.

Which one it will be … I have no clue.  But, if I didn’t have a full time job … I’m pretty sure it would be to eliminate all the clutter in my house and after that would be to lose weight.  Although losing weight is more of a priority than anything!!

One goal I have is to be more consistent with my blogging … regardless of what’s going on … because I know when I share it always others and helping others always makes me feel good.  As long as I can remember I’ve tried to teach my children that giving is the greatest gift in the world.  I’ve also tried to teach them that most people are one way or another.  I suspect that most people reading my blog are also givers (paper crafters and quilters are always giving people).

Another goal I have is to redesign my Chic n Scratch blog  (it needs a facelift) but  …… finding a trust worthy person is proving to be very difficult!  I could seriously write a book on how many times someone has taken my money and not delivered.  Personally, I could never live with myself if I did that … but kudos to those that can.  I’m a firm believer in karma and I always tell my children never lie, cheat or steal … ever!  You do not want to suffer the consequences!!

Oops … I’m a little wordy today but most of you that read this post to the very end … know me 🙂

Thanks for stopping by & Happy New Year!

The pictures I’m sharing with  you today are blocks for a Fence Rail Quilt.

Before I show them I want to explain again how I decide on a quilt … which I know is probably not the smartest or easiest way ….. but it’s my way.

I search through magazines, books and online to find a “simple easy to make quilt“.  One that does not require me cutting very small triangles …. as cutting fabric is one activity that gives my arms and shoulders pain.

Next  …. can I understand the instructions.  Sadly most of the time I can not understand the instructions.  I’m not complaining because I think that is what helps me to be a better teacher.   But it can make things a little more difficult.   Hence the reason why when I do Quilt Alongs I share videos … not patterns or instructions.

Once I feel comfortable starting a quilt I jump right in … I’ve been pleasantly surprised more often than not … but I’ve also had quite a few mistakes.  Like when I used the wrong color of fabric and didn’t know it until it was finished … that’s what I get for watching a Royals game at the same time.

When I’ve mastered a quilt (in my opinion) I feel comfortable teaching others.  The Fence Rail Quilt … is not one I’ve mastered and I can safely say I will need to make two or three of these to feel like I can teach it.  This is why the next Quilt Along is the Bricks Quilt.

Now lets talk about my Fence Rail Quilt ….. I have a dozen or so patterns in books and magazines on how to make a Fence Rail Quilt.   Again I tried and could not follow a pattern.  So, I did my own thing.  It took me forever to decide how I was going to group my fabric (colors).   Click here to see my original post about the Fence Rail Quilt.

Once I decided how I was going to group my fabric I sew the strips together, press the seams and then I cut them to make a square.  I read that you cut them the same length and width and if my memory serves me right I cut these at 8″ (or 8-1/2).

Now I’m at the phase of deciding how I want the quilt to look.

I placed it on my Quilt Wall (at lake house) and clearly this quilt is going to be extremely small or I need to add sashing … or something.  And I go back and forth of which way to place my fabric.

If you would like …..you can help me decide …. which option do you like best?

Option One

Option 2

If I add sashing … option one would look good. ….but so would option two.  Yesterday I was leaning towards Option one and today Option two.

Have a great day & Happy New Year!